#oh cinders honey no

[gingerbreadmonsters]

FUCK IT WE BALL

under the cut bc it's long af: who could it be?? 👀👀

-

There are very few beautiful things in the world, anymore.

(Some, but not many.)

Beauty is, unfortunately, a vanishing art. Everywhere, all around, at every moment the world becomes more and more diseased, more and more dull. The earth turns to rot, the water turns to scum, and beauty is swallowed by oblivion.

It's simply a fact of the universe. Entropy. All things tend towards their own destruction.

You might argue, of course. You might say, of course not! There are plenty of beautiful things out there still - all kinds of places and creatures and objects. There's a whole universe full of things out there! And everyone has different ideas of what's beautiful anyway, so how can you even measure how many beautiful things there are in the world to begin with?

Well then, if you did say that, you would be met with disbelief, probably. A look, incredulous, that tells you don't be stupid, honey. Not all things are beautiful, and there are some things that aren't beautiful to anyone. I ought to know.

You see, there are some very special people who just understand the order of things. Who just feel it, the natural order of the world, the way things are supposed to be. A feeling that can't be taught, but cultivated - a feeling that [????????], himself, is learning at this very moment to know and comprehend.

And because he's one of these precious few, one of those fortunate enough to have been shown the truth, he knows. Humans have always been funny about extinction and the loss of things. Take and take and take until there's almost nothing left, then either praise its survival as a miracle, or grieve its final death as gone too soon. He knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, how rare and precious beauty truly is these days. Something reserved only for the most unique, most particular, most wondrous of things.

There is an order in the world, he has learnt. All things that do exist must exist within the laws of the world that allows them to be, and those laws dictate exactly [????????]. In all the world, there can only be one thing that is the most beautiful. Only one thing that stands above the rest, a single prize that puts all else to shame.

Is it any wonder, then, that he holds you so dear?

#redacted asmr #wip wednesday?? never heard of her #fun fact: the assigned song for this one is irl my go-to 'i need to cry Right Now' song #:DDDDDDD #you can.... probably guess who it's for??? #the gingerbreadmonsters lore deepens #also catch the short opening sentence + brackets + longer paragraph formula lmao #i'm predictable?? tell me something i don't know #oh and yes i KNOW the name 'honey' is in there #i can confirm that it is NOT guy #not even i have it in me to be THIS horrible to poor sweet guy #ik it's a bit of a weird reference to make #but this is also inspired a little bit by the fe3h cindered shadows dlc for anyone who knows what that is #(it's currently named after one of the maps hehe) #you could probably guess which one if you googled it tbh #or maybe you couldn't?? now that i look at them there's a few that sound like my kind of titles #[villainous laughter]

[fanaticsnail]

Three, Two, One: Part 1 of 3

Hello beautiful people! I have decided to turn this part one-shot into a two-part series - SPECIFICALLY because I wanted it to be happy and playful, but it is leaning into a super HARD angst and I didn't want to spoil the playful vibe 👌

Word Count: 3,928

Warnings: mentions of tobacco, nicotine and addiction.

Song accompaniment: Know You Girls, Honey, Boy Toy

Fic Request Prompt by: @terarria-sunflower. Masterlist Here.

“Three, two, one,” you glanced down at your rotund, egg-shaped ticking timer as it began to shake as soon as the final number fled softly from your lips. A small smirk pulled at the corner of your mouth as you gazed at the blonde chef as he placed the relinquished cigarette butt within his ashtray; closing the metal lid to keep the cinders away from tainting the blue ocean with its waste.

“Down to the last second,” you muttered again to yourself, shaking your head while opening your journal and jotting down a new number within the pages. You flipped the yellow ribbon back within the page and shut your book; the several ribbons swaying at the bottom of the journal as you wrapped it around in its bound leather strap to place back atop the table.

As ship’s chronicler, you were tasked with notetaking and scribing the comings and goings aboard the Going Merry; a task which you undertook with complete precision and gusto. You had everything down to a fine craft; from documenting strategic battle maneuvers, to how many engagements in combat Zoro completed before his blades needed repair, down to exactly when the ship would need to pull in to resupply the kitchen with fresh ingredients, and the vessel with fresh medical supplies.

Your attention was being currently drawn to cataloguing the kitchen, searching through the prior menus Sanji had completed to determine which items took priority to resupply. As the kitchen was the blonde chef’s domain, you were spending far more time with him currently than the other members of the crew. You adored how passionate he was about food, and reveled in his eagerness to offer flirtations with you. Originally, you paid his flirtations very little mind; drawing conclusions that his words and gestures was built into his character as his occupation moulded him.

However, as his flirtations became more bold with his subtle smirks and playful words directed towards you; you decided it would be amusing to return his gestures, primarily out of boredom in your travels. Immediately, you found entertainment with how flustered you could make him, how his eyes would twinkle widely and his chin would fall to the ground to have his face shrouded by his blonde hair to shield the rising blush from your view.

Gentle touches of his hands brushing against yours as you passed him your journal to look over your kitchen restock notes, leaning yourself towards him over the kitchen benchtop with a playful bite of your lip while you asked him a mundane question, sitting in silence as he lit a cigarette and gawked at you while you read over your notes; crossing your right leg over your left and absent mindedly brushing your toes against his outer thighs with a light smirk.

It was truly a joy to see him flustered. He knew all of the right words and actions to pose towards others in playful advance, but never quite knew how to process the same unbridled gestures when they were reflected back onto him.

As Sanji walked his away from the wooden frame of the Going Merry’s kitchen bay-window, he turned towards you and smiled his beautiful, cuspid smile as you. Your heart began to swell at his attention, prompting you to look up at him half-lidded and cock your head to the side.

“What are you doing in here, beautiful?” he asked, continuing his approach.

“Oh, just cataloguing in the log book while enjoying the view,” you taunted him back with your playfulness, shamelessly raking your eyes over his torso, down his legs and back up to meet his gaze; “the ocean outside the window is nice to look at, too.”

He paused his movement, a small flustered panic behind his eyes before his smile spread further to his face, “You like what you see, then?” He gestured his hand over his body and arched his eyebrow upwards in question. He was wearing his blue and white-striped shirt with his black tie clasped firmly around his neck; sleeves fastened down at his wrists, secured by black buttoned cuff-links.

Your smirk drew into a broad smile as he continued to step closer to you, you confirming: “yes, chef.”

He allowed a large laugh to escape his parted lips, shaking his head at your brazen sanction.

“You hungry?” he asked once his laughter teetered off.

“Barely,” you shrugged, rising to your feet from your place sitting above deck, “but if it means spending more time with you, I’ll accompany you here the kitchen and aid your preparation for-,” you paused, reopening your journal and skimming it’s pages before locating the correct passage; “-Luffy’s second afternoon tea before dinner?”

He again chuckled at you, beginning to roll up his sleeves by unbuttoning his cuffs; “alright then, come and help me. Keep me company.”

You smiled again at him before reaching down towards the table and retrieving your egg-shaped timer from atop the wooden surface and holding it firmly within your hands. Sanji furrowed his brows, looking at the timer in your hands; “what’s with the timer?”

“Oh,” you shrugged, patting him on the shoulder as you moved past him, “nothing that should concern you.” He cocked his head up at the comment, intrigued by your nonchalant comment. You placed the object back down beside your journal, fixed to remain in its non-ticking nor shaking state for the interim as you readied yourself to begin aiding Sanji with the formulation of the meals.

“Okay then, let’s get started,” he began after rinsing his hands thoroughly, turning to his work station and bringing out several ingredients to ready preparation for Luffy’s snack; a two course meal with several sweet and savoury elements that were not too difficult to execute. You began to lather your hands with soap to wash them before you made your way to aid Sanji with food preparation.

While your back was turned and your egg timer and journal were left unattended; Sanji felt he had no choice but to peruse through the pages, finding your latest entry with the yellow ribbon: the colour he knew represented his entries for your chronicler-duties. Your journal was by no means taboo nor out of bounds for any members of the crew, but as Sanji searched through the pages; he was secretly hoping to find some semblance of minor infatuation towards him.

You both flirted with each other incessantly and constantly aboard the ship, and while travelling from port to port. Sanji couldn’t help but to be wooed by your words and actions, hoping that what began as entertainment from boredom grew as much for you as it did for him; hopefully fanning the flames of a small crush on your crewman into potentially developing into a deeper relationship.

You placed an apron over your head and secured the strap around your waist to stop any food items from falling to your clothes accidentally as he watched you over his shoulder; before hunching back over to find anything of the romantic nature between the pages.

He skimmed over his routine, noting several lines of ingredients he neglected to inform you in need of resupply already added to the journal. He sighed, contented and relieved to see you were effortlessly able to pick up on his subtle substitutions he used to cover the need for the missing ones; grinning at the knowledge of how attuned you were to his actions and efforts as chef aboard the vessel. In his daily schedule, he noticed several small crosses flurrying throughout his comings and goings; numbers written next to each cross.

He furrowed his brows and continued skimming over the pages, passing now onto the green-ribbon section: Zoro’s routine, noting his schedule had no crosses nor numbers. He deepened his frown and looked to the orange, red and blue ribbons for Nami, Luffy and Usopp’s schedules and noticed no crosses on their schedules either. Was this the answer he was looking for? He needed to know, and he needed to know, now.

“Hey, love?” Sanji spoke up, alerting you of his attention. You creased your brows at him, noting he had opened your log-journal and was reading his pages; “what are all these marks?”

Wiping your hands on a hanging blue and white kitchen towel, you turned to approach him; leaning your elbow on his shoulder as he turned his body into you, keeping his sights held to the pages of his schedule. You tilted your head towards your notation and narrowed your eyes before turning away from the pages to look at the blonde chef to your side.

“Those are your cigarette breaks, Sanji,” you smiled at him, reaching up to move his blonde hair away from shielding his eyes from you, “I’ve timed them.”

You turned away from him towards the kitchen counter and began sorting through the stock and comprising them into an order of need: items that needed to be cooked and items that only required assembly.

Sanji turned his eyes back to the page and creased his brows at the notes, looking over and acknowledging truly how many times he sought out the nicotine hit within his day to day activities. Although he didn’t manage to secure what he was hoping for, he remained perplexed by the sheer number and time throughout the day he received his dose of nicotine; almost angry at himself for the total amount.

“I have that many?” he asked, rethreading the ribbon back into the pages and putting the journal back atop the counter next to the egg timer.

“That you do, chef,” you nodded, continuing to sort out the piles of ingredients and readying a knife to begin peeling. Sanji hummed, looking over at you as you began peeling fruit with the edge of your knife. He emptied his pockets, placing his tobacco pouch, ash tray and lighter next to your journal before equipping himself with an apron to join next to you.

You both continued to prepare Luffy’s second afternoon snack together, laughing at something one another said and flirtatiously advancing each other with nothing more than a gentle graze of a shoulder or a brush of a fingertip as you continued working with one another. Once you had completed the task, Sanji removed his apron and began reaching toward his tobacco pouch and ash tray. A sly and mischievous look fell over your features.

“Can I ask you a question, chef?” you asked in a slight hint of mischief in your tone, prompting him to halt his retrieval of the pouch for a moment. You removed your apron and hooked it over a brass kitchen rail.

“Anything for you, love,” he smirked at you, turning around to face you and scrunching up his nose playfully. You tilted your head, walking closer to him and gazing up into his eyes.

“What is it about cigarettes that have such a hold over you?” you asked him curiously, “obviously it is the nicotine addiction, but is there more to it than just that?”

Sanji broke his sights away from you and looked off to the ceiling in thought with a small hum.

“You know,” he began with a nod, turning his eyes back down to meet your gaze, “I hadn’t given it much thought until now, truthfully. Maybe the rush? Taking a moment to myself? Could just be the chemical endorphins or the adrenaline, really.”

You nodded and downturned your lips in thought with a shrug. Sanji smirked at you, half-lidding his eyes mischievously before asking; “Why? You got a theory?”

“Frankly, I think it’s primarily about the nicotine,” you nodded, a wince of a smile falling to your face, “you should really think about breaking the habit, it’ll shorten your life and ruin your palate in the long run.”

You flicked your index finger over his chin playfully, a flirtatious grin rising again to your lips; “gotta keep that talented tongue in peak shape for when we get to the All-Blue. Can’t have everything tasting like ash now, can we?”

A small pink hue rose to his cheeks as you allowed a small giggle to escape your lips. You turned away from him to collect your journal, revelling at how flustered you made the flirtatious chef.

“You make a fine point, beautiful,” he broke his face back into a smile, “how do you suggest I get my fix? Save my palate,” he added with a small chuckle.  

You halted your step and quirked your head to the side before turning back to face him again.

“Let’s look at natural remedies,” you pondered, looking upwards at the ceiling, a list forming in your mind; “for adrenaline, why not spar with Zoro? He’d likely appreciate the amount of practice he could get in.”

Sanji hummed, stepping his body closer to you, “doesn’t really serve the endorphin release now, does it, love?”

You giggled in response, again looking towards the chef in thought, “you could go for a quick dip in the ocean? Breath control and adrenaline with that one.”

“And strip off my clothes multiple times a day?” he shook his head with a large grin forming, “I hardly see that as a helpful alternative. Again, it misses the endorphin release and doesn’t meet the accessibility criteria.”

You furrowed your brows and pursed your lips in thought. He chuckled again, turning back to face the table to retrieve his tobacco pouch and lighter, beginning to assemble a cigarette; rolling the tobacco within wafer-thin paper and adding a thin filter port to the end of it. He leant against the table, hips aligning with the height as he reclined back into it. As he brought the filter end to his lips, a stroke of genius struck you. He rose his lighter towards his lips and made to cradle the flame to ignite the end, halting at your next words.

“Kiss me,” you uttered softly with your head swaying as you held a small shyness to your voice, a tone Sanji almost missed. His eyes widened, mouth falling slightly ajar as his cigarette clung to his bottom lip.

“What was that-?” he asked in an utterance slightly more elevated than your own. You looked up at him with a small playful grin as you took your bottom lip once again within your teeth to bite it.

“Breath control,” you said more confidently, beginning to step closer towards him, “adrenaline release,” you raked your eyes over his body before settling on holding his eyes firm to you, “endorphin rush? I’d say a simple kiss would meet the criteria.”

His breath hitched within his throat at the suggestion, prompting him to reach up and remove the cigarette from between his lips and place it on the table behind him.

“You’re saying I can kiss you-,” he confirmed with a small hint of both delight and apprehension, “-for as long as I want?”

You giggled, reaching past him to retrieve your egg timer, “I’ll allow you to kiss me for as long as you need to.”

Sanji quirked his head at your actions, widening his eyes at the egg timer in your hands before a small chuckle fell from his lips. You stepped within his personal proximity after searching his eyes for any apprehension to do so. Meeting none, you settled comfortably in the space between his legs as he remained reclined against the table.

“And judging from your routine: with your mornings, you take about two minutes per cigarette,” you nod your head, rolling the timer within your hands, “your afternoon ones are down to a solid three and a half to four,” he nodded, taking your wrists within his hands and looking down still at the timer, “your before dinner cigarette is about one and a half, because you’re desperate at that stage,” he snickered at your comment, you giggling again in tow.

“And my after dinner one?” he asked you in a breathy, almost frantic voice, “surely I take my time with that one-.”

“-The after dinner one, you usually take around three,” you cut him off with a small giggle, “but your before bed one,” you nudged your nose under his chin to bring his gaze up to meet you once more, “that’s where you take your time with a solid five,” you whispered suggestively close to his jaw.

A small whined-groan escaped from him as he began to chase your face to seek to capture your lips in a kiss, meeting only the tips of your fingers pressed against his lips in response. He furrowed his brows and flittered his eyes down towards your hand and back to gazing intensely into your eyes.

“Hold on, big boy,” you warned him, scrunching up your nose playfully, “I have to set the timer first, or it’s all for naught.”

He nudged your hand away with his chin and a small growl escaping his lips in displeasure at your apprehension. You chuckled at his eagerness, allowing your hand to fall onto his cheek in a gentle caress.

“Surely not for the first one,” he commented hoarsely, desperately as he began reaching down to take the timer from your hands; only to be met with your hands closing over the egg-timer and holding it firmer, “just a taste-.”

“-It’s part of the fun,” you smile at him, floating your gaze over his face; falling on his lips before rising up again to meet with his eyes, “otherwise it won’t work and you’ll be back to square one."

He hummed in response, almost in a low whine as he pressed his forehead against you and grazing his hands down your ribcage to settle against your hips; “and what do you get out of aiding me with my fix?”

“I get the knowledge,” you whisper against his jaw, grazing your lips along his skin slowly, “that I’m the one bringing the rush to you, Sanji. I’m the one making you feel good.”

“Set the timer,” he growled firmly, eyes darkening with his pupils blown out and intense with desire, “four minutes.”

“Oui, chef,” you whispered with a small giggle in anxious anticipation, pulling your lips away from his jaw and turning towards your egg timer; winding it to the appropriate duration.

“Okay Sanji, the time starts: n-,” your words are halted by his the soft but intense collision of Sanji’s lips overzealously engaging in entanglement against your own. You squealed slightly at the immediacy of his reaction, your eyes wide as you stared at his closed eyes as his brows creased in intensity with your cheeks held firmly within his hands.

You reached slowly behind him to place the timer down on the table and raked your hands over his back and slid your fingertips against his flesh and holding his hips firmly while closing your eyes. You shifted your lips against his, opening them to deepen the kiss and allow him to glide his tongue behind your entrance to dance with your tongue. You gasped as soon as the contact was made, feeling a sharp piece of metal beneath the muscle, attached firmly to his frenulum. A piercing? Sanji has a tongue piercing?

He smiled into the kiss, feeling your shock as you brushed your tongue with his. He retracted the muscle from your mouth and began to place rougher kisses, assaulting your lips while raking his fingers through your hair and cradle your head further against his own. He rotated his head to continue the deep and rough engagement, prompting a whimper-like moan to fall from your lips in response.

As he remained reclined against the table, you wavered in your mind how much more adrenaline you could spike into his bloodstream to elevate his heartbeat further. Deciding to not withhold your ministrations; you pulled yourself further against his hips and hooked your right leg over his left and guide his left hand from your hair to wrap around your thigh. A groan fell from his lips as he reclined against the table further, unbreaking the kiss from your lips as he eagerly began to support your weight against him with fervour.

He pulled his other hand from your hair as you laced your hands behind his neck to hold him further into yourself. Just as you tilted your head and made to rake your fingers into his hair while he reached down to grip the back of your other thigh to hoist you up against himself fully; the egg-timer began to rattle and shake, alerting you the duration of the kiss was to be drawn to a close.

The low groan released from Sanji’s lips followed by a whimper as you began to pull yourself away from him was as delicious as the meals he would readily present to you, filling you completely with his unbridled need being absolutely met by your body.

“Please-,” he cried his protestation and need for you softly as you made to break from his lips, “please I need more.”

You smiled while he chased you with his lips as you pulled away from him, unlacing your leg from circling his hip and pulled your arms around his shoulders. You pressed your hand to rest against his chest, feeling the rapid pace pummelling harshly at his breastbone, pushing him away with a gentle but firm touch.

“You can have more,” you cooed at him, looking down through your eyelashes to see his desperation on full display over his face; his breath unevenly falling from his mouth, “in an hour and twenty minutes, before dinner.”

“For how long, then?” He gasped, moving his hands from your hips to lace his fingertips within your own, “surely not just for one and a half minutes.”

You giggled at him, looking at the beautiful picture you had painted on the man of a canvas before you: his eyes blown out with lust and desire, his heart beating with the rapidity of an over-excited puppy anticipating its first treat, his lips bruised from the prior collision against your own.

“You are out of breath,” you nodded to him, gesturing to his lips with your chin, “you have a spike of adrenaline, gathered by how rapid your heart was beating just now,” you rubbed your thumb to circle over his own, “and hopefully the kiss gave you as much of a rush of endorphins as it did me,” you giggled with a nod, taking your bottom lip between your teeth.

He nodded, looking down at the ground with a small smile tugging at his slightly swollen lips.

“Thank you for helping me with breaking my addiction, and,” he murmured, bringing your hands upwards to brush his lips against every digit; paying them all as much attention as the other with his lips, breaking only to utter; “for helping me restore my palate. I’m going to look forward to receiving my next hit from you.”

You felt a small rush of butterflies falling over your chest as he bore a wide grin against your knuckles.

“Okay, chef,” you said, releasing your hands from his and bringing your right hand up to caress his cheek, brushing your thumb over his lips to tenderly sooth them, “let’s go bring the captain his second afternoon tea.”

“Oui, mademoiselle,” he groaned, pressing a small and playful kiss against the pad of your thumb, prompting a small whimper to fall from your own lips this time; a smirk readily rising to his cheeks as he took the balled piercing from beneath his tongue and twirled it against his teeth absent mindedly.

Part 2

#one piece #opla #opla fic #x reader #one piece live action #sanji opla #black leg sanji #sanji fic #sanji x reader #one piece sanji #sanji

[xhoneygirlxx]

Fool For You

Dad!Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

summary: Life as a single dad but life is about to get way harder when Steve falls for his son's teacher.

warnings: fluff. slight angst: mentions of steve's childhood. steve is sad over his son's first day of school. No pronouns are used for reader but they're described to wearing fem clothing. Steve compares reader to Miss Honey from Matilda. Readers skin tone/ethnicity is not mentioned. fic is set in 91 (let's pretend Matilda had already come out by then). meet cute. mentions of being a single parent. Steve's son is named Danny. ending is rushed lmao lets pretend it's not. bad writing/grammar errors. Not proofread!! 18+ plus only, MDNI

*If I missed anything lmk!

a/n: Awe my beautiful lovies!!! we are halfway done with my wonderful birthday week :( I just want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me and showing me nonstop love. I love each and everyone of you so dearly!!!! I also wanna apologize for the late upload! I hope you guys can forgive me!

Maybe I’m crazy, but it’s hard to ignore you

And I can’t wrap my head around it, but it feels

Oh, like I loved you before.

Being back in the hallways of Hawkins Elementary felt odd. Everything has stayed the same since the last time Steve went there, the paint of the walls, the decorations, even the smell was all the same. It smelled like a chilly autumn morning and books, innocence and childhood - a smell he didn't even realize he missed so much until he entered the building.

The cinder block lined walls hold memories, locking them in place until the end of time. Now his son's will be there along with them, a new generation of the Harrington family ready to leave their mark.

Walking hand and hand with Danny, Steve feels every single emotion any parent would on their child's first day. It's bittersweet, stinging him right through the heart with sadness and patching itself up with a sense of excitement. Danny on the other hand is a ball of energy, bouncing with every step he takes, like he always does.

The small boy is nothing but big smiles, eyes darting everywhere as he takes in the new environment. His Ninja Turtle backpack is comically bigger than him, flopping off of the backs of his knees with every step he takes.

As he looks down at his son, who looks just like him at that age, a big rush of adoration falls onto the older man. Over the short five years that Steve became a dad, he's learned that you can fall in love with your baby all over again just like the first time you held them. Steve is always amazed by Danny and the amount of love that runs through his veins for the small boy, but sometimes you need a little refresher like right now.

"You excited to meet your new teacher, Danny?" Steve swings the small boys arm causing him to giggle.

Nodding his chestnut hair, he looks up at his father with wide eyes. "M'cited dad."

"You gonna make lots of friends?" Steve isn't sure if this question is appropriate but a part of him worries about his son's ability to make new friends, since Steve is the only one out of his friends that has a child.

"I fink so but they hav' to like tourtles." Danny isn't really bothered by the question too much, not when he's too focused on the bright decorations that stick all over the walls.

"Turtles, Dan." It comes out in a chuckle. Even though Steve always corrects his son on the word, he's still a sucker for the way he says it.

Making it to the end of the hall, they stop at the wooden door with the numbers 206 written over them. The memory of Steve's kindergarten years creep into his mind as they stand there, flashbacks of him holding his mom's hand as wet tears streamed down his face. He wonders if his mother remembers that or if she buried that in the back of her mind like everything else in his life.

Pulling himself out of his head, Steve knocks on the closed door and scoots back just a little to leave room for it to open. Crouching down to his son's level, he runs a nervous hand through his hair, fixing whatever pieces didn't stay down.

"Daddy, you're gonna mess it up." Danny pouts, lightly stomping his converse clad foot on the vinyl flooring.

Pulling his hand back, Steve realizes he's using his son for his anxious habits. "You're right, m'sorry. You gonna be okay?"

Danny rolls his eyes in a sassy way, the way that always makes Steve laugh. "Yesss dad."

Wow, his son is really his carbon copy.

The sound of the heavy door opening pulls both of their attention, Steve immediately springing up from his position wiping his clammy hands down his shirt.

Steve steels himself for who he's about to meet, releasing a shaky breath he didn't realize he was holding. Now, Steve expected to see a middle aged woman, maybe even older. He pictured someone with a grandma type energy, sweet and welcoming. What he didn't expect was you.

Standing there in the doorway with the bright light of your classroom falling around you in a halo. A pretty floral dress hangs from your body, cinching your body just right without being too inappropriate. Your cheeks are puffed up as you smile brightly, eyes crinkled at the sides as you do.

You seem about the same age as Steve, no older than twenty five. Glasses sit on the top of your head, pushing back the front of your hair. In a way you remind him of Miss Honey, not looks wise but your aura. You're so fucking pretty and he doesn't think he'll be able to formulate a sentence.

"Let me guess," You stand with a hand on your hip, pretending to think hard, "You must be Mr. Daniel Harrington."

The little boy in question beams up at you, bouncing on his toes as he clutches his excited hands around the straps of his backpack.

"My dad calls me Danny." The lisp that he has is very noticeable when he says it. Steve can tell you want to coo so badly over the small boy, the flexing of your fingers not going unnoticed.

Crouching down to his level, you reach out a hand to Danny for a handshake. "What a pleasure to meet you Danny."

Placing his hand into yours, he shakes it in a jerky manner. His missing bottom tooth shows off with the way he smiles at you. Pulling your hand away, you stand up straight still looking at the small child.

"Danny whenever you're ready you can head right inside and find the cubby with your name on it!" Your voice is like the sun, bright and chipper.

Craning his next up to his dad, he waits for his dad's permission even though his body trembles with anticipation. Steve on the other hand doesn't want to let him go, not ready to detach himself from his baby he spent five years with.

Kneeling down, Steve wraps his son in one last hug. The sting of unshed tears hits his nose first, the lump that sits in the back of his throat waits patiently for the dam to break.

"Okay dad, I have to go!" The small boy giggles, not understanding the gravity of the situation. To him he thinks his dad is just being silly, not realizing that his dad's heart is breaking.

Reluctantly Steve pulls away, trying to remember the look on his son's face. His own flesh and blood, the boy he's worked so hard to raise by himself, and God is his heart full.

"Alright little man, go head inside." Tapping a heavy hand to the boy's head, he watches him duck into the classroom.

Popping back to his standing position, Steve tries his hardest to blink the tears away. You still stand there, observing the classroom behind your shoulder.

"Oh, Mr. Harrington," You call out before he can leave and he's quick to interrupt you.

"Please, call me Steve. I feel like I'm too young to be Mr. Harrington." He half chuckles, ignoring the skip of his heart when he makes eye contact with you.

"Steve," You correct, a bashful smile on your face, "I wanted to ask if you would be the only person to pick him up or if your wife would also be included in pick ups and drop offs."

"Oh, no I'm not- his mom isn't." Lifting a hand to scratch at the back of his neck, he thinks of the best way to say it.

"Danny's mom isn't around, so it'll be just me on pick up and drop off duties. Possibly his aunt Robin but I'd let you know beforehand." A tight smile forms on his face.

"Oh I am so sorry, I shouldn't have assumed." You rush to apologize but you're quickly interrupted with the shake of his head.

"It's okay, you didn't know." He reassures and you visibly relax.

You're just as nervous as he is and he wonders if it's because you feel the same spark he does. Or maybe he's thinking too much into it. Either way, he'd like to think it's the latter.

"Well I'm very excited to teach Danny this year, he seems like a great kid." Although liking kids is part of your job, it sounds sincere coming out of your mouth and not rehearsed.

A coy smile breaks out on the older man's face, rose tint pours onto the rounded apples of his cheeks. "Y-yeah, he's a good kid. He can be shy sometimes but he loves to be around people."

Nodding your head, you sneak another peak behind you to check on the boy. "That's okay, I'm shy too."

When you turn to face Steve again, your lip is tucking behind your teeth. You're so fucking cute it makes him forget just how sad he was to drop off his own son and he doesn't know if that's a good or bad thing.

A long pause settles between the two of you, eyes becoming too bashful to meet. Steve kicks his foot at the hard floor, hands tucked into the pocket of his jeans.

"Well Steve, it was so nice to meet you but I have to get back in there." You sigh hiking a thumb over your shoulder.

Steve feels like someone just popped him like a balloon, the small amount of joy he's felt just by talking to you has now been taken away. Meeting you with a tight lipped smile, he nods understandingly.

After bidding your farewells, Steve thinks about you. He wishes he wasn't so awkward, that he had acted way cooler than he did, and how breathtaking your smile was when you spoke to him and his son.

On his drive home all he could think about was you and his son, ping ponging back and forth between the two. Steve wishes that he met you before today, maybe in the coffee shop on Main or in line at the grocery store. He wishes that he would be able to ask for your number and take you out without any consequences brought on by the school.

He doesn't know how he's going to last a full year with Danny in school and he's really not sure how he can manage to keep a professional conversation with you every morning without falling in love.

The low hum of Rod Stewart's "Rhythm of My Heart" plays through the car, the soundtrack to Steve's drive home.

Ah, the rhythm of my heart

Is beatin' like a drum

With the word's I love you

Rollin' off my tongue

"Fuuuuuuck," His voice drags out in the safety of his car, "I'm screwed."

Yeah, he was definitely screwed.

The ending feels rushed and it's not good but I hope you still enjoy! love you all :)

#steve harrington headcanon #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington smut #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x you #steve harrington angst #steve harrington fic #steve harrington x fem reader #honey's birthday bash #honey's holiday celebrations

[dumbawesomev69]

Why the Arc's are the breeders of remnants

Jaune was sitting in Ozpin office with team rwby parents along with pyrrha mother all staring at him while on the other side we're team rwby and Pyrrha all with pregnant stomachs.

Ozpin: now Mr arc you know what I called you here.

Jaune: uh to make sure I take responsibility?

Ghira: *try lunging* IM GOING TO KILL YOU!!! *Kail and qrow hold him back* let me go! Let me go!

Kail: No honey I won't let our grand kittens be fatherless!

Ozpin clear his throat as he looks at jaune. "Mr arc please tell me it's just team rwby and miss nikos."

Jaune: well.... I can't lie because...

*door opened*

Glynda (pregnant): sir miss Neon, team ndgo, Reese, may, arslan, Velvet, coco are parents have arrived to talk also I may need paternal leave

Everyone: *slowly to face jaune*

Jaune: well their you go that's everyone.

Glynda: oh I forgot I received a message from Raven, ironwood, Roman and the white fang something about Mr arc take responsibility

Jaune: alright maybe their more.

Willow scrolls rings and she answers. "Yes oh winter I'm just talking to- your what! And Whitley too.

Everyone's eyes widen as jaune gulp as Weiss looks at jaune. "you fuck and impregnate my brother!"

Jaune: I though it was you!

*door slams opened*

Bleiss (pregnant): Guess who's back Bitches!

Jacques: Oh shit not her!

Willow: bleiss! You return! *Hugs her* and your pregnant as well.

Jaune was sweating. "Alright so I think that's everyone."

*Door slams opened again*

Pietro: I just want to talk to him

Penny (pregnant): why do you have a shotgun?

Pietro: I just want to talk to him.

Penny: Dad this is ridiculous.

Pietro: I just want to talk to him.

Penny: put that gun away.

Pietro: I just want to talk to him.

Penny: it's not his fault.

Pietro: I just want to talk to shoot him.

Pietro makes it close to jaune and points his gun. "ALRIGHT SAY YOUR PRAYERS!!"

Jaune: ALRIGHT LOOK I SAID ILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!! WHY DO EVERYONE WANT TO KILL ME!!

*Portal opened*

Jessica, vixen and wonder woman walk through each pregnant. "Hey jaune remember that time in the closet well and the training room."

Jaune: alright so I'm pretty thier more to come so let's wait.

*another portal opened*

Salem (pregnant): Hello arc it seems our time together have reunited my old life as a mother which both cinder and Emerald are exited to be a mothers as well.

Jaune: uh so that what dad meant that we Arc's are the breeders of remnants.

Everyone who's pregnant: you think!

#rwby shitpost #rwby #jaune arc #jaune x harem #rwby justice league

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

Mouse!faunus Cinder: Do you think She'll find us?

Rabbit!faunus Jaune: She's pyrrha Nikos! Of course She'll find us! I'm just making sure my Pelvis will survive! Now make like a church mouse and SHUSH!

Cinder: OH THAT'S REAL MATURE OF YOU!

Fox!Faunus Pyrrha: Honey~ Darling~ I know you're nearby~

Cinder: ... Can you amp my aura a little? I'd also like to be able to walk after this.

Jaune: But I like Carrying you! PLus, I don't know if I can get us both, and you cannot carry me.

Cinder: Fine. But you owe me.

Jaune: Okay. I love you cinder! See you on the other side!

Cinder: Ditto.

Pyrrha: There you are~

Jaune: Sexy time?

Pyrrha: *Pouncing* Sexy Time!!

A Fox's preferred prey are rodents and Rabbits.

#rwby #jaune arc #pyrrha nikos #arkos #knightfall #arcfall #arcfurnace #achille's heel #do they not have a throuple name? #mouse!faunus cinder #rabbit!faunus jaune #fox!faunus pyrrha

[bonefall]

Given how first litter went, how did Poppyfrost react to being pregnant again? And basically everyone who knew about the Situation? Was Jayfeather the one to do the check up and tell her the news? Did Cinderheart had war flashbacks and just tell her straight up 'Poppy I SWEAR TO GOD if you drop another litter on my head I will kill you and then Berrynose AND then myself' (to which Poppy does a peace sign and fades away like that one meme)? Just Bad Time for everyone involved?

Oh lord, it was SOMETHING for everyone.

Poppyfrost Herself

Her key trait is being avoidant. She wants to move on from her love for Jayfeather SO badly, she'll take anything.

Berrynose made her feel special, good, important...

So, having his kits felt good, too. She wants to focus on the kits she can raise with her mate so she can... forget move on from the churning feeling she gets in her belly, when she looks at Dovepaw and Ivypaw.

She would be trying to make small talk as Jayfeather does her check-up and confirm her pregnancy, just blowing RIGHT past the butter-thick tension in the room like she can't even tell it's there.

(She CAN tell it's there. Jayfeather can too. You could cut the tension with a knife. But she's straightup just trying to power through it.)

Jayfeather

Is she REALLY just... talking to me like she's never been pregnant before?

She's asking for tips she knows???

Do I just... do I make a comment on it?

Even Jay "has a witty comment for everything" Feather is absolutely dumbfounded here

CAN he even say anything, when Berrynose is right there and being snarky would reveal everything? Is that why she's being like... this??

?????????????????????????????????????????? live jayfeather reaction

But as time goes on, he starts to see the truth of it. She's really just trying to forget that they had kittens together.

He thinks, again, to Leafpool. Is this what it was like for her? When Crowfeather had Breezepelt so soon after they'd parted ways?

He sorts through this in his mind, thinking about Crowfeather and Poppyfrost... no, they were quite different as far as cats go. But still, he wondered if the feelings he's having are things she had gone through as well.

They're still awkward with each other, though, so he still won't ask her. Lionblaze is closer to Leafpool than Jayfeather is-- Jay's still parsing his feelings towards his aunt, second mentor, and secret bio-parent.

Lionblaze

Oh god Berrynose is multiplying

Uh, also whatever Jayfeather said.

(honestly he doesn't really have strong feelings on the drama, he's thinking about the Clan, his daughters, and the prophecy he only learned at the end of BB!Po3)

Honeysnake and Cinderheart

For Cinderheart, Poppyfrost dropped a litter on her, directly caused Hollyleaf to snap and vanish, and then GHOSTED HER MAKING THE WHOLE THING FOR NOTHING

Cinderheart is coming hot off the heels of an arc about mindfulness, when she was younger she would have confronted Poppyfrost and revealed everything and caused a massive drama explosion

But nowadays, she's able to understand that this is a destructive impulse, she has two kittens to consider, Jayfeather is the Cleric and this revelation will ruin him too, Poppyfrost is moving on...

"I AM FULL OF GOOD WILL FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS," -Cinderheart, through gritted teeth

However, she does get closer to Honeysnake as a result

Because Honeysnake is, honestly? Kinda pissed

She broke off with Berrynose for a reason, he was awful to her while she was recovering from her snake bite and then made her Honor Title all about himself! He's a jerk! And Poppyfrost just WALTZED in!

She's supposed to be her sister, but now she's mates with her ex and pregnant with his kits.

Honey and Cinder are united in their frustration towards Poppy. Cinder can't reveal her secret, but it makes her feel better to listen to Honey gnash her teeth about the whole thing (and join in).

Others

Thankfully, none of the three girls involve Mama Sorreltail in the drama. Grandbabies are grandbabies, and so soon after Brackenfur died... They're all on their best behavior as a group around her.

Moleflight up in StarClan is happy for his sister. He wishes things could have been different and Jayfeather renounced his clerichood, but... he wishes Poppyfrost happiness.

Daisy is going to see her first grandkits! Berrynose is a snot, but he's also really close to his own family. Toadstep, Rosepetal, Hazeltail, and Mousewhisker are all very excited for him, and Poppyfrost loves her in-laws

(especially since Honey and Cinder are kinda... distant right now. And she loves her mom but Sorreltail's taking Brackenfur's death pretty roughly)

No one else in the Clan is aware that Jayfeather is the biofather of Dove and Ivy. He shares this secret with only Lion, Cinder, and Poppy herself, plus Holly who deduced it on her own and didn't take it well.

#better bones au #BB!Poppyfrost #BB!Jayfeather #Jaypoppy #Cw pregnancy

[llannasvsp]

Dragons Rising Season 2, Episode 3: Beyond the Phantasm Cave

We are baaaack!! Honestly, I like spreading out my rewatch because I binged all 10 in one sitting. Spreading out my rewatch makes the excitement last longer. Not that I'm running out of excitement. I will never get over this season and it's not even done AGH. ANYWAY. On to the episode!

So, Cinder is Link from Zelda?

You feel the gong what?

Jordana and Cinder beef so real.

Awh, Kai. Glad they didn't forget his anger issues.

Arin is definitely not okay.

LLOYD MEDITATED ALL DAY AGHHH POOR GUY.

Lloyd has every right to be upset and frustrated right now.

Little source dragons!

OH MY GOSH the Netflix subtitles tell us which source dragon symbols correspond with the element!???!?

LIFE SYMBNOL CLAIMS LLOYD EVEROYNE. LIFE SYMBOL. DID ANYONE KNOW THIS?!?! YHHELLO. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME LEARNING OF THIS SO THIS IS A GENUIINE REACTION OH. MYGOSH.

Soooo Strength is a hater.

"He is no ordinary mortal". Okayyy so are we going to talk about him literally having Dragon heritage???

LEVITATING LLOYD CLIP!

Once again, Sam is literally serving. He portrays anxiety so well.

KAI + WYLDFYRE CLIP!

I am literally obsessed with this moment between them. Wyldfyre doesn't want to be left out. Kai wants her to stay safe and be okay. He's so kind and gentle with her. I love them.

I gotta admit, I'm an elemental mech hater.

"Would Master Wu take us on a mission based off of half understood dreams?" Oh he absolutely would.

KAI ASKING FROHICKY TO WATCH OVER WYLDFYRE RAGH.

I don't know how I feel about the Cloud Kingdom having a motor buuuut okay.

They really decided that this was the episode to upload clips from.

I love this moment because it addresses that Lloyd is doubting himself, it acknowledges that Lloyd and Nya have been through way too much stuff, and it shows us that Lloyd does not want to put Arin and Sora through something horrific. He doesn't want them to experience "the horrors" too young like he did.

Kai being mad that Wyldfyre stowed away but not in like an angry way but in a "I don't want you getting hurt" way is just sooooo.

Sora is so right to be concerned. I would be too if I were her.

I get what Sora was trying to do with the grappling hooks, but I also feel like this isn't going to bode well for Arin. She made his thing something "cooler" because their elemental powers are involved.

EWWW TENTACLES.

AGHH Arin and Sora complete each other my hearrrt.

Okayyy so visions.

Arin: Fear of letting his parents down. Guilt that he "replaced" them with the ninja.

Sora: Something to do with Imperium?? I don't really understand hers I'm gonna be so honest.

Lloyd: Being an inadequate teacher. Leading everyone to their destruction. "You will never be good enough." Dang.

Nya: Jay not remembering her.

Wyldfyre: The wasting thing that's talked about later.

KAI: WE DON'T FREAKING GET TO SEE IT. LET US SEE IT.

I feel like we just need to remember all of their fears because it's absolutely going to be important to all of them later.

"I know the real Jay could never forget me." Oh, honey. Don't say that.

Egalt is ugly.

GRRR THIS EPISODE IS AMAZING.

I think we didn't see Kai's vision because they're going to bring it back later. I know some people are saying that it was of a corrupted version of himself, and honestly, I'd say that's a very likely assumption, given his history. He used to have a lust for power, and maybe he still does, it's just more subdued. If anything were to happen to him (pretend we haven't seen ep10 yet), he could likely succumb to that temptation for power.

ALSO I'm such a Lloyd "life" truther, so learning that it was the LIFE DRAGON who claimed him?!??!? Yes. I'm so excited to expand more on that.

#llannas dr recap #ninjago spoilers #ninjago #dragons rising #ninjago dragons rising #dragons rising spoilers #ninjago dr #lloyd garmadon #lloyd ninjago #kai jiang #kai ninjago #nya jiang #nya ninjago #wyldfyre ninjago #arin ninjago #sora ninjago #cinder ninjago #jordana ninjago #lord ras

[didyoutrydynamite]

Room Please

Jaune/Cinder: *Getting a motel room for the Renegades*

Desk Clerk: Oh my! What a lovely couple! let me guess, you two would like the honeymoon sweet?

Jaune: *Blush* Sorry no. We’re traveling with two others, and besides the two of us-

Cinder: *Quickly grabs Jaune’s arm* Oh don’t be modest, honey! Is there a family discount?

~O~O~O~O~O~

Jaune/Adam: *Getting a motel room for the Renegades*

Desk Clerk: Well aren’t you two a rare sight? We hardly get gays in these parts, hmm each to their own.

Jaune: Oh no, we’re not like that, we’re traveling with others you see-

Adam: *Scoffs* Please, I can do so much better than boy scout here.

~O~O~O~O~O~

Jaune/Neo: *Getting a motel room for the Renegades*

Desk Clerk: Hi there, sir! Looking for a room for you and your *Squints at Neo* ... daughter?

Neo: *Angrily dives halfway across the desk before Jaune manages to grab her and drag her back*

Jaune: *Struggling with Neo* O-On second thought maybe we’ll enjoy nature with some camping tonight!

#renegade au #jaune arc #cinder fall #adam taurus #neo politan

[eldritch-spouse]

[Part 4 of Gifted. Fem reader.]

Previous poll winner: " I think I'll... Thank the chef, yes. " (37.1%)

TW: Violence; Descriptions of cannibalism; Slight gore; Knife play; Extremely dubious consent.

New choice! [VOTE]

" I think I'll... Thank the chef, yes. "

Do you really have a choice anyway?

You recall him, his voice mostly. A southern drawl that sounded almost goofy, but imposing. Which is fitting, you suppose, he's an intimidating cinder block of a monster. A mushroom monster, you've seen one or two of those before, they're generally quite pretty in your opinion. The chef in particular struck you, the dotted patterns on his arms glowing faintly in the cavernous dark of Sybastian's mouth when he reached in for you.

In truth, you're not too sure how to feel about him. And that insecurity manifests when you purse your lips, possibly regretting your cooperation regarding these two's lascivious suggestions.

" My my, she really is tame. " Vesper fans himself. " Oh how I regret handing her over! You and I would have had so much fun back in Lust, honey. "

You shudder, believing every word he says. Maybe a bit of fear here is healthy, you can only imagine what kind of animal you'd become in his hands.

" Well then, go! " The Icon urges, facing away from you and Santi dramatically. " I won't let myself stare a second longer, lest I ruin this game. " This guy is such a theater dork, you can't believe you sucked him off. And so happily too.

Nevertheless, Santi takes the warning to heart, ushering you up as soon as you have a couple more forkfuls, not enough to last you long. It's a waste of perfect cuisine, frankly. The incubus walks you through the crowd, hand locked with yours, ever determined to soothe you via gentle touches. You appreciate that about him, this demon's been very kind to you so far, for whatever reason. Maybe because you chose him... Well, it was a good choice, you reckon.

Speaking of choices, you're still not too sure about this last one. Every step through the crowd makes your heart beat a bit harder, a bit faster. Will things work out here too?

" You're so tense, love. Is it butterflies? " Santi teases. " Don't worry, keep up this precious attitude and everything will be fine. "

Encouraging...? Not really.

The doors to the kitchen are tall, a brilliant white, and although there's supposed to be windows in each one of them, the glass there is obscured, meaning the inside is a mystery to you. You can hear the sounds however. Nothing too suspicious, chatter and clinking, mostly.

When the two of you reach those doors, your back is basically glued to Santi's front, fear and dread keeping you stock still. The demon is unbothered, simply pushing the large doors apart and edging you inwards.

Now this... This is what you call a real kitchen.

It's absolutely massive. Then again, that's a theme here. You do understand why things need to be larger in general, after all, many of the monsters here are bigger than humans by a considerable amount, their comfort must be catered to- However, this place tends to exaggerate in the dimensions of its overall floors. This entire kitchen is like a house, it's furnished with all sorts of equipment, reminding you of a world-renowned establishment. The brightness hurts your eyes a little, but you suppose it's necessary. How come you've never even once heard of this location?

The first thing your adrenaline-sharpened mind notes is the blood.

On what you very clearly recognize to be some modernized chopping block. On the ground, like something bleeding and squirming was dragged from said block to another huge set of doors, leading lord knows where. A large scarlet handprint you can only guess belongs to the chef on one of those doors. Then there's that cleaver, a scary-looking thing, embedded in the cutting block, some form of viscera and tissue still clinging to it. So he's not just a chef, yes, he's definitely also a butcher. And yet... You know, deep in your soul, whatever creature possibly lost its life here was likely human.

God help you.

That's not all though. As soon as your gradually panicking mind looks at anything but the trails of red present, it quickly finds ambulating creatures. Small. Smaller than the waiter, totally black but reflecting some sort of pigment, their heads floating as they work, each one clad in white kitchen garbs with varying designs. The first thing that crosses your mind nearly makes you vomit. Children?! You blink several times. No. No, they can't be, just because they're small doesn't mean they're infants, you haven't seen a single child here. Besides, you're fairly certain these aren't monsters, whatever the Hell they could be, they all look the same physically speaking, only their color accents and facial expressions distinguish them. This is some sort of clone fest. What are you looking at?! What is this?!

" S- Santi?... " Are you going insane?

" Oh right, you've never seen one of those before. " The demon reminds himself, chuckling at his own antics. You don't question why he's okay with the shady blood stains. " Those things are called bobbles. They're made here, sweetie, think of them as extra helpers. "

Things... They're things. Uhuh.

You watch silently for a couple of seconds. Most of them appear to be absorbed in their own tasks, moving efficiently between each other. Cutting vegetables, passing utensils, cleaning dishes, shouting for ingredients. Some of them occasionally glance at you two, the gray-colored ones completely neutral, the blue ones with a hint of trepidation. They're a bit cute, you'll admit, if you don't question the logic of their mere existence too much. You wouldn't mind having one of these. After a minute or two of watching these "bobbles" work in fast-paced harmony, you relax enough to detach from Santi, standing by his side warily.

Soon, one of the things, with a tall hat and slightly ripped garb, stomps over to you two. Its eyes narrow over pink-freckled cheeks, and he frowns at Santi specifically. A wooden spoon is slapped onto the demon's stomach.

" Ya hav'ta knock! Sir doesn't like it when people don' knock! " It drawls at the snickering incubus, who merely takes the hits without flinching.

" Whoopsie... Can you find it in you to forgive me? "

You muffle an amused noise as well, watching the small critter's face puff in annoyance for a couple of tense seconds. How can anyone take them seriously, with that adorable look? Finally, it gives Santi a bright smile.

" Okay! " Big pink eyes settle on you, after a concerning pause- Like it genuinely hadn't seen you all this time. " Ooh! Ya brought a piggy, sir's gonna like her! "

The bobble grabs your hand with its four-fingered one and starts trying to lead you somewhere, but you stand your ground. Santi's eyes widen and he flicks that intrusive limb away.

" Hey-! "

" No no Turnip, this one's not for the warehouse. " The look on his pale face is serious, making the bobble tilt its perfectly round head. " This one's for sir. He knows her. "

" Ooooohh... " The pink and black bobble waves its hands excitedly. " Special piggy! "

Wait, hold on- It's name is literally Turnip? What.

" Yes, exactly, I need you to get Morell for me, okay? "

" Yessir! "

Funny, didn't Grimbly say that too? Irregardless, the small being trots away, pushing past those heavy-looking doors with great effort and disappearing from sight entirely. You couldn't get a good look at what lies beyond, which is disconcerting.

The incubus begins looking around, and though you can't really tell what he's after, you don't struggle too much when he beckons you over to an empty marbled counter, and sits you atop it. O-Okay. Satisfied, he goes back to waiting, some form of excitement in his gaze, although it mixes with something else, dampening it.

" Am I... " You start quietly, some of the adrenaline crashing, permeated by uncertainty. " Going to be alright? "

The demon faces you, reading into your expression with a carefully neutral one as he ponders. You don't like that he hesitates, that he's thinking about his answer. That in itself should be telling enough. When you look away, defeated, he grabs your hand, a much smoother smile on those handsome features.

" You're tough. " He begins. " I can tell. Trust in your sixth sense and keep it up. "

He meant to be motivating, but truth of the matter is that was neither a confirmation nor a denial. You can see through it, he doesn't know, but the probably doesn't want to scare you either. Fuck.

The humdrum of the kitchen workers chattering to each other and utensils clinking around becomes an indistinct buzz while you recess into the confines of your mind, adrenaline diminishing in the face of relative inactivity. What is the world outside these walls up to, right now? With you missing, your responsibilities unaccounted for, has your family noticed your absence? Is anyone coming for you? Do they even know how you got here? Will you ever see th-

A sudden woosh snaps you back into alertness, the bloodstained doors leading to who knows where parting smoothly. And he powers in. Him being, of course, the chef.

While not nearly as large as monsters like Vesper, he's towering in his own right. You've never been one to realize how much body language matters, but looking at... Santi called him "Morell", you think- You feel more on edge than you ever did around the massive demonic lord. It's his stance. Shoulders always squared, always flexed and tense, he constantly looks as if moments away from lunging towards something or someone. The few minutes of indirect interaction you've had with this monster were enough to transmit an idea of volatility, as if violence is always just one blink too late away.

The white garb he dons can no longer be called white by any stretch of the imagination, coated in splatters featuring varying shades of red. He looks mildly tired, and angry. You're not sure if he's shining from sweat or some differing condensation- The breeze you felt as soon as those doors parted suggests what lies beyond is cold. Like a fridge room.

A crimson-stained towel hanging from his shoulder is used to wipe bloodied hands rather poorly, before the thing is tossed away, a bobble catching it before it can hit the floor.

" This better be worth mah fuckin' time demon, ah'm two seconds away from- "

As soon as those curious cyan hues bounce up to regard the demon, they instantly dart to you, and he stills. Oh yes, he definitely recognizes you. You're being stared down.

" Well then... " The way bold bright teeth poke above that chunky scarf doesn't bode well with you.

" I take it this is worth your 'fuckin' time'? " Santi jabs.

The large mushroom crosses his arms over his chest, not moving from his spot. " Wha's this all 'bout? " Although he makes an effort to glare at the incubus, he keeps looking back to your figure on his counter. You wonder if he might be mad that you're sitting on it.

" Oh relax, I just brought the minx here to see you. " Santi does a placating gesture with his palms, though you feel a slight sting of betrayal when he opens his mouth again. " See, we just had dinner. Our present here loved your work sooo much she said she'd like to personally give her regards to the chef, and who am I to stop her, hm? "

Morell looks straight at you. Nerves force you to gulp, scratching at your arm and face lightly, better to stay silent than say something even more embarrassing.

Eventually, he relaxes slightly. It's a minuscule change is demeanor, but you don't miss it. " ... That so? "

When the demon doesn't reply, you realize it's a cue. What are you supposed to say here? You did agree to it. Besides, if not him, then they'll just toss you at someone else. There's no easy win, might as well do what's kept you alive thus far- Being polite.

" Y- Yes. " You look him in those cyan eyes, oddly shrunk pupils swimming in a sea of black. He seems like the type of guy that values eye contact.

Slow, evaluating seconds pass.

" Aight... Tha piggy can stay with me. " He says it with a chuckle, looking a lot brighter than he did not even a minute ago.

Santi nods, then quickly turns to you, rubbing a clawed hand on your cheek. His face betrays sadness, a little bit of resignation, disappointment. " Sweetness, it looks as if this is where we part. " He leans down, nibbling softly at your bottom lip, before brushing through your hair and taking several steps away. As if forcing himself. " For now, of course. " You can't really tell if that's good or bad.

" Ya done? " A decidedly not amused voice rings. For such a large man, Morell moved quietly, having closed some of the distance between you. " Git tha fuck out already. "

Santi only chuckles, making his way out to the main restaurant area. " Have a great time, love. " One last cheeky wink is all you get, before the demon is out of your sight.

For the first time in a while today, you feel truly alone. Santi had given you a sense of security up until now, even if said sense was erroneous. Here however, you're entirely on your own, feeling hunted, feeling cornered. There's no telling what this monster might want from you.

Keep calm. Breathe. Smile a little.

You'll make it through this.

Morell stares at you intently.

You seem to be faring well for someone who got thrown to the wolves, all things considered. No longer encased in lace, sporting clothes he swears he's seen before, not trembling in fear with your tail tucked between your legs like earlier. Tsk, Santi's been treating you too well, you ought to have some fear if you're staying here for a while. Fear keeps you alive, keeps you sharp.

Point being, you're clearly the clever type, you wouldn't have made it this far in such an intact condition if you pushed the wrong buttons with the demon. Sure, the shroom's certain you had to pay some sort of price to acquire these accommodations, but you probably knew that prior. He can tell you're not like most of the pigs he gets here, the kind that squeal and kick as soon as he nears them. No, it's in your eyes, you're so much smarter than that.

Doesn't matter, you're about to sing to a different tune with Morell now.

The monster moves once Santi leaves the premises, to the sink only a small distance away from the counter you're perched on. Though his back is mostly turned to you, Morell is confident you wouldn't try to bolt out. You know that you can't, know that without the staff's protection you're just mince meat for the crowd. His hands are rinsed and the towel atop his shoulder is wrung dry of the last pig's blood. He's glad to be rid of that one, they were troublemakers since the time they got dragged in to the very last breath- But you gotta appreciate the consistency, at least. If it was a calmer day, he'd play around with them some more before bringing down the hatchet, so to speak.

Ridiculous, here he is saying he's so busy, about to damn it all just so he can fuck with you. But how can he not? Look at you, just politely sitting on his counter with that fat fucking ass. Looking around, occasionally smiling briefly at his bobbles' antics. It's like you fit here already.

" Well pumpkin- " He starts, giddy that your spine straightens immediately. " 'S a pleasure ta have ya 'ere in mah lil' kitchen. "

The mushroom turns then, wiping his hands, cracking his knuckles. " Ya like tha food? "

You study his face for a moment, confused by the hint of mirth there, but eventually deem it correct to nod. Morell doesn't really care, he knows his food is good. Though he's a little upset you didn't get to try the best parts. When Grimbly dashed into the kitchen, the waiter told him everything. You, tangled between Vesper and Santi- To think that you've gotten an Icon of Hell's attention this soon! What kind of honey is up your ass?! Santi specifically requested something without human, and now he knows why.

Out of genuine fondness. Because really, you don't know what human tastes like. His dishes can oftentimes make that meat blend into other types, visually. If he arranges it well enough, you'd deem it a regular old steak, eat it, and call it delicious. All the incubus had to do is stay quiet. But he went the extra length to make sure you didn't obliviously consume your own kind, the sap.

" Good... Tha's good. " He says, after a pause. " Stop by whenever yer hungry. Ah'll get'cha somethin'. " Something worth eating.

" O- Okay. " Yeah, you're starting to click some things together by now, aren't you?

" Y'know, I'm real hurt, piglet. "

You blink, likely wondering if "piglet" was meant to address you -It was- Unsure where he's taking this. The chef paces several steps your way, ending up looming by your side, enjoying the way you immediately cast your gaze to your lap. He twirls locks of your hair idly.

" Mah memory's blankin', who got ya outta that mimic's jaws again? "

Looking up, searching his face for clues you won't find, you answer hesitantly but truthfully. " It was you? "

Morell snickers. " Yeah, sounds right. After all, who knows what could'a been o' you by now if ah hadn't? "

A sour expression crosses over your smooth features. Yes, think about it. Linger.

" An' still, ya pick the fuckin' demon. " The chef shakes his head, ruffling your hair. You shiver beneath him, likely realizing, just as most others do, that there's a great deal of strength behind his spongy-looking hide. " Ya can't make this shit up. "

" ... But- " What could've been an attempt to defend your incorrect choice is swiftly ignored.

" But what, sweetie? I was tha only one who could'a freed ya there! " The shroom points to himself, as if it was obvious.

Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, you don't need to know that. Morell stands and watches a myriad of expression race on your complexion. Fear, confusion, dread. " I'm... I'm sorry? "

Hah, oh that's so cute!

His guffawing nearly shakes the kitchen walls, rocking his chest. You're adorable, he'll give you that much. Is this your attempt at placating him?

" 'S not a big deal anymore. " He waves, eventually stopping his fit of laughter. " C'mere. "

You hesitate a healthy amount, he can understand it. Though eventually, when Morell makes it clear he's not going to drop it, and that his patience isn't limitless, you plop down from the counter, taking careful steps his way.

" Closer. " He beckons when you refuse to stand in front of him. " Ya spooked? " Of course you are, he's been around your kind for so long, you're all like mindless gazelles, deers in headlights, pigs squealing to the skies and running around in circles.

It's when the chef places a heavy palm on the counter, and it rattles, that you zing to action and get just as suffocatingly close to the monster as he was hoping. " There we are, was it hard? " It was rhetorical, but he's delighted that you shake your head anyway. " Thought so. "

Morell takes a moment to appreciate the sight of you.

All humans are petite, and although there's something dainty about your demeanor right now, he can see your muscles tense like coiled springs, ready to snap, ready to run. Fight or flight is a beautiful look on you. You have a good amount of meat on your bones, he can tell with a couple of hearty gropes to those bare thighs. Hmm yes, fine cuts, good stuff. His fingers knead at you like dough, and Morell feels a sick little twitch in his pants when you start trembling.

" S- What are- "

" Sshh, quiet naw. " He warns, letting full hands roam around. The chef thrills himself with your obedience, going from calves to back of the thighs, gripping your ass firmly and snickering at your choked noise.

You're a lovely little thing, the kind he feels sorry for when he butchers, because they could last so much longer. Demand here is crazy, which is good for his pockets, but also saddening at times. Morell doesn't get to fool around with the pigs as much as he'd like to anymore. Especially not tonight! When his hands move to your front, palping at your belly, he shakes his head, clicking his tongue.

Practically empty. As he suspected. You haven't eaten anything properly yet, certainly not with those sluts, they probably think feeding you jizz will work out just fine, typical. They don't know how to care for a piglet at all! And to think you willingly chose him, how dim are you? You wince when he grabs at you more firmly, and it's enough for Morell to give it a rest.

" You don' look so full, piggy. " The chef tuts, patting your abdomen. " Knowin' them types, you prolly didn' get ta eat much since ye got here. "

He watches you squirm briefly, either tickled by the softer touch or wanting to stop it. " I'm... It's okay, I'm not that hungry. "

Liar. You're small and weak, you should be eating anything you can in this environment. So dumb, so naïve, it's a wonder luck has been on your side thus far. " Ya sure? " He squints.

" Y-Yep, thank you. "

Cute.

" Welp, in that case- " Morell lets some of his anticipation show, shrugging and moving to be mere inches away from your form. " We can skip right to tha good stuff. "

The whites of your eyes widen and you give him this puzzled, anxious look. Oh come now, don't play dumb. " Ya wanted ta thank me, right? " The shroom grabs your tiny hand in his and puts it to his chest, a lidded, much more playful and relaxed expression on his face. " Don' lemme stop ya, sweetie. "

Oh, the gradually rising panic in your face is just precious. He's a lot, not to toot his own horn, but Morell gets your nervousness. He's been called "an absolute unit" a couple of times and it strokes his ego. Speaking of, you need to be stroking something else right now. He's been pent up these last couple of days, preparing for this event hasn't been kind to Mori's libido.

The chef is starting to think he's going to have to do things the hard way until you finally move. While your palm shakily slides down his chest, feeling slightly excited breathing, he busies himself with untying the long sash around his waist. Much to his disappointment, you don't grope, not that he expected you to anyway. Chuckling, Morell corners you further against the counter, spotted arms on each side corralling your body. His cock jumps in his pants when you give him a doe-eyed look full of uncertainty. You're purposely lingering on his abdomen, avoiding what lies beneath. The chef responds to this by flexing slightly, allowing you to feel his well-built constitution. Yeah sure, he's showing off, let him have this.

You don't look him in the eyes when you eventually relent, fingers sliding down. He's impatient however, roughly grabbing your hand. He reaches for one of the torn sleeves of his white smock and parts it, shrugs off the other one, letting the outfit fall to the floor, kicked aside by heavy-looking boots. You're apparently fascinated, studying his upper body openly, visibly flustered. Morell smiles when you focus on a particularly dark mark on his arm, stare all you want. He rips you back into focus by firmly smoothing your hand over the raging hard-on tenting his black pants, unable to conceal his laughter when you audibly gasp. Aw, don't flatter him like that.

When Morell drops his grip, your fingers remain static, and he rolls his eyes. " C'mon, ya scared? " He parrots.

Scared is an understatement.

This guy puts you off. Plus, he's packing heat.

At the risk of sounding filthy, you'll admit he's not the biggest you've seen, that title now falls squarely onto Vesper. The Icon's size didn't strike you as something note-worthy- He's already gigantic in comparison to you, of course his junk would be appropriately huge as well. Not to mention your mind was a little clogged at the time. Morell is a whole other story, you might very well have to take him, and he's bigger than Santi for sure. It's cause for some alarm, but then again, this whole situation is.

He seems to have taken your shock as a compliment, though it's very clear the monster's patience is waning the longer you stall.

Shakily inhaling, you give the chef what he wants, stroking generously through the fabric and occasionally squeezing at him. It... It doesn't feel like he has anything on beneath these pants. Your efforts get the monster to sigh in pleasure, looming over you and adjusting, giving you more to work with. There's nothing left to the imagination, the shape imprinted on his clothes lets you know exactly what you're dealing with. And frankly, a part of you is oddly flattered by how much he appears to be getting into it, pressing back against your hand, throbbing, humming lowly.

He seems frustrated, stressed maybe. You don't know how much of a good idea it was to let those two basically nudge you into this.

" Mmf, they teach ya some or are you jus' excited fer me already? " Morell drawls.

Declining to answer, you merely keep going. Part of you was worried he'd call you out, as you're very clearly trying to rile him up so he'll settle for a sloppy clothed grind- As if.

The ring of a zipper coming down is predictable to you, a flushed blue cock already stained by its own precum bouncing free. Fuck, he's really not packing lightly. The look on the chef's face says you better resume, so you opt not to test his patience too much. He's heavy. To be fair, you don't doubt he's dense in general, but the warmth of his member on your hands has you gulping for what might come next. Nevertheless, you try not to look at your own motions while you work him, gaze scanning the kitchen instead.

It's incredible. All this time, the group of bobbles hastily working hasn't casted a single glance at you two. It's as if... This is normal to them. Like they know better than to gawk. You can only wonder what types of obscenities go down here.

You're still staring by the time Morell groans, reaching for your top. The surprise of slightly cold fingers edging up the hem of said cloth has your motions faltering, resigning yourself to letting the cook remove that oversized shirt. What's the alternative? Make him angry? You agreed to this, might as well try to get into it.

Nipples pebble in the cold air near immediately, and the chef laughs quietly to himself at the sight of your breasts, a discolored tongue wetting his teeth. " Everythin' about ya is jus' tha cutest, ain't it? " He grins. " Lookit 'em... "

Big palms frame your tits, and it's only now that the expression "baker hands" takes on a whole new meaning. Morell kneads at your chest in a confident and strong manner that has your breath catching. You're ashamed to admit no one's given your tits this type of attention before, feeling goosebumps rise in the wake of your unexpected pleasure. A high-pitched noise escapes when he plucks at one bud, and you realize your hand has been merely wrapped around him all this time when the monster thrusts impatiently.

" Oh? Did'ja like that? "

" N- No. " Yeah, super believable.

" Lyin' piglet. " The soft scolding is quickly followed by him bending to kiss and lick shamelessly around your tits. You can't help gulping when teeth glide and catch slightly on skin. Fuck's sake, if he actually- He nibbles slightly, spare hand forcing the one around his dripping shaft to work faster. When you look down, seeing a teal shade on his dark cheeks and most of your breast in his blunt-toothed maw, you almost panic.

" D- Don't-! " Did he just fucking throb in your hand? " Please- Don't bite! "

That bright flush intensifies, hot puffs of air wetting your skin as he all but steams, teeth flirting with your pain tolerance, forcing a frightened keen out of you, before he peels back, panting.

" Fuck yeah, yer a good catch. " Morell groans, zipping his pants back up in a vaguely uncomfortably manner. " Don' move a muscle, ya hear me piggy? "

When you don't answer immediately, he gives you an "are you testing me?" glance that installs the fear of meeting the maker into your bones.

" Y- Yes, Morell. "

Why did you say his name? You didn't need to that, you just added a personal touch into this. God damn it. Perhaps it's for the best, because the chef seems appreciative, smiling before hastily cramming himself through the bloodied doors he came from.

You have no idea what he's doing, what he'll return with. And frankly, part of you doesn't really want to know. When Morell's footsteps become distant, instincts beckon you to look towards the opposite direction, to the second pair of tall doors, the one you entered from. It's only a matter of putting on your shirt... Where is it? Who took it?! You look around frantically, but the thing has apparently vanished. Fuck's sake...

Regardless, you can just step outside the kitchen, maybe take your chances... It would be risky, but if you get in that fucking elevator! You know that's the ticket to leave this dump. You just have to figure out which floor leads to the ground level, it's that simple.

You don't even realize you're walking towards the exit.

One of the bobbles, a blue one with a shorter hat, stops next to you, some others giving you side-glances. Although she doesn't utter a word, you can see the silent warning in her face. A cautious shake of the head is all you're given, and then the doors part. Not the ones in front of you though.

" ... Where d'ya think yer going? "

It's as if your lungs collapse for a moment, air refusing to fill them. " No- Nowhere, nowhere, I- "

" And 'ere I thought ya'd behave. Tsk. "

When you zip around, you get to see the large mushroom power towards you, a sturdy-looking rope on his hands. Of course, the thing is adorned with aged red marks. There's a sadistic sort of glee on his dark face, making you take several steps back. His chest puffs, the monster bellowing out.

" Hah! Try it, piggy. " Morell taunts. " Ya take a single fuckin' step outta those doors an' ah'll hunt ya fer sport, pertty baby. "

You don't doubt him.

All you can do is gulp and hope for the best, feet rooted to the tiled ground in spite of the screaming voice that begs you to haul ass. The monster's still snickering to himself when he reaches you. You're no longer spared a hint of gentleness, as the chef grabs your arm tight and drags you to the center of the kitchen, towards one of the horrid, blood-stained chopping blocks.

You're flipped around and slammed face-first onto the wood, assaulted by the sensation of residual, cold viscera on your face. The metallic scent mingles with a woody aftertaste and you start to panic under his hand, very aware a huge cleaver lies only centimeters away from your person. Is this it? Is this the end? Is he going to cut your fucking head off?

" I'm- I'm sorry, please God- "

Your flailing, although definitely amusing to the cook, is halted when he squeezes exceptionally hard on your arm. Your limb grows numb from the sheer force, he's cutting off blood flow. A little more and he'll break your humerus, you can feel it. Getting the message, you go entirely limp, near hyperventilating.

" Easy piggy, easy- " There's a condescending pat to your head. " I'mma jus' tie ya up, 'kay? Don' make me hurt ya. " You can feel the weight of him poised on your back for a moment. " 'Cause ah'll fuckin' love it if I hav'ta. "

You whimper.

" Gonna be good for me? " He tests, already nudging your arms onto your back. You can feel the rope being weaved between them in certain patterns, movements rushed but expertly practiced. You nod rapidly, full of fear, and he hums while tying knots behind your back. One. Two. Three?! Oh, you're not making it out of this one on your own. For sure.

When the chef lets go of your bound limbs, not too tight but not too lax, you give them a test, making the shroom chuckle. " Mm, fine work if ah do say so myself. Good ta know I still got it. "

When fat fingers tug at the hem of your shorts, you can only try to focus on your breathing, shivering when the fabric is dragged down to barely hang by your knees. You still ooze remnants of your slick from prior activities, and Morell doesn't seem to miss that either, because he uses it as lube to jam a digit into you. The insertion is sudden enough to have you jump, leg jerking.

" Ey naw, don' buck at me. " The monster snorts, curling his finger and testing the waters.

You don't know why, or how, but your body warms regardless of the circumstances, walls tightening around that sole digit as if to encourage the chef. And all you can say to yourself is that it's a result of Vesper and Santi's influence. Residual effects, probably. It must be! You wouldn't be into this otherwise, right? You wouldn't find it hot that you're helpless, being molested by a gross butcher on his own filthy chopping block. No... God please no, you don't think you can face yourself after this.

The mushroom monster, oblivious or uncaring of your inner turmoil, simply forces a second finger in, without much resistance. Fuck him and his deliciously thick hands, the familiar stretching sensation sends sparks flying behind your eyelids and you close them. You're not the only one enjoying themselves it seems.

" Damn piglet, lookit that, ya needy girl. " The chef starts eagerly fingerfucking you, giggling and moaning quietly to himself when you reflexively tighten. " The Hell were you tryin' ta run if ya needed me this bad, hm? Too much pride in that lil' noggin'... " He teases, panting.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard you may want to will it into reality, closing your eyes won't simply make this unrequited pleasure fade away. It won't make you any less wet and inviting for the chef, it won't quiet down the shlick of his lurid fingerfucking that somehow manages to ring louder than the humdrum of the constant cooking around you. All that effort is rendered moot when you let out a fevered moan and flex hard around the cook's hand, wanting more.

" Hhn- Fuck yeah. "

Far too jarringly, your cunt is emptied, there's some frantic rustling behind you, a ziiiiip, you know exactly what it is that slaps onto your ass. He doesn't seem very calm.

" M- Morell. " You hope using his name will sweeten your request. " Please be gentle, please. "

" Aww. " He chuckles, stray hand reaching to tickle under your chin, the tip of his member lines up perfectly against you. There's a gentle push, and you do your best to relax, glad he's at least doing that much for you.

Tickling becomes a solid hold of your neck.

" You'd like that, wouldn' ya? "

Morell slams home with a brute strength that not only knocks the wind out of your lungs, it feels like he's shoved your guts up to your throat. It's such an intense feeling that you believe you're sick for a moment, vision blurring as you sob out a mangled cry. For a couple of seconds, you just gasp, pussy spasming and legs shaking erratically, staring straight ahead at the grayish wall.

The chef grunts and sighs loudly, canting his hips to make sure he's fully sheathed inside you, his balls tighten and he shudders in total bliss. " Fuuck, ya wanna milk me dry, don'tcha piggy? "

You really don't care for his taunts, but it's hard not to squeal when a palm strikes across your left asscheek with the fury of a thousand suns. He amuses himself with this, it appears, stroking over the sore spot while he rocks back and forth inside your pulsing walls. He seems to struggle with your tightness, and you struggle with his girth as well, the two of you locked until he thinks to torture your poor clit. " Real fuckin' tight fer someone who's been foolin' 'round with demons. "

He won't let you squirm your way out of his hard rolls, continuing the torture until you're sufficiently relaxed for Morell to establish a slow back and forth, every thrust making you dig your nails into the flesh of your own arms. " Ya oughta stay 'ere fer a while longer. This cute an' this hot? Ah can't jus' let ya out. "

You're just trying to adapt to the cook's size, but he's far too eager, not giving you enough time to adjust before he's speeding up, jostling you. A tongue tries to wet dehydrated lips, tasting nothing but smeared blood while the scent of exotic spices clogs your nostrils and his lewd panting rattles your ears.

You're sure you must have paled like the cauliflower he has laying around when the monster stops to yank that gruesome cleaver out of its groove in the wood you currently lay on. You're not sure whether to cry, scream or simply accept things as they are. Morell grabs a firm handful of your hair, pulls your head back, and allows the blunt end of the blade to flirt with your throat.

" Naw then, do me a favor- " The blade flips, pressing dangerously against frail skin as Morell starts drilling into your small figure. " An' oink fer me, piglet! "

Oh you do.

Even if you wanted to be quiet, you couldn't.

It's everything at once. The absolutely merciless pounding into your pussy, reaching deeper than it should -Why doesn't it hurt?- Dragging hellish waves of bliss through your poor overworked brain, the terror of that cleaver possibly sinking into your body, slitting your throat open so you bleed out while he happily fucks you till your dying breath, becoming nothing more than yet another ambiguous red stain in this morbid kitchen. Nothing could ever prepare you for this, so you moan, whimper and squeal like the animal he wants you to be, doing your best to hang onto anything, tears and drool cascading down your face.

You can't tell left from right anymore, shivering at every bestial noise Morell makes above, feeling his balls slap against you with every hard piston, it's really no wonder your confused body couldn't keep up, and you truly screech in the wake of your jarring orgasm, seeing dots swimming in your vision.

" Atta girl! Nice an' sloppy... "

In spite of his confident tone, Morell's rhythm falters at your clenching. And, much to your relief, he lets the cleaver fall to your side, focusing instead on using both hands to frame your head while he bends to be flush against your back. It's a humiliating position, but you've long since stopped giving a shit about dignity here. In fact, you just want to make it out of this hellish kitchen mostly in one piece.

There's not much room for thinking when he grunts like a bull into your eardrums, gasps turning into silent gasps the second he starts slamming home deep and hard. One, two, three, four and-

His deep growl shakes you from head to toe, legs kicking instinctively as his cock flexes and he fills you like an obscene bucket. It's an uncomfortable sensation that applies too much pressure everywhere, and even if you can't be sure, you think you came again from it, very briefly. The sound of cum splattering to the floor rings in your mind while you simply wait for Morell to milk the last of his orgasm so you can come down.

" Hm, didn' have this much fun in a while, piggy. " He finally mutters, massaging your hips calmly as he rises. " Gotta say, I'm real glad ya chose ta gimme your 'regards'. "

You just groan senselessly. Your legs feel like melting jelly.

You're not sure what he's about to do next, and neither of you get to know anyway, because a group of short pitch black bodies scram in through the front doors.

" Sir! Sir please, you have to help! "

" It's serious! "

" The giant snake woman swallowed Alfredo!! "

... What?

Staring vapidly at the creatures, nothing happens for a couple of static seconds. Then the cook sighs, exasperated, before sliding out of you slowly. He shushes you when you wince, patting your sore thighs before fully laying you onto the large chopping block. You can't muster the energy to care, merely laying there and hissing at the increasing discomfort from having your arms tied this long.

" Ah'll be right back, pumpkin', promise. "

The last thing you hear is stressed murmuring, a zipper sliding up and boots stomping away, another woosh signaling the doors have closed and you're now mostly alone.

Yes, finally, some peace... A smile of relief almost makes its way to your lips before your consciousness fades entirely.

...

" So this is where she's been all this time... "

" Geez, can you believe it? I bet they just threw her in here to fend for herself. "

" In all honesty, I am appalled she has lived this long. "

" She's special, can't you tell Nebul? "

" You're much too prone to theatrics. "

Distant voices lull you back to reality, tired eyes blinking open, adjusting to the lights in the kitchen once more, before appraising the two studying your curled up form. One being the waiter, and the other that guy wearing a cloak, with the strange-looking head.

" Oh here she is, hi! " The smaller one waves, smiling bright.

" You cannot stay here for long. " The other warns. " If you intend to live, that is. This floor has fallen to total calamity. "

Yeah, you bet.

" I'll take care of this, you can go back up! " Grimbly hastily cuts in.

" You misunderstand, I'm not leaving without the human. " Although monotone, even you can sense the warning implied. Not that his coworker seems to care.

" Yeah right, like that's happening. Who knows what you'll do to this poor girl, you freak. "

" It would certainly be better than becoming an impulsive vampyre's bloodbag. "

The waiter's eye twitches. " ... How fucking dare you. "

Alright, back to square one it is. You need to leave before Morell comes back, and these two don't seem like they'll reach an agreement anytime soon.

You'll have to pick again.

Sighing, exasperated,

#Morell oc #Santi oc #Nebul oc #Grimbly oc #monsterfucker #terato #terat0philliac #yandere monster #yandere teratophilia #monster x reader #monster smut #monster boyfriend #minors dni #not sfw

[howlingday]

Cinder: (Holding the true power of Salem, Sinister chuckling)

Emerald: W... What do you intend to do now, M-Ma'am?

Cinder: (Smirks) Oh, you have nothing to worry about, Emerald. I have no intention of destroying Remnant like Salem did. And please, call me Cinder.

Cinder: (Strokes Emerald's chin, Softly coos) You are in good hands...

Emerald: (Shivers)

Cinder: By our combined efforts, the Grimm will serveonly me, and will ensure my rightful place as Queen of the World! And I have just the plan to do it...

Jaune: (Opens door) Cindy! I brought you your snack~!

Cinder: D-DAD?! I told you to knock on my room!

Jaune: Whoops! Sorry, Cindy. It kust have slipped my mind. (Sets glasses and plates) I've brought you toast and butter, and I even made you some tea.

Cinder: Th-Thank you, Dad.

Emerald: Um, hi, Mr. Arc.

Jaune: Hello, Emerald. Have fun, you two! (Leaves)

Emerald: (Snickering) Wow, Cinder, I didn't figure you for a Daddy's Girl-

Cinder: Shut. Up. (Spiteful chews toast)

Emerald: (Bites toast) Mm~! This is really good!

Cinder: It's honey and cinnamon butter.

#rwby #rwby au #jaune is Cinder's dad au #cinder fall #emerald sustrai #jaune arc #phantomsavage

[juanarc-thethird]

Love can be dangerous.

Cinder: *To Jaune* Oh no honey! You know I would never try to break your heart. You only have one and it is irreplaceable~💕

*Silence*

Cinder:...Your bones on the other hand, *Creepy smile* you have a lot of bones. *giggles*

#jaune arc #jaune #rwby jaune arc #rwby jaune #rwby cinder fall #cinder fall #cinder #rwby cinder #jaune x cinder #rwby jaune x cinder #rwby jaune arc x cinder fall #jaune arc x cinder fall #rwby knightfall #knightfall #rwby #rwby shitpost

[redheartedtramp]

Cinder: Alright, now I’ve found you Ruby Rose! It’s time I finally have my-

Cinder: ...

Ruby: ...

Cinder: Are...are you even trying right now?!

Ruby: No. *lies down and puts her head on a tree stump*

Cinder: ...?

Ruby: Well, go on. Make with the choppy-choppy.

Cinder: What? No. I’m not going to kill you like this.

Ruby: But don’t you WANT to kill me? 

Cinder: Yeah, but it’s supposed to be like, you know a fight! With actual choreography and an epic score! 

Ruby: Look, Cinder, I just...I just can’t. *sniffles* Just get it over with.

Cinder: ...Do...you need a hug?

Ruby: ...Badly.

Later...

Yang: Don’t worry, Ruby! We’re here to sa-

WBY + J: ?!?!?!

Ruby: *crying and leaning on Cinder* And, like, I know I should’ve said something! It’s not like they can read minds! But, like, it feels like everyone leans on me and it’s like I can’t say anything! Is it so wrong to want someone to come notice I’m the one not okay for a change?!

Cinder: *pats her back* Oh honey, I understand that completely. You try so hard and deserve so much better.

#RWBY #Ruby Rose #Cinder Fall #Yang Xiao Long

[lover-girl-estxx]

Promise?.

Crush¡Joel Miller x Crush¡Reader¡Chubby

(have crushes one each other)

Angst I guess +Fluff

Age gap (28 and 56) TLOU STUFF.

I sat in the back of Frank and Bill's truck while Joel drove "I don't know it's only my second day in a car man" Ellie said "Y/n find off where we are" Joel said "last time I was in a car I was 8 I don't know-" "help! HELP ME!" A guy came out covered in blood limping "hold on" he said "are we going to help him?" Ellie asked "no!". "JOEL!!" I yelled when a cinder block fell on the truck shots firing at us.

"can y'all fit through there?" Joel said bullets flying over us "yeah but wh-" Ellie was cut off by Joel "I won't let them I promise, they're not going to hit you" "okay.." " I'll tell you when" she nodded "okay...go," she ran making it in the room "are you ready?" He looked at me "no I don't know if I'll fit" "you'll fit honey, I'll watch you. Okay?" "Um yeah okay.. "you trust me?" "Yeah" "I promise" I ran across the garage, going into the hole in the wall head first getting the worst pain of my life in my thigh before I had it in. I made it to the corner, my hand going over my upper thigh red coming through my fingers "oh my god y/n" Ellie whispered coming over to me "don't worry about me check on Joel". I pulled my pants down a bit to help the bleeding but it didn't, Ellie left and then I heard a gun shot. Then she opened the door for him.

"shit Y/n," he said getting down next to me he lifted my leg a bit "you don't end an exit wound...listen" he laid me back moving some hair out of my face "I have to get the bullet out, it's gonna hurt" "Joel then what I'-l-ill slow you down, you can't left me y'all need to go" "y/n I'm not leaving you here to bleed out so..put your jacket in your mouth for you to scream into" he put pressure on my thigh, Ellie coming to my side rubbing my shoulder, he ding his fingers into my leg blood going everywhere. I grabbed his wrist as hard as I could "I know I know honey" he pulled out the bullet with more blood going everywhere "Ellie grab the stapler now!" He said putting pressure on my thigh "just a little bit more pain okay?" He wiped some tears going down my face, I nodded. He wrapped my leg then picked me up as Ellie opened the door and he sat me behind a car while he checked the building next door.

"you're just a kid" she shrugged, I pushed myself up against the wall next to Joel "can you make it there you look like shit" "thanks Ellie " I replied "eat build your strength" Joel handed me a pack. "You help her go as fast as you can" Joel told Ellie, Ellie nodded.

Joel pushed Ellie up in the window for her to open the door "Joel?" I leaned on the wall and said quietly "yeah?" He came right next to me with his hand on my hip "I think I popped my stapler...I-i think I might pass out" I laid my head on his shoulder he picked me "Joel I'm to heav-" I faded into black.

I sat up slowly, looking to my right Joel was sitting up his head asleep on his hand. I pushed the blanket off me to look at my leg which looks like Joel fixed up. I went to get up to get some food from my pack, I sucked in a heavy breath "lay back" Joel pushed me down "I need water" I said in a whisper "I'll get it" he handed it to me "thank you," he nodded "for everything I wouldn't have made it this far" "yes you-" "no I wouldn't" he laid down on the floor. "Joel?" "Mmm" "lay with me?.. not on the floor. On the cushions" he sighed laying next to me, wrapping his arm around me. I rubbed his cheek and neck "I think I may be in love with you.." I said looking up at him, he came down kissing me softly "that came out of nowhere but I love you too" I smiled.

#joel x reader #joel and ellie #joel miller fluff #joel miller smut #joel miller #joel miller angst #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller one shot #joel miller the last of us #the last of us imagine

[madangel19]

Calling Swiss when Delia misses him (I bet she misses him the Moment she can't see him anymore haha)

Awww, this is a cute one!

Word Count: 700

Warning: Some spiciness in the end, but nothing too explicit

Swiss had just sat down in bed when his phone began to vibrate. It was a video call from Delia. Perfect. He was really missing her even though it had been a day of just flying over to America and getting settled in the first city.

“Hey, baby. How you doing?” He crowed once he saw her pretty face.

“Horrible. I miss you, love,” she whined. She was laying in bed, looking absolutely comfy and adorable in her cute black nightgown. 

“I miss you too, princess. Are you gonna call me every night this tour?” Swiss asked. Hopefully he could answer each call. He was going to be tired, but he still needed to talk to her.

“I sure will! You gotta tell me everything about each ritual,” Delia chimed, hugging a pillow close to her chest. 

“I will, baby. And you need to give me updates about the church and the kits. How are they doing? Are they in bed already?” He asked.

“They should be in bed. I’ll have to check-”

“Hi daddy!” Cinder’s voice exclaimed from somewhere off screen. There was a gasp from Delia before she burst into a fit of giggles as Cinder grabbed the phone from her.

“Hi my baby! Did you sneak into Delia’s room?” Swiss asked, smiling when he saw his daughter’s giddy face. She mostly looked like Dewdrop, but she had his signature smile.

“I did. I used the shadows like you showed me. I gave Miss Delia a real big spook!” Cinder chimed. 

“Don’t scare her too much. That’s my job,” Swiss laughed, feeling all the more proud of his kit. He had been helping her practice moving about in the shadows and she was quickly mastering it. 

“But you’re not here, daddy! When are you coming back?” Cinder asked.

“I’ll be back before you know it, babygirl. Don’t you worry. Delia will be calling me each night and you and your siblings can join us,” Swiss crowed, feeling a pain in his heart when he saw the sadness in his kit’s eyes. 

“We’ll be okay, honey. You should go to bed before curfew starts,” Delia said, petting the top of Cinder’s head. The kit purred happily, her eyes closed and her smile beaming as she leaned into her touch. 

“I will. I’ll see you tomorrow night then! Night daddy!” Cinder exclaimed before disappearing into a shadowy blob.

“She’s getting so much better,” Delia cooed, looking offscreen with a pleasant smile.

“Fuck, I really miss all of you. I can’t wait to be back,” Swiss murmured, wishing he could just reach in and bring her over.

“You talking to Delia?” Rain asked, stepping out of the bathroom after having taken a shower.

“I am. We are missing each other hard. This is gonna be a rough tour, man,” Swiss groaned, showing his phone to Rain

“Hi Rain. Make sure Swiss stays safe over there and have fun on stage!” Delia chimed.

“Oh, we will. This tour is gonna be amazing. I can feel it in my bones,” Rain crowed as he went to get dressed. 

“So, what are you up to after this, baby?” Swiss asked. He had a feeling he already knew what she was going to say, but he wanted to hear it. 

“Well…I’ll probably be thinking about you some more,” Delia replied, her cheeks growing red as she reached for something offscreen. 

“Oh? You will? Anything else you’re gonna do?” He purred.

“You’re doing this already?” Rain asked, shaking his head with a chuckle as he sat on the other side of the bed.

“Mmm, maybe,” Swiss crowed, never taking his eyes off of Delia who pulled out a familiar black vibrator with a playful giggle.

“You wanna watch me?” She asked.

“You know I do, princess,” Swiss said, already feeling his pants get tight.

“Can I watch?” Rain asked, inching closer to get a look at his phone. 

“Mmm, I don’t know. What do you think, Delia? Can Rain watch you fuck yourself?” Swiss asked, glancing over at Rain and noticing that he was looking right at his tight pants with a hungry look in his eyes. 

“He can,” Delia said, turning the toy on.

#the band ghost #ghost bc #nameless ghouls #swiss ghoul #rain ghoul #fanfiction

[nin-jay-go]

LIVEBLOGGING!

omg ras at shadow dojo....

"sora and jordana's unreciprocated kismesitude"

confirmed catboy can see in the dark

INTRO FUCKS WHOA

oh shit the mechanic's back as... doc oc?

OMG RIYU GREW UPPPPPPPPP

FUGIDOVE?????? HELLO??

THE SPONSORSHPI VIDEO SOBBINGGGG

"riyu cinder noxtide guardian" "yea"

lloyd?????? buddy??????

oh boy he's so sleep deprived

oh no zane passed on his prophetic visions to lloyd

HES SO SHINY WHY IS SO SHINY

the whost

i love kreel

ok WHY does riyu have eyebrows. thats not good.

HE DO A BIG STRETCHY

hi cinder.

oh his voice is familiar OH ITS ACRONIX

EUPHRASIA!!!

WHYYYYY ARE THE DESTINY QUILLS (sticks) NOT WORKING

omg destiny she/her

PERCIVAL TARTIGRADEEEEEE

I LOVE THIS SERPENTINE GIRL. SHES SO FUNNY

shatters the goodness inside you....

HEY THIS BETTER NOT HAVE HIT JAY. HEY. HEY HOLD ON.

this language looks EVIL

THE WORMS ARE BACK THE WORMSSSSS YESSSSS

the forbidden five????? hello???????????

DESTINY IS A TWITCH MOD

OH NO LLOYD IS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK

DID CINDER JUST BREAK HER LEG. HOLY SHIT

GODDDDDD SAM VINCENT'S ACTING THIS SEASON IS SO GOOD.

UHM????? DRAGON FAIRIES THAT DELIVER VISIONS????

OH THEYRE TALKING TO HIM

elemental master of SPEEEEEN

yep totally expected wyldfyre stowed away

oh no magical darkness. MAGICAL darkness. DREAM DARKNESS.

oh i like the yellow robes on wu

NO NO NO NO JAY........ NOOOO.............

SHE LOVES HIM SO MUCH SHE WAS ABLE TO BREAK OUT

WHAT. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT.

"the wasting????"

"the real jay could never forget me" cue both of us screaming

GEOOOOOO

THERE IS NO HETEROSEXUAL EXPLANATION

COLE IS THE CHEF????????????????? NO.

arin autism moment

GOOD JOB SPORT KJSHFKJKSFDHSJD

those dragons sure can master

papa's home!

oh thats actually fun, rontu is voiced by rarity's singing voice :0

oh my god the dragons are rising

THE BORDER IS GONE!!! THE FORGOTTEN GUYS CAN LEAVE!

family roadtripppppp

THEYRE HOMEEEEEEEEEE AUAUAAUUAUAUUA

I NEED THAT FROHICKY PLUSHIE

the wuorb!

BONZLE??? HUH?????

"ive rehearsed this" bonzle i love you

oh i LOVE these cagehead designs

SQUEEEE

BEYBLADE BEYBLADE LET IT RIP

SOBBINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG AUAUUAUAUA

REALM #16 BABEYYYYY

RAS PROPHETIC VISIONS?

ARE THEY GOING TO FUCKING FORCE POSSESSION ON THOSE MONKS?????? WHAT

you lost track of the children guys

"the children are drift compatible!"

mysterium better not fuck up my magic headcanons

SIBLING BEYBLADESSSSS

well good thing none of these guys need to breathe

OH MY GOD EGALT'S EYE D:

oh no. gladiatorial combat.

DORAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

oh hey the nonbinary person's back

oh this place is PRETTY

i miss jay.

boys will be boys!

GANDALARIA... I LOVE HER

fugitives from madness is the coolest title ever

....oh... the wasting....

bonzle trans :D

ADMINISTRATION

OUHGOOFHDUFGUDFODUFGHGODU BABY KAI AND NYA. SO LITTLE. SO TINYSMALL

link... the blood moon is here... be careful.

UHM? GET TURNED TO STONE?????

ROBOT MICROAGGRESSION.

the only way to beat madness is to play by its rules!

JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY VILLAIN JAY FUCKED UP AND EVIL JAY HOLY SHIT IM GONNA AOHAIUQDGFJKHDFKJHGDKJFHGDFK

JAY. HONEY. he SO does not wanna be here

he hasn't told anyone he can lightning power.....

MY ROBITTTTTTTT THEY KILT HIM

and jay remains unseen forever. his grand reveal is Coming

RIYU FLIES NOW :DDDDD

the poor bounty. she dies so much.

THE BOUNTYYYYYY

if bonezle wasn't claustrophobic before, she sure is now

omg baby ras :00000

EUPHRASIA FUCKING DIES??????

NETHERSPACE???? THE FUCKING NETHER?????? FROM MINECRAFT???????

MIMIC!!!!!!

janet..... who is janet.... is it gandalaria's ex

ok i do not like the fact that they just put on the wolf costumes

ok there must SOME kind of supernatural shit healing that leg of wyldfyre's. that's FAST

KJHSFKJHSJDKH MAGIC MISHAPS :) MY FAVORITE :)

KJHSFJSDKGFHKJSDFKSJDH HE TURNED INTO A PUPPY

PICKS YOU UP

ok my friend just coined gandalaria x laroe. i'm calling it scimagicshipping.

HELLO????????? THE FUCKING MC ESCHER LABYRINTH??????

arin my silly billy

WHO IS YOUR MASTER RAS??????

i took a break here and my gandalaria brainrot is infecting me. i love her so much

OH MY GOD ARIN'S PARENTS ah its a hallucination

oh no. the gong. they have the masks on oh no oh fuck

oh thank god wyldfyre hates the masks

NOOOOOO BONZLE

RAS' EAR POPPING UP SO CUTEEEEEE

LIKE THE FIREBREATHING DRAGONS WE ARE IM GONNA CRYY

raine must be jumping for joy at all this cinder content

KAI?????????

OH HE"S GETTING FUCKING FORCEPOSSESSED

OH NOOOOOOO

KAI FUCKING DIES

WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU

KAI'S CORPSE ERA RETURNS

zane is always getting shit done to him

NYAAAAAAAAA

lloyd's VISIONS AGAIN

HE'S IN A FUCKING LOCATION. OH GOD HE'S IN THE MC ESCHER UNIVERSE

GET PUNCHED RAS

KAIS FUCKING STUCK IN THE MC ESCHER UNIVERSE

UH??????????????

IT ALL JUST FUCKING VANISHED????????

ok this guy is immediately pathetic

JORDANA????????

TOURNAMENT OF THE SOURCES???????

oh my god nya is now the remaining sibling :( reverse seabound

oh thank god bonzle and kai are together, they're not alone

ninja never quit :)

HEY THE OTHER FOUR ARE THERE. THEY'RE THERE.

WELL. THATS SURE A P1 SEASON

#jay.error #dragons rising spoilers

[impossiblesuitcase]

Mutually Moronic Marriage - part 2.

Tressa Kinney was not a tall woman. 

“I’m telling you,” she jabbered on, “brooches are going to be in next season. They’re already showing up everywhere in Artemisia.”

Tressa faced off against a group of young elites. With a little imagination, she pictured herself towering over them all. She had spotted their campy outfits and deemed them worthy of fashion discourse, but they were, well, elitist.

One of the girls sneered. “I don’t see why Lunar styles would affect Earthen fashion. We’re on a whole different plane of couture entirely.”

Tressa grasped the edge of the woman’s puffed sleeve. “Why did you choose this cut of sleeve?”

“Because the empress wore it in Tokyo, didn’t you see?” said one of the men. “It’s been everywhere ever since.”

Tressa bit her lip slyly. “I know. I was the one who put Her Majesty in that gown.”

“You’re the stylist of the empress?” jeered another woman.

It was like they were blind or something. Anyone could see from Tressa’s A-line boat neck velvet gown in muted emerald that accentuated the honey tones in her hair that she understood fashion.

“I am, and brooches will be in next year. They will be, because I’m going to put one on Her Majesty next month. Watch out for it in Vogue T.E.” Tressa paid no mind as they rolled their eyes. When it came down to it, truly only herself and Ambassador Iko had any sense of style.

Just as she was about to inform them of her influence on the high-waisted trend her face fell slack. Her body became rigid. With robotic movements, she marched away from the tittering group.

Tressa didn’t have the bio-lock. As a Lunar, the device could not prevent her from being manipulated, only nullify her gift. It wasn’t much use to a Lunar unless you wanted to circumvent the effects of Lunar Sickness, like Ambassador Winter. 

Tressa spied the empress ahead of her, deep in concentration, and knew then who was glamouring her. A few paces away the emperor was speaking to Konn Torin. The adviser looked even more stricken than usual.

She regained control of her body once in an arm’s reach of Cinder. “Majesty! Is everything okay?”

Cinder waved, signalling for Tressa to come closer. “Sorry, but you looked like you were in argument. You don’t exactly like to leave before proving yourself right.”

“Some people need to be taught.”

With a snort, Cinder plucked pins from her hair and cast them to the ground. “We’ve got a bit of a situation.”

Tressa nodded. “I’ll grab the hairspray.”

“No.” Cinder caught her by the arm. “More of a security threat situation.”

“Oh! What do you need me to do?” She bounced on her toes. “I can escort people out, or I can comm the guards or—”

“Or—” Cinder pulled out the final clasps from her hair. Once the crown was freed she placed it in Tressa’s hands. “You can put this into safekeeping.”

Tressa gaped. “That hairstyle took me an hour to do!”

“I know, I lived through it.” 

Tressa was pushed away before she could protest. She mourned the hairpins as they were trampled under Cinder’s shoes. But she’d scold the empress for it later.

Securing the crown, Tressa hurried away and noticed that group of elites gawking at her. She lifted the crown like a trophy, smirked, and disappeared up the stairs.

———

“I’ve already commed Cress and Thorne. They’ll meet you in the west hallway,” instructed Cinder.

Kai craned his head to hear her as his eyes scanned the perimeter. None of the guests had suspected anything awry yet. As for the guest who had been tranquilised, those surrounding had chalked it up to drunkenness and continued their revelry. 

“No, I’m staying with you.”

“You need to go,” she admonished. Her mouth became dry as she detected Dolion coming towards them. She grabbed onto Kai, forcing him back.

“Yes, your absence would be preferable,” returned Dolion’s sickening voice. True to his word, he had arrived five minutes later.

Kai didn’t acknowledge him. His grip on her hand tightened. “I’m not leaving you with him.”

Dolion withdrew the gun from his waistband. “Selene, I’m quite happy to have our conversation over your husband’s carcass if we can’t sort this out within the next ten seconds.” 

“No!” She was unable to disguise her panic. “Kai will leave.” Catching his gaze, she implored, “Love, go.”

A beat. Several, until Dolion started tapping the portwatch on his wrist.

Looking like he’d rather do anything but, Kai released her hand and left. When he reached the top of the staircase, she nodded at him. He turned away.

“Now,” she started, with no attempt to hide her loathing. “This is a nice party. You don’t want to make a scene, do you?”

Dolion pocketed the gun. “Of course not. I have values.”

“Good, so which value justifies you…hmm, breaking out of prison and threatening a massacre?” 

His bioelectricity tremored with his anger, and in that brief spike of emotion, his mind became weak. For once, her sarcasm may help more than it hindered. Maybe she didn’t need to be intimidating, as much as aggravating.

He seethed. “Your humour becomes you, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you.”

He was a tall man with very average features. Most thaumaturges were beautiful by their pristine glamours and cosmetic surgery. Perhaps Dolion had once looked that way, but he was unkempt now—from the hardships of prison, or apathy, she didn’t know which. He had black hair and dull brown eyes, and his cream skin was smooth, but Cinder knew he was well into his fifties, so it was the last shreds of a glamour that he maintained. 

He sighed sorrowfully. “I never wanted it to come to this. I was a loyal thaumaturge to your mother and aunt. I did my job and never went against it. And then you became queen, and had me imprisoned for crimes that you made up.” 

She deadpanned. “And?”

“You ruined my life.”

“You should say that to the hundreds of people you assaulted and abused and robbed. They know a little something about lives being ruined.”

Cinder remembered the first time she’d seen this man: he had been one of the thaumaturges alongside Levana when Cinder led a revolt on Artemisia Palace. After she had been instated as queen, many of the thaumaturges quietly retreated from public view, knowing the new sovereign would not sympathise with their position. The few that openly protested were the first to be tried for their crimes, and Dolion was one of them.

Recognising him from that day of battle, Cinder had had to force down a desire for retaliation. Luna’s justice system could not be founded on her own petty revenge. Then she learned of his other crimes, and her vice became fully justified.

Ire seeped into her words. “I had the complete authority to execute you, but I showed mercy by letting you live. I showed that I was better than you.”

“I would rather have been eviscerated than be subject to your mercy,” he spat. There was something off about his pronunciation, like he was putting on a bad impression. 

“Pleasant. So how did you escape?”

Dolion procured a napkin from his coat and swiped at his mouth. “Not everyone was content under your reign on Luna.”

She almost snickered. That much was obvious. “I’m aware. But, as you can see, I’m no longer the queen. I don’t think I can help you.”

“Revoke your sentence. Restore me to my position of thaumaturge and admit your injustice.”

She shrugged. “Out of my scope of powers, buddy.”

“Then use your powers as a union leader.”

“Can’t.”

His lip curled in disdain. “You pardoned your little criminal friend, you can do the same to me.”

She snapped her fingers. “Oh, right. But, here’s the thing: you’re a terrible person, so why would I do that?”

Rip. The torn napkin fluttered to the ground.

“I have my own demands,” she continued, forcing her voice into confidence. “You apologise to your countless victims—a list you’ve just added to—then surrender and crawl back into the musty dungeon where you belong.”

He fixed a glare on her. She glared back. Prayed internally that Kai had been right, and that she was intimidating to talk to; even if it was only to mask her own fear.

But Dolion showed no signs of apprehension. “You are not the one in control here.”

Ha.

Then suddenly, inexplicably, his shoulders relaxed. He fixed his posture. Raised his chin. “I see you’ve made your choice. I’d hoped otherwise, but I cannot say I expected otherwise.”

Up until now his eyes had shone with bloodlust, unhinged and flagrant. Now, his plain features were smoothed over with composure.

She did her best to act unperturbed by this change. “Sorry for disappointing.”

He scoffed, somehow serene, and that unnerved her more than anything. “No matter. You’re still easy to sway. All I have to do is threaten a few people.” 

Before she could react, he grabbed his gun and fired a shot into the crowd. Cinder gasped. Some belated shouts erupted, the music stopped, but no screams of impact were heard.

“Stop,” she forced out, grinding her teeth.

“You know my terms. If you won’t agree to them, and you claim there’s nothing to be done, then I only have one other solution.”

Cinder backed away. 

The crowd buzzed in panic. 

Dolion was calm.

Cinder rooted herself to the floor. “You were right,” she growled. “I shouldn’t have shown mercy.”

The sounds of the crowd silenced as, suddenly, every guest around them warped into nothingness. 

A surge of impulse rushed through him—she could feel it in his bioelectricity, which she had long ago seized. 

He pointed the gun at her head and fired. The impact was deafening as the bullet connected with a metal vase across the room. An awful chiming sound. Like a bell perpetually ringing in your ears.

But it shouldn’t have been. It should’ve been a dull thump as the bullet embedded into Cinder’s skull.

In an instant, the apparition of Cinder vanished too. The false din gone, one could now hear a far-off clatter of feet and frantic questioning from hundreds behind the massive doors.

Dolion spun around violently in the empty ballroom, only just catching the edge of a shimmering ballgown slip into the west hallway.

Notes - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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#mutually moronic marriage #tlc #cinder #kaider #the lunar chronicles #lunar chronicles #linh cinder #emperor kaito #prince kai #selene blackburn #carswell thorne #tlc fandom #cress darnel #marissa meyer #cinder thorne brotp #cress cinder friendship #lunar chronicles fanficition #kaider fanfiction #married kaider #post something old something new #post sosn