#i say surprise the nature of my memory means i will never forget but i will still be Delighted when i get the shipping notif

[ixiot-ghostrebel]

Ik this is more on the vague side, but ever since i read ur Irminsul headcannons about the reader in Imposter!SAGAU I got this idea, what if:

The reader could just remove info about themselves in the big tree lol - i mean, Scarab did it before might as well try it, no?

Irminsul itself might let us in without the permission of Nahida so we could go in undetected

Since looking through the memories of Irminsul might be like exploring an endless library, as long as you set your mind to it, you'd be able to find that info, like for example:

Memories about the "Creator"

Now, by now, you already know what I'm getting at, right?

Once reader finally figures out how to erase stuff by trying removing certain minor parts of Irminsul, they try to erase the entire memory of the "Creator" ever existing

Not as in like, they would forget that you were the Creator or that one exists, nor what they look like, but just the horrible memories and basically everything that the "Creator" did/made

But now, one would wonder, what would happen now?

I'd guess that, since the "Creator" is believed to love everyone, why is the one on the throne ruling and acting so... Tyrannical?

In my opinion, I feel like a rebellion would ensue sooner or later

But then, since Scarab lost his own memories when he removed himself from Irminsul, wouldn't that also mean the same thing for the "Creator" themselves?

Anyways, feel free to procrastinate and take your time on my take on reader being able to remove info on Irminsul hehe (bc honestly I'd also do that lmao)

Signing off, 🐱 Anon

WE GOT A 🐱 ANON NOW, BOIS—OPEN THE CURTAINS, OPEN THE LIGHTS! CUE THE CLAPPING AND CHEERING AUDIO TRACKS!—

Alright I'm done making a fuss about that lol—here's the headcanon/jot note version of a oneshot of everything that happens since my motivation was running low on oneshots/short stories.

Disclaimers: N/A

Reader Has Entered Irminsul...

Reader is in their Hunted Arc rn, getting chased by all of Teyvat under the "Creator's" orders. They keep running and running and running...

They're getting tired, and they soon find themselves in a dead end. They think of all the places they haven't been to yet: the desert of Sumeru, Inazuma, Mt. Aocang, Mt. Hulao, Wuwang Hill, irminsul—

Yeah, you guessed it. Just by thinking of irminsul, Reader has made it to the big 'ol Tree of Knowledge :D

Reader is shocked—surprised. But not for long—because they start to panic. They aren't sure if Nahida was on their side or not, like what the sagau fanfics say.

In fact, Reader is mainly scared that she already knows they're here.

That is, before the Reader feels a sudden urge to make it to the Tree of Knowledge. As if irminsul is calling for them specifically. They're weary of what this all means, but at the same time, intrigued.

It was the first time they felt like this. So, naturally, they followed what their gut was telling them, hoping that they won't regret this decision.

Reader gets close to the tree, surprised that they managed to make their way to it without requiring access from Nahida or even getting lost just to navigate the route to get there.

The moment they touch irminsul's trunk, however, the Reader feels a sudden blast of information, as if Teyvat itself is giving them the resources to know what to do.

By the time Nahida feels something from irminsul and she arrives to see what's up, it's too late. The Reader's already made the change.

All tyranny of the "Creator" was erased. None of it happened. Not once, not ever. The Palace of the Creator was never created, the Imposter themself never took on any throne...nothing.

Reader comes back to Mondstadt, hoping that what they did worked.

It did. No one remembers what the Creator looks like. There was no Imposter impersonating them. Reader was free.

They were free! They did it! They could travel the entire world now without risking getting killed! They could finally find a portal home!

Except...they forgot the Traveler existed. But even the Traveler is glad there is no more tyranny.

Andd, that's all I got! Sorry if it's short lol—I ran out of ideas for this :') I hope it's okay for y'all.

See you all around! :D

Ghost Rebel Side Notes: So, as I've been writing this, I'm going to give you guys a little update on something that you all really enjoyed in the past.

So, you know "Forever In My Hold" and "A Path Beyond Hope" oneshots? Yes, this is regarding of the little series that has been created. I have decided that I will be making a Part 3, but it will take a very long while. And it will be the LAST PART of the series. I just can't find the motivation to continue it longer.

Also: Should I do a remake of Live or Die? It's a very old writing of mine, back when I first began this blog. I'm not sure if y'all want to read it, but idk if I want to make a remake. Please let me know :)

#genshin sagau #sagau #sagau x reader #sagau genshin #yandere sagau #genshin impact sagau #sagau impostor au #genshin cult au #sagau cult au #sagau nahida #genshin self aware #self aware genshin

[schmerzafte]

Cloudy with a heavy chance of rain. (w/ WJSN Eunseo)

(As always, much appreciation goes to @a-casual-kpopfan for the help given to me by editing this post, it's been a while since I've posted a fic, and I hope my skills aren't that rusty. Love, schmerzhafte.)

Rain.

It always enamours you in this weird way.

It always reminds you of a…

Memory.

Is it sweet? bitter? or something else?

You do not grasp it well, but you feel it anyway.

Especially when you are accompanied by someone you adore, someone you care about, someone you love, and someone you cherish until the end. It always brightens your days when you spend time with her, seeing her smile and laugh whenever you crack a joke or two. It is a smile you will never forget, even if you have already seen it a thousand times. It still hits you deep. And hopefully, you will always experience this forever and ever.

“Hey, dummy! Don’t just blank out like that! I’m here you know.”

And with that, your thoughts that are starting to grow, embracing your memories, fade instantly. Because there is a smile that warms up your life when you look away from the window. It’s the smile that you won’t forget, after all.

“Jeez, I sometimes wonder why you do this often, you know? You always blank out randomly every time we hang out.”

Right. You know that she recognizes this behaviour very well. It always occurs whenever you spend your day alone or with her. The thoughts always linger around, emitting a bright light in what currently is a dark place. It is night, after all, which is always the time when both of you finish work, and decide to spend the rest of your days together, in this café. The café that you know well holds every beautiful moment that you and she create every time both of you come to this place after dealing with the mess that is life, especially when you work in such a busy office, and she also deals with the same thing as you are, albeit in a different environment.

“Yeah, I know. Sorry, it’s just…remembering what happened to us, what we deal with together in life, and what we have to face every day, yet we get to meet here, in the exact same place, every day. It’s just…comforting.”

“After all these years, I’m still confused, and it’s slowly grinding my gears, you know.”

Oh…shit.

You know this expression very well, whenever the mood starts to shift, you can easily recognize it by staring at her face, which, while expressing an angry emotion, seems to make your smile wider, just by imagining how cute she is whenever she gets angry.

“You are a cute princess whenever you get angry, Juyeon. I’m starting to notice that as well.”

“Jeez, focus on the topic! I’m asking you why you do this!” she pouts in the most adorable way possible.

“Well, here’s why.”

And then you do the most sacrilegious thing you’ve ever done in your whole life, one that you never thought you could do to other people. But you need to do it anyway, just to prove a point, just to declare something, to her.

A boop to her nose.

“Hey!”

“That is why.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It means I love you, dummy, it means that you are important to me, to my whole life.”

The expression suddenly changes, gone is the pouty face that you thought was the cutest thing in the world, and appearing to you, a surprised face that you rarely see, because she always expects the most unexpected thing from you.

But whenever you talk about this kind of stuff, she blushes very easily, like it’s second nature to her. Maybe it’s coming from her past, which you are very knowledgeable about, or because of how much you care for her, she didn’t expect it to come from you, due to how different you are acting towards your acquaintances, friends, or…someone you cherished forever.

“Don’t…just say that to me, after the fact that you BOOPED MY NOSE!”

That blush again, it’s hard to hold a smile and a laugh, seeing that beautiful expression.

“You’re so damn cute, I wish I could see this expression from you every day, every time.” You replied, whilst holding and stroking your hand to her right cheek, remembering how cute she is whenever she gets like this. And you just wish you could do this forever and ever.

“You know you can, right? We always meet at the end of our work, and whenever the weekend arrives.”

“Yeah, but I just wish I could do this to you every day, 24/7.”

“That’s just wishful thinking, you know? Oh, by the way…” she glances at the barista, which you also know well, because, of course, both of you come here after work hours, ordering the same type of drink, and spending the rest of your days together, eventually, someone from the café would recognize both of you well. “The same one!” she spoke to the barista, ordering her favourite drink, which is the hot cappuccino with brown sugar instead of white, which she always claims “It is healthier than white sugar you know. You should try it!” of course you ignored it, but you just love to see her complain about it every time you ordered a drink with white sugar. Those small things are what keep you alive, those memories that you hold forever. But, whenever she ordered a drink, you know damn well you must keep up with her, just to not leave her alone with her drinks.

“Oh, and for me, one espresso with a shot of rum.” You said to the barista. A rare combination, but you know damn well that you must work late tonight because your boss asked for an egregious amount of wishful thinking that gets approved by the department. With how close the deadline is approaching, you know that you must work harder this evening and stay up late, making letters and invitations to different companies.

“Damn, not just an espresso, but a rum as well? Guess your boss is acting up again, huh?” She scoffed at your order. “Yeah, he’s acting up again, asking for ridiculous favours, adding weird things to an already approaching deadline, which means we have to work double the time to requisite more budget and items to the other department.” You replied to her with a disgusted look.

“Well, such is life, sometimes you get a good workplace environment, sometimes you get a shitty one, just be glad that you have a nice workplace, but with the handicap that is your boss.” There’s a hint of truth in what she said. Yeah, you work every day from 9 to 3, but the workplace you live in is comfortable; a good internet connection, pantries with many ingredients to cook something when you have downtime, an actual good income, and many friendly colleagues that always support one another. It is a rare blessing for some people, because many of those people get a shitty workplace, and a shitty boss too. That is what you’re proud of, but of course, the downside is that your boss is a tough one.

“Yeah, you’re right, anyway, the drinks have arrived!”

The barista comes with both of your beverages, her hot cappuccino, and your espresso with a shot of rum. “Still together, are we? What a lovely couple both of you are, I hope the best for both of you, living the best life, and loving each other!” she happily exclaims. You saw your soulmate smile gently whilst laughing, with a hint of blush on her cheeks. That’s a good expression to see. “Thank you, miss. We wish you the same thing as well, we hope your café keeps running well!” she happily replied to the barista, and you as well said the same thing. The café actually runs really well, it was constructed and ran probably 3 to 4 years ago, which is a good accomplishment for a self-owned café. The owner and the staff have been great to both of you, and made a drink named after both of your favourite moments in life, “Cloudy Rain”, a grey-coloured cocktail with egg white that has been shaken in order to form a “cloud of foam” that floats on the top, representing a drink that symbolizes struggle, and a hardship that both of you need to tackle to move forward in life.

“Miss Juyeon, if you have the time, can you come here at around 9.30 a.m.? We need to deliver an order, but when we saw the place where we were supposed to deliver it, we noticed that it’s your workplace. So…if you wouldn’t mind?” the barista hesitantly asked your soulmate. It’s not often that the café gets a delivery order, because it’s supposed to be a “traditional vintage café, which only serves a dine-in customer”, but when there’s an order, it usually comes from your Juyeon’s workplace, because of how she promotes the place to her colleagues and acquaintances, which in turns, creates a huge profit for the café. A rare occurrence indeed.

“Oh sure, it’s probably Hyunjung or Sojung, since both like this place’s beverages. I’m sure it’s the same order as the previous one, correct?” she asked. Call it intuition, but she knows her colleagues well enough to the point where she remembers the exact drink her colleagues ordered every time, she asks them about ordering beverages from the café. “Yes! Wow, someone’s a great colleague, huh? You’re very lucky to have a soulmate like her who cares about her colleagues.” The barista happily exclaimed. It surely puts a smile on your face too, seeing her being this cheerful, especially with how busy both of your life has been, it’s a rare occurrence, but when it happens, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, that you will surely remember for the rest of your life.

But you feel sleepy all of a sudden, it feels like a weight is put on both of your shoulders, and your eyes share the same sensation, forcing a situation that you damn well can’t pull out from, with how intense work and life is. It’s weird, because you’re supposed to be awake, with how you ordered such heavy caffeine, combined with a rum as well. It’s supposed to help you with your work tonight. Instead, it forces you to fall asleep, knowing well that you need to drive home with Juyeon back home, in order to work more, and maybe get a proper rest. But luckily, she notices it well enough.

“Hey, dummy! Don’t go to sleep yet, you must drive us home, remember? Hey! Wake up!” she shouts while nudging your shoulder.

But the rain, the heavy feeling, and the warm sensation of Juyeon’s smile put you to sleep quickly, and you can’t help but notice that the rain continues to ring in your ears, keeping your company. It’s been like this for hours, but surely the rain will end soon, right? You clearly checked the weather app this morning, and it predicted that the rain would come to an end at around this time.

But it doesn’t.

Instead, it’s the sleepy feeling that comes to an end quickly.

You wake up in the same place, facing a window, watching the rain outside, you don’t even realize how long you have been asleep, but there’s one thing you do realize.

A familiar voice peeks into your left ear, shouting.

“Hey, it’s 1 a.m., and we are about to clean up before closing the café.”

It’s the Café owner, nudging your shoulder, whilst on her right hand, holding a broom.

After that, do you realize, that you are still in the same place.

The only difference is that you’re alone.

The heavy sensation that you felt, now comes again, but it doesn’t put you to sleep. Instead, it heavily pushes your mind and your heart. The rain, forcing you to memorize a certain moment that you, and the other person you used to be here with, shared.

With your phone in your grip, you checked, and a notification from the Calendar app came.

“11th November: Cloudy Rain.”

As you pull away from the window and your phone, there you see, on the other side of your table.

Grey-coloured Cocktail, with heavy foam on top.

And a familiar portrait of a person.

In front of it, a bouquet of White Chrysanthemum and Gladioli.

Someone who you’ve cherished all the time.

Who you’ve shared those moments, those memories, those sensations.

Someone, with whom you shared the rain together, after hour, in this very place, with a hot cappuccino, and an espresso with a shot of rum in front of you.

Someone, who you loved, to death.

And indeed, as you stare at the portrait,

of Son Juyeon.

#fanfiction #wjsn #wjsn eunseo #reader x eunseo #wjsn fic #eunseo fic #son juyeon

[yyokkki]

Asking to Sketch Them

HEARTSLABYUL

Riddle Rosehearts

Honestly a bit shocked you’d ask him

But he’s had practice from posing for family portraits, so he isn’t too nervous

Until you say you want the backdrop to be Heartslabyul’s garden

It doesn’t break any rules… but that doesn’t mean someone else won’t break any rules

He doesn’t collar people as often as he used to, but he still makes it a point to lecture rulebreakers on the importance of said rule

So imagine the strain on his face when Ace walks by with a vase full of roses and it’s Wednesday.

In the end Ace sits beside you while Riddle gives a long lecture, keeping the rest of his body perfectly still so it doesn’t interfere with your work

You are sweating in fear. 6/10 a good model but it’s hard to draw when your model is half yelling at the dude sitting right next to you

Trey Clover

Might hesitate to say yes because he’s a busy guy,,

I mean they have tea parties like everyday and he’s always in charge of sweets-

You say he can go about his business and that you’re going to capture him in his natural habitat then he agrees

Raises an eyebrow cuz you make it sound like you’re on national geographic but ok

Anyways you’re drawing him while he’s baking and damnnn those biceps pop when he’s whisking

Secretly, however, he’s been holding back for a while now/

When you’re least expecting it he comes closer to you… and bam whipped cream on the side of your face

Devolves into flour tossing and chaos

6/10 you got whipped cream on your sketchbook and it was half finished but it was a fun memory

Cater Diamond

“OMS YAY of course ;DD”

Internally screaming because his makeup isn’t that good today and why him I mean there are better looking people in nrc and maybe he can get his clone to do it instead-

Overthinker fr

He’s a bit stiff at first, trying to only show his good side and checking his camera constantly to see if his smile looks good

If you’re close and you start talking to him about something he’s passionate about while you’re sketching he’ll loosen up a bit and his pose becomes a lot more natural

Eventually forgets you’re even drawing him and now it’s just him showing his true colours

Takes a pic of your finished sketch along with the both of you and posts it on magicam #muse #artistbestie

8/10 the sketch turned out well and you had a nice chat 

Deuce Spade

Has never been asked this question in his life

Boy is so stiff and awkward pls baby

He smiles like Oga from Beelzebub at first

Pls pls pls get this boy to do something else while you’re drawing him to get him to relax

Might be studying across the table from you while having a nice chat

Forgets you’re drawing him eventually pt.2

Tbh moves around a lot especially if a senior enters the room cuz he makes it a point to turn around and greet them while standing up

Is a bit surprised when you say you’re done because shit I forgot and I moved so much im sorry-

Also takes a picture of the sketch

Texts his mom the pic “I made a really good friend who’s great at drawing :D”

Will ask if you can draw a portrait of him and his mom together when you get the chance (will pay for it he just doesn’t know about the concept of commissions TT)

4/10 he’s so precious but not the best model tbh id still ask him again idc

Ace Trappola

Little shit (affectionate)

Not hard to make him agree but boy will he give you shit for it “my face is just that handsome ig” “you want me to get nude?” someone kiss him and make him shut up

At first he’s making a bunch of dumb faces and exaggerated poses and once he determines that you’re sufficiently annoyed he starts actually posing normally

Might get up halfway through and start stretching or laying down cuz he got tired though

Depending on how late he slept the night before and if you’re keeping quiet so he doesn’t get the chance to tease you, he might fall asleep

His sleeping face is cute so it works out for you ehe

When you’re done he acts all non chalant and smug about it but inside he’s sooo happy damn tsundere

Asks if he can draw you next and draws a potato with three dots on it <3

2/10 its only easy when he falls asleep but he’s cute so ill give him 1 extra point

-----

Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia

Graphic design is not my passion dear lord i really need to read a guide on how to format tumblr posts TT

Also first time writing omg depending on my mood next part will either be out tomorrow or next month see yall

#twisted wonderland #riddle rosehearts #trey clover #cater diamond #deuce spade #ace trappola #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #twst heartslabyul #yokki's writing #twst headcanons

[dyns33]

The debt

Little Morpheus x Reader for a sweet week end 

Y/N didn't want to see Mopheus again.

Not at all.

She wished him no harm of course, she even wanted him to find balance, serenity, and happiness, but there were still a lot of things she couldn't forgive.

Their break-up had been difficult. Maybe he had warned her, before they even started dating.

           "My love stories always end badly."

Y/N had laughed. She brushed that sentence aside, convinced that it would be different between them, that she was the one who was going to change him, and that they were going to stay together forever.

And they had been together long enough. Several years. They had been very happy. Morpheus had even asked his father not to pass for her anymore, so that his dear sister would never come to take her from him, and since he never asked for anything, Time had accepted.

She wasn't the first mortal to defy the laws of nature, so it didn't really matter much.

But even though time had stopped for her body, their hearts were still racing, and one day they had started to argue.

A bit, then a lot, more and more often, more and more violently.

He had never hit her, but the words could be as hurtful as the blows.

Y/N had made the decision to leave him. It didn't seem to surprise him. This had offended him a little. Maybe also saddened him, in any case she wanted to hope so. He hadn't fought for her to stay. It was the end of all his previous love affairs after all.

The difference was that there was no punishment. No ban. Morpheus didn't prevent her from dreaming, as he didn't ask his father to take back the gift he had given her.

It had been over a year now, and Y/N was trying to move on. Not necessarily to forget him, he would always haunt her nights, and there were some good memories, but she had to learn to live without him, and forever.

So she didn't want to see him anymore, but she continued to appreciate the inhabitants of the Dreaming. It was for this reason that she suddenly stopped near an alley, while it was raining, taking a few steps back to check that she hadn't been mistaken.

Hiding behind a trash can was a raven, visibly injured, which was painful to see.

           "Matthew ?" she asked softly as she approached.

           "... Hi Y/N."

           "What happened ?"

           "A tiny little accident, nothing dramatic. I'm resting a bit before flying off to go back to... Well, to leave."

           "You can talk about the Dreaming, I don't mind. It sounds serious enough. Isn't Morpheus coming to get you ?"

           "No !" cried the raven, fidgeting nervously. "I mean, the boss doesn't know, and he doesn't have to know ! He's going to panic, and be angry, and sad, and disappointed, saying that I'm not paying enough attention, and that I can't go into the waking world alone anymore, and that it's his fault because he wasn't there to protect me, and he's going to take a new raven which will be better than me and..."

           "Matthew. Calm down."

           "... I don't want him to replace me. I don't want him to worry either. I know he suffered a lot after the death of Jessamy. But it's true that I can't really fly right now, and I'm stuck here."

Y/N sighed. It probably wasn't a good idea, because Matthew was a dream, and Morpheus was very protective of his dreams, very possessive, but she couldn't leave the little bird, and he knew her, so there was no reason for this situation to take a bad turn.

Without saying a word, not listening to the cries of the raven, she took him with her, to her house, where she settled him on a cushion, taking care of his wing and giving him something to regain his strength.

           "You can stay here as long as you need, and when you're better you can go back to Dream."

           "Thank you ! That's so nice ! I knew you were nice, I don't understand why you and the boss broke up."

           "It was not working anymore."

           "Because he's not good with people, he knows it, and instead of making an effort, he sulks, imagines the worst, and ruins everything ? Classic. He does that all the time. It has rained for months after you left, he was inconsolable."

Guessing she wasn't supposed to know that, Y/N said nothing, pretending she hadn't heard anything, and taking care of Matthew until he was fit to fly away.

Quite honestly, she thought this story was going to end there. She had helped an old friend, nothing more.

But when she had just fallen asleep, she was surprised to find herself in the throne room she knew so well. Morpheus was there, staring coldly at her. He hadn't changed, and Y/N tried not to think he was still very handsome.

           "Matthew told me that you assisted him during one of his trips to the waking world."

           "Yes, although I thought he didn't want you to know that."

           "He can't hide anything from me. He's a part of me, and I immediately knew he was in distress. But I saw you were with him and helping him, so I didn't interfere."

           "Good. Why am I here then ?" she asked, suddenly feeling hope deep in her heart, thinking he was going to talk about that rain, tell her he missed her, and ask her to come back.

           "I am in your debt.. As Endless, I must pay it. Ask me what you want, so that we are even."

The request fell on her like a sledgehammer. For a second she almost smiled, then laughed, waiting for him to laugh with her, because it could only be a joke.

           "I didn't do this for a favour. I don't want anything, thank you."

           "You do not understand." he growled as he rose from his throne, huge and menacing. "I have to pay my debt."

           "Morpheus, I don't want anything. Consider us even right now, I don't want to ask you anything."

           "You have to, that's the rule."

So that was the only reason he had brought her here. The rules, the responsibilities. Again This upset her pretty much. Morpheus certainly didn't think she had helped Matthew get anything out of him, but that was how she felt. He wasn't offering her a present as a thank you, but because he had no choice.

           "No."

           "You dare."

           "I won't ask you anything."

           "But you could. You can ask me for anything you want and I'll give it to you.."

Indeed, as she could have made him a totally ridiculous request, like a book, or sweet dreams, or that he just say "thank you" by getting down on his knees, but Y/N was as stubborn as he was, and she refused to change her mind.

Morpheus didn't back down either. He continued to torment her for several nights, before visiting her during the day, ordering her to release him from his debt.

As always, he was selfish, annoying, insistent, but not violent. He didn't touch her once, and he didn't actually scream, like she knew he was capable of. He seemed genuinely desperate about this situation, and Y/N ended up not knowing what to do.

She didn't want him to think she had helped Matthew to get something, and she could have asked for something ridiculous, and at the same time she could be asking for something huge, like getting a second chance. She was secretly happy to see him again, so often.

Because even if everything hadn't been perfect, she sometimes missed him. She missed what they had had.

Instead, as he continued to harass her, even preventing her from sleeping, Y/N lost her composure, being tired and lost.

           "You want a wish ? Fine. I never want to see you again. Never again !"

Morpheus suddenly seemed shocked. Hurt. He studied her for a long time, as if he wanted to say something, before shaking his head and disappearing in a whirlwind of sand.

The wish was immediately regretted, but Y/N tried to call him, hoping he would come back to cancel her request, but he didn't show up.

Luckily for her, the wish was vague. She hadn't said a word about the Dreaming, or its inhabitants, and after several days she finally found Matthew, presumably on a mission in the waking world, standing on a bench.

           "Hello Matthew." she whispered as she sat down next to him.

           "Yeah. Hi."

           "Everything is fine ?"

           "Depends. The boss has been crying since he got back from your place. He refuses to say what happened. I know you were both responsible last time, but I don't like seeing him like this. He's my friend, I don't want you to hurt him."

           "I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I said something stupid, and I'd like to undo all of this, but I don't know if it's possible."

She explained to him what had happened, and the little raven sighed, realizing that they had acted like fools again. However, he sadly told her that there was nothing he could do, because now that she had made her request, he had to respect it.

           "Even if I ask ? I really want to rescind that wish."

           "Sorry, kid. It doesn't work that way."

           "But... I'll never see him again." Y/N sobbed, putting her hands on her heart. She hadn't wanted to see Morpheus again, but she hadn't thought she would never see him again.

Matthew sighed again, shook his little head, before letting out a caw. Without saying a word, he abruptly flew away, leaving her alone on the bench, where she wept softly, thinking he had abandoned her.

Then he came back, hopping on one leg.

           "I had a problem." he declared.

           "What do you mean? You... Your leg is broken ?! Matthew ! How did you do that ?!"

           "A bike."

           "You're totally oblivious. Maybe Dream is right in not wanting to let you walk around on your own. Come on."

Once in her apartment, Y/N did exactly like the last time, taking care of the crow, putting a bandage on his tiny leg, before freezing.

           "... You didn't hurt yourself on purpose to make Morpheus owe me another debt, did you ?"

           "... Maybe ?"

           "Matthew. That's a really bad idea."

           "Indeed."

The voice startled her, but she was still happy to see Dream, who was standing awkwardly by the door.

Y/N slowly turned to him, afraid that he would disappear as quickly as he had come the instant her eyes landed on him. He looked as desperate as Matthew had said, scared, which wasn't normal for an Endless.

           "You… You're not going to get in trouble ? By being in the same room as me, despite my wish ?"

           "I could." he replied. "But I have another debt to you again, which I must honour so, exceptionally, here I am."

           "I see. It's... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ask that. I was sick of your constant asking, I wanted you to understand that I didn't do this for favours, and I refused to abuse your powers."

           "I know. I'm sorry I was so insistent. I never thought you helped Matthew for any reason other than your kindness. But there are rules, I have to offer you something. I... I was hoping you would ask me..."

           "Yes ?"

           "I didn't think you would ask that."

           "And I want to rescind that wish, right now. It doesn't count anymore. I don't want to never see you again. Of course, if you don't want to come back, I'll understand, but if you... You would be welcome."

           "That's it. That's what I wanted to hear." he whispered, moving closer to rest his forehead against hers.

Despite himself, Matthew let out a caw of joy, ruining the moment a bit, but it made the two former lovers smile. Taking his emissary in his arms, Dream thanked her for having helped him again, even if the circumstances were special this time.

Visibly embarrassed, he offered her to come and visit him in the Dreaming, if she wanted to. Y/N said she would think about it, adding that he could also come for tea when he had some free time.

They parted ways, knowing they were foolish enough to never see each other again, and knowing they wouldn't last long before they visited each other. Because even if she had told herself for a long time that she didn't want to see him again, Y/N knew deep down that it was wrong, that she wanted as much as needed to be with Morpheus, stupid, imperfect, beloved Morpheus, who had never had love affairs with the same person twice.

So maybe the second time would be the right one.

#the sandman #sandman #morpheus #morpheus x reader #dream of the endless #dream of the endless fanfiction #dream of the endless x reader

[wearyeyebrow]

Pride and Shame

Summary: Beel tells you of an afternoon yelling match between Belphegor and Lucifer. While Belphie plans his revenge, you notice that Lucifer has skipped dinner.

Tags: Hurt/comfort, Lucifer x MC, SFW

-

Lucifer stands just outside your bedroom door, poised to knock, but even still he hesitates.

He almost turns on his heel just as the door creaks open. There you are, dressed down for the evening, in comfy clothes, looking surprised to see him.

“If you’re busy I can come back another time.” He isn’t about to make a nuisance of himself.

“No, no I was just about to come to you - I didn’t see you at dinner.” You frown, and he’s torn between the feelings of ease and discomfort.

“I had work to finish.”

“That may be so, but you should at least have something to eat. Come in - please.” You open the door wide for him and yet he hesitates.

“Lucifer?”

Before he can think too hard about it he crosses the threshold, immediately warmed by the atmosphere of your room.

He eyes your textbooks sprawled all over the floor. “Were you studying?”

“Something like that,” you sigh. “Solomon has me on a wild goose chase, all for a special ingredient. I know he knows what I’m supposed to be looking for, but all he’ll give me are cryptic hints. I’ll probably be here all night…” You plop down on the plush carpet, sitting cross legged. You pat the ground beside you and motion for him to sit.

“Would you like some help?”

“I mean yes, I would, but I shouldn’t.” You sigh and run a hand through your hair. “I would love a break though - tell me about your day.”

“My day?” Lucifer settles in, resting his back against the frame of your bed. He straightens the crease of his pant leg. “It’s all very boring, really. My next week is booked solid so I’m trying to finish as much groundwork as I can now. Most of the day was spent signing my name.”

‘Mm, how delightful.” You drawl.

“Indeed.”

He’s quiet, as if that’s all he came for. He can feel your expectant stare and it irks him.

“So I… I may have heard about something that happened from Beel.”

Lucifer sighs, “Yes, what of it?”

“What happened?”

“Didn’t Beel tell you?”

“He told me parts of it, yes… I’m unfamiliar with the other layers of hell. Why did Belphie want to go to the sixth?”

“Because he’s an imbecile, that’s why.” Lucifer rolls his eyes, “Because he has no regard for his or Beel’s safety, because he lives to give me trouble. I had to reason their lives out of the Hands of Ill Temper. I just barely managed by the skin of my teeth.”

“What was Belphie after?”

“I don’t know and I don’t particularly care to know. He shouldn’t have gone in the first place. He has no excuse, leaving me to clean up their messes, putting Beel’s life in danger. Again.” Lucifer needs to move, to pace, something - everything in him itches. He settles on adjusting his socks.

“You really chewed them out, huh.”

“Naturally,” he huffs, “How else will they learn?”

“...Belphie said something else, didn’t he?”

Lucifer stiffens. “It doesn’t matter.”

‘Are you sure?”

Lucifer would rather forget it. He would rather skip dinner and continue working, pen scratching on paper, waiting for the memory to subside. But it never does, it just replays over and over again.

“Belphie, that’s not true, Lucifer doesn’t-”

“Why are you so upset anyway? I assumed you’d want us dead, since we cause you so much trouble. I’d be doing you a favor-”

“Oh doesn’t he? Look - he won’t even deny it, and now he’s just walking away - fucking evil bastard.”

With a click Lucifer had closed the door to his study, put on a cursed record, and refilled his inkwell. Hours of ruminating did nothing. Hours of work did nothing. Now he’s here. What is he doing here? Why did he stop by your door on his way to look for table scraps like a dog? What is wrong with him?

“It… doesn’t matter.” He should leave.

“I think it’s eating you.” He says nothing. “I think that talking about it might help.”

“What is there to talk about?” He bites.“They were reckless. This is nothing new. I reminded them of their own stupidity and Belphie retaliated. Again, nothing new.”

“But… something still bothers you.”

Lucifer clears his throat. “Belphie put both himself and Beel in danger chasing some whim. They could have been imprisoned, they could have been killed for their transgressions - that’s what bothered me, and now it’s finished.”

“I assumed you’d want us dead, since we cause you so much trouble.”

“Is that all that bothers you?” When did you get so close to him? He can feel your softness resting against his side.

“What else would?” Your gentle hand tugs at his glove, taking one off and then the other. This perplexes him but he can’t find it in him to stop you.

“What he said, you know, about you wanting him dead?”

“Nonsense. He was angry.”

“Beel was worried.” Beel was? Lucifer turns to look at you. “That’s why he told me about what Belphie said.”

He sighs. “If… If Belphegor is angry with me, let him be angry. It doesn’t change how I think about the situation.”

“Lucifer.” Suddenly your too steady gaze is fixated on him. “You can deny it all you want, but I… it’s clearly still eating you.” Lucifer’s brow furrows - how dare you assume? As if you’ve read his mind, you clarify. “I know I’m being presumptuous, I know, but please - it hurts you, doesn’t it?”

“Let it.” What is he saying? “Let it hurt. Whatever it takes. He can’t go down there again.”

“But doesn’t it matter that it hurts you?”

“Why should it?” He’s of two minds, one that desperately wants to talk to you, the other screaming at him, a cacophony of voices, pushing it down, down.

“It’s just me, Lucifer.” He feels the comforting warmth of your human hands in his, of your body just barely touching his side. Your room smells like you. The door is locked. It’s after midnight, and the house is quiet.

“I think…” Lucifer swallows, “I think I…

If he could crawl inside you he would. If he could speak directly to your mind he would, spilling his innermost thoughts and feelings without having to say them out loud. He gags on the words, as if once he starts they won’t stop.

This is what it means to be your friend, to be your partner, his mind desperately reasons. How can he fit vulnerability into an acceptable narrative?

He still can’t look at you. "I think I... I was afraid. If they aren't - if I can't be there, if I can't keep them in line, what's stopping the world from-" his eyes water and he blinks rapidly, head tilted back staring at the ceiling. "If he needs to assume that I hate him, if that's what it will take, then so be it."

"Lucifer, sweetheart-"

He sucks in a rattled breath. You can’t speak to him like that, not when he’s at his lowest. He doesn’t need your saccharine tone because he’s better than this, better than comfort or mistakes. Yet here you are, on the floor at midnight, speaking with such kindness and understanding. It’s because you’re an exception to his inner monologue of rules that his brain finally quiets like an oil lamp snuffed out.

"Is that what you want?"

"Of course not, but-"

"I know you’re willing to play the villain if it’ll keep them safe. I mean, you've done it before, for entirely too long. But remember what happened when you were honest? Things got better. Belphie came around and I finally understood you."

He scoffs. "It was a catastrophic failure - any good that came of it was all your doing-"

“Don’t I?”

"We've all come a long way together. It doesn't have to be this way. I truly believe it doesn't, things have already changed.” You plead with him. “Habits are hard to break. I know that Belphie was hurting when he said that, but you don't deserve to hurt like this either, Lucifer." He can't look you in the eye. "Hey," you continue gently, softly, "you don't, truly."

“No. They don’t and you don’t.”

He looks up at the ceiling again.

"I'm here because you don’t have to handle it alone." You murmur. “Because I care about you.”

“You shouldn’t.”

“Too late.” You lean over him and place a gentle kiss on his cheek.

He swallows, blinking rapidly, and gathers you in his arms to place a fierce kiss to your temple. He wraps himself around you, all at once too separate from everything you are. The noise quiets when you move to hold him instead. Your arms wrap around him, and after everything he’s done to you, he doesn’t deserve you in his life like this, in love with what little good remains in him. But, he supposes, his pride as a demon will make space for you, and for that he is grateful.

"Thank you," he croaks, "for choosing to speak with me."

"That’s what I’m here for, dummy.”

“You’re meant for so much more than that.”

“I just think…” you kiss the crown of his head, “that I’m meant for whatever I want, and I want to figure this out with you.”

Lucifer closes his eyes in the quiet darkness of your arms. You are a gentle reprieve to whatever remains of his soul.

#lucifer obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me mc #obey me lucifer x reader #wearyeyebrow #my writing

[goodqueenaly]

I wanted to appreciate a few aspects of Aegon III’s life and personality that feel reflected or paralleled in the life and personality of his son Baelor.

For one, Gyldayn makes a very brief mention that “[a]s a man grown, [Aegon III] … was known to wear a hair shirt under the velvets and satins required of a king”. We know virtually nothing about Aegon III’s personal piety, but it is at least possible that during his adult years the king undertook this sign of self-mortification, usually (and certainly in Westeros) associated with religious repentance, because he sought to contextualize the terrible calamities of his life in the Faith of the Seven. Perhaps the king, who had witnessed and endured so much terrible loss during his childhood, wanted to personally repent for what he might have seen as the sins of his family and/or the realm (compare, say, my suggestions on Alysanne Osgrey potentially having done the same if she voluntarily chose to join the silent sisters). The selfish ambitions of both black and green factions, resulting in the chaos and destruction of the Dance for both House Targaryen and (perhaps even more importantly, in the king's mind) the people of Westeros, were, so Aegon III might have seen them, national tragedies for which he, as king of that nation, would offer himself as a sort of sacrificial victim. Maybe Aegon decided that he would suffer, regularly and personally, so that his people would never suffer; if their king undertook this penance, he would perhaps be that much less likely to forget the suffering his own family had caused them. 

We do not know at this point whether Baelor himself specifically wore a hair shirt, although I certainly would not be surprised if GRRM reveals as much in the future: after all, Lancel Lannister, who himself has venerated the memory of Blessed Baelor (and whose marriage to Amerei Frey broadly mirrors Baelor’s marriage to Daena Targaryen) had as of AFFC taken to wearing a hair shirt. Even if he did not do so, however, Baelor used other means of self-mortification as demonstrations of his devotion and humility. Indeed, his journey to Dorne served as a sort of personal repentance for what Baelor seems to have seen as the sins of Daeron’s war in Dorne: by walking barefoot, clad only in sackcloth, Baelor subjected himself to physical pain and deprivation explicitly as (so Yandel quotes him) an “act of piety” in suing for peace. Likewise, during his reign, Baelor engaged in penitent fasts, depriving himself of all but the barest amount of bread and water in contrition for both his own sinful feelings and broader events he regretted: his apparent lusts, the short-lived twins born to his cousin Naerys, and the birth of Daemon Waters to his sister Daena. By physically harming himself almost to the point of death (and - ostensibly - actually, in the end), Baelor seems to have wished to repent for what he believed were the sinful natures of not just himself but also the wider world (including other Targaryens), much as his father may have wanted to use the wearing of a hair shirt to atone for the chaos and destruction of the Dance and the associated guilt of House Targaryen. 

Gyldayn also notes that during the Winter Fever, the young King Aegon III “spent his days visiting the sick, and often sat with them for hours, sometimes holding their hands in his own, or soothing their fevered brows with cool, damp cloths”. While Aegon's Kingsguard were apparently horrified by the king’s willingness to visit the sick and physically interact with them, those who survived the infection reportedly praised the king’s “healing hands” as the explanation for their survival. Aegon III may have believed in the “magic in a king’s touch” which Gyldayn relates as a smallfolk superstition, or the supposed Targaryen disease resistance/immunity (which, for the record, I think is in practice bullshit, but that’s mostly beside the point), but his actions objectively demonstrated a true courage on Aegon’s part. That the Winter Fever had already proven devastating by the time Aegon III began his visits to the sick was clear: this was a disease which had wiped out half the population of Sisterton, struck down thousands in White Harbor, Gulltown, Maidenpool, and Duskendale, and reportedly killed three quarters of those infected. Yet Aegon III did not apparently hesitate to go personally to the bedsides of the infected and dying, and not merely as a passive observer either. By himself holding their hands, wiping their brows, and allowing the sick the opportunity to have someone to speak to during a time of mandated isolation and fear (no less a person than the king himself, in fact), Aegon underlined his resolve to serve his people, no matter their rank or status. No king was so great, Aegon III may have wanted to show, that he could not put himself at the service of the least of his people; he had been made king not to glory in the throne but to use his power for the benefit of those he ruled. 

Aegon III’s personal devotion to the sick, crossing the divide of rank, reminds me of a very brief allusion to an action taken by Baelor the Blessed. In “Davos IV” ASOS, after Stannis astounds Axell Florent by stating his intent to hear Davos’ opinion on his, Axell’s, planned attack against Claw Isle, Davos compares Axell’s reaction to “the look that proud Lord Belgrave must have worn, the day King Baelor the Blessed had commanded him to wash the beggar's ulcerous feet”. Given Baelor’s dedication to characteristic expressions of charity for the benefit of his poorest subjects - Yandel describing how Baelor “emptied the treasury regularly to fund his charitable acts, including the year when he donated a loaf of bread daily to every man and woman in the city” - Baelor may have decided to take matters a step farther, literally serving his subjects by washing the feet of the poor. Likewise, given Davos’ description of that Lord Belgrave as “proud”, it may have been the case (and not mutually exclusively with the prior thought) that Baelor specifically ordered this lord to wash a beggar’s feet to teach him, Belgrave, the same humility and commitment to (what Baelor saw as) the service of the poor as he, Baelor, professed. Just as Stannis had summarily humbled Ser Axell by promoting the worth of a smallfolk (or, at least, about as close as the series ever gets in its POV characters), so Baelor, it appears, wanted to humble Lord Belgrave by reminding him that even the greatest in the land could and should recognize the worth of the least, as represented by that beggar. (It perhaps goes without saying that, as GRRM has already explicitly cited Jesus as inspiration for the appearance of Baelor, so the author may also have been thinking about the Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper for inspiration for this moment, as well as the royal practice of this rite on Maundy Thursday in, for example, any number of European monarchies.)

Whatever the specific context of this moment, I see again certain parallels between Baelor and Aegon III. Just as Aegon III would define his reign as one of service to his subjects - disdaining elaborate crowns in favor of a simple gold band, and promising not feasts and progresses but “full bellies and dancing bears” - so Baelor may have had that same desire to place the needs of his people first and foremost. As Aegon III had proven that being king required the readiness, even eagerness to care for one’s subjects on a personal, indeed intimate level, so Baelor may have wanted to emphasize that neither he nor any of his aristocrats could rest on their feudal privileges when faced with the miseries of the poor. The beggar afflicted with those “ulcerous feet” deserved, so I think Baelor believed, as much aid and compassion as did those infected with the Winter Fever during Aegon III’s reign, whom his father had so selflessly tended. These were the crown’s people, and they were suffering; it was, consequently, the crown’s responsibility, father and son may have agreed, to ease their sufferings as much as possible, either by the king doing so himself or (and again, perhaps not mutually exclusively) ordering his vassals to do the same. 

What I like about both of these examples is the way GRRM has the opportunity, as he continues to write about this period, to compare father and son and draw parallels between them. While on the surface Aegon III and Baelor may not appear particularly similar - and while their respective styles and philosophies of rule demonstrated pretty stark differences from one another - they are not entirely different personalities either. Baelor the septon-king did not emerge from a vacuum; he spent the first roughly 13 years of his life as the son of King Aegon III, who had himself been king for a decade by the time Baelor was born. As GRRM has so brilliantly discussed father-son relationships throughout his Westerosi works (see, for example, in “The Mystery Knight”), so I hope he uses Aegon III and Baelor as another chance to connect seemingly very disparate monarchs in paternal-filial influence. 

#asoiaf meta #aegon iii targaryen #baelor i targaryen

[empresskadia]

Hear me out:

If you're dating a Spartan, they're more than likely used to you as a member of active military, right? They're so used to you being a soldier that they tend to forget that before them, before the war, you were someone else. Like, Linda finding out you were a pianist, or Kelly finding out you were a gardener, or Naomi finding out you were in art school. Something like that.

OKAY I'M HAVING A FANGIRL MOMENT BECAUSE THE CHARACTER I HAVE IN MY HEAD WITH NAOMI IS AN ARTIST AND YOU READ MY MIND AND I'M SCREAMING

anyways-

I'm excited you brought this up and this whole prompt, because the Spartans would be more used to a more active military partner, whether it's being a Marine, ODST, a Spartan-IV, Scientist, Engineer, etc. They used to you fighting in a war, Spartans are antisocial by nature, so they most likely wouldn't hang out with your friends or other teammates, and most other branches of the Military view Spartans in awe, so they most likely never see you in a "normal" environment until way later on.

I'm sure they know you have hobbies, they've heard you talk about them and the Spartans delight in it for you but they've never seen you doing them. Most of the Spartans probably never thought of who their partner was before them.

So they are always pleasantly surprised to find out new things about their S/o, like, Linda would be scouting the ship looking for her partner after a mission, more likely than not, she's never heard someone play the piano before in person, sure, Deja played them music as children but Linda had never seen someone play in-person before, she didn't even know the Infinity had a piano. Imagine her surprise when she enters the empty bar and finds her partner lost in their own world playing a random song that might have significance to them. When you finish the song, she wants to hear it again, scaring you half to death when she silently appears at your side, "What song was that? Will you play it again for me?"

Or, Kelly going for a run around the Infinity's memorial park one early morning, say, maybe after breakfast, she knew you had plans after eating with Blue team. She respects her partner's space, choosing not to pry and going on with her business, of course, Kelly can spot her partner a mile away, it's second nature for her at this point. So when she sees you digging in the ground with flower pots all around, she goes to investigate. Her shadow towers over your hunch-over form and you just give her a smile over your shoulder before going back to business. Kelly observes for a while, remembering a conversation in which her partner said something about growing a garden again. "Is this what you mean by 'green thumb'? I don't think these flowers grow tomatoes."

Or, one night, Naomi finds you, Mal, Vaz, Dev, and Phillips, all slightly intoxicated in the staff room, chatting away about life before entering the military while her partner is tapping away at a datapad with a stylus. She's seen you use it before, assuming you were working on reports or reading in-time information. Naomi is about ready to drag her partner away before you've had too much when you start talking about a boarding school on earth that your parents sent you to before the war started, an art academy. Dev leans over, and gaps at the datapad before ripping it out of your hands to show the table and Naomi has to blink before she registers the sketches. Most of them were of...her? Different angles, her expressions that she often shows to you, some were even in armor and you had gotten all the pieces drawn correctly. There was one of BB, and the whole crew, another one of a previous unit you've served in and the last one was her laughing with stars and hearts drawn around her, the words 'the love of my life." written above her head.

I can even assume that John's heard his partner hum melodies, never a full song but humming to yourself while working on a project or even getting ready for bed. He's never questioned it, it's something you always did, he's aware some of the tunes you hum are from your grandmother. What he didn't expect was to return from a mission and being unable to find his S/o for a while until Roland directed him to the Infinity's bar, saying the Spartan-IVs convinced you to perform. It's your voice he's aware of first before seeing his partner on the small stage, singing away like nothing else mattered around you. John isn't surprised when you notice him right away after giving a bow as the room fills with cheers and 'encores'. You both slip away from the area knowing this wasn't John's crowd to be around. "I didn't know that was a song. Or that you sang."

#I seriously just went feral for this ask #i love this #so much #this promopt #I HEAR YOU MY FRIEND #AND I AGREE #halo #halo series #halo x reader #john 117 #master chief #kelly 087 #linda 058 #naomi 010 #I had fun with this #linda 058 x reader #kelly 087 x reader #john 117 x reader #master chief x reader #naomi 010 x reader #ask #asks #anon #I just think about the spartans realizing that one day they'll meet their partners parents #or even accidentally meeting them #mom this is john' #"yes the master chief #“please don't make it awkward”

[pinchofhoney]

Hi! Congrats on your 400 followers!! 🎉

I would like to request Steven Grant with the letters i) and m) ❤

hiya, thank you so much and thank you for sending request! as steven is my best boy, i hope i did my best and you'll enjoy this as much as i enjoy wrinting it!!<33

» fluff alphabet event

» special events masterlist

i: i love you how fast do they say the i-word?

Steven is not the type of person to rush into saying "I love you" without being absolutely certain of his feelings. He might be a little hesitant to speak those words out loud because he not only values the depth of vulnerability that comes with it, but also he might be scared of getting hurt. His gentle and considerate nature guides him to pick the perfect moment to express his emotions verbally, wanting it to be a meaningful experience.

But let me tell you about Steven's heart, which is undoubtedly one of the kindest and most caring ones you'll encounter. His love knows no bounds, especially for those he holds dear. It's a love that blossoms in every moment you spend together. When you wake up, he greets you with a warm and affectionate embrace, letting you know how happy he is to start the day with you by his side and as the day unfolds, he finds joy in surprising you with gestures that fill your heart with delight. Perhaps it's a thoughtful text message that brightens your busy afternoon or a surprise visit to your workplace with a homemade meal, just because he knows how much it means to you.

As you spend time together, you'll notice that Steven's affectionate nature is not confined to grand gestures; it's the little things that make all the difference. Whether it's a loving gaze, a gentle touch, or a warm embrace, he makes sure to show you just how much you mean to him every day. It's in those simple, yet meaningful acts of love that his heart truly speaks.

So, even though he might not say "I love you" right away, know that his love for you shines through in every small detail. With Steven, you're enveloped in a cocoon of care and appreciation, where you feel safe, cherished, and truly loved. And when the time is right, when his heart is brimming with the overwhelming depth of his emotions, those three magical words will leave his lips, genuine and overflowing with the sincerity of his heart.

m: morning how are mornings spent with them?

Even though Steven doesn't sleep very well, every morning he ensures it's the nicest one for you. When he's home, he wakes up with a gentle smile, not wanting you to worry about his sleep problems. After cuddles and many affectionate little kisses, he delights you with a cup of your favorite freshly brewed coffee, and despite his own fatigue, he's always enthusiastic about preparing a delicious breakfast, carefully considering your preferences and needs. And let's not forget about Gus the fish! He also gets his long-awaited breakfast along with his daily good morning hello.

After breakfast, Steven surprises you with little notes of encouragement, strategically placed around the house, reminding you of your worth and how much he appreciates you. He goes out of his way to create a peaceful and pleasant ambiance in the home, playing soft music or humming to himself while getting ready for work, making you feel comfortable and cherished.

Despite his lack of rest, Steven remains incredibly attentive and engaged during your morning conversations. He listens intently to what you have to say, never rushing you, and ensuring you feel heard and valued. His caring and affectionate nature brightens up the start of each day, making you feel lucky to have him as a partner.

Even if he's exhausted, Steven takes the time to plan activities or outings after his shift that bring joy to both of you. Whether it's a walk in the park, exploring a new museum, or simply enjoying quality time together, he prioritizes making lasting memories and ensuring your happiness.

Mornings spent with Steven overflow with love, thoughtfulness, and genuine care, as he consistently goes ten thousand steps the extra mile to ensure your day starts positively, despite his own struggles.

#pinchofhoney's special events #400 follower special #400 follower celebration #fluff alphabet #sfw alphabet #no use of y/n #oscar isaac #oscar isaac fanfiction #oscar isaac x reader #oscar isaac scenario #oscar isaac imagine #oscar isaac fluff #steven grant #steven grant fanfiction #steven grant x reader #steven grant scenario #steven grant imagine #steven grant fluff #moon knight #moon knight fanfiction #moon knight x reader #moon knight fluff #fluff prompt

[thebottomfromhell]

It's me once again- I see the post and I really want to say I like it so much technically I just sitting on the bed and I just got an idea you know how demon they lost their memories when they was a human right so I was thinking how about reader turned into a demon but he forgot about his husband/wife and what I mean is the upper-moon I don't know it just it just popped in my head and yeah I have nothing to say more by the way have a nice day on night time and take care of too!!

[I'm not English by the way so if I say something wrong I'm sorry]

It was a bit messy, but I think that I understood enough to work on it. The reader in the traditional courting headcanon was already a demon, so I will change a bit the content.

Sorry it took so long, I had some things accumulated.

Male husband reader forgets Uppermoon after becoming a Demon.

Warnings: Angst, Referenced threats to reader, Implied suicidal character (why are we doing this to Akaza?), Douma...

Gyutaro:

"So that's it, ne?" He feels bitter about it, but doesn't see the need to fight against the change. So what if you had a relationship? A marriage? It's all useless if you don't remember it. It was a miracle that you loved him, now it's gone. Because he doesn't think you could come to love him a second time. And that hurts him too much, he rathers to evade you than trying again.

He distances himself and Daki gives you hell as her brother becomes everyday depressed, and even as you try to reconnect, none of them would let you, making it a cycle. None of them will do anything if you want to redo your life ("I never liked you anyway. My onii-chan is much better without you!")

The best thing would be to move on, but it's your choice. Just take in account, if managing to get Gyutaro warming up to you before, now it's impossible. [Also Muzan would kill you since you would become useless.]

Gyokko:

Gyokko doesn't give a damn, he is mostly offended, but besides that? It's not like most demons remember their human life, but he would think he is impactful enough for you to not forget your own marriage.

Still, he is mostly dissapointed, no surprise there. He will give you the chance to go home or go big at the start, if you don't choose there, then he is not welcoming you again, and he will not let ypu regret it of you do choose him.

On the bright side, he will help you to get back into the routine and he will be as patient as he can be with you re-learning, even if he is not naturally patient. But he will try for you.

Sakido:

"Fuck you!" He curses you, insults you and so on. He is insulted, hurted and it takes a long time for him to stand having you around again. The rest of the clones have to convince him to give your relationship another chance.

He really doesn't want to warm up to you again, not knowings things will change with your memory loss, not knowing there is a chance you will stop loving him, so to save his pride he doesn't want to give it a chance. He constabtly puts you down and insults you, but it's not worse than it was before you married.

Moving on would be healthy, but none of the clones, not even Sekido, would forgive you for that. Karaku and Urogi would kill you, Aizetsu would let them knwing they will have much less mercy than he would.

Karaku:

Karaku would not be mad, just dissapointed. Still, he likes the fact that he gets to court you this time. After getting over how it hurt that you don't remember, he would get all flirty with you, giving you gifts and willing to re-start from zero, confident that you will love him again.

Sekido seems a lot more angry and offended than he is and at times tries to urge Karaku to give up on you (there is also that he keeps using you as an excuse to not work, so you would have to win Sekido.... again).

He would court you untill you fall in love with him, so you would not get a chance to reject him (he is insisntence). Also Sekido would torture you if you did (he would be so angry none of the others would dare to intervene).

Urogi:

Does it looks like Urogi cares that you don't remember him? The answer, he does. But that is not going to stop him from treating you as if you were still husbands. He would be confident you will reciprocate sooner or later.

Sekido, Karaku and Aizetsu worry over this, since they know Urogi is trying his best to deny reality. Your memories are gone, and they will never come back again. They intervene to make sure will give him a chance at least, even if they have to be the civiliced ones about it for Urogi.

And if you reject him or want to move on, then Sekido and Karalu will be the ones to kill you themselves, Aizetsu would rather comfort Urogi, but he would share the sentiment.

Aizetsu:

Aizetsu would actually cry, and while he is a sorrowful being, he is not fond of crying. He would let you choose what you want to do, but he would mostly shy away, not wanting to face the consecuence of your memory loss and the fact that is permanent.

Karalu and Urogi would urge you both to give tge relationship another chance (and prevent Sekido from killing you). In the end Aizetsu would give it another chance, rather unsure if you will love him again.

But again, he would hate to feel he is imposing his feelings, so you're free to do whatever you want. (Sekido, Karaku and Urogi say otherwise, and this is Aizetsu we are talking about. Nl matter how scary Sekido is, they are all in the same page. Break his heart, they break you.)

Nakime:

Nakime would not know how to react, she never wanted to have a husband again on ghe first place, but she became fond of ypu. You help her a lot around and became an important part of her routine. She would not push you away, but she would also make no effort to redo things.

He would be the one to force you to start up with her, and she would resent the fact that you got no choice. Again, she would not know what to do no matter what. You were the one who stablished the dynamic and Nakime isn't even sure kf she wants you to love her. She just knows she misses you.

Still, if you wanted to move on and make your own life, she would let you. In the end it would be your move. [Just know that Muzan would kill you since you became useless.]

Akaza:

Akaza would cry and hug you tight, he would not be able to let go as he holds you both gently anf firmly. He feels he lost you and at the same time you are just there. You don't remeber, and you never will. You are esencially a different person right now, not his husband.

He is utterly destruyed, he lost his beloved again, he lost it all again. You promised that nothing would happen, but you are gone, someone did it. Nobody did it. Akaza doesn't know what tl do but cry, and he wants to die so badly. It can be fixed, but he is not in conditions to do it, so if you choose to not redo your relationship...

He apologizes a lot and lets you do as you please, he doesn't want anything out of pity, but someone will die if nobody helps. [Also, you know the deal. Muzan will kill you if you fail to be useful.]

Douma:

"Well, it's a pity! Really, but you still have duties as my consort!" Douma doesn't feel affected by it. The official ceremony makes it your duty to stay by his side and help him with his followers, so he doesn't care.

That doesn't mean that he doesn't notice the difference, you no longer know how to treat him, what he likes or to satisfy his needs. It's rather annoying that you have to learn all this things again, but he gives you time and have his cult members helping you through it.

Things will go back to normal in time, wherever you want it or not.

Kokushibou:

Well, that's sad, really. It was nice to have you as a husband, but time's up and life goes on. And yes, those are Kokushibou's thoughts. He jas left a family behind once and was left behind by family before, this is not new and he can continue easily as he did before meeting you.

He will pity himself and put distance between you both, but if you don't insist into getting close he will take it as a rejection. He doesn't think you will come to love him again, so he doesn't want to try anything.

It's all up to you, he will literally do nothing, as always. [And Muzan will not kill you, since your part wasn't as important to begin with. Your presence barely matters, so hou are truly free to do as you please]. Re-start should be just a bit harder than the first go, but is a pausible quest.

#demon slayer #kny #top reader #upper moons #kny x reader #karaku #urogi #aizetsu #douma #gyutaro #sekido #akaza #gyokko #kokushibou #daki #nakime

[cainluvr69]

Main Story 2 Chapter 20 - The Willingness to Lead (First Half)

Previous Chapter

1 - What You Can't Live Without

Eva: Listen closely, child of Bain.

Bradley: My name's Bradley. Get it through your skull already, Eva. Remember it, and I'll make it worth it.

Eva: Fufu, what an impudent little brat. Well then, I'll be sure to remember you. Listen closely, Bradley.

Bradley: Yeah.

Eva: We are Northern wizards. We bear strong and free souls. And so to live with strength and freedom… You mustn't have something you cannot live without.

Bradley: Something I can't live without?

Eva: Yes.

Bradley: Even like a magical focus?

Eva: Yes. Though you may love it as though it were an extension of yourself, you must always be ready to part with it. Both you and I are proud and solitary kings. No matter how many things we encounter capable of moving our hearts. For should your heart be stolen by someone else, you will become their prisoner.

Bradley: Prisoner? You mean just havin' something irreplaceable in the world at all makes you one?

Eva: Here in the North, acquiring something we value the same as our own lives turns that something into a chain, binding us. Just look at Oz. If there is nothing to move your heart, there is nothing you need pay heed. He has the most isolated heart in the world. And because of it, he is invincible.

Bradley: What about you, Eva?

Eva: Excuse me?

Bradley: Would you be able to get rid of something even if you loved it more than anything?

Eva: Of course. Do you really think I would be controlled by the likes of my own heart?

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Oh, my beloved… If it were for you, I wouldn't mind changing the very nature of my soul. As long as you are always yourself, it doesn't matter if I'm no longer me.

Shylock: … I'm aware love afflicts both fools and the wise equally, but… It's still quite a sight to see someone like you throw away your pride with such vulgarities. Changing your soul isn't a gesture of love or adoration. It's an expression of dependency, is it not?

Murr: I'm fine with being dependent. Belonging to the one you love is happiness, don't you think? I don't need an immutable soul. Protecting your heart as it is is a lovely thing. Persistence is a beautiful trait. But if change is unnecessary, then that would mean both you and I wouldn't need companionship in this vast galaxy of ours. If the friction needed to polish a gem is unnecessary, then the collision, collapse, supernova, and subsequent birth of the hundreds of millions of stars shining above us is also unnecessary. I want you to hurt me and in doing so, bring something I've never noticed before to my attention. I want you to show me things I don't yet know about, leave me scared and anxious…I'd enjoy that kind of surprise. I love this beautiful world. My hands will not reach to the stars above… So I am always thinking of them.

Shylock: … Though I'm sure this will come as a disappointment… I don't know anyone who shines as brightly as you.

Murr: Ahaha. Truly, what a disappointment.

Shylock: …So please… Don't say you'll change the essence of who you are…

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: What a fun day today has been. I'd be happy if you felt the same. Zara.

???: I won't forget today until the day I die. Because of dear, kind Aria, I was able to make the best memories I shall ever have in my life…

Rustica: Let's make more wonderful memories together. As my beloved Aria's elder sister, you are my elder sister as well.

???: …

Rustica: And we are both wizards, as well. I was raised freely and unhidden in the Sapphire Castle. So, Zara. One day, you too, shall have your freedom…

???: Lord Rustica. Please let me see your face one last time before you leave… Please, closer… So that I may engrave it into my eyelids, that I never forget it.

Rustica: Please, feel free. But you needn't engrave anything anywhere. I will still come to see you regardless. As often as you wish, as long as you still desire it.

???: …Thank you very much. But, I already… Please don't say such kind things to me. I'll become more wicked by the day. Had I never met you… Had the flame of desire never ignited in my chest… I could have loved both Aria and this world.

Rustica: Zara?

???: …Such beautiful eyes… Kind eyes, in which only a beautiful world exists… From the day you were born, you were beloved by all, blessed like the protagonist of a fairy tale. Living a life unhurt, unafraid, never faced with anything filthy or unclean… I am sure your beautiful soul, Lord Rustica, will never change, no matter what the world may offer you.

Rustica: Zara. You are also beloved and celebrated, you know. I love you. And I know Aria does, too.

???: … …I love you too… …Lord Rustica…

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: ……

Cain: Owen…

Owen turned his face away, without even a smirk on his lips. I glared at him. I didn’t think I could do anything else. I couldn’t see what expression Arthur was making right now. It’s not as if I couldn’t see him because of my injury from the <Great Calamity>. But I felt so guilty, the kind of guilt that can’t be properly formed into words, that I couldn’t bear to look at him. That was when I realized something. I was trying to come up with some sort of excuse for all of this. What the hell am I doing?

Arthur: It’s alright. I have an escort. Ah, right there.

Arthur glanced over towards me. Owen was still not looking at me, his arms crossed–I’d never seen him act like this before. And then, I saw him sneak a glance at me. I just kept glaring at him full force. I’d never wanted Arthur to see me like this. I hated Owen as much as I hated myself. But for just a moment, I saw something I couldn’t put a name to flickering in his eyes. That just made me feel even more guilty, and I didn’t know why. It was as if…I was seeing the little Owen because of how messed up things had gotten. But soon enough, he met my glare with his own equally sharp one. Like a beast.

Cain: (If he’s making that kind of face, he has to be the real one.)

Arthur: Alright, thank you. Owen. Could you come here too, please?

Arthur took one of Owen’s arms and together, they came over to me. I had no idea what to do. Owen didn’t, either. All I could do was steel myself and look up at Arthur. He…wasn’t looking at me with contempt, or even disappointment. He was in his blue training outfit, and his clear blue eyes were sparkling. Seeing him like that…I felt my face turn grim, and I started to yell at him.

Cain: Artie, what are you thinking? Only high ranking military officers are allowed in here! Grunts like you should know their place!

I lightly knocked Arthur away and then jabbed my finger towards his chest. The worst thing that could happen here would be anyone else here finding out who Arthur really was. I was just trying to get him out of here safely. He looked startled at first, but upon realizing what was going on, decided to match my pace.

Arthur: My sincerest apologies. However…

Owen: You don’t need to apologize, Artie. Just sit down right there. Next to Sir Knight.

Owen roughly forced Arthur down next to me. The women and officers I’d been talking with quickly moved out of his way. It was me, Arthur, Owen, plus the women by me and Owen. That was our current lineup.

Woman: Have a glass. One for you, too.

Owen and I were handed glasses while we glared at each other over Arthur’s head. I asked him something, keeping my voice low.

Cain: What are you trying to pull? This is a dirty prank.

Owen: Hmph. The only one playing around here is you. If you’re really so sure of yourself, then surely you can keep doing the same in front of Sir Prince?

Woman: Prince?

Owen’s slip of the tongue stabbed a bit of fear into me, but he simply crossed his legs and smiled at the lady next to him.

Owen: I’m talking about myself. I’m the prince of the Cerberus Kingdom. And I’ll bite your throat out.

Owen had meant it as a threat, but because of the alcohol, the woman took it as a joke. She blushed, and then tilted back her head and presented her neck.

Woman: Ooh, how scary. But I don’t mind if you want to eat me right up.

Owen: Are you stupid? You’d get along great with Sir Knight. I’ve fed him to my dogs before, too.

Cain: Come on…

Right as I was about to argue, Arthur suddenly moved to look at me. He took up my whole field of vision, the only thing I could see.

Arthur: I need to talk to you. Err, rather, I have something I’d like to speak with you about, Sir Cain.

Cain: What’s up, Artie? Is it something so important you had to talk to me here? It’s already late. Kids should be in bed by now.

Arthur: Kids?

Arthur raised one eyebrow. I think…I made him a little mad.

Arthur: It’s an important conversation regarding your honor, Sir Cain. You are a very devoted person, but should you have betrayed yourself to that end…

I saw pale fingers extend past Arthur’s cheek, and then Owen grabbed Arthur’s face and forcibly turned his head. He murmured something into Arthur’s ear. They glanced at me during their quiet conversation, leaving me completely baffled by their newfound…familiarity. This couldn’t be anything good. I suddenly felt restless.

Arthur: …Understood.

While I was being set adrift in a sea of confusion, Arthur simply nodded, and moved away from Owen. This time he got closer to me, putting his arm over the back of the sofa. Arthur’s lips approached my ear. His hair and skin smelled of expensive perfume, the kind that no amount of effort could hide. The idea of having a one on one talk with him was making me just a little bit nervous. Over Arthur’s shoulder, I could see Owen. Arthur whispered into my ear.

Arthur: …Please don’t do anything that would deprive you of your knightly spirit.

I didn’t know how much he’d heard from Owen, but the sincere and earnest tone in his voice made my chest ache. As Arthur pulled away from me, I whispered something back.

Cain: …Don’t misunderstand. I’m trying to win over the Western military to get information on Nicholas. It’s dangerous for you to be here. You should leave immediately. Oz and Riquet should still be…

I glanced up, and my words trailed off on their own. There were heavy footsteps making their way towards us. They were even and composed, like those of higher ranked or commissioned officers. The lively atmosphere around us had become tense. Maybe the general they’d talked about earlier, General Barnett, was here.

Gilles: ……

If it was the Western general, it was entirely probable that he knew what Central Country’s crown prince looked like.

Cain: (I can’t even imagine how things will blow up if the prince of an unfriendly neighboring country is found in a military club.)

I immediately pulled Arthur closer to me, my hand on his back.

Arthur: …Wha–?!

Cain: What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? You must’ve drank too much. We should get you on your way quick. Owen!

Owen: Excuse me?

Cain: Take care of Artie for me. Or at least take him to the inn.

Owen narrowed his eyes at me.

Owen: And why do I have to do what you tell me to, Sir Knight?

Arthur also looked up at me, frowning a bit.

Arthur: I am still not done talking with you.

I wasn’t listening to either of them. I was busy worrying about if General Barnett was here, and I picked up the book I’d dropped earlier with one hand. This was a popular novel the general liked. I’d been reading it aloud to try and catch his attention. That was the plan, at least.

Cain: Sorry, but please, I need you both to leave. I need to read this book.

Arthur: Right now?

Owen: Why?

Cain: Because the general likes it. He’ll be excited if we like the same things, right?

Arthur: Do you like it, Cain?

Cain: Well, I haven’t read it yet…

Arthur: He won’t be happy if you’re only pretending. When he realizes you’re lying, he’ll only be sad about it.

Arthur’s words reminded me of my mom, and my heart clenched in my chest. I shook my head, a bitter taste at the back of my throat. I glanced around, and then murmured something to him.

Cain: …You and Oz are no good at telling lies. That’s why this is something I have to do. I’m doing what I do best.

Arthur: Trust isn’t something so easily won. Trust balanced on top of lies will come crashing down when it’s most important. If trust is lost on the battlefield, then who can you entrust your life to?

I felt like he’d just punched me in the face. Exactly like Arthur had said, morale dropped under leadership that couldn’t be trusted. Everyone put their life on the line for their pride and sense of justice at some point. And if you weren’t sincere about it, all you’d get is corrupted authority and false justice. That’s why you can’t just start running forward. Arthur’s eyes held the same noble look I’d seen in the portraits of previous kings in Granvelle Castle.

Arthur: Cain, you are my knight. You don’t need to concoct any devious plots.

My heart was wavering in my chest. I wanted to live up to Arthur’s pure, unsullied feelings. But… I think someone who betrays those feelings would serve him better. Nicholas and the white-haired woman. The sunken Adams Island expedition. Should I just give up and try a different method of attack? My honor doesn't matter. What even is true devotion? What would Leno or Shino do if they were in my place?

2 - Touched by the General's Words

I stole a glance at Owen. He was frowning, and then he sighed as if to say “Well, there’s no helping it.” He reached over Arthur and put his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me closer. And then, he whispered something in my ear. Owen’s voice was oddly shrill, as if he was embarrassed about something.

Owen: Hey… If it’s the only way, then. I’ll kill the Western general for you.

My eyes widened. Owen frowned, making a weird face, like he was trying to hide his embarrassment. He was messing with his bangs like he was annoyed, but he was eyeing me with a certain sense of pride.

Owen: But only for tonight, okay?

My blood drained out of my face and I shook my head.

Cain: Don’t even think about doing something like that. It’d become a massive diplomatic issue.

Owen: …Hah?

Pretty sure Owen thought that he was offering to do a good deed, which was why he was so embarrassed about it, but it was still undeniably an offer of assassination. A Northern wizard killing the Western army’s general in front of Central’s prince was just a recipe for disaster.

Cain: You don’t need to come up with any plots, just take Arthur and…

Owen: Plots? I’m saying I’ll help you, and you say I’m plotting?

Cain: I’m grateful for the offer, but right now, your talents aren’t really what I need here.

Owen’s trunk appeared out of nowhere. I looked up at the ceiling, and then tried again.

Cain: I said not right now, right?

Owen: I’m going to turn you to stone. I don’t take orders from anyone.

Woman: D-didn’t he just pull that trunk from nowhere… Was that…magic?

Owen smiled threateningly at the pale woman.

Owen: That’s right. Didn’t I tell you? I’ll bite your throat out.

Arthur: Could you kindly stop, Owen?

Woman: …I–I’m not scared! I’m not scared of wizards. There are so many officers from the Magical Weaponry Division here. Everyone, please…!

Cain: Let’s calm down! Owen, put your trunk away! Absolutely do not open it!

Owen: …Don’t order me around!

Arthur: We’re not giving you orders. Neither Cain nor I are trying to subjugate you, Owen of the North.

Arthur placed his hand on Owen’s arm, and then he looked up at me.

Arthur: This goes for you too, Cain. My desires are not meant to be chains. They shouldn’t keep you from listening to your heart.

Those painful words felt so good. My heart. My thoughts and feelings could change everything. And how easily mine had been changed. What could I do with these feelings?

Gilles: And what is going on here?

Owen and I stood ready at the same time. We didn’t even have to say anything. Both of us were prepared to guard Arthur. I couldn’t see who had spoken. But I could tell enough from the air around them. This was General Barnett. The cheery, drunken sense of relaxation in the club had changed. Not in a bad way. There wasn’t any fear shooting up my spine. But all the soldiers in the room remembered something now that he stood before them. All he had to do was stand in the same room as them, and the Western army’s soldiers remembered their pride. Their spirit. I hadn’t even seen his face, and General Barnett had already overwhelmed us. If he was this charismatic on a normal day, I wondered how far his leadership would take him on the battlefield. Speaking as a soldier from the neighboring country? I wasn’t looking forward to seeing it.

Cain: …My apologies for disturbing you. I am Cain, a former knight of Central Country.

I smiled amiably and held my hand out to him. I could only wonder if he’d accept it. But I only had to worry for a couple seconds. A large hand grasped mine moments later. The same moment, a tall, capable-looking young man appeared in front of me. He had the sociable, reliable air of someone you could call an ideal commanding officer.

Gilles: Gilles Barnett, at your service. Would those be your friends?

Still feeling the strain, I introduced the two of them.

Cain: My subordinates. Artie and Wen.

Owen: You’re a wizard, aren’t you.

Owen announced that right to General Barnett’s face. It caught me off guard for a moment, but I knew why he’d felt that, so I explained it to him.

Cain: Don’t be rude, Wen. Watch your mouth. This is the man who leads the Magical Weaponry Division. Using that many mana stones can make someone have the same presence as a wizard.

Owen: Mana stones…? …Just how many would you have to use to feel like that.

Owen smiled a thin smile at him, the expression dripping with malice and hatred. But General Barnett was unmoved. His eyes moved to Arthur, and he gestured for him to sit down.

Gilles: Please, sit.

Arthur: Thank you, sir.

Although Arthur took a seat, General Barnett did not. Instead, he sat down next to me, taking the place of a woman who had gracefully offered up her seat. His leisurely manner was also a smart one. And it wasn’t like he was trying to intimidate or overpower us. It looked like he was being considerate of us.

Gilles: You said you were a former Central soldier, didn’t you?

Cain: Yes.

The general smiled at me, friendly-like.

Gilles: As the general of Western Country, I could call myself its greatest hero, but surely that means little to a Central knight. From Central’s oldest knight to its youngest trainee, each one is fearlessly brave. Now that’s true glory. They don’t get ahead of themselves when victory’s in sight, and that’s how the names of so many heroes have been engraved in their history. And you are one of them. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Cain: Ah… Thank you very much. I’m undeserving of such praise.

I knew it was nothing more than flattery, but my chest was still full of emotion. Even the general of another country saw the same splendor in the Central knights that I’d admired ever since I was little. Arthur’s eyes also glowed with the praise.

Gilles: And that is?

The general gestured towards the book next to me. Seems like the story about him liking this series was true. Finally, I could work on fulfilling my intended objective here. I picked up the book with vigor.

Cain: A book from a series I like. I’d heard that you enjoyed it as well. I was thinking of reading some aloud, if you’d be fine with that.

The general smiled at me, and I looked over my shoulder towards Owen.

Cain: Wen. Cover Artie’s ears for me, would you?

Owen: What? Why?

Cain: I’ve got a feeling there’s going to be some events that children shouldn’t be listening to.

Arthur: You keep calling me a child, but I am no longer… I am not a child, Sir Cain.

Owen: I’ll let him listen. Give us a tale so terrifying it gives Artie nightmares.

Arthur: No matter how terrifying a story it is, it won’t keep me awake or give me nightmares. Because I am not a child.

Cain: It’s not a scary story. Well, it shouldn’t be…

I remembered the bit I’d read just before as getting a bit…spicy. I glanced over at the general. As if the friendly air he’d had earlier had been nothing but a lie, he was now completely filled with bloodlust.

Cain: Is… Is something wrong, sir…?

His eyes met mine and slowly, slowly his head turned to join them.

Gilles: That book is a stellar adaptation… Don’t speak of it as if it’s some vulgar, tawdry product.

Cain: Ah… Um…

Gilles: The play it is based on is an action/adventure coming-of-age story centered around the friendship of a landed noble caught up in an inheritance dispute and one of her maids. In any case.

Cain: Yes.

Gilles: The two protagonists fall in love with a traveling merchant, and both compete for his affection in further more impossible ways. You said you liked it, didn’t you?

Cain: Uh, yes.

Gilles: To be frank, I am absolutely appalled. No further conversation is required.

Cain: W–wait! My apologies. Let me be honest. I'm…

Gilles: The Sage’s wizard, Cain Knightley. And that would be another Sage’s wizard, the Northern wizard Owen. And this gentleman would be… No, enough with names.

The general had been looking at Arthur when he said that. Arthur, however, took a deep breath and said his next words very pointedly.

Arthur: Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am the prince of Central Country, Arthur Granvelle. My apologies for being misleading with my identity, General Barnett.

The general’s eyes widened at such a forthwith introduction. For the first time in this conversation, he was shocked. After carefully observing his surroundings, he simply shrugged his shoulders.

Gilles: …My sincerest apologies. I had not heard you would be visiting. Had I been aware, I would have knelt before you. To do so now would be, well, conspicuous.

Arthur: Let me apologize as well. I was distracted.

The general smiled at Arthur’s immediate apology. He leaned forward, lowering his voice.

Gilles: …Please listen without showing surprise. Important citizens of my country have of late been collapsing with sudden illness. Their health worsens very quickly, and as it stands, it is doubtful they can even make it through the night. Were it to be known that a foreign dignitary is visiting me during this plague, it would draw suspicion. Please, leave as soon as you are able.

Arthur: Western country’s dignitaries…

Gilles: I cannot speak further than this. You understand, yes?

Arthur: Yes… Thank you. However, may I ask one thing?

Gilles: You may.

Arthur: Why did you warn me?

Gilles: I’d rather not cause problems for myself by complicating things with easily-rectified matters.

The general smiled calmly. His manner was arrogant, but Arthur’s eyes were happy all the same.

Gilles: You are young, and there is still hope in your heart. Though we may live in a broken world, I keep faith that it shall one day be beautifully reborn. I would rather do you a favor of something more valuable than saying your name too loudly and bringing both of our nations trouble.

Arthur: My thanks, General Barnett.

Gilles: Please, just call me Gilles. Now, I would not say this is advice, per se… If you have no urgent plans, I would suggest staying in the City of Fortune for the moment.

Cain: Why?

Gilles: A coronation ceremony shall be held on a day very soon from now. I believe the Sage’s wizards were also given an invitation.

Those words alone told me everything I needed to know about the state of the West’s dignitaries, and which among them had fallen ill. Western Country was a monarchy, after all. It seemed we’d arrived at a very delicate time.

Gilles: Well then, I shall take my leave. May there be good company on your way home.

With a bow, the general began to walk away from us. I was after him in a flash. He was a fair sort of person. I needed to do something to get rid of the guilt of lying to him.

Cain: Hold on.

Gilles: What?

Cain: …Sorry for lying to you. Err, my sincerest apologies, I mean.

His shoulders shook with laughter. At least the look on his face meant I hadn’t insulted him.

Gilles: What a very Central thing of you to say. No, it was quite fine. Why were you trying to gain my favor?

Cain: Huh?

Gilles: You pretended to have read a book you’d never touched for the sake of my favor, to the point of troubling your comrades.

Cain: That’s, well… I really do apologize for that. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Gilles: It certainly seems that way. I’ve yet to meet someone from Central who enjoyed deceit. Nicholas was the same way.

My eyes widened the moment I heard Nicholas’s name.

Cain: You remember Nicholas?

Gilles: Of course I do. He was once a hero who stood as Central’s head of knights. It was quite exhausting having such a great man foisted onto me as one of my subordinates.

After that bit of complaint, the general smiled at me.

Gilles: I heard a bit of you from him. He called you the kind of genius that only comes around once every thousand years. Nicholas had been quite proud whenever your name was brought up. It was clear that he loved Central Country and Central’s knights from the bottom of his heart. What happened to him was very unfortunate.

The general put his hand on my shoulder. The sudden rush of emotion in my chest was so strong, I could feel my breathing waver. Even if he had fallen as something evil, Nicholas had once been someone I admired. Hearing words of praise for him made my chest tight. Even though I’d tried to convince myself there was no other choice, I’d always hated how things had turned out. If the reason that the gallant knight I admired had become a villain was because I’d cornered him, then didn’t that make me the evil one? The general shook his head, as if to reject the self-hatred I’d never voiced aloud.

Gilles: My only complaint is that you led the knights after someone like Nicholas had been driven out. You’re not the kind of person who would be here to try and gather information. The right person for the right place, after all. Though it’s true Western Country tends to discriminate towards wizards, we are still generous enough to welcome the philosopher Hart to the royal palace with open arms. Those from Central are less sociable. The generosity seen when the King of Knights Alec established that country alongside wizards is nowhere to be seen. The current system in place only shames that sincere warrior. You don’t need to look at me like that. If you’re going to turn your sword on anything, turn it on the system.

This foreign general’s words were like a guiding light that had saved me. Perhaps they were simply honeyed words to win me over. But I wanted to think they were true.

Cain: Thank you very much, sir.

Gilles: Even wicked customs can be changed that way. Should your revolution fail and you go into exile, I would gladly welcome you to our country.

Cain: I’m not planning on abandoning my country. I am a Central knight.

The general smiled warmly at me.

Gilles: I thought that’s what you’d say.

Cain: General Barnett. Did anything strange happen to Nicholas during his time in this country?

Gilles: Why do you ask?

Cain: I heard that he headed an expedition to the sunken Adams Island. He wasn’t exactly a man who was fond of the sea. But if he left anything behind that might tell me what his goal was, then…

Gilles: I see. A very Central expression of camaraderie. I’m fond of Central’s knights because you’re all like characters in a book. Now then, regarding Nicholas… Although he was one for etiquette, there were times when he crossed the line when it came to me. I imagine he couldn’t forgive himself for it.

Cain: I see…

Gilles: Oh, but there is one thing I recall. He once asked me if I was an avid reader. Specifically, he asked if there were any accounts handed down through Western legend of an account of a "walking Hell".

Cain: A walking Hell…?

Gilles: Yes. I’d never heard of something like it. What about in Central?

Cain: This is the first time I’m hearing of anything like it, too.

Gilles: I see. I apologize, but that’s as much as I can offer.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: A walking Hell… I’ve never heard of it, either. What about you, Owen?

Owen: Who knows.

Arthur: Perhaps you keep it within that trunk of yours?

Owen: Sure. Want to take a peek, Sir Prince?

Cain: Knock it off, Owen.

Owen: Hmph. So you failed to become a villain, Sir Knight. Well, it’s just a matter of time. I’m looking forward to seeing it happen.

Cain: …tsk, he’s gone… God, he’s so…

Arthur: Owen was worried about you, Cain.

Cain: As if.

Arthur: That was why he came to me. …Am I wrong?

Cain: You’re wrong. Maybe he’s not as awful as I thought, but… He’s still awful. Don’t let him fool you.

Arthur: You think so…?

Cain: …A walking Hell… Sigh… All that work, and that’s the only clue we got.

Arthur: We did get to meet with the Western general, thanks to your infiltration. Thank you, Cain.

Cain: Arthur… No, I should be the one thanking you.

3 - The Child Beloved by the Sun and Moon

Liliana: …

Old man: …Please… Please, I beg you… I haven't breathed a word about you to anyone… I promise you…!

Liliana: When has a child of man ever fulfilled their promises?

Old man: Eek…! Someone…! Help me! Please…!

Liliana: Cease this fruitless resistance. Do you really think you can escape me? I gave you happiness, did I not?

Old man: Ahh… My body… I'm wasting away…like I'm dying… …ahh…my arms are turning into branches…

Liliana: You have fulfilled your role. Now, sleep peacefully.

Old man: ……

Liliana: …Haah… That went well. I'm so sorry, Albert. But I'd rather not meet with him while looking like an old man.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …Zara… She's a witch who was raised in secrecy, like I was…?

Kelvin: …Your family hid you, too?

Chloe: Yeah… Since if they knew I was a wizard, all of our relatives would hate us…

Kelvin: Hmph. Then let them hate you. People who hate things they don't understand are all boring people, anyways. Besides, they don't hate wizards. They just mistrust them.

Chloe: Mistrust…?

Kelvin: That's right. They suspect us when things go missing, or if something breaks. Or when something bad happens to someone who's usually lucky. They think to themselves, "Couldn't this be because of the strange powers those wizards have?" It's hard to trust something they can't see for themselves, after all. Mistrusting things they can't see is pretty easy for them. They do it with kindness and friendship and things done in good will, too.

Chloe: …But… Rustica trusted me. Ages ago while I was still doing sewing for my parents' shop, I came up with this embroidery concept. Like, if I did this and this and put it all together, how'd that look? And just like I thought, it turned out absolutely beautifully.

Kelvin: Amazing! You've got a real knack for that kind of thing, don't you?

Chloe: Ehehe! Thanks… You're a kind person too, Kelvin. …But my sisters thought there was no way I could've come up with it on my own. They thought I'd seen someone else's embroidery work and copied it.

Kelvin: That's horrible. How could they?!

Chloe: Well, I was used to it… But Rustica trusted me. He said, "That's amazing, Chloe." I couldn't prove I came up with it on my own, but he didn't doubt me in the first place. It was the very first time I looked at my own embroidery and thought, "He's right. It is amazing." I was so happy and proud of myself. All because Rustica trusted me…

Kelvin: That's who Lord Rustica is, after all. He doesn't mistrust anything. He thinks this world only consists of love and peace. That's because Lord Rustica has only ever known kind and happy things in his life.

Chloe: …I don't think it's possible to have only known happiness, but… I still think I get what you're saying… Rustica never has a bad thing to say about anything. He's very good at finding a silver lining in everything. Even if people trick him or treat him badly, he never says anything about it. I always thought it was weird, honestly. I wondered how he could be like that. But… Is it really possible to live while only knowing kind and happy things…?

Kelvin: He did it. It was possible for that family back then.

Chloe: That family back then, huh…

Kelvin: For the Ferch family that lived in the City of Fortune's Sapphire Palace. Rustica was born to the Ferch family at the height of their prosperity.

Chloe: The Ferch family?

Kelvin: They were Western Country's most dazzling and prosperous aristocrats. They had even more power, politically speaking, than the Western royal family did, and nobles and merchants from around the entire continent did business with them. They amassed wealth from around the world, built the Sapphire Palace, and hosted dinner parties every night. Western Country's important talks about things like war, taxes, and politics weren't discussed at the royal palace, but at Sapphire Palace.

Chloe: So, like, they were more important than the king?

Kelvin: Their power grew from their successful business ventures. Especially with their investments in transcontinental transport. The ones who originally planned, implemented, and maintained the road that runs from Western Country, through Central, all the way to Eastern Country were the Ferches.

Chloe: That's amazing!

Kelvin: People even whispered that the Ferches' divine protection would keep them safe from anything dangerous that came down from the North. The Ferches were beloved by the royal family, the commoners, the nobility, even scholars and artists alike. And that was why when a wizard was born to them, he received nothing but blessings.

Chloe: And that was Rustica…?

Kelvin: Yes. I still remember what the people in the City of Fortune called the baby born in the Sapphire Palace. The child beloved by the sun and moon.

Chloe: (…Ahh, it's unbelievable…) (Rustica and I are as different as night and day…)

Kelvin: Until I met Lord Rustica in person, this was what I thought about the heir to the Sapphire Palace: What do they mean, beloved by the sun and moon? He's just some spoiled brat who got raised up to be selfish and covetous and never had anyone say no to him. And then I actually met him, and Lord Rustica couldn't have been more different than that. He was kind, sincere, humble… He was so generous I actually got worried for him.

Chloe: …I understand… That's the same Rustica that I know…

Kelvin: Haha… It's been so long since I saw him, and he hasn't changed a bit. …His eyes are still so clear… I can't even count how many times I felt ashamed of myself in front of those eyes. I was irritable, skeptical, stingy, pessimistic…

Chloe: Kelvin…

Kelvin: …I wanted to become a musician. But I was scared of putting on a poor performance and getting laughed at… Every time I found a musician to try to apprentice with, they'd cruelly mock me. They really were the worst. Even though I really just wanted to listen to music up close and touch an instrument for myself. I encountered Lord Rustica for the first time while I was traveling, as he was playing a flute, and I laughed at him. What's up with this?! What a weird-sounding song! What a bizarre melody! But he just smiled at me and said, "That's not true. It's a lovely song. Why don't you try to play this flute, too?" And for some reason, when he said that to me… For the first time in my life, I said that I did, I did want to try playing the flute. And I meant it completely. I have loved Lord Rustica ever since.

Chloe: …

Kelvin: And Lord Rustica loved me, too. It was as natural as the fact that candy made from sugar is sweet that people loved him, but he loved them in return so easily. He had an unshakeable faith in himself, but he never strayed from his kind, considerate nature. He freely gave his possessions, his time, and his love to anyone who wanted them.

Chloe: (…That's true for me, too… I'm just one of the people he gave those things to…) (Rustica is a very, very special person to me, but…) (To Rustica, am I…?)

Kelvin: Hey, are you okay?

Chloe: Ah…

Kelvin: You're looking kind of pale. Maybe it's just because of the moonlight, but…

Chloe: I'm fine… Ah… Wait, I need to go find Rustica! He was with me until just a little bit ago.

Kelvin: I know. I could feel his presence… Where is he now?

Chloe: W-well… A wizard I've never seen before suddenly showed up and then vanished with him.

Kelvin: Huh?! Did Zara take him?! Even though she hasn't so much as laid a hand on him before now…

Chloe: Why did Zara turn Rustica's bride into a songbird? If Rustica went through something terrible because of that witch, then… If I were to defeat her, the witch controlling Western Country, would that make Rustica happy…?

Kelvin: Lord Rustica would… I don't think he would be happy with that, no matter who it was.

Chloe: …

Kelvin: You'd just make him sad. So he has no choice but to forget things like that.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: …

I was in a room that smelled absolutely lovely. It was a fine perfume, the sweet, refreshing scent of flowers blended with burnt sugar. I felt oddly nostalgic being wrapped up in that aroma. It was a sweet and gentle atmosphere, one of sadness tinged with joy. The windows of this room were also lovely. Through them I saw a magnificently built palace, backed by the pre-dawn sky. I felt a bit sleepy, so I thought I'd lie down for a bit. I undressed, leaving my clothes scattered untidily over the floor, and suppressed a yawn. And then I thought to myself, something seems off. If someone saw my clothes on the floor like this, I knew what they'd say.

???: You can't do that, Rustica. They'll get all wrinkled like that.

Rustica: Oh, my apologies.

I apologized to that someone and folded my clothes. I couldn't quite place what that someone's name was. I found a brush, and brushed out my hair. I heard the voice of someone who had talked to me while brushing my hair, from sometime before now. It smelled the same now as it did then. Sweet, refreshing flowers and candy. Flowers dancing gently in the breeze. Small, purple flowers. Gemstones glittering brightly. A delicate porcelain cup…

???: Rustica. My angel. Everyone fortunate enough to meet you is blessed. Your eyes are pure and innocent. Your heart is serene and unselfish. You understand the underpinnings of this world. It is possible that in the future, you may hear thoughtlessly said words, words not worth hearing. But please, you mustn't criticize the people who say them. There is no reason for you to take offense to them. Those who are so poor of heart are those pitiful, those not blessed with good fortune. Those who are well-loved, however, are earnest and virtuous. You must extend your hand to them without hate, without hostility. Kindness and compassion are paramount. As those of high status, we have a responsibility to learn proper ethics. My sweet Rustica. Please extend your love to everyone you can. This way, everyone will be happy.

The sky began to brighten. A veil of navy and violet fluttered at the hem of the night sky's dark dress. Birds began to sing their lovely morning songs. My eyes were on the verge of falling shut. I laid down on the bed. I laid down on the bed, and I was happy. Being able to sleep for as long as I like made me feel free and peaceful. Liberated. I began to hum a song, and fell asleep to that same song of my own making.

✦✧☾✧✦

Aria Mastandrea was the princess of Western Country as well as my fiancee. I have loved her since the day we first met. She was like a little sister. We were often told we suited one another. We were very happy together. Aria loved the sound of my harpsichord, and I loved the stories Aria would tell. Aria spoke to me often about the things that she loved. Brightly colored pastries, wax seals, bluebirds that pecked at flower petals, buttons with gold around the edges, the royal palace's gardens. His Majesty the King, her Majesty the Queen, me. Her favorite chamberlain, Francesca. The lizards that would appear by her window on rainy days. However, she was lying to me. I knew Aria loved more things than that. I saw her once, as I was walking through the palace garden, contemplating something very deeply. I saw tears in the corners of her eyes as she stared at the garden around her, her gaze very earnest. As if she were committing a sin.

Rustica: Why are you crying?

And Aria replied, She was afraid. She had never disobeyed her parents before. But she was disobeying them for the very first time, right now. Please, she pleaded, take the secret I'm about to tell you seriously. Being told something like that made me quite nervous. For I had never had a "secret" before. Under the boughs of a tree, with no one else around, Aria told me something in little more than a whisper. She had an elder twin sister. Her name was Zara. But twins in the royal family were considered unlucky. And because of that, the twin who was born a witch was forced to live in secrecy. She lived in a tower on the palace grounds. Once, she had asked to look out from the top of that same tower.

Rustica: I remember that. You said you wanted to look at the birds perched by its window. But there were no birds to be seen.

Please forgive me, she said. I lied to you. I wanted to show my beloved elder sister the man who would become my husband.

Rustica: I see, so that's what it was. Your sister lives in that tower…

I have a request, Lord Rustica, she said. I'll never ask you for anything more in my life, so please. Please take a walk through the gardens with Zara, dressed in my clothes, as though she were me. If you can, please take her outside the palace walls. Zara has never been past them before.

Rustica: In other words… I should take your elder sister on an outing somewhere? I would be happy to.

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: …

Rustica: …

Liliana: …He's asleep…

Rustica: …mm…

Liliana: …

Rustica: …I don't want to get up yet… Chloe…

Liliana: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …So Rustica's just going to keep forgetting things forever? One day he'll forget me, and the Sage, and everyone else…

Kelvin: That's right. Like how he's forgotten who I am.

Chloe: Isn't… Isn't there anything I can do?

Kelvin: Can you really say something about it? To Lord Rustica? Can you tell him that the bride he's looking for is already dead? That he's the one who killed her?

Chloe: …uu… I don't want to…

Kelvin: Exactly. Because if you tell him that, the current Lord Rustica will disappear. The happy nobleman, the child beloved by the sun and moon, will vanish. I never want to see Lord Rustica suffering like that again, wailing like he was no more than an animal…

Chloe: …

Kelvin: …I need to go. You never know when or where the witch is listening. I'll be avoiding this place for the time being. You should do the same.

Chloe: Wait, Kelvin…!

Kelvin: Take care of Lord Rustica.

Chloe: Ah… …He disappeared… …If I tell him the truth, the current Rustica will disappear… …Then… Who is the real Rustica…? Will he really be happy continuing to search for a bride that no longer exists…? But…I don't want Rustica to remember…something so horrible… … I need to find Rustica… …This isn't the time to be moping. First off, I need to find Rustica… …I need to help Rustica. I at least owe him that much! …Oh, I should tell Master Sage! They said they were going to Cortes Palace, and then heading to the royal palace… If the witch is at the Western royal palace, then that's the first place I should look for Rustica. I need to hurry…!

4 - Dawn is Coming

Shino: This is…

Bradley: …

The spirits definitely felt like Western ones. I didn't feel any hostile intentions from the bone monsters surrounding us. Figaro was still actively wary of the guy with Murr's face. Mithra seemed unhappy with traveling through a door in space that someone else had made. Nero was out like a light again. I didn't know if his condition was stable or not. I wanted to get him properly treated as soon as I possibly could. And Shino was on edge, supporting Heathcliff on his shoulder and fidgeting like he couldn't decide if he wanted to stick close to Nero or to the curseworker. He had the most repressed bloodlust out of all of us right now, even counting the bone freaks.

Bradley: Stand down, Eastern tiny, Mithra.

Mithra glanced over to me, moving only his eyes.

Bradley: Don't make 'em underestimate us.

That was all I needed to say. Mithra focused his attention on what was in front of him, which was impressive, given his short attention span. The guy with Murr's face smiled.

Murr: Welcome. Please, use this manor as you will. I'll arrange for medical supplies to be brought to you shortly. You have many injured, after all.

Shino: You think you get to say that…?! All of their injuries are because of those damn things standing next to you!

Heathcliff: Shino…!

Shino's eyes were blazing with fury for the things that had put his comrades into this state. I could still feel traces of the curseworker's protection magic on him, and he had the guts to try and fight his way out of this. His courage was downright admirable.

Figaro: Get them to me immediately. As well as several people familiar with medical training.

Figaro's voice was calm, but it was steeped in a very obvious, very deadly anger.

Murr: But of course. I'd love to help you myself, but tragically, there is somewhere else I need to be.

Figaro: And where would that be?

Murr: I need to greet the Master Sage.

Figaro frowned, and I wasn't feeling any more happy about that than he was. I didn't want this Murr getting anywhere close to the Sage.

Bradley: (Should I get Mithra to go with him? But if I do that, then we won't have enough people here.) Bradley: (I'm pretty sure this is one of those actualized shards of Murr's soul I've heard about. And the shard was probably attached to that cat of his somewhere.) (Should I shoot it? If I do, how would the bone freaks react?)

While thoughts like that were chasing themselves in a circle in my head, Figaro handed the unconscious Faust off to Lennox.

Figaro: Sorry. I know you're hurt, too.

Lennox: No, it's fine…

But in the next moment, Figaro's magic focus, his orb, appeared at his hand.

Bradley: (This guy's got a short fuse too, huh.)

I was sick of him doing things that reminded me of how the twins wanted to run things. Even if they act like they're sensible, they jump the gun way too damn fast. I held Nero tighter in my arms, and my next words were very pointed.

Bradley: Yo, Southern doctor. You've got wounded to be lookin' after. If anyone's gonna be doin' anything right now, it's gonna be me.

Mithra: I'm going to be the one to take them down. All of them.

But Murr wasn't intimidated.

Murr: Did you enjoy it that much?

Figaro: Then hurry it up. I want to get to treating my patients. I'd rather not get attacked while I'm busy tending to them, so finish things up before that happens.

Murr: If we were planning on attacking you, we wouldn't have brought you here.

Bradley: What do you want with the Sage?

Murr: I intend on collecting all of the Sage's wizards here. Ah, of course. Perhaps I shouldn't have gone about this in the middle of the night. Is that why you're suspicious of me? Things that could happen innocently during the daytime can become perilous in the dead of night. This, too, is a captivating aspect of…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Blue flames raged out of Mithra's crystal skull alongside a furious blizzard, and the shape of Murr in front of us was annihilated. Me and Figaro were both left completely speechless. The cat that had been at Murr's feet leapt away, escaping as far from us as it could. And then, above the now distant cat, Murr once again flickered into view.

Murr: Goodness. Northern wizards have such short tempers. Hey, hey. Can you get close to those people over there again for me? Don't be scared. Please, I'm begging you…

Mithra ignored Murr distantly grumbling to himself and turned to face me.

Mithra: I'm going to go get the Sage.

Bradley: Sure, good plan. You know where they are?

Mithra: If I feel for their presence, yes. Well, I'll be going now. I have a feeling they're here in Western Country.

Having said that, Mithra glanced down at Nero, who was still securely in my arms. I was instantly wary of him. It was more instinct than anything.

Mithra: Is that person dead?

I didn't know what exactly he meant by that, but it still put me on edge. He better not tell me to give him Nero's stone.

Bradley: He ain't dead. He's too stubborn for that.

Mithra: Is that right? Thank goodness. Shino asked me to save him.

There was no possible way I really just heard him say something so…human. The concept alone was completely alien to Mithra of the North--he wouldn't even consider it. Mithra was still staring at Nero, and there was even a smile on his face.

Mithra: Anyway, I'm leaving now.

Bradley: Yeah, thanks.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra was gone, leaving behind only the night breeze. I raised my head, and my eyes met Figaro's. He was as shocked as I was by how Mithra was acting. We both looked away without saying anything.

Figaro: Let's hurry. This way, Leno. Heathcliff, can you walk?

Heathcliff: …ah, I'll be fine.

Shino: You can lean on me. How's Faust?

Lennox: His breathing is shallow. We need to get him laying down as soon as we can.

Shino: Bradley!

Bradley: I'm coming! Nero's still doin' fine.

The jet-black night sky was starting to turn blue around the edges. Dawn was coming. The time Oz's magic would return. Even if the bone freaks attacked us after the Sage and the lil' ones joined us here, everything would be fine. I noticed myself feelin' relieved about that and felt a sudden sense of dread. There's no goddamn way I was feelin' relieved about Oz's continued existence. Maybe I was dreamin' or something. I needed to walk around or somethin' to make sure I was actually awake. The amount of people that could actually be saved was limited. I needed to prioritize and cut the rest off. I glared at the air in front of me, and started walking.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: It's almost dawn…

Oz: So it is…

Rutile: Mitile and Riquet are both asleep. I'm sure they must've worn themselves out.

Oz: … Why…

Rutile: Hm?

Oz: Why would one give birth?

Rutile: … I…haven't given birth…

Oz: Yes… Of course not.

Rutile: Ahaha… Are you talking about my mother?

Oz: Correct.

Rutile: Do I really resemble her that much? Although I've been hearing that ever since I was Mitile's age.

Oz: You do not. However, there are traces of her in your countenance. The two of you can be…difficult to distinguish.

Rutile: That's an interesting way of putting it. …Were you close with her? My mother?

Oz: No… I had no particular interest in her.

Rutile: …

Oz: Given we have the opportunity, there is something I'd like to discuss with you.

Rutile: What is it?

Oz: … Is there anything… You would not want children to know of…

Rutile: Is there perhaps something you don't want to tell Lord Arthur about, Lord Oz?

Oz: …

Rutile: Ah… Sorry. That was just what came to mind.

Oz: … We should have talked more.

Rutile: You mean with my mother?

Oz: Yes. She talked often.

Rutile: Ahaha. I know all about that.

Oz: …Every time someone used their words with me, part of their heart entered mine. I disliked that.

Rutile: …

Oz: And yet, as I think of her now, I believe that perhaps I should have listened to what she said more attentively.

Rutile: …Why did you dislike it?

Oz: …Yes, why did I… Because I could not understand them. Even if I attempted to, I could not. Consequently, I did not wish to hear the words of others. I do not understand myself, either. And so… I have no words with which to describe myself. Putting myself into words would be inherently inaccurate. That things would always be conveyed inaccurately…left me weary.

Rutile: …

Oz: …Why are you crying?

Rutile: …I'm sorry… It's just, I think that…I must be the same way…

Oz: You talk frequently, however.

Rutile: Ahaha… But…I really do think I'm the same as you. I want to properly listen to people, I want to properly speak to them… But I can't understand what they're trying to say, and so I can't properly convey what I want to, either… …And so I hurt them and get hurt in return…even though I want to be kind to them…

Oz: I see… If it is difficult for someone as kindhearted as you, then I am sure it must be a trial all must face. Though she had a wild temperament, you are kind.

Rutile: You're a kind person too, Lord Oz…

Oz: …That is incorrect.

Rutile: You did great at talking with me, too. I understood what you wanted to tell me. I want to think that I understand…

Oz: …This is something Riquet has said to me. "I feel the same way."

Rutile: Huh…?

Oz: …The sky grows bright.

Rutile: Does this count as dawn?

Oz: Not just yet.

Rutile: Maybe you'll be able to do it if you try. Could I ask you to do that?

Oz: I shall.

Rutile: Then please sit down right here. That way if you fall asleep and fall over, you won't hit your head.

Oz: Here?

Rutile: Yes! Well then, take it away!

Oz: … <Vox…> Snz…

Rutile: Ah!! It really was a bit too early…!

5 - I Don't Want to Lose Anyone

I was flying through the night sky with Shylock, Murr, Gregory, and a piece of Murr's soul. Although we did return to Cortes Palace, none of us could relax, so we departed again after leaving a message for Chloe and Rustica. I was traveling with Western wizards, but no one said a thing. Having been overtaken by my exhaustion from everything that had happened that day, I was nodding off on the back of Shylock's broom.

Murr: You're falling, dear Sage.

Akira: ……ah!

I startled Shylock, and he turned to face me. He narrowed his eyes a bit and smiled.

Shylock: My apologies for not realizing. I suppose a trip like this is a bit taxing for a regular person such as yourself, Master Sage. I can use my magic to ensure you don't fall, but if you'd prefer, shall we find somewhere to rest?

Akira: I'm fine. But, um, just in case, if you could make sure I don't fall…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Just then, I heard a familiar voice. A door suddenly opened in the night sky, and then, there was Mithra.

Akira: Mithra.

Mithra was as relaxed as always, but when he saw Saku-chan, his face twisted into one of blatant distaste.

Mithra: That thing's still clinging onto you.

Saku-chan didn't mind, though. It was just nudging my shoulder with its nose. Mithra came closer to me and shook his hand a little, like he was trying to get something off of it. Gregory took to the air.

Mithra: There's more of you than I was expecting.

Gregory: Wah, watch out--!

Mithra: And I believe this is the one I missed my chance to kill earlier.

Murr: By any chance, are you referring to me?

Shylock: Murr was almost killed?

Murr: Ooh, by who? By Mithra? By Oz? Or by you, Shylock?

Akira: H-hold on, Mithra. Don't throw them off.

I held Gregory and the shard of Murr protectively in my arms, and then asked Mithra a question.

Akira: Do you mean that you tried to kill a shard of Murr's soul? Where did you meet him?

Mithra: A shard of his soul? Oh, now that you mention it, I do think I heard something about that before. No wonder something seemed off. He was on top of a cat.

Akira: A cat?

Murr: Sounds fuuuun! I want to ride on a cat, too!

Murr: I'm glad to hear that shards other than myself are enjoying their lives as well.

Shylock: You killed a shard of Murr? Did the Murr you killed return to the shard? Or did it destroy it permanently?

Murr: Ooh, what an eager student you are, Shylock!

Murr: Are you planning on composing a thesis on the subject?

Shylock: Be quiet, Murr. Mithra, what happened to that Murr?

Mithra: He was riding on top of a cat. He said he was going to go greet the Sage, so I came here to get you instead.

Mithra was frowning. It seemed like something unpleasant had happened to him.

Akira: Why were you and a shard of Murr fighting?

Mithra: He set bone doll monsters on us. Faust and Nero almost died, and Heathcliff and Lennox got done in, too.

Akira: Huh…?!

My mind went completely blank. My heart started pounding in my chest, and my vision started fading around the edges.

Akira: Wh…why…

Mithra: Like I said, we were attacked by doll-like, bone monster-like things. I won, of course.

And now Faust and Nero were almost dead, and Heath and Leno were badly hurt… Their smiles popped into my head. The idea of losing those smiles scared me so bad I wanted to scream. We'd encountered all sorts of dangerous situations before. I always knew that them losing their lives was a real possibility, and yet I just sent them out with little more than a "Take care." Not a single time had I ever been prepared to face the prospect of them actually dying.

Akira: (What do I do, what do I do, what do I do…)

I was so scared and confused I could hardly breathe. Without even thinking about it, I grabbed onto Mithra's arm.

Akira: Did…did you save them?

Mithra: Probably. Figaro is with them.

Akira: …Haahh…

My sigh of relief came from the very bottom of my heart. And yet at the same time as that relief, I felt my stomach twist itself into a knot and my fingers start to tremble. I was told they were almost dead, and then only seconds later, I was told they were going to be okay. But it had felt like an eternity. There were tears in my eyes, ready to fall.

Akira: …sniff, thank goodness… Can I see them? Can you take me to them?

Mithra: Of course I can.

Mithra was looking straight at me.

Shylock: Master Sage…

Shylock tugged me closer to him. The moment I relaxed, I'd started to slip. From within my arms, the shard of Murr started to speak.

Murr: The probability that these "bone doll monsters" are artificial wizards is very high.

Shylock: Artificial wizards? Are you saying you made a wizard? How could you create something like that all over again…

Murr: I didn't make them. But the plans for them were in my laboratory. It seems someone found them and perfected the concept.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra opened another door in the sky. Gregory whispered to me, worried about how pale and shaken I must've looked.

Gregory: Are you okay?

Akira: Yes…

Though he was in the shape of a bird and all he had for a face were his beak and his round eyes, I still felt like he'd smiled gently at me.

Gregory: You're a very kind person. The Sage's wizards must be happy to know how much you care about them.

But of course I did. If even a single one of them were missing, I wouldn't be here right now. I was able to live in this world only because each and every one of them had helped me. I didn't want to lose any of them.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra took us to a room I'd never seen before.

Figaro: Master Sage.

Akira: Figaro…

I wanted to say something to him, but the sight of his fingertips stopped me. They were stained crimson. I looked down and saw Faust laying on a bed, covered in wounds.

Akira: …!

I had to put a hand over my mouth to keep myself from screaming, and that startled Gregory, who took to the air. Seeing what looked like a bird, Figaro drew the bedsheets over Faust's body.

Figaro: What a pretty bird. Or, a person? Sorry, but I'm in the middle of treating patients right now, so you'll need to wait outside.

Akira: S-sorry. Figaro, Faust is going to be okay, isn't he?

Figaro's eyes met mine and he nodded, his smile a reliable one.

Figaro: Of course he is. He's got Dr. Figaro by his side, after all.

Akira: Thank goodness… Thank you so much!

There was a gentle kindness in Figaro's hazel eyes. And maybe it was just my imagination, but he seemed happy, too.

Figaro: Yep. Just leave everything to me.

Akira: What about Nero? Is Nero okay, too?

Figaro: As long as he rests. If he strains himself, he'll lose his life. He's through the room on the other side of the hall.

Akira: Thank you! I'm going to go check on him.

Figaro: Ah, don't walk around on your own. Shylock, could you go with the Sage?

Shylock: Of course. Does that mean this place isn't safe? Or, unsafe enough that we can't let the Sage be on their own.

Figaro: That's right. I'll explain what's up later. Mithra, I need you to fetch Rutile next.

Mithra: Excuse me?

Figaro: We don't have enough hands here, and I want to check up on Nero and Heath, too. He should be somewhere here in Western Country.

Mithra: I refuse.

Figaro: Why?

Mithra didn't respond. I looked up at him, and he was almost pouting.

Akira: …Did you two have a fight?

Mithra: He's a pigheaded jerk.

Figaro: Come on, Mithra. I need you to hurry. And while you're at it, can you track down Oz, too?

Mithra: Absolutely not.

A voice called out from my breast pocket.

Murr: I shall assist you.

I blinked, and my pocket Murr was full size again. When Mithra and Figaro saw him, their faces turned grim. Murr's bright eyes narrowed to slits as he smiled at them.

Murr: I am still a doctor of medicine, you know.

The shard of Murr reached his fingers towards Shylock's hair and stole Shylock's hair tie, just like that. Shylock frowned at him, looking annoyed. As Murr tied his hair back with his purloined hair tie, he addressed me.

Murr: Shall we go, Master Sage?

I pressed my hand against the shard of purple sapphire in my pocket and nodded. Just before we stepped out, I looked up at Mithra.

Akira: Are you sure you won't help us with Rutile? Mithra…

Mithra: …

Mithra was still pouting, his lips curved down in dissatisfaction. He sighed, but he was being reluctant about it.

Mithra: Just this once.

Akira: I'm sorry for the trouble. But thank you.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra disappeared into a door through space. Shylock stepped toward me and put a hand on my back. The nimble, catlike Murr was about to follow us so he didn't get left behind, but Figaro called out to him.

Figaro: Murr, hold on.

Murr: What, what?

Murr: What is it?

Figaro: Err… That's rather troublesome, isn't it. Could the one that's Shylock's dear pet stay and help me? You are a doctor, aren't you?

Murr: I mighta forgotten how to be?

Figaro: I'll tell you what you need to do. Ahh, just when I was getting a feeling of deja vu, instead it turned into Dr. Figaro's Classroom…

Figaro grumbled to himself, looking bitter. It seemed like it had been a long time since he'd taught healing magic, down in the South.

Lennox: Excuse me. --Master Sage.

Just before we could step out the door, Lennox stepped in before us. His clothes, too, were stained with blood. He noticed me before I could figure out what to say and smiled at me.

Lennox: Don't worry, they're just scratches. Please look in on Nero and Heathcliff. What kind of bird is this…? I don't think you should bring the bird with you.

Gregory: Yes, that's true. Master Sage, I shall leave your side for the time being.

Lennox's eyes widened when he heard Gregory speak. Figaro smiled bitterly, even as his hands moved swifly and skillfully.

Figaro: You should at least be able to identify the presence of a person turned into a bird. Faust is going to scold you.

Lennox: That's true.

Their quiet words sounded like prayers. Both of them were waiting for the moment when those prayers would be answered and Faust opened his eyes again. They had faith that moment would come.

✦✧☾✧✦

I went to the room Nero was supposed to be in with Shylock. Shino was already there. The moment he saw the shard of Murr, his expression changed. His scythe appeared in his hand and flashed across the narrow room. Murr only got a second to dodge. If he'd been even a moment too slow, his head would've separated from his body.

Murr: It seems I've earned quite a bit of resentment.

Shylock: As you always do. Shino, this shard of Murr is one we found in the Royal Botanical Gardens. This shard is different from the one that attacked you Eastern wizards.

Shino: …

Shino eyed us warily, trying to confirm what Shylock had said. It was very easy to tell from the sharpness of his gaze and his lack of composure that something terrible had happened. Shino was a proud wizard and a stranger to cowardice. Any other time, I would've seen a grin on his lips as he boasted about what he'd done. Instead, his whole body was tense. Something had happened that needed him to be that on edge, ready for anything. He let out the breath he'd been holding, and his scythe disappeared.

Shino: Sorry. Sage, come sit with Nero.

Nero was tucked into a bed, his eyes closed. I watched Nero's face quietly, but Shino muttered something.

Shino: Figaro said Nero's wounds were the worst out of everyone's. We were only saved because he took the first hit and told us what to watch out for.

Shino was staring straight into my eyes.

Shino: Be sure you praise him a lot when he wakes up.

Akira: I will… Shino, did you not get hurt at all? Even though I sent you somewhere so dangerous…

I'm so sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. Right as I was about to say that, I remembered what Bradley said to me. I couldn't look apologetic if I was going to give them orders. I needed to be proud of them for what they've done. Be proud of him… What should I say to tell him I'm proud of him? As I thought that, I looked at Shino, at his expression that he was trying so, so hard to keep even. And then I realized something. Faust and Nero had both been badly wounded, and Heathcliff had gotten hurt, too. Right now, Shino was struggling helplessly with something worse than I could ever imagine. When he'd swung his scythe at us just moments ago, he'd been trying to protect his comrades, all on his lonesome.

Akira: Shino… Thank you. Because of you, Faust, Nero, and Heath all came home in one piece. The fact that I can come see them all is all because you were willing to put your life on the line for them. I'm glad you were there for them, Shino. …I'm so, so glad…

Shino's red eyes looked up at me, startled. His gaze trembled, the rippling of the ocean at sunset captured in his eyes. It was the expression of someone very close to tears, even as he smiled at me. But he was so proud and fearless, he wouldn't admit that.

Shino: Yeah, well.

My eyes started getting hot, so I averted my gaze. Instead, I looked down at Nero, still sleeping. I couldn't say I liked seeing his sleeping face like this, though. His skin was so pale it was hard to believe he still had blood pumping through his veins. It hurt to look at him.

Akira: You, too… Thank you, Nero.

My voice was trembling. Shylock gently put a hand on my shoulder. His eyes were closed, and he murmured into my ear.

Shylock: Are you alright, Master Sage?

Akira: Yes… Shylock, Murr. Can I can leave Nero to the two of you? I want to see Heathcliff. Shino, is it okay if I do that right now?

Shino: I'll take you there. Shylock, take care of Nero.

Shylock: Of course. Shino, please stay at the Sage's side. If anything should happen…

Shino: I know. Don't worry. Bradley's here, too.

Akira: He is?

Shino: He was here until just a second ago. After we swapped off, he vanished. So he could keep watch from far away, he said.

Akira: From far away…

Shino: He'll be acting as sniper if anything happens. You should be glad a bullet didn't pass through your skull.

The shard of Murr simply shrugged his shoulders. I looked outside through the room's window. I could feel someone out there, watching over us, protecting us. Even if we were far apart, he would protect me. And he was still much closer than any god was.

Next Chapter

#.main story tl #this chapter was so beefy i had to cut it in half. good lord

[seraphiism]

𓆩 ღ 𓆪 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

( no one tires of dreaming, because to dream is to forget, and forgetting does not weigh on us. )

chara : alhaitham fandom : genshin impact quote cr : fernando pessoa

somewhere there is home away from home.

home-- home, you have convinced yourself, is more of a feeling than a place. home, you realize, does not always mean the same thing as peace : the quiet . a serenity that survives in still air. one man finds home in his weapon, seeks refuge in violence, another finds home in his dreams, seeks refuge in infinities.

this foreign land is not your home, but you have found a home somewhere in it, in him.

alhaitham's heart beats slower than it once did before. how fondly you remember the first time you rested together, his heart racing a little too fast because of the little distance you shared. he recalls your teasing words all too well ; he pretends that he does not remember such a memory when you mention it, but the slight tinge of pink on his cheeks says otherwise.

you smile at the memory, close your eyes and breathe deep. your body rests on his, fingers tracing circles onto his skin as his hand lingers on the small of your back. the moonlight is dim tonight, the moon exhausted in all her endeavors.

you look up at him, match gazes. how soft your smile is, he notices, his thumb tracing over your lip before his hand cups your cheek.

"something on your mind?"

he pauses, watches as you lean into his touch. in his slumber there is an absence, an eerie loneliness and emptiness that is quick to be forgotten, but quick to be revived through means of curiosity.

"do you remember your dreams?"

you forget that those who reside in this place do not dream often. it is strange to think that such natural occurrences do not find their way into everyone's life. can you miss something you have never had?

"not always." you answer, wistful. "some people remember them well, but i don't have any recollection of my dreams most of the time."

alhaitham nods, silent. you offer an apologetic smile.

"not the interesting answer you were looking for, huh?"

he chuckles softly, presses a kiss against your lips.

"it is still an answer, so i am grateful nonetheless. thank you."

it is quiet again. you are getting tired.

"if you remember--" he hesitates, doesn't quite meet your gaze. "the next time you dream, if you are able to remember it, will you tell me what it was like?"

you almost wonder if you see a longing in his expression, but perhaps you are overthinking. his visage remains serious as ever, if not for the familiar gentleness he holds when he is with you.

you nod, see the subtle relief that washes over his features. he murmurs a word of thanks, one that does not go unheard.

"i hope i dream of you." you mumble the confession against his lips, kiss him goodnight. he stiffens in surprise, waits for your laughter, but your entirely deadpan expression speaks for itself.

a familiar shade of pink follows the heat that rises in his face, then an awkward clearing of the throat that doesn't quite fill the silence enough.

"i do not wish to hear of dreams that involve me."

you laugh, take note of the way his arm wraps around your waist despite his embarrassment.

"okay, liar."

#genshin impact x reader #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact scenarios #alhaitham x reader #snatches this man . holds him close #.: writing

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Top 5

S/O taking care of a friend's kid and she's very good at that and he sees her with the kid sleeping in her arms. He makes a comment about it and asks if she has experience babysitting other's kids.

"Not only others."

"... You're a mother?"

"I was a mother."

Whenever asked if she's okay she says she has grown numb to it.

I was a mother once...

"You're really quite the natural with children. I was expecting you to panic and stand there awkwardly in confusion and a lack of experience." The rogue remarked with a smirk as he watched you with the infant sleeping in your arms. "I've been a parent before, honey." You replied. "What?" The Rogue looked to you in surprise. You nodded. "Yeah, I was a mother once." "You've never mentioned that...are...do you miss it?" The Rogue had many questions but that one seemed the kindest. You smiled sadly. "Every day, twice on holidays and birthdays." The rogues noticed how cold you seemed to turn. Although pain could do that to a person. The rogues knew all kinds of pain could turn people into ice. Their warmth dying out as their will is chipped away one piece at a time. "It's painful. The most pain I have ever endured and sometimes I still feel it." You continued lightly, gazing off into the distance with a slight nod. "It's doesn't happen over night. You don't just stop being a parent the moment you lose your child. There's a lot of pain and anger, loss of direction and whilst I've moved on and so has my life..." You turned to the rogue. "...you learn to live with the pain and that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt but it doesn't drown you. Not like it did in the beginning. It's like a empty hole left in you that your child once filled. It changes you. I had to stomach that the little life I made wouldn't be meeting the world like they should but that's alright." You smiled sadly. "They're memory is safe with me. Their mother."

The Riddler: Edward was silent for a moment. You figured he was upset you could keep such a thing from him. Take it as his own suffering rather than yours. Yet he put a hand on your arm and squeezed comfortingly. You met his eyes that shone with what you could have sworn was building tears. "They were so lucky to have you as their mother. You need to know that." He managed out through the lump in his throat. He knew what it was like to have a bad upbringing, a horrible parent. Yet he also knew with only a look that you were a wonderful parent. Even to a child who wasn't yours, you showered with love and affection. You were taken aback by Edward's emotion. "Edward..." You said quietly in disbelief. "Don't forget that, understand? Don't you ever forget that." He ground out firmly.

Scarecrow: Jonathan cupped your chin, forcing you to look at him. His voice quiet. "You're still a mother." He said firmly. "The second you had a child, you forever are a mother. Nothing can take that from you." He took your hand tightly. "I'm sorry that I wasn't there to meet them or see you with your child. That is most certainly my loss." He continued with a faint smile. "I'm glad that you've found some closure. That even through all of this you have a good heart. I would know. Not many of people do." Jonathan paused. "You have a lot of love for your child and that is wonderful. Keep that love close. Trust me, it'll do you so much good to adore the time you had with them over the agony of losing them."

Two-Face: Harvey's voice was low and sounded remorseful. "I'm sorry." You furrowed your brow in confusion. "For what? You didn't know." You shook your head. "For the longest time, you've listened to my struggle of losing everything but I've never lost anything like you have." Harvey explained. You shook your head cupping his cheek. "It doesn't matter. There's no need to compare pain. We know what it's like to hurt in the worst ways and that is enough. My pain is no greater than yours. It's just as real as yours. That's what it comes down to in the end." He looked down at the sleeping child and smiled at you. "You haven't lost your touch."

Black Mask: "You never told me." He stated flatly. "Somethings can be told, others can't be explained with words. I never said anything- not because I didn't trust you. It was because I can't bring my baby back and you not knowing made it easier to be at peace with that. A distraction even. Sometimes its just too hard to talk about, Roman." He got that, a pain too great to put into words. A feeling too strong for words to even suffice. Roman spoke. "Well the kid is in good hands. Even you help me." You hummed in amusement. "Like magic." He chuckled. "Yeah, sure. We'll call it that."

Mad Hatter: Jervis hummed, placing a hand on your knee. He leaned in to speak quietly as to not disturb the "Perhaps it wasn't fate that brought you to me then. Perhaps it was your little one. I need someone to love me unconditionally. It's what I've always wanted and apparently you're just the right person. I owe a lot to that little one, (Y/N) and I'll be sure to look after their mother as their mother has looked after me without question and without fear."

#batman #batman villains #batman scenarios #the riddler #scarecrow #two face #black mask #mad hatter #request #edward nygma #jonathan crane #harvey dent #roman sionis #jervis tetch

[doevademe]

Prompt:

Percy: c'mon Jay, I wasn't that drunk last night. 🙄

Jason: you were flirting with Nico. 🤨

Percy: so? He's my boyfriend. 🤨😌😏🥰

Jason: you asked him if he was single and then cried when he said no.😑😮‍💨

(I am purposely ignoring canon, Jason is alive and happy :) )

Percy and alcohol didn't mix.

To start with, he absolutely hated the taste of beer. It was bitter and brought bad memories of Smelly Gabe. If he ever drank alcohol, it was one of those drinks that dudebros considered "girly". Cocktails so elegant and drenched in sugar and fruit juice that he couldn't taste the alcohol at all.

of course, that made it difficult to tell when he had enough, which was why he didn't drink unless it was a special occasion.

Like, say, Jason graduating from NRU with honors and getting a job in the mortal world.

Percy got drunk, because he always got drunk on Mai Tais and Sex on the Beach, but he usually just spouted some nonsense and laughed a lot.

He didn't know how much alcohol those cocktails had, but apparently he had made a fool of himself.

Even more than usual, which was surprising.

"Bro, you have to help me," Percy pleaded to Jason. "Why won't Nico talk to me?"

"Just give him some space," he said back. "After last night, I think he needs to cool off."

"It wasn't that bad," Percy said, acting as if he knew how bad it had actually been. "I wasn't that drunk, you know?"

"You hit on Nico," he said with a raised eyebrow.

Percy shrugged.

"There's nothing wrong with that," he said defensively. "He's my boyfriend! Flirting is natural."

"You asked him if he was single."

"I was just being⁠—"

"He said he wasn't, and you cried," Jason's exasperation made Percy remember some glimpses of last night. Nico had made the smae expression then. "Then you started crying to everyone you came across about how the prettiest guy at the party was taken."

Percy chuckled awkwardly.

"Okay, yeah, that is pretty cringy," he conceded. "But that doesn't explain why Nico's mad."

"That would be Jay's fault," Leo said, smirking as his best friend tried to make himself smaller. "Isn't that right, buddy?"

"We're not assigning blame here," he said a bit too quickly. Percy narrowed his eyes. "I was just trying to get him to stop crying!"

"What did you do?" Percy asked suspiciously. Leo's smile widened.

"My man over here tried reminding you that you were also taken," he said. "You told him you didn't care, because pretty guy was the love of your life."

Percy gasped as he saw Nico glaring at him. The image of him just leaving the party fresh on his mind.

If he didn't have a headache before (thank you Poseidon secondary powers), he would develop one now.

"Drunk me is an idiot," he said miserably. Leo just laughed at him.

"Drunk you is hilarious, you mean," he said. "My favorite thing was when you put a napkin over your head and pretended to know how to dance a bolero."

"Leo, stop that," Jason said sternly before turning to Percy. "Look, Nico's not that mad. He knows you were drunk, but..."

"But he's also embarrassed at what I did and said," Percy finished miserably. He looked at Jason. "Well, since you're responsible for this⁠—"

"I never said I was!"

"You're going to help me get Nico to forgive me," he said. Before he had the chance to get away, he grabbed Leo by the collar. "You too, as payment for entertaining you so much last night."

The edge to his voice made the son of Hephaestus laugh nervously.

"Heh, what's the plan, boss?"

Percy grinned.

"I'm wooing the prettiest guy at the party," he said simply. "Jason just needs to get Nico here in an hour while I freshen up. Meanwhile, you can help me with the cooking."

A candlelit dinner and a movie would be enough to show Nico how sorry he was.

Not that there was that much to forgive if one really thought about it. After all, the only person who made Percy forget his boyfriend was... his boyfriend.

#percico #my writing #an easy one to start #I'll try to get the next one out soon-ish #ask #anonymous #writing prompt

[kaylas-world-0]

𝑴𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒘

Sonic - Amy - Knuckles - (Will add more in time)

Author Note: I wanted to share these with you~ Please don't forget these are all just my headcanons and consider this info before saying anything. Don't write I don't agree with this and such. Of course, you have the freedom to not like what I'm writing but these are all my headcanons, and I love them and I want to share them. I like criticism and criticism is neither good nor bad, but you need to know the short line between criticism and non-criticizing/scornful comments.👀

Masterlist

𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃: Yes || No

Warnings: Cursing and some angst

Word Count: 3083

A/n: Does anyone want to be in the tag list?

TAILS

I headcanon Tails will outgrow everyone in the crew when he grows up. And because humans are naturally taller than most mobians, Tails will be taller than an average human with the same age as him.

He has Astraphobia, because no one ever teached him or went through with him when a thunderstorm appeared. He was naturally scared and now it has become a phobia.

He can play violin and guitar very well. Loves to listen to classical music while he is working.

He loves meat related foods! He can cook but not so well. Seeing it like some kind of creating new things like his inventions with new ingredients. So he likes it and doesn’t get bothered or tired/bored. He sometimes gets lost in it and makes a mess and some non-edible food. He decided to leave more complicated foods to professionals and stayed on to mixing chemicals only. He’s better at that. He lives alone so he had to know chores and such. But probably created a helper to make them deal with it so he can spend more quality time on his inventions.

I feel like there is more to Tails' past than we think. I headcanon he ran away from an orphanage trying to give him to ‘uncaring’ parents and he is tired of that. And maybe in those times he didn't like to talk much. Mostly because he doesn't see the need for it. He ran away from his village, from his bullies and uncaring, cruel glares, and built a treehouse for himself. After building that house, and constant stealing to survive and then trying to forget those hated memories he met Sonic. And after he grows up he forgets most of it because of the trauma.

I've been in an orphanage for as long as I can remember. I couldn't warm up to anyone no matter how many times I tried, I was always left behind and excluded.

I felt uneasy all the time. It felt like someone was going to come and shout at me any moment. That's why I always did the activities I liked in secret, afraid they were going to take them away from me too. The kids there were always so mean, always ostracized me because of my look, always destroying what I'm trying to do; like puzzles, books, small machines.

I was the youngest there most of the time. Even when I wasn't, when a new kid came, they were always chosen for a family, while I was always in the background. No one ever chooses me nor looks at my way. Even the caretakers were avoiding looking at my face, giving me what I needed and leaving. That's when I learned to take care of myself.

One day, to my surprise, a family adopted me. I thought that I would be happy with this situation and the hope once melted away, once again would bloom, but it didn't happen. The caregivers said I should be grateful for this and accused me of being ungrate. Maybe I was. I always dreamed that my life would be better if I had a real family, but it didn't. What did real family mean anyway? The people who loved you no matter what? The people who raised you or gave birth to you? What do friends actually mean? What does home mean? Is the place you call home where you were born? Or is it a place where you can be happy and peaceful?

None of these was what I saw and felt. I never knew.

The family I was given never took the chance to look after me, instead they kept arguing, and in the end, I couldn't stand it and ran away.

My life didn't get any better but at least I was free from the authority of adults. The bullying never stopped and I had to find somewhere to live in the time being as well as to steal things to live one more day -I also needed to avoid incase the orphanage hunted me down or the police- But no one seemed to notice my disappearance nor cared….. So it was all good? That was what I thought at least. But it wasn't what I really felt. I wanted to know how being loved felt like. I always envy those lucky kids with loving parents but I knew that was never going to happen to me. So there is no need to hope or dream for this anymore.

When I turned 8 my life was starting to come down, I was trying so hard to not lose it and clutch one hope that has been helping me to stay sane, wanting to taste the feeling of being loved. One day to be noticed… I have already finished reading all the books in the library nearby. And one day I wanted to do something for this world too. An invention that could leave a mark forever. Or a building or a book. I didn't want to just live like a ghost as a nobody.

And one day, my prayers answered when I met Sonic. Until that day I never once talked, finding nothing important/interesting to say nor I ever imagined someone would care to listen to what I had to say.

"Hey, little guy. What's your name?"

Tails thought about this, he knew in his documents at the orphanage that his real name was Miles Prower, but they called him Tails soooo many times that it had become so natural to him, he knew that was a nickname to ‘joke’ about his obvious difference but he didn’t care anymore. Till that day he was carrying that mutated tail of his as a burden but he never once could have imagined he would be so proud to have it, seeing it as a gift instead of an embarrassment after meeting Sonic. He knew who he was. Of course, he heard his heroism among the villagers and quickly became a fan himself. His actions were inspiring, he wished he could be more like him.

He stopped himself from using his real name a long time ago, seeing it didn’t change anything, even making it worse, they all bullied him about it too of course. When he was using it, everyone was making fun of it. He smiled, thinking that this nickname would be a more 'safe' and 'compatible' option. He was excited to finally meet a ‘hero’. Despite being insulted throughout his entire life, Tails has never lost his kindness and thoughtfulness. But he wouldn't be able to stand it if his idol also makes fun of it… so he needs to be quiet about some facts about himself. The thing he is so bad at, being quiet about something. What a big mouth he has….

For the first time, he felt hope. The kind eyes and the soft touches of his idol gave him the courage he had been lacking; his tails wagging, posture upright like a soldier, he was having a hard time holding himself back from bouncing in his feet, "My name’s Tails!" he finally shouted happily.

I think Tails becomes really nervous with his own tails around Sonic more often then he notices (back when they first met I mean, before Sonic kept encouraging him about them. He is actually always doing it ,on purpose or not, but not that often after he notices his lack of courage about them. Sonic loves that kid like a little brother there is no doubt about it. And he will forever praise him with every chance he gets) in some point nearly hating their existence but also afraid to lose them because you know, they are a part of him (would you like to cut a finger dear friend?), even tho he hates the thought. 

When Tails first moved into Sonic's home (I headcanon Sonic at least owns one but never even takes his minutes to actually design or live in there. He doesn't even sleep in there. "I mean why sleep in a claustrophobic box instead of sleeping in an open field full of flowers and butterflies?" He eats outside all the time too even without paying lmao. The citizens know his heroic act and they want to return the favor by giving him anything he wants without asking for the return, even though Sonic feels bad about not giving what they deserve for their hard work, like money. He agrees in the end, without any choice to be given. He won't get a job and work, after all that’s not him. Yeah…. I do save their life all the time so I guess that works too? But he never does that so he can go around and get whatever he wants for free.) So Tails takes the action to start designing the house. That's something he is best at afterall. But when Sonic comes to check up on him. He didn't like the view he saw. At all.

He swallows a chilidog and cooly spoke, "Dude, why did you design the house like this?"

Tails fidget with his hands, ears dropping, "Oh, um… don't you like it? It's your main color, I thought-"

"That's the whole point! I LOVE IT! But I shouldn't love it this much."

Tails was really confused, "Huh… why?"

After finishing his chili he grips his shoulders with a serious smile, "Tails, this is your house. You should design it, with your own color, whatever you desire. Maybe add your signature look or design a logo with your two tails. Show what makes you unique!! Maybe open the garage and start working on your mecanic/science stuff in there! Stop thinking about what others would love and start thinking about what you love to do!"

Tails was bewildered but more than happy to listen to him— To listen to himself. He designed the whole house as his color, changed the furnatures a little, placed his books here and there, and put the toys he collected in. (He loves collecting figures) He started to use the garage as his work space, sometimes fixing peoples machines to gain money so he can buy something for himself too. Simply to say this, Sonic is proud.

Suddenly everything he owns becomes his. Sonic doesn't mind at all. He wasn't using anything related to a 'stuck in place' anyway. Even when Tails found out about his plane he offered to use it. The kid was delighted.

Tails knew this wasn't the same when he built the treehouse. This time… Sonic was by his side. His big brother. Who loves him more than anything. Even though he knows this he couldn't help himself but have doubts. All his life no one ever actually loved him for real…. He is suspicious and angry at his mind for thinking such things. But it was eating him out no matter what.

When Sonic comes to crash in his house for a few days he becomes nervous. He is nervous because, every time they sit in the same room he becomes very aware of his two tails. Even though he tries to focus on something else, it doesn't work. He feels out of his skin. Everything cool about Sonic reminds him of everything disgusting about him.

And when he gets extremely nervous around him he loses control over his tails, as they trash anxiously around, they bump into something causing them to drop and crash on the ground. That was mostly his books or toys. He becomes really embarrassed when Sonic finds this funny(cute). He helps him to collect them anyway.

But Tails never gets over this, why does he have to embarrass himself all the time?

He couldn't find the answer to that.

One day he accidently crashes a vase in Amy's house. That was from the first time he met her. Sonic decided to introduce the two friends he loves dearly. Tails never once in his life felt out of place/out of his fur covered skin so so much. Even when Amy was so nice to him, acting like a big sister looking over her lovely little brother.

He wanted to cry that second, this was too much for him. He never made friends before, he couldn't believe he was actually doing it or not. And after he accidentally broke the vase in his anxious moments. He crashed down on the ground, trying to pick up all the broken pieces through his blurry vision and shaky hands, repeating the same word, 'sorry', while tears poured down from his eyes nonstop.

Amy and Sonic panicked and got really upset. Not to him. They were sad for what he had to face in his early ages.

They tried to ease him up, helping him and reassuring everything is fine. When Tails finally calmed down a little, they drank hot chocolate together as they talked about funny things. They both give the kit the kind looks he needed all his life, and with some beautiful compliments added he started crying once again. But this time he was really happy and at peace.

Embarrassed, he sips his hot chocolate muttering, "It's really hard to sit right with them…"

"Yeah, I can imagine. But that's what makes you unique and I think being different from others is much cooler than being normal if you ask me."

He wasn't comfortable in his own body yet. But he knew as long as he had his friends one day he would also feel comfortable and proud of himself.

With Sonic dragging the kit all around the world he went. He does get open up, even gets eager to meet with new people. And he finally confesses his real name to him and Sonic never once jokes anything about it. With all the bonding time they get together, Tails finds himself finally relaxing and easing on himself. He wasn't still as courageous as the hedgehog but he is trying at least, right? And that's what matters. He is trying his hardest.

He sometimes bonds with Amy too. She shares some pretty design ideas she owns. Some better clean up methods, and most importantly, Tails learned some cooking food techniques from her. (Tails also learns some gardening from Vanilla and Cream too. He reads a lot of books in his life. He had an idea of most things but never experienced it himself. Doing all this with his friends makes him feel so happy.)

I imagine Amy and Tails visit each other's houses to draw and have some fun (relieve some stress) a lot. Amy draws silly and nicely done little comics, sketches; while Tails makes scale drawings.

Physical, emotional, and psychological trauma can all play a factor with memory loss. So I headcanon that Tails forgets some things that happened in the past like when he gets his traumes from the worst places. Some of all is blurry, some of it he really can't remember. I think his memory is really strong. This is just how he copes with trauma. He easily forgets 'unimportant' things his brain allows. That also opens a place for him to learn more 'important' things.

He doesn't mostly sleep in bed, or doesn't (all the time) voluntarily go to bed himself. (He falls asleep on his deskwork lol) But when he does he always hugs something: a pillow, his tails, a plush toy(?), a blanket. It has become a habit from the past. Before he met Sonic, there wasn't much to keep him warm in the treehouse so he hugged the closest thing to him to keep himself warm.

His phobia about lightning evolved when in an orphanage no one actually took their time to talk to him about it and show affection towards him to make him understand that there is nothing to fear about. And after running away from there he became more scared when he was all alone in his handmade home. Especially since he is living in a tree. Maybe after bad weather and a literal nightmare for him he decided to live on the ground.

Tails left the house Sonic gave him and moved to another one that he took literally every design on his own (That house still exists in my headcanon and they use it as a vacation place). The house we see in the idw comics is his current home. The house that is shaped like his head (Like Starline said, Tails takes a lot after Eggman lmao. Even though they are enemies, you can still learn a lot from your enemies, especially from them ……and Tails admires him too….. Swearing to never do anything he ever did. Seeing his mistakes that’s also made him develop his own techs accordingly.)

He can and will get aggressive if the situation says so

Bold of you to assume he won't get cocky, I MEAN LOOK, LOOK WHO RAISED HIM. His comebacks are pretty good.

He is omnivores. Nothing else to say here. He prefers meat more though. 

He has a less developed sense of taste than any of his friends.

He has a good balance. And have a good sense of direction. Can see very well at night. Can sense earth’s magnetic fields with his eyes too. He can be really sneaky and silent like a ghost while walking if he wants to.

If it’s someone he trusts he deceives easily if not he is not quick to convince.

Tails goes limp like a cat when someone picks him up by his scruff

Yes, Sonic needs some time off for himself but I see Tails more stressed. I mean I'm not comparing the two like Tails is more stressed and depressed he needs more attention and such, that's not what I'm saying. What I mean is Sonic is physically tired and Tails is mentally tired. That's what I think but this doesn't mean Sonic is also mentally hurt lol because he is but he is really good at dealing with that. He jokes, that’s how he copes with it. I MEAN THEY ARE FFFFING KIDS DEALING WITH A MAD MAN EVERY SECOND OF COURSE THEY CAN'T STAY SANE FOREVER THEY NEED DISTRACTION FOR THEMSELF. Not everyone is good with dealing trauma and such. Some are mentally stronger etc. And Sonic crew is definitely number one with dealing this

Sonic hibernates but Tails doesn’t. So when Sonic sleeps, Tails takes care of him. And Sonic is scared to go into hibernation because of Eggman but his friends reassure him all the time and urge him to do so. It’s not healthy after all.

Do Tails have insomnia? Uh, no. He just doesn’t have time. Cliche I know. He is nocturnal so he naturally doesn’t need to sleep at night so he works but because of daily life he doesn’t get his enough sleep as everyone is active and working so he goes along too. His sleeping schedule is dead.

In winter he grows a winter coat so during warm seasons (mostly in spring) he shed (molt) so much fur so he can blow that extra fur off.

Can speak multiple languages. He is also ambidextrous (Can use his both hands).

I think Tails loves to eat... anything practical. He is not a picky eater. Mainly because he is left alone to live his whole eight years by himself with no one to take care of him, so naturally he stole things and such. Whatever he can find, he counts himself lucky. He also makes things for himself like a home. I imagine him living in a tree house he made and with the stuff he stole to live. But he left all that life in the past after meeting Sonic and he swore to never steal or live by himself to crave for things. He doesn't want anyone's help with anything he has to do and make money legally by himself. He is rich thanks to his inventions and stuff and he can buy anything he wishes. He also uses most of his money donating to people in need. But he is mindful of what he eats... mostly. He doesn't like to eat a lot of what Sonic eats. He doesn't eat them because he thinks it's greasy and, he also doesn't eat anything he doesn't know what's in it. This includes junk food. There are times when he makes escapades, but that's it. He doesn't understand how Sonic ate so much, does the man have a blackhole instead of a stomach? Hey, it seems to him that Sonic's getting more appetite when he eats further and further.

#sonic the hedgehog #miles tails prower #tails the fox #sonic characters #knuckles the echidna #amy rose #allenwrites #headcanons #tails headcanons

[cyanside]

This idea struck me while scavenging AO3 for some CheolMiae fics. I came across a story titled The Place Where Memories Live by Poppiebubbl3s and it had the tag Major Character Death. The description of this fic says: “Kim Cheol's mind has been occupied by a young girl from the countryside for years, just who was she to him? Why has a girl he's never met in his entire life suddenly taking over all of his thoughts." While reading this an idea popped into my head. What if Cheol and Miae get placed into the setting of Your Name: “...the story of high school students Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, who suddenly begin to swap bodies despite having never met, unleashing chaos on each other's lives. The film was inspired by the frequency of natural disasters in Japan.” - Wikipedia. However, it is altered to fit them. Or better yet…

 a world where Cheol lives in the countryside but isn't happy, he's very much an outcast but no one explains why the townspeople avoid him. Cheol visits an unmarked grave every day but has no idea who it belongs to or why it's part of his daily routine. This grave is placed on a lush green hill that shows the stars beautifully when night comes. Throughout this story, Cheol sees a little girl running around and starts becoming paranoid, thinking the woods are haunted.

At first, he tries to tell the townspeople but they ignore him, Cheol being thoroughly confused makes a scene in which his dad punches him across the face and tells him to stop doing this. Feeling betrayed and confused he runs to the woods and finds himself in front of this unmarked grave. Then he hears giggling behind him. He turns around to see the little girl who has been haunting the forest and he asks her what she is and what she wants from him.

To which the little girl replies, “Let's be friends, okay?” and extends her hand. Cheol, perplexed by the little ghost girl, takes hold of her little hand. The ghost guides him around the woods, first to a stream, then to a large field of tall grass, and lastly to a cliff. Cheol and the ghost girl stood hand in hand at the edge of the cliff. At every location, a memory is revealed to Cheol.

He remembers the little girl and her family who came to visit the countryside a long time ago, and she followed him around relentlessly. He remembered that they became friends and swore to each other. He remembered one night they had snuck out to the cliff where he currently stood. He recalled telling her not to dance at the edge, the sudden look of fear when a rock came undone and she fell. He remembered that he had been reliving the same cycle every week, forgetting only to remember—that the townsfolk evaded him because he was crazy.

Flashback: The adrenaline coursed through his body when he launched forward trying to catch her. His hand clamped down on hers as she dangled. Panting, panic, pain. Blood streamed down his cheek from a rock that had scratched him on its way down. “Miae… Miae, hold on!" She looked up at him, fear fanned like wildfire in her big eyes. “Cheol! Cheol don't drop me!” tears fell down her pale face. “I won't, I'll never let go!” he stated more for himself than for her. Each second that passed pulled both children closer to their deaths. More stones came undone as the weight of their situation loosened the earth. Sweat and tears dripped from the boy. Miae looked away from the hystaria behind the boys eyes and up at the stars, they were beautiful. A look of something frightening placed itself on her little face. Something morbid that gave Cheol goosebumps.

As Cheol stood at the edge of that same cliff he came to realize what that morbid look he couldn't quite place was. Acceptance. A gust of wind swayed Cheol’s body. “Cheol,” said the ghost of Miae. “do you know what my name means?” Cheol was surprised by what she had said because she had said it then too.

Flashback: “Cheol, do you know what my name means…?” little Cheol panted as dust and other debris toppled around them. “Love. ae as in love.”  Miae smiled and she let go.

“Kim Cheol!” She yelled, placing her free hand on her hip. “You always cling to the past, even when your future is bright. We promised, didn't we?” his memory of a promise made moments before the fall had occurred.

Flashback: Cheol and Miae lay on their backs facing the starry sky. “Cheol?” “Hm.” Miae turned onto her stomach and stared at Cheol with a wondering look. “Do you think our friendship can last even when I’m far away?” Cheol turned his head to look at her. Bright green, like unripe apples. “Who knows” “I hope it does,” Miae said optimistically then jumped into her feet. “Cheol?” “Hm?”  “Promise me something” “No.” “Eh! Why are you always such a party pooper!” Cheol stared at the little spitfire above him. Her loudness was annoying, but it made him happy. “Will you stop whining? What is it?” he sat up. She lifted her arm and extended her pinkie. “Promise we'll always be friends! Wherever we are, even if we’re dead!” Young Cheol stood and followed her movements. “Sure.” their pinkies locked and Cheol realized how small her hands were. “Wait! We need to seal it with a kiss.” Cheol sighed at her childishness but pressed his thumb against hers anyway. “Okay, happy?” Miae smiled brightly, her missing teeth evident of her youth. “Yeah!” Cheol sighed, “You’re so dramatic.”

A small smile rested on Cheol’s features, remembering the childhood innocence long forgotten. And for the first time in years, Cheol could see how blue the sky was, and how lush the grass was. So he let go. And she let go too. He followed her hand with forlorn, but he knew they would see each other again someday.

or something like that idk I'm just an idea man 🤷‍♀️

#aslfua #aslfua brain rot #cheolmiae #hwang miae #kim cheol #soonki #after school lessons for unripe apples #webtoon #i’m going insane #the brainrot is real #fanfics #fanfiction #angst #ghost #story ideas #i dont know #i don’t care if there’s hardly a fan base this is incredible

[bethanydelleman]

Any favorite character roasts by Austen?

Yes! I have two favourites, here is the first, Elinor absolutely destroying her brother, Fanny Dashwood, and Mrs. Ferrars (some is only in her head but it's still gold):

“Well, well; whatever Colonel Brandon may be, Edward is a very lucky man.—You will not mention the matter to Fanny, however, for though I have broke it to her, and she bears it vastly well,—she will not like to hear it much talked of.”

Elinor had some difficulty here to refrain from observing, that she thought Fanny might have borne with composure, an acquisition of wealth to her brother, by which neither she nor her child could be possibly impoverished.

“Mrs. Ferrars,” added he, lowering his voice to the tone becoming so important a subject, “knows nothing about it at present, and I believe it will be best to keep it entirely concealed from her as long as may be. When the marriage takes place, I fear she must hear of it all.”

“But why should such precaution be used? Though it is not to be supposed that Mrs. Ferrars can have the smallest satisfaction in knowing that her son has money enough to live upon, for that must be quite out of the question; yet why, upon her late behaviour, is she supposed to feel at all? She has done with her son,—she cast him off for ever, and has made all those over whom she had any influence, cast him off likewise. Surely, after doing so, she cannot be imagined liable to any impression of sorrow or of joy on his account: she cannot be interested in any thing that befalls him. She would not be so weak as to throw away the comfort of a child, and yet retain the anxiety of a parent!”

“Ah! Elinor,” said John, “your reasoning is very good, but it is founded on ignorance of human nature. When Edward’s unhappy match takes place, depend upon it his mother will feel as much as if she had never discarded him; and, therefore every circumstance that may accelerate that dreadful event, must be concealed from her as much as possible. Mrs. Ferrars can never forget that Edward is her son.”

“You surprise me; I should think it must nearly have escaped her memory by this time.”

“You wrong her exceedingly. Mrs. Ferrars is one of the most affectionate mothers in the world.”

Elinor was silent. (Ch 41, Sense & Sensibility)

Elinor's silences are knives. Love her.

My other favourite is Bingley roasting Darcy, partially because people seem to see him as someone who wouldn't do this, but also because it's funny:

“By all means,” cried Bingley; “let us hear all the particulars, not forgetting their comparative height and size, for that will have more weight in the argument, Miss Bennet, than you may be aware of. I assure you that if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference. I declare I do not know a more awful object than Darcy on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing to do.” (Ch 10, Pride & Prejudice)

He not only says the only reason he listens to Darcy is because he's tall (not like, intelligent or wise), but he also says Darcy is grumpy! It's great!

#question response #jane austen roasts #elinor dashwood #charles bingley #yeah I'm not going for Elizabeth Bennet #sense and sensibility #pride and prejudice #jane austen #I love asks they are fun