Dark Sannin

From someone who’s survived MySpace, livejournal, deviantart, and fanfiction.nets’ content purges and bad policy updates, here’s some advice on how to get through tumblr’s recent bullshit:

my absolute favorite thing to do in mmos ls construct character outfits that look totally out of place but have to be accepted as canon because all those items of clothing are in the game

When the ending sucked, but fan artists and fic writers got your back

TOUCH MEME

To the people who pile hate on AO3 for hosting what they deem as “inappropriate” conduct:

But that’s kind of irrelevant, because: AO3′s policies specifically prohibit the hosting of actual child pornography. Their Terms of Service page outlines, in detail, the kind of work they will and will not host.

Not to mention, the US Code (aka, federal law) specifically states that only visual imagery can be considered child pornography. This is an excellent explanation from the DOJ, which somehow has not been removed by You Know Who. Written depictions are legal in the US and OTW is governed by US law. 

It was just after 3 AM in the Libraries. The light flicked on in the offices as Ronald trudged in, looking for all the world as if he'd just had the shit kicked out of him. His pristine white shoes were scuffed, his hair askew, his tie completely gone... no... wait... it was tied tightly around his left wrist. His Death Scythe was nowhere to be seen at all. His clothes were in tatters. He saw the light under William's door and swore, hoping he could get in and out without being noticed.

“Very well. Your doctor ordered you to stay in bed plenty.” William pointed out. For him also this odd discussion ended. He has set clear boundaries. Good.

“no.” said Ronald softly, his tone strangely dull. He rolled to face away from William even though it hurt like hell. “just go.” He bit back bitter tears. Why did he have to fall for William of all people. Eric had always told him it was a lost cause, destined to be unrequited. 

“Alright. Rest then. I will be downstairs.” William replied shortly, and left the room. He headed back downstairs, deciding to make something to eat, as perhaps Ronald will be hungry later when he wakes up. First, William went it feed his bird - a small pet canary that he kept in a cage. Then he decided to take a small break, and went outside into the garden to smoke a cigarette.

Ronalds thoughts were racing as he lay there. He resolved to show William that he wasn’t just a stupid young fan with a crush. He’d thought this through. Sure he’d admired William from the moment he became a reaper, but after so many years, it was getting a lot deeper than that. 

William, surprisingly enough, was a rather good cook. Since he lived alone, he had three options - starve, eat the questionable food from the Dispatch cafeteria, or learn how to cook for himself. So he chose the last option. Through the years, William practiced with a cook book, and by now could flatter himself and say that he could make a good meal. Today, for dinner, William decided to make tomato soup with sour cream, baked salmon with vegetables and rice, and applie pie for dessert. It took him some time, and the dinner was not ready until about two hours later.

Ronald refused to answer, though it was obvious that he was awake. finally after a few moments of silence he said softly in a rather broken voice. “I’m not.” and as much as it hurt him, he rolled so his back was facing William. He managed to stifle a moan of pain and bit his lip, clinging to the sheets so hard his knuckles turned white. 

It was just after 3 AM in the Libraries. The light flicked on in the offices as Ronald trudged in, looking for all the world as if he'd just had the shit kicked out of him. His pristine white shoes were scuffed, his hair askew, his tie completely gone... no... wait... it was tied tightly around his left wrist. His Death Scythe was nowhere to be seen at all. His clothes were in tatters. He saw the light under William's door and swore, hoping he could get in and out without being noticed.

“Very well. Your doctor ordered you to stay in bed plenty.” William pointed out. For him also this odd discussion ended. He has set clear boundaries. Good.

“no.” said Ronald softly, his tone strangely dull. He rolled to face away from William even though it hurt like hell. “just go.” He bit back bitter tears. Why did he have to fall for William of all people. Eric had always told him it was a lost cause, destined to be unrequited. 

“Alright. Rest then. I will be downstairs.” William replied shortly, and left the room. He headed back downstairs, deciding to make something to eat, as perhaps Ronald will be hungry later when he wakes up. First, William went it feed his bird - a small pet canary that he kept in a cage. Then he decided to take a small break, and went outside into the garden to smoke a cigarette.

Ronalds thoughts were racing as he lay there. He resolved to show William that he wasn’t just a stupid young fan with a crush. He’d thought this through. Sure he’d admired William from the moment he became a reaper, but after so many years, it was getting a lot deeper than that. 

Distracting education

Surveying the classroom, Sebastian’s eyes locked on the boy blatantly eating a cookie while staring at him. For the moment, the eyes shifted and he addressed the class. When he spoke, his voice was hypnotizing, and just about everyone was compelled to listen, and after he spoke, do as he’d instructed.

Too bad that he looked away. Sitri would had loved to hold onto that look for longer. He watched what kind of effect the proffessor’s words had on the class, quickly deciding to play along in case his not-all-hellish scent didn’t immediately give away his identity. He often heard how he wasn’t fitting for Hell because of exactly that after all so perhaps he could just play a normal human in front of this seemingly charismatic teacher as well. He greeted the new student without really paying much attention to him before everyone’s eyes suddenly moved to him.

sensing that this one wasn’t like anyone else besides perhaps Ciel, Sebastian eyed him, trying to assess him. a slow smile crossed his features; it wasn’t a pleasant smile. He could sense this guy thought he could do no wrong, or at least convince someone of it. 

He didn’t like that smile. Sitri could feel some ill will behind it the moment it appeared on the teacher’s lips. He gave a frown upon hearing his punishment. Well, not like he counted on a free lesson anyway but this sort of treatment was not much according to his tastes. On the bright side, he could see some pitying looks coming from the other students, meaning he’d get something out of this if he put on a bit of an act once the lesson is over. For now though, he eyed the teacher with a displeased expression, no longer nomming on his cookies.

“but i’m not a proper teacher, am I.” returned Sebastian smoothly as he walked over to the desk and stood in front of it, leaning down to put his hands on the smooth surface of it without disturbing Sitri’s treats. 

The boy didn’t like such closeness with another demon, yet refused to show any weakness. He didn’t flinch, not even at the threats. After all, he knew better than to just get scared and run away to hide. Standing up from his chair, he was quick to grab at Sebastian’s shirt to pull him close enough to just whisper. If he didn’t deal with this right away after all, it could go too far to stop. “I’m exactly what I told you. Name is Sitri. I am the twelveth prince and fosternephew of grand duke Baalberith. Whatever you can do to me was probably already done ten times more painful. Try to claim what’s his and you won’t live to see the sun ever again.”

chuckling, Sebastian didn’t seem to be deterred, instead walking around the desk and crouching so he was more on Sitri’s eye level. he gently stroked a finger down the others’ cheek and shook his head. “claim? I claim nothing but curiosity and… intrigue.” he said with a shrug. 

Sitri wasn’t sure about the demon’s intentions but he didn’t like the way he was talking. It was far too smooth to what he was used to from demons and yet a little too rough for humans and he honestly wasn’t sure what to think of it. When accused of being a coward though, or that was how he took it anyway, he quickly moved forward to push the demon’s shoulders back down, then looked away realizing what he just did. He gave a sigh before he could turn back to the teacher, expecting a cheshire-style grin.

“well thats good then.” said Sebastian smoothly at the end of the tirade, a bit surprised that he’d been pushed back down. “because i don’t want a toy. I already have one of those. I am not interested in a power play with you. I was hoping you’d be more… voluntary. as for keeping things a secret… believe me, I can do that easily.” 

It was a surprise to hear something like that and Sitri couldn’t help but feel good for a moment. He was desired and not just as a toy. He gave a small thought to the demon’s words, flashing a small grin. “Is that kid your little master? It must be boring doing the bidding of such a child. Is he even qualified to be at a school where he needs to dress up by himself?”

“Ciel Phantomhive is much more than a child. But you may find that out first hand. I’d rather not talk about him right now.” said Sebastian diplomatically. “As for the punishment, I just wanted an excuse to get you alone.” he responded calmly. 

Sitri was just about to give a remark concerning Sebastian wanting him all alone with himself when the cute nickname caught his attention. He couldn’t help but laugh, though he wasn’t making fun of Sebastian in the slightest. Quite the opposite, he didn’t remember ever being so happy from just a nickname. As he calmed down, his eyes still twinkled with a happy spark.

“hmmm.” a spark appeared in Sebastian’s eyes. “I do think our first discussion should take a few hours at the very least.” he said with a smirk, reaching out to cup Sitri’s cheek in his gloved hand. “so perhaps you and I could meet after school then.” He rose and leaned in, kissing Sitri gently on the lips, passionate enough to ignite a spark before he pulled away. “Kitten.” he breathed on his lips as he did so. 

Sitri felt like melting in the kiss, responding almost eagerly, almost hungrily. Alas, the taller demon pulled away, leaving him wanting more. But he liked that. He liked that Sebastian could simply stop whenever he wanted to. As the other demon also sat down, Sitri traced his hand around one of the bags of sweets he recieved, pulling out an orange lollipop in a pretty wrapper that he soon took off. Tracing his tongue gently all around it, he gave Sebastian a playful smirk.

watching Sitri absently torment him by using that candy in his sensual mouth almost made Sebastian lock the door and have their first lesson right there. He forced himself to stay solid and instead reached out and took it from him, a smirk on his face as he responded. “mn.. that would work i suppose.” he said softly as he traced his own tongue on the lollipop sensually and made direct eye contact with Sitri. 

Noble Contacts

the door to the Phantomhive Estate opened and out came the very one that Kevin had sensed, a strong dark aura pulsed from Sebastian’s eyes but he was anything but threatening as he held the door for the other servants of the Earl’s employ to come and offer to carry luggage. 

As Kevin helped his young master out, he promptly took a notice of the obliging servants, letting them take the luggage of his young master as he took care of his own by himself. Accompanying William to the door, he refused to look away from the other butler as well, thus noticing his glance. There was no doubt they both knew what they were facing right now. He only hoped the demon wouldn’t attempt anything in the blonde’s presence. After all, they picked this location for William to have a pleasant holiday with nothing supernatural disrupting his peace.

Ciel, after a curious gaze to Sebastian, whom instantly broke his staring match with Kevin to accommodate his charge, smiled at William. “It will be nice to have someone my age to speak with that is not an annoying prat.” he said with a smile. “come, we can go into the study to chat. Sebastian, please bring us some tea and something to eat. Earl Gray and something sweet should be fine.” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument about the sweets. 

“I cannot but agree. I am sure we are about to have a number of very pleasant conversations.” William agreed with relief washing over him as he accompanied the earl to the study. It was clear that he liked Ciel from the first moment, which calmed Kevin down significantly. Still though, he would have to keep an eye on the demon while remaining unsuspicious…

Sebastian looked to Kevin as the other followed him into the kitchen. “so does he actually have allergies or were you as eager to follow me around as i thought?” asked Sebastian calmly as he took a few of the sweet pastries he had prepared earlier that morning and placed them on a platter on a rolling cart, adding teacups, sugar, cream and extra plates and utensils onto the cart faster than one could really follow his movements… least.. faster than a mortal could. 

Kevin decided to ignore, or at least not comment on, the second part of the demon’s statement. It was so ridiculous anyone could clearly tell it wasn’t probably even meant seriously. “I wouldn’t call them allergies, however my young master ought to avoid drinking any herbal tea, at least for the time being. It would do no good if other demons started swarming up in here as well. One is already more than enough.”

Sebastian chuckled. “fine what would you like him to drink? we have plenty of fruit juices.” he said, gesturing to the fridge. He knew Kevin knew he was a demon before the man had walked into the Estate. He resolved to prove his disinterest of William in his own ways after he’d delivered their snack. 

Kevin decided not to reply to what he considered a poor knowledge about tea and focus on the more important tasks at hand. Looking at Sebastian properly, he could tell he didn’t seem familiar. Then again, they all could alter their looks so there was no real way for him to tell just by looking. He decided to ask directly since it was the fastest way. He could tell if someone was lying after all.

“oh i can assure you, you cannot trust me.” said Sebastian. “but no, I do not recall that person. I am… a tad picky… about my meals.” he was calm. “but I will give you my word, though I am quite sure to you, the word of a demon is worth less than the earth we trod on, but nonetheless, you have my word i will not touch your young ward. no. I am interested in the young Earl Phantomhive and no one else.” 

Kevin had to roll his eyes, taking the cattle of Earl Grey tea. “I had never heard anyone to treat Earl Grey like a herbal tea. It is made of tea leaves, not herbs. That’s a thing that every butler surely should know. How can you serve an english lord without mastering tea-making, that is a mystery.”

Sebastian snorted. “of course i know that.” he said, shaking his head. “but with the way you seem to let your words coddle William I simply assumed you didn’t want him to have tea at all.” he said with a dismissive shrug as he put the teacup back on the cart. “lets go then.” 

Even though Kevin didn’t quite agree with what Sebastian had said about him and his words, he didn’t react to it. It would only spark unnecessary conflict and delay them even further. In fact, he even opened the door for the demon, even if just to be polite in front of the lords. As soon as they entered, his glance went to find William, softening as he watched the boy happily talking with Ciel.

Ciel nodded and after they’d been served their tea and treats, Sebastian set up the chess table and then left, Kevin following him. as Ciel began to talk with William again. 

Kevin was certainly caught off-guard when he wasn’t given a chance to break free from the demon. Being shoved inside a dark room, his first instinct was to fight against whoever was around, however, he soon realized what kind of consequences would there be for that sort of action. As he was pinned down though, that was a whole different thing. Giving the demon an unamused look, he got his single wing to appear, giving him just enough kinetic energy to throw the demon off-balance and free himself from his grasp.

“I have every right to ask for payment.” said Sebastian calmly, shifting in the chair to sit down and look up at the pissed off angel. “I’ve dealt with your kind before, and I have an ace in the hole. At one word i can summon something here not even you have a snowballs chance in hell of defeating. and She is in love with me. Now are you going to accept my affection or continue causing a ruckus that will no doubt summon your ward?” 

Kevin only rolled his eyes at that, not quite believing that something like that would exist. After all, he dealt with things most angels didn’t even dream of in order to protect William. He sat down however, though he still remained on guard. “I shall not accept what you call affection. It is merely lust anyway. However, I would like to avoid an all-out fight. It might be dangerous for your own master as well.”

Sebastian snorted. “all right then. I suppose i could get it from another source....” he purred softly, a threat in his tone. He didn’t outright say anything more, just let Kevin’s imagination take hold, whether the other would come to the proper conclusion, he doubted it. “but i have always wanted to find out what it would be like to sate my lust with one of your kind.” he added before getting up and moving to leave the room. 

Amaimon was a green blur, running along the street with a cat chasing him. 'HELP' he squeaked, darting up a woman's leg and hiding in her pocket. 'DAMN CATS' TRYING TO KILL MEEE'

Reaching the dorms, Amaimon stuck his tongue out at Kuro, the cat who’d been chasing him as he saw him in an upstairs window as he opened the door. “after you.” he said with a smile.

“c’mon.” said Amaimon, leading the way down the hall to the den. “Angelique, this is Yukio Okumura, one of the head teachers of Exorcism here. Yuki, this is Angelique.” he said. he then went and flopped on a couch.  

She stood a little stiffly as she stood by the door after being nudged in by Amaimon. Tilting her head she would listen silently and eye Amaimon a little bit feeling a little bit awkward. “I understand.” she would reply and reach out a little bit to shake his hand. “Sorry for dropping in so unexpectedly. I can’t wait.” she tried to keep her voice level, she really did want to try and learn about becoming an exorcist.

Yukio chuckled. “well, yes and no. I knew your name and approximately when we’d meet, the rest was just an educated guess.” he said. “It helps to know the Guardian of Purgatory. He can see the life lines of every living thing, demon or otherwise.” he sounded a tad sheepish. 

"Agh...I don't know what hurts more, the sting of pride being damaged from something failing...or getting your ass whipped by your own handiwork..." she muttered rubbing her backside lightly as she glared at the vine that seemed to be so innocent but had slapped her in some kind of defiance. "I swear I'm not going to be ready..." she sighed, thinking on how close the Chuunin examinations were and was borrowing time on a training field to attempt to perfect most of her work.

She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck, observing the bandages that covered his body. “I see…you should probably rest up a little bit. I don’t know what happened down there on that land, but whatever DID happen…” she sighed once more and shook her head. “Since we’re a team now, it’s just some advice and you could take it or not, if you rest up, you’ll be more set for the upcoming exam as well.” She rest her arms behind her back fingers absently drumming on her elbows.

Sasuke chuckled. “uh… well… heh.. i know we’ve just met but… can I trouble you to help me back to the village? I seem to have overextended myself… really i don’t blame you. So don’t blame yourself. I’m not one to ask for help unless i really need it.” he said, sounding exactly like he hated to admit weakness. 

She watched him for a moment then nodded. “Yeah, I can help with that.” she agreed and walked over to lightly take hold of his arm and he could lean on her to steady himself. “I don’t know why they decided to let us do this test when you’re still recovering.” she made a mild complaint though because who would do that after being put what was probably hell enough to actually cause a DEATH on a simple mission. However, if it caused death then the mission probably wasn’t as simple as it was put up to originally.

He had to stifle a laugh as he leaned against her. “they didn’t exactly let us.” he admitted. “I just got sick of my hospital room and Naruto constantly crying over our lost teammate. I had to get out of there. My orders were to test you once i was healed…. but… well… i had other ideas.” he almost sounded sheepish. almost. 

Staring at him she shook her head. “You know, I should be surprised, but I’m not. With your apparent personality quirks you certainly seem like the type that doesn’t like to sit around.” she mumbled more to herself than anything as they made it back to the medics and sighed rubbing the back of her neck when she was discharged due to some very minor injuries that didn’t require much attention.

Looking her over, Kakashi snapped his book shut. “well, since Sasuke is back in the hospital I see my idea to set a watch on him was well-founded. that Uchiha is more stubborn than Naruto sometimes.” he had a chuckle in his voice as he pocketed his reading material.