#hops away into the afterlife

[ask-sad-ghost-piett]

Settling a vocabulary dispute with @max-veers .

There is a correct answer.

#admiral piett #ghostly polls #star wars crack #general veers #veers x piett #lover’s spat #hops away into the afterlife

[studioghibelli]

burnt- a joel miller x reader

summary: life is sweet, but your big, tough, roughed up husband is sweeter. just for you…. only ever you. domestic life is full of happiness, bliss and….. kinky sex?

warnings: daddy kink (sorry not sorry), no outbreak!au, big fat girthy age gap (20s/late 40s), smut (finger sucking, thigh riding, light choking, f receiving oral, creampie, pinkus in vageenja sex, fingering, dirty talk, praise kink.) no use of y/n.

note: this hasn’t been proofread, so sorry for any grammar errors. xx

You couldn’t remember when it happened.

When the sleepless nights tangled up in his arms, where neither of you quite knew where the other would end or begin, bled into the quiet mornings spent tangled in the other’s arms. When breathy moans evolved into deep conversations about the afterlife and family values. You couldn’t remember when Joel went from the wild, rugged cowboy you rode for hours on end, to the supportive husband who protected you, made coffee for you, mowed the lawn and took care of you.

It happened quietly. Naturally. Perfectly.

No more were the nights of stumbling around drunk, fooling around behind your friends’ backs, leaving the labels far away and out of sight.

Oh, no. Not anymore.

The silver band engraved with flowers, a pretty, shimmering gemstone sitting on top, reminded you every day of that.

Now, Joel still had that wild streak in him, that dark tint to his eyes. He still let you know he could, and would, fuck you in to high Heaven, show you just how good of a girl you are. But the sweet, simple domesticity of dancing in the kitchen, grilling for friends, watching the news and shaking your head together- that was all new.

Autumn was dawning over the sticky heat of Texas, the air cooling off ever so slightly, days shortening toward cool, navy nights. Your front porch in the mornings, as the sun rose up, offered you solace away from the sappy humidity, that seemed to cling against your skin like tar.

So, each morning before the world would awake, you would sit on the rocking chair that your doting Joel made just for you, and you would drink your coffee, your tea, your chocolate milk- whatever you were in the mood for during that particular moment- and you would watch your front lawn come alive with bursting rays of light.

Occasionally, on a particularly quiet day, you would see a wild bunny hop through your yard, or a sweet black cat drag its side against the white picket fence of the house across the road.

You relished in these little interactions with nature. You craved them.

And when they were done, before the clock even had the chance to click past 8AM, you would climb back in to bed with your bear of a husband, wrap your arms around his back (which had inevitably turned away from your side through the night), and fall back into a peaceful snooze for the next hour or so, until the blaring alarm on Joel’s phone would begin ringing.

And then, he would awake.

Joel would turn to you, with a goofy, love sick grin on his face, and gently kiss your nose, pulling you flush against his warm, sleepy chest. His deep breaths would vibrate against you, his hands inevitably finding their way to the band of your panties or hem of your shirt, and you would spend the first half hour of your morning feeling his cock inside of you, or his fingers in your mouth, or his tongue against your clit.

Being married….. well now, that was a treat. One you would never get tired of devouring.

The clock had slowly been ticking towards 6 P.M.

Husband Joel would be walking in through those doors at any moment now, and you were still struggling through the recipe, the book propped up on the counter, the shiny pages now tarnished with the smears of paprika, melted butter- anything you had touched in the kitchen, really.

The house was alive with the smell of cooking chicken and boiling pasta. You had tried, and failed, to make garlic bread from scratch. You enjoyed cooking, but Joel never expected it, and what was what you loved.

He never treated you like his slave, or his subservient house wife. You were equals, partners. If whatever dinner you were cooking failed, he had no problem ordering chinese, or making you breakfast for dinner, fluffy pancakes and all.

The thought made your stomach grumble.

You figured today was a beautiful September day, and your husband was a wonderful husband, and he deserved some delicious fucking pasta when he walked through the front door.

When he walked through the front door…..

Sweaty from an honest days work, those curls slicked to his forehead, arms bulging beneath the tight sleeves of whatever old shirt he chose from his closet, worn and faded from the hand of the sun.

Oh, when he walked through that door….

Your knees were already growing weak.

You clutched the edge of the counter, nails gently digging in to the wood. You focused your eyes on the boiling pasta water, your mind wandering with thoughts of Joel. Always of Joel.

His hand had wrapped itself around your neck, belly pressed against the cool counter of the kitchen. The feeling of his fingers gently pressing in to your skin sent shock waves of pleasure rippling throughout, straight to your pussy. He hadn’t even touched you anywhere south of your tits.

Joel was kissing you like a starved man, his hot lips searing your skin, like a poker branding your skin with the mark of his love. His undying, unwavering, steadfast love.

“Joel,” you whimpered, “I need you. I need you to touch me.”

“Touch you where, babydoll? Here?” He asked, his fingers gently tweaking your left nipple. You shook your head no, stifling a moan. “Oh. Hmm. How about here?” He gently brushed his fingers against your belly, tickling your skin until a soft laugh erupted. You shook your head again. “I think I know where.”

Joel used his knee to spread open your legs, pressing you down flat into the counter, your cheeks now resting against the cold surface. His rough palms lay flat against your skin as he dragged them down to your ass, spreading them open as the searing heat of shyness spread through your chest.

“Let me see.” Joel pondered a faux thought, before a smirk overtook his face and he dipped his fingers into the soaked entrance of your cunt, knuckle deep as his body pressed against your back. You felt the outline of his hardening cock jutting through his tight boxers, a shiver running down your spine. “Here. Right?”

“Y-Yes!” You squealed, your nails digging into the wooden countertops. You felt it flaking beneath your grasp, and you knew an indent would be left. Oh well, you thought.

“That’s what I thought-”

Your deep, emphasis on the deep, thought was cut short by someone grabbing you quickly, showering your neck in familiar kisses.

“Joel!” You gasped, jumping as his hands made contact with you. You burst into a fit of laughter, his stubble tickling your jaw line as he spun you towards him.

And there he was. Just as you suspected.

His graying curls were soaked with sweat, framing the sides of his face ever so slightly, and a love sick, honey sweet grin reserved just for you was atop his perfect lips. The sun had almost set, and the amber light flooding in through the transparent curtains had shrouded his figure in a burst of light.

“Evenin’ my-” Joel paused, nose lifting into the air. “Somethin’s burnin-” The fire alarm cut him off, just in time.

“God dammit!” You turned around to see your chicken black as charcoal, smoke fanning from the pan. You were so lost in thought, you completely ignored the food. “Fuck!”

Joel had undone the fire alarm atop the ceiling quicker than you had fanned the smoke away, opening all the windows with a groan. You fell on the couch, dejected and annoyed, holding a crocheted pillow to your chest in a moment of well-deserved self pity. Joel turned to look at you, amusement behind his eyes.

“I was trying to make you a nice dinner!” You explained with a dramatic fling of your arms.

“Mhm… and what happened?” There was a sense of charming fun poking at his words.

“I was…. I was just, uh, I was thinking about some things.”

Joel was getting closer to you, his steps slow. “I’m sure. You are quite the thinker, sweet girl. What was it that was so important, you completely forgot about everything else?”

“Taxes!” You blurted out before you could even stop yourself.

He couldn’t help but laugh, sitting down beside you. His hand gently rubbed your stomach, down to your thighs, your body like jello beneath his touch. Joel’s face was close to yours now, his nose brushing against your cheek ever so slightly. “‘S that so?”

“Y-Uh…. mhm.”

“Now I trust you’d never lie to me.” His breath was hot on your face, and you shivered as his hands ran up and down your torso, paying extra attention to the hem of your sports bra.

“I wasn’t thinking about taxes.” You admitted, guilt evident on your face.

“There’s the truth. Now that’s daddy’s good girl. C’mere.” He patted his lap and you willingly obliged, straddling his thigh as Joel wrapped his strong arms around you, fingers finding the hem of your shirt and pressing against the small of your exposed back. “Now,” he brushed a stray piece of hair away, “what was it you were thinkin’ about?”

“You.”

“Me? Well darlin’, I am flattered. What about me?” His voice was low, right against your ear.

You ignored his question, tilting your neck instinctively as his lips found their way to your skin. You whimpered quietly the first time he kissed you, right beneath your ear, squirming against his denim clad thigh, thick and tantalizing beneath you.

Joel found the waistband of your leggings, slipping his fingers down your panties, into the sticky hot mess that had made itself home in your underwear. His index finger traced your folds, your cunt aching beneath his touch.

Right now, the world was him, and he was you, and your movements were one. Nothing else was as important to you as Joel Miller making you orgasm, over and over and over.

“Oh.” Joel tutted, removing his hand, ignoring the protests that escaped you. “I know what you were thinking about.” There was a charmingly sardonic pull to each of his syllables.

“Do you?”

“Mhm. You were thinking about me fuckin’ that tight little pussy. Weren’t you?”

A sharp breath caught in the back of your throat. You felt that coil, sharp and deep within you, just waiting to be cut, waiting to be relieved.

Even after all this time, Joel still sent shivers down your spine. He still made your knees weak, still made your heart flutter.

You remember people telling you he was too old for you, that he was going to slow you down. That, one day, the honeymoon phase would wear off, that one day it would feel like you had settled for an old man who you’d have to end up taking care of- that was many moons ago…

They couldn’t have been more wrong.

You looked into the eyes of Joel, his orbs darkening as he caught sight of you. He removed his fingers from the waistband of your pants, slowly moving them up towards your mouth, lips thick and glossy with desire.

“Suck.” He commanded.

You obeyed, gently grabbing his wrist with both your hands, inching his ring and middle finger slowly into your mouth. You made a spectacle, put on a show just for him, as you began swirling your tongue around the tips of his digits, giggling quietly as he hummed out in satisfaction. With his free hand, Joel gently grabbed the side of your head, his fingers running through your hair.

“Good girl. That’s my fuckin’ girl.”

You grounded yourself against his thigh, humming softly as he moved his hands to your waist, his grip tight, secure, protective.

“That’s right, grind that little pussy on my thigh. Give me a show, girl.”

You smiled at him, that charming, dazzling smile that made Joel’s heart pound, and slowly took your shirt off, your red bra on full display in front of him. Joel grabbed your tits, kneading them in his rough palms, calloused fingers gently pinching and twisting your nipples, the friction making you moan out.

“Been thinkin’ bout these all day.” Joel murmured, leaning forward and burying his face in the valley between each of your breasts. He groaned into your soft skin, licking a thick, hot strip up your neck as you moved against him. Your clit, swelling and screaming beneath the fabric of your underwear, dragged circles against his jeans as his bare hands grasped the curves of your hips, helping you move and sway against him.

“Joel.” You whispered, begging.

“What, honey? Use your words.”

“Fuck me.”

“‘S that what my pretty girl wants?”

“More than anything.”

Joel pushed you beneath him on the couch, the leather cool and comforting against your bare back. He looked at you, devouring you with his eyes. He was drunk on you now, orbs blown black like charcoal, lips tightened in a carnivorous snarl.

He was hungry.

“God damn, girl. Never gonna get tired of this view.” He moaned out your name as he leaned forward, pressing a kiss to your belly before taking your pants off, his thumb dragging across the soaked strip imprinted into your panties. Joel leaned forward, following the line his thumb made with his tongue, his ears perking at the sound of your moans.

Joel thumbed the skimpy fabric down your legs, his palms rubbing against your smooth skin, before he propped your legs on his shoulders, face to face with your throbbing, soaked pussy.

His index traced over your fold, watching as it became coated with your wetness.

“All for me?” He hummed out, the pad of his digit now grazing over your clit. It thrummed against his skin, your pussy clenching wantonly against nothing. “Guess I should do somethin’ about this, shouldn’t I? Wouldn’t be very gentlemanly to leave my lady hanging like this. All wet and ready for her daddy.”

You whimpered, lips pressed in a tight line, as you watched your husbands every move.

Joel leaned forward, his tongue flat against your clit, looking up into your eyes. He left his tongue there, no hint or movement, as the corner of his mouth tilted up in a smirk.

“Please.” Your voice was pathetic, a quiet, distant plea.

“Ohh.” He chuckled between his syllables. “You want me to lick you? Want me to suck on this pretty clit if yours?”

“Please!” You repeated, practically a shout.

Joel chuckled, a deep, throaty, gorgeous chuckle, before wrapping his lips around your clit. His hit tongue swirled slowly around it, your pussy throbbing against his face. He moaned against you, hands grasping ahold of your thighs as he kept your legs apart, his mouth focusing on your pussy.

“Oh, Joel. Oh!” You ran your fingers through his graying hair, curls falling in his forehead as you held him there.

He pulled away, replacing his tongue with his fingers as he spread your lips open, exposing your cunt to his eyes. Joel ran a tongue over his lower lip, pushing into your tight hole with two of his digits, knuckle deep as he watched you squirm and moan for him. Your nails dug into the leather couch, marks you knew would inevitably be left there. You didn’t care right now. How could you? Joel had set you on fire, every nerve panting his name like a chant. No thoughts of the world, of taxes, of burnt dinner- only of him.

Your back arched against the couch as he ducked you with his fingers, his thumb rubbing circles around your button as he kissed his way up your belly and to your chest, stopping to pay extra care to your tight, stiff nipples. You watched as he sucked them, his every move burning in to your brain, before he came face to face with you.

The curve of his nose pressed into your own, the scruff of his cheeks burning against your face as he pressed his mouth onto yours, a deep, passionate kiss engulfing the both of you. He continued thrusting your fingers deep inside your pussy, yet your hands travelled lower, undoing the buckle of his belt, the zipper of his jeans, until all that separated his thick, throbbing cock from your pussy was the right black material of his briefs.

A shaky breath escaped you as he pulled his hand away, slowly moving it to your throat. Joel was careful not to apply any pressure, instead focusing his grip on the sides, a devilish smirk glimmering down at you.

“Use your words, baby. What do you want from me?”

“Cock. Please. Fuck me.” You were begging now, hips squirming into him.

Joel pulled away momentarily and you watched as his long fingers pushed down his underwear, a thick, veiny, angry cock falling out, slapping against your thigh with a quiet noise. He wrapped his fist around his dick, slowly pumping it with one hand as he held you in place by your neck with the other.

“I could just hold you here, ‘til I cum all over your belly.”

You groaned out in protest, dejected.

“Not want you want? Hmm. Oh. You want me to fuck you, don’t you? Want me to fill you up with my cum, ‘till it’s dripping out of you? Yeah, that’s what you want. I see it in your eyes, girl. You want me to pump you full of cum, fill this cunt right up.”

“Y-yeah.”

He shook his head no. “Mhm.” He warned, tapping the head of his cock against your clit. “Words.”

“Yes please.” You corrected yourself, watching as his handsome face became plastered with a smile.

“That’s more like it. See? Manners maketh man.” He teased, his cock now resting right at your entrance. He moved his hand from your throat, both his arms now at the side of your face, before filling you up with one swift push of his hips.

You were full to the hilt, the tip of his leaking dick pressing against your cervix, a jolt of pain, pleasurable and electrifying, rushing through you. Joel pulled away slowly, watching as the folds of your pussy spread again his shaft, a dirty and sexy sight just for him. He groaned, lip caught between his teeth as he started fucking you proper.

“So tight. So fuckin’ tight. You’re such a dream, darlin’. Such a fuckin’ pretty girl for me.”

Joel reached down, thumbing your clit. He watched the way your back curved off the couch, the way your baby hairs stuck to your forehead, the way your lips parted, singing their sinful song of lust- oh, Joel could’ve cum just from looking at you.

“Wanna cum.” You gasped for air, his fingers dancing against your button as he pounded in to you, hips on hips cracking like whips, sweat forming between your bodies, glueing you together like puzzle pieces.

“I’ll make you cum, honey. Don’t you worry.”

His cock was thrusting deeper and deeper, his tip hitting against that spot that made you shudder. Your shoulders rocked forward as you threw your arms around him, bringing him closer to you. You kissed him again, hungry and wanting, fingers knotting into his hair as you felt your belly clenching. Your cunt wept against his cock, and you felt your orgasm brewing.

“Gonna cum.” You whispered. “Gonna cum on you. Gonna- gonna-“ Your orgasm washed over you, hips thrusting into him as you came.

“Thatta girl. Good girl.” He cooed, his hand rubbing your belly gently. “Look at me.”

You looked at Joel, face slack with tiredness, your orgasm wiping the energy out of you. Nonetheless you held him tightly, legs tight around his waist, his movements now sloppy and wanting as he drove in to you.

When your eyes met, Joel’s face softened, the hint of a smile on his mouth. “So pretty.” He whispered, gently holding your throat again. “I love you, you know that?”

You nodded, rubbing your nose against his. “I know. And I love you.” You whispered, promising, smiling against his mouth as he kissed you once more.

“I’m gonna cum.” Joel snarled into your mouth as his cock twitched, spurts of hot cum painting the inside of your pussy, his body tensing as he held you close and tight, groaning your name into your hair. “Oh, fuck.”

You sighed into his chest as he fell into you, rough hands massaging the softness of your sides as Joel drew you in closer.

You laid against him, packed tight like sardines on the couch, before he looked down at you, eyes glimmering with a sparkle of amusement.

“So.” He began.

“So?” You giggled.

“What’re we gonna do about dinner?”

#joel miller x reader #pedro pascal #pedro pascal x reader #joel miller #joel miller x you #the last of us fic #joel miller smut #joel miller the last of us #joel miller x y/n #joel the last of us #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller au #pedro pascal x y/n #pedro pascal x you #pedro pascal smut #tlou fanfiction #tlou fic #joel tlou

[hyperfixatedbastard]

sweet, sweet silence

Vox x Autistic!GN!Reader

Dating the CEO of VoxTek Enterprises has its perks. You always get brand new devices before they even hit the shelves, and occasionally, Vox makes things specifically for you - like noise-cancelling headphones.

Word Count: 1.3k

WARNINGS: none!

A/N: this is for the autistic homies but it works for anyone with sensory issues! 'tis based off of my own experiences so apologies if it feels inaccurate to anyone, i'm projecting so hard rn. this is also my first time writing x reader/2nd person POV so I hope I did alright! also, i do requests if anyone would like to see more of this kind of thing :)

Dividers

"Doll, c'mere for a second, would ya?" Vox calls out to you, gesturing for you to come to his desk with a 'come hither' motion. 

You raise a brow in interest as you approach your boyfriend where he's sitting in his rather eccentric chair, tinkering with...something. You hop up onto the desk, careful to sit in a spot that you know has no important screens or buttons (you learned the hard way). You don't say anything, instead just tilting your head and waiting for Vox to show off whatever he's been working on this time.

He finally lets you see what's in his clawed hands: a pair of headphones. They're clearly a VoxTek product—the blue and red color scheme gives it away—though you're certain you've never seen these on sale before. It's not uncommon for Vox to show off new products to you before they're released, though, so you don't question it.

He smirks as he holds the headphones out to you. It's not that sly, devious smile he so often has on his screen, though; it's that grin you have when you're about to surprise someone and you just know they're going to love it. "These are for you, darling."

On one hand, you get a little excited (free shit, fuck yeah!). But on the other, you're a little worried—you're not good at receiving gifts. It always ends up awkward because you don't really know how to express gratitude in an expected, neurotypical way. But Vox is well aware of that, and he can tell when you're grateful, so you push those worries to the side and take the headphones from him.

You look at them curiously, inspecting the foldable hinges, the ear cushions, and the small assortment of buttons on the speakers. You can tell that the three buttons on the right speaker are for adjusting the volume—increase, mute, and decrease—but you have no damn clue what the button on the left speaker is for.

"Well? Put 'em on," Vox encourages you, still with that expectant grin as he anticipates your reaction.

You do as he says and place the headphones over your ears. They're certainly comfortable, but you don't see what the big deal is. You already have headphones—they’re not great, as it’s damn near impossible to drown out the unbearably overstimulating sounds of Hell, but you manage. Kinda.

Just as you’re about to ask what’s so special about these headphones, Vox presses that mystery button on the left speaker, and everything goes blissfully quiet.

Your eyes widen as you get the first moment of true silence for the first time since you arrived in Hell. The sudden difference is initially jarring, but the relief is downright euphoric. 

During the entirety of your afterlife in Hell, it's been ceaselessly loud and often unbearable. The screams, the explosions, the gunshots—it's incessant, and you never get a moment of peace. The V Tower is not nearly as bad as the rest of the Pride Ring, thanks to a lot of soundproofing, but there's always something. Moans and other lewd noises fill the halls of anywhere within five floors of Valentino's studios. You can hear the screeching and yelling beneath the thrum of music emitting from Velvette’s section of the tower. 666 Studios isn't much better, with the constant chattering of the crew and bickering between newscasters.

Vox's lair office is by far the quietest place in the entirety of Hell, at least in your experience. The soundproofing here is much more effective than anywhere else in V Tower, and Vox is the only person ever here. He does talk and maniacally laugh to himself fairly often, but you don’t usually don’t mind that (and he’ll typically quite down if he can tell you’re having a rough day). But it’s far from perfect—there’s still the intermittent click-clacking of a keyboard, the constant whirring of the computer fans, the low humming of all the tech, and the audio from whatever security camera Vox is spying on. You can tune it out most of the time, but it all overwhelms you so, so easily.

And you aren't very good at hiding it (at least not with Vox, who’s too observant for his own damn good when it comes to you).

Which is why your dear boyfriend has just spent the past several days making you the best noise-canceling headphones Hell has ever seen. He knows what the constant overstimulation does to you, and he sees it far more often than he'd like to. You get irritated and snippy, and sometimes it gets so bad you have a meltdown. It's gotten less common over time, but it still happens way too frequently for either of your likings. 

“So, who’s the best boyfriend ever?” he hints, clearly fishing for a compliment. His voice is surprisingly clear despite the headphones practically deafening you—his words are muffled, but just loud enough for you to understand what’s being said. He's grinning at you like he's the one that just got the excruciatingly heartfelt present. 

Usually, you’d have a witty comeback to Vox’s attempts at getting you to stroke his ego (always followed by an actual, genuine compliment to ease his insecurities hiding behind that ego), but you’re drawing a blank right now. 

The gift is so thoughtful that you don’t even know where to start on expressing your gratitude. Noise-canceling headphones seem so obvious now, but this is Hell! Both you and Vox had died before this technology became commonplace, and not many people in Hell care that much about the noise. Vox made these headphones specifically for you. He doesn’t need them (he can quite literally just turn off his audio input) and he probably won’t make much of a profit with them as a VoxTek product. He’s a busy man, being a CEO and an Overlord, yet he took the time to make this for you himself, not even passing the project off to one of the poor souls that works for him. 

“Babe?” Vox calls out gently, waving a hand in front of your face. Oh, shit—you’re overthinking your response so much that you forgot to actually fucking respond.

You blink a few times, meeting your boyfriend’s gaze. His brows are slightly furrowed, in what you think is a mix of concern and amusement. He’s a little worried he’s fucked up somehow, but he knows you well enough by now to recognize when you’re thinking too hard about something. He actually finds it quite adorable, at least when you’re not about to have a panic attack from it. 

As he looks at you expectantly, you decide to just go with your gut (at least, that’s what you think you’re doing—you’ve never entirely understood what the fuck that phrase means).

You don’t give yourself time to second-guess your actions before you’re practically jumping into Vox’s lap—though it’s more like falling since you were just sitting on the desk. He lets out a little ‘oof’ of surprise before he chuckles and moves his hands to your waist, holding you steady while being careful of his claws. He smirks as you wrap your arms around him and bury your face in his neck, jostling the headphones a little but not enough to fuck with the noise cancellation.

“So…you like them, then?” Vox prompts, just wanting the confirmation even though the answer is already clear. You can tell by his tone that he’s still grinning proudly.

You just gently nod, inadvertently rubbing your face against the fabric of his shirt (fortunately, Vox is a fancy bastard with high standards when it comes to clothing, and he’d long ago thrown out any garment made with fabric that triggered your sensory issues).

“Thank you,” you murmur against his neck. 

His hands tighten ever so slightly around your waist, and his response is so soft you can barely hear it through the headphones. “Anything for you, doll.”

#hazbin hotel #vox x reader #vox x you #hazbin hotel vox x reader #hazbin hotel vox #vox hazbin hotel #hazbin vox #vox hazbin #the vees #autistic reader #gender neutral reader #hazbin hotel x reader #hazbin vox x reader

[miguelhugger2099]

Snowfall

Summary: You, the Goddess of Life, visit the God of Death in the forest during a snowstorm. Next Miguel x Fem!Reader, Proofread but I was half-asleep, Fluff, A smidge of angst, Word Count: 1,458 This song is what caused this fic to form in my brain.

A blizzard had made its way to the village, its cold and harsh winds slamming against wooden cabins and tiny snowflakes that only piled up into mountains by the hour.

However, by his lonesome, stood a man in the forest. A forest that had once been flourishing with soft green grass, and a gentle blue lake in the middle with the sun's warm rays peeking through the leaves of the giant pine trees.

His black coat and black shawl around his head was a stark contrast to the pure white snow on the ground and in the sky. But it matched perfectly with the splatter of blood that tainted said purity.

He bent down, kneeling before the creature that had spilled blood: a baby deer wounded by its ribs. It was shot for food by hunters right before the blizzard hit, leaving them to abandon the animal.

The fawn wheezed softly, its beady black eyes staring up at the man. It weakly twitched, its hind legs failing to push itself up. The baby had squirmed the closer the man approached it with a gentle hand. Despite the cold weather, the man never shivered when a particular gust of wind blew through the branches, making his shawl slip off his head.

He gently caressed its head, rubbing his thumb comfortingly under its eye. He felt an ache for the poor baby, lost and alone in the bitter cold.

The baby had bleated softly, perhaps a cry to its mother before falling limp–marking the end of its life. His frown deepened, flinching his hand back to his chest and standing up again. The soul of the animal ripped itself from the confinements of mortality, stretching its limbs. He watched it flail around in small hops, before staring at him for a moment, its nose twitching and scurrying away to the afterlife.

He then turned his head down to glare at the dead body until a kind voice interrupted him.

“I apologize for the intrusion, Miguel.” He turned around with his eyes widening slightly. He saw you stand a few feet away from him, your usual soft smile on your face. Quietly, he whispered your name.

You wore a white cloak over a warm thick white cotton dress–he assumed with many layers underneath– and a crown made of branches atop of your head. You seamlessly fit into the background of the snow with your outfit. Your hair was the same, perfect as ever, free and let down from any hairstyle. The cold had gotten to you, snowflakes on your eyelashes and you held yourself close to keep a bit of warmth.

You approached him, the crunch of the snow underneath following you. When you met with him face to face, you gingerly reached over to place his shawl back over his head to protect him from the cold even though you both knew he didn't really need it.

“You shouldn't be here.” Miguel worried, fussing over you as he held you by your forearms. “You're supposed to be resting.”

Every year for a few weeks, you would take the time to sleep after a couple of months caring for Mother Earth. Miguel, the God of Death, offered to help you by taking care of Mother Earth while you slept. So instead of flourishing crops, warm sun and bright scenery, Miguel's cold hands left trees dying, more opportunities for illness, and an even bigger chance of death–the season many humans know as winter.

“I wanted to see you.” You smiled at him which made Miguel scoff at your ridiculousness. He took off his shawl and placed it around you to keep you warmer. Miguel stopped you before you could protest.

“You and I both know that I wear these just so the mortals don't ask questions,” He grumbled, successfully wrapping the fabric in a snug manner. Since you were the Goddess of Life, you were more used to the warmth of the sun shining down on you and the blood pumping through your veins and to your beating heart. For Miguel, all he knows is the coldest feeling there is, so a storm like this could never harm him. You stared up at him with adoration before yawning. Miguel pointed it out. “I knew it. Go back to bed.”

Despite his warning you slip past him to stare at the deer that had fallen into Miguel's care. Your eyes glazed over its body, resting a moment longer on the gunshot wound that was still seeping red into the plush snow, the blizzard slowly covering its body in a white blanket.

He stands behind you as you bend down on your knees to kneel beside the deer, nervously awaiting your reaction. “You tried saving its life, didn't you?” You asked, never turning away from the animal. You began petting it gently as if it were still alive.

Miguel frowned, looking off to the side. “I was putting it out of its misery.” You huffed a small laugh through your nose and got up again on your feet. You turned to him again and reached up to cup his cheek. He melted into your hand, the only source of warmth he could ever get the chance to feel. His eyes softened down at you.

“Thank you.” You whispered. Miguel's face hardened again but he did not stray from your palm.

“For what? For killing your creations?”

You sighed. No matter how many times you've had this conversation with him, he always seemed to put himself down. “You don't kill, Miguel.” You assure him.

“My life's work is to kill. It's my duty.” He retaliated, his eyes glancing at the fawn before looking back down at you.

“You think lowly of yourself.” You slip your hand down to his chest. “Your work is beautiful.”

“There's no beauty in death, my lady.” Miguel placed his hand over yours on his chest. You don't feel a heartbeat drumming inside. “It's grotesque and heartless.”

You scrunch your nose, not believing a word he's said. “And who has told you this? The mortals?” You ask. His jaw clenches.

“They adore you and not me.” He says.

“Are you saying you're jealous, my lord?”

“I'm saying what is true,” He says firmly, not wanting to amuse your upcoming antics. “You are beauty. You are perfection. You are divine,” He cups your cheek and you shiver from the coolness of his fingers.

“Look around you. Mortals are struggling to stay warm, to find food and shelter. I've caused this. They…they curse my name,” He comes closer to you, tilting your head up to meet his ruby eyes. “I fear you shine too brightly, my lady.” Your breath hitches as you look up at him. You shake, not knowing if it's from the puff of wind passing by or your heart stuttering in your chest when he inches closer.

“What are you saying, Miguel?” You whisper.

His eyes dart to your lips, stopping the urge to kiss you. “I want to shine with you. But I'm not worthy. Not with the acts I've done. Not with the blood I've spilled alongside mortals and destroying your works of art.”

“Miguel,” Your heart speeds up, quick to calm the self destructive thoughts he's producing.

“My life has no meaning without you. What good is appreciating life if there is no death? You make living precious. You make it sacred. And when the time comes, you make it merciful,” Your other hand comes up to his hair, running your cold fingertips through his strands. “That is your true nature. Whatever humans do to abuse your power is not a part of you.”

Miguel leans his forehead against you, closing his eyes. You mirror his actions, pressing against him and simply feeling him. His hands move around you, bringing you closer by the waist. The wind passes by with a high pitched whistle. “So…warm.” He breathes out softly.

He pulls away from you, bending at the waist to pick up your hand and kiss your knuckles. You feel your cheeks heat up while he looks up at you through his eyelashes. “You must be tired, mi reina. I'll take you home.”

Miguel reaches down to pick you up bridal style. You wrapped your arms around his neck and nuzzled closer to him despite his freezing exterior. You feel him hold you tightly to his chest protectively as he walks out of the forest to bring you home.

The fawn's dead body lies underneath a pile of snow now, hidden from the world. Its remains will seep into the ground, nurturing the future plants that will grow in its place once the winter is gone and spring returns– the cycle of life and death– an eternal harmony.

A/N: man i fucking love anything to do with gods and goddesses. i might make this a mini series of just snippets of their relationship but ahhhh i dunno if anyone will even like this tbh. i did have fun writing it though

#miguel o'hara x reader #miguel o'hara x y/n #miguel o'hara x you #atsv miguel #miguel o'hara #miguel spiderman #miguel spiderverse #miguel x reader #miguel ohara #spiderman 2099 #miguel x y/n #miguel x you

[raginglesbian2006]

Ne Me Quitte Pas

Alastor x angel!reader

Chapter 2: Among My Souvenirs

Chapter warnings: Heaven being a bitch, harassment from Adam

There's nothing left for me of days that used to be

I live in memory among my souvenirs

Some letters tied with blue, photograph or two

I see a rose from you among my souvenirs

Masterlist

The first thing you remember in your afterlife was the giant imposing golden gates that led you to the heavenly grounds.

You recall standing in a queue, waiting for your name to be called and gain your wings, halo, and a home in heaven. You could see people of various kinds- some short, some tall, most of them resembling creatures of all sorts. Only a few seemed to possess human-like features.

You looked back at where you came from. It was a bridge, a long one. You did not recall crossing it but saw people coming through it and joining the queue with a dazed look.

The person in front of you - someone resembling a bunny- yelped in excitement as their wings and halo were granted and they hopped off, passing through the gates into heaven.

You were next.

You looked up at the angel manning a register, standing in front of a tall podium. His fingers glided over the pages as he mumbled each name he saw before reaching your own.

Your name was called.

“Um…hi?” you said, rather awkwardly, “That’s me.”

“Hello!” the angel exclaimed, “My name is St. Peter. It is my delight to invite you to join the heavenly gardens that lay beyond this door! Congratulations on your journey here. Everyone in heaven is eager to meet you!”

You could feel a tingle at your back as soon as he said that. You waited for a while as your wings sprouted forth and a warmth settled atop your head. Your hands reached out to the warmth- you realized it was your halo.

The heavenly gates opened wide to welcome you. Your eyes widened as you got a glimpse of the paradise that lay before you. It was…beautiful.

“Go on now, dearie!” St. Peter smiled wide, “Enjoy the rest of your afterlife!”

You took one step forward but paused. You looked at the angel.

“Before I go…I had a question.”

The angel tilted his head, “Of course, do go ahead.”

You turned back around and pointed at the bridge, “What…what exactly is that?”

St. Peter chuckled as he explained, “That, my dearie, is the bridge to heaven. After your judgment, you must cross the bridge to reach here. As you do, the memories of your mortal life fade with every step you take. Once you do take a step forward, you cannot go back.”

“Lose…my memories?” you asked, “Why…why do I have to lose my memories?”

“To prepare you for the reincarnation program of course!” St. Peter smiled, “There comes a time when every Winner is reincarnated into a new body to live their next life! It won’t fare well if they remember the memories of their past lives, now would it?”

He continued, “For those that do not want to be reincarnated, they get to live a carefree life in heaven- away from every bad memory that plagued their life when they were alive!”

You nodded, feeling an ache in your chest.

“If you don’t mind, I have another question.”

St. Peter gestured for you to speak.

“Can you tell me then,” you lifted your hand, your fingers holding a beautiful ring- it held a lovely little gem that shone red, “why I have this?”

St. Peter bent down and squinted his eyes to look at the object a little better. Then, he smiled and replied, “That must be a gift to you from someone who loved you dearly.”

He explained, “Everyone who comes to heaven is gifted with something or the other at their grave from people who love them the most. They are allowed to have that little token from their life as they enter the gates of heaven. Consider it a little reminder that they were loved, even though they have forgotten their memories.”

He took a deep breath and looked at you, “Is that all, dearie?”

“Yes,” you replied, “Thank you for clearing my queries.”

“It’s no problem at all!” he said, “Enjoy the fruits of your goodness. Welcome to heaven!”

Your hand clutched around the ring, the ruby digging into your skin as you finally walked through the gates of heaven.

You had stayed in heaven for quite a long while. You could’ve chosen to be reincarnated but you didn’t. It was as if something was stopping you from taking that step.

So you made the best of your time in heaven. You helped your neighbors, spoke kindly to those who passed by you, and volunteered to serve the people of heaven.

Everyone who met you fell in love with your gentle and kind demeanor and they praised you for the goodness of your heart.

You had to make a couple swerves when Adam caught wind of you. He would often pop out of nowhere when you were out and about on your daily tasks and try to get you to go on a date with him.

You were quite adamant (see what I did there?) on not letting your anger at his arrogance get the best of you and politely declined his offers, no matter how many times he tried to convince you. You had class, after all.

In about a few years since your arrival, one of the guardians of the Heavenly Grand Council stepped down from his role to finally retire and head towards reincarnation. The vacancy was to be filled by the collective vote of the residents of heaven.

It was safe to say that you had gained enough love and support from your fellow Winners that you were chosen as the next guardian to man the station left by your predecessor.

You were gifted a golden sword, crafted by the prince of heaven, Michael himself, when you ascended to your position. You still remember how you felt more powerful and how your wings enlarged and grew stronger, the moment you held your weapon in your hands.

And yet, at the moment, even if you had such a powerful item in your hands and were imbued with unspoken power, you thought of the ring that stayed on your finger as a more precious possession.

The sword gleamed in the light refracted by the glass dome that hung above you. The large empty hall echoed with every swish of your weapon.

With your memories compromised by heaven, you were left with a deep aching in your chest. An ache that pestered you since you entered through the heavenly gates. Throughout your years in heaven, you felt like a part of you was missing.

Between your duties as a guardian and the constant pestering from Adam, you thought you would be able to forget that pain. But you couldn’t. The worst thing about it was that you had no idea what was causing this. How could you know? The memories of your mortal life were taken from you, erased as soon as you stepped on that god-forsaken bridge.

The golden sword moved like lightning, as your movements became swifter and more precise. Your breath came out in uneven huffs as you elegantly moved your way around the lonely hall, slicing the air with your weapon.

Suddenly, there was a change- a slight gust of wind blew through. Someone was here. Someone with the agility and patience to move towards you without making a noise.

You paused in your ministrations, only momentarily, before you swung your tightly held sword at your intruder.

The tip of your blade was met by two large pairs of eyes, looking back at you, terrified.

"Molly?"

The female arachnid let out a puff of air in relief, as your sword turned itself into a staff- the latter holding the same regal air as the former.

"I have got to stop sneakin' up on ya, I swear!" Molly chuckled.

"I am sorry, dear," you hung your head in embarrassment as you tapped the end of your staff on the polished golden floors, "I do tend to get carried away sometimes."

Molly waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal.

"It's alright, sugar. It ain't your fault. I just gotta be more careful next time," she winked, playfully.

You let out a laugh in response. Your heavy heart felt a little lighter with such a jovial presence as she.

"So," you gestured to her to walk along with you, "To what do I owe the honor of you visiting?"

"Oh, I'm just a messenger!" Molly followed close behind you, as the two of you walked out of the large hall, " It's Emily who wanted to talk to you."

She leaned in closer and whispered to you, placing one of her hands over her mouth, "I hear there's a very special guest coming! I've been called to participate in the welcoming song by Sera! Can you believe it, sugar?"

Your brows scrunched up in confusion, "There's...a special guest? Coming to heaven?"

Molly nodded her head excitedly, "Mhm! But they won't tell us who it is. I reckon it's gonna be sweet ol' Em who's gonna let you in on that secret!"

You hummed, "Well, I best be off then, darling. I wish you all the best for your performance!"

The arachnid looked at you gleefully, and then with a tight hug, she left you to find your way to Emily.

Fortunately, even though Molly forgot to tell you where the younger seraph was, in the midst of her excitement, you knew exactly where to find her.

You saw Emily waving at you from one of the tables placed outside the quaint cafe you frequented. She had already ordered for the two of you- your cup steaming with a freshly made beverage.

"Greetings, Emily," you bowed your head out of courtesy. No matter how much you considered her a dear friend of yours, she was a seraph first and foremost.

Emily giggled and pulled you down to have you sit at the table, "You have no idea how much I've been wanting to tell you something!"

You glanced at the youngest seraphim, gently blowing over your hot beverage, "Well, I am here now so..." you trailed off.

Emily bounced in her seat, excitedly, "Ok, but you have to pinkie promise that you won't tell this to anyone," she raised her pinkie towards you.

Chuckling, you intertwined your little finger with hers, "I promise. Now don't keep me waiting."

"Theprincessofhelliscomingtovisitheaven!" Emily exclaimed as softly as she could, in a single breath.

Your eyes blinked owlishly at hers for a moment. Then, you burst out laughing.

"I'm sorry, I thought you said the princess of hell is coming over to visit heaven," you wiped away a stray tear, taking a sip of your drink.

"No, that is exactly what I said," Emily stated.

You spat out your beverage in disbelief, "I'm sorry, WHAT!?"

Emily shushed you and awkwardly smiled at the patrons gawking at the two of you.

You immediately lowered your voice, "What do you mean the princess of hell is coming to heaven? I mean-what-why?" you stuttered through.

The younger seraphim looked at you with glee, "Oooh! She's here to propose her idea to Sera and me in front of the court!"

You titled your head in confusion, "Propose....what?" You took another sip of your beverage.

"Why, her idea to rehabilitate sinners, of course!"

You spat out your drink a second time.

Emily handed you a tissue as your wide eyes looked at her.

"The princess of hell," you said, taking the tissue and wiping your mouth, "is working on rehabilitating sinners," you made sure to sound out each syllable clearly, " and is coming to heaven to propose her idea?"

Emily clapped her hands, "Yes! Isn't it exciting?"

Your confusion remained.

"It is indeed...unexpected," you finally took a proper sip.

"Oh! And she's coming over tomorrow!"

You did nothing but nod your head. The princess of hell trying to get sinners into heaven? No matter how noble the cause was, it seemed rather...useless. Sinners were brought down to hell for a reason. Besides, what demon would even want to rehabilitate themselves? Was there any scope for success?

You continued listening to Emily rant about how excited she was at the prospect of meeting someone from hell, let alone, the daughter of the head honcho, herself.

Your thoughts remained on how important it was for you to attend this court hearing. There was a feeling in your chest that you may be able to find some semblance of an answer to the questions you have been withholding for so long.

After a long chat with Emily, you two bid each other adieu and you headed straight to your headquarters, wanting to get some work done before the busy day tomorrow. You knew if the princess of hell was coming over to heaven, things would not go as smoothly as one would hope.

You took your time to wander through the streets leading up to your destination, greeting every angel that passed you by.

Just then, out of the blue, your wings bristled at the sound of your name being called rather harshly.

“There you are!” a gruff voice exclaimed, approaching you, “You know how fucking hard it is to find you nowadays?”

You turned around with a pointed look.

“Adam,” you greeted him, “What a pleasure it is to meet you here.”

God knows you were lying.

“Yeah, yeah whatever,” he leaned in closer to you as you took a step back to create some distance, “There’s this concert coming around in a few days and I wanted to tell you to come with me.”

You raised an eyebrow, “I’m sorry…you wanted to tell me to come with you? Not ask?”

Adam let out a scoff, “Why would I ask? I mean, I know any bitch would want to come with me,” he leaned his face closer to yours, “including you.”

You pushed his face away with your finger and laughed.

“That is where you are wrong, Adam,” your teeth gritted as your anger bubbled through, “Despite the many times I have rejected your advances, you keep coming back to pester me.”

You took a step forward, and your eyes shone golden. Your figure grew bigger as your wings fluttered wide and the grip on your staff- which had now turned into the sword- tightened. You felt your third eye opening, right in the middle of your forehead- the eye resembling your normal ones, golden and terrifying.

Adam gulped and opened his mouth to say something but you interrupted.

“YOU CANNOT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND,” your voice grew more frightening, “WHEN NO MEANS NO.”

After a few seconds, Adam let out a huff and turned around, leaving you be as he shouted, “Your loss, bitch.”

You reverted back to your normal self as you huffed out a sigh. You turned your sword back into your staff and held it in the crook of your arm, your hands fiddling with the ring that adorned your finger. When you calmed down, you snapped your fingers to open a portal that would transport you to your headquarters. You wished you had thought of taking the easy route before Adam had ruined your mood.

When you reached your office, you were greeted by Oliver, your assistant.

“Greetings, your grace!” he bowed his head as soon as he saw you.

“Oliver,” you started, making your way to your desk, “How many times do I have to tell you that you don’t need to use honorifics with me?”

You had met Oliver not too long ago. He seemed to have lived a long and happy life. Despite his old age, he was very sprightly and efficient in organizing the mess that was your paperwork and reports.

Whenever he smiled, your mind was put at ease. You felt safe in his presence. You considered him your dearest friend, your confidante, and most importantly, a person you could talk to without the fear of judgment.

You felt as if you knew him already before you two even had the chance to meet.

Oliver shrugged, “You’re too humble for your own good. Embrace your title! Feel the power you possess!”

You chuckled at his theatrics- your unfortunate encounter with Adam long forgotten.

Oliver continued, “You look like you have a lot on your mind, though.”

“You are the only one who can see right through me, Oliver,” you sighed as you leaned against your chair.

“I’m not supposed to say this to anyone…but let’s just say a very…interesting guest is going to make an appearance tomorrow.”

You fiddled with the ring on your finger once more.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle at the court today.

As you sat down at your assigned place, you politely greeted your fellow guardians and waited eagerly for the session to commence. Several feet below you, you could see two figures making their way to their station. They were not angels, by what you could tell.

One had strikingly blonde hair and a painfully nervous demeanor to her walk, the other had moth-like features and flowing gray hair with a large red bow at the back.

There was, however, something about the moth demon that was familiar to you. You just couldn’t point out what.

Adam and Lute arrived and sat at their respective places, and soon after, followed Sera and Emily. The trial then began.

Throughout the trial, you could see your previous expectations of the princess crumbling before you. You had assumed she had wanted to reach heaven on the false pretense of rehabilitation just to cause havoc here. But you were pleasantly surprised to see before you, an heir, who wanted to desperately help her people.

When you were allowed to take a glimpse at one of the candidates participating in the princess’ efforts of rehabilitation, you could see how he was steering away from the bad decisions he made earlier that night and stood up for his friends, even going as far as putting himself in danger.

You could also see he resembled a certain arachnid you knew.

Despite the evidence provided, Sera refused to budge and that is when Adam foolishly revealed his plans for extermination. Hearing this, Emily intervened asking Sera if she had any idea about this. Sera confirmed that she did and had allowed it for the safety of heaven.

You could’ve stood up and interjected but you didn't. You were frozen in your seat. You could hear your fellow council members whisper and chatter amongst themselves but you couldn’t bring yourself to participate.

Heaven was supposed to be this paradise where everyone was good and helped each other, out of the purity of their heart. It wasn’t supposed to be the hand behind mass genocides taking place every year.

The trial ended with the princess and her companion- who was revealed to be an angel, an exterminator to be specific- thrown out of heaven through a portal.

You immediately teleported yourself to Sera’s office. She was already present at her desk as soon as the trial ended.

“With all due respect, your Highness,” you started, “What in the actual fuck was that?”

Sera’s glare pierced through you, “Watch how you speak with me, guardian.”

“Why is one of the protectors of heaven willingly participating in exterminations- the likes of which seem completely unrequired?” you said, ignoring her threat.

“If you must know,” Sera gritted her teeth, “It was to protect heaven from the uprising in hell.”

Your eyes widened at the information. You spoke again, “And who…or what gave you the idea that there was an uprising going on in hell?”

You flinched as Sera shifted into her true form and leaned in closer to you, looking at you with every bit of anger and terror.

“You are not to question my decisions, guardian,” she started, “Leave. Immediately.”

You took a step back, your eyes not leaving Sera’s before you turned around and walked out of her office, shutting the door behind you.

When you were outside, you saw Emily in front of you. She seemed distressed, her eyes watering with every second that passed.

“Oh, darling,” you stretched out your arms, letting the younger seraph fall into them and cry into your shoulder, “It’s alright.”

“I- I didn’t know,” she struggled, her tears making it difficult for her to speak, “I-If I d-did…”

You gently shushed her as you ran a hand through her hair.

“I know…I know…”

You held the crying seraph in your arms till her trembling stopped.

You sighed as you finished the last of your paperwork.

Today was supposed to be extermination day.

Adam and Lute, along with their slew of exterminators, were going to go down and kill off staggering amounts of hell’s population and despite the powers you possessed, you could do nothing about it.

You’ve never felt so utterly helpless.

“Oliver, I’ll go deliver these reports to Sera.”

After a nod from him, you transported yourself to the front of Sera’s office with a snap of your fingers. You still remember the last time you came here. With a deep breath, you pushed the huge golden doors open.

“Your Highness, I have the reports…”

Your voice trailed off as your eyes saw what lay before you.

It was a snake like creature looking back at you with an awkward smile on his face. You could see his halo glowing atop his head.

You had seen him before.

You recalled the time of the trial when Princess Charlie was showing the court the progress being made by a certain Angel Dust towards redemption. During that, you could also see the other patrons of the hotel.

One of which…was the snake that stood before you.

Your mouth gaped open as your eyes flitted over to Emily’s gleeful look and Sera’s terrified one.

“It worked,” you whispered.

Sera quickly regained her poise and said, “Emily, would you please go ahead to help this…” she looked at the snake, “...new…resident settle in?”

Emily jumped out of her seat and excitedly nodded, “Of course! Right this way, umm…what was your name again?”

“Sir..Pentious,” the snake hissed out hesitantly, “Where…where am I exactly?”

Emily giggled out, “You’re in heaven! Welcome!” she said as she walked towards the door, “Oh, Princess Charlie would be so proud of you!”

“I’m sorry…who?”

Emily stopped and looked back at Pentious, her smile diminishing. She shifted her eyes to you and you looked at her helplessly.

“Right…” she mumbled out, before opening the door.

“Emily,” Sera called out.

The younger seraphim turned her head towards her.

“Not a word,” Sera reminded her, “Not a word until we figure this out.”

Emily nodded her head somberly and stepped out of the office, the new resident of heaven slithering closely behind her.

Sera let out a sigh and rested one hand against her head, cradling it as she leaned forward on her desk.

You flew towards her desk, after recomposing yourself, putting the reports you had intended to give to her atop the table.

You were about to turn around, leaving her in her lonesome before she called out your name.

“Yes, your Highness?” you asked.

“…I need you to do a job for me…” 

You burst into your office, startled to see Molly having a chat with Oliver as he rearranged your files. Amid her rant, you caught her eye and she turned to you happily. However, her smile faded seeing the distressed look on your face. She stood up, approaching you.

“Sugar,” she started, “Are you okay?”

“I..” you paused, “I’m fine.”

You continued, moving past the arachnid, “Oliver, I need your help packing my stuff.”

Oliver turned towards you with a confused look on his face, his hands laden with files.

“Pack?” he questioned, “Where are you going?”

“To hell,” you said, averting your eyes.

You heard a thump as Oliver lost his grip on the files and Molly gasped.

“To hell?” the female arachnid shook you by the shoulders, “What do you mean to hell!?”

Oliver approached you with the same curiosity. You sighed and explained, “Sera tasked me with going to hell to oversee some…business...”

Molly looked at you incredulously, “What…what- why?”

You gently lifted her hands away from you, “Look, I can’t say much. It’s confidential information but…” you paused, looking at her worried face, “I promise you, I will be fine and back in no time.”

Molly let out a sigh. Even though she looked conflicted she nodded her head, looking at you with a smile.

Oliver interjected, “And…what exactly made you…accept this task? She could’ve asked anyone, couldn’t she?”

You recalled your conversation with Sera. She had told you to oversee the working of the Hazbin Hotel and to send her daily reports on your findings.

━═━═━═━═━═━═━═━═━

“You’re sending me there…to spy on them?” you had asked.

Sera hadn’t looked at you. Instead, she continued, “The balance between good and evil is being compromised,” she let out a sigh, “I need you to go there to help restore it.”

“And…why me?”

“Because you happened to see the new arrival and you witnessed the trial. I cannot risk anyone else knowing,” She ended.

She turned to look at you, her eyes fierce and her stance imposing.

“This is a command from the High Seraphim,” she started, “I hope you know that.”

━═━═━═━═━═━═━═━═━

You looked towards Oliver, “How can I defy her Highness’ orders?”

He did not look convinced so you had to continue, “And because…” you looked at both Molly and Oliver, “I have a feeling I might find answers there…”

Your fingers brushed over the ring once in an effort to comfort yourself. Suddenly, you felt a pat on your shoulder and your eyes found Oliver’s. He smiled, his aged face giving a wise look to him.

“As long as you’re safe,” he said, “That is all we could ask for.”

You smiled and hugged the two of them, holding them close. Their embrace helped cool your anxious heart as you let yourself loose in their warmth.

You had no clue what to look forward to when you were to reach hell. But you knew, you had to take that step…for your own sake.

Your eyes widened at the sight of the hotel. It looked absolutely beautiful and grand-a place fit for the princess of hell.

You turned around to see the portal fizzing out, the remnants of your home disappearing before your eyes. You took a deep breath and forced a smile to your face, knocking on the large doors of the hotel.

You waited for a while before you saw the doors open, revealing a one-eyed demon who was dressed casually. Her eye flitted up to your halo and before you could get a word in, she slammed the door in your face.

You let out an indignant gasp and your eyes scrunched at this treatment. You were about to open the doors yourself but were interrupted by the Princess of Hell opening it for you.

She looked at you with wide eyes and you sensed that she was going to shut the doors once again but you stopped her, holding the door with your hand.

“I’ve come here by the orders of the High Seraphim… to give the hotel her blessings and oversee its welfare on her behalf.”

The princess’ eyes widened and a smile overtook her features. She eagerly pulled you by the arm and into the hotel, before excitedly exclaiming, “Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!”

Oh boy, you were in for a ride.

Taglist: @yumiburrito , @candyladycry , @sleepykittycx, @fairyv-ice , @sonatabee @preciousbabypeter, @mo-0-o

#hazbin hotel #alastor #alastor x reader #hazbin hotel alastor #hazbin alastor #alastor x angel!reader

[stories-and-chaos]

Shrike pt 2

[Hazbin Hotel reader insert as Alastor’s “darling life and death partner” I did my best for an ace x ace relationship, based on personal experience. Both parties are moderately sex favorable since writing from my own experience is easiest, so I’m not sure if this counts as QPR. Written mostly in spite over all the Alastor smut. And overly innocent reader inserts. I don’t mind some smut but c’mon people.]

[Part 2/2 Word count 6520/12026]

[cw: blood, gore, violence, attempted sexual assault, fluff]

———————

You woke up. Had it been just a nightmare? You reached for Alastor next to you but your hand hit stone. Not even the sheets on your bed; stone. You bolted upright, eyes snapping open. You saw a vibrant red sky and a myriad of unfamiliar buildings. All the architecture had spikes or teeth or eyes incorporated. A sign nearby proclaimed Welcome to Hell! It’s terrible here!

Not a nightmare. You were dead, shot moments after Alastor. At least you took out the bastard that killed him. You hadn’t been a religious person but tracked you would end up here. If there was any mercy in the afterlife, you would find your husband nearby.

Of course he wouldn’t be. You were in Hell and it’s terrible here. You did see a number of…creatures around. Mostly humanoid but with additional features. Fur, feathers, tails, extra eyes, tentacles, scales, gears, wires, horns, flames. All that and more. Were these devils?

As you stood up you caught a glimpse of your own arm. Your taloned hands were red, before abruptly changing to a pale white on your upper arms. From what you could see of your shoulders they were covered in black feathers. Your legs were similar, red at the heeled feet that changed to white above the knee. You couldn’t tell what your torso looked like; you were wearing a silver dress with vermilion threads woven along the length. It looked like your favorite show outfit, just in a different color.

You steadied yourself, already missing Alastor’s presence. You felt a rustling sensation on your back; did you have something stuck there? Reaching back you found feathers. As you tried to brush them away, the odd sensation of something touching your hair made you jump.

Were those… your feathers? You walked along the street and got a look at yourself in a shop window. Sprouting from your back were wings, mostly black feathers with a white patch. Your face now had an avian look but was still recognizable as yours. It was mostly bright white with with a black mask over your eyes. Your hair was now a gleaming grey, with a red hat pinned on. To complete the look, you had a feathered tail sprouting above your buttocks.

You recognized the bird you resembled. The loggerhead shrike, the butcher-bird.

“Well lookie here, we got us a brand new little birdie.” A shark-like man slinked up to you. “A cute one too. Why don’t you come with us like a good birdie, we’ll treat you real nice.” He grinned, showing serrated teeth. Other creatures joined him with equally sadistic expressions.

Of course you had scum like this to deal with. You were in Hell and it’s terrible here. “Out of my way, lowlife. I don’t have time to deal with you.” You pushed him away with the back of your hand to walk past.

“It wasn’t a question bitch. You’re coming with us.” A clammy hand grabbed your wrist. Before you could even really think about it, you were swinging your other arm at him. You were suddenly holding a stiletto blade which you jabbed into his forearm. Black blood spurted out when you removed your blade.

You spun away as the shark shrieked. Now you had a stiletto in each hand. Your feathers were bristling, your wings spreading behind you. “Back OFF!” Your high pitched voice, louder than it ever was when you were alive, made all of them flinch. On instinct you hopped a bit and a flap of your wings slammed the hapless creatures into buildings from the downdraft.

It propelled you to the rooftops. Not ready to take full flight yet, you landed. The demons below were writhing in agony. You took another look at your hands, this time with almost delicate looking blades in your palms. “Ah, mais oui, a gal can get used to this.”

————

It took you five years to find Alastor. As it happened Hell, even just the Pride Ring where Sinners like yourself could be, was a very big place. But if you were here, able to survive, your husband had to be as well. You made a living (ha!) the same as before, singing for your supper. You had no interest in being an Overlord, but you did get a reputation for swift retribution to those that crossed you. Demons who tried to violate your boundaries quickly found out your stilettos were unending, razor sharp, and accurate. Whether they were alive to tell the tale depending on if they were smart enough to back away.

You got the nickname of “Singing Shrike” in Pentagram City. It suited you fine. Especially since you hoped Alastor would recognize it.

You survived the annual exterminations and steadily worked your way through the city. There were so many different districts and the population was ever changing. At least one area you didn’t have to explore was the Red Light District. You doubted death would change Alastor’s indifference to those activities.

When the radios started broadcasting tormented screams, you were surprised as any other demon. Not disturbed though, it was Hell and you’d heard similar ones in life. But the fact they went out over the radio made you wonder…

The broadcasts continued on as Overlords disappeared throughout the city. Then one day: “Salutations Sinners and welcome to the broadcast! I’m Alastor the Radio Demon, I’m so glad you’re all tuning in. I’d like to thank you all for listening to the previews of this broadcast’s main segment, ‘Overlords Overthrown.’ Without further ado, I’d like to present our newest participant!”

You almost couldn’t believe your ears. But there was no mistaking that voice or that demeanor. Of course your Alastor would be the “Radio Demon.” Now that you knew he was active in Hell, you just had to find him.

He would be at a broadcast tower right now. With a few strong flaps you launched into the red sky. There were multiple possibilities but if you had to guess, it would be the tallest one. It was near Cannibal Town, an area you hadn’t been to before. It was on the other side of the city and even with wings you took awhile to get there.

As you got close, you saw a tall lean demon exiting the station. He was a vibrant red from the tips of his ears to the hems of his well tailored suit. From above, you couldn’t see his face but his gait was all too familiar. It had to be him.

And to clinch it, another demon emerged from a nearby café. As blonde and as curvy as she had been in real life, Mimzy. You didn’t realize she was in Hell too. “Alastor, a fabulous show as usual, you never disappoint, doll face.”

He gave his theatrical laugh. “Ha ha! As you know, anything worth doing is worth doing well!” His voice sounded like it was still coming over a radio.

You landed a few yards in front of them, finally getting a good look at the male demon’s face. The features were sharper and his grin was filled with pointed teeth but that was your husband. His hairstyle was vastly different from life and he had tiny antlers peeking out from the red mop.

“Y/N? Cher?” The radio crackle on his voice disappeared for a moment.

“Alastor,” you breathed, but unable to get out more than that. In an instant he was sweeping you into his arms in a bridal carry, spinning joyfully.

“Ma cher, I never thought I’d see you again. The worst part of Hell has been knowing I left you alone.”

You couldn’t help but tear up. “Alastor, I’m so sorry about that night. If I hadn’t distracted you… maybe we’d still be alive.”

“Maybe, maybe not. I never blamed you Y/N. But this isn’t the proper place for a reunion between husband and wife.” To your surprise, green edged black energy enveloped you both. You could still feel Alastor’s arms around you but the rest of your senses disappeared. “Just a moment my dear, we’ll be home soon,” his voice echoed around you.

The darkness fell away, revealing a room inspired by your home in life. One jarring difference was a missing wall that instead led into a bayou. He kept you in his arms as he settled onto a couch. The familiar surroundings and relief at finding him proved to be too much. Face buried in his red jacket, you collapsed into tears.

Alastor held you as he had many times before. He knew the best thing was for you to let it all out and to be ready with a handkerchief when you needed it. Which he was, holding his out when you finally raised your head. You dabbed at your eyes carefully. He chuckled, “Well my dear, at least you don’t have to worry about ruining your makeup with your new look.”

You laughed despite yourself. “That is a relief. One less thing to worry about.” You leaned back into his embrace, unconsciously wrapping your wings around you both. His head whipped back and forth, taking in this new development.

“Sorry ma cher, should I put them down?”

“Hmm, I believe they’re fine. It was simply unexpected. It’s…actually pleasant for you to be wrapped around me for once.”

“It can’t be any more unexpected than being whisked away in shadows. Any other gal would have jumped out of her skin cher. Or feathers for that matter.”

That was enough to get the two of you talking about the last five years. You learned about how he started taking out Overlords for the pure challenge and entertainment of it. The result was he was becoming an Overlord, specifically of the area next to Cannibal Town. He demonstrated some of what his shadows could do for you.

For your part you told him the rest of what happened that final night. When he learned you killed the man who shot him within moments, his gleeful smile nearly split his face in two. “That’s my darling wife,” he praised you. Your exploration of the city and the reputation you had garnered seemed to pale in comparison to what Alastor had been up to. Nonetheless he listened in fascination. Evidently the perspective of the city you brought him was something he could use in his upcoming plans. You showed him what you had learned of the wind you controlled and the stilettos you produced from nothingness.

Soon the two of you were preparing dinner together. Jambalaya, it really was a favorite of his. He assured you the meat hadn’t come from Cannibal Town; while he indulged he wasn’t about to make you eat it as well.

You didn’t have any nightclothes with you, but this was your husband. He’d seen you in all states of dress and cleanliness. So you undressed, keeping just the dress slip on. Alastor stripped off his suit down to his drawers. The bed was a replica of what you had shared in life and you settled into it with him as naturally as before. The main differences were his claws brushing your feathers and your wing covering you both.

Sighing deeply, Alastor pressed his lips against against your hair. “Thank you for finding me, cher.” You couldn’t help but smile at how his words matched your wedding night. Relaxing into sleep, you murmured “I’ll always find you cher.”

Mimzy was the only demon you encountered that had known you both in life. Those familiar with Alastor or yourself in Hell were flabbergasted seeing you stroll together. Since you once again moved into his home most of the gawkers had experience with your husband.

Seeing a strange demon on his arm turned heads; first that the untouchable Radio Demon had a girl, second that she was happy holding her own with the Radio Demon. When you ventured to your old haunts the reaction were similar. The Singing Shrike was allowing anyone to touch her without ending up impaled and that the Shrike had a beau.

One of few that wasn’t terribly surprised was Rosie, the cheerful Overlord of Cannibal Town. Alastor brought you around to her Emporium, introducing you as his “darling life and death partner, Y/N.” Her blank black eyes widened in realization as her toothy smile grew.

You got along fabulously with Rosie, much better than your acquaintances when you were alive. Maybe because you felt freer in Hell, maybe because she never once questioned your relationship with Alastor. According to the residents in her district she was very perceptive about matters of the heart. Whatever the reason, you enjoyed relaxing and performing in Cannibal Town. It turned out you were fond of pinkie fingers; many times you’d be listening to Alastor’s broadcast while enjoying a cup of tea and your gruesome snack.

Power plays in the city came and went. You avoided the annual exterminations together. Not that they mattered much, there was always more Sinners dying. Some tried and succeeded in gaining a foothold and eventually a base of power in the city. Others…well they tried.

You still weren’t interested in being an Overlord yourself. Alastor wasn’t really either truth be told. It just sort of happened, with the deal making and killing various powerful demons. You both built alliances and rivalries over time, with the two states changing within moments on occasion.

One demon in particular became a pain in both your sides. Vox arrived in Hell a few decades after you and Alastor. The television headed demon was originally cordial with Alastor and charming to you. Alastor, despite not caring for technology developed after his death, recognized Vox’s ability and had a measure of respect for him. You found him amusing, so long as he understood your relationship with Alastor was non negotiable. As time passed, Alastor and Vox’s opinions of each other shifted. What started as friendly banter turned into hostile bickering and then outright violence. The first time they tussled, they both backed down when they realized how even the match was.

You of course helped your husband retreat. A newly dead creature, Valentino, assisted Vox. You hated him on sight; both of you were defending your counterparts when he started flirting with you, so blatantly that even you realized it. The scum blew a cloud of red smoke in your direction. A flicker of couple feathers summoned a harsh gust, destroying the smoke and tearing the hat and tinted glasses off his bug head. You followed up with a stiletto flying through the air, aimed to graze his coat directly over his groin. It tore a chunk of the fur lining off as it whizzed past, impaling the ground next to Vox’s head.

After that, hostilities between the four of you only increased. Valentino never approached you alone; maybe he found out what shrikes did to the bugs they killed. Vox, on the other hand, started making passes at you whenever he could. He knew very well how long lasting your relationship with Alastor was. He also knew how disinterested you were in anything approaching sex. It seemed he was trying to seduce you purely to make Alastor retaliate.

Your husband, although he seethed in private, never did. He didn’t have to after all. The day you had enough, you grabbed Vox’s tie with a smile. Thrilled that he finally wore you down, Vox didn’t notice you setting your feet. He towered over you and like so many others didn’t realize how strong you were. So when you spun and flipped him into the ground, he was surprised enough that his screen went blank. By the time his face returned, a dozen of your blades materialized to pin his clothes to the ground. You used the hilt of another to crack his screen.

“If you ever try that again, I’ll fill you with so many holes that every demon in the city will be able to use you as a power outlet.” You pressed a toe against his neck. “Do I make myself clear?” He couldn’t actually move his head but Vox made his face bob up and down on the screen. “Lovely.”

There was an uneasy stalemate for years. It wasn’t until after the turn of the century that Alastor and Vox clashed again. Maybe it was the influence of that aggressive new girl Velvette that prompted it, but Vox started going after your husband again. A fight as big as their first major match erupted one day. Predictably, the two were equally wounded. Unpredictably, you couldn’t locate Alastor after he retreated into his shadows.

You knew he wasn’t double dead. The two of you had created charms for each other that would let you know if the other died. With how uncertain the afterlife could be, it was one source of comfort. So the music note finial on your hat pin imbued with a bit of his shadows gave you that good news at least.

But you couldn’t find him. What could possibly have happened? Days stretched into months and years with no clue. The Vees (the trio called themselves now) were happy to flaunt Alastor’s absence, both to Hell and you in particular. You found yourself checking on that bit of shadow often, just as reassurance.

Seven years later, you had stepped up as Overlord in Alastor’s loose territory. The broadcast station became a recording studio under you, Songbird Studios. That was when you caught a glimpse of one of Vox’s shows. You were heading back after finishing a deal with a promising new voice when you heard “So the Radio Demon is back in town, why’s he hanging around, what does that mean for your family?” You glared at the screen. He was at Charlie Morningstar’s new venture, the Hazbin Hotel.

Furiously, leapt to the sky. Demons were knocked to the ground in your wake but you had more important things on your mind. The hotel itself was just outside the city proper. As you approached it, all the lights in Pentagram City blinked out. The hotel was unaffected and you could see a small broadcast tower with an ON AIR sign attached to the building. You could have burst into his studio. But the downside of being an Overlord is you had people to look after now. At least I know where you are cher, you thought, changing course for home.

It took a few weeks to get everything set up. You didn’t want everything to fall apart in what could be an extended absence. So you ensured both the studio and your territory would be fine with minimal input for at least a couple months.

Then you couldn’t wait any longer. But even as a demon you were a lady. Decorum then. So you entered through the front door. The slightly dilapidated building was contrasted by the sunny voice saying “Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!”

From the opposite direction you heard a familiar world weary voice. “Y/N! The fuck are you doing here?” Husk yelled upon seeing you. “Oh, do you know each other?” The chipper young woman introduced herself as Charlie Morningstar, the hotel owner.

“Wonderful to meet you Charlie. My name is Y/N and yes, Husk and I have known each other for a long time.”

“Oh, it’s so nice to meet one of your friends, Husk!”

“Ah, actually Charlie-“ he started to say but you hopped up on a barstool and gave the former Overlord a broad smile. “Husk dear, I feel parched. I don’t suppose you have some good whiskey here?” The poor man took the hint and shut his mouth. He poured you a drink while Charlie bounced away, saying she’d let you two catch up.

“Soooo, listened to any good radio shows lately?” Husk’s ears twitched in agitation at your question.

“Just the one,” he replied while wiping down glasses. “Look, Y/N, you’re not gonna…” he trailed off, not even sure how to continue. Despite having made a deal with Alastor and interacting with you both regularly, he’d never seen you two fight.

“Alors pas! I’m not here to make any trouble bon ami. But after seven years I deserve a little fun, yes?” Any response he would have made was cut off by Alastor himself coming downstairs. He froze at the bottom as he saw who was at the bar.

One of the demons in the parlor popped up. “Something wrong smiles? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Or some tits,” the white spidery demon said suggestively. You finished your drink before hopping down.

“Alastor, ma cher! I’ve been so worried!” Another demon, a black snake also perked up and the two men looked back and forth between you two.

“Actually, she’s Alastor’s wife,” Husk informed everyone present as you trotted up to him. Predictably, the unfamiliar demons in earshot all yelled, “His WIFE?”

The last few feet you used your breezes to give you a foothold off the ground. Alastor had been taller than you in life and his elongated demonic form towered over you. With practice you’d figured this technique out. It was useful not only in a fight but to put yourself at eye level with others.

His smile never faded but you could tell he was nervous. “Y/N, cher…I…” he fell silent as you hooked a talon under his chin. “Seven years you’ve been gone darling. And nothing when you got back? Ma cher, you are in trouble.”

His ears flicked nervously as you propelled yourself slightly higher than him. You kept your talon in place. “Shall we discuss this elsewhere Alastor?” His hand shook slightly as he took yours. “Of course my dear, let's go somewhere with less of an audience.”

You hand in his arm, he led you to his suite. In the foyer you could hear “awww, they’re so cute! how the fuck is tall dark and spooky married? well…likely one proposssed and the other sssaid yesss-, not what I meant buddy, hey don’t look at me I ain’t their chaperone.”

Once in his room (which had the same house/bayou motif as your home) you hugged him tightly around the waist. His arms were frozen in surprise above you; it wasn’t in your nature to be this forward and spontaneous with physical touch. “Cher, I-“

“Shut up Alastor.” You dug your talons in just enough to give a bite to your words. “I’m angry with you and I missed you and I’ve been so worried and the only reason I knew you were here was because of that pissing contest you got into the other day. So shut up until I’m ready cher.” One of his hands lowered to your shoulder and patted a silent yes.

It was a few moments before you spoke again. “Take me to the couch and start explaining darling.” You could feel the amusement and relief from his posture as he scooped you up.

“Where should I start cher?”

“That fight seven years ago. You and Vox got into a fight, you went into your shadow, then nothing. I knew you were alive but I couldn’t find you. I said I’d always find you.”

“You did find me my dear. As to what occurred…” he explained how a third party had interfered with the fight, injuring both him and Vox. How that third party had followed his weakened shadow, cornering him. How he’d been forced into a deal with that third party. Who that party was and what little of the deal he could tell you.

“Well shit. And your being here has something to do with the deal?” He nodded. “Why didn’t you come home though?! Even after the deal was struck, at least I could have been there for you!”

“Y/N, I’d just been trapped like I’d done to so many others. They played me and I danced right along. How could I bear to face you then?”

“Mais la, cher! I wouldn’t have cared.” You sighed and leaned back to look at him. “C’est la mort. We’re together again now and I’m not letting you go it alone again.” He blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that. “I haven’t just been pining all this time you know. Someone had to take over your territory and I wasn’t about to let one of those bratty Vees have it.”

He brought your hand to his cheek and nuzzled it affectionately. “My dear shrike, you never disappoint.”

“I’m sure the young Miss Morningstar would welcome some more protection for the hotel. And it seems the place is lacking in entertainment.”

“Right you are on both counts my dear!” He sounded back to his old chipper self. “Shall we introduce you to this delightful collection of misfits and reassure them you haven’t flayed me alive?”

“One more thing.” He cocked an eyebrow in question. “May I kiss you first?” His smile softened as he nodded. You kissed him deeper than usual, stroking his hair as you did so. Alastor’s long arms wrapped around your back as he accepted the kiss. “Much better,” you said as you pulled back.

“I’d rather not go seven years between kisses my dear, but that was a nice reintroduction.” With that he escorted you back downstairs. You hadn’t been gone long and even if you had, Alastor’s unknown wife showing up to berate him was too good to miss.

Once again he introduced you as “darling life and death partner, Y/N.” Charlie, ever the bubbly hostess immediately shook your hand before introducing the residents. To no surprise Alastor had brought Niffty here to do the housekeeping. “Y/N!” She shrieked in a pure moment of Niffty mania and dashing around you. “I’ve missed you too ma petite!”

“So uhhhhh, how long you two been together?” The lanky spider called Angel Dust asked as Alastor helped you to a seat.

“Hmmm… how long has it been cher?” Alastor mused aloud.

“We did stop counting after the first fifty years or so but I believe it’s been nearly a century since the wedding.” Jaws dropped at your statement. Alastor kissed your knuckles gently. “And my dear husband is just as charming and gallant as ever.”

“Wow, that’s incredible! It’s so sweet you’ve been a couple for this long! How did the two of you meet anyway?” Charlie, in all her sweetness, asked innocently.

“It’s a tad embarrassing, but we killed a man together.” You could almost hear something pop in Charlie’s brain. Her girlfriend, Vaggie, looked thrilled.

“Yes indeedy! Some ne’er-do-well attacked her on her walk home. When I arrived to assist, the lout was distracted enough that Y/N was able to stab him in the eye. Why, I’d never seen anything quite so beautiful as such a lovely little thing jamming her hat pin into her assailant! I quickly finished dispatching the man before escorting her the rest of the way home.”

You looked at him with affection. “That led to him walking with me in the evening and one thing led to another until here we are!” Vaggie’s eye was shining, Charlie was frozen, the rest of the group could only blink in shock. “Husk, why are you so surprised, I thought we’d told you before!”

“About the attack, yeah, not that you killed him.”

“I would have thought that was implied, my good man,” your husband said dryly.

“Okay okay, murder as a date night activity aside,” Angel said, gesturing with his top set of arms. “Back to the important things. Ain’t Al…do ya…have ya ever…” not quite able to find the words he formed a circle with one hand. He inserted the pointer finger of another into it, making a back and forth motion. Both you and Alastor tilted your heads in confusion, not recognizing the gesture. “Aw geez there’s two a’ him and they’re married. D’you two fuck?”

“Ooooh! Is that what that means?” You experimented making the same gesture. “Now I get it! This finger is the penis and this is the vagina!”

“Hmm,” Alastor inspected your hands. “Shouldn’t this hand make more of an oval shape then?” He squished your hand slightly to elongate the shape. “I think it’s easier to just make a circle darling. And I suppose it could be other orifices.”

“But do you two have sssex?” Sir Pentious interjected, bringing things back to the original question.

“Of course we do!” Alastor chirped. Angel looked equally horrified and amused, Charlie was still frozen, the rest just looked stunned. “How?!” Angel finally asked, fighting back laughter.

“Infrequently and with great vigor,” you replied in a cheerful, succinct manner. Husk pulled his ears down groaning, “I don’t need to hear this, this is like hearing my parents behind the door.”

“Okay, I think that’s enough about Alastor and Y/N’s sex life!” Vaggie halted anything else you and your husband might have said. “Are you going to move in too Y/N?”

“That was the idea if you’ll have me. It seems like this place could use some entertainment and more security.”

“And my dear Y/N is a dab hand at both! She isn’t called the Singing Shrike for nothing.”

“Of course we’ll have you!” Charlie finally snapped out of her daze at the thought of a new resident. “Everyone’s welcome at the Hazbin Hotel!”

Moving into Alastor’s hotel suite was fairly simple. You grabbed a few items from home and made sure your subordinates knew how to reach you in an emergency. It would have felt like a bit of a vacation with the lack of Overlord responsibilities. But the updated extermination schedule did cast a pall over things.

After Charlie’s disastrous audience with Heaven, you and Alastor decided on your plans. He would work with Charlie to get support in exchange for a deal with him. Meanwhile you would head to your territory.

Fortunately everything looked in order when you arrived. Proper delegation had its perks. You requested everyone’s presence at one of the theaters. Most of the Sinners that followed you were some sort of forest creature; birds, rabbits, foxes, lizards, and the occasional deer. The majority were musicians or actors, performers of a multitude of genres. They were fiercely defensive, hurt one and the rest would destroy the offender.

Explaining the situation, you asked for volunteers. This wasn’t a turf war over home ground and you weren’t about to order anyone. Surprisingly, almost all you followers were ready to go. Maybe it wasn’t so surprising, almost everyone in Hell had beef with angels.

You appointed two of the strongest to stay back, along with half of the volunteers. If something happened to you or Alastor, you wouldn’t put it past those brats from the Vees to attempt a takeover. All of the demons you brought had flight abilities, which meant your songbirds could handle the aerial combat. Your contingent arrived just after the cannibals and Carmine’s weapon delivery.

“Ah there’s my darling and her flock!” You landed next to Alastor and Rosie, giving your friend a hug as you did. “Y/N! I was surprised you weren’t with your hubby but I see you’ve been busy too!”

“We have a lot to do and less time to do it, we can be attached at the hip after the fight,” you said as Alastor took your hand.

“Well I’m glad to see my favorite pair of aces back together. Let’s get all these fine demons settled, hm?” With your territories being neighbors, there was familiarity and even a few friends between the cannibals and your songbirds.

—————

Extermination Day. It didn’t matter how ready the defenders of Hell were, it was time. Almost everyone was in battle gear. You had traded in your sparkly flapper dress for a more practical A-line that reached your knees. You’d attempted a suit but the trousers just felt wrong. So a silvery grey dress with vibrant red pinstripes. The hem had long black points all along it, evocative of your blades. Since your summoned weaponry wouldn’t hurt an angel you had a rapier and half a dozen stilettos that would.

Alastor had requested a custom piece from Carmilla, a hat pin made of angelic steel. The finial had a spray of red feathers and he’d imbued it with a fragment of shadow. In return, you’d given him cufflinks shaped like vibrant red eyes. Of course they had a touch of your winds, not only to let him know you were okay but for you to track him if need be.

All too soon, the sky opened up and the exorcists spewed into Hell. At Vaggie’s war cry you and your followers took to the air. You looked for Alastor and saw him atop the hotel. No changes to his outfit, he looked impeccable as ever. His maniacal laugh echoed in the air as his shield formed an orb around the battle.

You and your flock were tasked with knocking angels out of the sky. Some did this by stooping like hawks, others used the angels own weapons to injure their wings. Your wind magick sent them tumbling into each other. Any that got too close to you were impaled or found you making the most of your momentum to fling them to the ground, mimicking how shrikes gave their prey whiplash.

A loud crack, golden light spreading through the black orb, and Alastor’s shield fell. He’d suspected that might happen and was ready to take Adam on. You didn’t concern yourself about their fight, even when your husband’s form grew. What did concern you was the slice of angelic power that dispersed it. Another swipe from Adam had Alastor flying across the rooftop.

“ALASTOR!�� If all of Hell didn’t hear you then clearly they weren’t listening. No no no no not again I won’t lose him again. You stabbed the angel you were fighting in the throat and propelled yourself to his side. You landed protectively over his curled body. For the first time in decades you let your true form show.

Your wings turned metallic, silver and gold, and grew twice their size. They gained an art deco appearance but were as functional as ever. Your face became more avian. You had a hooked beak and your red limbs glowed as your talons sharpened. Dozens of your blades danced in the air around you and your husband.

“Back OFF!” You screeched at the angel’s leader. Wind kicked up by your voice tore at his clothes and wings.

“The fuck are you supposed to be crazy bitch?!” He launched a bolt of light at you; you parried it with stilettos but it was a near thing and it took out a third of what you had summoned.

“Y/N. His wife, you limp dicked bastard.” You launched the rest of your blades at him; they formed a rope like column that battered at him. You knew they wouldn’t be able to hurt him but you were looking for an opening with your rapier.

He fired wildly, yelling “fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking bitch!” You moved to strike when three stray bolts peppered you. Two hit a wing, one your shoulder. With a screech you missed the opportunity and fell next to Alastor.

Suddenly your husband grabbed your arm. “Have to disagree with you there!” He said in a singsong. He made sure his grip on you was secure. “Radio’s not dead, but it is ending this broadcast.” His shadows wrapped around you both. As you were swept away you heard Adam say “Bye bitches!”

A tiny part of you felt bad, leaving everyone like that. The majority was grateful you and Alastor were alive. You were used to traveling in his shadow by now, so the sensory deprivation didn’t bother you like it once had.

But the loss of direction was unusual. “Alastor…?”

A moment passed. “I’m here cher.” He sounded in pain.

“Where are we going?” you managed to ask. You weren’t in great shape either honestly.

Another long moment. “I don’t know.” A shudder from the darkness around you. “I just had to get us away.” As much as you wanted to know what was happening beyond the shadow, you didn’t try to get out. You weren’t sure you’d be able to right now. Even if you did, you might just damage Alastor more.

Then a gold light showed even through the magick shadow. Immediately you were falling, still wrapped in darkness. You could feel Alastor’s desperation as the shadows stretched, trying to find…something! Some purchase or anchor to stop the fall. He managed to latch on a couple of times but couldn’t get a good enough grip. The last desperate grasp broke you both out of the darkness.

You found yourself falling down a chasm, pieces of the hotel falling with you. Alastor’s arms wrapped around you, his eyes shut tight as he braced for impact. Fuck! You struggled to flap your wings. The injured one didn’t work right. The other strained to support you both, unable to manage more than slowing the fall.

Wind! Come on come on! You focused, creating a cushion of swirling air around you. Just in time, it dampened the impact, turning a fatal fall into a bruising one.

The two of you landed in a parody of your sleeping positions. “Ow,” you said once you had enough air in your lungs.

Alastor couldn’t respond for a moment. “Ow indeed cher.” He winced as he sat up. “You saved us though my dear.” He helped you sit up slowly.

“Third time’s the charm.” At his quizzical look you clarified, “I couldn’t save you when you were shot or in that fight with Vox. But I managed it finally.”

“Saving it for when it counts cher.” The two of you could hear echoes from the battle above. A voice roaring “GO HOME” was followed by the specks of retreating angels and the portal to heaven closing.

“That sounded like Lucifer,” you mused.

“Ugh, the pipsqueak couldn’t be on time to defend his own realm?” He struggled up to his feet and held a hand out to help you. You used his support to steady yourself but mostly got up on your own power.

It took some effort but he located his broadcast tower crumpled in the bottom of the chasm. One emotional crisis later, while you examined the wreckage, he was a bit more composed. You found the last aid box and the pair of you patched each other up.

“We’ll get you out of the deal ma cher. And the one who holds your strings will find out what happens to those who come between us.”

Alastor’s smile turned vicious. “I’m not dying for anyone but you darling.” He grasped your chin to keep your gazes locked. “And don’t you dare think of doing otherwise.”

Your own lips stretched into a crazed grin. “That’s the spirit cher.” Laughing, he kissed your knuckles before pulling you both into his shadows to inform the rest of your survival.

A/N: This is all the main story for this fic I have until Season 2. I have a few one shots in mind, since there’s a century of potential content along with inserts into some episodes. I really hope this was validating for my fellow acespec Alastor fans. It definitely was for me. I know people are welcome to ship and be thirsty for characters as they like. But we seldomly get an asexual character, much less one that isn’t an emotionless robot.

In any case, thanks for reading! I’ve got a Helluva Boss AU that’s 27k words and counting if anyone needs more of my rambling stories. Smut content is clearly labeled and will be in contained portions as much as possible to limit the squick.

@edgyboi10000 @clearly-awkward @badatpunz @deafsignifcantother @whitewolfsoldat @ch3sire-blu3

Part 1

#hazbin fanfic #hazbin hotel #hazbin alastor #alastor #alastor x reader #fanfic #asexual alastor #asexual #acespec #ace representation #fluff #asexual reader #reader insert

[zwolfgames]

Yandere!various!That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime x gn!cat!reader

Requested: JosephCruz118

(Warnings: Forced marrige, neko reader, reincarnation.)

(3rd person POV)

Welp, there it went. The end of your life.

Just like that.

A strange way to begin, but thats what happens in the tragidy that is your life.

You were graduating, finally, after years of being a student, you could walk out of this building and live.

Well... Your classmates would. But you just so happned to get the short end of the stick.

You were simply walking down a hall, when some... pshycothic man pushed you out of the open window.

Sending you pummeling down three stories.

The last things you heard were some disgusting cracks and screams... just screams.

Embracing the sudden coldness of the world, you felt life leaving you.

'Wish I'd have landed on my feet for once in my damm life... Maybe feel loved for once...' Your last toughts echo trough your head, a thumping pain in your cracked skull.

And then it all just fades. 

Thats it, the end of Y/N L/N.

Missed by many, but never got far in life.

--------

A fresh breath of air enters your lungs.

You shock awake, laying on a warm grassy field. The green blades carresing your skin as the wind moves them. 

The sun shines brilliantly above you, almost blinding you as you flutter your (e/c) eyes open.

'What in the fuck-knuckles is this bright nonsense?' You squeeze your eyes shut once more and groan in displeasure. This was not what you wanted to see in death.

You once again open your eyes, feeling a bit light sensetive at the moment. But you hold your hand to your forehead, blocking out the suns harsh rays.

After a moment of adjusting to the new lighting, you take your hand away and look around.

Big grass field... Surrounded by forest. Huh, what a strange afterlife.

You take another breath of fresh air, crisp... crisp air. No pollution noticable.

'Yea... Now hold up a minute.' You talk to yourself in your head, standing up and looking at your hands. No blood, no rocks or dirt.

Yea, somethings wrong here.

Especially that elongated feeling in your tailbone. Weird.... thats new-

Oh my god its a tail!?

You screech in confusion and grab the fuzzy thing. Slender but long, standing to make sure you keep balance. No no no! The afterlife turned you into a cat(girl/boy/YN)! A damm furry!

Some birds hiding in the grass fly away at your noise, some almost touching the top of your head.

If you had a tail then... oh no..

Your hands quickly reach for your head. And yep, two cat ears. Actually, biologically, on your head. You even felt them twitch in your hands.

After cringing for a good two minutes you calmed down and just accepted fate. It could have been worse, you could have been a worm.

So... what to do now? You couldn't just stay on this random grass field for the rest of your afterlife...

Or maybe thats what you've been sentenced to, grassfield duty.

Were they expecting you to chomp grass like a cow? Who knows... Where are the instructions? You would like to read them.

But no instructions came... reminds you of school projects...

You sigh and begin walking... towards... well, forwards. Where does this go? Into that forest? Yes.

But what else were you supposed to do. Wait around like a dumbass. No thanks.

So there you went, walking trough the thick grass towards the even thicker forest.

Birds greeted you with chirps as you entered the foliage. Forest greens filled your vision as you stepped trough a bush. Getting little unnoticable cuts on your exposed legs.

But.. It was peacefull. Birds, insects. The noises of nature really made this place feel real. was this even the afterlife?

A vision maybe?

Or... were you reborn?

How silly would that be-

"Watch out!" Some loud shrill voice alerts you of a quickly incoming troll or something on a.. on a wolf.

You jump aside and the wolf rider passes you.

He brings the wolf to a stop and hops off, walking back towards you. Ah, not a troll, this looks like a goblin, if you can trust those movies you've seen.

"Hey?" You wave awkardly. The shorter goblin smiles brightly with his two tusk like teeth.

"Hey! I haven't seen you before! Are you an adventurer?" The goblin asks exitdely. 

"Not.. really. i'm a bit lost. Where is this?" You ask, it feels as if your voice has barely seen use. As if its all new. As if this body is new.

Maybe it is.

"You don't know where you are? Well, you're in the Jura forest right now. I'm from Rimuru City, I can take you there, maybe you'll be able to orient from there?" The little goblin offers you with a friendly smile.

You nod, not that cautious as you should have been were this your old life. YOLO, am i right?

The goblin helps you onto his giant wolf and you hold on, like asked. The big canine speeds off trough the forest and you feel alive for once, wind in your face, cutting against your face like sharp yet harmless blades.

After a bit of running around on the wolf, you reach a nice looking medival village, lots of fantasy looking monsters running around, building things and working.

Well damm... This looks better managed then soceity.

The goblin that lead you here looks behind him to check up on you, to see if youre still on the wolf before enetering the crowd and bringing you somewhere.

He brings you all the way to what seems to be the towns centre. Gesturing for you to hop off here.

You hesitantly nod, awkardly smiling at the goblin as a form of thanks.

Welp, now you were in a random city, full of magical looking monsters and whatnot.

You hear the magical residents go about their day, smells of foods, contruction and just random things fill your weirdly sensetive nose.

Just as you were about to enter the building in front of you, as it looked like a town hall, you felt a squishy thing bump against your leg.

You look down, eyes widening at this small, light blue slime. Tapping your leg for attention.

"Uh... Can I help you?" You ask it in confusion, not reallu expecting it to react.

"Yes! You're new, aren't you? I'm Rimuru! Welcome to my city!" The blue slime speaks. It speaks!

"I.. yes? My name's Y/N." You awkardly repsond to the talking slime- Rimuru. What wonders does this world have in store for you?

"Great! I'll show you around!" Rimuru speaks in an exited manner... but he doesn't have a mouth... Telepathy, maybe?

Whatever. That day, Rimuru showed you around his city full of fantasy folk. Introducing you to all kinds of people, some of his trusted compagnions and whatnot.

But thats... how you ended up like this...

----------------

"Y/N. You can't go. Whats wrong with the village? We can give you everything!" Benimaru protests as he catches the arm holding your bag. The tall kijin holds onto you desparatly.

After three months of living in this village, you got to know pretty much everyone. And let's just say, they really like 'the cute demi-cat'.

Wich is why, when you planned to finally go explore some more of this weird world. You got met with a lot of complaints.

They've already set up guards by the city exits, you've been monitored for the past two days and now Benimaru was here to personally stop you.

"Let go, I just want to explore." You sigh, done with this weird protection you're receiving.

"No can do orders from the boss... that I absoluty agree with. You aren't ready for the rest of this world." The kijin repeats those lame words. He's grinning like always, just happy to be able to hold you.

Your ears flatten on your head and he 'awws'. How agitating.

"Come on, just stay and let me pet you!" The red kijin coees and sets you back down in your house. A babyproofed house.

Wich was annoying as hell! You didn't even get a knife sharp enough to cut the crust off your bread!

Benimaru takes the liberty of ruffling your hair. He's what you'd call... a big brother. Only diffrence, is that this one doesn't let you do stupid things.

But he wasn't the worst.... You'd say Rimuru was the most peacefull.. But Shuna was determined to get you to marry her.... And Gabiru had the idea that you were his bestest friend ever.

Wich is a reason to why you weren't allowed to leave. The people in the city got too attached to you. Maybe they found you friendly? 

But whatever the reason, you wanted out. They didn't let you do anything dangerous! Wich sounds stupid but you wnated to go explore too!

As if sensing your toughts, Benimaru grabbed yoy into a bear hug, his form engulfs you, you're barely visible. He loves it like this.

"Let go." You demand, voice muffled by his sleeves.

"No." He smiles down at you, nuzzeling his head into your hair.

You huff in annoyance. All this attention was nice... for a week. But it's as if they never, ever got bored of you.

It seemed impossible in your head. No-one takes intrest in you for this long.

Yet these fantasy people did. And it was weird. Like they had it all planned out.

Wich they did, but you didn't know of the plan. Wich Rimuru vowed to keep that way. He knew of the dangers of the world, and you weren't ready.

Better off with him and his friends.

You get snapped out of your toughts by the door of your house opening, speak of the devil. Rimuru. In his human form, today.

"Y/N! I see you've changed your mind yes?" He smiles at you, the... well... you still didn't figure out his gender... but since he said he used to be a man.. in his past life.. you just rolled with that because They/them takes longer to write.

"No, I'm just.... being blocked, at the moment." You speak from between Benimaru's arms as he doens't plan to let go any time soon.

"Well thats a shame. Don't you like it here?" Rimuru asks with a pout. Golden eyes looking straight at you.

"I do, i just want to see more." You asnwer what you always do. But ofcourse he just shakes his head.

"You're not going to." Rimuru answers back, a dark tone to his voice for the first time since you met him.

You try to protest but Benimaru clasps a hand over your mouth to stop it.

You lick his hand but he doesnt relent. Rimuru chuckles at your annoyed expression.

"Don't try. Y/N, if you don't stay willingly... You'd make a lot of my friends sad." Rimuru speaks in a belitteling tone. walking up to you and petting your head dismissivly.

You let out muffled sounds of protests, squirming against Benimarus limbs as hes holding you down.

"Fine then, we'll lock your house down from now on. Is this what you wanted?" Rimuru snarkily tilted his head. You didn't recognise him like this. He's always been so friendly. But now, with those scary dulled eyes on the cutesy face... he's just offputting.

You made your protests known by a harsh glare. But he just smiled. You were really getting pissed off! You were an adult for god sake! No matter these cat features! This was dehumanizing!

Rimuru left, taking Benimaru with him. You heard the lock click into place. The windows had never been able to open... so..

But what they didn't know, was that you were a great lockpicker. Being bored in middle school was bound to pay off at some point!

So when it got dark out, and all these annoyances went to bed. You took that little metal hairclip and got to work. These fantasy people didn't know how to make complicated locks. So it wasn't that hard.

And bam, door open, Y/N free!

So you just sneak out of your house, taking some food with you, along with the non cutesy clothes they've provided you with.

Atleast being half cat gave you great stealth. No-one would hear you.

So you left Rimuru city. Into Jura forest and just... Wherever you wanted to go.

Ofcourse, you had been thankfull for their hospitality for a while, You mean, modern soceity would have let you rot on the streets. But still, locking someone in a house? Crazy.

The leaves crunched under your feet and you were getting paranoid that you'd leave a trail for them to find.

You sped up your pace, hoping to find somewhere else to hide. A cave maybe? A difrent city?

But no, you ended up meeting monsters. Lots of them. They chased you down, tired you out. You felt like real prey for once.

You hid in a tree and stared at these savage beasts as they kept patrolling under the tree. You couldn't get out. Trapped once again. But not as comfrotable.

But not for long. As morning broke out, the warm rays hitting your cold face after a night out in the tree, you heard sniffing.

And it wasn't from the monsters.

Before you knew it, they were all torn to shred by Ranga, Rimuru's wolf compagnion. Shit! He tracked you down!

Rimuru was on his back, in slime form. He devoured the tree you were in and turned human just to catch you in a ridiculously tight grip.

He seemed mad, stressed. Not a word was exchanged as he set you on Ranga and rode back to the city. Harsh grip around your waist.

"Y/N. You. Don't. Get. To. Leave." Rimuru whispered to you as you arrived back at the village.

You expected him to throw you back into your house but he too kyou to his living quarters instead. 

Tugging you along to one of the many rooms. Opening a wooden door, the overpowered slime set you on the soft bed and clicked some magic restraints to your wrists.

"This is your own fault. Ok?" Rimuru spoke darkly.

"You'll marry Shuna and Souei. You'll stay put and let us ake care of you. You hear me? This world is dangerous, and you weren't granted powers like I was." Rimuru explains with a serious face. He wanted you to marry two kijins!? Two?! Whatn to tie you to this place?

"I'm not getting married-" You started but he shut your mouth.

"You are. They keep whining about it and why not? You deserve some love, don't you think so?" He grins. You were genuinly scared of the slime at this point. This sounded way too creepy.

"You wouldn't want Gabiru to miss his best friend, would you? Or Benimaru to miss his adorable little sibling? Don't you get how dear yo uare to everyone?" Rimuru carresses you cheek softly. What kind of manipulation is this bitch pulling on you?

But you were afraid of talking back. This boy could pulvorize you ten times over.

So you reluctantly nod. Maybe... Maybe you could get used to living here? Its not like they hurt you...

Rimuru immeadiatly turned bubbly and cute again as you nod. Smiling brightly and patting your head before he leaves again.

The door clicks to a locked state and you slowly pann your gaze over to your cuffed wrists. They glow in the sunlight coming from the thick looking window.

'What the hell just happned?' You deadpann at the floor, needing a moment to register what just got decided for you.

You'd be stuck with these crazy sicko's forever!

A nightmare, really, being taken care off and loved. ew, who would like that-

Wait a minute.

Now hold up.

Well it may have been nice if you liked being stuck in a room. But nu uh. You were an adventurous cat!

The universe granted you a second life and you weren't going to waste it in the position of a docile house husband/wife!

But... You never got your adventure. Married off to two Kijin. 

Intertwined with all these people you had grown to know.

If only they had liked you... a normal amount.

Then you could have lived a seconds life.

This could barely be called that.

This was.... The life of a doll. It had to be. Put on display and loved by all, owned by all.

Thats what you'd always be.

A cute cat, to be cuddled and coddled.

Nothing else...

_____☆_____

I think I went braindead while writing this twice.

Sorry for the late-ness! School has been killing me, last year isn't a damm joke.

I hope this was readable!

Have a nice day/night!

_____☆_____

Words: 2712

#yandere #soft yandere #tw yandere #yandere x reader #that time i got reincarnated as a slime #yandere that time i got reincarnated as a slime #yandere oneshot

[whoopsyeahokay]

October Sun

summary: Wally had sequestered himself away to go through the notes you'd sweetly written for him, but, alas, there hadn't been such thing as complete privacy for the ghosts of Split River High since they'd died. Still, that time, the interruption hadn't been without it's benefits.

pairing: Wally Clark x fem!reader

warnings: eventual smutty smut smut. and mad spoilers. and obvious Canon divergence.

thank you for your patience, guys! 🫶

bon reading, frens

___________________________💀

OCTOBER SUN pt.14

Wally sat behind the teacher's desk in an empty classroom, the folder of notes you'd written for him open in his lap, and a cup of lukewarm black coffee at his elbow. The papers he'd read through were fanned across the desk in no particular order, a compilation of documents substantiating what a fucking trainwreck of a ghost he was.

He and the others were officially the worst ghosts in the history of stuck-around spirits—which was A Thing, Wally had learned: Ghosts had options, they could move along (i.e. cross over, and wasn't that a formidable concept) or they could, as the turn of phrase suggested, stick around. Fun fact: it was supposed to be a choice.

Ghost were supposed to, on a whim, sayonara out of the metaphysical world and hop, skip, jump onto the next level of deadness. Another plain set even further apart from the living world that those with a physical foothold couldn't access and those who stuck around couldn't perceive.

Your notes didn't specify where ghosts crossed over to, but you'd scribbled a whole section on how that plain of existence was weirdly more interactive with the living, even toward those who weren't born into magic-inclined bloodlines.

'It's a bit of a one-way street,' You'd scripted, 'Think of it like memories that become perfectly timed gusts of wind or a loved one's favorite song suddenly coming on the radio or randomly finding something you lost right as you think of them...'

In conclusion, the living could invoke the crossed-over and the crossed-over could reach out to reassure the living. Radical.

Wally couldn't help but ponder Janet who'd triumphantly moved on the week before. Of all of them, Wally had been surprised she'd been the first to cross over. Not to say she hadn't deserved to, but she hadn't exactly been a pillar of inspiration within the Afterlife Support Group. Kept herself to herself, quiet to the degree that Rhonda had suspected Janet hadn't been socialized as a child.

The few facts she'd shared had been less about herself and more about her pageant of siblings or her gal pal, Virginia J (as opposed to Virginia P, whose name had made Janet's jaw tick).

Apart from Mr. Martin, Janet had been the longest standing ghost in their haunt. Yet, even after years under Mr. Martin's gentle parenting, it'd taken until last Friday for Janet to finally go into the light.

Wally winced against the first throb of a headache building behind his eyes. An impression more than true pain; like muscle memory, his materialized soul remembering what to do when he overloaded his brain with information.

Maybe it'd taken so long because, unlike the ghosts you'd written about—the ones who could level up whenever they wanted—Wally and the others were trapped. Something tethering them to Split River High's metaphysical structure.

Were curses real?

Wally shuffled through the papers he had yet to go through, scanning quickly to find words that would support the idea. If ghosts were real, and astral projection, and glowing eyes and cosmic connections and In Betweens, surely curses weren't unreasonable.

"What're you doing?" A slightly accented voice cut the silence, jolting Wally back into the present.

"Ah!" Wally dropped the papers into his lap and, without thinking it through, folded over the spread on the desk, arms wide, upper body hiding very little except what was directly beneath him. "Nothing!"

Ajay raised an eyebrow. Not saying a word, he reached out and extracted a single piece of paper, thumb and forefinger lifting it by the corner as if it was contaminated.

Immediately, Wally grabbed it out of Ajay's grasp, sweeping it and the other papers into a messy pile that he then shoved into the folder. Before Ajay could ask what the very hell, Wally opened the bottom desk drawer, dropped the folder in and then kicked the drawer closed with a bang.

Ajay didn't falter, eyebrow still raised, expression transmitting how ridiculous he found the situation.

"So," He began, perching himself on the corner of the desk. A grin spread across his mouth, turned sharp and wicked as he leveled Wally with a look that said, I know everything. Which apparently, Ajay did. "She finally gave you some answers, huh?"

Time screeched to a halt, brakes on a bullet train, and Wally scrambled to get his brain back online before he spontaneously combusted because, ever so sorry, but what the utmost fuck?

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Wally attempted, but, again, he was a miserable liar. His frown was too deep, his shoulders too high, his lips clamped shut the way they did when he feigned ignorance.

"Girlie with the third eye?" Ajay said, rolling a hand, then he chuckled, "Don't worry, man, we know about her."

Wally dropped the Z-List worthy act as the rug pulled out from under him. "She told you?"

"No, no, no, nothing like that." Ajay replied. "She's just really bad at hiding it."

"She is?" Wally wasn't so sure. Recent events notwithstanding, he'd tried and failed your sophomore year to out you. You'd put on an incredibly convincing front of having no clue Wally was there.

When Wally glanced back at Ajay, his expression had flattened.

"Bro."

"What?!" Wally lifted and dropped his arms, "I don't think she's that obvious. Does Mr. Martin know? Rhonda?" Because, yeah, if Rhonda knew, she would've been all over you in seconds, demanding answers and roping you into getting Rhonda the fuck out of there. "Charley?"

"As far as I know," Ajay said, "Only me, Bernie, and Katelynn figured it out. And Mina."

Wally stared at Ajay with wide eyes and the cusp of a pout, "You talk to Mina?"

Ajay cleared his throat, gaze knocking this way and that, a nervous edge to his demeanor. A flush rose from his neck to his cheeks and, wow, Wally hadn't been any the wiser. What the hell else was he missing?

"Back it up, buddy. You and Mina?"

"What?" Ajay glared without heat, "You and that chick with a heartbeat?"

Wally raised his hands placatingly, "No judgement, man, I'm just surprised! You never told me." And then Wally registered, "H o w does Mina know?"

"She saw you guys making out in the theater last night."

Damn. You really were bad at hiding your abilities.

"Her sister was much better at keeping things on the DL." Ajay said in a disappointed parent of a tone.

"Her sister went here?"

Ajay's eyes narrowed, "Don't you two talk when you're together? Or is it all just tonsil hockey and hand jobs?"

"Hey!" Wally leaned forward and smacked Ajay on the shoulder, "Don't be gross, dude. It's not like that." He resettled, arms crossed, ankle rested on his knee, "We basically just met yesterday. Haven't had a chance to swap childhoods yet."

"Fair enough." Ajay gathered himself up on the desk more fully, sitting cross-legged with his elbows on his knees. "Her sister was here way back in the day. Graduated the year before Katelynn died."

Wally did the math, "Jeez, that's an age gap." He looked at Ajay, "She can see ghosts, too?"

"Naw, but she could feel us." He snickered, "Apparently the family rule didn't apply to her—" Ah yes, the don't tell anyone you can see ghosts, including the ghosts rule you'd mentioned. Apparently it had been a warning your great-aunt had imparted as soon as you'd been out of the womb. "—She'd even bring me food from my culture once in awhile."

Ajay seemed to drift into the fond memory, all dreamy smile and faraway eyes. Then he came back to himself and fixed Wally with a determined look, "You can get your girlfriend to do it."

"I'll...see what I can do...?"

"That's the right answer, my friend."

Wally was still totally lost, "What do you mean feel us?"

"She's an empath." Ajay explained. "She could feel how I felt, sort of map out who I was based on her senses. Apparently, when I think of home, the air smells like my mother's biriyani." He snorted, flapped a hand to move himself along, and then said, "She couldn't hear me, but she'd talk to me sometimes when there was no one around."

"That's a trip."

"Yeah. But it was cool. She helped me feel less...alone."

Wally had had no idea Ajay had ever felt lonely. Granted, the guy was as reserved as he was a certified genius. Though not as withdrawn as Janet had been, he rarely opened up. Preferred to be the one who listened than the one who did the talking.

There had been a short section of time when he'd been more forthcoming about his personal life, his life before, and now that Wally could construct the timeline, it fit within the span when your sister would've attended Split River High.

Amused, Wally sniggered to himself. After all the grief your family had supposedly given you about keeping your abilities a secret, they'd sure as hell managed to weave themselves into the fabric of the metaphysical world so thoroughly, the Golden Rule might as well have never existed.

Was that the stuff irony was made of?

Wally and Ajay sat in companionable silence for a moment as Wally collected his thoughts. He wondered if Ajay had ever felt the things Wally had about being stuck in the high school. After stringing together the right words, Wally asked him as much and wasn't surprised to learn that, yep, Ajay had felt it as well. As if he'd been reeled back to autoshop like a fish on a hook.

"She think she can fix it?" Ajay asked, picking at a thread on the in-seam of his coveralls.

"She's going to look into it." Wally replied as he ran his hands through his hair. "Hey, uhm, Ajay?" He sucked in then released his lower lip, unable to look Ajay in the eye, "You aren't gonna tell anyone, are you?"

"I've spent the last twenty years not telling you about her sister, didn't I?"

"And then you told me." Wally pointed out.

"Yeah, but only because I know you've been making out with the Baby Ghost Buster."

"I'm telling her you called her that."

Ajay laughed, "Be my guest, bro," and swiveled off the desk, "Come on, it's almost time for Group. Mr. Martin wants to start planning for the weekend." He twirled his finger like an unenthusiastic noisemaker.

Wally stood, hesitated momentarily as he grabbed his coffee mug and stared at the closed desk drawer. He wouldn't bring the folder to Group, of course, but he wondered whether he should broach some of the subjects within its pages. Predominantly how Mr. Martin had been able to help Janet cross over when it felt like the school itself was working against them.

Wally had known Ajay was perceptive, but today he was proving himself to be on the verge of telepathic.

"I wouldn't tell Mr. Martin anything." He disclosed warily, and Wally saw him looking at the drawer before he glanced back up, "Not until your girl gives you the okay."

It was a relief to know Ajay had your back without Wally asking. And it was also kind of nice to know that he had someone to talk to about the insane amount of what the fuckery he'd learned in the last 24hrs.

But before he gave anything away, Wally needed to be sure, "Mina won't say anything, will she?"

"She wouldn't. But if it'll make you more comfortable, I'll ask her not to myself."

Wally clapped Ajay on the back, "Thanks, man."

As they strolled toward the gym, Wally enlightened Ajay to how things had developed in the last couple of days, a pressure in his chest dislodging with every step. At some point, he'd have to tell you about Ajay, it was the right thing to do. But, for now, Wally simply allowed himself to lean on his friend for support and untangle the knots he hadn't been willing to acknowledge he'd worked himself into.

💀___________________________

PART THIRTEEN

note: updates might be a little sporadic until i'm back home, my loves ✨ it's been really difficult to get into the right headspace in an environment i'm not 100% familiar with. i have all the ideas but none of the comfort 🥹 next update should be Wednesday next week (if i don't get the chance to write over the weekend)!

if you'd like to be kept up to date, please FOLLOW ME and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS, since the taglist has malfunctioned 🙈 i'm still adding ppl to it, but i can't guarantee that it'll notify you when i update 💀

#Milo Manheim #Wally Clark #Wally Clark x Reader #fem!reader #Wally Clark smut #Wally Clark fanfiction #Milo Manheim fanfiction #School Spirits #zed necrodopolis #Disney Zombies

[supernatural-dreamer]

The Unnatural and Unexpected (Embry Call x Black! Reader) Pt. 3

A/N: Here we are! Part threee! Nothing much else to add except Enjoy! Like, comment and reblog. Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged in the next one :)

This is set during Eclipse around newborn battle. This is tailored for a African American/Black female reader specifically, however all are welcome to read..

~Lauren

*All gifs credited to original owner!*

—

Part 1

Part 2

Masterlist

—

Imagine being Embry’s imprint and tagging along with the wolves to their newborn training session. However, you’re always in for an unexpected surprise when you’re around Bella..

“Take your filthy hands off her.” You turned toward your imprinter, slowly, and began to walk toward him.

“Embry, let me explain. How much did you hear?” 

“Enough to know this bloodsucker thinks he has some claim to you. I knew something was going to happen the more you were around them!” His voice escalates, now beginning to echo through the forest.

Embry was never the type to really lose his temper. He was one of the most even natured members of the pack, so to see him like this was terrifying.

“She did not know, Embry. You have a right to be upset, but if you’re going to take your anger out on someone, take it out on me. I’m the one to blame.” Jasper rationalizes, as he steps in front of you slowly, never once taking his eyes off of the shifter about 10 feet away from him. For a moment, you forgot all about him.

He pushes you behind him as he continues, “Leave (Y/N) out of this and let’s talk about this rationally..” You flinch internally. Wrong button.

“We wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for you! You don’t tell me what to do!” Leave it to Embry to still think clearly and make logical sense, even while pissed.  

And before you could blink, a slender, giant wolf sits directly in front of it, teeth bared and ready to pounce. Then, he charges–making a beeline straight for Jasper -with you still standing directly behind him.  

Oh, shit. 

Suddenly, the wind is being knocked out of you as you're pushed to the side. You feel yourself hit something hard before rolling down something else, you presume stairs, before coming to a stop. 

With half-lidded eyes, you can see both Embry, in shifter form, and Jasper duking it out in the Cullen's own backyard. You honestly couldn’t say a damn thing because what reaction did you expect to this situation? The only thing you could hope for was that they didn’t kill each other-or you.

You feel yourself gently being lifted to your feet by ice cold, dainty hands. After your vision begins to focus, you recognize your savior by their familiar long, blonde hair. 

“Are you alright, (Y/N)? Are you hurt?” Rosalie inquires, as she visually inspects you for injuries.

You notice the rest of the Cullen’s and the wolves, attempting to pull back each respective member of their clan and stop the fight. Watching this spectacle, pure adrenaline kicks in for you and you do the only thing your instincts tell you to:

Run.

“I gotta get out of here. Everything’s a mess!”

“Are you sure? I think Carlisle should take a-.”

“No. I got to go. I can’t stay here.” Something in your tone, this time, resonates with her and she drops her grip on you. 

Reluctantly, she nods in understanding. You return it, affirming her silent plea that you’ll let her know you’re alright. With that, you take off to the front of the house, heading for your car. Hopping in and starting the engine, you speed off–leaving the ensuing chaos behind you. At least, for now.

—-

After Rosalie loses sight of you, and hears the screech of your tires. Her patient demeanor she had with you drops entirely when she turns back toward the commotion.

If there was one thing she could not stand, afterlife or otherwise, is women being hurt because of men’s ego and shenanigans. She also grew to like you and, if nothing else, respected the fact that you did not let any of these supernatural men run circles around you–unlike Bella. 

“BREAK. IT. UP!” Channeling her rage, she speeds over toward the commotion barreling toward both her brother and the shifter, sending them flying in opposite directions like bowling pins.

  This sudden distraction gives her family and the pack the opening they need to pull their members back entirely, finally ending the brawl.

Esme sighed looking at her now destroyed back porch. What a mess.

–

The ride home was a blur to you. Not even the dash of the forest on Jasper’s back could compare, and that was saying something. About five minutes after you left, your phone starts buzzing constantly. Even when you walk in the door, it’s still buzzing. But after texting confirmation to Rosalie you toss it somewhere, ignoring it entirely. 

Thank goodness your parents were downstate at a conference and didn’t have to explain why you looked like who did it and why. Flipping on the light in your bathroom, you take stock of your physical appearance: Your usual put together hair was all over the place. Bloodshot eyes replaced your vibrant (y/e/c) ones. Your clothes had slight tears in them, barely concealing the long bruise and now bleeding cuts on your side, ending mid-back. Now the adrenaline is wearing off you started to feel EVERYTHING. 

You didn’t recognize who was staring back at you. 

Biting back tears, you start to pull out the rubbing alcohol and gauze from the first aid kit. Never in your life had you ever felt so out of control, so fragile, so vulnerable.

And you hated it.

 Maybe it was misplaced, but for right now you wanted no reminders of anything or anyone that made you feel the way you do right now. You couldn’t let anyone see you cry. You wouldn’t let anyone see you cry. 

At least that you could control. 

Hearing a knock at the door broke you from your concentration. Didn’t the unanswered phone calls for the whole day give them the hint: You didn’t want to see ANYONE right now. Whoever was at the door was going to get it. 

Carefully, you maneuver yourself downstairs to not irritate your cut even more.

“Didn’t I make it clear that I wanted to be alone? Why can’t you give me space?” Throwing open the door, the last person you expected to see stood there at your doorstep.

“Because it looks like you need stitches and I know you’re not going to a hospital.” 

“Emily?”

Tags: @fckwritersblock @zoexme

#twilight imagine #twilight imagines #the twilight saga imagine #the twilight saga imagines #twilight wolf pack imagine #twilight wolf pack x reader #twilight x black reader #twilight x reader #twilight wolf pack imagines #embry call x reader #embry call x black!reader #black reader #twilight x y/n #twilight x poc reader #edward cullen imagines #jasper hale x black reader #jasper hale x reader #twilight x black! reader

[trancylovecraft]

(KNY) YANDERE PLATONIC! KOKUSHIBO x SISTER READER: You, Shibou. I, Kokoro (CHAPTER FIVE)

Previous Chapter ☆♡☆ Masterlist ☆♡☆ Next Chapter

AO3 link

CHAPTER FIVE: "These explanations are valid. But it should be known if the same day a friend of the desperate hasn't spoken to him with an indifferent tone.."

Mourning is the expression of grief after someone died. There are several types of mourning with an example being Chronic Grief.

Symptoms for this kind of grief can include extreme feelings of hopelessness, A sense of disbelief and a loss of meaning. All of which can lead to severe clinical depression or thoughts of self harm and even suicide.

The song of sparrows and swallows danced through the summer breeze, All sat nestled within the vegetation as they hummed their melody.

The soft sunlight shone down upon the shrine, Giving a blessing of quiet light to the abundance of blossoming flowers nearby. [F/N] blinked once, Trying to figure out whether what she was seeing was a mirage or reality.

Was this the afterlife? It certainly felt like it as the gentle warmth caressed her skin, A calm embrace that pacified her worries. It felt peaceful, Something so tranquil that she couldn't help but melt into the porch she was perched on.

She felt the heat of the wood as she laid against it, Like a firm hand cupping her cheek as she basked in the sunlight. Her worries quickly dissolving into nothing at the touch.

Afterlife.. Why did she mistake her everyday as the Afterlife? How did it even come up in the first place? [F/N] had no idea. She huffed lightly, Only mildly confused as she nuzzled further into the comfort of the timber.

She took a moment to take it all in. The rustle of the leaves, The cicadas in the bushes, The clear sapphire skies looking over her. It was beautiful, A serene little world all to herself, It was paradise.

Life was nice, It was simple and tranquil. She tended to the crops, To the shrine and the wellbeing of the forest. And after she was done with that she could spend her day roaming around with the wildlife, Spending time with her brothers and watching them train.

It was good.

"[F/N]..!"

She heard her name called out to her, And without a second thought or any bodily control [F/N] jolted up from her lying position to look across the courtyard.

"Lying on the porch again? You're gonna get sunburn if you keep doing that.."

[F/N] watched her older brother, Michikatsu, Slowly make his way over to her. He had a single hand on the hilt of his sword while the other was wiping the training sweat from off his brow, A light smile playing on his face as he did.

"Michi-Nii! You're back!" [F/N] exclaimed as she hopped up from the porch, Quickly dusted herself off before running over to him and jumping into his arms so swiftly that it made him stumble back a bit.

"Ah! [F/N], You need to be more careful.. You could of knocked me over." Michikatsu scolded, Yet the warmth playing in both his eyes as he held her up told [F/N] all she needed to know.

"As if! You're too tough for that." [F/N] grinned as she looked down on her older brother.

Michikatsu shook his head lightly

"You really give me too much credit sometimes.." Michikatsu remarked as he brought his gaze away from her, His smile was still there yet [F/N] could see the slight quirk.

She reached over and held his shoulder, The touch bringing him back to his senses as he looked right back at [F/N].

"You don't give yourself enough credit, You're able to train for hours at a time and not even get tired. I'd definetly consider that tough!" [F/N] said, The smile evident in her voice as she said so.

Michikatsu frowned

"I hear you saying things like that all the time to Yorichii, You know? I appreciate your words but.." Michikatsu trailed off from his sentence, The venomous undertone spiking in concentration at the mention of his twin.

[F/N] squeezed his shoulder.

"…But Yori-nii doesn't train for hours at a time, Does he? I mean all my words to him, I really do but if I am being honest.." [F/N] paused as she lowered her voice. "You've got drive to be strong. It's really admirable, You know? Yori-nii may be strong and such but honestly, You have the passion to do it.. It's you who I look up to." [F/N] admitted.

A nervous giggle followed her words, Like she was slightly embarrassed by the fact she was actually able to confess it to him.

Michikatsu seemed shocked as he heard this, The light in his blank eyed stare seemed to spark up like wood to friction as he looked up at his sister. The grip on her grew only a smidge tighter as he smiled.

"You.. You really mean that?" Michikatsu asked.

[F/N] beamed back at him, An expression that almost seemed as warm as the sun as she looked back at him.

"Of course I mean it! You're my-" [F/N] cut herself off suddenly, Her words dying on her tongue. The happy grin slowly dissolving into a puzzled frown.

"[F/N]?" Michikatsu asked as he noticed the grip on his shoulder loosen, Then eventually fall to her side.

"You're my.." [F/N] mumbled. Michikatsu set her down onto the ground, Her feet lightly touching the smoothed dirt as she stood there quietly.

Michikatsu went down onto a single knee to level his eyes with her far-off ones.

"[F/N].. Are you alright?" He asked, Eyes searching for the answer as he watched her brows knit together. Her stare returning to him as her visage contorted into a slightly alarmed expression.

"I.. I don't know.. Who are you?" [F/N] exclaimed, Her stance stumbled back. Her breath growing heavy as she felt the world around her darken, The sun burning so bright before seemed to melt away into a endless black void.

"[F/N]" Her name sounded so distorted when he spoke now, As she looked back at him she could see that it wasn't just the sun that was melting.

It was his face too.

Like melting wax his features turned into sludge. His nose, Eyes and mouth all dripped down and fell into a puddle on the ground, Which started pulling them both in like quicksand.

[F/N] screamed.

She tried to pull away once his molten arm lunged out for hers, Yet she was too slow. His rapidly deteriorating limb locking onto hers, Yanking her forward off her feet and into his grasp.

[F/N] cried even louder, Tears starting to rush out of her ducts as she felt the sludge touch her skin.

He kept making noises as he pulled her in, Strangled and choked wails like he was in pain. Like his vocal chords were mangled and severed inside his throat. [F/N] struggled, She flailed about in his hold. Kicked, Punched, Hit, Anything. Anything at all to get out of the sludge starting to envelop her whole.

It latched onto her legs, Onto her arms and her mid-section. It was like it was desperate, Like it's life depended on bringing her as close as possible.

What was happening? Why was the entire world that seemed so tranquil before turn into a candle wax nightmare? The entire world seemed to follow suit of the monster intent on consuming her, Dripping away and mixing together like a raindrops on a window.

Her screams mixed into the dissolving world too, Sounds combining with the shrill cries of the monster as she felt the nigh-boiling heat of his molten flesh grasp onto her face. [F/N] felt her own skin start to bubble.

Then eventually, She felt herself start to melt.

☆♡☆

Her body jolted like skin to an exposed wire, Eyes shooting open as she gasped for air.

She felt her lungs rapidly expand then decrease, A cold sweat running down her back as she tried to gather her racing thoughts. [F/N]'s body felt like it had been frozen to the touch, Both with the sheer temperature of the chilling room and the stiffness of her unthawed limbs. They felt so numb, The only feeling was the minute aching of her joints so far spread that it was like she hadn't moved in weeks.

What happened? [F/N] gripped the side of her head, A throbbing pain in her frontal lobe pulsated as she groaned in pain. It made it hard to recollect herself, To remember what could of happened.

Her spare hand felt around, Vision still a tad blurry as her fingers met the soft touch of thick fabric.

[F/N] tried to blink away the fuzz in her sight as she continued to feel around, It was the cotton bedding of a futon.

She groaned, Finally piecing together enough parts of the puzzle to come to terms of what happened.

[F/N] had fallen asleep, She had another nightmare.

[F/N] sighed. A tired yet tad annoyed exhale of air escaped her lungs as her body stilled onto the futon like a rolling coin, The soft mattress feeling like delicate silk on her skin as she relaxed.

Her memories, They came back to her like a heeling dog. [F/N] recalled the fight with Uppermoon one, Her fatal injuries, The destruction of her shrine.. She felt her heart jolt at the thought of it.

The walls which sheltered her through thick and thin, The ruined hallways that held such talkative life and the ceilings that housed the injured and maimed.. All destroyed within a single night.

The thought of it disgusted [F/N], During the fight she hadn't thought much of it- The raw adrenaline being a distraction to it's fall. She calmed down rather quickly however.

The fight with the Uppermoon, Her injuries, The shrine's destruction. It wasn't real, It couldn't be.

Because she was currently lying in her bedroom.

It was dark, [F/N] could barely see a foot in front of her due to the poor lack of lighting. Despite it however she could make out the basic shapes of furniture lying within the shadows. The closet, The dresser and the tatami mats lain out were all there, Just like they've always been.

The shoji door's that let in only a crack of periwinkle light, The several statues of worship scattered about, Everything she owned, They were here.

It all must of been a dream, Her bedroom was destroyed along with the rest of the shrine so it was completely impossible to be lying down on her futon right now.

[F/N] felt a low frustration rise in her throat. These nightmares were getting out of hand. It was easier when it was the blizzard, Then she knew what to expect, She knew what she was getting into despite how horrid it would be.

Now? Dreams involving "Uppermoon one", Both the melting flesh and the shrine invasion were so much worse. They changed every time, She had no idea what was coming, Had no preparation at all.

The latter was particularly worse. Mitsuri's face, Her hysterical begging for [F/N] not to go, It burned into her mind like a branding. Not to mention the finality of her death only to wake up and find out it was just a nightmare.

[F/N] thought she finally got it over with, She supposed not however, The shrine was proof of that.

Though these dreams had to be a sign, But of what?

[F/N] stretched her arms slightly, Trying to wear off the numbness in her joints as she tried to haul her upper body into a sitting position, Only to yelp out in pain and fall back into the silky mattress.

A sharp pain feeling appeared in her abdomen once she tried to get up, It felt like a dozen knives stabbing into her, Twisting and turning within her guts.

[F/N] groaned, Her hands reaching down to the point of pain only to come to touch with what felt like bandage dressing.

Her eyes widened, Needing to confirm this information she quickly shoved off the covers protecting her from the cold draft. And sure enough, She was right.

Wrapped tightly yet carefully across her abdomen were thick bandages, Wrapped entirely around the front to her back.

Small splotches of red seemed to stain parts of the dressing, One's that made [F/N]'s jaw drop agape as she peered down at her core.

What.. What does this mean..?

Her dream.. In her dream she was fatally wounded, She had finally died.. All due to deep injury inflicted on her. It had to be a dream though, She was in her shrine of course!

But it was here, The dressing was covering the exact place she had been struck.

[F/N] planted both hands on each side of her and with great effort she slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position, Careful not to trigger the pain.

Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she finally sat up. She was simply dressed in an oversized Jinbei, Sleep clothing that seemed too big for her stature yet stayed comfortable draped on it anyways.

She breathed in and out. What was happening? The shrine around her started to seem more distorted than it did before. Furniture seeming bigger or smaller than she remembered, Things misplaced.

All of it just starting to seem.. off.

It was her shrine but.. Something was wrong. Something very wrong. The feeling creeping up her spine didn't help either. An uncomfortable dread climbing up her back and drenching her in sweat, A feeling that felt like she was being watched.

Her open maw snapped shut. Her body growing rigid in place, The eyes like that of a gorgons.

Something was watching her

From her peripherals, She could see six glowing amber eyes were watching her from within the darkness.

They were piercing. Even though she only dared to see through the corners of her vision she could tell how intense their gaze was, How they seemed to be looking right through her, Glaring right into her soul.

She felt her hands start to tremble. Her mouth growing dry as her thoughts felt like they were going a thousand miles per minute, Racing to find a solution.

The eyes.. There eyes were looking at her.. What was she going to do? What could she do?

[F/N] had no time to think as they started to move.

The six glowing points shifted and moved within the shadows like fireflies. [F/N] could only make out the general shape of the being as it morphed within the darkness into what looked like a standing position.

[F/N] didn't need to have another thought, She knew who it was. It was the man from her 'dreams'.

Uppermoon one.

In her dream or at least what she thought was a dream he seemed much less.. Imposing. It's not to say he wasn't, He certainly was but it was easily ignorable due to the heat of the moment and [F/N]'s own desires.

But now as his frightening form emerged from the dark corners, His sinister prescence nigh-radiating from his figure she could only turn her head over in horror to meet his hellish visage staring right back at her.

This was the man from her dreams. The man in the blizzard, This was him.

The image of his open mouth ready to bite down, Body lunging for her. Teeth digging into the flesh of her arm. All of it flashed in her mind in rapid motion. How could she be so stupid to not figure it out?

This was what Inari was warning her about.

"You're awake.." His voice sent a freezing chill through her system, Her heart feeling like it was restarting inside of her chest as her breathing grew ragged.

Her mask. Where was her mask?

[F/N]'s fight or flight activated. Her fighter instincts finally kicking in as her hand shot out to where her mask usually sat, Hidden within her haori.

But she came up empty, Her hand only touching the side of her jinbei.

Her mask was nowhere in sight.

"I've been waiting so long.. For you to awaken.." Uppermoon one rasped. He took careful calculated steps towards her, A steady pace that moved him closer to [F/N] ever so slowly.

What was he going to do to her? She couldn't fight back, Her mask..

She was completely useless without her mask. It was the source of her body strength, The one she was most used to fighting in. Her body now was too frail, Not to mention the large gash in her abdomen.

She was helpless.

The only thing she could do was back away on the futon, Pushing herself as far into the corner as she could. Get as much distance between him and her as she eyed him up and down, Waiting for his next move.

"W-What do you want.. How am I here..?" Her voice was filled with defensive malice, Yet it shook under the weight of the situation. Her terror seeping through it all.

Kokushibo didn't falter in his stride as he approached her. The room was dark, The only thing illuminated was his eyes as he stopped in front of the futon. Staring down at her shrunken form.

His eyes narrowed as he looked at her, His knee's crouching down so he was as close to her level as possible.

[F/N] felt like a sitting duck under him. His hand reached out, Light from his eyes shining off his claws.

She clenched her eyes shut, Not wanting to know wha-

A cold palm touched the side of her cheek, A chilling sensation that felt like dry ice on her skin, So much so that it almost felt a scorching fire.

"Open your eyes.. I want to see them.." He commanded. Out of fear she did what he said and gazed up at him.

She looked upon his face, Her eyes locked onto his that looked down at her with such an odd emotion, Such a strange way his bloodshot eyes seemed so calm. A way that disturbed her down to her very core.

His palm was cupping her cheek, Claws careful not to graze her as his thumb rubbed gently over her skin. Eyes searching for something before a small uncanny smile appeared on his face looking so unnatural on him, Showing off the row of sharp teeth settled in his maw.

"You're here.. You're really here.. The gods have given you back to me after all these centuries.." He mumbled under his breath as his thumb rubbed the outline of her cheekbones.

[F/N] didn't understand, Mind like tangled threads as she spoke out once again.

"W-Where am I.. Why.. W-Why am I alive?" She cried. Tears brimming on the ledge of her eyes as she shied away from his sickening touch, Not for long however as his hand just gripped the side of her face harder, Keeping her in place.

Kokushibo shook his head lightly.

"You are frightened.. It is understandable.. You have woken up with an injury and most assumedly a headache.. I do sincerely apologise for that.. But I ask you to calm down.. You are safe now.." He spoke, His tone trying its best to mimic a comforting tone while [F/N] didn't believe his words for a single second.

She swallowed down the sheer terror in her throat.

"A-Answer me.. W-Why am I here.. Alive?" [F/N] repeated. Kokushibo only caressed the side of her cheek, His face filled up with thought as he began to speak.

"..It is a rather silly question.. Why you are here should already be obvious to you.. And alive..? You are lucky I was able to provide first aid.. Otherwise.." He trailed off, The last of his words going unspoken as his smile dropped.

[F/N] took the chance to speak, A small slither of vigour still left in her as she did.

"It's not obvious at all.. Explain it to me, I-I should be dead.. I should.. Why am I alive, Where am I.. What do you plan on doing with me?" She looked back up at him with the steadiest expression she could muster, One of which he completely ignored in favour of his stare turning.. Miffed.

"You.. You should be aware of why you are here.. Do you not recognise me, Little one?" Kokushibo asked. His demeanour started to shift to a more recognisable aura, Something serious. More dark in the hum of his voice.

"I-I.." She recognised him alright. His face was burned into her vision every time she blinked. Met his eyes every time she slumbered, But judging by the tone of his voice.. That wasn't the right answer.

"No.." [F/N] said, Shaking her head as she watched his frown contort into a scowl. One which she shrunk back into the corner at as he dropped the hand cupping her cheek, Letting it fall to his side.

"I.. No.. You said my name.. You called me by my nickname, The one you always used.. You remember, Don't you?" Kokushibo's voice, The serious tone was still there, Permeating his voice yet the lilt undertone of a pleading man, Desperate and confused radiated within his voice.

[F/N] sharpened her jaw, She had no idea what he was talking about. He spoke as if he knew her, Like she was an old friend yet she couldn't recall ever knowing him.

"I.. I don't know your name.. I-I.. I don't know who you are.." [F/N] replied.

Her words seemed to trigger something within him, His scowl growing more angry as he backed away from the futon. [F/N] watched on as he turned his back to her, His body going completely still, Almost disturbingly so as he just stood there without making a single move.

[F/N] took a deep breath in, One she didn't know she needed as she tried to steady the beating of her drumming heart. The sweat dripped down her face freely, She needed to make a move.

Quietly swinging her legs over the side of the futon she placed them down onto the wooden floorboards, All while eyeing the demon a few feet away from her like an ticking bomb.

[F/N] softly got up from the futon. The pain in her abdomen diluted down, The shock before had caused it to seem worse than it already was. It was bad, But she could work with it, She always had.

She placed another foot down in front of her, The wooden boards were old, She needed to be careful as she quietly circled around him. Trying her best not to alert him to her movements as she went.

[F/N]'s stretched out hand eventually felt the wood of the shoji door, The one letting bioluminescent light through the single crack it made. Feeling around she caught her fingers on the edge.

She carefully slid it open, Though it didn't matter as the careful light illuminating from the other side flooded into the room like a rising sun over a dead night. Snapping Kokushibo out of whatever trance he had been in and jerk his head over to her position.

"You..!"

[F/N] didn't wait to hear what he had to say, Her feet moved for her as she took off into the hallway at the first alarm raised.

She ran throughout the hall barefoot, The sole of her foot feeling the sharp splinters digging into her like porcupine hide as she went. It didn't matter in the slightest though, Not the pain stabbing into her soles or the warped caricature of her shrine's hallways as she sprinted through past the old tapestries and near-ancient support beams.

Is he following me? Where's the exit? Run now, Think later she chided. [F/N] didn't stop for a second to look around or listen out for the possibility of heavy footsteps following her as she went. Her mind was dead-set on escape.

She sharply turned round corners, Fumbled her way through the winding hallways as she finally reached a set of creaked cedar stairs. [F/N] took no time in descending them, Each step slightly bending under her quick motions as she got to the bottom.

Despite the warped mimicry of her shrine, Walls and hallways worn out and minimized, [F/N] could still navigate it with a finesse that left her fast on her feet.

Her internal GPS carried her feet and guided her along. In front of her was the main shrine doors, Two wide cedarwood doorframes with windows that let in a bluish-green light into the shadow blessed pathway.

This was it. She was going to get out, It was only a few more seconds until she reached her salvation. Her exit from this live-nightmare, Such a thought that made her pace quicken. Heart thudding so hard she felt like it would explode.

[F/N] reached out her steady hands, Reaching the door she slammed her hands down and shoved them wide open to where the courtyard should be.

Rushing out int-

[F/N] stride shuddered in its steps. The once determined sprint fizzled out into a walk, Then she stopped completely in her tracks all together.

Her eyes widened, Irises shaking in their sclera as she felt her knees start to wobble.

W-What.. What does this.. Where..

In front of her wasn't the courtyard. No.. It wasn't the courtyard at all.

Standing before her was an infinite sea, An endless dark plane that seemed to stretch on forever. There was no end. Up, Left, Right.. All of it was an infinite expanse in all directions. A fast breeze blew out from nowhere at all, Hitting her face and snapping her out of the horrified trance she was stuck in.

She snapped her head down to the ground she was standing on. What should of been the smooth dirt of the courtyard was instead a wide rickety dock, One that seemed just as endless as the void, Branches of the dock stretching out like tree roots around the shrine connecting and ending seemingly at random.

This.. This couldn't be real… This must be another dream, It had to be! It appeared like a lovecraftian-esque pocket dimension, Nothing from the real world, Nothing from reality at all.

Her palms were clammy. [F/N] took a few wearied steps, Disbelief shown in her eyes as she felt the heel of her foot land on nothing. She yelped out, Quickly backing up onto the dock as she peered over the edge.

It was an aquamarine sea. The one that the dock's structure ventured deep down into the depths of, Blurring out in the faint turquoise glow rising up from the foaming aqua. Gumussevri, The light it emitted being the only source within the infinity surrounding them.

This didn't make sense.. It couldn't.. How could it? [F/N] felt the glimmer of hope extinguish under the seafoam waves of the water below. How could she ever hope to escape..?

[F/N] felt the slow depression of the dock before she heard the footsteps. Heavy, Slow and stoic as she felt the doors behind her shut gently, That being the thing bringing her attention as she turned around.

Kokushibo was only a couple metres away from her. [F/N] felt her eye twitch, That's why he didn't run after her.. That's why he didn't catch her a soon as she stepped foot out of the room.

He knew she had nowhere else to run.

"[F/N].. I am offended.. Why would you try to get away from me..? You.. You must remember me.. You must. You said my name, It's undeniable proof.." He accused, Standing in a complete stance.

His eyes pierced into her like javelins, Sharp and scrutinizing yet it still held that strange quality of desperation. It made her shiver and that in turn made his frown sharpen. How he knew her first name didn't matter to her in that moment, She only opened her mouth ready for a rebuttal.

[F/N] breathed. She had gotten this far.

"I've told you, I don't know your name nor do I know how you know mine. I don't know who you are and I certainly don't know what you want with me.. Whoever you think I am, I am obviously not." [F/N] argued. She bared her teeth, Trying to steady her jaw.

Kokushibo shook his head. He took a single step towards her and in response she took several more back.

"[F/N].. You have been asleep for a few weeks.. I suppose I should of predicted your confusion but.." He paused

"Maybe it's possible that you don't recall.." He muttered. A few weeks?! She had been asleep for several weeks, Assumedly healing under the care of this cold monster standing in front of her acting friendly as it could.

She'd lament over it later though, What mattered was here and now. And right now he was starting to aggravate her.

[F/N] clenched her fist. How stubborn could he be? She didn't know him, Had only seen him as warnings in dreams yet he acted as if they had known each other for decades. He was completely delusional and to spite all the terror she was feeling in this moment, It pissed [F/N] off.

"Then if you do not remember.. Let me refresh your memory, Little one.." Kokushibo said.

"My name is Kokushibo.. I hold the highest rank within the twelve moons, Sitting at Upperrank one.." He started.

"Though.. You should be recognising me as Michikatsu Tsugikuni.. Your older brother.." Kokushibo announced, His eyes staring down onto her, Closely examining her facial expression. Waiting intently for her reaction.

[F/N] stilled. Her body growing rigid as if she was fixed to the dock by nails.

"..I'm sorry.. What?" She asked. Her eyes blinking rapidly as she looked up at him in disbelief.

"..I am your big brother.. And you are my little sister.." He repeated so clearly yet his voice seemed incoherent to her ears. [F/N] swallowed a lump in her throat, If she thought he was delusional before he now looked completely insane to her now.

He was a demon.. An Uppermoon, He must of been hundreds of years old at the very least yet here he was claiming to be her sibling? It didn't add up, He looked at her like she was meant to understand but she couldn't find a single puzzle piece that fit.

"Impossible.. You're hundreds of years old and I have absolutely no older siblings.."

Kokushibo breathed out, The carbon dioxide showing in the chill-raising air as he took another step forward towards her. This time, [F/N] didn't move back.

"Impossible, Yes.. I thought the same thing once I saw you again.. You died near enough five hundred years ago yet there you were.. Bleeding out within the rubble of your desecrated shrine.. For centuries I grieved for you.." He lamented. A sudden pain crossing him as he seemed to recall something deep within him.

He was spouting sheer madness. He was the one who took her here against her own wishes and nursed her back to physical health, It made her heart writhe around inside her and this time she couldn't bite her tongue.

"I-I am not your sister, We are not related in any way… I don't know how goddamn delusional you need to be to think as such! You are a demon, Not my brother.. I want you to piss off and leave me alone, You fucking monster!" [F/N] cried. The terrified tone only an afterthought suddenly grew back into the forefront of her mind as she watched him close.

As soon as the word monster rolled off her tongue his body stilled, His expression going blank as he stared down at her with an unrecognisable expression. It disturbed her right down to her stomach, Even more so when she felt the heat.

"You.. You will not speak to me like that, Little one.." He said through gritted teeth. [F/N] felt her body raise up into that state of flight or fight once more, His soul radiating such a boiling hot heat that [F/N] could feel it in her bones.

It was obvious he was trying to hold back his anger, Yet it spilled out of the brims of his expression. The twitch of his fingers and the glare he gave her, She could tell and it utterly horrified her.

"As your older brother and the last remaining head of our clan.. You will treat me with respect.. It doesn't matter if you're confused or have.. forgotten entirely.. You address me in proper honorifics like a good younger sister should." Kokushibo hissed. Venom near dripping off every word as he started approaching her trembling form.

His footsteps were slow, Drawing out every step as he finally loomed over her. Shadow cast over him as [F/N] looked up at him, Body aching for her to run.

Whatever façade of cold comfort he put up was completely shattered now, His eyes brimming with malice and his fingers itching the reach for the hilt of his sword. Itching to strike her down.

"I've been praying for this day for centuries.. For the wish that you would come back to me.. You said you would never leave me again, And I fully intend to hold you to your promise.. You cannot run.. So come back here now and I will forget this little mistake.. If you do not, I assure your time here will be much more.. Nightmarish.." He commanded lowly. Slowly moving towards her

"..No matter how far you go I will always be right behind you.. You will not escape me."

But that didn't mean she wasn't willing to try.

Her legs moved before she could comprehend she was. Quickly turning around and sprinting off down the dock in her nightwear and splotched dressing as she cried out in sheer utter helplessness.

Kokushibo paused as he watched her go. He didn't bother run after her, He knew she wouldn't get far.

As [F/N] carefully navigated throughout the labyrinth of docks she could hear his quiet voice call after her, Echoing through the void and seeping through her as she ran.

"Tire yourself out all you want.. Run as long and as far as you like but you will never be able to leave me.. Not again. When you come back.. Do not expect to be treated with such affection that I have offered you thus far.. Not until you stop with this stupid rebellious phase of yours.."

Though [F/N] could barely hear him, As his silhouette shrunk further and further into the vastness of the void.

All until he disappeared completely

☆♡☆

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Three soft and precise knocks hit against the thin cut of the rosewood door.

Sounds of quiet shuffling could be heard from within the house, Settling of cups and screeching of chairs as footsteps started to move their way over to the closed entrance.

The door slid open only a peep, Only enough for the weathered face of a middle-aged man to careen his head over to get a good look out past it.

"Hello..?"

"Hello there!" A polite and cheery voice spoke out to him, One that sounded exaggerated and overly-friendly compared to his quiet yet cordial tone. The girl the voice belonged to smiled lightly and clasped her hands together.

"My name is Shinobu Kocho from the Demon Slayer Corps, If I am not mistaken.. This is the Kanroji household is it not?" Shinobu asked. Glassy orchid eyes staring into the ones of the older mans, His own softened at her introduction as he nodded.

"Ah.. Yes. You two must be my daughter's colleague's." He said. The slightly cracked open door slid ajar, His shoulders softening and a small welcoming smile grew onto his aged face as he looked at the two slayers.

Shinobu, A woman of short stature similar to that of a mantis. She held an eternal far off gaze that seemed clouded with the salesman smile plastered onto her face like concrete. Her butterfly haori and short tied hair danced in the wind as he looked over at the other man behind her.

"Greetings.." Was all the other slayer said as he lightly bowed down to him.

Despite being taller than his colleague, He was still rather short. He had a mop of choppy black hair that looked overgrown as it covered his shadowed his face well, That and along with the bandages he used as a mask made his features nigh hidden. The only thing peeking out from over the mask was mismatched eyes.

"Ah, You must have more manners then that!" Shinobu exclaimed lightly as she giggled it off.

"I apologise for my friend here.. This is my co-worker Iguro Obanai. And yes, We're here to see Mitsuri-chan about recent events I'm sure you've been informed of?" Shinobu inquired, Tilting her head to the side while Obanai muttered something under his breath and swept his head to the side.

Mr. Kanroji nodded, His smile only dropping an inch.

"Yes.. I'm aware. You two better come in then." He nodded as he stepped a side, Raising an arm to welcome them into his abode. Shinobu smiled and thanked him as she made her way inside, Iguro following closely behind her as they entered the livingroom.

It was a cosy little room, It was homely and warm yet had enough room for a large family to move around in comfortably. It was beautifully decorated, Clean-cut furniture and masterfully painted moving doors.

It was a rather large family home, The inner walls of the house being compiled of entirely open shoji-doors revealing the wide open plan of the entire building.

"It's a nice home you have.." Iguro muttered as he made his way to the middle of the room.

"Thank you. Me and my wife are both rather house-proud.." He chuckled lightly "It's been easier to take care of since the little ones have grown bigger and gotten much more responsible. I love them all, But do they make mess I'd tell you.."

Shinobu airily laughed along with him.

"Yes! I have a few little girls who I provide for back home with me, Children are quite troublemakers aren't they?" Shinobu replied as she turned to the man.

"Aha! Isn't that the truth.." He smiled. "Though unfortunately we aren't here to talk about our kids.."

"No, Unfortunately not." Iguro confirmed, Nodding his head lightly as he started talking.

"It's about The Shrine Invasion Incident that occurred a few weeks ago, We're here to talk to Mitsuri-san about what happened when she was there and get her statement. About both the demon that attacked and the.. Casualties" Iguro explained.

Mr. Kanroji sighed.

"Yes. You're referring to [F/N], Right?" He asked.

Shinobu nodded.

"Correct. I understand that [F/N] was very close to Mitsuri-chan.. That and along with Fujimori-san of course." She said. As she did she slid a quick wink over to Mr. Kanroji and subtly signalled towards Iguro, Who didn't notice a thing.

Mr. Kanroji paused before nodding back.

"Right. Come, We can discuss this while we walk" He said. Beckoning them with his hand and turning his back and starting to walk at a leisurely pace out of the livingroom. Both slayers nodded and followed after him.

"So, Can you recall what happened when she came home?" Shinobu asked him as she trailed behind.

"Yes. It was in the early morning.. Both me and my wife were barely awake when we heard the banging on the door. When we opened it she just ran into my arms, She was hysterical and we could barely make a word out of what happened.. It was a painful sight to see.." He explained, Shaking his head.

"Ah.. I see" Shinobu said. "I'm aware that you and your wife were also quite familiar with [F/N]?"

Mr. Kanroji smiled once again yet it held none of that bright attitude he had before, It was instead blocked by a dark cloud hanging over him like a noose.

"Right.. Mitsuri and [F/N] were basically inseparable back when they were young, So much so that she was over at our place most of the time. [F/N] didn't have the best home life you see, Not that she had much of one to begin with but.. She stayed over so often, Helped out with chores and played with the younger kids so much that at points I even considered her my own. And I'm pretty sure my wife did too" Mr. Kanroji tried to play off the sombre undertone in his voice with a light-hearted giggle, Yet it was futile under the heaviness of his bleak voice.

"It was horrible when the news came to light. We both were broken up by her.. Choice of actions. But Mitsuri.. She just.. She just broke down entirely." He said. Shinobu's eyes narrowed in confusion.

Choice of actions, What he meant alluded her.

Before she could question it however he stopped at a closed door, A rarity amongst the open ones spread about the walls of the house. He turned around and looked at them with a serious expression.

"Alright then, This is it." He started as he looked down at the both of them

"Please, When you go in try to be gentle when speaking with her. Don't try to overwhelm her or make any sudden noises.. She's not in the best mental state right now." He said quietly, Nigh-whisper as he waited for their answer.

"Understood." They both said in unison.

Mr. Kanroji nodded before turning back to the door.

Raising a single fist he lightly knocked at the paper shoji door. He smiled a best as he could as he spoke.

"Pumpkin? Are you awake..?" He called out.

…

There was no answer.

Iguro shifted around uncomfortably in his stance. Mitsuri Kanroji, The woman he loved and cared for.. She wasn't anything like this. He knew her well. He knew she loved to eat, He knew the way her lip quirked when she was confused and he certainly knew she was a light sleeper.

Anything could wake her. A sneeze or the drop of a pin, Anything at all. And it was certain that she would definetly wake at the light knock on her door. For her not to answer was concerning at best. Mr. Kanroji tried once more.

"Your friends from work are here to see you.. It's about a few weeks ago.." He called out once more though this time you could hear the audible shake in his speech.

…

"Come in.."

A weak voice called out from behind the door, It was so quiet that you could barely hear it. Both Shinobu and Iguro took a glance at each other before Mr. Kanroji grabbed onto the handle and slowly slid the door open.

It was dark. That was the first thought that entered their heads as they finally saw the inside to the room, Their sole source of vision being the new light from the other side flooding in only a crack to reveal only the bare shapes of furniture inside.

"I'll leave you two to it.." Mr. Kanroji whispered as he stood behind the open door, Nodding towards the room.

"Thank you.." Shinobu replied lowly as she took the first few steps in, Iguro following closely behind as she slowly entered the abyss that was Mitsuri's room.

From what they could make out, It looked more like a guest room than it did an actual room. The source of light was the window which was meant to be open, Instead it was locked and bolted shut tight leaving their environment hard to navigate.

CLANK!

Iguro's foot hit against something on the floor, Looking down he gagged slightly.

It was a small plate of food. It looked to be a normal meal consisting of pork cutlets and a side of omurice. Though on closer inspection Iguro spied the signs of mould starting to gather up on the meat from most likely a day or two, It hadn't been touched at all.

Iguro swallowed down his bubbling concerns and tried to ignore the smell as he stepped around it.

Both Shinobu and Iguro moved towards the centrepiece of the room of which being a large futon. Growing closer they could see the shapes of several duvets and pillows scattered amongst it, Reminiscent of a crows nest from the built up barrier around the lump poking out from under one of the duvets.

Shinobu kept up her smile, Though as she moved it started to look more strained and forced like one you'd see on an advertisement or billboard.

They finally reached the futon. Both Shinobu and Iguro shuffled around the side, Avoiding scattered clothes and stray furniture as they tried to get a better look.

They could barely see anything at all, Both from the lack of light and the duvet covering the girl below it. The only thing they could make out was only the upper half of her face sticking out from under it, Lime irises staring up at both of them.

Iguro bit his tongue. He backed up a bit as his hands reached out for the window-shutters. Eyes not taken off of Mitsuri's as he opened it up, Letting the late-morning light fill the dark void of the room.

Once the sunlight bounced off the walls of the room, Shinobu's smile quickly switched down to a frown while Iguro's shoulders tensed up.

The room was much more of a mess than first thought to be. The odd scattered clothing or two turned out to be more like piles.

Uneaten meals more rotten than before were also placed about, Some on furniture, Some on the floor.

But what really put off the two was the girl they called a friend, Lying curled up in a fetal position within the bedding.

Now that the light hit her face she flinched back from the sudden exposure, Eyes clenching closed to prevent the sudden light hitting her pupils flood in. Both of them noticed the swollen red under her eyes and her stuffy nose, To which she sniffled lightly every so often.

"Mitsuri-chan.." Shinobu mumbled, Her face a practiced sympathy as she took another step forward towards the futon. She stopped however when the sudden movement of Mitsuri cut her off, Mitsuri hauling herself out from under the covers and up into a sitting position

"I.. Sorry about that.. Comfortable position and all.." Mitsuri giggled lightly. Yet the sound never quite reached her bloodshot eyes.

Coupled with the greasy tangle that was her hair and the rather shaky smile she held it was obvious to see her true self in that moment. Iguro took his turn to take a step forward.

"Mitsuri-san.. I.." He felt the words caught on his tongue once he looked down upon the painful expression of the girl in front of him. Despite lying in bed it looked like she hadn't slept for days, Weeks even.

"Y-You're here about a few weeks ago right? Were you able to look at the ruins..? F-Find anything?" Mitsuri's voice shook more than her ear to ear smile, It wasn't liked Shinobu's perfectly perfected one. No, It was instead like an unknowingly widowed wife in the ER room lobby, Waiting in ignorant bliss for what she assumed was just a cut.

Both Iguro and Shinobu shared another glance at one and other. Both having a silent conversation between the two before Shinobu turned her head back around to face Mitsuri.

"Well.. We were able to get a report back from the ruins of the shrine.." Shinobu started. Reaching within her butterfly haori she pulled out a small piece of folded paper.

Starting to unfold it she peered down and started to read.

"Lets see here.. There were more injuries than casualties.. Seventy two severely injured and thirty four deaths. Majority of the casualties being Kakushi and Lower ranked slayers.." Shinobu read out, Eyes scanning down the list.

Mitsuri slowly nodded.

"T-That's unfortunate.. I hope their families are doing okay.." Mitsuri replied softly, The first glint of genuine concern showing from behind her eyes.

"But.. Erm.." She started again.

Shinobu nodded, Sad smile painted. Mitsuri didn't have to finish her words for Shinobu to know what she meant.

"Yes.. About [F/N] and Fujimori.." The mention of the names caught Mitsuri's attention immediately, Her head perking up to give her undying regard as the glint in her eyes burned back up.

Shinobu's nose twitched, Body stiffening ever so slightly.

"..We weren't able to recover any bodies.."

The light in Mitsuri's irises started to grow, Yet it wasn't from the hope or finality of the news. Instead it was the reflection off the water starting to grow at the rims of her eyes.

Shinobu took in a deep breath and continued.

"The only trace was of Fujimori.. Which was a pool of blood located near the back of the shrine." Shinobu shook her head, Trying not to focus on Mitsuri as she continued.

"Our leading theory is that.. Well.. Fujimori was most likely eaten by the demon in question.. There was nothing left of him.." Shinobu whispered, Yet within the confines of the room it sounded like an reverberated scream to Mitsuri's ears.

And that's what broke the dam.

Mitsuri let out a quiet cry, Her shaky smile still spread wide across her face as the tears in her eyes flooded over. Rolling down her cheeks and dripping onto her lap as choked noises escaped her hoarse throat.

"Mitsuri-san-!"

Iguro instantly went into action at the first sound of her cries, He quickly moved over to her side, Sitting down next to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. Which was quickly dismissed by Mitsuri.

"D-Don't touch me.. Just, Please.. N-Not now.." Mitsuri wept. Iguro quickly obliged, Moving away from her on the bed as she planted her face into her palms. Shinobu looked on as she put the paper away, Eyes filled with pity.

"I.. I-I can't believe this.. I.. Why didn't I recognise the signs.. I.. D-Doesn't she remember our promise..?" She whispered. Her nails digging into her skin as she looked through the cracks of her fingers, Eyes staring off into the distance of the floor.

"She..? What do you mean by signs..?" Iguro asked lightly.

Mitsuri withdrew her face from her hands to look up at Obanai. Her eyes meeting the mismatch of his with a disbelieving gaze, Like his tongue spoke of heresy to her very own religion.

Her pained voice spoke out once again.

"F-Fujimori.. [F/N].. They.. They're the same person.. And I.." Mitsuri whispered.

Iguro's eyes widened to that of circles, He shook his head adamantly and responded quick to her.

"No.. That's impossible. Fujimori and [F/N] look completely different, How could they be the same?" Iguro asked. His soft voice was still present yet there was an edge to it, A sharp confusion and bafflement at her words.

Mitsuri didn't listen to him, It was like he wasn't even there.

"I-I knew it was there.. I really did but I just.. I-I just ignored them.. If I had tried just a little harder.. I-If I just.." Mitsuri's voice seemed to break down into children's babble, Ranting off under her breath about this and that Iguro just couldn't understand.

He took a step closer.

"Mitsuri.. Please, Tell me what you mean.." Iguro asked softly. He lowered down onto a single knee to match her eye level, Pleading silently with her to tell him.

Mitsuri mumbled something so quiet, So incomprehensible that neither Iguro nor Shinobu could hear.

"What did you say..?"

Mitsuri's lip quivered. Bloodshot eyes staring back at him with that disfigured smile still on her face. Her voice only turning up a single notch as they were finally able to make out what she said.

"[F/N].. S-She killed herself."

Shinobu's frown sharpened into a tight-lipped grimace. Iguro's brows furrowed, His bandaged mask concealing his parted lips, Information still processing in his mind.

"I-If I just tried a little harder.. If I just made sure she was okay, Said hello or just.. Just ask her what was wrong.. S-She would've still been here with me.. I.. I did this.. I-I shouldn't of let go of her hand, I shouldn't of let go.."

Mitsuri's gaze was Far-off as she stared back into the vivid face of [F/N] appearing in her mind. The blank eyes so dull like she was nothing more than a caricature of her true self, The tried and true smile, The angle of her nose and the dimensions of her face.

All of it she tried so hard to cling onto. Grasping desperately at the memory, Begging with whatever god was up there. Pleading with whatever was listening that she wouldn't forget her face.

Yet as she continued to imagine her face, It faded further and further away from her grasp. Already blurring into a distant memory along with the warmth of her hand drifting away from her palms.

Iguro looked back at her. His heart felt like it was twisting and turning inside him, Hurting at the sight of the woman he held so close to it.

The new information felt so unsolved in his mind, He doubted it. Yet the raw grief that was coming from Mitsuri in front of him made it seem so real. Yet, He needed to question it once more.

Though before he could, He felt a small tap on his shoulder. Looking up only to come face to face with Shinobu.

"Iguro-san.. I think you should go wait outside." Shinobu said. Her voice suddenly serious, A side of which was barely shown through her friendly disguise.

He looked back at her and she stared back down at him with an unwavering gaze.

Iguro nodded slowly before getting up from his kneeling position. As he quietly moved out of the room he took only a single glance back at the two of them, All before opening the door and exiting the room.

As soon as the door slid shut Shinobu made her move, Head turning towards Mitsuri who looked up at her with the gaze of a wounded animal.

"Mitsuri-san.. These are massive claims, I don't mean to be insensitive but could you explain to me what happened? According to reports you were rather hysterical, Both from the handmaiden escorting you out and the various people you asked about [F/N]'s whereabouts." Shinobu asked. Voice levelled and calm, Her friendly self back up with a small smile to contrast her words.

Mitsuri didn't waste anytime for a shaky hand to extend out behind her towards her pillow, Reaching under it she carefully fished out a worn piece of paper. It was folded several times and looked rather worn from first sights.

Shinobu carefully plucked it out of her hands once it was offered. Carefully unfolding the flaps she held it in her hands and started to read.

Mitsuri sat there uncomfortably on the bed despite the mountain of pillows and blankets surrounding her. She had stopped crying at this point but by no means did that make her okay.

Her form was trembling as if she was in the middle of a hailing blizzard. She felt as if she wasn't in her body, Like she was just looking through the vision of someone else entirely while she was just a spectator within her own mind.

Shinobu's glassy eyes scanned over the paper, Carefully reading over every line with upmost delicacy as her gaze descended downwards.

She reached the bottom, The finality of the signature registering in her mind.

Shinobu was quiet.

But after a moment, She let out a single sigh.

"I see.. Well.. That's unfortunate.." Was all she said. She refolded up the paper in her hands and sitting it down on the windowsill.

Suddenly brought back into her own body, Mitsuri's head snapped over to look up at Shinobu. Her mouth going agape along with her eyes as she looked up in disbelief.

"..Is that all you have to say?" Mitsuri asked. [F/N]'s note, Her very last words written down onto a carefully made parchment. The story of her life, The words she could never express to anyone aloud yet scribed down with her entire heart and soul put onto this single letter.

And Shinobu just shook it off, Like it was absolutely nothing.

"Well.. It's an unfortunate turn of events, Taking one's life always is. Though I do have to admit I never saw it coming.." Shinobu said, That same tone of plain apathy dripped off every syllable and hit Mitsuri like acid as she stood up.

"H-How could you?" Mitsuri gawked. Her unstable footsteps numb from hours of not walking as she took a few steps toward Shinobu.

"[F/N] was your friend too.. You're the only other Hashira who ever knew about the truth.. She.. S-She trusted you.." Mitsuri exclaimed, Her previous cries starting to boil and hiss into a rising anger as her face twisted into an ugly expression.

Shinobu's shoulders raised as she looked back at her, The anger on Mitsuri being a completely foreign view. She wasn't even acting like herself anymore, [F/N] really meant that much to her..

"Yes.. She did." Shinobu agreed "I'm not trying to say-"

"You don't need to say anything, Y-You're making it clear enough!" Mitsuri butted in. Her arms raising to hug her self as she feverishly shook her head, Trying to keep herself calm.

"T-This isn't just my fault.. This is yours too. This is everyone's fault.." Mitsuri heaved. Her breathing picked up speed as her overgrown nails dug into her elbows, Backing up a bit as she did.

"Mitsuri-san.. You're not yourself right now, You're still in the grieving process. You don't mean what you're saying.." Shinobu said.

Mitsuri looked back up at her, Sheer rage burning inside her eyes like infernoes

"H-How many of the Hashira actually liked [F/N]..? How many of them insulted her every time she was late to a meeting? How many snide looks.. How many nasty comments, Shinobu? T-Tell me.. How many?" Mitsuri choked out. Shinobu could feel the strain as it did.

"I.. I don't kn-"

"How many?!" Mitsuri yelled, Her voice shaking the very walls of the room she was in. Quickly turning away from Shinobu, Her hands grasped both sides of her head catching strands of messy hair in-between them.

"[F/N] never harboured any true resentment towards anyone! S-She may not of been on time or handled her duties well but she cared for every last one of us, A-And the only thing she got in return was scorn.." Mitsuri at this point broke down into strangled sobs. She hugged herself tighter as Shinobu could only watch her.

"G-Get out.. Y-You did this, We both did.. But.. Y-You don't even care at all…" Mitsuri ordered. Turning her back on Shinobu as she tried to reach out a hand to her.

"Mitsu-"

"GET OUT!" Mitsuri screamed, Turning back to Shinobu with a high-pitched wail as it faded back into soft cries. Mitsuri fell back onto her bed, Pulling her knees up to her chest and pressing her face into them.

Shinobu didn't need to be told twice. She turned her back and walked away towards the door.

However she stopped once her hand gripped onto the handle.

"Mitsuri-san.. Just for the record, I may not show it but I do care for [F/N].. She really was my friend and trusted comrade. I don't mean to be indifferent.. I am not at all.. I.. I really will miss her a lot. Me and the rest of the Hashira may not have favoured her at points, But she was still apart of our ranks and was our comrade.. We.. We all grieve in our own ways.. And I promise you.. One day, We will get vengeance on the demon who did this.. We'll avenge her, I promise you."

That was all Shinobu said. Mitsuri lifted her head from her shins but she couldn't see Shinobu's expression. Her back to hers, Mitsuri could only see her high shoulders shake and the grip on the sliding door tighten.

But it faded almost immediately. Shinobu slid the door open and stepped out.

Closing it over and walking away.

☆♡☆

Heavy yet light footsteps hit the rickety wood in quick succession, Each step taking no time to waste as [F/N] kept running faster and faster along the spiderweb docks.

[F/N] had to plan her movements in advance, The dock was hard to navigate with branches ending at random and others looping straight back around in the opposite direction. If she wasn't careful she could be thrown overboard at any moment, And she didn't want to find out whether the bioluminescent water was safe or not.

It felt like she had been running for hours, The infinite sky showing no sign of an end or exit in sight. But [F/N] knew it had to of only been half an hour or so, Otherwise she would of already collapsed.

Kokushibo was nowhere to be seen. Once [F/N] had taken off running she thought he would be dead on her tail, Chasing her down for even daring to leave whatever he had planned for her.

"My name is Kokushibo.. I hold the highest rank within the twelve moons, Sitting at upperrank one.. Though.. You should be recognising me as Michikatsu Tsugikuni.. Your older brother.."

Was he delusional? Out of his mind? Or could he be manipulating her with some so-crazy-it-works method. Michikatsu Tsugikuni, The name meant absolutely nothing at all. Her older brother he called himself, There was simply no way in hell that could of been true.

He was a centuries old demon, Whatever parents gave birth to him would of died a good long while ago. It was impossible that they could've been related but..

"Impossible, Yes.. I thought the same thing once I saw you again.. You died near enough five hundred years ago yet there you were.. Bleeding out within the rubble of your desecrated shrine.."

Maybe, Just maybe she shared some resemblance to the sister he had as a human. And maybe she shared the same first name as she did. And when he saw said resemblance, Somehow in his mind he had decided that they were the same person and then decided to spare and kidnap her away to this cold hell.

Even then that was baffling on its own.

[F/N] had saw from first hand experience how a demon would rip apart its own siblings, Parents or children just for another meal. Demon's had no sentimental attachment to much of anything, Especially not people.

So why? Why would he do this, Kidnap her away and try to feign an act of familiarity with her? Demons don't do that, They don't think that way. [F/N] swallowed back a lump in her throat.

How much did his sister mean to him? Was she really that important that he would still hold affection towards her?

But either way he wasn't anywhere at all.

No noises, Glimpses or auras. Nothing.

She had no time to dwell on it, She chided herself for getting distracted over a demon. Run now think later. The prospect of escaping whatever pocket dimension she had been siphoned to was vivid in her mind, A yearning feeling brought back to the primal desire for survival as she kept going and going.

Her abdomen hurt too, Every time she moved it felt like a needle jabbing into her side. She tried her best to ignore the pain however, She couldn't let it stop her now, Not since she got this far.

But then it hit her.

Why was she trying so hard to escape?

Her sprint faltered only a little as the thought crossed through her mind. Her lip upturned. Why was she trying so hard?

[F/N] wanted to die. She wanted to find an end for months, To get it over and done with and get out of everyone's way. To stop being such a stain on the Hashira and a burden on the corps. She had no use, No worth or redeemable qualities.

She may of killed a thousand of their kind, She may of been given the title of being the strongest Hashira but that name weighed down on her shoulders like steel blocks.

It wasn't a title, It was an expectation.

And [F/N] couldn't live up to it, She didn't even want to live at all. So why was she running? Why didn't she throw herself into the docks or go back to slaughterhouse behind her? Why was her body so insistent on continuing?

Because.. Because.. She wanted to die, Not be tortured. That's the reason. If she was here then it was obvious she was wanted alive, If she did try to throw herself off then whose to say Kokushibo wouldn't be watching her right now and prevent her from doing so?

If she was here he might be wanting information, The location of the Ubuyashiki estate. This entire 'dead little sister' thing was just a manipulation tactic to get it out of her! And once he realised she wasn't falling for it he'd resort to more violent methods.

Yes, That's the reason.

Turning around another dock and searching for a path she stared out into the open distance of a void. Her heart burned, There had to be an escape. She was so tired, She felt like she was going to collapse any second.

And that's when she saw it.

In the distance, Staring off into the vastness of the void she could make out a vague shape settled amongst the darkness.

Her eyes sparked up, Lit aflame as she spied her saving grace, The light at the end of the tunnel. Something had finally changed after running for so long.

Her pace picked up along with her breathing, Her breaths turning into light wheezes under her normal rhythm as she took far strides.

Sweat beads dripped down from her brow and stained her jinbei, Everything burned. Muscles ached but she kept moving forwards, Kept going faster and faster towards the building in the distance, Getting closer and closer.

Keep going, Almost there.. I can do this- I can escap-!

[F/N] stopped in her tracks.

Her sprint jittered down until she was completely still, Fixed on place to the dock as she stared up towards the building, One now looming over her like a guillotine.

It.. It was her shrine.

Towering over her was the behind of the shrine, The other side from which she came from. The walls, tiles, Wooden frames and the closed shut windows. Her eyes scanned over it in disbelief, The realisation crashing into her.

She had done a full circle, She had just came back from the way she came.

T-This can't be true.. How could this be-!

[F/N] felt her heart fall into her stomach along with her knee's collapsing to the ground, Finally giving out from exhaustion as her eyes were still locked on the shrine.

Her knees hit the wooden docks, Splinters digging into her bare shins as she felt all hope leave her body. She had been running for so long, The docks didn't loop or go in a circle, If it did she would of known. But how was she back here? How?

Heart drumming faster in her chest her head felt light and airy as if she was thousands of feet in the air. Nausea creeping up her throat and unsettling her stomach even more than it already was. As she felt herself fade, She had only one thought.

How.. How is this fair?

☆♡☆

Kokushibo walked slowly down the wooden step-way of the shrine it surrounded.

Taking a few careful steps down the stairway he felt the weight of it depress under him, Reaching the bottom he peered over from the corner he stood next to.

He watched the body of his younger sister collapse onto the dock, Her chest raising and lowering rapidly as if she was starved of air. Her hair was a mess along with her clothing and general appearance.

It was nothing he didn't expect however. He knew she would tire herself out eventually, Run until she couldn't and fall down onto the ground. He knew it would happen, And he couldn't help but feel a sense of catharsis out of it.

He stalked up towards her, All until he was staring down at her defeated form in front of him. Kneeling down with her neck exposed, Easily cut and easy to wring at any given moment.

In any other scenario this would of been a sort of guilty pleasure, The way life was held within his hands felt so electrifying. He never took time on making people grovel before him, He never saw the need to.

He was after strength, To stay eternally strong forever. Not to make insignificant and weak human beings bow down to him.

But he couldn't deny the way he dictated human life with the edge of his blade felt great. And it tasted even better once he bit into their throats, Tearing out their jugular giving them no time to scream as the sweet nectar of their blood hit his tongue.

It was empowering. But, It was different in this scenario.

He didn't feel any sense of power over the girl in front of him, Not the way he usually would anyways. As he looked over her broken form the only thing that he felt was.. Pity.

"Are you done now..? Have you tired yourself out..?" Kokushibo asked in that usual monotone voice. He sounded as if he didn't care, As if his sister lying stray on the dock meant absolutely nothing to him. But he knew that wasn't the case.

[F/N] didn't answer, It seemed as if she had fainted.

Again, It was predictable. She had just woken up after sustaining injury and had used all her energy to try and run away, Only to collapse right back at the place she had tried to escape from.

Kokushibo gritted his teeth slightly. This wasn't how he thought this was going to go.

He assumed that she remembered him. Throughout the time he had taken her, Cared for her wound and nursed her back to health he had heard murmurs from within her sleep. Places, Memories and names only she should of known was what she mumbled in her unconscious state.

He assumed that as soon as she had awoken she would remember him, Feel just as elated as he was at their reunion.

But now he knew that wasn't the case, And if he was being honest? It made him angry.

Kokushibo kneeled down. Reaching his arms out he scooped up her limp body into his arms to settle her within them.

He got up and examined her face, Her eyes and her hair. Every angle and dimension of her face he surveyed left and right. This was her, Everything just lined up too perfectly not to be.

Same name, Same face and Haori. Not to mention that she spoke his name once.

Kokushibo held onto her tighter as he started to walk away with her in his arms. He moved up the stairway careful not to drop her. He moved quickly yet steadily towards the entrance of the shrine.

Entering the building and shutting the door behind him with his foot and made his way up to the second floor where her bedroom was located.

Once he got there he slid open the shoji door, Letting the aquamarine flood the shadows of her room as he walked towards her futon.

Setting her down onto the mattress and tucking her in the duvet with the utmost care, He looked at her once more.

Kokushibo was angry. He truly was livid. The mere fact that she didn't even remember him angered him, Even more so once she called him a monster. He loathed the way he felt his heart wretch in that moment.

Yet he couldn't bring himself to hate her. A part of him wanted to dispose of her, To get rid of her entirely. She was a weakness, Something Kokushibo just could not afford.

But the much larger, Louder part of him detested this with all he had. As the thought of killing her entered his mind he felt disgusted, Horrified at the mere imagining of her being harmed.

She was the only person who ever loved him more than Yorichii. The one person who saw him for himself instead of his brother, She admired him. She loved him. How could he bring himself to hurt her? Kokushibo took in a deep breath, The anger kept at bay as he smiled lightly at her unconscious state.

Even if she didn't remember him, That doesn't mean she won't in due time. The pieces of the puzzle were already there, They were just waiting to be solved is all. Even if she had some 'new life' or whatever may have happened to her. Maybe.. No.. It didn't matter, She was here. That's what mattered.

He breathed out once more. 'Her new life', It felt so wrong as he thought about it. Kokushibo found her as a Hashira of all things, One he had struck down as a man like a god to a heretic.

Gods, He had questions. He had so many questions.

How was she here back with him? How did she become an entirely different person while fighting him? Where did she learn or how would he get her to remember him? Hundreds of questions rushed through his head. Possibilities and chances.

He tucked a small strand of hair behind her ear. He had many questions, And he'll get answers eventually when she was awake.

His little sister was finally brought back to him. The one who died in his arms and the one he would never let go of again. She'll learn to accept her fate here, Understand she has nowhere to run. She'll understand her place was here with him, Her big brother.

He'd crush whatever rebellious phase she was going through, Whatever disobedient little chapter of life she was going through right now. Insulting him, Running away..

He breathed out, Trying to keep away the bloodlust at the thought of her escaping.

She was safe now, And that's all that matters.

Next Chapter

#yandere x you #yandere #yandere x reader #tw yandere #moodboard #demon slayer #demon slayer kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #demon slayer x reader #mitsuri kanroji #kokushibo #kokushibo x reader #yandere kokushibo #yandere kokushibo x reader #kokushibo x you #platonic yandere #yandere male #male yandere #yandere headcanons #yandere platonic kokushibo #shinobu kocho #obanai iguro #upper moons #kokushibo x y/n #yandere blog #soft yandere #yandere platonic #kny x you #kny michikatsu

[ask-sad-ghost-piett]

I do not hop.

Stated for the education of certain Imperials.

#admiral piett #spectral musing from the imperial afterlife #proceeds to hop away into the afterlife

[oh-stars]

Speculating Specters

Ghost

a Stobin Month 2024 prompt | 672 words | CW: talks of afterlife and ghosts | Rating: G

--

Ghostbusters is playing on the little TV above the counter. They’ve done everything possible until closing and Robin doesn’t get paid enough to scrape the gum off the shelves, so she’s laying back in the one chair they're allowed and watching it. 

Steve’s standing with his hands on his hips just outside the boundaries of the counter, squinting up at the TV. He was supposed to be putting the cart back but he stopped about three steps away to watch with her. 

It’s the scene with the little green guy in the hotel, the ghost is shoveling food into his mouth when Robin turns to Steve. “Do you think ghosts are real?” 

“I mean–” 

She snaps quickly. “Yes or no, dingus?” 

“Yes,” he says, shrugging. 

“Really?” She leans forward. 

“Uh, yeah, Rob,” he says with a laugh. He lets his hands fall to the side as he rounds the counter to hop up next to her. “You’ve seen some of what I’ve seen,” he says, emphasizing his words with raised eyebrows and wide eyes, “after all of that, I don’t think ghosts are a stretch.” 

She considers this. “Fair point.” 

They watch until the Ghostbusters save the hotel before Steve continues with a, “Would you want to be a ghost?”

“No,” she says. 

“Why not?” 

“We don’t know ghost rules,” Robin says, spinning to face him instead of the tiny TV. “What if my ghost has to stay in the room I died in? Or do I get attached to an object? What if we can’t roam and interact with the world? Can we even see what’s going on in this plane or would we be stuck reliving our death over and over again in one of those loop things?” 

Steve’s brow is creased as he stares at the floor. It’s his processing face, the one she has to wait to see the crease smooth out or else he gets a migraine or very, very lost in the conversation. 

She waits patiently as the words soak into the folds of his brain. When he looks back up at her, hazel eyes clear and attentive, she continues. “I just think that wouldn’t be a very fun afterlife, ya know?” 

“It could be fun,” Steve says with a shrug. “Think of all the people you could haunt.” 

Robin sits up. “Who would you haunt?” 

“The boys,” Steve says with a smirk. “It’d be fun to mess with them.” 

“You’ve thought about this,” Robin says with a gasp. 

“A little.” 

“Please share your devious, spooky haunting plan with me, dingus.” 

“I just feel like haunting Henderson and Wheeler could be fun. I wouldn’t do anything to, like, scar them for life or something,” Steve says with a small smile and a shrug, “just be a nuisance in their lives like they are in mine.” 

“Such as?” 

“Twisting Henderson’s cap around when he’s studying and not paying attention,” Steve says. “Or moving Mike’s shit around in his room the tiniest amount where it’s noticeable but not enough to tell anyone. And I’d probably just try and spook Sinclair for Erica’s benefit.” 

“And Will?” 

Steve shakes his head. “I’d be a very helpful ghost to him. He’s the nicest out of the four and been through the most, I’m not going to make that worse.” 

“You do know the girls would be pissed that you’re not haunting them, too,” Robin says. 

He frowns. “I wouldn’t mess with them, though.  Max and Erica would be liable to somehow kill me again if I tried to haunt them.” 

Robin grins. “They wouldn’t kill me, though.” ‘

Steve raises an eyebrow. “Want to bet?” 

The door opens with a ding and both of them roll their eyes with silent, internal groans. Without saying a word, they do a quick round of rock, paper, scissors. Robin loses, her paper crumpling to Steve’s scissors. 

Her haunting plan will have to wait. She heaves herself up and out of her chair with a cheery, “Welcome to Family Video. May I help you with anything?” 

--

Thank you @lady-lostmind for beta reading!

Ao3 Link

#ohstars fic #steve harrington #stranger things #robin buckley #stobin month 2024 #ohstars posting challenge #platonic soulmates stobin #platonic stobin #stobin

[redactedattackeded]

Things in my out of context quotes note as the Shaw Pack + mates

Sam: keep those fingers away from me i’m trying to watch the movie

——

angel: (about david) no that’s my emotional support middle aged man NOT yours

——

tank: you know how far i could throw you? you’re tiny

——

babe: *while high* i got “video game head”

ash: can i have video game head?

——

angel: sometimes happiness presents itself as a $14 build a bear

——

david: so the groceries never made it inside, huh?

angel: i thought those were outside groceries

——

milo: maybe i should’ve been secretive abt my secret competitions

——

babe: don’t play w me rn i’m small and stressed and extremely gullible

——

milo: aw fuck it’s a paper straw

sweetheart: cmon we’re by the ocean you don’t wanna hurt the animals

milo: i’m gonna hop in there and strangle a sea turtle myself

ash: i’m gonna wrestle an alligator

milo: there’s no alligators in the ocean

ash: i’m gonna put one in there

——

babe: he has devious kenergy

——

tank: i can get away with it because of who i am

——

milo: how come they got to go to the afterlife in a hearse and we’re in a fucking honda

#redacted asmr #redacted audio #redactedverse #redacted asher #redacted headcanons #asher talbot #redacted milo #redacted david #milo greer #redacted babe #redacted sam #redacted tank #redacted darlin #redacted angel #redacted sweetheart

[nkirukaj]

The Radio Demon & the Billboard Doe (17)

Pairing: Alastor x Fem! OC

Warnings: Swearing; Sexual implications

Genre: Angst/Fluff (& Humor!)

Word Count: 9.6k

<Chapter 16

17. The Skill of Empathy

“It’s time to rise, my dear,” he pets her head and strokes her scarlet hair

“No,” she breathes out almost inaudibly. Her grip on his body grew tighter, trapping him in place 

“Belle, I have business to take care of.” He’s laughing, trying to pry her off playfully 

“You always leave me after. Stay with me.” Her face is buried in his chest

“Darling…”

Voe raises her head to look him in the eye. Her face was somehow immaculate, despite the previous night’s activities. She bats her bright and innocent eyes, adorned with thick luxurious lashes at him; pleading with him to stay. No matter how much he looked, he was always stunned by her beauty. From the size of her eyes to the chaotic placement of her spots, to the shades of her two-tone lips. He softened his eyes.

“Fair enough.” He sighs and relaxes back into the mattress. She sinks into his chest and lets out a little squeak. He pulls her closer and lets out one of his own. 

“Alastor,” 

“Hmm?”

“10/10”

When he awoke again, it was hours later, he sat up on the grass, noticing that Voe was gone after she’d asked him to stay. His ears fell in disappointment. He stands, wiping grass blades off his skin, he picks up his clothes and dejectedly walks over and places them on his armchair. The door creaks open and Alastor jumps, startled by the intrusion. He goes into the bathroom and closes the door.

“Alastor?” it’s Voe’s voice

“Yes?” he speaks through the crack in the door

“Where are you?”

“In the bathroom, my dear”

She chuckles “Did I interrupt your business?”

He huffs “No. I was unaware that it was you entering. I don’t want anyone to see my…equipment.” he furrows his brow

Voe shakes her head “Oh Alastor you’re so cute. Well, while you’re in there why don’t you hop in the bath I ran for you?”

He turns to see the tub filled with water, he wonders how he didn’t notice it before.

“It’s got bubbles!” she sounds giddy “It should help relax your hooves!”

Alastor rolls his eyes and takes a step into the tub, shocked by the heat.

“It’s hot! You seem like you’d like it hot! I know I do!”

He slowly lowers himself into the water, letting it relax his body. He lays in the tub silent until Voe knocks on the door.

“Alastor? You haven’t said anything? You didn’t drown right?”

“No, my dear I am trying to relax,”

“Okay!” she says in a sing-songy voice “Don’t forget to scrub!”

He rolls his eyes once more, no one needs to tell him how to take a bath. He dunks his head under the water if only to see how long he could go without breathing. He comes up after two minutes, wiping the hair out of his face.

“Would you like some help?” She asks in a way that makes it clear to him that she’s smirking

“With what?”

“Your bath,”

“I know how to take a bath, my dear!”

She huffs and stomps away from the door, Alastor chuckling amongst the bubbles. The last person to ever run him a bath was…his mother. He thought of her in this moment and how she’d always wanted grandkids to give little bubble baths to as well. He smiled thinking of her, and how he’d always promised to give her some, despite never actually planning to do it. He furrowed his brows, regretting lying to his mother. He thought about how she kept recommending women for him to marry, and how he’d never found interest in them or attraction to them. He’d seen hundreds of beautiful women in his life (and afterlife)time, and never had he felt drawn to them the way songs about romance had always described. He’d never been in love. He’d never felt sexual desire for anyone in particular. Sure the sexual feelings emerged, but not for anyone. She’d always teased him about being so picky, but he wasn’t really sure. Then he had died, and his heart fell thinking of all the many ways he felt he’d failed his mother. This being one on a long list of them. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been lost in thought before he heard another knock on the door.

“Okay, did you fall asleep?” 

“No.” he breathes out “Just getting my back darling!”

“I can help! If you need help,”

He chuckles “I suppose I need a little help,”

The bathroom door creaks open and Voe steps in barefoot. Alastor laughs at the sight of her fully done up, with a shower cap on.

“What? There’s humidity in here!” she puts her hands on her hips “I need my hair to stay straight!” she bends over “Now what do you need help with baby?”

“Scrubbing my back, dear.”

She bites her tongue and grabs a loofah, dunking it in the bath water and squeezing soap onto it. She rubs the loofah on the Overlord’s back just rough enough for him to feel it on his skin, there’s a slight pain in some areas that Alastor winces at.

“Sorry, I gave you some new scratches,” she speaks, chuckling in his ear

“It’s all fine,”

The rough feeling of her scrubbing his back satisfies him, letting his mind wander into blissful territory. He can feel one hand on her shoulder as the other works the loofah. The free hand then snakes its way to the front of his body, up and around his throat, tightening its grip as the other hand scrubs harder. Forcing his head up to stare at her smirk, as she grips his throat tighter and tighter; almost cutting off his breath, Voe leans down and bites his exposed neck to which he responds with a bleat! She chuckles darkly as she rinses off his back with the loofah, leaving bites all over his shoulders and collarbone, he moans unsure of if he likes feeling taken care of or not, when abruptly she pulls away from him. 

“Hurry up and get out, I got you a gift.” She tosses over her shoulder as she exits the room

He watches after her, standing as the water quickly drips off his body. He steps out of the tub with his hooves landing on the mat. He covers himself with a towel, draining the tub before exiting the bathroom after her.

She pulls out a dark red, long fleece robe and drapes it around him; standing on a stool to do it. 

“Where did this come from?”

“I bought it for you,” she smiles, patting it flat on his shoulders. 

He turns to her “Why?”

She shrugs “I don’t know. I was out shopping and saw it and thought, ‘This is so Alastor’, so I bought it. Do you like it?”

He runs his hands across the sleeves of it “I do, my dear.” He pauses before continuing “Thank you, Belle.”

“You’re welcome!”

“I shall cherish this for eternity,” he says cupping her chin. Voe nuzzles into his palm, holding his wet arm. She moves his palm over her lips, leaving small kisses on it. He watches her, warmth rising up his neck and cheeks. He just let her, not knowing what to do.

“Come and sit,” she says, descending from the stool and walking over to a chair, patting the back of it.

He sits and she stands behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck

“Is this okay?”

“Yes,”

She leans down to him “Are you comfy? Do you need anything?” her lashes flutter

“No, I’m fine,” he says, not at all used to the generosity

She shrugs “Okay, just let me know if you do,” she pulls her arms back and walks away 

“I most certainly will,”

Voe wanders around the chair (now wearing tall socks and sneakers), clearly having something on her mind to say. He stares, waiting to see how long it will take for her to speak up.

“What was your mom like?” she blurts out

The question startles him, more than anything else this day. How is it that he had just been thinking of his mother, and now she was asking about her? “She was….perhaps the most wonderful woman you could ever possibly meet,”

She sits in the other chair “What else?”

“She was hardworking, loving, and strong. She did her best to take care of the ones she loved.”

“What did that look like?”

“Cleaning and cooking for our house and others, spending all of her hard-earned money on clothes and food for us, telling me stories and singing…” he trails off, thinking about his mother once again

Voe grins “Gosh, it’s hard to imagine you as a little boy,”

He smirks “I suppose. And yours?”

“Hmm?”

“Your parents,”

Her eyes widen “As I’ve told you my dad is a psychiatrist, but my mom…runs a daycare! Which was awesome, because I love to see all the little kids when I visit!” Her tone gets a little downtrodden “I mean, when I used to visit.” she’s silent for a few moments before picking it back up “I used to go to my mom’s daycare as a kid, so it would be killing two birds with one stone! And when I was in high school I volunteered there as community service. I honestly love playing with kids, their minds are so creative and imaginative, and they don’t play by stupid unspoken social rules that don’t make any sense-“ She glances up at him leaning on his arm watching her. She blushes, playing with some of her hair, self-conscious under his gaze.

“Aww, weren’t you so sweet?’

“Don’t make fun of me,” she laughs a bit

“Who’s making fun? My my, you take everything as an insult!”

She turns back “Sorry.”

“No need, my dear.”

“Usually when people said stuff like that they were making fun of me and didn’t realize it,”

“I would never make fun of you,”

She snickers “That’s a lie,”

His smirk is quite evident “Well, not about this, I find the topic fascinating!” He snaps and is now fully dressed

“Aww, I like you better bare.” she pouts jokingly

“And I prefer myself clothed,”

She rolls her eyes “You’re sooo boring,” she smiles, standing out of her seat

Alastor places his hands on the armrests of the chair “And why are you obsessed with me?” he asks, crossing his legs and leaning forward

Voe slinks over to him, bending down towards his face. She places her hand flat on his chest, pushing him back into his chair “Because…” she licks over her teeth “You’re my buck.” She grins 

“And you’re my doe.” He reaches up, pulls her face closer, and kisses her forehead.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Angel Dust bursts through the door while Voe applies some foundation, lightly dancing the brush across her face. 

“Yes?” 

The spider approaches her quietly. When he reaches her, he sits in a chair beside her. 

“Now Voe, I’m gonna ask ya one more time. And I hope ya won’t lie to me.” He leans in and whispers “Are you and Al doing the dirty?”

Voe carefully places the brush on her vanity, standing and approaching her bed, beckoning Angel to follow with a tap on the mattress. He joins her, anticipating her response, her expression unable to be deciphered. She gestures for him to give her his ear and he obliges, her leaning in as closely as possible. And in the softest and lowest pitch he could imagine, she gave him what he was after. 

“Yes.”

“I fucking knew it!” Angel hits the mattress with four fists, then punches the air with two. “I knew it! I knew it! I knew it.”

A playful smile danced on Voe’s lips before she grabbed one of his arms and spoke. 

“Shh.” She continued to speak in a light whisper “Alastor doesn’t want this getting out. So this stays between us okay?”

“Why not? He doesn’t want people to know he’s fucking the Vees top bitch? It would finally let everyone know he’s a real person.”

Voe moves closer “That’s exactly it. He doesn’t want anyone to know he’s a real person. He wants to seem,” she pauses, looking for the word “above such things. And besides, it’s only because of mating season. These urges are uncontrollable.”

Angel’s gold tooth glinted in the light as he revealed it in a mischievous smile. 

“I don’t think it’s just cuz of mating season toots. I think he’s got it bad.”

Voe blinks, staring at him blankly. “What do you mean?”

Angel looks back at her perplexed at her lack of understanding “You know, he’s got it bad for ya’”

“You’re going to need to explain Angel Dust because repeating it doesn’t make it easier to understand.”

“You know,” he scratches the back of his head “Like you said, he likes ya’”

“Uh huh…”

“Like, he wants to date ya’”

Her face lights up with understanding “Oh! No, that’s not the kind of relationship we have.” She waves him off “We’re like, friends.”

“Friends who fuck?” He raises his eyebrow

“That’s a lot more common than you think Angel.” She says flatly 

“You can’t honestly say that you like this.”

Voe shrugs “This is how it has to be,”

“Nobody likes being a secret toots.”

Voe does not respond to this. She stands and sits back in front of the vanity, applying the foundation again.

“I should know,” 

She turns to him “Let’s talk about you,”

“What about me?”

“You lying to me about what’s going on with Valentino,”

Angel does a double take “What?” he’s almost laughing at how ridiculous the conversation change was.

“You’re condemning me, but you’ve been lying to me,”

“About my personal life?”

She squints “So is the whole thing with me and Alastor,”

“This is different,”

“Why?” she slams the makeup brush on the vanity. She sits in silence, looking down at her hands. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell,”

“Because wanting to hide the person you’re fucking is different than wanting to protect your friends from getting the same treatment as you.”

“But what treatment Angel? What treatment are you protecting me from?”

Angel looks away, pursing his lips. He turns back to her, his eyes wide and full of despair. Voe’s stomach falls, seeing the look on Angel’s face. It only turns more horrifying as Angel finally opens up and tells her about all that he has suffered at the hands of her boss’s coworker. The disgust and anger boiled up in her throat and out to her limbs, fingers, and toes. She could not believe the depravity her friend had suffered. Her face hasn’t changed besides a single tear rolling down her cheek. She chokes down a sob on behalf of her friend. She looks back up, her eyes red and welling up.

“I…don’t know what to say,”

“You don’t have to say anything, please don’t do anything,”

Voe drops her head to avoid being seen crying, she covers her eyes with her hand.”

“Aw, don’t cry, look I’m fine!” he smiles, wrapping his arms around her.

Voe hugs him tightly “You’re not fine! You had a black eye!”

“Eh, black eyes are a dime a dozen in Hell,” he waves her off

“Stop!” she looks up at him “I’m so sorry Angel, I kept pushing you and pushing you!” she clutches his fluff “I didn’t know! I can’t believe I’ve just been sitting here while this was happening to you! I’m so sorry Angel!”

Angel takes a breath, smiling a little “Anthony,”

Voe sniffles “What?”

“That’s the name on my contract. My real name.”

“Really?” he nods “Oh my gosh, that’s so Italian!” they laugh together “Did people use to call you ’Tony’?”

He grins “Yeah,” she leaned into his chest laughing. He exhales, happy that she’s no longer crying “I’m just ’Tony’” he grins

“You’re not just anything ‘Anthony’. You’re like, my best friend. I love you.” She smiles, taking him in for a hug.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Two knocks on the door were enough for Lucifer to open it. Voe greeted him and waved sheepishly as she stepped inside the room. He was incredibly understanding when she told him that she needed to discuss something with him, and now that they were in front of each other, she wasn’t sure she could do it. They sat silently for a while, eyes darting all around, anywhere but each other.

“If I’ve done something wr-“

“I need to tell you something-“

They speak at the same time, laughing at the awkwardness of the situation. 

“Go ahead,” Lucifer told her, his eyes so soft and gentle, full of passion and adoration. His eyes almost made her want to renege on this entire ordeal, to keep him for herself once more, however, Voe was taking some time to develop the skill of empathy.

“I need to tell you something,”

“Yeah?”

She breathes in, inhaling all the willpower she needed to speak “Charlie and I talked. She came and told me that there were some…feelings developing on your part. Is that true?”

Lucifer scoffs “I told her to keep that a secret. I wanted to tell you that myself,” he smiles

Voe inhales “Can you tell me about your…feelings?”

Lucifer blushes “I think I might be…falling for you…I don’t know?” he rubs his arm

Voe is unaware of how to proceed with this discussion, Lucifer takes her hand into his gently. “Why?”

“Why what? You’re wonderful! Smart, caring, and I feel like we connect”

Voe’s stomach drops. This was one of the hardest things she’d ever had to do.

“I don’t know what I would do without you,”

“Okay, please stop!” She pulls her hands back and holds

He stares at her, blush rising up his face. “Oh, okay,”

Voe looks into his face and feels something she has never felt before. Guilt? Yeah, guilt. She liked Lucifer so much, but falling for him? She couldn’t muster that feeling for him, for anyone. The only person she had come even close to feeling that for was- well, it wasn’t Lucifer.

“I’m sorry,”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for! You’ve done nothing wrong! You never have to apologize again.”

“But I do, I feel awful right now.”

“You don’t have to. You’re an amazing young woman Voe, and I am so happy to have met you,”

“No, you don’t get it!” 

He stares “Okay, what do I not get?”

This was too difficult, does she lay it on lightly or rip the band-aid off? “Lucifer,”

“Hmm?” Ugh, he looked so cute and innocent. He didn’t deserve this but-

“We were never exclusive,”

His smile fades off his face and the pit in Voe’s stomach hits harder.

“I didn’t even know that you thought we were,”

“I just- we just had so many talks and we were so close to each other. And we were “ he looks off to the side “Intimate,”

“You’re not the only person I am intimate with. I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean?”

Voe widens her eyes “What do you mean, what do I mean?”

“Well, who else have you been…fucking?” He sounds somewhat frustrated

“Wait really? You want to know..who?”

Lucifer hits his thigh “I mean..please?”

Voe blows air out of her mouth “Okay,” She plays with her fingers as he stares expectantly “Well, there’s Velvette,”

“Who?”

“From the Vees, she’s my boss,”

“Oh, well okay. You guys are like a thing or…?”

She shakes her head “No! Not at all!”

He looks slightly happier “Oh! Well okay, well that’s fine. No biggie.” is what he said, but Voe could tell he was lying.

“Yeah,” she nods

“Anyone else?”

Voe drops her shoulders “I don’t want to lie to you, but I don’t want you to be sad,”

He waves her off “Oh, please. I won’t be sad,”

“I feel like you will,”

“I promise I won’t,”

“I don’t think you can promise something like that,”

“Okay well look, is it Alastor?” Voe purses her lips “I mean, I’ve been hearing about you two getting close,”

“Who did you hear that from?”

He looks to the side “Well, Charlie… Vaggie…and Angel Dust goes around giggling about it.”

Voe rubs her forehead “Ugh, they need to learn to mind their business,”

“So it is true?” his eyes fall

“Yes,” she states flatly “But! But, it’s only because of nature!”

He shakes his head “You don’t have to explain yourself. It’s fine, it’s okay really,” he taps her hand and quietly exits the room. Voe sits uncomfortably, dropping her head in her hands.

There’s a knock on Alastor’s door as he sits in his armchair reading a novel.

“Enter,” he states, waving his hand to unlock the door.

It is Voe who comes in, she looks timid and unsure of her steps, which is a way he had never seen her. 

“I did it,” she says entering the room 

“Did what my dear?”

She sits in one of his chairs “I ended whatever me and Lucifer were doing,”

Alastor’s ears pricked up “Is that so?”

She nods “I chose you,”

Alastor’s smile turns into a sly smirk “Good decision,” he lowers his novel “How’d he take it?” he begins to snicker

“It’s not funny,” her tone is stern

“Of course not,” Alastor can barely control his glee

“I’m serious, he was hurt and I felt so bad,”

“Well, that’s his fault for thinking anyone would care about him besides his daughter,”

She stands and storms up to him “Don’t be fucking rude. Lucifer is a great man and he does not deserve to be hurt like this! I feel awful!”

“Maybe you should do something for him. Perhaps get him an apple?” he flashes a shit-eating grin that lit her up positively and negatively. 

“This is serious. I really hurt him,” she holds her arms

He leans forward “Did you apologize? I certainly hope not,”

“I did before I told him, but I don’t think it was enough,”

“He’ll get over it, or maybe he’ll go back to making rubber ducks in his ivory tower,”

She leans over him “You’re an ass,” she speaks through her teeth

“And yet you chose me,” he leans back placing his hands together on his lap

“Yeah, I did,”

“You hate to admit it but, we are just alike,”

Voe stands and stares at him, with nothing to say for once. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lucifer wasn’t seen for a few days after that. Voe was worried, but there was nothing she could do. She tried to put it behind her, especially since today was November 1st! 

Voe wasn’t sure if her birthdays counted anymore, but she sure as hell was gonna celebrate it. 

Today she decided on a simple off-the-shoulder cocktail dress in her signature color. Just a placeholder until the runway show later that day. For makeup, she decided to go big, with false lashes and everything. She chose to body wave her hair, with a middle part, trying something different. She clipped some earrings on her ears and wiggled them in the mirror, she took a glance at her nails adorned with jewels. She is quite pleased with her appearance on this day. 

She skips down the stairs happily, making her way down to the bright and early. 

“Voe! Happy Birthday!” She makes glitter with her hands

“How’d you know it was my birthday?”

“You’ve been telling us for the past few days,”

“And all of last week,” Vaggie groans

“Oh! Okay well, thanks!” She smiles

“You look so pretty!”

“Thanks!”

“Happy birthday, bitch!” Angel comes and wraps some of his arms around her

“Did you get me a gift with all your money?”

“Even better! I got ya money!” He out a wad of cash and hands it to her

“Sick!” She takes it 

“Happy birthday Mommy!” Niffty scurries up to her holding up a roach crown “You are Queen Roach!”

Voe takes it, trying not to look disgusted “Thanks,”

“Love you, Mommy,” she says creepily while hugging her leg and Voe pats her on the head

“Oh, we’re giving out money?” Charlie asked and added another stack of cash on top of the one Angel had given Voe

Voe is quite excited “Nice!”

“You’re just in time for breakfast Voe!” Charlie was excited to finally have all of the residents downstairs at once “Then after, we have today’s activity, I’d like to hope that you’re willing to spend your birthday time with us?” Charlie’s eyes plead as Vaggie rolls her eyes, likely at Charlie basically asking for permission.

Voe shrugs “Yeah sure, why not?” 

The Princess is giddy “Amazing! Thank you!” Vaggis groans and Charlie does a double take “I mean, good. You should,”

They indulge in a breakfast of waffles/pancakes/french toast, bacon/sausage, eggs, croissants, and sliced fruits. Voe aye slowly, as she only took bites when others weren’t looking. She enjoyed the breakfast conversation, not that she was a part of it. This was one of the few times that Voe was fine with just existing in the presence of others. She didn’t know what it was, but today just felt so different than other days. Today she felt like being part of a collective, a group. It just felt right this morning.

Today’s activity was something a bit different than the other activities that Voe had been present for. Today Charlie wanted them to go around the room and acknowledge what they had done in their lives that led to them being sent to Hell, and why it was wrong of them to do that. It was something that Voe couldn’t really comprehend, who’s to say what got them sent to Hell specifically? How could they know what exactly was the nail in the coffin for each of them? 

A red demon named Eric went first, saying that he was a racist and a misogynist while alive, but turned the corner right before death, but guesses that clearly wasn’t enough. A girl named Erin told the group about how she watched her best friend drown in the ocean, and next was Angel discussing his life in the mafia and how much he regrets it.

“Like the real mafia? Like the one they make movies about?” Voe asked

Angel rests his chin on his hands “Yeah, but it ain’t as glamourous as it looks,”

“It doesn’t really look that glamourous,”

“Yeah, it wasn’t,”

“Is that it? Is that what I was supposed to do?”

Charlie tilts her head “Well, no..how do you feel about that now?”

Angel chuckles “I mean there was this one funny moment where we was interrogating this guy, and he wouldn’t tell us where the money was, so we cut his fingas off. I was like 17. And then instead of tellin’ us about the money, he tells us that he’s cheating on his wife” he cackles “Like we gave a damn! Like why you tellin’ us that?! We care about the money! And then he’s like “Please, don’t tell my wife!” once we’re on the last of his fingers, so then we kill him, and then go tell his wife, just because! Like, fuck you, am I right?” he laughs

“And how do you feel about that now?” Vaggie asks flatly

“I guess bad. ‘Cuz his wife was like really sad about him being dead. Like, don’t borrow money if ya can’t pay it back!” He gestures around “Also he made fun of Tony’s spaghetti,” Angel crosses his arms

“Wait you Tony or another Tony?” Voe questions

“Another Tony,”

“How many Tony’s were there?”

Angel furrows his brow “Don’t question me,”

“Okay, moving on,” Vaggie rolls her eyes “Alastor!”

They turn towards the microphone feedback the Radio Demon emits. He looks toward the woman who called his name, smile intact.

“Alastor! Why don’t you come join our activity?” Charlie asks him

“No thanks, I’ve got lots to do!” His tone is cheery and uplifting

Charlie squints in frustration “Alastor,” she repeats more sternly “Come and join our activity!”

Alastor squints himself, spotting Voe on the couch, who waves cordially. “Alright, why not?” He takes a seat in the large armchair “What childish game are we playing today?”

“We’re discussing how you all feel after the things you did on Earth,” Charlie responds

“I felt wonderful!” Alastor places his hands on his lap

“That’s it?” Vaggie wonders

“That’s it,”

“You have no regrets?”

His grin is cocky “None at all,”

“What if those people you killed had families?” Charlie proposes “That doesn’t make you feel a little bad about what you chose to do?”

“Okay,” Alastor starts “Let me explain this to all of you, I had my reason to do the things I did. I do not have to explain any of my choices to any of you, because you are all children and you’ll never understand. Charlotte my dear, you are not a sinner do not act like you are. Do not include me in your little redemption games,” He explains calmly

“Okay,” Charlie speaks through her teeth “Who wants to go next?”

The room is silent for a moment, tension in the air as Alastor sits, smiling all the while.

Voe clears her throat “I’m not supporting him because that was rude,” She side-eyes Alastor “But it’s a fair point, Charlie, you’re not a sinner.”

The awkward silence continues.

“Alright, birthday girl,” Vaggie starts “I have a question for you. Do you want to be redeemed? Or are you in the same boat as Alastor? You think you’re too good for this?”

Charlie scoffs “Ugh Vaggie!”

“Or are you just here for free bed and breakfast? Because you can live in Vee Tower,”

“I just agreed that Charlie’s not a sinner,”

“I know what you said. I’m asking you why are you here. What progress have you made on the path to redemption?”

Voe leans forward “How am I supposed to quantify that?”

Vaggie shrugs “I don’t know. What things have you done?”

Voe shrugs back “I don’t really think about them, I just do them,”

“I didn’t think so,”

Voes sits on the edge of the couch “You didn’t so what?”

“That you had any evidence of being on the path to redemption,”

“Okay Vaggie, enough-“

“Wait, hold on what do you know about redemption Miss Angel?”

“I know you don’t sit around wasting people’s time, or come up with ideas and don’t even help out. I know you don’t walk around here thinking that you’re better than everyone else because you have a few followers. Congrats, you’re just like any other Overlord.” She puts her hands on her hips “You know we don’t need you here. You can live at Vee Tower.”

Angel looks over a Cherri Bomb “Holy shit, this is the best activity I’ve ever been to!”

“I know right, pass the popcorn!”

“First of all!” Voe stands “Once again, I have to point out that neither of you are sinners! So you have no idea what it is to try and redeem yourselves! You don’t know the experiences I’ve been through that led me to make the choices I did on Earth! Charlie, no offense but you don’t even know what Earth is like. So neither of you can decide if I’m making strides for redemption because you don’t know what that looks like for me! The fact that you both think that the path to redemption follows a template where it’s the same for everyone, proves that you shouldn’t be judging anyone on this! For instance, take this activity! Yeah, I’ve done some shit things when I was on Earth, and maybe I don’t feel bad about them! Your first instinct is to condemn me for not feeling bad about them, but you never ask why I don’t feel bad about them! You seem to think that sinners do bad things, just for the sake of doing bad things, but you don’t think that maybe we do bad things because that’s how we’ve been taught to survive. Earth takes advantage of kind people, we all don’t have the luxury of being sinless. You’re condemning me, but you haven’t even taken the time to get to know me! Did you know I’m autistic?” She looks around the room, pointedly at Vaggie “Hmm? Did you?”

“Well, no. But you don’t join the group activities. How are we supposed to know?”

“Yeah, I don’t join because I’m uncomfortable around you. Especially in terms of saying unrehearsed things in front of an entire crowd. Every time we converse you do this to me. Do you think this makes me want to open up? And since you didn’t know I’m autistic I’m certain that you’re unaware that my autism makes me struggle with the skill of empathy. All these things that seem so simple to you are so hard for me! They’ve always been hard for me!” Voe choked on her words “I had to deal with this up there!” she pointed up “I don’t need it down here.”

“Ugh, when are they gonna start throwing hands?” Cherri whispers “This is the most boring fight ever!”

“Are you kidding? This is drama! The pinnacle of entertainment!” Angel eats his popcorn

“Whatcha guys talking about?” Sugar pops up between them

Angel is startled “Wait, you weren’t here the whole time?”

Sugar shakes her head “No,”

“I am so tired of people questioning my actions, my choices, and how my brain works. I can’t even understand it, you think I can explain it to you?!” Voe rolls her eyes up to stop tears from ruining her makeup

Angel smirks “I love today’s activity. It’s all about anger. Damn girl what did you do?! You so defensive!”

“Ya such a dick,” Cherri nudges him with her elbow

“What? I wanna know! Don’t you?”

She purses her lip “Yeah,”

“I wanna know what’s going on,” Sugar pipes up

Voe sits back down “I did a lot of stuff okay?”

“Oooh, like what?” Angel leans on one of his arms near her head “Wait, was you a murderer too?”

“No,”

“Mmm, well that’s a little disappointing,” She glares up at him through her lashes “I think we all need to clear the air. What happened in your past?” He wraps his arm around her

Voe sighs “Well for one, I may or may not have broken up multiple marriages,”

“She broke up multiple marriages,” Angel whispers to Cherri

Voe chuckles “That’s actually why I’m dead I think,”

“Ya think?”

She rolls her eyes “I got.. shot in the heart while shopping for groceries. By the husband of my last conquest,” She smiles painfully “At least that’s what I remember,”

“Ahhh, how much you wanna bet he killed his wife?”

“How much do you wanna bet on before or after?” Cherri asks

“Before,”

“After,”

“Before,”

“After,”

“You bitch,”

Cherri smirks “Mhmm,”

“So you was a badass, that probably got people’s partners murdered or beat?” Voe groans “Geez I wonder what the internet was like when you died,”

“Ugh probably full of sexist men talking about how they’d kill her too,” Cherri sounds disgusted

“After fucking her,” Angel added, Cherri nods in agreement

Cherri shrugs “Eh, not too bad anyway. I accidentally bombed a building with children inside,” Voe’s eyes widen

“At least ya not a murderer,” Angel smirks “We still love ya toots”

Voe smiles at him trying not to cry, hugging the spider, leaning on his fluff.

“So…” Sugar interjects “Did I miss the morning activity?”

“Latte, please,” Angel scolds

Voe had pulled herself together after the morning activity, and she had run back to her room to get some floss since she had food stuck in her teeth from breakfast. It was somewhat pleasurable to floss until she felt the pain. She did this a few times, pulling the floss from her mouth and examining the blood on it. She throws it out and exits her room, not sure where to go.

“Glad to see you’re in a better mood, my dear”

Voe jumps slightly, turning around to see Alastor. She’s a little embarrassed, still feeling slightly emotional “Eh I guess,” she smiles a small smile. He pulls her to the side, and she looks somewhat irritated “What do you need?”

“I smell your blood, where is it coming from?”

“My mouth” She opens her mouth and points inside “A part of my gums is bleeding from the floss”

Alastor grabs her by the chin and plants a kiss directly on her lips, using the opportunity to snake his tongue into her mouth and lick around her teeth for the slightest taste of her blood. 

When he pulls away, Voe is astonished at his actions. 

“Now you see why I had to pull you away,” he grins, rubbing his thumb back and forth on her cheek, then gently letting go of her chin. “Well, what has you dolled up?!”

She puffs out her chest “You didn’t hear? It’s my birthday,” 

“Oh, how wonderful!” Alastor claps “I do wish you had informed me earlier, I could have gotten you a gift!” he pressed his finger to his temple “Ooh! Would you like me to bring back a sinner’s head for you? Or perhaps some fresh meat?” He grins giddily at the idea

“Hmm, tempting,” Voe jokes “It is quite a stunning display to watch you kill, but no. I want a real and tangible gift.” She shifts her weight to one side.

Alastor thinks “Well, let’s see what I can do...Ah! I know!” He claps and manifests a box in his open palm. He stretches out his arm to her and she eyes the object. “Go on, take it,” grin wide as ever

She wraps her fingers around it slowly, lifting it up from his hand and opening it, reacting with widened eyes. 

It is a silver necklace, shining and shimmering, cool and smooth silver. It’s a simple chain and clasp, leading down to silver cursive of a word, no, a name that was surprisingly not her own.

“Alastor,” she reads on the necklace

“Yes?” he responds with a shit-eating grin

She smirks holding it, her eyes darting up toward his face “You were the one who told me to keep us a secret, but you want me to wear your name on my body?”

“Only as a reminder darling,”

“Of what?”

“Who you belong to,” his eyes shine brightly when he speaks

She scoffs and laughs “Sir, I belong to no one.”

“Ah yes, I shall rephrase.” He makes a close-lipped smile “A reminder of who your buck is,”

Voe smiles at him, crossing her arms “Fine, I will wear this if you wear my name on you,”

Alastor closes his eyes and snaps, then moves to roll up his sleeve. He reveals a red leather bracelet on his right wrist, with silver wording, similar to the wording on her necklace, spelling ‘VERA’.

“Satisfactory, my dear?”

She nods “Indeed,”

“Lovely,”

Voe tries to clasp the necklace on, her eyes flying up to Alastor once more “Would you like to put it on me?”

“Of course my doe,” he stands behind her, clasping the necklace shut. When he looks down and sees his name, just hanging around her neck, it fills him with desire “You can wear it under your clothing, and I shall cover mine with my sleeve. Though, knowing my name is around your throat, does something to me dearest.”

Voe takes Alastor’s palm and wraps his long claws around her neck, forcing her head up.  He tightens his grip.

“Gimme a kiss,” she speaks through his grip

“My doe…” he looks around the empty hallway

“It’s my birthday, you have to! And I’m still a little sad! Kiss me you handsome demon,” she glances at him, her lips puckered “Please baby, I want a kiss so bad,” placing her hands on his chest

“Such a needy little thing, are we?” He raises his brow

Alastor squeezes her throat and places a kiss on her waiting lips, but is stopped by her when pulling away. 

“Yes, I’m so needy for you,” she pulls him back down, her hands in his hair “Birthday kisses please,” she moans before his lips return to hers, backing her into a wall. Alastor removes his hand from her throat and places them both around her waist, pulling her body as close to him as possible

“You’re so sexy,” she whispers when they pull apart to breathe 

“Tell me something I don’t know,” he breathes against her lips, smirking, moving his mouth down to licking and biting her neck. Alastor roughly grabs the side of her neck as he sucks on it extra hard. Voe is so caught off guard by this kind of pleasure that she makes a doe bleat. Alastor’s eyes snap open as he removes himself from her throat leaving a bright red mark. His grin reaches his hairline and is beyond evil as he stares down at her, pleased by the reaction.

Voe knows exactly where he’s going just by the look on his face. “Alastor…I know what you’re thinking. Don’t-“ his smile gets even wider “Alastor no!” He leans back in, pressing her to the wall “Alastor please! I have a show tonight-“ she’s cut off by his aggressive sucking on different areas on her neck and chest, leaving bright red marks all over her. She can’t help but bleat and moan, wrapping her arms around him while Alastor does as he pleases to her. 

So Alastor did exactly what Voe asked him not to do and left her throat and chest covered in hickies. When he finished placing them, he tilted up her chin admiring his work

“What a masterpiece,” 

“Alastor!” She huffs

“Hmm?”

“You’re a dickhead!”

He blows her a kiss.

So now she was at work wearing a scarf, sweating her ass off. She walked into the studio and everyone was bustling just like she expected.

“Finally you here! I said two hours early!”

Voe looks at her watch “It is,”

Velvette grunts “It’s an hour and thirty minutes before.” Voe flattens her eyebrows “Come on, let’s get you dressed. Why are you wearing a scarf? Take that off!” She grabs onto the scarf around the doe’s neck, yanking it off. Voe’s hands leap up to cover the bruising. “What’s that on your neck?” she pulls Voe’s arms down. “Seriously? Right before the show?” she groans. Voe tries to smile it away “Anita! Makeup! And take that chain or necklace or whatever off. Doesn’t fit the look”

She’s whisked away and sat in a chair for makeup. “Oh hold on, let me take off my chain,” she turns to the makeup demon “Is there somewhere I can put this?”

She looks unsure “I’m not sure,”

“Okay,” she drops the necklace inside her purse “Okay, I’m ready,”

Once her makeup is done, she is moved to a different room to get dressed. All the moving bits of the show, including lights, cameras, audience seating, and other models, had her preoccupied to the point where she was completely unaware that Velvette was growing a bit suspicious. As Voe was sent from room to room preparing for the show, Velvette found herself wandering into the corner where her flagship model stashed her things. 

Velvette slowly opened the drawer at the vanity and did nothing but brushes and other makeup tools with perfume and press-on nail sets. Velvette purses her lips, opening every drawer. She is just about the exit when she spots a purse on the floor near the vanity mirror. She bends down, grabbing it. She rifles through the bag, tossing things on the floor like condoms, pads, tampons, mineral water, juice powder packets, laxatives, tissues, phone chargers, energy bars, candy, and chocolate.

“Ugh, I need to make that girl a diet plan,” She rolls her eyes

Tossing and tossing a neck pillow, headphones, weed in a baggie, rolling paper, and a lighter. Velvette gets frustrated to the point where she just turns the purse upside down dumping everything else out and dropping the bag on the ground alongside it. Something catches the light in the room, the doll bends on the ground and picks it up. It’s the chain that Voe had on when she came in. She held it up to the light and read the name on the end of the chain, then took a picture. She drops it back down and wipes her hands on her jeans.

“Melissa!” she calls “Clean this up!”

Voe stands backstage adjusting her clothes waiting for her turn to go out. She pushes up her breasts, making it more comfortable for her. Her hair was up in a curly high ponytail with loose wave curls cascading down the front, that framed her face. Her dress is a rose red covered in sparkles with a long slit up her leg and one strap over her shoulder. The makeup had covered her bruises and around her neck was a rose quartz choker with a large letter V adorning her chest. She looked amazing, and for once, she hoped- though it was unlikely- that Alastor was watching.

“You see if you wanna get the right dick pic, angles matter. You can’t just take any random shot,” Angel says to a male demon “I know I’m a dude, but I know what the ladies like”

Angel’s conversation was cut short as he felt a dense object hit his head twice. He turns his head in confusion and frustration.

“Heh?”

It’s Alastor, retracting his cane and placing it down by his side “You. Effeminate spider,”

“What? Heh? Oh. What’dya need Smiles? Changin’ ya mind about somethin’?” Angel shimmies his shoulders

Alastor emits radio feedback “No,” his tone is even “Turn on the television,”

“Okay…?” he picks up the remote and turns the TV on “Didn’t think you were into fashion, Smiles,” Angel jokes

Alastor rolls his eyes and focuses them on the television as Voe walks out on the runway. They can hear applause through the TV.

“Here’s Voe the Beau! The basis for this entire collection, wearing a sparkling rose red one-strap gown designed and created by Velvette!”

Alastor’s eyes are plastered to the screen unmoving, he is emitting a low radio hum that gets louder by the second. Angel pokes his arm with a finger. Alastor’s eyes turn black.

“Uh, Smiles? I can’t the television,”

“Voe! Voe!” she’s called by a reporter. Voe approaches the demon’s microphone, pushing her hair out of her face. “How does it feel to be in your first show?”

Voe smiles brightly “It feels amazing, especially since I helped plan it. I am so lucky to be where I am today, in terms of status and opportunities. I am so grateful to be in the position I am,”

“Who would you say is your inspiration for all the confidence you have?”

She stares blankly for a moment “I’m sorry, I was thinking of my parents. I can only credit them for my confidence. But they’re not dead so,” she chuckles

“We heard today is your birthday is that true?”

She nods “Indeed it is. I have existed for 28 years now,” her smile lights up the screen

“Lots of demons on the internet claim that you could make quite the Overlord. Perhaps even more powerful than the Radio Demon or even the Vees themselves, how do you respond?”

Voe has a look of shock on her face “I’ve heard the word ‘Overlord” thrown around, and some people have said they were willing to give me their souls, but I’ve never thought about overtaking any other current Overlord. Especially not the ones that got me here in the first place.” She catches a glimpse of Vox behind the audience.

“Are you aware that if you did become an Overlord, that would make you a new generation?” A younger reporter asks

She leans down to the mic “I did think about that. Maybe I should become one and try to shake things up!” She jokes and laughs

“We can always count on you Voe, to stand out!” one reporter finished

She grins at the camera, putting up two peace signs, before the broadcast returns to the overall show.

“You can turn it off now,” Alastor tells Angel as he walks away

“Oh, he’s got it bad…” Angel grins

When Voe returns backstage she glances over and sees Vox glaring at her as he whispers to Velvette. He watches her up until she disappears behind the curtain. She was told not to touch anything on her, so she stood waiting for people to undress her and remove her makeup and hair. 

“Alright, let’s wrap it up! Treat these dresses better than you treat yourselves! They’re worth more than your lives!” Velvette approaches Voe “You, my love were perfect tonight!” she cradles Voe’s chin

Voe is flattered “Thank you! Couldn’t have done it without you,”

“Oh now stop it, don’t get humble on me now,”

“No, I mean it. You’re a great boss,”

“And you are the best employee any sinner could ask for,” She boops Voe’s nose “Seeing you out there, had me thinking you’re practically one of us,” Velvette grins

Voe is confused “One of who?”

“The Vees of course,” the doll spreads her arms apart “Wouldn’t even have to change your name,”

“Oh, I’m not sure if I’m welcome,” she takes a step back

Velvette takes a step forward “Oh you, will always be welcome here,”

“Really?” Voe’s hair falls “Vox doesn’t seem to like me very much,”

“Don’t worry about Vox, he’s a big baby,”

“I thought he was in charge,”

“No, I’m in charge. You listen to me. Okay?”

Voe nods “Okay,”

“By the way,” she turns to face Voe “What’s with all the hickies on your neck earlier?”

Voe blushes “Oh that, I um, just got a bit adventurous.”

“Oooh, with who?” Vel raises an eyebrow

Voe shrugs it off “Just a friend,”

“A friend huh? You wouldn’t lie to me would you darling?”

She shakes her head “Of course not,”

“Hmm, very well. Would you like a ride home?”

“I think I’ll be fine on my own. Thank you,”

Velvette puts on a fake smile “Well goodnight darling,” she waves

“Goodnight,” Voe walks away to get redressed

Velvette keeps the smile until Voe disappears around the corner. Vox appears in the room via one of his cameras, his comrade turns to face him.

“If you’re going to do something then do it fast,”

Vox chuckles “What’s the rush, my dear Velvette? I want to make sure that my moves are perfect,”

Velvette crosses her arms “You know they’re fucking,”

Vox rolls his eyes “Valentino and one of his new whores? Yeah-“

“No, not Valentino! Alastor and Voe!”

Vox’s eyes turn wide and hypnotic “What did you just say?”

“Voe is fucking Alastor, or Alastor is fucking Voe, either way! They’re getting much too close for comfort!”

“How…do you know this?” He leans down to be at eye level with her, looking angrier by the moment

“I saw today when she was changing. She had a fucking plethora of fucking hickies and while she was getting her makeup done, I saw in her bag a necklace with Alastor’s name on it!”

Vox’s eyes grow large “A what?” he tries to keep his volume low, as if that equates to keeping calm. 

Velvette shows him the picture she took and Vox’s rage increases. “You need to fix your plan to drive a wedge between them,”

Vox laughs stiffly “Are you jealous that your new toy is fucking Alastor?”

“Are you jealous that Alastor isn’t fucking you?!” The doll bites back

The two Overlords stare intensely before lunging at each other, going into a full-on make-out session. They start removing each other’s clothes as Valentino enters. 

“Oh, what the fuck?!”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Voe enters the empty hotel. It was quiet and dark, so she didn’t have to answer questions or entertain conversation. She went straight to her room, stripped immediately, and hopped in the shower. Finally able to put an end to this straight hair. They had always liked it curly. When she finished, she came and sat on her bed in a towel, flopping down on her back. She had no energy to cover herself with lotion at this moment in time. She hears a knock at her door and groans quietly. She gets up and opens it.

“Guess who? It’s your favorite Overlord!” Alastor sounds cheery

Voe widens the door “Hmm, I don’t know if you’re my favorite.”

“Now my dear, I thought we weren’t going to lie to each other,”

“When did we agree to that?”

Alastor squints “Touché. May I come in?”

“What are you? A vampire?’ She walks towards the bed, gesturing for him to enter

“So how was your night darling? You looked fabulous!” he closes the door behind him

She flops back on the bed “It was nice. Fun.”

“You looked wonderful,” He edges closer to her bed “From your dress to your beautiful smile,”

Voe sits up “Aw thanks. A compliment on my smile means a lot from you,” she says jokingly with a smirk

“Of course. I’d do anything for the birthday girl,” he boops her nose

“Anything?”

He nods “Anything,”

“Would you…put lotion on me?”

He smiles warmly “Of course my dear!” He dissipates his cane

She sits up and hands him the lotion “Start with my legs please,” She bats her lashes at him, but he is already on his knees, removing his coat and rolling up his sleeves.

He takes her feet one at a time into his hands “Ha, I haven’t seen toes in a while,”

She giggles “Lucky me, right?”

He holds her big toe in between his fingers “Lucky indeed,” then pokes the sole of her foot, causing her to squirm and giggle some more

“What was it like when you first saw yourself after you died?” He hesitates “I will admit, it was surprising at first. I didn’t know what to make of it,”

“What did you think of being a deer?”

“Ah. Quite surprising, but I got used to it.”

She smiles “Do you think it was a downgrade?”

“From how I used to look?”

“Yes,”

“Hmm, no. I feel more powerful now.”

The doe sits up “Well of course you do, but were you more attractive?”

“I wasn’t focused on that dear,”

“Well, I’m asking you now,”

“And I don’t know,”

She crosses her arms as Alastor gently runs his hands over her calves “Hmm, I think I’m more attractive now,”

“I wish I could have seen you before the upgrade,” He smirks up at her

Voe chuckles “Eh, I don’t look that much different,” she looks down at him 

“Your parents were so lucky to have created someone so beautiful,”

Voe hums in agreement, staring off into the distance. She thought of her parents and her little sister. She thought of their support, talks with her father, days out with her mother, and how her sister admired her. She didn’t even notice the tears running down her cheeks until she began sniffling.

Alastor’s head snaps up “Did I hurt you? I apologize,” he removes his hands

Voe shakes her head “No, it’s not you. It-it’s nothing,” she wipes her tears

“Now I know we never promised, but I would like it if you did not keep things from me,” his voice is soft, quite unlike how it was when they first met

Voe rolls her eyes up “I just…I miss my mom,” she chuckles through the tears, wiping them

His gaze softens “That is not nothing darling. We’ve all had days where we’ve cried about our parents. Wonder what and how they’re doing. Maybe think of telling them how your day was, and then you realize that you can’t,” He looks up again and her tears are rolling down harder. He blushes “My intention was not to make this worse. I apologize again,”

Voe shakes her head “Don’t apologize,” she barely gets out and tries to hide her face

He stands and pulls at her hands “Don’t hide from me,” he lifts her chin as the tears continue down her cheeks. He wipes her tears with his thumb.

“I miss my mom, my dad, and my little sister. Every year on my birthday I would do whatever, so that’s why I didn’t think of them earlier. At the end of the night though, I would always come home to them with a homemade cake and they would sing Happy Birthday to me, I didn’t realize that I missed it until I came home tonight to nothing. It was dark and silent! It made me think of all the birthday songs I took for granted!” The tears run down like a waterfall. 

Alastor remains silent, as he listens to her and thinks of the touching moments with his mother.

“They never knew! Never knew what I was really like! They saw me as a wonderful beautiful person! I know for a fact that they believe I went to Heaven, and here I am down here with the Hitlers and the KKK and serial killers, no offense,” she sniffles some more and he nods “They never got to know that I was an awful person!” she sobs, dropping her head

“Now hold on,” he touches her arm “You made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you are a terrible person,” he holds her as she continues to cry

“Who are you? Where is Alastor?” she laughs as the tears flow

“Huh, I haven’t the slightest idea,” he kisses her hair as she laughs into his chest.

“My mom, she used to sing this song she wrote for me whenever I was sad,” she takes her time breathing “I hummed it to you before, when you were upset,”

Alastor raises his eyebrows “I should love to hear it,”

Chapter 18>

#headcanon #hazbin hotel alastor #hazbin #hazbin alastor #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel charlie #hazbin angel dust #alastor hazbin hotel #hazbin oc #hazbin hotel fandom #alastor the radio demon #the radio demon #hazbin hotel oc #original character #black oc #alastor x oc #hazbin hotel fanfiction #radio demon #alastor #black queer #original female character #oc fanfiction #eventual smut #black protagonist #black writers #hazbin the vees #hazbin lucifer #hazbin velvette #hazbin vox

[bird-likes-to-fandom]

"People have names on pretend birthdays, too." "You could call yourself Ezra," "What's an Ezra?" "It's a very special name from a very special person. You could have him, if you'd like." "Can Ezra have the curliest hair?" "Of course he can." "... Ezra, with the Curliest Hair."

drawn for day 6 of the @june-doe-event - Swapped roles! I have an actual AU that I've been thinking about for the past week or two, and I'm going to talk about it below.

Ocean - The Most Imaginative Girl in Town. She's doomed from the start. she imagines a better world, a world where she's a leader and everything goes the way she wants it to. But in reality, she "will never leave this town at all," so to speak. During her time in the warehouse, she taps into the side of her in canon that feels distraught and helpless, the part that spirals into the "we're all just starfarts!" rhetoric. Due to her being so religious, she understands that this was the time for her to die, she's just having a REALLY hard time accepting it. She concedes not because she wants to, but because she knows this is her end. Her song is a poppy tune with secretly dismal lyrics about how no matter how hard you try, death is inevitable. Noel - The Most Ambitious Boy in Town. His ambitions to get to France are very strong in this AU. He works insanely hard to get out of Uranium. He didn't get to have a life where he was himself, poetic and out in the open, and that's his main drive for wanting to go back. I think his song is pretty much the same as in canon. Mischa - The Most Romantic Boy in Town. Mischa was adopted into a good adoptive family who decided they were going to give this obviously troubled teenager a safe, stable home. They provided him with a trusting, loving space, and his adoptive father taught him how to play the acoustic guitar. Mischa still finds Talia online through youtube and their relationship is the same. Instead of hip hop and rap, he mostly writes love songs and Ukrainian folk music. Instead of two songs, he has one about Talia and his love for her and need to be with her.

John Doe - In this AU, Ricky is a John Doe. The authorities were from out of town and wanted everything to be over with, and didn't understand ASL, so Ricky was left unidentified. His head is an astronaut helmet with cat ears that he made himself (sculpted the ears out of foam and clay and glued them to a normal helmet before painting it purple) Before his song, Ricky usually signs rather than speaks. Penny is the only choir member to understand ASL because it was taught in Elysium, which means that the rest of the choir can't understand Ricky unless she's interpreting. He has no voice and he doesn't know why. Ricky's song is about feeling misunderstood with no way to be understood, because he doesn't know who he is. He can't voice his feelings because he doesn't know them.

Penny - The Nicest Girl in Town. The town perceives her as "easy", easiest to bully, easiest to forget, easiest to ask for the science homework from. They label her as the nice one bc she's gullible enough to fall for it. Swap Penny is a pushover, and her need to be liked is much more prevalent here. She's desperate for positive attention, and her bullies label her the nice one to get away with using her. Her song is more about her life and how there's so much more to her than what the town perceives her as. She still has her dolly in this AU, and gives her to John as a birthday present. She and John actually become good friends throughout the course of the warehouse.

Constance - The Angriest Girl in Town. She was treated the same way she was in canon, but in death she lets loose and reveals her true emotions about everything. She's done with being a doormat. She's dead! Who cares anymore? She's dead and she spent her life catering to Ocean, and she's not going to spend the afterlife the same way. Constance says "fuck it" and lets her real self show, and I love her for that. She gets two songs - one that's really just a big vent session, with a punk rock theme where she gets to just let loose, and Sugar Cloud, where she talks about how life wasn't all terrible. I think she still has her realization in the middle of death that life was worth loving, it just comes along with realizing that life is both the good and the bad, that it's okay and even deserved to be angry.

#please send asks abt this au i love it sm #june doe #june doe event #rtc swap au #rtc #ride the cyclone #john doe ricky #john doe ricky potts #ricky potts #ocean o'connell rosenberg #noel gruber #mischa bachinski #penny lamb #constance blackwood #bird likes to art #spacedolls

[teecupangel]

i was gonna come in here with a Really Cool crossover idea w/ another game i've been playing recently, but then i realized i've only been playing minecraft (other than ac), which then led me to the idea of all the assassin's creed charas on a server together, and then i realized that the Normal, Logical thing would be for it to be a modern au, but the Hilarious and Chaotic option would be if it was, instead, that the server just. magically exists in all time periods. there's been weirder Isu BS before, i'm sure.

Man, can you just imagine this though?

The Gray is a vast empty space. It’s boring.

So when Desmond and Clay got stuck in it because Juno has a sick sense of ‘reward’, that bitch, they’re about to go crazy when they see something pop into existence.

It’s Altaïr just the way he looked when he had gotten married to Maria.

Altaïr had sorta-kinda maybe been fiddling with this little coin-like thing to get away from the mountain of paperwork that needed his attention because he had just been hopping all around the nearby area with his then-sorta-girlfriend-sorta-we’re-not-labeling-it before finally returning to Masyaf. They found the coin in one of the hidden rooms in Alamut. The Assassins there just sent it to ask if maybe Altaïr could figure out if it’s related to the Apple or not.

And Desmond and Clay are like “Isu bullshit?” “(nods) Isu bullshit.”

They try different things out and figure out that Altaïr could create small blocks of white light if he rubs the coin.

And he disappears when he drops the coin.

He visits again a few minutes later and they realize that rubbing the coin in ‘the real world’ transfers him to the Gray and he returns to the real world if he drops it here in the Gray.

They experiment some more. They learn time does not pass if Altaïr stays in the Gray and he can’t take any item with him to the Gray nor can he drop anything he already has.

Altaïr: If that’s true then why am I still wearing my clothes?

Desmond: Isu bullshit.

Altaïr: Are we truly making that the excuse for everything we cannot explain?

Desmond: Clay…

Clay: We believe that your real body isn’t being transferred here, it’s your mind. And it’s your mind that’s telling this place that you need clothes so you get clothes.

Desmond: In other words: Isu Bullshit.

Altaïr: (stares at Desmond for a moment before turning to look at Clay) He’s going to say that every time he thinks it’s too much of a pain to explain things, isn’t he?

Clay/Desmond: Yeah/Yup.

By the time Ezio ‘visits’ the Gray, they’re halfway on their way into making their first ‘home’ because what else are they supposed to do with Altaïr’s block-making coin anyway?

Ezio has so many questions and Desmond just goes “help us with this and we’ll talk”.

By the time Ratonhnhaké:ton gets there, they’ve just finished creating the walls of Monteriggioni and he had to play third vote as to what their main home would look like: Villa Auditore or Masyaf Fortress.

Ratonhnhaké:ton (at this point used to the weirdness because of Juno’s whole ‘drink this drug so we can communicate’ thing with the crystal skull) just shrugs and went “why not just combine the two?”

Edward was pretty sure he was sooooo drunk he was dreaming the first time he got there. So when these weird men ask him what he wanted to build, he went “My ship!” and proceeded to give them a rough description of his ship before dropping his coin because he was SO drunk.

The next time he got there, he was definitely sober and absolutely confused why he needed to build the Jackdaw in what he assumed to be the afterlife or purgatory.

All he got was “We already started it so we’re finishing it. This was your idea, drunk or not. You’re helping!”

When Arno got there, he was greeted by a ‘oh my god my eyes!’ glowing walled town that he can walk into. At the edge of the walled town stood a large fortress.

… Arno is SO confused right now.

When he entered the fortress, there was a large training ring with a castle keep up ahead that leads… to a mansion… with a forest behind it???

… And there was a ship in the middle of it.

The glowing walled town had a forest AND a ship as well???

Arno is so confused and his confusion only grows when he is greeted by a heated debate by two Assassins he was sure were cosplaying as the two great mentors of the Brotherhood (just how drunk was he right now???) about what to build next.

A chill dude sees him and says, “Why don’t we just get the new guy to pick our next project?”

And that is how the Gray starts the development of the courtyard of Versailles on the empty space to the left of the glowing town of…

Desmond: Monteyafport.

Altaïr: We are not calling it that.

Ratonhnhaké:ton: This place doesn’t even have anything from the Davenport Homestead?

Clay: Well, you picked the forest near your village, not Davenport Homestead. That’s on you, buddy.

By the time Evie and Jacob find their way to the Gray, Jacob is pretty sure he’s going to be blind any time soon, and Evie…

Evie lets out a loud squeaking sound and grabbed her brother’s arm so tight he shouts, making everyone look at them.

In the end, they decided to add Big Ben next to the villa. (“And a pub!” “Yes, Jacob. You and Arno can renovate one of the houses in town to be a pub.”)

#layla and her mcs are in a different ‘server’ #maybe it’ll end with the two ‘servers’ merging or something #no we will not be talking about the drama and tragedy that will happen in canon #ssshhhh #this is meant to be a nice crack idea #for the same reason shay cormac is not in this one #assassin's creed #ask and answer #desmond miles #altaïr ibn la'ahad #ezio auditore #connor kenway #ratonhnhaké:ton #edward kenway #arno dorian #jacob frye #evie frye #i guess i can tag #minecraft #sorta? #teecup writes/has a plot #fic idea: assassin's creed #clay kaczmarek