I Work At A Movie Theater.

my mom was talking to our cat a while ago and we had this exchange

This is so dumb and embarrassing, but all this egg talk recently has made me think about how Lilia had to potty train Malleus...

LOOOOL baby Malleus attempting to do his business in the kitchen and Lilia moving like lightning to bring him to the toilet omfg 😂

I just thought of a dialogue because of this!

Mini Mal 🐉🍼 did something bad in his mini dragon form and papa 🐉 is reprimanding him for it.

🐉: "Go back to your crib, child!"

🐉🍼: *trudges forward strangely

🐉🍼: *peeks behind him to look at dad

🐉🍼: *trudges forward again, and 🌸 notices that he's got his butt on the ground while he's dragging himself with his front paws

🐉🍼: *peeks behind him again

🌸, whispering: "Why is he dragging his ass on the floor--"

🌸, recoiling in shock: "Oh my god he's wiping shit on the floor--"

🐉: *covers his mouth to stop himself from laughing out loud

barbie dreamhouse baba yaga hut!!!!!

Prompt: Ex boyfriend of MK kidnaps him until Red Son and the gang rescue him

Sorry if you have done this one already

It was well known that Qi Xiaotian had a history.

It was not a history of good decisions. Not that he did anything wrong, but his exes were not good people. Cheating on him, framing or hitting on Xiaojiao so Xiaotian would cut her out, abusive, super transphobic, or just being a bad person in general, the list went on. Xiaotian was embarrassed by it but at least the weirder ones were a good drunk story.

This would not be a good drunk story.

“What the fuck, Haoran?!” Xiaotian scrabbled against the ropes tying him tight, his wrists tied behind him. One minute, he had been parking the tuk-tuk outside the shop. The next, brown fur had invaded his vision as his ex had grabbed him, tied him, and tossed him in the back of his van.

And it was still gross, with cigarette marks littering the seats and the smell of takeout (and the containers) taking up the floor. Empty alcohol bottles clinked together. “Shut up, Xiaotian!” Haoran shot back, his claws digging into the wheel. Shit, he still didn’t look at the road when he drove?! “I’m doing this for us!”

Xiaotian gaped, mind trying to connect dots before he could sputter something out. “Wha- You dumped me!” Literally. Haoran had ordered Xiaotian to get out after a long drunk drive that involved arguing about kids. He had dumped him on the side of the road and then sped off. Xiaojiao was a lifesaver.

“Well, you’ve improved yourself!” Haoran said, anger dying down to be replaced by cheerfulness. Xiaotian gaped at him, raising a brow. The bear turned and grinned at him, yellowed teeth glinting in the light. “With your whole Monkie Kid schtick, you’ve really shot up in the world!”

“I didn’t do it for you!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah-” Haoran swerved to avoid another car and Xiaotian grunted as his head slammed into the window. “Lie all you want babe. I know you still got the hots for me and I’m giving you the chance to prove it.”

Ugh, he wasn’t gonna let him go, was he?

Xiaotian once again tried to pick at the knots wrapped around his wrists. All he needed was his staff, because he certainly didn’t trust his ex’s driving enough to shrink, find a hole and slip out of. Haoran was sloppy with everything, from cleaning to lovemaking, so surely-

Oh come on. Were knots the one thing he cared about?

“-got a nice little place where we can lay low- HEY!”

The van screeched to a stop and Xiaotian yelped as he nearly toppled over. Haoran was yelling at someone before the driver door was wrenched open and a familiar red hand shot out and yanked the bear demon out. The next moment, the van door slid open. “Xiaotian!”

He craned his neck and grinned at the familiar green eyes. “Xiaojiao!”

“I am so sorry!” Xiaojiao apologized as she pulled out a switchblade and cut through the ropes. “I should’ve come sooner-”

“It’s not your fault,” Xiaotian sighed, hugging her. “I’m just glad you and Red are here.” The shouting was still going on. Curious, he glanced over and felt his face flush.

Right, Red was fucking hot. Especially now, as the demon prince, his bull form out and exposed, glared silently at the bear demon that dared to lay a hand on his Noodle Boy. When Haoran’s yelling and frantic struggle finally died down, Red finally spoke.

“Keep your hands off him.”

And just like that, Haoran was slammed into the pavement, left stunned in a him-shaped hole. Xiaotian froze as Red’s head shot in his direction, burning eyes boring into his skin and deep into his soul. Heat soared through him.

Gods, he was so handsome.

And strong, based on how easily he lifted Xiaotian up into his arms. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly, lightly bumping his forehead against his. “His stink is all over you.”

Xiaotian smiled, pressing a kiss to his nose, right above his pretty nose ring. “I’m good.” he sighed. “I’m lucky to have you.”

The first good decision in his history.

Based off of the start of @swagginmun's comic as an interpretation of a possible conflict before. I really liked seeing the way they drew the argument after.

Injury

How would the yandere Hashira react to their Darling (who's also a hasira) coming home severely Injured and they were trying to hide it cause they knew if they were seen that injured their "partner" would force them to retire?

Kyujuro

“Where are they?” The loud voice made you freeze in mid step, knowing that you were busted. Of course Shinobu would send a letter out to Kyujuro, not knowing of the tendencies he has when it comes to you. No one knew, because no one believed you. Kyujuro was the perfect Angel, the perfect man. Who would ever believe anything he has done to you?

“Ky-“

“Firelily.” He was pissed, you knew that. His eyes didn’t hesitate to scan over your body; seeing the bandages covering your body. When you tried to look over at one of the butterfly girls for help, his hand moved his haori to block them from you. “We talked about this.”

He said with the sweet smile on his face, hiding the anger easily. It terrified you; wondering what awaited for you. Silently cussing Shinobu for sending him a letter, but know she was just wanting to help. “I-I know but-“

“Do you know what I would have done if I lost you?” You flinched at hearing him, looking down at hearing the concern in his voice. Even with him treating you awfully, you could never deny that he cares for you. Truly he does, just in his toxic way. “I thought-“

“You thought? Baby, love of my life, this…” He stepped closer to you, lifting your chin to stare at him. “This is why you don’t think. This is why you need to depend on me and only me. I can take care of you, I can protect you.”

“K-“

“There’s no arguing. Let’s go. Now.”

Shinobu

“Oh sweetheart.” You had no where to go but to her place; she had all the medical supplies and you could die without getting your injuries checked. Tears slipped over your face, staring at the woman who was giving you that innocent smile and letting you know just how much you were in trouble.

“I-I-“

“Hush now sweetheart; we don’t want you to waste your precious energy.” Shinobu had already decided that she was going to take you out of commission when you returned for the fact she didn’t like to be separated from you. But this… This made her realize just how much you needed to stop fighting demons.

You tried to struggle when she wrapped you in her arms, ignoring her sweet shushing. There was a sharp point to the back of your neck; sedatives kicking into your system while you began to slump forward in her arms. “There there, rest easy my love. I’ll take care of everything for you.”

Giyuu

This is the one that you could hide the easiest from. Mostly because he doesn’t know how to show his feelings; all the craziness is just bottling up more and more because he doesn’t know how to release it until it just cracks.

Like now.

“B-babe…?” He whispered, lowering the sword from his hand. There was a crash that made him panic in thinking there was a demon, but it was only you on the kitchen. Blue eyes were focused on the wounds crawling up your skin; poking out from poorly wrapped bandages. “It’s n-“

“Don’t… Dont tell me that this is nothing!!” He exclaimed, raising his voice and making you jump lightly. You’ve never heard him yell at you before, the sword digging into the wooden floor as he marched over to you. You backed up, trying to put the chair between the two of you and grabbing back on the cabinet. After being taken and forced to live with the hashira, this… this is the time you’ve honestly felt nervous of him. You’ve never seen him act like this before so you didn’t know how to predict what he was gonna do.

“Why did you even go?” He demanded, putting his hands on the table. You opened your mouth to answer, but Giyuu knew you. He knew what your answer would be. “Who gives a fuck about those people? You… You are the only thing I care about! I don’t care if all those people die!”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. A hashira, a demon slayer, not caring about the lives at stake. Giyuu looked at your wounds again. “The thought of losing you… No… I won’t…”

He shook his head; making his way over to you and grabbed your arm before you could stop him. He tightened his arm when you tried to wiggle out of his grasp while he pulled you back to the bedrooms. “You’re no longer allowed to step out of this house, I won’t lose you too.”

Sanemi

“Babe, I’m back home.” He announced loudly, kicking off his shoes by the door while he put his katana on the table. Pale purple eyes immediately shot toward the direction of your shared room at hearing the crash, his hands only slamming open the door seconds later.

You were trying to collect the broken shards of a medicine jar, the medicine spilled over the floor. Sanemi narrowed his eyes, wondering why you need the medicine jar in the first place and his eyes turned to look at the bloodied bandies where you were sitting.

“S-say something!” You yelled out; the silence was pressuring for you- making it feel like you couldn’t breath. Sanemi was never quiet, so to know he was standing there and just… watching you; the thought terrified you. Your body flinched when he stopped in front of you, crouching down before his hand lifted up your jaw roughly. “What happened?”

“D-demon…”

“Demon…” He mused as if it was some joke, then stood up. Your eyes widened as you watched him walk toward the door. “Wha-what? What are you doing?”

“I’m going to to talk to the master.” Your eyes widened at hearing that, quickly running toward him and flinched when you felt him grab you. His arm wrapped around your throat, locking his arm as he held you close. “Don’t fight against me, I’m not gonna let you go out on missions anymore. From hear on, you’re dead. I’m gonna go tell the master that I found your body and you’re gonna spend out your days here. By my side. Understand it?”

You tried to argue with him, but Sanemi kept a hold on you till you passed out. Immediately taking his hand off, fingers pressing against your neck to check if you were okay and put you in bed. He tucked you in, thumb brushing over your cheek. “I do this because I love you.”

Tengen

*Before his own retirement

“There’s my darling!!” Tengen cheered excitedly, sliding in front of you with a large grin. Your eyes widened; not expecting to see the hashira home yet since he wasn’t due to be back for another three days. Three days you would have time to clean up, but his smile dropped when he saw the blood on you.

“Darling, what is this?” He narrowed his eyes at you, making you quickly try to wipe the blood from your skin. “I-it’s nothing.”

“This doesn’t look like nothing.” He even put quotations on the word, hand reaching out to grab your arm. You winced are the pain spiking up your dislocated arm. “See! This is what I’m talking about!”

“Lord Tengen, I’m f-“

“Don’t. If you finish that sentence I will lose my goddamned mind.” He pulled you closer, putting his hand on your lower back to guide you into the house. You looked down at the wives were watching you; they didn’t dare to step out to say anything when Tengen was angry like this. No one could win with him.

“Hey! Wait! What are you doing?!” You exclaimed as the shackle was put around your ankle; trying to tug it out from his grasp. “What do you think?”

“L-Lord Tengen, I thought we moved on from this!” You exclaimed; not wanting to be chained up again. He wasn’t listening to you, getting the medicines that he would need. “Can’t have my darling leave again; now can I? Hmm? You don’t need to do that job anymore.”

“You can’t be ser-“

“Girls; you’ll watch her when I’m not here. Right?” He looked to the three women who nodded immediately to his request. Good luck getting out.

Muichiro

Warnings: murder

You don’t know that Muichiro even knew you were hurt; not hearing him when he was close. Especially because he said nothing as he watched you tried to clean the wound and bandage it up.

But he knew he had to do something.

“Oh? It’s the (your hashira pillar).” You looked over at hearing the surprised Kinoe to your left. “I heard they retired yesterday.”

“They’re looking good for retirement.”

“But aren’t they so young? Maybe they just weren’t ready for being a hashira yet.” Retirement? That word stuck with you, making your way over to the kinoes. “Um… what do you mean im retired?”

“Huh? Whatcha mean by playing innocent? Everyone knows you retired yesterday. Muichiro told the master.”

“What? No I didn’t. I just got back from a mission yesterday… and I was going to give my report to the master.” You were confused. But the kinoes didn’t have time to answer because the familiar spoke out from the side. “Y/n.”

“Muichiro… We need to talk.”

“I know.” His pale blue eyes looked over at the kinoe standing there; feeling annoyed with their presence before he looked back to you. “Why… Why didn’t you talk to me about this? I don’t want to be in retirement.”

“It wasn’t up for decision.” You were surprised at hearing that, but your eyes only widened when his sword slashed through the two kinoes standing there. They shouldn’t have gossiped about you. “M-M-M-“

“Let’s go home.” He said, turning his body to face you. Not a thought behind those eyes; only dreaming on living with you and spending out his days by your side. “Now.”

Obanai

There was no hiding the scent of blood from Kaburamaru; no matter how much you tried. Obanai knew as he saw those crimson petals on your clothes; there was no way that he was going to let you do anything remotely dangerous again.

“I’m fine, I swear.” You tried to argue with him, but Obanai was having none of it. He didn’t believe you; fighting against you when you tried to push him away from taking care of you. “Stop! Stop just stop it.”

He growled, demanding your cooperation. It got to the point where he had to restrained you, being able to focus clearly on your wound and taking care of it. “You’re not leaving again.”

“But I said-“

“You’re not leaving again. That’s final.”

“You can’t-“

“I can and I will. Do remember who’s hands your family’s lives are in.” He hated to use that above your head, but necessary times call for necessary plays. Your hands clenched at hearing that and he picked up your sword from the bedside. “Wa-wait what are you doing?”

“You won’t be needing this again.”

“Wait no-!” Pieces of your sword fell to the ground, Obanai breaking it without a remorseful thought. Mix matched eyes looked over at your sulken form, tears slipping down your cheeks. “I’ll be talking to the master. Be good and don’t make me hurt you when I return.”

It was an empty threat, sorta, Obanai was not above breaking your legs to keep you from running. There was no more leaving the house; he wouldn’t let this happen again.”

Mitsuri

“Honeybunches!” Mitsuri cheered happily as you arrived back home, jumping in your arms and hugging you close. You winced, tears springing toward your eyes at the pain flaring but still hugged your psychotic lover back. But she noticed the wince.

“Sweetie?” She asked, leaning her head back; looking down at you and her eyes widened when she noticed the tears in your eyes. “Baby! Why are you crying? No no no no don’t cry.”

She immediately wiped away your tears, peppering your face in kisses. “Don’t cry! I’m right here for you! You’re home now, no reason to cry.”

That’s not the reason I’m crying… You thought, getting reminded of your injuries with all of her movement. Her hands gently pet your hair, putting her forehead against yours. “You’re all home now. And~ I’ve talked to the master, sooooo you’re on vacation. Permanently.”

“Wh-what?”

“I know we talked about you retiring and I thought it was a brilliant idea because you want to stay home with me.” Your head shook, feeling like your heart was stuck in your throat. No, you felt like you were sick. This was another one of her sick delusions; another one of her thoughts where she really thought you’d played along. “What? Aren’t you happy? Don’t you want to spend time with me?”

Tears sprung in her eyes, making you feel guilty. Of course she knew how it effected you; that’s why she uses it to get what she wanted whenever it comes to you. A small sign came from you; letting her down and she grinned at you. “Come on! Let’s go spend our time together! We have so much to catch up on and all the time to do so!”

It didn’t matter if you were hurt or not, Mitsuri didn’t want you to be leaving anymore. So even if you can back completely fine; the end result would have been the same.

Gyomei

“Sweetie?” You didn’t hide your wounds, thinking that you were fine. But he could hear the way the bandages rubbed when you moved; it made the hashira frown. “What happened?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about lov-“

“You’re lying.” His hands gently held onto your face, thumb rubbing lightly over your skin. “You know I hate when you lie to me. Did you get hurt?”

“Yes…”

“Was it on your mission?”

“Yes…” He hummed, thinking about what he needs to do to. His hands moved to your back, pulling you closer to him to hug you closer. “I’m going to go get some supplies from Shinobu; please get some rest my love.”

He guided you to the bed, helping you lay down as he left the house. But he didn’t head toward the butterfly mansion, no, he went immediately to Kagaya. He was going to fake your death, going to keep you back at his house. Gyomei made a promise to protect you and he was going to keep that promise.

owww. owwwuh. fuck. wait. *pulls out* theres a damn rock in your pussy man.

MK is missing :'((

Redson it's OK 😥

Mk where are you 😭😭

Hiii! Congrats on getting 100 followers! Your writing is so good, I enjoyed every one of them. ❤️❤️ If it’s not against the rules, can I request a short story with lots of fluff in which Malleus finds out that the reader is his soulmate please!

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

| Notes: Hi, anon!  Nope, it’s all okay! I do mostly hcs bc it’s easy but a short story from time to time is also good. So, for the soulmate plot, I got the idea of creating this whole folklore about some soulmates connecting because of a special song only they know (and you’ll have to pretend here that Disney didn’t created “Once Upon a Dream” in 1959 lol The first part is the classic one and the second is based on Celestial Bunny’s translation of the Japanese 2º paragraph ver (from that one Malleus video everybody watched, link in the special notes). But the very last part is a little adaptation I made. It might seem rushed in some parts bc I actually lost the original by accident and had to rewrite it again but I tried my best to do something really sweet and funny in some parts. Hope you like it! Thanks for the request <3 |

Malleus Draconia x gender neutral reader / soulmates / song connection / scenario / fluff / 2520 words / use of “you” pronouns

Cherry’s Harvesting event 🍒 Masterlist

Once Upon a Song

Malleus was excited that afternoon to meet you at the Ramshackle. He was humming to himself while walking, not singing the lyrics but producing a serene, good measured melody. For all the long centuries of his existence, this particular song has always been present within him in some way. 

Malleus wondered if he himself created the melody and lyrics alone because he had never heard anything like it anywhere else.

It was almost always in the back of his mind, like a protective spell. Malleus hummed it wistfully when he was feeling down and more serene when he was happy. And talking to you always made him happy — in a special, inexplicable way.

He had felt this way since he first met you in the middle of the night among the ruins of that poor dormitory forgotten by Crowley and the world, with the exception of Malleus and the ghosts. From the first glance, something in his heart felt different. More complete. There weren't enough words to describe that feeling.

It was as if he spent his whole life without his horns, essential parts of his nature. However, upon your arrival, he would have felt the horns finally crown his head. 

But it was still a very weak metaphor for his feelings. Perhaps, it should be said that it was like realizing that he was missing something that he didn't even know he had missed. Complicated, yes, but a little more truthful and similar. 

Not that this was the time to think about those things. 

You had promised to walk with Malleus that night to see one of the school towers that had ancient gargoyles reminiscent of guardians from the Valley of Thorns. He was super excited to show you this and you were very interested in finding out more about the history of that world — and spending more time with Malleus, of course.

Not that he realized that last part. Malleus could see that you, unlike the others, didn’t run away from him and enjoyed his company in a very special way, but he wasn’t sure of the depth of your feelings. Which made him strangely sad. 

Even though Malleus said to himself that he would be satisfied if you were just friends, he felt a painful twinge every time he said that. It hurted like being pricked by a needle. Small and treacherous poisoned needle of a light lie, leading him into a fatal delusion. A heavy sleep of fleeting dreams.

“I know you, I walked with you once in a dream...!”

Malleus stopped at the door of the Ramshackle, not having noticed that he had walked so automatically down the stone staircase, lost in thought. Your sweet voice awakened him. 

“I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam!”

But it wasn't just for your melodious voice and yes, for the lyrics you sang. A song that Malleus knew so well, the very one he had been humming before he arrived. The question was: why did you know the song he created?

“And I know, it's true that visions are seldom all they seem, but if I know you...!”

“I know what you’ll do... you will love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.”

You got scared, letting the broom with whom you danced fall from your hands. While you sang your verse, the door had been quietly opened and Malleus entered uninvited — though he liked to be received by you, his kind and hospitable friend. 

But, finally, he finished the song that was accompanying your cleaning of the room.

Malleus's voice was deep and strong, having turned the cheerful melody into something more sober and serious, almost mirroring his expression at that moment. You didn't know why Malleus was staring at you steadily, as if seeking in you the solution of a mystery. 

Although it was you who should face him like that because he was the one who sang a song that only you knew! Many thoughts agitated your mind, so many that you ended up shaking your head to pull yourself together and pick up the poor broom again. 

“You know that song, Tsunotaro?,” you asked, feeling strange. You tried to smile to ease the tension.

“I've known it for as long as I can remember. Every verse, every note,” Malleus went from serious to apprehensive, starting to walk across the wooden floor that was clean of any dust and cobwebs that had fallen from the ceiling. “How do you know it, child of Man?”

“I don't know... I have also known how to sing it since I was a child. Although I never really heard it anywhere.”

You took another fright when Malleus suddenly approached you, looking directly into your eyes. You might not have the same hesitation as other people about him, but in a way, you didn't blame them for feeling disturbed by Malleus’ intimidating presence. Even more so when he squeezed his eyelids, considering what to do at that moment while watching you.

“We have no choice. We need to search for Lilia.”

“W-weren't we going to see gargoyles?,” you tried to remind him of the original appointment.  “What's wrong with us knowing the same song? It's just a coincidence, Tsunotaro. Don't need to be so stressed about it.”

Malleus stopped for a moment to laugh softly, which was a relief because his heart was beating fast like a thunderstorm. In fact, you even heard the faint noise of rain suddenly falling outside. That's what got you worried. 

Malleus’s mood always had strange effects on the weather and days before, he had just helped fix the roof leaks. You thought he was angry, which would make the rain heavier and bring your poor house down. But you were worried for nothing — Malleus didn’t realize that he had given you the wrong impression.

He was happy. Partly. It would only depend on you to make his joy last longer. Malleus was really feeling stunned by those emotions. What you thought had been anger and indignation were, in fact, agitation and confusion. He himself didn’t know what to express at that moment.

But when he held out his hand to you — which you accepted promptly, without hesitation — Malleus just said:

“There are no coincidences…”

For the first time, Malleus said your name.

And so, with a slight swirl of his hand, green fireflies appeared around you and suddenly, you two were no longer there. Grim woke up from his sleep on the couch, only seeing a light green magic in the place where you previously stood facing Malleus. But he just shrugged his shoulders and went back to sleep peacefully.

                                                    🌸

Lilia didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the situation. He must have expected something strange when a gentle thunder strike announced Malleus’s arrival in Diasomnia, bringing you by the hand — and your expression as someone who never magically teleported was priceless. But you seemed anxious about something.

Or Malleus was anxious and you were just being infected by that feeling. What happened was that Malleus snatched Lilia from the kitchen — to everybody’s general joy — and led him to his room, where they could talk alone on that important topic.

Once the situation was explained, you didn't have much else to do other than wait for that old fairy to pour a little wisdom and hope into that strange coincidence. But yet Lilia wanted to have a little fun.

“I don't know if I understood it very well. Can you sing that song for me?,” he asked, giving a pointy smile.

You could feel Malleus inflame his nostrils next to you, a bit of smoke escaping. He must have sensed that his mentor wasn't taking any of that seriously. And you just wanted someone to explain what was the big deal in all of that. 

Yes, it was strange just the two of you knowing an oddly specific song word for word but, you had seen strange and absurd enough things to be alarmed by something like that. 

“Do you want it from the beginning?,” you asked.

“Oh, does it have a second chorus?”

“Yes,” you both answered at the same time, looking at each other shortly after.

Lilia stifled a laugh with his hand.

“Please... lovebirds.”

Those words made your heart miss a beat. You stared at Lilia and his smirk, not knowing how to react. All this time you tried to take your feelings calmly and subtly, living each day with Malleus as if in a fairytale slowly turning page by page.

But, apparently, you weren’t as subtle as you imagined. Malleus also seemed to give Lilia a look, censoring him. Then you took a deep breath, pulling yourselves together. Malleus sang first and out of pure habit, you moved your lips accompanying the verses engraved so firmly in your memory:

“In your transparent eyes, I became my ‘true self’ after we met,” you immediately continued and Malleus recognized your words. “If I love with a free heart, the pain also disappears...”

You turned to each other, more amazed by the way the melody didn’t change and your hearts led you to sing the same thing.

“I must become strong to protect... you…! My precious dream.”

“Like once upon a dream,” you said without taking your eyes off Malleus.

Was it all real? Was it happening right before your eyes? You breathed some air to ask Malleus a question, but Lilia interrupted you.

“How beautiful are soulmates! An old acquaintance told me about it a long time ago but I never thought I would live long enough to witness it with my own eyes,” he got up from his chair, floating around the two of you.

“S-soulmates?,” you repeated, surprise.

“Never heard of it, little human?”

“Oh, we have something like that in our world, but it's just to say that two people seem ‘perfect’ for each other…”

“Well, here it is something much more complex! Malleus, you didn't explain anything to your friend?,” Lilia inquired with another wide grin.

Malleus moved away from you, suddenly losing all his excitement. Worried about him, you followed him to the second window of the room that was right next to a dragon made of stone. The sky was dark, laden with gray rain clouds that grew stronger as the painful minutes passed by.

You gently touched Malleus’s shoulder, which made his gaze pass from the melancholy world outside back to you. 

“I feel like you want to tell me something,” you said, having sounded as docile as possible to make him open up comfortably. “Is it... about this soulmate-thing?”

“ If I tell you... you will cease to be my friend and will turn away from me, disgusted with your cruel fate. This curse that fell on you without you even knowing.”

“I'm not leaving, Malleus. I promise.”

You held his hand, your gaze resolute and determined. Malleus was surprised, it was the first time you called him by name. If only you wanted to call him that for the rest of your lives. Even if you pass away someday, Malleus would echo your words in his mind as if spoken for the first time.

Could he dream about it? Maybe he shouldn't. You deserved so much more than the future of stones and thorns he could offer.

“In truth, I really owe you an explanation,” Malleus sighed. Thunder sounded in the distance, but your eyes didn't leave him. “The myth of soulmates was once very famous a millennium ago but, over the centuries, its fame has been diminishing and today many cultures understand it differently or no longer recognize it at all. In the Valley of Thorns, the ancient tale says that two souls are linked by a song. A song that only they know and have never told anyone.”

“Where have I seen this before?,” Lilia playfully muttered.

“These two people can sing either way, but the lyrics will remain the same. If they create more stanzas, nothing will change. In a mystical way, the other soul will have that same inspiration. In some versions of the most popular fairytale in the valley of the fairies, a princess found her prince with a song they knew together.”

You didn’t interrupt Malleus at any time, listening to him attentively and respectfully. Nothing could take away your focus at that moment. 

“Which means: we're both soulmates,” Malleus finished.

“You say it like it's something bad…”

It was a loud thought you ended up saying, catching Malleus’s attention immediately. He stared at you, confused.

“But it's not...? For you? What would make you happy to be stuck from the eternity of time to someone like me?,” he asked.

“Just talk to him,” Lilia said, more serious now while softly massaging your shoulders. “I'll leave you two alone.”

And so, Lilia disappeared. You had no choice but to face Malleus and confess your feelings, especially when it was obvious that he had no hope that you would love him back. Which wasn't true.

“Malleus, finding out that you are my soulmate does make me happy,” you said, getting a surprised look from him. “If there is anyone in this vast world who would leave me jumping with joy that we are connected forever... it would be you. Always you. I love you, Malleus, and there are no powerful forces in this world that can tear us apart.”

“It takes a lot of courage to say that... my love,” Malleus couldn't help but smile, holding your face gently. “Even though the future is treacherous, I am happy to know that I have you by my side. I think now I understand what I felt I was missing all this time.”

“I know how you feel. I also know that I may not be able to do anything fantastic, but I hope my simplicity is enough.”

“It is, dear. Always was.”

You smiled, tilting your head to feel Malleus’s hand on the side of your face. His skin was cold but strangely comforting. Perhaps because it is the most concrete version of any dream you have dreamed of you being together. 

The song you shared has always been there in your mind, a unique melody like Malleus’s love. And now, you could sing it together. It was a feeling of joy beyond all comprehension.

“Is something going on?”

“THE YOUNG MASTER IS TRAPPED WITH THAT HUMAN!,” Sebek's voice echoed behind the door, scaring both of you.

“They just proposed to each other, Silver... and I would very much like them to finally give a kiss of true love!,” Lilia emphasized the last sentence, trying to feign subtlety.

“Like in fairy tales…” 

Silver’s calm comment made you laugh. You just couldn’t help it. You looked at Malleus and he smiled too, a little embarrassed and anxious. He would pick on those three for interrupting your private moment — unless you could improve his mood with that expected sweet, wonderful kiss that only soulmates can exchange. 

For the first time, Malleus forgot about the gargoyles he wanted to show you that night.

| Special Notes: Malleus as that one video “male cover” of Once Upon a Dream from the Maleficent movie, jap version. |