#aristocrats au

[twila-star]

Gon walked the two Zoldyck siblings down the entry garden walkway from the Freeces estate.

“Thank you again for coming, Miss Alluka.” Gon smiled politely at Alluka, with all the charm he was taught growing up, the same smile that made most women swoon. He was happy to see that affect as she hid her blush behind an elaborate sewn fan. Manners and charisma was everything when you were an aristocrat with no money because your father and head of household ran off with all of it. What for was alot of rumors, with the truth only being held by the woman of the house Mito Freeces, and she would never say to Gon.

“It was a pleasure, Mr. Freeces, I’m sure.” She said and curtsied. Gon rushed forward with an extra step to beat the coachman to the door of the carriage, and opened it for her. Gon must do his best to win her affection, the Zoldycks were the wealthiest in their small Torvician town. For Gon’s family and line to continue in any sort of tradition and pride, he needed to bag himself a high ranking bride to head the affairs and gain inheritance. Alluka was the least sought after, so Gon’s target. He felt bad but Mito urged him to play this little royalty game.

Gon gave a small bow in return to her curtsey and felt the carriage dip as she climbed on. He lifted his head and felt his breath catch, not for the first time that night. He stood face to face with Sir Killua Zoldyck. He had stricking white hair, surely blessed by the gods and the coldest eyes that held so much mystery and intrigue, Gon wanted to discover more. Killua had come as a guide and chaperon to Miss Alluka, as it wasn’t proper to have an unmarried woman go to another man’s house during match making season. Gon wasn’t sure why the head of the Zoldyck household did not come, surely it was Silva’s responsibility? But Gon couldnt find he was upset with the trade. As much as Gon worked to focus on Alluka all evening, Killua was the one who continued to catch his eye, his grace and beauty and subtle affection to his sister through conversation in the night. Not to mention he cleared out their sweets tray for the night before the spread and crackers had a dent in it.

Now Killua was pinning Gon with an intense stare that made Gon’s knees go weak.

“Mr. Freeces. We look forward to seeing you again and continued correspondence.” He said and held out his hand, half angled downwards, to Gon.

“Y-yes, of course.” Gon barely was able to stammer out. Gods, where we his charism and wit now? A brief, firm shake, and Killua dipped into the carriage as well. Gon closed the door and realized as Killua slipped his hands out of Gon’s, he left behind a single white glove. Off of Killua’s right hand. Still warm.

Gon felt a shiver go down his spine from such a blatant show of intimacy. It was forward, that much was certain, and now Gon knows Killua was as affected by him that night as he was him. Gon lifted his head to watch the carriage ride off, lifting the glove to his lips to inhale the lingering scent of Killua. Killua peaked out the back of the carriage and caught his eye. Gon flushed from getting caught and also felt a rush of heat pool in his belly.

“This season will not be as straight forward as one hoped…” Gon whispered into the night air.

#hxh #hxau #hxh au #aristocrats au #hunterxaristocrats #almost like a bridgerton au? #victorian=torvician lol #killugon #alluka #story fodder #story inspiration

[mayullla]

Title: He wondered why

[ - Lake (gn!reader) + Lavender (romance) + Diluc + Ice cream sandwiches (arranged marriage au) - ] - Anon's ask

Summary: You and Diluc were bound to each other at a young age, you were inseparable when you were young. Yet now there you were in the arms of another as he watched from the crowd.

Warnings/tags: Alternate universe, Angst, aristocrats vibes / au, manhwa vibes (kinda?)

[ - Fairytale Picnic Event - closed ]

Diluc started to wonder when he saw his hand reach for your back, catching himself when he was just about to call out your name.

He remembered the past when you and he were bound together from birth. Something to make his and your family relationship stronger. It was an arranged marriage decided by you and his parents yet he was never dissatisfied with it, happy that it was you.

He doesn't recall a memory, but the late duke would often mention how adorable you two were. When you were still babies still held by your someone unable to crawl or even speak properly, you and he would always laugh and giggle when you look at each other and would only cry when apart lighting up when you see each other again.

It was adorable his father always told him.

It was cute if not funny that when you learned your first word, it wasn't even mom or dad but each other's names. Diluc name was the first thing you said while your name was Diluc's. Crepus would always tease him about it.

As you grow, still small children Diluc has heard that you and he would play together almost every day, visiting each other whenever you had the chance. Some memories were blurry somewhere not.

Diluc still remembers that time you placed a crown in his head and called him your prince and that time the two of you hid away from the servants of the mansion for a reason you and him don't remember yet the promise the two of you made behind the gardening shed was never forgotten.

Even when Kaeya came into Diluc's life, when he worried that he didnt have enough time for you because of his new step brother you took his hands and told him that it was alright. That Kaeya is family and that he could join you and him, that he didnt have to spilt his time between the two of you.

With Kaeya it became the three of you, sometimes you will fight back with Diluc against bullies that dared to call Kaeya commoners blood. Sometimes it would be Kaeya and Diluc searching for you when you ran away from a party because of some mean aristocratic children jealous because you were close to the duke's sons.

But many could see how you and Diluc were inseparable still. That there was a unique bond that could not be torn apart that easily by others even from titles like family because to you two... you were already family.

Yet how did it come to this?

It hurt him so much when he watched you hold hands with another. The affectionate eyes the two of you exchange. It felt like he was swallowed, deep into the water that he could not breathe yet at the same time unable to react. Move his hands or legs to reach for air because it was too far, he was too deep in the water.

Why does it hurt? When did this happen? Why? How?

Multiple questions kept filtering in his mind as he watched you dance in the ball with your partner, following the music with each elegant step. How others watched you and your partner, some were mesmerized while others talked about your break up with Diluc, that you and he weren't connected anymore… strangers.

He hated that. It wasn't once did he glared at someone who spoke too loud.

Diluc dismissed the looks he got as you danced in the hall looking at his glass drink close to cracking and shattering from the controlled force he placed on it, he didn't want to cause a commotion yet at the same time he wish he could.

He wishes he could.

He wishes he could shout your name, stomp to your and this person who took you away from him. Diluc wanted to take your hand from them and drag you away to a private place and just... kiss you. Tell you promise after promise that he would never leave you anymore, that he was sorry, that you deserved everything that he was wrong… that he doesn't deserve you.

Was it from then? That time he abandoned your hand in rebellion to who knows what when his father died to this secret organization called the abyss?

The world was cruel really, when his father died he was to take the seat as the next duke yet so many were after him, filled with brim with greed and malicious intent while he had to also watch his back from the abyss and find out more about them.

He wanted revenge.

He was still young he felt abandoned by the world, even though there were people who surrounded him he could not see them anymore as he strived to survive. He could not act like a child anymore.

As you grew you became more understanding of his situation (the young you would always ask him to play and pout a little when he would decline), but maybe he didn't take your kindness to heart.

He treasured the drink that he set on the desk that you made for him almost every time you visited yet he wasn't able to thank you for it too stuck in his work. When did you stop doing that? When did it become the servants to do so? When did you stop visiting?

When he asked where you were the maid replied that you didn't come today like you usually would and instead chose to give the maid the recipe so they would make it when you could not come.

The promises that he made with you that you would go out together to a cafe or just outside as a date were instead broken with presents sent to you as an apology. He didn't know that you would look at the expensive garments and pretty aristocrats' gifts with a smile on your face, yet the servant who brought them could not see a single emotion in your eyes, finding these gifts of apologies that were worth so much that a commoner could not dare dream... empty.

That servant could not report it, he could not say the words of the question you asked when Diluc asked him if you accepted the apology gift the tenth time in a row. It twisted his heart as that servant told the duke that you have accepted the gift.

“This garment is gorgeous… Tell me. Did he choose it himself?”

Only later did Diluc hear about this question when he heard that servant talk to the head maid Adelinde about it. How pitiful the duke and his partner were, as they were slowly driving each other away.

It was no one’s fault, he had many things to do too much to hold yet would not give the load to anyone. You were patient with him yet the 1 year turned to 3 years turned to 7 years to… There was nothing in this relationship anymore, far from what everyone in the house who watched you grow hoped for.

Diluc was appalled by this, he could not understand what the servants were talking or maybe he just choose to ignore it. Ignore everything, ignore how the conversation between you and him was getting shorter and shorter, as your visits get rare and rare.

How you and he would pull away from each other after the first dance in some mandatory party that he was forced to attend. While you would chat away with your friends and he would return to the mansion soon after for work because he was busy.

There was nothing, nothing in this relationship. But Diluc chooses to ignore it.

Was it really a surprise when you asked him to break the engagement? That time Diluc could not see, that his own ignorance had turned to blindness when he demanded the reasons to why you would betray him like this. Why you would leave him.

Yet now he could see the smile on your face, how your mouth was a little parted as if you were laughing yet Diluc could not hear it because he was too far away. He could not remember your laughter, his heart was surprised when he saw the shine in your eyes something that was gone for a long time had returned yet not because of him but someone else… he was the one who cause them to disappear.

Diluc took a step forward yet he could not continue. So he took a step backward disappearing from the ball leaving nothing but rumors and gossip.

Note: This was supposed to be a happy little thing- till I lost my 50/50 on Kazuha's banner and got Mona. ^^ (I genuinely wanted to yeet my computer for a moment there- *goes to a corner sad-*) I would like to imagine the partner being Mona who stole the reader away-

I don't write a lot of gn!readers tbh so just in case you spot something do tell me so that I could edit it.

#diluc #genshin diluc #genshin angst #diluc x you #diluc ragnvindr #genshin impact #diluc x reader #diluc angst #genshin imagines #genshin x reader #genshin oneshot #genshin fanfic #diluc scenarios #diluc imagine #genshin au #genshin x you #aristocrats au #manhwa villainess au #kinda????? #mayu event

[xxthefairywitchxx]

IIII don't have an excuse for this. Edits for an AU

#my edit #Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V #arc v #yugioh arc v #YGO ARCV #Yuya Sakaki #yuto (arc v) #yugo (arc v) #Yuri (arc v) #proship safe #antis dni #they're all pale af cause they're albino #the AU is based on an SCP #Aristocrats AU #don't look up that SCP unless you have a strong stomach because #it is full of yikes #I will be doing more

[vivmoclown]

My recognizable handwriting (what?) is start and quit :р Hahaha

God I don't care.

Well, I had a lot of stories...

Oh.

Yes...

ALL THIS TIME IT HAS BEEN FEET AND NOT TIGHTS!!??

I love Home! I have memories with him and my other neighbors. Tell me, do you have memories?

...Yeah...

Yes, I confuse the letters d and b

I haven't decided yet what clothes I should wear to draw Poppy...

Barnaby and Poppy mother and son. Barnaby and Wally are brothers. Wally and Poppy mother and son too(?)

The only way! >:(

They are family😭

Aristocrat and Librarian

#wally darling #welcome home fanart #wally darling fanart #wally fanart #wally welcome home #welcome home wally #wally au #welcome home arg #welcome home #welcome home au #A-t! #DI! #Dangerous Internet Wally Darling au #poppy partridge #barnaby b beagle #howdy pillar #sally starlet #frank frankly #julie joyful #eddie dear #Myself #artists on tumblr #artwork #art #my art #art tag #drawing #artist on tumblr #doddle #Aristocrat Wally Darling au

[foxcort]

vampire!nesta and werewolf!tamlin but its late victorian/early edwardian era

"Shackles? In a wine cellar?" She stood at the threshold of an open cell door, a hint of amusement glinting in her eyes when she flicked them up to meet his. "Hardly a proper thing to reveal to a lady, your nighttime . . . activities."

"Ah." His mouth curved into a slow grin as he leaned against the iron bars, and when he spoke again his voice had gone rough. "But you're no lady, are you?"

#nesta archeron #tamlin #neslin #nesta x tamlin #tamlin x nesta #acotaredit #🌻 #oddly specific au but im in love with it <3 #ofc witch nesta would work so well with this too #but im obsessed with the potential of aristocratic vampire lady x himbo werewolf lord #add in a dash of 'monsters in polite society' to make it sexier #genuinely thinking of the sherlock holmes films when i say late victorian/early edwardian

[cafemagie]

On board, sailors! Please come and embark with our favourite witches on the Believing Heart🏴‍☠️

Full illustration on Patreon

#diakko #little witch academia #lwa #illustration #wlw art #yuri #this month patreon poll winner #wannabe pirate x rebel aristocrat AU

[serenexdreams]

ETHEREAL | ROYALTY AU | VARIOUS! GENSHIN X READER

GROWING UP AS THE PRODUCT OF A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE between the king and a maidservant of the royal Aurelian family, you, the illegitimate fourth princess of the kingdom have always been left on your own. But things take a sudden turn when the tiny kingdom becomes engulfed in a deadly battle for succession between your older brothers and sisters.

In fear of you being caught up in the fray, your seemingly-distant father sends you off to live with oversea crown relatives--living on the continent of Teyvat. Suddenly, you're whisked away into the opulent and luxurious world of the true aristocracy.

Yet, not everything is as it seems...and thanks to your dreamy, starry-eyed nature, nobody suspects.

Your aunt and uncle seem to cherish you deeply; after bearing the grief of losing their own daughter, you seem to remind them of her...and you comfort them over their loss, winning their favour. When the time comes for the Annual Spring Ball--held at Celestia Palace, in the centre of the seven nations, they excitedly bring you along; marking this ball as not just a celebration of the coming of the aristocrat's social season, but also your debutante.

Your long, wispy lavender gown twirls enchantingly beneath the crystal chandelier's dim glow; a soft, alluring smile spread across your face, as you waltz with handsome strangers. Your H'/C hair flows freely down to your shoulders; framing your soft features.

Your aunt and uncle watch from the balcony with fondness. You've matured into a gentle person; unaware of the gazes you attract...

As the night descends into a full-swing party that would put even the celebrations the gods hold to shame, you slip away into the night; exhausted from all the dancing. The ball now feels suffocating to you, as you must put up a demure act for the approval of your aunt and uncle...and a successful debutante...

But you too, are also human. Your skin is flushed with weariness, as your gaze flits through the various escape routes you can take...

--

ROUTE I: DEVOTION

YOU MAKE A BEELINE FOR THE BACK DOOR, MAKING A DASH for the exit as you lift the hem of your heavy dress; letting out a sigh, while you remove the heels you wear. Your bare feet make contact with the cool, marbled floors of Celestia Palace, while your gaze drifts to the moon. Its white rays shine through the glass pane windows, bathing you in its embrace, as you finally shed your act with a short sigh.

Face dropping into a mischievous smirk, your eyes glint with excitement as you eagerly dart through the halls of the palace; looking for a place to leave from. Surely there's a balcony you can jump off or a little door that servants use to-

You see, you had a rebellious streak. A very long one, too...and one that only one person seemed familiar with. But he wasn't here tonight to stop you, much to your delight. You were left to your own devices; as your relatives busied themselves with their own networking, you were able to roam like a free bird.

Suddenly, with a startled squeak, your forehead bumped against the sturdy chest of another figure, as you scowl; looking up to see a familiar face. It's the chaperone/babysitter your aunt had insisted you bring...your guardian knight, Xiao.

His touseled, dark green locks frame his sharp, cat-like features; as he looks down at you, chest heaving up and down, typically-pristine black guard uniform crinkled. The silver sword strapped to his hip clanked against his leg, as he reached forward; slamming a hand into the wall behind you, as he cornered you. Oh boy--he was mad. You innocently smile back, internally trying to calm down as you slowly back away. You're one of the few people shorter than him--and he always seems to be taking advantage of that. "Oh, hey, fancy seeing you here-"

"....Where are you going?" His voice is harsh and thick with panic, as he wraps a gloved hand around your wrist, pulling you close. His golden, cat-like eyes bore into your soul before he narrows them and glares at you accusingly. "...Were you about to leave? You know it's dangerous for you to wander off on your own, regardless of the circumstances."

You huff, trying to escape from his tight grip, while you pout pleadingly up at the strict knight who's been assigned to you since your early days of royal life back in the kingdom of Aurelian. You look up at him with round, puppy dog eyes. "I was just feeling...suffocated. I just wanted to look around." You smoothly lie, without an ounce of guilt. "...You know how I feel about this whole arrangement. Just this once, Xiao? I promise I'll be back...before the ball ends--maybe. Or not. It depends-you see, I was planning on going to the festival the villagers were hosting outside the palace; I was even going to invite you--"

Xiao interrupts, his eyebrows furrowing, as he sternly draws you closer and flicks you on the forehead. "It's dangerous. The world is much bigger and darker than you think, Y/N. Lying is bad--you think I don't your tricks by now." He deadpans at you, as he lifts you into the air, much to your surprise as you let out a startled yelp. "...What? Your feet are tired, aren't they? I saw how many suitors requested a dance. I'll hold your shoes."

You can feel his toned arms wrap effortlessly around your waist, lifting you to rest in his grasp; with his other hand, he picks up your heels, letting them dangle off of the tips of his calloused fingers in a practised motion. As if he's used to your antics by now. Just like the silent, responsible knight, he is.

You glance down at him in surprise, warmth blooming on your cheeks as you finally relax in his grip, a sheepish and dorky smile spreading across your lips. "Heh, you could say I'm too beautiful--am I right?"

"..." Xiao doesn't respond. But you smirk, as you notice a faint blush spread across his indifferent expression. After all, you had him figured out by now. He had been your knight since your days confined in the royal Aurelian palace; guarding your precious existence. Memories of late-night conversations from your window, little adventures gone wrong, and joyrides on his prized stallion flashed through your mind, as you rested your head on his broad shoulders, eyes swimming in veiled affection.

Despite his overprotective nature, you close your eyes; bathing in his attention. "...my knight. Always so loyal, and by my side, blocking me from trouble." You chuckle, beaming with amusement as you playfully tease him, watching his ears flush pink. This was how most of your conversations with him went, but you paused, nostalgia washing over your typically-carefree E/C irises. "...Though, I should probably stop my behaviour soon."

The memory of your aunt and uncle's excited, hushed whispers as they spoke of the countless men vying for your hand rings through your head. Your free days of soaring through the sky were numbered. And you knew it. Your life was a blissful cycle of dreams, but they wouldn't last forever.

You had duties. And soon you would need to return; back home, back to that suffocating palace across the sea; loved by none, and back to being a powerless princess trapped under the thumb of a new king.

It was either that, or remain under your false alias for the rest of your days; as Y/N Valian. There was no place for your starry heart amongst the sea of perfect constellations in the sky.

"...We can go." He softly mumbles, golden eyes slanting sideways to soak in the image in front of him. Did you really think he--your devoted guardian knight, was going to let you be auctioned off to the highest bidder? Oh, no, you were horribly wrong. He had a plan. But...for now, he'd let you enjoy your time. As long as he was by your side, he was content...no matter what.

Your lovely rose-pink dress now crinkled and folded, hair loose and tangled. Your breathless voice echoed into his ears. He prided himself on knowing everything about you; from what you liked eating, to what your favourite shade of blue was. He liked knowing that he knew all of your secrets; about the time you had launched yourself out the second-floor window and into his arms, to ride away to visit the Liyuean kingdom shores. About the days you had spent, weaving together vines to make a rope and escape the confines of the royale Aurelian palace--even if it was just for a moment. About the night you had returned home from a festival; hair touselled and lips swollen, in a drunken daze, as you pressed your soft lips onto the diamond-shaped, third-eye mark on his forehead.

Xiao was bad with words. And he knew it. But you seemed...to be able to look past those useless flaws of his, and embrace his timid yet stoic nature.

You tilted your head in confusion.

"...Go where?" You whisper back, heart pounding slightly as Xiao turns to face you. The handsome, chiselled smile you love so much is curved across his delicate lips, as he looks at you.

Xiao loved the way you made him feel. At first, you were nothing more than a naive rascal, looking for any opportunity to escape your duties. He disapproved of your lack of effort into proving yourself as the Fourth Princess, dismissing it as mere laziness. A refusal to accept who you truly were; someone destined for glory.

Until he saw the warmth and playfulness of your soul. The wistful, dreamy look in your eyes reflected the purity of this world; like a delicate flower, trying to brave out a storm ripping through its garden of fantasies. And he became your knight--the one willing to tear the storm down and shield the flower, nurturing it with care. You weren't suited for the rough political landscape of succession--despite your capabilities. It was from then on, he swore to protect you; at all costs.

But little birds were destined to fly freely, no? Xiao was content, as long as he could chase after the trail of wind left by your little wings.

"To the spring festival down at the village. I'll go anywhere with you."

--

ROUTE II: DARKNESS

AS YOU TWIRLED TO THE RHYTHM OF THE CHARMING classical music, you felt a soft hand tap at your shoulder. You looked over, realizing it was your aunt--who wore an overdelighted expression. "...Is something the matter?" "Y/N, I'd like for you to meet this young gentleman--a business partner of your uncle and I's. This is Lord Tartaglia; he hails from Snezhnaya, and runs a commercial business under the Tsaritsa." Her gloved fingers dug into your soft skin, as she pulled you closer, and your misty, E/C eyes drifted to the man standing in front of you.

He looked like a prince charming.

A luxurious, white fur coat with a black collar was slung over one of his shoulders; embossed with a gold marking of the Tsaritsa--ruler of Snezhnaya. A symbol of devotion. Beneath the coat, he wore a white dress shirt with gold embroidery and a crimson sash, decorated with more amber chains. Curls of ginger hair had been pulled back to reveal his chiselled, boyish features.

But his fancy, striking appearance wasn't what caught your eye; it was his sharp, calculating eyes. A faded, slate-blue colour that seemed to bore into your soul; trying to decipher your every move. Despite his seemingly cryptic yet friendly smile, you were suspicious; something felt wrong. After all, you knew how to detect an actor--you were one, yourself.

"...It is my honour to greet you, Lord Tartaglia. I am Lady Y/N, of the house of Valian." A fake surname. You had long abandoned the royal last name of 'Aurelian,' instead opting to disguise yourself with your aunt and uncle's noble house. A mere white lie.

Your aunt warmly smiled, subtly pushing you towards the handsome man. Ah. It was obvious what she was hoping for. A match between you both--beneficial for the house and your uncle's sphere of influence. But you preferred your men sweet, not poisonous.

You had heard faint whispers from your little trips outside of the little Valian Manor in the countryside. About the alluring and attractive--yet ruthless man who cut down his enemies with no remorse. About how when his bloodthirst became too much to resist, he'd go haywire. About how he hid behind a mask of deceit, standing before the deep-pocketed nobles of the seven nations, charming them into revealing their secrets.

But you were no fool. The silver dagger sitting under the bodice of your dress, pressed against your waist; reassuring you of your safety. You were safe. You had the weapon--not him.

Lord 'Tartaglia,' smiled back, confidence evident on his face, as he pressed a faint kiss to the back of your hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Y/N. May I request a dance?" His carefully crafted image of a dashing prince had practically wrapped all the partygoers around his finger, as they scowled at you with envy.

You twitched, barely able to contain your emotions as a chill went down your spine, and your stomach churned uneasily. "....You may."

With that, you both descended to the dance floor, hand in hand. Black gloves covered his hands, which you presumed to be battle-scarred. Infamous rumours of his shady dealings in the shadows caused your eyes to warily analyze his every move. His movements were practised and poised; as he easily manoeuvred around the ballroom, taking the lead as you idly chatted with him, out of politeness. "Lord Tartaglia, I assume you are business partners with my uncle. He speaks highly of you."

"Ah, is that so? I'm flattered, honestly." His sheepish reply surprises you, as you try to keep calm; heart thundering with adrenaline as he draws you closer. "The house of Valian has jurisdiction of a small seaside port that my subordinates regularly frequent." His reply was smooth and without a hint of hesitation, as the waltz music quickened and he lifted you into the air, twirling you. Your eyes widened in surprise, as you panicked beneath your serene facade of grace. "Well, now that I've answered one of your questions...shouldn't you answer one of mine, now?"

His voice was playful and cheeky but held ulterior motives. You hesitated for a moment. Sensing this, he continued to push forward. "An eye for an eye, no? Let's drop the formalities.--please, just call me Childe."

"...I suppose you are right." You agreed, averting your gaze from the ginger, whose face remained placid; though you noticed a small, victorious smirk spread across his face. "Though, I don't see what a powerful advisor in Snezhnaya like yourself would want to know about me. My past is quite plain." You remarked as Childe steered you around the dance floor, amidst the envious glares shot your way.

He smirked, eyes glittering with arrogance as he puffed out his chest. It seemed that Childe took this as a challenge.

"Really? Comrade, you must be joking." He chuckled. "How do I even start...Lady Y/N, supposedly a distant relative of the Valian House--yet the head has no children. An unstained yet abstract reputation and an unknown figure to the public...this is your debutante, yet you don't seem nervous. Amongst the few who have seen and conversed with you, they describe you as a demure and soothing presence with an ethereal, soft appearance--which I must say, seems quite accurate."

"But everyone, has secrets, no? Princess of Aurelian..." His lips ghosted against the shell of your ear, as your eyes widened before he gave you an unreadable smile. "Though, naive little girls should stay home...and keep their noses out of my business."

His words, in contrast to his princely image, were crude and uncensored; as you saw him shed his snakeskin.

"...Alright, you've won this time." You frowned, anger bubbling up from your stomach...but you maintained a gracious and elegant attitude. This man was not to be messed with, so it was best you kept your distance--but arrogance was distasteful.

"But I can say the same for you, Lord Childe...or should I say, Ajax?" You boldy leaned forward, voice lined with ice as you softly snarled into his ear. Childe's arms stiffened at once. "Rumoured to be one of the underworld's leaders, and a contributor to the black market. Word is on the street that you're one of the Tsaritsa's top dogs, despite that mask of smiles that you wear to every soiree at Celestia Palace. Said to be an open-minded and earnest individual...yet, many think otherwise. You ought to watch it."

You both were silent for a moment, as the waltz ended and you curtsied, uneasily. Did you go too far?

Suddenly, booming laughter rang out from behind you as you turned around, seeing Childe doubled over, chuckles uncontrollably spilling from his mouth, as he wiped a tear from his eye. "...Pardon me. It seems I severely underestimated you. Care for another dance?"

You narrowed your eyes, but complied--left with no choice, beneath the dozens of eyes staring at your backs. "...Of course. How can I dare refuse?" You flatly replied, allowing him to reach for your hand, as the next song started.

Childe drew you closer, eyes fixed on your face. "I apologize for my rudeness, Lady Y/N. Shall we call it even?" He gently eased you closer, unbeknownst to you.

You scowled. "After you wipe off that blood stain on your glove, Lord Childe. It's been bothering me for a while." You no longer bothered to act ladylike; instead, you lashed out at the Childe. His eyes widened before he hastily ripped off his glove; shoving it into his suit jacket; before looking at you, intrigued.

You were interesting. Amongst the sea of giggling ladies and ambitious noblemen, you had been the only one to refuse to back down...and Childe liked amusement. Whether this was temporary or not--he didn't know. But he knew for a fact that he would be keeping you around for a while. His lips curled into a cunning grin, as he placed a hand on your chin; examining your features. "I didn't expect for a person like you to speak with such crudeness, to a gentleman such as I, Lady Y/N."

Despite your mellow and warm appearance, just like a rose--it appeared that you had your own thorns too. He could feel the faint outline of the dagger stashed beneath your corset, in your dress. You were perfect for him.

"Gentleman? Who? I see none." You replied, unamused. You scowled, cheeks blooming with a furious scarlet red, as a result of your unbridled anger. Childe merely stared down at you, amused.

"Shall we take a trip to the terrace?" He gestured, arm wrapped snugly around your waist, eyes glued to your face. "...So, what's the princess of the Aurelian empire doing so far from home?--ah, you must be cold. Here."

You suddenly felt hands on your shoulders, while he draped his fur coat over your back; shielding you from the night's cold bite. "...Don't act as if you don't already know."

You bitterly replied. It was a touchy subject. "...Family issues. My dearest father, who treasures me oh-so-much decided the best way for me to avoid it was to ship me overseas like a cargo container." Childe snorted, as he stood next to you. "I was fine on my own."

"So I've heard...do you not have anybody you care for?" Childe questioned, eyes glimmering with curiosity as he watched your expression fall, as you mutely shook your head. "Oh come on, comrade, don't lie."

"An eye for an eye." You shot back, leaning on the terrace railing; eyes misty with emotion. It was as if a storm had passed; knocking down your barriers and all you had ever known--leaving an impenetrable, foggy sea mist that couldn't seem to clear out of your mind. "...But yes, I do. There were the servant kids, who used to visit my living quarters with rations and flowers, in exchange for a story."

Childe's eyes softened, as his own mind began to wander. "...Children are lovely. I have extended family back at Snezhnaya, too." He pulled out a photo from his suit jacket. It was a little boy; almost an exact, younger, carbon copy of him, cheerfully waving at the camera. "His name is Teucer."

As you both continued to quietly converse beneath the stars, Childe felt a soothing tranquillity lapse over his battle-hungry soul. An omen of disaster.

Despite the thorns you bared and the hostile attitude, you were a pleasant person...non-judgemental and rational, from what he could tell. After all, you hadn't once tried to pull out that dagger hidden inside your dress. Childe hadn't felt at ease like this in ages.

Perhaps it was because he sympathised with you--being far from home. With nobody but yourself to rely on. Life was cruel, and the burdens it forced humans to bear only increased with time. But around your starry, distant eyes, reality faded away and healed the bruises left on Childe's dark heart.

"..Childe? Lord Childe?" You raised an eyebrow, waving your hand in front of the peculiar man's face, while blinking in confusion. "Childe? Are you-"

"Ajax. Just call me Ajax." His voice cut through your concerned questioning, as his gaze lifted to meet yours.

At once, you realized it. You had made a deadly mistake...and you could only numbly stare, as he reached forward, wrapping one of his arms around your waist and drawing you closer. His eyes swam a variety of emotions; bewilderment, delight, amusement...but most importantly, interest. Sharp interest. In his eyes, you were no longer a meagre extra in the background; now, you were the apple of his eye.

A dangerous smile slowly spread across his face. At first glance, Childe seemed warm; friendly, almost like a familiar friend. But once you had caused his facade to fall and his act to crumble, you were no longer just a disposable pawn.

You were the protagonist in his tale.

"Care for another dance?"

--

ROUTE III: DEFENDER

THE SOFT, WISPY FABRIC OF YOUR DRESS FELT HEAVY--clinging onto your waist and dragging it down, as the cool night wind howled around you; splaying out strands of your H/C hair across your back. You stepped out of the room--weaving your way through the crowd and walking through the golden palace--you hated to admit it, but all the sparkles and luxury were starting to hurt your eyes. You eventually found yourself standing before a grand, twisting, stone staircase; leading to the palace gardens.

Tall, flowering shrubs sheltered your rather short figure from view, as you wandered the lush gardens. The heavy floral scent of roses surrounded a delicate stone fountain, depicting the heavens and the seven nations. Crystallized shards of glittering gemstones were embedded into the statues, as you sat down at the fountain's edge; letting out an irritated sigh. You slowly put down your guard; cheeks puffing, while you removed the silver pins drilling into your scalp.

Finally, you could relax.

You slid down the edge of the fountain--uncaring of the fact that the pink dress was slowly being rubbed against the ground, as you leaned over; trying to pull out the last bobby pin in your hair--wincing as you did so.

Suddenly, you heard it. Footsteps. But before you could react and cover your unladylike posture, you heard a smooth, baritone voice behind you.

"..Ah. My apologies. I didn't realize there was someone already here."

Your head whips around, E/C eyes meeting gold.

Enigmatic, aureate irises drilled deep into your soul; filled with =endless archives of wisdom. The handsome stranger's posture was distinguished and poised; long, smooth locks of ebony hair danced down his shoulders and were pinned together with a single amber stone. He is covered from neck down in a long, umber suit with gold and silver accesories; accentuating his toned, tall figure. Out of all the suitors you've encountered at this ball, he is by far, the most striking you've seen.

"...I-It's fine. You can stay." You turn away, cheeks flushing a rosy pink as you stutter in surprise, quickly trying to fiddle with the bobby pin clamping down tightly onto your scalp.

You feel his gloved hands gently graze your shoulder. "If I may? You seem to be struggling."

Flushing a bright red, you silently drop your arms, letting the stranger work his long, gentle fingers through your head; searching for bobby pins. An awkward silence filters into the garden.

"So, what brings you here?" You question, as you close your eyes; feeling his hands pause, before slowly continuing.

"...I was taken aback by the party atmosphere. It has been a while since I've made any appearances to the public, and I have become unaccustomed to the current trends." The stranger's tone of voice continues to send shivers down your back, as you silently pray for more bobby pins to weave themselves back into your head. "What about you?"

"I...was just tired." You confessed. "Of everything."

You felt your shell crack, as you gazed down at your perfectly manicured hands. "It wasn't too long ago when I was happily living in silence. But life had other ideas for me. My family suggested I attend this ball as my debutante, but I didn't expect it to be so tiring."

"Time waits for no one, but life is about balance. There will be obstacles and events that will throw themselves at the scale of perfection, and attempt to tip the odds in their favour. As mortals, we must push forward and refuse to give in. That is how humanity was formed." His insightful and philosophical response, rather than boring you, comforts you--much to the stranger's astonishment, as he watches you genuinely ponder over his response.

"...'and how the stars came to be.' Is that a saying from the latest book the former emperor, Morax of Liyue released?" Your eyes round with excitement as you lean back against the fountain, gaze cast to the stars.

MORAX. After just two years of a prosperous reign as the stand in for the young crown princess of the Liyue Empire, the young emperor stepped down; handing the role to another, citing it as too taxing; before taking up a disciple.

Namely, the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao--one of the strongest warriors of the kingdom you hailed from. He was a legend amongst the soldiers of the battlefield; for his just and unfaltering moral code.

Trained by the one and only. His public appearances were rare and numbered. But who were you to judge? If you had the option to, you were sure you'd do the same; do nothing but laze around in luxury all day.

The sky is a deep, lazuli colour; reflecting the eternal slumber of the heavens. You feel like a speck of dust in an overbearing colony of dust bunnies, while you watch the perfect formation of constellations shift throughout.

The scent of your nanny's cooking. Your little room; tucked away at the edge of the palace's extended annexe. Cramped but providing you with all that you needed, despite the sharp and scornful gazes tossed your way. The blooming field of untamed wildflowers, rapidly sprawled throughout the annexe's garden.

You missed it all. But you had to push. For the sake of your own life. "...Your advice was insightful. What's your name?"

"...Its Zhongli. May I inquire for yours?" Zhongli questions, golden eyes swimming in a matured pool of perception, while he takes a seat on the fountain rail.

You smile. "It's Y/N."

The conversation you have with the captivating man is deep and thoughtful; as you navigate through various subjects--all of which he has profound knowledge in. Stories about old Liyuean folklore, the best methods to cook bamboo shoots, and how to make a fortune selling glaze lilies in the city if you ever went bankrupt. He knew it all.

You both chat for hours; even as the sun begins to rise, peering over the slumbering and drunk palace, chasing away the darkness of the night. Its golden, amber hues of pink and orange churn with the eternal darkness; producing a brilliant sunset.

Was love, at first sight, a real thing?

You didn't know. But you knew if you did believe it, it would be with him.

Zhongli's patient and calming voice speak of a friend. Long forgotten and buried six feet under; a victim of a vicious assassination attempt which caused her body to crumble. Guizhong, was her name; another word that rolled off your tongue in an odd manner.

"...Her music warmed the very tips of my heart. I was foolish. Had gone minutes earlier..."

His eyes close for a brief moment, amber eyes filled with raw sorrow, as you frown; hesitating for a moment. "...Human life is not endless. The cycle must continue; lost time cannot be found again, but these memories can be stored in the archive of one's heart."

You gently place a hand on Zhongli's heart; feeling his heartbeat. It's serene yet rapid, thumping softly as he gazes into your eyes. .

Zhongli didn't know why he felt like this.

Like a newborn child, gazing up with wonder at the radiant sun. Your eyes seemed to exude genuine empathy. Your E/C irises shimmered beneath the sunrise's stare; twinkling with fresh fruits of intellect. They drooped, half-lidded as you let out a yawn; and Zhongli scooped you into his arms, cradling you securely. You blinked, in a sleepy haze.

"...I feel like we've met before. You..." It suddenly clicked. "You're a year older than me. Didn't you teach my knight, Xiao, swordsmanship?"

Zhongli pauses, slowly replying. Ah. It all clicked now. "Yes. I didn't recognize you...Lady Y/N."

It faintly clicked in your mind, as you did a double take; staring at him. Ah. It all made sense now. His perfect and dignified appearance. His sympathy. The way he had managed to effortlessly take your breath away.

He was the young boy who you had watched raise Xiao from the second he learned to grip a sword. And not just him either--he had taught you to appreciate literature, paint, and more. How to ride a steed, act around the rest of the royal family, and most importantly; how to love.

Zhongli seemed to be deep in thought as well; as he studied your face.

A downcast, timid stare. Your fingers, shyly reaching out to tug at his sleeve. The image of the flames engulfing your quarters back at the Aurelian Kingdom, the last time he had visited...

And he held you, tightly, eyes glowing with relief. You had changed and matured, during the time he was away. Your eyes were as clear as glass, reflecting the desire to fly. To be free. To love.

Like a glaze lily in full bloom. No wonder you had been able to so easily touch his heart and make it flutter. Zhongli had always hated it when the past came back to creep in and chip away at his sanity. The smell of overbearing smoke, clogged his nostrils as he ferociously tore through the battlefield; reaching your homeland, only to watch as more bloodshed occurred. As more soldiers clashed against each other in the battle for succession, burning down the extended castle annexe.

He made a silent contract with you, as you both entered the palace again.

"...This time, the fates will not separate our bond."

#genshin #genshin impact #royalty au #royalty #various x reader #love #romance #fantasy #aristocrats #royaltycore #princess #genshin royalty au #childe #tartagila #ajax #childe x reader #self insert #slight yandere #yandere childe #yandere genshin #yandere genshin impact #multiple love interests #various characters #zhongli #zhongli x reader #morax #rex lapis #zhongli genshin impact #dark #light

[groovygladiatorsheep]

“Why are you so unlike the others ?„

Aristocrats!Xvial anyone ?? I’ve had brainrot on these twos, which changes on the experiences I’ve had with this ship before.

XVial is s a ship between X Gaster and Ink hee hee <33

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

* Credits.

X!Gaster belongs to - XTale.

Ink belongs to - @comyet

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

*Additional drawings <3.

#mdraw #x gaster #xvials #xvial #ink sans #ink!sans #ink!tale #utmv sans #ink utmv #utmv au #aristocrat au #graaaah #references #anyway I might make more content ?? Maybe

[yonemurishiroku]

I’m bloodthirsty today so: Jason Grace as a gladiator who fights in the Colosseum and Nico di Angelo as the ruthless young aristocrat who keeps betting on him and wins.

Jason can be a free spirit and Nico just happens to see potentials in him. Jason can be a slave and his victories are his dedication to Nico. Jason can be a condemned criminal and Nico just likes to risk giving people second chances. I don’t know.

Is that love? Again, I don’t know. And I don’t care

The only thing I know is that Jason keeps winning and Nico keeps looking straight at his peer aristocrats’ eyes with a mocking look of triumph and pride, a thinly veiled arrogance in his courtesy.

Jason bathes in his opponents’ blood as if is was liquid gold, and Nico drinks in the empire’s dirty gold like a demon feasting on blood.

#nico di angelo #yone rambling #colloseum AU #jason grace #tw gore #maybe… #aristocrat nico #colloseum #tw violence #tw violent imagery #pjo #hoo #toa #percy jackson and the olympians #heroes of olympus #trials of apollo #jasico #jasico au #yone au #riordanverse #gladiator jason #rich nico

[lyramundana]

Vampire Jisung when his husband is in charge of his clothing for the day

@channieandhisgoonsquad

@charmercharm3r

@sweetracha

#minho loves his sungie he really does #but god gracious he can't stand his fashion sense #so more often than not he makes Jisung wear mote refined aristocratic like clothes #mostly so they can match #because minho utterly refuses to dress like jisung usually does #this habit eventually gets passed to the Vivi too in the sugar baby au #minsung #poly minsung #han jisung x lee know #lee know/han jisung x reader #skz headcanons #skz scenarios #skz reactions

[prince-rui-kamishiro]

kamishiro~

guess who climbed your wall again!!

they say this with a mischievous grin- they are literally sat on his windowsill.

-@pirate-mizuki-official

// hi mod yes uh this au seems epic. mizuki time! they are being annoying/silly

ah-? oh, it's just you, Mizuki, aha~ welcome, welcome!! what brings you here today?

#[OOC: i am now ignoring that Mizuki in my AU is a princess cause piracy is fun <3] #aristocratic answers

[coquelicoq]

i had a dream that i changed my blog title to

su she rights. su she wrongs. su she neutrals (this season, white is IN)

which unfortunately cannot become reality because i'm pretty sure it's over the character limit :/

it would make a great tagline for a su she spinoff though. who do i have to talk to to make this happen

#maybe it's an au where he's a fashion designer stealing designs from another fashion designer. but we love him anyway #he's so plucky and down-home and the other guy is an old money aristocrat with a stick up his ass #sorry lan wangji but this ain't your movie #the untamed #su she #my posts #dreams #maybe it isn't over the character limit. i will go check #it might be kind of misleading to make that my blog title though since i rarely talk about su she regardless of how much i love him #perhaps this is a sign that i should change that

[xxthefairywitchxx]

daily Jaden pic until the figure I've had on preorder for 13 months releases, day 22

actually, last one for a while, since the figure has been pushed back another month and I'm not really up for fucking my arm going at this pace for another 20-50 days. I need a break, but I'll still be going through my collected prompts occasionally.

This prompt was the SCP The Aristocrats

#My art #Yu-Gi-Oh! GX #Yugioh GX #YGO GX #Jaden Yuki #Yuki Judai #Judai Yuki #Daily Jaden #The Aristocrats #SCP The Aristocrats #SuperLuv #for those of you who don't know #that SCP is more than a little fucked up #but it's very interesting too #Aristocrats AU

[vivmoclown]

Юпиии

My children☺️🙏💗

#wally darling #welcome home fanart #wally welcome home #welcome home wally #wally darling fanart #wally fanart #wally au #welcome home arg #welcome home #welcome home au #Aristocrat Wally au #Dangerous Internet Wally au

[cattlearts]

modern au horus heresy; Horus Plans Bi-annual Family Dinner

Family Dinners occur twice - maybe three times a year, depending on whether the tremulous web of relationships is holding strong. Never on religious or cultural occasions, not for their ‘post-religious’ Father. Instead, they gather on their Father’s birthday, and on the 19th of May for reasons unknown to Horus. 

Every year, he dreads the 19th of May. On Father’s birthday, there is a social script for his brothers to follow - be polite, give gifts and well-wishes, sing a silly song and wait for the good whiskey to become available. On the 19th, there is no such thing. It is a normal day, except all eighteen brothers (usually spread out across the world) must show up in the same manor, and sit at the same table for a twelve course meal. 

It falls to him, as Father’s favorite, to keep the peace. That means, first and foremost, seating arrangements. 

The table they will be seated around is rectangular, made of solid mahogany, with a white lace tablecloth. It was custom made, commissioned from some Italian artisan, to fit twenty persons of above-average height. Now, it has to fit only eighteen, but he has to move seats around so as to not make the absences noticeable. 

Father will of course sit at the head of the table. Horus can’t sit to his left or right, because if he does Lion will throw a fit. But if Lion is seated next to Father, Leman will mock him relentlessly. So there needs to be a buffer - unambitious, tolerated by Father, and tolerant towards Father. Vulkan, maybe? But since the union debacle, Vulkan has been wary of Father, and might try to bring up labor relations during dinner, which would be a shitshow. 

…Rogal. Rogal would fit. Perturabo will hate it, of course, but he hates most things, and has a tendency to be silent about it. Horus will make sure to seat Magnus next to Perturabo, as an apology. Rogal on Father’s… right side. And… Sanguinius to the left. Pleased at having the hardest part out of the way, Horus scribbles the names in the seating chart. 

It would be so nice if he could just reuse the one from last year. But relationships in his family are ever-changing, though mostly changing in one direction (‘worse’). 

Next to Rogal will be Lion. Leman can’t be across or beside Lion, but he can’t be too far from Father, because even though he derides such things as meaningless, Leman cares just as much as everyone else about where he sits. If Lion were still on friendly terms with his… best friend? Partner?... Luther, that would be an easy write in, but for reasons unknown that relationship has exploded. Roboute next to Lion, then. Not ideal, but Roboute can be trusted to be civil. 

Horus gives in to temptation, and writes his name next to Sanguinius. If he is to survive this dinner, he will need the fraternal strength his best and favorite brother gives him. Leman on his other hand, as penance for his sins. Now it becomes a game of keeping opposites away from each other.

 The grudges that are permanent: Leman can’t be near Magnus or Angron, Mortarion can’t be near Magnus or Roboute, Corvus can’t be near Magnus or Horus himself, Perturabo can’t be near Rogal, Konrad can’t be near Roboute or Lion or Vulkan or Corvus or Sanguinius- can’t be near anyone, really. With Konrad, it becomes a matter of sitting him near people who don’t actively hate him. 

Unfortunately for Horus, there are also the more recent spats to deal with. Lorgar will likely break down crying if Roboute tries to apologize for the Book Incident again, so they need to be separated. Rogal’s missing spleen is an example of why Konrad must be kept away from him at all costs, and Fulgrim managed to get caught up in that mess too, so the only brother who could be relied upon to keep Konrad in check is similarly quarantined. 

His head really fucking hurts. Nothing in this family can ever be easy, can it? 

***

Dinner-planning does not end with seating arrangements. The next hurdle is the menu.

Father will want multi-cultural cuisine, favoring luxurious ingredients and ostentatious dishes. Magnus… might still be vegetarian? Though Horus did catch them with a mouth full of raw venison the other night (‘for ritual purposes’)... Konrad will only eat meat or bugs or beetroot, Lion will want to slay all the animals they eat himself (butchering is for servants, apparently), Fulgrim has a strict diet, Rogal will want seal blubber in at least one dish, and Sanguinius has personally requested that his meat be served very, very rare. 

The chef employed by Father will not be able to create a twelve course meal, with variations tailored to all nineteen dinner attendees - nor does she deserve to suffer through that pain. Horus has co opted the staff of one of Father’s restaurants, and now there are twenty three grizzled masters of the culinary arts watching him pace around their spotless kitchen, muttering and scribbling in his notebook. 

“For the hors d’oeuvres - carpaccio will do for most, I think, but Magnus would prefer fattoush, with toasted khubz but no radishes. Father will want caviar, of course. Roboute might like a charcuterie board?”

The head chef sets her jaw, bracing against the upcoming workload. 

“Will mister Dorn be wanting… gravlax again?”

Horus flips to Rogal’s section of his notebook. 

“Yes, I think so, with the hovmästarsås sauce, and he has requested that… the salmon be fermented with… spruce twigs?”

There is the sound of breath being sucked up between clenched teeth. Horus, frankly, does not want to know. 

“The amuse-gueule - Father will probably enjoy demitasse cups, he was gifted a nice crystal set a few months ago. Other than that, I will leave it to your discretion… Ah, the apéritif will be Crémant d'Alsace, by the way.”

The chefs break out into discontented murmuring, and Horus truly does empathize - if he had his way, they would be drinking Dubonnet, but Father’s taste is… it is what it is. 

One of the group clears his throat. 

“For the soup - mister Russ did request meggyleves.”

“The cherry thing?”, Horus asks blankly. Chilled cherries and sour cream is not his idea of a soup, but if he doesn’t put it in after Russ specifically requested it…

“Sour cherries, with a dry red and cloves to taste.”

That sounds… actually quite nice. Konrad won’t eat it since it doesn’t have meat, and he’s fairly sure that Lion has staunch opinions on soup being savory, but everyone else might like it. 

“That will do for most of us. Konrad won’t eat many soups, but gomguk served with the ox head is a safe bet. Lion is English, so any one of their abominable creations will do for him.”

One of the chefs, presumably English, makes a sound of offense. Horus does not apologize - Father told him never to cede ground to the help, and he refuses to pretend the English are anything but savages when it comes to their food.

“The appetizer should include ngohiong. Apart from that, just a typical meze spread should do.”

The ngohiong is purely an indulgence - Horus has been craving it for a while now, and he hasn’t been to the Philippines in over a year. The meze spread is a favor to Magnus, who has apparently been homesick recently, according to Lorgar. 

The salad through first main courses are already set in stone; Çoban salatası, chinook salmon served pesce crudo style, dapanji with laghman. Horus is wavering on the palate cleanser, though, and he desperately needs ideas. 

“What do you recommend as a palate cleanser? Last year, the chilled water with the peppermint did not… go over particularly well.”

An understatement - Father actually scoffed upon seeing the drinks set out, and by that point the hissed argument between Vulkan and Konrad had escalated so much that the glasses were little more than weapons to smash against each other’s heads.

“A limoncello sorbet, I think. With pansies as a garnish.”

Horus nods, jotting it down. His nerves are fraying as time passes - his schedule does not allow meetings to drag, and they haven’t even hit the second main yet. Fortunately, he does have a solid idea for that, at least. 

“For the second main - wagyu steak. It’s giving in to mundanity, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. Ah- seal meat for Rogal. Frankly I don’t know or care how to prepare it, but he’ll be upset if he doesn’t get to eat a seal.”

The sour faces before him indicate the chefs collective feelings on seal meat. At least it's not seal blubber. 

“The cheese course… I think Father bought some artisan shit from Italy, so feel free to raid the cellars for that. Um. Dessert. I’m afraid that individual dishes are going to have to be prepared… My brothers have taken shared dishes as a slight and an insult. Just for the dessert course, though. I’m not sure why.”

“Oh, and macarons for mignardise.”

#insufferable aristocrat horus #modern au #wh40k #horus lupercal

[inamindfarfaraway]

I can’t believe I’m posting about Sonic Underground, but this is the Cringe App, so here are some random thoughts and headcanons:

Sonia has super strength parallel to Sonic’s super speed (Manic has no innate power, because life isn’t fair) and that should have been explored more. Like, outside of battle. Imagine all the training Lady Windimere must have put her through to act ladylike and demure and not accidentally break all the fragile expensive things around her. She casually carries her brothers and Bartleby all the time. Sometimes she squeezes them a little too hard when she hugs them. She reunites with Bartleby after a rough mission and effortlessly picks him, spins him around and throws him high into the air. She can arm-wrestle Knuckles as an equal. Someone else is working on a heavy robot or vehicle or something and Sonia is propping or holding it up for them. The van breaks down in a place they can’t stay in and she just sighs, tells her brothers to take out and carry everything they can, lifts the van over her head and starts walking. She grabs the scruff of Sonic’s neck with her fingers when he tries to run away to do something stupid and he runs in place, extremely annoyed. A very exasperated Cyrus tells her that she needs to stop hitting the door buttons so hard when she dramatically leaves after an argument (thank God the doors don’t have hinges to be ripped off of), because they can’t keep installing new ones. First Sonic wearing away the floors and heating the metal so much it could melt people’s shoes, now this? He does have a favourite triplet and it’s Manic. This isn’t the only reason, but it’s a big one.

Seriously, why didn’t the show remark more on how Manic doesn’t have a power? I guess his instrument giving him earth manipulation while the others just get lasers kinda makes up for it. Maybe super genes run in the royal family recessively. With all the stock episode plots they did, you’d think there’d be one where he felt inferior to his siblings for this reason and reaffirmed his worth by saving the day and rescuing them when they were both captured.

There really should have been a body swap episode. Here’s my pitch: tensions are running high between the siblings as they clash over their respective flaws and insecurities, when some magical shenanigans that tie into whatever Robotnik’s plan is switch their consciousnesses around. Sonic is in Manic’s body, Manic in Sonia’s and Sonia in Sonic's. Now, Sonia has been stressed lately feeling pressured to be the mature, responsible one and, with so much steam to let off, finds herself slipping into Sonic’s recklessness, impulsivity and cockiness. She can literally outrun all her problems… or so she thinks. The speed is liberating and intoxicating. Meanwhile, Manic, who was giving her shit at the start, realizes how much restraint Sonia needs to exercise to not cause more trouble than she fixes with her strength and that, while it definitely makes some things easier, having a superpower isn’t a cure-all and requires rules in itself. He gains a greater respect and appreciation for her, which enables him to remind her of the value of responsibility and caution when she runs off the deep end. Sonic absolutely hates not having any extraordinary abilities. At first his siblings think he’s just cranky because he can’t do awesome tricks anymore and has to have a normal person’s amount of patience. Averse to vulnerability as he is, he pretends that that’s the extent of it; but as his complaints shift from whining to self-abuse, it turns out that he can’t stand feeling this helpless. He’s never been this incapable before. It hurts. It takes him right back to the worst moments of his life, when he wasn’t fast enough to save his parents and uncle. Now he isn’t fast enough to save anyone. Keeping the cycle of empathy going after Manic talks her down, Sonia reflects on how amazing her new speed feels and what having had that power her whole life might have done to her self-esteem. She tells Sonic that his speed and usefulness don’t define him or his worth, and it’s okay to fail, need to go slow, make mistakes and have things that are just beyond you. Everyone does. She’s made some big mistakes herself just that day! What matters is the strengths you do have and how you use them. He’s done so much good, for all his flaws, and she and Manic love every part of him. Inspired, Sonic ultimately defeats Robotnik using his intelligence and leadership skills, with both his siblings using their new powers effectively and wisely to make the plan work. Once they switch back, they get in a similar unfortunate situation to the one that pushed their stress to the tipping point in the beginning, only now they take it in stride and deal with it together. Who am I kidding, the show wouldn’t have gone into that much character analysis and emotional depth. That’s why we need fanfiction.

Sonia has had a five-star privileged education; however, she must also unlearn all Robotnik’s propaganda and lies. Sonic has had a less thorough education, but presumably still a pretty good one and without any of the propaganda from moving in with Uncle Chuck onward. Manic has never been to school a day in his life. Think of the comedy you could get out of this arrangement. But also, is Manic illiterate? His reading and writing are probably significantly poorer than the others’, right? I headcanon he’s secretly insecure about his lack of formal education and occasionally teases Sonia for her “nerdy” advanced knowledge and makes fun of her when she doesn’t know something, in an effort to bring her down to his level.

Uncle Chuck is the triplets’ father’s brother, not of royal blood. My headcanon is that after Robotnik killed the king during the takeover, he agreed to go into hiding and cut ties with Aleena. He didn’t plan to have a role in her children’s lives until the Time arrived, but he wound up near enough Sonic’s home to visit and couldn’t stay away. He fondly told Sonic a great deal about life before Robotnik ruined everything and his birth parents, carefully omitting that they were the king and queen of course.

Sonic and Manic love to hear Mindy and Bartleby’s stories about Sonia before they met her. Though they are sad that the people who could tell such stories about them are all roboticized, so unless until a deroboticizer is invented there are parts of their early lives they don’t remember or fully understand that can simply never be told. In general, seeing Sonia with her old friends makes them feel Big Feelings. They’re glad one of them still has people from before in their life, but… it stings.

Where? Was the triplets’ grief?? Over their parents and guardians??? Where were the bonding moments about it? Where were the reminiscing scenes and Sonic explaining how he lost his old family twice and had to watch the first time? Where were the dramatic, heartwrenching confrontations with the roboticized guardians? FANFICS I NEED YOU

Manic likes to tinker with machinery when he’s bored, anxious, frustrated, guilty or even excited. Basically, he reaches a significant intensity of emotion and gets out the tools. He’s a fidgeter in general and always doing something with his hands - why do you think Farrell supported his impractical, attention-drawing hobby of drumming? A deroboticizor is a top priority ongoing project in the Resistance and if he’s in a really bad mental state, especially if he’s missing his dad, he can probably be found working tirelessly on one of the prototypes. Sleep, hunger, other people, the passage of time all mean nothing to him in that state. Sonic is the best at snapping him out of it because swap engineering with running and vigilantism and he essentially has the same coping mechanism, so he gets it in a way Sonia can’t. However, the sign that the hyperactive brothers are completely crushed and hopeless is that they lose their energy and motivation. If they’re notably still, slow and restrained in movement, they are Not Okay.

Sonia’s contrasting coping mechanism is to distract herself and her support system from her feelings with others’ business. That can manifest as criticizing someone else (constructively or destructively), wanting details on some aspect of their life, stoking drama and gossiping about them, or trying to fix their problems and/or make them open up about their issues. The last one is increasingly common since embarking on her character development. She’s always been a social butterfly and was a duck in water in the social perception, awareness and shrewdness-centric culture of the upper class; genuinely loves using those skills to help people so this is still in character on a good day; and is so at best charismatic and at worst overbearing that she can easily make you worry more about whatever she’s latched onto as a diversion, whether you agree with her stance on it or not. It takes a trained eye to catch when she’s actually neglecting herself. An indicator is that if her drive is the subconscious desire to avoid confronting her own feelings, she’ll be or become over time less tactful, patient and respectful of boundaries than usual, or resort to pettier topics in her desperation. Her brothers are the best at telling these behaviours apart from her healthy altruism and harmless theatrics and making her talk.

The medallions are royal family heirlooms. The rare, potent magical crystal they were carved from was a primary resource of Mobotropolis and the reason the capital was built there, their clean energy used for rapid magical/technological advancement that brought huge prosperity to Mobius, hence the paradise it was pre-Robotnik. Shards of them were incorporated in many royal regalia pieces. Through past political upheavals, disasters and thefts, most of the ornamental fragments have been lost. The medallions were made relatively recently to celebrate the dawn of a new golden age of art and culture; music was a key part of Mobian culture, so it was symbolically very fitting to give the rulers and protectors of the people instruments and weapons in one. It represented the ideal that they should give as much as they were able to take - even if they took up arms, they would at the same time have to preserve the life and spirit of Mobius through playing music. Hopefully that would tether them to their conscience. Plus, what’s more gloriously badass for a monarch than defeating your enemy by playing a rock cover of your national anthem? Robotnik’s relentless mining extracted the last of this precious resource years ago. He forgot the sustainable methods his predecessors used to harness the magic indefinitely because he can’t be bothered to understand magic, so he’s exhausted the power of every existing piece of the crystal besides the three medallions that have remained out of his grasp. He keeps trying to synthesize it, but you can’t synthesize ✨magic.✨ The sudden decline and loss of a longstanding reliable power source has made everyone reliant on Robotnik’s dirty energy. When the royal family retake their thrones, the medallions can either be given up and used to power Mobius or the very similar Chaos Emeralds used instead upon relearning the magic crystal energy harnessing techniques. Wouldn’t it be cool if discovering the Chaos Emeralds or recovering them from Robotnik was what turned the tide of the war? Sonic, Manic and Sonia going super and defeating Robotnik once and for all? Yes, yes it would.

Sonia is the oldest. Manic is the youngest. Sonic, as in the movies, is the middle child. Sonic and Sonia believe their birth order is important and she will never stop lording it over him, since before they got ahold of their birth certificates he’d assumed he was the oldest. Manic doesn’t care and wishes they would drop it.

Having been eager to help his uncle around the house and then needing to pull his weight in the Resistance, Sonic is a reliably good cook. He likes to learn more whenever he has the resources and time to experiment. Manic had no technical skills initially, not having had a kitchen and all, but is learning quickly under Sonic’s tutelage and has the sheer ingenuity to make a meal out of pretty much anything. Sonia can’t cook for shit. Sonic won’t give up on trying to teach her… but he’s certainly been tempted.

Sonic is afraid of fire due to the trauma of watching his old home burn down when he lost his parents (I put him at eight at the time, like Batman, and so he spends an almost equal number of years with his adoptive family and Uncle Chuck if he’s fifteen in the show). The smell of Sonia burning toast is enough to trigger flashbacks. Once Robotnik trapped the siblings in a burning building and he just froze, overwhelmed with terror; Sonia had to carry him to safety like a firefighter.

Follow-up with Tails.

#i love that every sonic underground fan is actually a fan of the Well- Written AU in their head #we all have our own #we like the show in theory #on paper #we like what it is in our hearts #also yes i lowkey ship sonia and bartleby okay #i just can’t ship her with knuckles and i think bartleby’s ‘aristocratic defector’ arc has potential #sonic underground #sonic the hedgehog #sonia the hedgehog #manic the hedgehog #hedgehog triplets