#dancing knight 💙

[boimlerkisser]

Also I watched A Knight's Tale the other night and ougghhh AU potential 🥺🥺🥺👉👈💖💘💖💘💖💘💖

[cosmic-ghost-hermit]

Which hellenic deity is reaching out to you?

Take what resonates and leave the rest behind but always be open to new experiences. Also thank you so much for all the support from yall. I really appreciate everyones feedback on my readings. It really solidifies the idea that i can do this professionally. I hope my readings assist yall more 💙

_________

PILE ONE

Astrology: Leo, Aquarius, Capricorn

Cards: 3 of pentacles, 10 of wands, 4 of swords, big picture thinking

Song: Beginnings by Madeon

Hey there, friend! You have a couple different deities from the hellenistic pantheon reaching out to you. Three to be exact. It seems like they have been reaching out to you for a while now. Either you haven't noticed or they have been keeping their identities secret from you. They have been watching you work your ass off trying to handle everything on your own. It seems like you have been rejecting their help because you have some pride in doing things independently. They want you to know that you are not weak by accepting help from anyone. The door is open to work with them if you ever you want to accept them. I see very clearly Lady Athena wants your attention. She has been looking after you since you were born. She is the main deity reaching out to you. There is also Lord Ares reaching out as well. I can deduce pretty easily that you have been through war your whole life. It could be internal war but it could also be literal. Both Lady Athena and Lord Ares want to take over the war for you so you don't need to fight anymore. They want you to rest. They want to take care of you so you can have a breath of fresh air that you don't breathe in battle. You have been fighting for so long. The last deity who wants to work with you is Mother Gaia herself. She wants to scoop you up in a cradle of comfort. I see you are a truly environmentally conscientious person and she really really likes that about you. I see you trying your best to be waste-free. She really likes when you go outside and appreciate her regularly. She sits with you whenever you are on your porch. The beautiful thing about all three of these entities reaching out to you is that it is an invitation. It is not a demand. They want to help you because they like you and everything you do intuitively. You really wouldn't have to change anything drastically about your routine to work with them. They love you for you and are only asking to help take some stuff off your plate.

PILE TWO

Astrology: Gemini, Libra, Pisces

Cards: Knight of Swords, Page of Cups, 7 of Cups, Water Your Garden

Song: Family by Mother Mother

Hello, pile 2! You have two deities reaching out to you. Lord Ares has been asking to work with you for months. I see that you might be too scared to work with him. You have definitely noticed his call already. You have seen vultures, horses, dragons' and dogs in places you should not have seen them. That's Lord Ares calling out to you. In dreams, he might appear to you as a shadowy figure even if it isn't a dark setting. He's seen how lonely you have been. He wants to help you. You don't need to be scared believe me. Mythologically he is probably the safest male god you could work with. He is a protector of SA survivors. I dunno if you have heard about the myth when he slaughtered his daughter's assaulter. I think the way you view Lord Ares is understandable. He is portrayed as this scary war god but genuinely he represents a lot more than just war. He is also a minor god of dance 💃 He wants you to know he wants to keep you safe and protect you. Lord Apollo is also reaching out to you. I see you find a lot of comfort in music which is why he is reaching out. I see you turning a lot of the pain you have been through into art. Lord Apollo wants to see you get the love you deserve for all the pain you endured. He and Ares want to work together to help you take care of yourself. There is such a tenderness and restful vibe in the energy I'm getting from the cards. They want you to know the scary parts are over and you can relax finally. Leave the scary things to them.

PILE THREE

Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Virgo

Cards: 10 of Cups, The Wheel of Fortune, 7 of Pentacles, Breath of the Cosmos

Song: He^rt by Starcadian

Hi pile 3! Welcome to your reading. The deity reaching out to you is attempting to be mysterious while also trying to get your attention so you might not have picked up on their signals that they sent out. I see Lady Artemis is this mysterious energy. Her symbols are deer, archery, wolves, wild plants, the moon and the stars. There are plenty more symbols of hers that I could name but I feel that she wants you to do your own research if you choose to work with her. I'm unsure what she wants to assist you with but I do know it is something that will fulfill you more than anything you have worked on before. She really desires to be there for you when you start this journey. I also see Zues wanting to help you as well. He specifically wants to assist you with something financial. I see you are working on something that you have given so much energy to. He really likes what you are making and wants to sponsor you and help you complete the task at hand. The work you are completing has something to do with speaking or maybe even writing. It looks like you could draw so much wealth from this endeavor. Use his connection to the planet Jupiter to your advantage. Jupiter is the planet of higher learning and abundance. Perhaps you are working on a thesis paper and he enjoys how you have spoken about the subject of this paper. These two don't seem to want to work together on anything. It feels more akin to them helping you in different areas of life just to give you a leg up. They welcome you with open arms.

PILE FOUR

Astrology: Aries, Sagittarius, Taurus

Cards: The Emperor, 6 of Wands, 9 of Wands, The Blue Flame

Song: Esctatic Baby by Yeasayer

Welcome pile four! I see 2 deities VERY clearly for you. They both only recently took an interest in you. Something changed very drastically in your life. This big change is what invited these two. The first is Lord Posideon. He saw the strength of your flame from the coastline. I have a feeling you are land-locked. You are as far from the sea as you possibly can be and he saw your passion from that distance. He is so intrigued by you. He wants to help kindle your flame so you don't burn out your passion too early. You felt so called to do whatever it is you are doing and you are giving it everything you have. Your whole soul is aimed at what lit this flame in you. He loves seeing how fired up you are. It's probably been a while since you felt this way. He wants to you slow your roll juuuuust a little bit. Don't burn out your fuel too quickly and cultivate your fire into victory. The other deity reaching out is Lord Dionysus. He wants to help you with the same thing Lord Posideon wants to help you with. He wants to see you bloom and grow. He wants to see your venture fruitful. He doesn't want your work to go unrewarded. I think you might smoke bud or something and he connects really well through that with you. Again the same message of "Don't over-do it" is coming through. They both love the enthusiasm you are giving but just make sure you are still caring for your body. Make sure you are setting good boundaries with yourself and your work. They can't wait to see where you go with this. Good luck, friend!

[thesassypadawan]

Make Them Blue 2 (Knight Anakin x FemKnightReader) *Blurb*

Summary: It’s No Nut November and you thought you could easily make a certain cocky master fall short…like always.  By whisking him away to that special spot, tucked away in the temple’s garden the moment he lands planetside…to congratulate him on a job well done.  However it make not be as easy in years past.

Warnings: 18+ (minors dni), because of all the lovely smut.  69, overstimulation, dom skyguy, and, as always…Ani’s big, veiny dick.

Notes: Happy No Nut November all you, lovelies! 🤍💙 (Hope you also enjoy Part 1!)

- Song and dance all too familiar, rather nostalgic.  With your fingers tracing along the v of his hips, a string of enticing sounds falling from his swollen lips.  Only now the lines of his body are more sculpted, more defined; the voice deeper, robuster.  “Mmmh, hatari…  Really thought you could get away with this again…”

- And not all of those lovely, muffled noises come from him alone…

- Leaking pre ever since the moment you two started kissing…squeezing…rubbing…  A perpetual pearly stream oozing out from his angry red tip; trickling down your throat, smearing across your face.  “A-Ani…  It’s too…it’s too much…”

- Invisible digits lace through your hair; pushes your head, forces you to swallow back down his girthy length.  Cheeks growing flusher; muscles in your neck tensing, gummy walls fluttering.  As he groans, delves his tongue further into your sopping core.  So desperate for another taste of that sweet nectar.  “Yeah, but that’s how you like it…”

- Gloved hand firms up its grip on your plush bottom, the other its hold on your soft waist.  Teeth nip, nose teases at your overstimed clit.  Causing those wide hips of yours to twitch slightly, his own buck harshly in response.  Despite your low whines, whimpers.  “The b-bet though, I…I…”

- Kissing your quivering cunny, chuckling softly.  “Figured I would put up more of a fight?  We both know that wasn’t happening…”  He gathers up more of that milky essence; using your own silk to help make his movements more fluid.  Plunging his tongue in and out slowly, working you towards another plantshattering orgasm.  “Not with how you practically shoved these fat tits in my face the minute I landed…”

- With a wet pop, you pull yourself off.  Chain of saliva mixed with shimmering juices connect your lips to his tip.  Breath sputters; come out in small, shallow gasps.  Plump legs wrap tighter around his bull neck, loosing yourself more to the continuous onslaught of pleasure.  “But I t-thought you…”

- Mind hazy; blood pounding, along with your frantic heartbeat in your ears.  A bead of sweat rolls off  your brow; plops onto, soaked up by the ground below.  Hiding place filling with the lewd, obscene echoes when his pace increases…eats like a bantha starved.  “Would be an easy mark like the last five years…”

- Phantom presence ‘encourages’ you to dive, take him in again.  Canines catching on his thick veins; tiny tongue swirling, prodding at his slit.  “Niiice try…”  Throat unconsciously relaxing; allowing him to slide deeper, drag against your tonsils.  “Nnngh, not that stupid…”

- Bodies contort, go ridged.  Tremble and spasm.  “If I’m going dooown…”  Your hands push at his toned legs, his grab at your squishy curves to keep you still.  Both knowing fully well what was coming next.  “You’re goooing with me…”

- Trying to anchor yourself in a last, futile attempt.  Fingers and nails lightly scratch at, sink into his toned thighs.  Thin band of metal digging, scraping across his sun kissed skin as well.  Instead a low cry bubbles out, coil in your stomach snaps.  White splatters and covers his face, caking it in yet another a layer of your arousal.  Making him into more of a sticky, tacky mess.

- However, Anakin doesn’t stop there…

- Thrusting up, burying himself to the hilt.  He growls, mutters words of praise; listening to your high-pitched squeals and squeaks of him filling your mouth.  So much so; to the point that it overflows around your sealed lips, out your nose.  “Good girl…good little wife, milked me for every drop.  Lemme reward you…mount you…ride you.  Until sunrise…until I’ve pumped another brat or three into you.”

Tag List: @espinathena-17, @myheartwillgoon2022, @cacti5539, @laylaplease, @princessswifie, @kenobiskywalker16, @loverforoldermen, @jediavengers, @anisangeldust, @fredswrite, @xhunnybeeex, @vaderswifey, @skyguys-princess, @sythethecarrot, @valyna27, @anakinstwinklebunny, @rollinsgirlforever,  @ihategushers, @nevaehthecreator1, @lotte08, @beabbsworld, @these-travels, @everydaydreamer, @t03soup, @anakinsbbgirl, @fuckmyskywalker

@littlelamy, @khoatic-with-no-energy, @raiwpenl, @malinadbbdh, @strokingforyou26, @xspacexwitchx, @em-21, @hearts4sammonroe, @shouldbetakencareof2, @loxbbg, @supersoldatbarnesstuff, @thesilentreaderrrrr, @theoriginalsinner28, @dumb-slut-things, @indigoblues1207, @ald6518, @julxstrawberry, @wh0sl0ttie, @tojis-missing-arm, @xoxo-hayden-fangurl-xoxo, @theladykassia, @doblasftcisco, @morguexmvp, @f4iryjinsworld, @nyxiesstuff, @heymamasblog, @justsomeimbicel, @prettywhenicry-777, @femme-is-typing, @maddis0n4, @ttdrake, @melmurkun, @brattyyybbg, @zara13ts, @bigaoibhe2024, @neocitywhore, @ter-luer, @ladyanaschmidt, @sarahflores07,  @death934, @dovepevensie, @adorebambie, @pookiswookis, @icecoldhearts, @elliemariscal, @allievalll, @moonlxght-tyler, @1-racha, @tosterwwannie, @inejghafawifesblog, @carlgrimeswifeofficial, @hellemo666

[hanafubukki]

So how we feeling about book 7 finale?

Hello 💚🌺💙

Sorry for taking so long to answer this, I wanted to wait a little bit because if I answered back then, you would have probably ended up with an endless essay 😂💞🙏 (and I was on vacation, screaming in my room about the update lol)

Not saying that you won’t end up with an essay now, but it won’t be as long…hopefully 😂😆 no promises though hahah (I haven’t rewatched the last part because ohhhh the emotions, I’m not ready to do it over and over again like the other parts 😭💔)

In summary, I was clawing at the walls, screaming, crying, laughing, crying (yes, again), and cheering + a bit of “Wtf? That’s it?”

For a longer answer, below the cut 💞💚

I’ll focus on part chapter 13 part two mostly, but might sprinkle in part 1 stuff occasionally.

The Good

It was a happy ending 🙏🙏💞💞

Lilia lives

Lilia lives

Lilia lives

Did I mention that Lilia lives?? 🥹🥹💞💞

Lilia gets awoken by true love by Malleus and Silver, which is what I always wanted. Malleus and Silver who loves Lilia. The two who Lilia loves so wholeheartedly. Woken up by them. I was so happy. By both of them. True Love. (Felt a little vindicated because omg, I remember those days people pitted one against the other or saying lilia loved one more than the other arghhhh I was so disappointed in fandom and some people back then absjsjs) 🥹🥹🥳🥳

Malleus cries. Man, this scene broke my heart. But I was waiting for him to cry. I wanted people to see why Malleus is the way he is. His emotions and reasoning. Why he’s seen as the “powerful” who is “evil” I wanted people to understand Malleus and his pain. His suffering. His kindness and how much he loves but can’t show it. 😭😭🙏🙏

We got a cute kid Malleus scene and Lilia, his laughter awwww. 💞💞

Silver in the knight of dawn armor!!! Ahhhh!!! Ahhhh!!! My wish!! It became true!!! The symbolisms!!! Ahhhhh 🥳🥳💞💞

Sebek and his arc in book 7 is so good. I love how he’s so?? Human. Emotions like all of us. Someone brave and yet fearful. He’s changed so much and I adore it.

We saw the knight of dawn again. Yessss. Hello sweetie 🥹🥹💞💞

We got a princess Leah reveal!

I love how Silver got to meet his bio parents and thank them. How he’s thankful to meet his current family and he knew it was because of them, he was able to do it.

Silver got his last name! Yay!! 🥳🥳

The dance party was so nice.

We got to see malleus on a new fit. Hello sexy dragon. 💞💞💚💚

Malleus who genuinely seems happy. My heart.

Lilia popping up!! Upside down!!! I missed him doing that ahhhhh 🥹😭💞💞

Sebek crying happy tears. I want to smother him with love.

Malleus saying I love you to Lilia ahhhhhh ahhh after 200 years in the egg and almost 200 years outside of it. He finally was able to express his love to him ahhhhh

Lilia hugging malleus and apologizing.

The group hug. The reunion!! I WAITED OVER TWO YEARS 😭😭💞💞💞

Lilia waking up and making that joke about Meleanor, KOD, and Baul. ABSJJSJS ITS SO LIKE HIM THAT I WAS IN DISBELIEF ABSJJSDJ BUT ALSO CALLING HIM AND IDIOT.😂😂💞💞 WHY DO I LOVE YOU?!?? YOU LOVABLE BAT!!

the twstune at the end is so precious and beautiful

The PARALLELS!! THE PARALLELS!!! ABSJSJSKD THEY MAKE ME SCREAM BUT I LOVE THEM ABSJSJSJDND

Silver saying he has two dads and he’s proud of them.

Maleficia wasn’t there. Despite my mixed feelings of her (more on the negative side than positive), I’m glad she wasn’t there and it stayed with only the four of them.

The Bad

Lilia died

Lilia died

Lilia died

Lilia di—absjsjs 😔💔

What I hated the most besides the tonal whiplash was the quickness of major events. Ooohhhh my god. They could have extended some of these major events a few more parts. It would have been killer cliffhangers but it would have been better pacing because what do you mean?! That Malleus transforms into dragon -> lilia wakes up and puts himself in the middle -> lilia dies and malleus horn gets damaged -> flashbacks to malleus childhood -> lilia talking to him -> malleus is back to normal with Lilia dead and cries with the others -> Lilia lives. All in a few parts?!? What?!?! These scenes could have been extended. They would have had an even bigger impact. 😭😭💔💔

The flashbacks right after defeating OB malleus seems to come out of nowhere. And then the rushing into lilia death kind of had my head spinning. Because?? Hello, I’m not done with one life altering scene and WHAT DO YOU MEAN HES DEAD AND SILVER HAIR TURNED GOLD. NOW MALLEUS IS CRYING AND HIS MAGIC DOESNT WORK?!?😭😭💔💔

The timeskip between OB and then the party. I would love to know what happened in the middle? What happened at Styx. Don’t just leave me hanging?

The pacing for part 2 was…not my favorite. I loved the update don’t get me wrong. But…they couldn’t have made it longer?? And focused on dia a bit more before giving me a heart attack??

Then that brings me to the lack of malleus in this part and book 7 as a whole. Oh booyy. Besides his OB?? And the flashback?? And his emotions being expressed. We…got nothing on him. He was not the focus even until the end.

I love silver and sebek. But?? Where is the malleus moments?? More of a focus? Everything was focused more on the others than him. He got the bare minimum of an OB boy. After Lilia’s dream, we got nothing either with Lilia too. I have soooo many questions. I know the focus was to get to know them all. We learned so much about Lilia’s past. We got to know Sebek and Silver more. But Malleus?? He barely got the bare minimum. Yes, he had high impact scenes but?? Half of those scenes were rushed. They could have made a whole part focusing on him. Like part 5 focused on Silver, part 6 was egglleus, but it was majority Lilia and his change because of love, overarch of book 7 is Sebek, but Malleus?? I believe chapter 13 part 2 should have focused on him at the very least. And then all the questions and communication with Lilia that was implied/should have taken bf place…we barely saw anything. OTL I WANT TO SEE HIM EXPRESS HIMSELF AHHHH DOES HE NEED ANOTHER LIFE ALTERING EVENT?!? I GET HES ONE TO KEEP CLOSED OFF BUT THE TALK?! I want the talk!!!

I would have loved to see the scene where malleus confesses that he knew about silver’s parents. I think it would have been a great bonding moment. But I can also understand it being left in ambiguity because of the potential?? In story telling is there. If malleus knew since silver was a child gives meaning versus if malleus knowing recently. You can make so many interpretations about it.

We didn’t get malleus dream world 😭😭

…and this is all that comes to mind right now as I type. Lolol there’s probably more but I’m blanking.

I loved the update to bits and pieces. But pacing wise I think it could have been better and it left us with so many questions and an ominous feeling as players because?? Oh boy, it ended there with no clue to what’s next hahaha

Also I really hated the dream arc lolol it had its fun moments and everything and I enjoyed certain dorms like hearts but many of them…did not feel needed. I feel ignihyde, hearts, and Leona’s dream was the best and provided info and relevance. At the very least they could have given us scenes to the malleus and lilia game within the dream world and how Lilia was put to sleep/what kind of dream he got. (Cough, soooo much angst potential heheh)

That all said, I have hopes for book 8 because diasomnia should be the focus along with whoever the next OB or villain is. Dia moments with Yuu my beloved 💞💞🙏🙏

I believe that they’ll do with diasomnia what they did with the shroud brothers in book 7. That they’ll have more focus and you’ll see the change in dynamics and more bonding moments with them.

The shroud family had amazing development and focus in book 7, so I think the same will happen with book 8 for dia. If they did what they did in book 7 with igni with dia in book 8?? I will be very happy.

I also think malleus will be more focus next book as well given his limits now and how he’s more free. And given a certain someone was missing at the party, that might be a clue as well. Hoping a certain theory isn’t true

I think we’ll also get more lilia moments because??? There’s sooo many questions left unanswered but also?? -shakes him- speak! To them! Tell them!! Why!!!

Thank you for the ask 💞💞 lolol it became long whoops. 😂💞💞 it was more of me rambling randomly lolol

[katyspersonal]

nobody:

Kood: Oh, so, you "like" Messmer? Say the exact amount of strength applied which it took him to impale every single Dancing Lion that he hunted. Name the day he finished reforging his spear for it to become throwable and how many times did he have to throw it. Say the exact timing, down to tens of second, which it took him to cu-

Queelign: I am literally lurking in the cemetery waiting for those graceless Hornsents to visit the graves of their killed ones to ambush and kill them too, Queen Marika would be so proud of me! :D

Wego: Man I wish I had friends, too bad I literally have no one, I am so lonely I'll have to resort to resurrecting dead people :( *spoken literally nearby fellow Knights, including his literal pupil*

Salza: Hey just because I take #1 place amongst everyone else in the Crusade in terms of how many villages and houses I've obliterated doesn't mean I am no longer an intellectual elite. I am the most civilised, cultured and intelligent person here.

Hilde: These idiots do not understand that even the Erdtree itself stand on cultural appropriation! How can we fight in the name of Marika and uh... I think that guy literally named Whore at some point, with that big lion...? if we ignore how much was stolen from the Storm Lord and Godskin Apostles? I swear I am the only one who truly gets it smh. Can't wait to get rid of all Hornsent already so we can use their knowledge to build our OWN Divine Spiral, it will be sick af 👀

Messmer: Hahah no one loves my mother as much as I do, I understand what is better for her Order more than she does herself *mood swing* I hate that bitch, why she never loved me?! *crashes a head off a statue of her* *mood swing* Oh god I am the worst being I am more of a curse upon her than any of these graceless barbarians were ever, disowning me was not enough, she should have killed me... *mood swing* I should have burnt her and her Erdtree instead while I had the chance to do so, only in death we could stand equal *mood swing* I love her so much I can at least find comfort in destroying everyone who doesn't fit her world, it is the least I can do to atone for being born graceless myself *mood swing*

Rellana: Pledge to the Golden Order was a weird era but now we are so back, Stars/Moon and Fire have always been together, since the times of Fire Giants and Astrologers! But to think of it, does the 'Fire' that swears to exterminate everything spurned of the grace of the Erdtree count, if it was Erdtree's enemy? Strange, how the very thing that existed as its enemy got tamed to serve it instead? Dammit, my flawless brilliant logic got a crack in it all because of Messmer's mommy issues!!! (still love him and will die for him tho 🥺💙)

Andreas: I can excuse fascism and genocide, but I draw the line at being a SNAKE!

Huw: <prev so real, had I known my bestie was a snake I'd definitely not go and have sooooo much fun hunting Divine Beasts. I am so deceived.

Edredd: To think of it, more soldiers got executed here for no longer wanting to do genocide than fell from the blades of Hornsents, but idk a job is a job 🤷‍♂️

Garrew: *has the most fucking questionable Crucible aspect ever seen except no one wants to actually question it*

[rosypenguins]

Day 17! TMF AU’s!

These are some pretty standard AU’s I came up with. (Like VERY basic. Everyone probably has their own version of these.) I would write these but unfortunately I already have three other writing projects on my hands and I really don’t know how I’d balance a fourth. (Also, in case you haven’t guessed it yet: they’re all pretty heavily Drake-coded lmao.)

💙Royal Knight AU: A classic I’ve seen many times before! Nothing like taking your favorite blorbos and forcing them back in time to the age of castles and monarchies! Anyways, in my version, Drew’s a prince and Jake’s his personal knight. (Clever, I know.)

Jake was practically raised to be a knight, just like his parents were. But Jake wants to find his own purpose; something that doesn’t bind him to being Drew’s shadow.

He starts sneaking out at night, and realizes the massive wealth-gap between the nobles and common-people. While on his adventures, he runs into a group of bards who perform at night to inspire hope in the townspeople. (The Music Club!)

Under the disguise of a simple commoner, Jake decides to talk to them. He gets to know them, and eventually, the leader of the group: Hailey, invites him to join their group. Each night, Jake gets to perform with them, finally feeling like he’s found his purpose.

(Oh, and him and Hailey obviously start developing feelings for one another.)

Meanwhile, Drew is stressed. He’s being forced to marry Lady Zoey, who makes it abundantly clear she has no interest in him whatsoever and is only in this for the wealth and status. And after the wedding, Drew will be crowned king. And he is not at all ready for any of this. He’s always turned to Jake for comfort, but he slowly starts realizing that Jake is hiding something. Jake’s increasingly exhausted, and almost always distracted. He barely talks to him anymore.

Perhaps there could be a scene where Drew follows Jake? He realizes what he’s been doing, and I’d imagine quite a bit of angst would ensue.

Oh, and one more note: remember the wealth gap? I could totally imagine the Music Club is actually part of a secret rebellion against the royal family. And perhaps they’re coming up with a plan to overthrow the royal family.

Now, scenario: masquerade ball. Hailey’s sent to sneak inside the palace during the festivities and see what she can learn about the royal family. Perhaps steal some riches for the Music Club to sell. She successfully enters the palace, but ends up running into Jake. The two recognize each other almost immediately, and end up dancing together to keep up appearances, all while whispering hushed questions about why the other’s there. Meanwhile, Drew notices this, and is practically seething with jealousy.

I don’t really know where the plot of this would go, but surprisingly for me, I feel like endgame ship would be Jailey.

💛Idol AU: Another classic! Jake’s a pop idol, and Drew’s his bodyguard. (Practically a reverse of the first AU.) They’re obviously very much in love, but they have to keep it secret due to Jake’s contract. And they kiss backstage in storage closets sometimes.

I don’t have much for this AU compared to the last one, but I’ve always imagined Jake being kidnapped and Drew having to rescue him. I think that’d be pretty fun. Maybe they have to go off-the-grid for a while, and they’re actually able to have their little relationship for a period.

I just want to see Drew and Jake kiss honestly. Drew needs to be kissed very softly on the head.

🖤Ghost AU: Last one! I actually brainstormed this with @ratkingnezu awhile back. Essentially, after the events of Episode 11. Drew dies. (Doesn’t really matter how he does, he just needs to be gone.) But because of his lingering regrets, he isn’t able to leave the mortal world just yet. So he’s stuck as a ghost, and he’s unable to leave Rosemeadow. Meanwhile, Jake is deeply affected by this. He regrets never being able to explain things properly to Drew and perhaps make peace with him, so he spirals. Grief practically consumes him, so Drew decides to make it worse and start haunting him. (Well, he’s not trying to make it worse. He just has nothing better to do with his time other than haunt Jake.) He realizes how much Jake actually cared about him. And he only regrets how their last interaction (the fight) played out. And sometimes he’ll just lay with Jake and cry with him wishing he could talk to him one last time.

And Jake starts hearing Drew’s voice whispering to him. Starts seeing things move. Starts seeing him in reflections. And he starts thinking he’s losing his mind.

The only way Drew can finally pass on is by somehow making peace with Jake. I don’t know how he’ll do that, but I’m sure I’ll figure something out. At some point.

So yeah! Those are my super simple AU’s!

Well, actually, I do have one more, but I’ll save that for its own post sometime in the future. (Wink wink.)

@31days-of-freakblr

[missmagicalelf]

Masterclass list

A full list of character smut fics

Davion: Dota dragons blood- Davion’s booty dance can find on my page my love letter to the knight

Nico Hieronimo- nothing for him yet gonna make something special for this underrated character

Alucard Tepes💛- nothing for him yet but I’m very tempted too

Trevor Belmont-nothing for him either didn’t care much for him before but when I saw his strong chest ooh baby

Richter Belmont💙-nothing for him but immediately fell for this blue boy

[frozenwolftemplar]

Flash Fiction Friday 2/7

Really, really liked the prompt this week! Such a fun one and perfect for Tangled: the Series! Thanks be to @flashfictionfridayofficial for putting this together!💙

Title: Vigilance

Fandom: Tangled: the Series

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Word Count: 991 (just under the wire!)

"…Taking the reliquary in her gauntleted hand, the Lady Mizara threw it with all her might down upon the stone table, causing it to smash into a hundred thousand pieces with a shriek that echoed back to the Days of Mages. A smoke smelling of incense billowed up, thick and purple as the night of a monarch's death, twisting and curling into the shape of a skeletal wraith. Wailing a vengeance of the ages, it reached its spindly fingers towards Mizara, but she did not flinch, standing steady as she held the creature's hollow gaze. As the legend foretold, the table's magic held, and as the wraith's vaporous hand extend beyond its borders, a light burst forth from the slate, so blinding Mizara threw up an arm to shield her face. When she lowered it, all trace of the demon and reliquary was gone, save for a piece, smaller than your thumbnail, of Zhan Tiri's horn. She touched a finger to it, intending to bring it to the Queen as proof of the demon's exorcism from the kingdom. At once it turned to ash and though the air was as still as a tomb, it blew away."

“Whoa…” Eyes wide, Cass let the image Xavier’s words conjured, of the dauntless lady knight staring unafraid at the unholy demon she had been tasked with banishing as it met its well-deserved demise, wash over her. Stars leapt into her eyes. She already knew she wanted to be like her dad when she grew up, but Lady Mizara, slayer of demons and protector against Dark Magicks, was a close second. "Then what? Is that the end?"

"Stories never truly have ends, Cassandra." The old blacksmith smiled enigmatically at Cassandra over his shoulder before turning back to the sword glowing a bright orangey-red in the mouth of his forge. “Some say that truly was the end of Zhan Tiri, for him nor his disciples were ever heard from again. Others, though, believe that he is still out there, the ashes of his essence taking life in the form of storms and plagues and jealous cinders in your eye. They say that even now he is working in ways that are invisible to mortal eyes to weaken Corona so one day he may strike again. Which is why, young Cassandra-“ his tone suddenly became serious as he looked away from the sword, now yellow as the sun, once again. “You must be vigilant for any signs of his darkness, for he knows how to find fertile grounds for his evil, in places one would never think to guard.”

Cass shivered despite the heat blazing from Xavier's forge, fisting a hand around the hilt of the dagger tucked in her belt, as though to ready herself should the legendary demon come leaping out from underneath the bench she was sitting on. Her dad had told her Xavier’s tales were just that: tales, with as much truth to them as Captain William’s story about the time he went fishing and hooked an honest-to-goodness mermaid (which also weren’t real, according to her dad), and he was surely right (he always was). But the way Xavier told them, the daring knights and wicked monsters and kings and queens by turns wise and foolish that danced off his tongue, they sure felt real.

Like if she shut her eyes and listened past the sounds of the city outside Xavier’s door, they’d come alive and Lady Mizara herself would come striding into the forge, cape flapping behind her, and say that she needed a squire for her next demon-slaying adventure and yes, this girl- here she’d point her finger at Cassandra and cock a complacent grin- this girl would be perfect, and in the name of king and country Cass would jump off her bench and Mizara would say-

“Cass, time to go.”

Cass snapped open her eyes and whipped towards the voice, cheeks turning as red as the warming sword when she saw not Lady Mizara in the doorway but her dad. ”Yes Dad.” Hopping off the bench, Cass waved good-bye to Xavier and fell into step with her dad as he turned towards High Street and home.

”Have fun, sweetie?”

”Uh-huh.” Cass nodded, curls bouncing.

”Didn’t bother Xavier too much?”

”No. He told me a story. ‘Bout the old days and Zhan Tiri.”

”Ah.” Her dad nodded, then looked at Cass critically. “…You know those are just stories, right?”

”Yes dad.” Cass answered without a trace of doubt as she rolled her eyes. “I know.”

Because here in the bustling city, her dad the Captain standing tall beside her, and feet trip-trapping over cobbled streets, the stories became just that again: stories. She would keep vigilant, as Xavier said, but for highwaymen and smugglers and bandits who were idiots and tried to make off with some farmer’s branded cows, not ancient demons seeking to sow hate and strife.

Only a fool would guard against something that wasn't real.

*****

"I'm a friend." The ghostly girl smiled sweetly up at Cass, as though those three simple words encompassed the entirety of her identity, then turned. "Now come." She beckoned Cass to follow her further into the woods. "I have something to show you."

From where she stood in the glade the cursed door in this cursed seashell-house had led her to, Cass frowned after her, not lowering the sword she'd reflexively brandished at the phantasm, eyes narrowed suspiciously. There was something…off about all this: the vaguely familiar wood, the light that had blinded her when she first opened the door, the girl, incorporeal, blue, and dressed like nobility from a few hundred years back, and refusing to give her name, just-

A friend.

She mentally scoffed. Yeah, right. She had bigger problems, like finding Rapunzel and a way out of this madhouse. Still…

The sword tip lowered consideringly.

…No harm in hearing this kid out.

She sheathed her sword and followed.

[deejadabbles]

hello there, Deeja!!! for the Halloween prompts, may I please request:

“I think someone’s watching us.” + 🎭 masquerade

with Fox or Jesse 💙💙

happy writing!!!

SEV! How did you know that I'm in love with the idea of Fox in a masquerade setting!? I kept getting more and more ideas for this one so I hope they all mesh well together 💙

Among the Hedge Maze (Fox x GN Reader)

Summary: You were desperate to find some alone time with Fox among the chaos of the ball. Hopefully, he gives chase. Rating: T (But Minors DNI) Word Count: 1,801 Warnings: Kissing, reader is GN but is called "vixen" once.

Edit: Here's a good song to listen to while reading Masterlist /// Tag List Sign Up  /// AO3

Lavish skirts rustled, wine glasses clinked, joyous laughter rang, all colliding with the strings and keys of the live band to create quite the spectacle of sounds. Yes, the grand hall of the senate was alive with celebration tonight. Masked patrons held gloved hands as they twirled about the dancefloor, an enchanting song topping off the scene to craft the perfect image of a fairy tale.

All you needed was your masked prince.

Not that he would ever abide by being called a prince, though you might get away with knight. You would have given anything to see the look on his face when you called him either, but alas, nearly two hours into the party and you had yet to see your beloved commander. There was still hope, though. He had been tasked with mingling tonight, after all, rather than his standard guard duty.

Yes, mingling. Fox was expected to be the face of the troops tonight, and raising money for his brothers was the only thing that could have gotten him to accept such a role without tossing himself out his office window.

It would have been amusing to watch him try his best to schmooze with the Coruscant elite, but you had spent the last two hours rubbing elbows of your own. As much as you loved the party you weren’t about to miss an opportunity to help the troopers.

Now though, now you were craving a break and, once you heard a whisper that the good commander had been pulled into a waltz by the flirtatious dowager Starfield, you decided it was more than time. 

You skirted the dance floor, knowing full well that the moment you entered the throng you would be pulled into dance after dance. Still, even given the crowd, you actually managed to spot your Fox. He was stiff as a board, that red and silver mask of his doing nothing to hide how out of his element he was. Dowager Starfield was comically shorter than Fox, practically being able to rest her head on his stomach as he pushed them through the crowd in the moves you had shown him barely more than a week ago.

Though, even out of his element, Fox was more than competent. Despite his stiffness, he moved in the dance just as well as anyone else, showing that the little classes you’d given him in your office weren’t wasted. Maker, was there anything this man couldn’t do?

His strategic side was showing too. You did not miss the way he stuck close to the edge of the dance floor for a quick escape.

Fox wasn’t the only one who could plan, though. Keeping your head high, you moved along the rim of the crowd, always staying where his eyes might spot you while you thought up a fun little game.

You noticed the moment he saw you. The way his eyes widened behind the mask, the way his shoulders lifted…and how he glanced down at the widow who was clinging to him like a prom date. Aw, he didn’t think you were jealous, did he? You flashed him your best smile and watched the very subtle way his back seemed to relax, just a bit.

Perfect timing, too, as the song was drawing to an enchanting end. Keeping your eyes on his, you tilted your head towards the open glass doors not far away, then started to walk towards them.

Confident that he saw and could find some excuse now that the dance was over, you stepped out into the enclosed courtyard.

One thing you loved about these parties was the chance to come here, to the well kept gardens where florals and fauna from all across the galaxy were cultivated. It was a breathtaking sight within this city. There were a couple of guests out on the veranda but, what looked completely deserted, was the small hedge maze at the center of the garden.

By the time you reached its entrance, you glanced over your shoulder and were delighted to see Fox rushing out of the double doors, head turning as he searched for you. The moment he spotted you, you blew him a kiss and darted into the maze.

Excitement filled your chest as you ran, especially when you heard the rustling of greenery behind you. In truth, it wasn’t much of an actual maze, but it was enough to give the tantalizing illusion of a chase. There wasn’t even a need to slow down, you knew he was probably right on your heel, right where you wanted him.

Unfortunately, the hidden little path ended too soon, and let out deep in the heart of the all but deserted garden. Crisp night air filled your lungs as you slowed to a stop and caught your breath. Oddly enough, now that you were still, you realized that you no longer heard Fox’s pursuing footsteps. You peered back into the corridor of hedges, confused. There was no way you had lost him-

Strong arms closed around your waist, pulling you back against a firm chest and causing you to gasp in surprise.

“Caught you, my little vixen,” a voice purred in your ear, which nearly caused your knees to go weak right there.

Instead, you turned your face towards his, finding that your lips were dangerously close. “Have you? Or was this all my grand scheme to finally get you alone?”

He hummed, as he lowered his lips to brush against your neck. “I think it’s both. And thank the maker, if I had to spend one more minute with them, I was ready to say there was a bomb threat in my office.”

You gasped theatrically, “And leave me here to deal with them all alone? How rude.”

“At least you’re used to this sort of thing,” he grumbled, “I was hoping the mask would help them overlook me- isn’t anonymity the whole point of these masquerade things?”

“It’s the illusion of anonymity.” Despite the hold he had on your waist, you turned within his arms so you could face him. 

Finally you could take in his appearance up close, the deep red silk with white lining the cuffs and accenting the lapels in swirling patterns. Not to mention the mask made of surprisingly delicate looking metal, whose striking design curved into ears that pierced his curls. Fox looked absolutely stunning.

You hummed playfully as you ran a finger over the red metal, “Of course, if you wanted to stay anonymous, you probably should have worn a less obvious mask, Fox.” Your hand moved to the back of his head and untied the silk strand that held up the animalistic accessory. “You need a mask with a little more mystique.” With your other hand you untied your own mask and, with a bit of maneuvering, managed to secure it on your lover’s handsome face. “There, now they definitely won’t recognize you!”

“Ha ha,” he said dryly, but there was the smallest hint of a smile on his lips. 

Then, his eyebrows lifted as he watched you put on his own fox mask. When you looked at him and batted your eyes playfully, you could have sworn you heard his breath hitch.

“Well, how do I look?”

Now his eyes were half lidded, and the arms around your waist tightened. “I think it suits you,” he said, voice low as he leaned in closer to you, “just like I think these colors suit you.” He ran his hand over the scarlet collar of your top, where your chest was exposed. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you wearing my colors,” he whispered, his warm breath touching your lips.

“Maybe I just like the color red,” was your breathless reply and your eyes fluttered shut right when his lips pressed against yours.

You moaned into the kiss, never tiring of the way he felt and tasted. Your arms wrapped around him to pull him closer, deepening the kiss as his lips moved against yours. One of Fox’s hands slid up from your hip, running along your spine until he could cup the back of your neck and press you harder against him.

Lips had just parted, letting his tongue slip in, when he paused. To your dismay he was pulling away the next second, scanning the nearby trees and bushes with narrow eyes.

“I think someone’s watching us,” he whispered to you.

Before you even had the chance to respond, Fox was bending to pick up a decent sized stone from the pebbled path and, with an expert flick of his wrist, sent it shooting like a bullet. Before it even had a chance to hit its target within the bushes, the greenery rustled frantically until two figures fell into view.

Despite their masks and even from this distance, you could tell who they were from the hair styles alone. Their training had them dodging that stone, but even still, Thorn and Hound were caught.

“What the hell do you two think you’re doing?” Fox said, arms crossing over his chest.

“We weren’t spying,” Hound assured.

“We just saw you run off and thought we should check on you,” Thorn added without missing a beat.

Fox’s tone took on that commander quality, “And that required you to hide in the bushes?”

“Well yeah, we were taking cover,” Thorn rolled his eyes.

“Optimum camouflage, you know,” Hounded nodded.

“So you two were waiting to…what?” Fox snapped, “Save me from taking a walk with the senator?”

“Walking?” came Hound’s snort.

“Since when do walks need that much tongue?” Thorn muttered.

“Inside. Both of you. Now!”

The dangerous tone may not have actually scared the two, but they at least had enough respect for Fox to turn and hightail it out of there at the order. By the time their footsteps were nothing but an echo in the night, Fox let out a long suffering sigh.

“I’m surrounded by idiots.”

You couldn’t help but laugh and pull him back into your embrace, “You know you love them.”

“I can love idiots,” he grumbled, before letting out another sigh and pressing his forehead to yours. “Sorry if they ruined the moment.”

“They didn’t ruin anything.” You pressed a light kiss to his lips. “Want to go back inside? I think you still owe me a dance.”

He let out a tired hum, “Hm, not inside.” Then, he took your hands and placed them on his shoulders. “We can dance here, just the two of us.”

As if all the social stresses of the day had caught up to him, Fox rested his forehead against your shoulder, taking comfort in the feel of you being so close.

"This is what I wanted all night," he whispered against your skin. "You and me, enjoying the night together."

And with that, he started swaying your bodies to a slow, intimate melody that only the two of you could hear.

Tag List: @sev-on-kamino @anxiouspineapple99 @starrylothcat @sinfulsalutations @commander-sunshine @dystopicjumpsuit @wolffegirlsunite @sunshinesdaydream @arcsimper5 @littlemissmanga @wings-and-beskar @clonemedickix @freesia-writes @idontgetanysleep @523rdrebel @moonlightwarriorqueen @briefartnaturewolf @kimiheartblade @littlemissbshine @funeralreunion @chubbyhedgehog @ladytano420 @trixie2023 @mssbridgerton @wizardofrozz @vithepotato @mythical-illustrator

[chaos-monkeyy]

Tagged by @badwolfbadwolf thank you! It's been a minute since I did one of these 😊

Last song: right now it's Out of My Head by Fastball, but when I started this it was Beverly Hills by Weezer. (Now it's Dance Around the Whiskey by the Real McKenzies.) (I have music playing a lot.)

Last book: last book I read from is the current Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England re-read; last book I finished was Sunlit Man re-read. Both by Brandon Sanderson, what a shocker 😅

Last movie: ...I can never remember which movies I've seen last because I watch actual movies so rarely these days. I think it might have either been the Dungeons & Dragons Honour among thieves movie, or the truly, hilariously awful Ferocious Planet with Joe Flanigan

Last TV show: the Expanse, my beloved

sweet/savory/spicy: sweet, definitely. Can't have spicy, and savoury really depends on the specifics

Relationship status: single-ish (damnable geographic distances) and poly anyway

Last thing I googled: making sure I actually got the names of those movies right 😂

Looking forward to: season 3 of ST strange new worlds, season 2 of Andor, playing D&D again

Current obsession: Baldur's Gate threeeee

..still lol

3 ships: *glances at AO3 works page* um. What do you mean "3"?

Alright, alright. Uh. Three random ships I like in no particular order. Todd the Wraith/John Sheppard. Dalinar Kholin/Kaladin Stormblessed. Amos Burton/Prax Meng. There we go!

First ship: Ben/John/Sarah Midsomer Murders OT3 my loves

-

No-pressure tags, if it tickles your fancy! @enthusiastic-whatever , @cosmereplay , @might-be-a-lynx , @d--dandelions , @trainofcommand , @knight-of-skyloft , @beautiful-flower22 , @admiral-arelami , @sparrowsarus , and anyone I missed who likes tag games 💙

[regaliasonata]

Headcanons that every team usually bums off one ranger since they’re the richest in the group❤️💙💛💚🩷

Billy has lots of money from his inventions so you may see him giving the group gas money for their cars.

Tanya throws a stack of cash on the table for the team to fight over from her music career.

TJ is not obligated to give anyone money.

Kai is not obligated to give anyone money except Leo when he takes his shirt off.

Dana steals the jewelry and money off her patients to share with the team…

Trip is the richest out of the future rangers while Eric is here spiting Wes for being broke.

Everyone in Wild Force is broke but rich in spirit,

Ninja Storm are relying on Cameron, the dude owns a four story house and they sneak in the extra rooms.

Trent makes gay furry **** he’s making more than any fake ass Avril Lavigne, wannabe Lionel Messi, and future Steve Jobs.

Syd canonically is rich so she’s covering all the team expenses.

Vida is a DJ, she’s got all the money but only spends it on Chip and Necrolai.

Mack threatens Andrew with the “I can buy and sell you” line every night, Dax swims in his money vault like Scrooge McDuck 

Look let’s be happy RJ pays the team with weed money cause imagine if he was selling crack instead with his pizza…

Summer is rich canonically but I assume Flynn makes way more.

Imo the five clan families have different business practices, the Shiba’s has some in horse and real estate but the Watanabe’s have all the money. Mia hosts every cookout.

Robo Knight’s rap career has everyone covered.

Kendall may or may not commit tax fraud with the amount of money she has but we all side eye it.

Levi should be wondering why he’s still in school when he has all this money.

For jokes Nate uses his money and throws it at Steel to dance☠️.

Amelia has too much money from her paranormal podcasts(she doesn’t glorify serial killers so she gets more views).

Ollie sells gay laptops.

[purepadawanmaster]

Think of Me - Chapter 1 (1/4)

a/n: I recently found this old story on my computer and got the urge to work on it again. This is the first 1,000 words from the first chapter that I went back and rewrote. My writing style has changed a lot, and I like how it is turning out so far. I hope you guys enjoy! 💙

OCs: Derick and Violet

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The sounds of violins and voices with melodic touches sounded throughout the Opera House, as the stage filled with dancers of different genders and species. They were practicing for a performance they had to do that night to keep the place up and running. A particular raven waltzed through the stage floor as he danced with his partner gracefully. His bright, electric blue eyes dimmed with feeling as the sounds of music filled his ears.

He had been at the Opera House ever since his parents died from a tragic disease when he was younger. At twelve years old, he was an orphan, living brokenly out on the streets with nothing but his thieving skills to keep him alive. It wasn't long until he met a lovely Twi'lek woman who had been living on her own with her foster daughter. Without a second thought, the woman eagerly took the young boy in and raised him.

The now eighteen-year-old had just finished lifting his partner when the rehearsal was suddenly interrupted. The manager was walking towards them as he started to shout to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, may I have your attention, please? As you may know, there have been some rumors about me quitting my post as the manager of this building. I can now tell you that this is all true."

Gasps and murmurs sprang throughout the stage as people started talking amongst themselves. However, the raven wasn't very stunned by the news. He knew the man was going to retire one day. Not finding anything to keep his interest, he ignored the ongoing news about the new people who now ran the Opera House.

"So, it would give me great pleasure to introduce you to the two people who now own the Opera House, Mr. Derick Knight and his wife, Mrs. Violet Knight." The manager announced as the two known people waved at the group of singers and dancers.

The newcomers received claps and cheers from all around. The first was a man with dark hair that hung loosely over his dark brown eyes. He wore a formal suit and pants while his wife clung desperately to his arm. The brunette woman was a little nervous about her new position. Her emerald eyes glowed with wonder as she gave the happy crowd a shy smile.

"Thank you, everyone, for welcoming us into your theater," Derick said as he gently patted his wife's hand. "However, we would also like to inform you about our new patron, Mr. Kanan Jarrus."

While clapping emerged from the group, a young woman with colorful hair approached the raven, who wasn't paying much attention. "Ezra, it's not polite to ignore our new guests at the theater." She said, lightly nudging his shoulder.

Ezra rolled his eyes as he continued to look through some old music sheets on a table. "So? I'm not interested in meeting them when I'll probably never see them anyway, Sabine."

Sabine frowned as she sighed slightly. Ezra was always the stubborn type whenever it came to meeting new people. It seemed he didn't trust anyone except her, their foster mother, Hera, and himself. Sabine could still remember when she first met Ezra. A hungry teen is searching for food as he tries to ambush her in Lothal's marketplace. Who knew the two would grow close as brother and sister from that sudden meeting? "Will you at least look at the new patron? He seems pretty handsome and nice as well."

Ezra gave a huff as he lazily turned around for Sabine's amusement. Why couldn't she leave him alone? He had nothing against the new people; he felt uncomfortable around people he barely knew.

But this time, it was a different story.

Once Ezra made contact with the new patron, his body stiffened instantly. Those stormy green eyes and dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail were much too familiar to him. Ezra could feel his cheeks start to burn as his blue eyes loomed over the now young man before him. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't stop the excitement on his face.

"It's Kanan..."

"You know him?" Sabine asked, making the blushing teen jump. Sabine couldn't help but grow amused as she watched her so-called brother try to calm himself down.

"Y-yeah... you could say that. Before my parents passed away, Kanan and I were close friends. We would do everything together. Since he was older, he frequently teased me constantly and called me names like 'Little Ezzy,' which annoyed me." Ezra looked at Sabine to see that she had a Cheshire cat grin on her face.

"Little Ezzy, huh?" she said teasingly with a smug grin.

Ezra glared at her. "Don't even think about it."

"What? It's a cute nickname~!"

"It is not!" he hissed back, gazing away to see that the managers and Kanan were now talking to Zeb, the lead tenor. The Lasat was a show-off to all the other performers on stage. He thought he was the best of everyone. It's too bad most of the audience wore earplugs during his performances, although Ezra doubted that would do anything to upset the big oaf.

Suddenly, the group split, and Kanan started to make his way towards Ezra and Sabine. Ezra immediately straightened his posture as his gaze fell to the floor, not wanting to catch Kanan's eyes. Unfortunately, the man walked right by him, showing no sign of knowing Ezra.

Frowning, Ezra looked to where Kanan had walked off. What was he thinking? Of course, Kanan wouldn't notice him. It had been years since they last saw each other. He gave a small sigh, "Figures. I doubt he'd recognize me with it being so long."

"He didn't see you, Ezra," Sabine said as she grabbed the teen's hand so they could start rehearsal again.

TBC

NEXT

[semiweirdshipper]

Hey!! so sorry for asking here,, but do you allow fanart based off of your stories? i just finished re-reading Reverse The Dancing Knights and it just reminded me how much i wanted to draw some of the scenes with reader and the killers!!

hope you’re doing amazing!! take care <33 (and completely understand if you’d be comfortable with no artwork based on your stories.) 💙✨

Hi @moonkibble! First, I am happy that you enjoyed Reverse The Dancing Knights, and I'm more than honored that you want to create fanart of it! As for your question, yes, I am comfortable with folks creating fanart of my fanfiction. In fact I've always kind of wished that I could see fanart for one of my stories. I feel like when someone makes fanart of your story, it's a true sign of how much they love and enjoy it. So the fact that you want to create fanart of my story makes me feel very honored and happy. Thank you so much! Whatever you decide to do, I'll love it, and I hope that you will share it with me 😊

[hanafubukki]

HANA! your Diasomnia boys are coming to pick you up for a date, what is an outfit you’d wear for each of them? 💚

Hi Gray!! 💞💚🌺

This is such a cute question. 🥰🥰💕💕💗💗

The outfits would depend on the type of date. So I’ll give casual and formal outfits 💞💞🫶🫶

Lilia Vanrouge:

Lilia reminds me of the night sky. He’s a night fae. When I think of him, I think of the light from the moon and stars. The guiding light that kept him company for hundreds of years till now.

The red and green dress just makes me kick my feet in joy. Because?? The color matches him?? The thorns/Ivy are such a tease too?? And I think he would find the dress beautiful on me. I feel like that dress would make him speechless.💞💞💚💚

Malleus Draconia:

When I think of Malleus, I think of his equal. I think of being the light to his darkness. Someone who stands with him and crosses the bridge between species. So I think both dresses would be beautiful on a date with him. 💚💙

Silver Vanrouge:

I always think of comfy and cozy wear with Silver. Something flowing freely and easy to move in. Imagining dancing with him in the forest with animals around. 💞💚

Sebek Zigvolt:

The green dress is soooo pretty and I just want to knock Sebek’s socks off. Honestly this dress can go with any of them but for this ask, I thought of him for the date. The simple dress would be cute for casual dates and it’s such a soft green too. A reflection of him. 💞💞

Knight of Dawn:

Okay okay so the first outfit ahhh, I think it would be such a reflection of Dawn and I but in reverse colors for the outfits. Since he’s a Knight and his armor is White/Silver. (Also TRC with the dedicated knight sacrifice for his loved ones ough). The purple outfit I think is cute. A little contrast with his palette but soft nonetheless.

All these outfits have either celestial symbolisms or flowers because I love having those little bits of meanings to represent them and I love them too so I like to include it. 💞💞

Thank you for such a cute ask Gray 🫂💚💞

[mauricetheblurst]

Hey! I adore your art, especially the “stupid sexy knight” series. What are your thoughts on getting a piece of yours tattooed? I’ve been obsessed with the purple pole-dancing knight for a long time, and I need everyone to look at me and immediately know my special interests are women and melee combat.

You have no idea how happy it makes me that people enjoy my knights and would want them etched in their skin. This is possibly the best compliment I could get and you have my blessing a 100 times over.

How-ever. If you're talking about the one from the group of three crashing the feast, I feel like I have to be transparent: this was one of the first ones I carved and the design is mostly traced from an AI generated image (corrected and carved by hand, but still). I was trying to figure out how to draw them and it proved a useful tool at the time, which I've stopped using because I came to the conclusion generative AI is messed up, and it did actually help me get a better grasp of anatomy by learning to correct its errors and move on to drawing from reference pictures. I feel like that's important to mention, especially if you're planning on making a tattoo out of it. If you think that's fine with you, please, be my guest. Even if those early designs were made with questionable tools, they're still dear to my heart, because they started this whole madness.

As for your love of armored women and melee combat, I can only concur and praise your taste.

Much love and thanks again. Do ping me if you ever get around to it ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[vilandel]

Silver Cats & Black Roses

Chapter 4 – Talks, Hot Chocolate & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A/N I quickly post the fourth chapter before I go to work. The title is clearly one of my favorites 💜💙

Ao3 link

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“Vice-captain Agatha isn’t here today, it’s her day off. But captain Nozel is here. If it’s urgent, you can give it to him immediately, he is in his office.”

“This rapport is pretty urgent, so I’ll go immediately, thank you, cutie pie.”

Vanessa gave Nils Ragus a cheeky smirk, which made that poor young knight blush in confusion.

Giggling, Vanessa left with a small wave, before she went to the captain’s office. She knew where it was, after all. The first time she went here, she had been confused by how different this building was with the Black Bulls hideout. So clear and silvery white, so orderly and tidy, so stern and of course, royal. And most importantly, the rooms never changed places on a daily basis. Which actually helped Vanessa to find her ways after some visits. So of course she knew now were the Nozels office was. Vanessa couldn’t help but have a little dancing step.

Finally, she would see Nozel again. Three days, three days since Finrals wedding, three days since she last saw him, three days without hearing his voice. All because Yami was now practically clinging on the Black Bulls communication device for some reason and he wouldn’t let her take it.

“Ya were already clinging on it for those past three months, so don’t complain.“

Okay, which was fair, Vanessa would admit that. But she at least let other people have it when they needed to make some calls. She would take it back immediately after, granted, but she still let other people use it. Yami never let anyonehave it. The worst part, he never called anyone himself, just looking at the device like it was hiding it’s knowledge from him or something.

But when he got a call, mostly from the Magic Knights Headquarters or sometimes from other captains, he looked somehow pissed. Sometimes Yami also got blank calls. Okay, being pissed off about those was pretty normal, but the other calls? And if he was pissed to get calls at all, why would he cling on the Black Bulls communication device in the first place?

Not to mention that Vanessa really missed Nozel, more than she would have thought. Did he missed her too? Or was he relieved that the Black Bull witch didn’t bother him anymore? That thought bothered her, though. She liked talking to him, to tease him and trying to find more about the real Nozel behind the mask. Vanessa really hoped that he missed her at least a bit.

So, of course Vanessa jumped on the occasion to bring something at the Silver Eagles headquarters. Even better, the vice-captain wasn’t here today, so the chance to finally see Nozel again were even higher. Not that Vanessa didn’t like the vice-captain of the Silver Eagles. On the contrary, Agatha Austen was surely one of the nicest nobles she ever met. A little aloof maybe and very serious too, no wonder considering that Nozel Silva was her captain, but she never acted arrogantly with Vanessa despite her squad or her status as a witch. On the contrary, Agatha always had a smile for her and even talked a bit when she had some time to spent.

But it wasn’t Agatha Austen Vanessa wanted to see, it was Nozel Silva.

In front of the door of the captain’s office, Vanessa still took some time to take a deep breath. Her curiosity about Nozel was something entirely new, still not quite clear and sometimes she almost found it a teensy bit scary. But only almost. After all she was a Black Bull, proud and daring, she refused to be afraid of the unknown.

Vanessa knocked on the door. No answer. She knocked louder. Still no answer?

Did Nozel left already? She hoped not and Nils did say that it was still here. Besides, thanks to their many calls of those last three months, Vanessa knew by now that Nozel stood at work until very late, sometimes even a whole night. Did he even get proper sleep sometimes? She couldn’t help but be concerned about him.

Like so often since the talk in Spade.

Maybe he just didn’t heard her knocking? Given how Nozel could sometimes lost himself into work, Vanessa wouldn’t be surprised if he haven’t noticed the knocks.

Swiftly she open the door, only the find the object of her curiosity sitting at his office table, looking at his communication device. Before Vanessa could even have a thought about it, the device glow up, signalising a call.

“Who’s disturbing me while I’m taking a shit? Unless it’s you, Prickly Queen. Will you finally stop blank calling me and-“

Nozel cut the communication, put his device away and groaned in frustration while taking his head between his hands. Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle. This was such a rare sight to witness.

Her giggle made Nozel look up and he almost flinched in his shock when he recognized her.

“Did you hoped it was me?”

Nozel blushed slightly, filling Vanessa even more with glee. He didn’t went with a beet red blush like Noelle, but getting red that easily must definitely lie in the family.

“What… what… What are you doing here?”

“Officially, I’m just bringing this report here and since your vice-captain is on her day-off, I’m lucky to finally see you again.”

It was probably a bit too bold to say that, especially that she didn’t meant it completely as teasing, but Nozel didn’t need to know that. Probably.

Nozel took the report she was handling to him, reading it. Like, really reading. Not just a quick glance. No, he read the report thoroughly.

Was it normal for captains to actually do that? Vanessa couldn’t remember Yami ever doing this. Not even when he was on the toilet. Yami usually let the captains paperwork laying around and after a while, Finral was the one ending up with it, with sometimes the help of Gordon, because Gordon was nice.

But the Black Bulls were a particular knight squad. So, it was probably normal for other squad captains to read the reports.

Although… Given how often Nozel was working late, maybe he was the complete opposite of Yami and he worked too much? It wouldn’t surprise Vanessa.

“This one came just in time. Thank you.”

“Did you actually say thank you? Who would have thought.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Nothing, nothing at all!”

Vanessa waved innocently with her hands, but Nozel was glaring at her, as if he knew she was at least not telling the whole truth. This glare was really intense and still so calm, it was really fascinating.

Vanessa just sighed, “Okay, I admit, I never thought you were the type to say thank you, but I never really knew you before, so of course my impression was wrong. And Yami always said you would never be thankful, but he also always said that he never loses at gambling, so I should have known better than listen to him, I’m sorry and-“

“It’s alright. There is no need to apologize. I understand that you would have that impression of me.”

It was just subtle, but his voice sounded so soft for a moment. Was he hurt by her words? Or was he actually just saying a simple fact, nothing else? Hopefully, it was the latter, Vanessa really had no intention to hurt his feelings or something.

She wanted to say something before it really became awkward between them, but Nozel beat her to it. “What is the unofficial reason you’re here.”

“Oh, simple. I missed you and I wanted to see you.”

Okay, that was pretty bold, even for her. But it was the truth. Besides, he was slightly blushing again and she wanted to enjoy that sight as much as she could.

“Sorry that I didn’t called for three days. I wanted to, but Yami got a grip on our squad’s communication device and even though he didn’t initiated any calls himself and always got upset with every call he got, he refused to give it away. It’s not that I didn’t want to talk to you anymore.”

“It’s fine. I don’t hold any grudges against you. It’s that… that I got used to you calls. So… I’ll admit that I was somehow worried.”

“Aw, that was so elegantly said. Thank you for your worries. And for trying to call me as well, you didn’t need to.”

“But it wouldn’t be polite of me to let only you initiate the calls.”

“That’s nice of you, but don’t be so stiff. I bet you only fell on Yami these past three days. Well, I just told you that he refused to let go of the device, so…”

“Yes. I’ve been… trying to reach you. But Yami was the only one that answered and given his attitude, it didn’t seemed important to me to actually talk to him.”

“Oh, so you’re the one who gave him those blank calls lately,” Vanessa laughed.

To be fair, there were many others things she wanted to tease him about. That he wanted to be polite with her, but not with Yami, apparently. That he missed her calling him and actually did try to reach out for her. That he not really used his usual cold mask while talking to her in this very moment.

Oh, and there was the fact that Yami apparently thought that it was captain Charlotte who blank called him, but this was more Yami teasing and not Nozel teasing. Big difference.

“Doesn’t Yami has his own communication device?” Nozel asked, while signing the rapport.

Vanessa almost squeaked in glee. Nozel initiating some small talk? That was new and made her so happy. She had no idea what she did specifically to make him open up a bit more to her, but that wasn’t important right now.

“No, he doesn’t. We only have one device for the whole squad. They’re pretty expensive, so I don’t have one of my own. Isn’t that case for other squads?”

“No. The captain should always have one on his own and depending on the squad’s size, one to three devices.”

“Hm, that makes sense, actually.”

“Why doesn’t Yami have his own device?”

“No idea. Maybe he never had one, he probably thought that it wasn’t necessary for the Black Bulls or that it would be a future problem, so no big deal. Or maybe he had one, but he lost it while gambling. That is actually more probable, knowing Yami. He often also puts his own grimoire on the gamble table.”

Nozel just looked blankly at her, clearly hardly believing what he was hearing. Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle again.

“How does he think he serve this kingdom and it’s people if he can’t even use his grimoire anymore?”

“Don’t worry, he always managed to get it back… somehow. I don’t think I wanna know.”

“He still shouldn’t put his grimoire on the gamble table.”

“That’s true. But we Black Bulls are actually used to it. Well, Noelle and Finral obviously still complains a lot about that habit of his. Vice-captain Nacht as well, when he’s present at least. I guess someone has to, otherwise it could really end badly for Yami.”

Nozel just nodded, before focusing back on paperwork. Vanessa hold back a moan of disappointment. Was that it?

She knew that he took his work and job very seriously. Too seriously even, at least by her books. Maybe even by anyone else’s books. Vanessa feared that it was maybe becoming unhealthy. She was really worried about Nozel, ever since their talk in Spade, maybe more than what she probably should be. But if she should be or not wasn’t important in her eyes, she still was and in her books, that mattered more.

Besides, she wanted to talk more with him, to finally learn more about him and most importantly, to see him without his cold mask. Her mysterious curiosity about Nozel grow more and more with each word exchanged.

“So, what are you plans for tonight, handsome?”

“I don’t have plans, I need to work.”

“Seriously, again? Come on, you can’t spend your whole evenings at work. Don’t you have some free time?”

“I could, but I can’t allow myself to, even if I wanted. The Silver Eagles is a big squad, complicated and a royal one at that, it is my responsibility. Not to mention that some nobles loves to use my squad as a trash bin.”

“Trash bin?” Vanessa asked, stunned. She had no idea what Nozel meant with that. Another thing about him she wanted to find out… She had quite the list at this point.

“Well, whatever, captain Nozel, I might be not the best expert about work, but I know at least that without at least a bit of free time, there are high chances to get overworked and I really believe that this is exactly what is happening to you right now. I’m worried that it’s starting to get unhealthy for you.”

Nozel looked up at her, genuinely surprised. Was he surprised that too much work could be unhealthy? Or that she admitted to be worried about him? Vanessa wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to admit that, but on the other hand, Nozel was very able to not understand a point if it wasn’t said directly.

“Besides, it’s true that I missed talking to you and don’t you think that I’m going to slip this occasion through my fingers. Also, for your information, no one can say no to a witch and live to tell the tale. I know a nice little café in the capital, I love the hot chocolate they serve… and their cakes are really exquisite, they can actually hold a candle to Charmys cooking.”

That cake argument was quite spontaneous, but Vanessa remembered that it always worked on a sweet tooth like Noelle and Nozel was her brother, so maybe it might work on him too…

Indeed, Nozels eyes had a twitch, just like Noelle when Vanessa try to lure her with anything sweet. Maybe being a sweet tooth was a family thing. Although, Nozel might be more difficult to convince than Noelle.

“My vice-captain isn’t here today.”

Okay, that was a good argument, Vanessa would admit. But…

“It’s almost six o’clock and if Finral hasn’t told me something wrong, it’s about the time night shifts usually starts, right?”

“That is correct, but…”

“Which also means that there are people here for the night to look that everything is alright. Isn’t that what night shifts are usually? Well, it is for the Black Bulls and I bet that this is one of those things we have in common with the other squads. And if you fear gossip, the café I know isn’t big on that, it’s a calm place.”

Vanessa almost said that he shouldn’t care about gossip in the first place, but she held back. Something told her that this wasn’t something to say bluntly to Nozel Silva of all people.

Nozel really looked almost convinced, but his eyes never left the orderly placed paperwork on his office table. Vanessa almost rolled her eyes. Did he actually loved to do paperwork? Who would even love doing that? Finral himself was only doing the Black Bulls paperwork because no one else would.

“If there’s nothing really, REALLY urgent, you can leave the rest for tomorrow. It doesn’t matter if you read them now or tomorrow. Have a good time for once, I’m sure that Noelle would freak out if she ever learns how much time you work. Come on, would it kill you to relax a bit once in a while?”

She was bold, very bold. Much more than she would have thought, even for her standards. But she wouldn’t let go, she wanted to have more time to getting to know him and even more, she wanted him to let go a bit of whatever burden he had. She knew that he had one, but not what it was exactly.

Nozel sighed and with that sound alone, Vanessa knew that she had won.

“Alright, I’m coming then. Also, let me invite you. Just… give me a moment.”

“As long as you’re coming, take all the time you need. And thanks for inviting me.”

Smiling, Vanessa watched how Nozel put some documents in straight piles, rearranged some quills already perfectly placed and reopen a drawer just to close it. It kinda reminded her how Noelle would react when she had been convinced to do something and was embarrassed about it.

Noelle and Nozel were actually much more alike than at first sight.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Nozels subtle blush suddenly disappeared and his face was covered again by his usual cold, serious mask. Vanessa was actually amazed how quickly he could put it back.

“Come in.”

A redhaired Silver Eagle knight entered, probably even younger than Asta and Noelle.

The young girl was a bit taken aback to see Vanessa in the captains office. Giving her a polite nod, the young Silver Eagle turned towards her captain, unsure.

“Miss Enoteca brought the missing report about the thieving incidents in the Common Realm, Grenadine. It is pretty normal for squads to exchange reports about current affairs, in order to enlarge teamwork between squads and serve the kingdom more efficiently. You’ll learn the details soon enough.“

Oh, so this was a Silver Eagle rookie. Vanessa smiled at the young girl, who gave a shy smile back. Grenadine couldn’t be indeed older than fifteen and maybe she was quite nervous, given the nervous look in her bright turquoise eyes.

“Is there something I need to know?”

“Oh, yes captain,” Grenadine said, giving Nozel a sealed envelope. “This is from Lucinda Sandler, she’s asking for a leave of absence because she’s… pregnant… again?”

Vanessa frowned at Grenadines hesitation. It sounded like she didn’t believe that Lucinda person to really be pregnant. And given Nozels own frown, he didn’t believe it either.

“How peculiar. If I remember correctly, she gave birth like three weeks ago and she is still in a leave of absence due to the pregnancy and birth.”

“I know, captain. Curtis said that we aren’t allowed to not grant that, but… well… she’s not really pregnant, so…”

“You learn fast. No, we won’t grant her that leave of absence. She didn’t give us a believable reason for that. Besides, Lucinda Sandler is taking non-stop leaves of absence for more than two years, there needs to be a limit.”

Vanessa just looked away, pretending to not hear anything. It wasn’t one of her squad’s affairs, after all. But having a knight like that Lucinda sounded problematic.

Nozel was still in full captain mode, asking Grenadine, “Anything new about Linus Gem?”

“Not since he came to get his salary last week ago, sadly.”

“How can someone like him even call himself a magic knight if he never comes to work as such in the first place?”

Nozel sounded so done by this knight and Vanessa fought the urge to go to him to put a hand on his shoulder. She didn’t know Lucinda and Linus, but it was fair to assume that they were somehow difficult to deal with.

Was it normal for Nozel? Did he deal with problems like that every day?

“I’ll deal with those matters tomorrow. I’ll… take some time to… rest, this evening.”

Grenadine looked at Nozel as he got a second head. Goodness, even a junior knight who wasn’t there for long wasn’t used for her captain to actually take time to relax?

“Who is taking the night shifts tonight?”

“Curtis Warren, Alysanne Dragonstone and granny Julia, captain.”

Vanessa couldn’t help but let out a snort, making the two Silver Eagles looking at her, Grenadine with confusion, Nozel with annoyance.

Nozel actually sighed, before focusing back on his knight. “Her full name is Julia Ambrosia and you should talk about her accordingly. I know she allowed everyone to call her granny, but this is still not proper.”

“Right. Sorry, captain.”

“Good. Now, take your evening, you had long day.”

“Huh? Um… I will, captain, thank you.”

Grenadine just looked between Nozel and Vanessa, confusion plain on her face. It was really adorable.

Nozel finally got up from his desk and walked towards the door. But just as Vanessa was about to follow him, he turned back again and said, “By the way, Grenadine, I got news from yesterday’s mission. The Wizard King granted you a star for your success. Congratulations.”

“Really, I did? Thanks, captain.”

“Good evening, Grenadine. I see you tomorrow.”

“Good evening, captain. Oh, you too, miss Enoteca.”

“Right back at you, sweetie. And you can call me Vanessa.”

Grenadine just nodded in confusion, before leaving the office quickly.

Vanessa followed Nozel in the corridor and couldn’t help but smirk while he closed his office door.

He locked it three times and even put an extra seal on mana signature on it. Wasn’t that kinda paranoid? It was totally tease worthy, maybe she would use it once in a while.

“Can we go?”

“Anytime you want, handsome.”

They walked in complete silence through the streets of the capital. Dusk already started, bathing anything with read and golden lights. It was a nice evening, the streets weren’t full, there were even some birds singing on the roofs or on the rare trees on the streets.

A comfortable silence settled between them. Well, comfortable for Vanessa, at least. Nozel still seemed pretty stiff.

To be fair, he looked stiff and serious most of the time. But most of the time, he was at work and it wasn’t the case right now. Vanessa almost felt bad to practically pushed him to come to this café with her. Although, maybe a push out of his comfort zone was exactly what Nozel needed.

Still, the silence was probably not as comfortable for him as it was for her. So, Vanessa decided to talk.

“That young knight, Grenadine, is she new?”

“Yes. I don’t know if you heard about it, but the Wizard King made a special entrance exam within the month following Spade. We usually only have one a year, but after everything that happened with the Eye of the Midnight Sun and especially Spade, this year we’ll have two, to try to recruit more knights. Grenadine was one of them.”

“She seems nice. And also very focused to do things right.”

“It’s probably because she feels she has to prove something. Especially to her house. Grenadine is… a bastard from a noble house.”

His tone didn’t had any disgust, he was just stating a fact. And given the conversation Vanessa witnessed between him and Grenadine in his office, Nozel seemed somehow content with his new recruit.

But this would also mean…

“I thought you couldn’t enter the Silver Eagles if you weren’t a noble or a royal. Um, no offence, captain.”

“None taken. It is true to some degrees. But… I had some lessons to learn myself since two years. Besides, Grenadine is very capable and has a way with her magic affinity no one of her father’s house had. House Évantail is specialized mostly in fan magic, but the members are rather lazy despite their big amount of magic. I took Grenadine in because she has intelligent use for her magic and she takes her job seriously. One of her older half-brothers is also one of my knights, but Samuel Évantail is like the rest of his family. More talk and arrogance, less action and care for others. Compared to his bastard sister, he’s only a knight by title.”

That was a lot talk coming from him and Vanessa suspected that Nozel needed to put words on his concern about his squad. As well as his frustrated resignation about knights who didn’t do their job. The way he talked about that Samuel Évantail was just like how he talked about Lucinda Sandler and Linus Gem before.

Nozel was the captain of a royal squad and Noelle told her that he even had the reputation to be a perfect royal. So, why wasn’t he as much respected in reality? Their talk in Spade, their dance at Finrals wedding, this talk just now, all the times she called him with the device…

With Noelle, Vanessa already knew that even some royals weren’t as respected as one would think. But Noelle was somehow a royal black sheep. That wasn’t Nozels case and still, three of his knights, maybe more, weren’t doing their job and maybe also ignored his order. At least, it wouldn’t surprise Vanessa if it was the case.

Royalty was maybe far more complex than what she imagined at first. A lot of dark spots behind a golden curtain.

Vanessa didn’t know is she wanted to know more about that world, it seemed so complicated. But it was Nozels world as well and he was someone she wanted to know more about. Complex world and all.

“It’s very nice of you to give Grenadine a chance.”

“I…? Thank you. I got a lot of critics from nobles for taking a bastard daughter in. But I hope I did the right thing. I… Lately I took some decisions I wouldn’t dare to do before.”

“In my books, you did the right thing. It is your squad, after all, no one else should decide how you must lead it.”

Nozel just looked at her, surprised and maybe also sad. Why?

The he nodded, rather solemnly, but Vanessa liked to think it was one of his ways to say thank you.

They were now just at the street with the café Vanessa talked about. She even already saw it. But just as she was about to enter, Nozel stopped next to her. He looked frozen somehow.

“What’s wrong, handsome.”

“This café… It was my mother’s favourite.”

Shit… Vanessa had no idea, of course she didn’t. But now, she felt bad to even brought him here, since it gave him certainly some unpleasant memories.

“I’m sorry, I-“

“Of course you couldn’t know. Don’t take my reaction wrong, I’m not upset. It’s just, I haven’t been here for years.”

Nozel closed his eyes and sighed: “Maybe I shouldn’t flee from my memories anymore.”

Vanessa had the feeling that this last sentence was more said to himself than to her. But it made something to her, she felt it.

Like the same kinship she felt towards him in Spade…

Nozel moved forward and opened the door for her.

“My, aren’t you a gentleman, thank you.”

Nozel just nodded, blushing a bit as Vanessa gave him a cheery smile. It was fascinating how handsome he was while blushing. Well, he was already handsome must of the time, but when the mask gone, showing more of his vulnerable side, it made him more beautiful than he already was. At least, for Vanessa.

Nozel guided her to a table in a nice corner, right by a window with perfect view on the street. That table was a bit apart from the others, it wasn’t usually the one Vanessa would choose.

But if she had to guess, maybe that was the table Acier Silva always sit at when she was here. So, Nozel must have some fond memories about it and who was Vanessa to not let him have those?

They ordered two hot chocolates, plus a slice of black forest cake for Vanessa and a lemon cake for Nozel.

A comfortable silence settled between them. Nozel seemed lost in thoughts, probably having memories of his mother and Vanessa wouldn’t disturb him with those. If there was something she learned about Nozel, it was that he deeply loved his mother and that it was still missing her a lot.

She wondered if he had been able to properly grieve. I question she asked herself a lot since their talk in Spade.

After a while, Vanessa took all of her courage together and asked, “Your mother… Did she came here often?”

“Not as often as she would have loved to. Her duties as Head of house Silva and as captain of the Silver Eagles didn’t gave her as much as free time as she would love to and when she had, she preferred to spend time with my siblings and me. But she always loved this café.”

Nozel looked swiftly around, before say in a sigh, “I didn’t changed much since was here with her.”

Vanessa just hummed, taking a sip from her hot chocolate. There were so many things she wanted to ask, about his mother, about his sentence of fleeing memories, if he ever had been able to grieve…

But at the same time, she didn’t wanted to push him, despite her growing curiosity. Nozel was so much like a bird. If she pushed too much, he might fly away and then it would be more difficult to reach him.

“It’s sad that you lost your mother so young,” she said instead. “Especially since you had such a good bond with her. Isn’t it kinda rare within nobility and royalty?”

“It is. I know it’s not the norm, but I’m glad she didn’t follow it concerning my siblings and me.”

“I wish I had such a good relationship with my mother.”

Those words came out before Vanessa could even think about them. She froze slightly. It had been a while since she thought about the Witch Queen and everything involving her majesty.

The cage…

She knew that she was over it, that this was finally behind her. She could come back to the Witches Forest if she wanted to, her terms with the Queen of Witches were distant but still friendly and she had her family with the Black Bulls. And still, the memory made her flinch. That wasn’t normal, right?

“Your mother… the Queen of Witches?”

“Yes, well… She calls every witch her daughter, so I have no idea if I’m really her biological daughter or not. My relationship with her… is rather distant, for personal reasons. There was a time when I had wished it would be different, but… it can’t be. And today, I don’t want it anymore. We’re on friendly terms, at least. But I can’t consider her my mother.”

She felt unsure to talk about it, especially about the cage and to someone she just started getting to know more. Heck, even her own squadmates didn’t learn about her past from her.

Nozel just looked at her, with sorry eyes. Was it compassion? It would be so foreign coming from him. But it did looked so much like compassion. And didn’t Vanessa already started to suspect more hidden and deep feelings behind his cold mask?

“I’m sorry.”

Just those two words and his hand softly put on hers. He didn’t show many emotions right now, but the mask was still gone. Compassion in his eyes.

Vanessa decided that Nozel never been as handsome than in this very moment.

She couldn’t help but smile. “Handsome, this isn’t even your fault.”

There was a small blush again on his cheeks, making Vanessa giggle.

She had no idea what they were exactly, if they were friends or not quite. But she had to admit that she definitely started to like him. Maybe already in Spade? Vanessa had no idea. She just knew that she wanted to know him better and hopefully, Nozel would accept her.

“I wanted to ask, Noelle had a very beautiful dress for Finrals wedding. Was it new? I can’t remember her ever wearing it,” Vanessa asked after a while of comfortable silence. Not that she really were curious, but as handsome as Nozel was, she couldn’t learn new things about him by just looking at his beautiful face.

“Yes, it was. Actually, our Vermillion aunt offered her and Nebra new ball gowns for the wedding.”

“Your Vermillion aunt? As in the mother of Mimosa?”

“Yes, Océane Vermillion. Our mother’s younger sister. She was married into house Vermillion a long time ago.”

“It was nice of her to give her nieces new dresses for the occasion. Do you know where I can get one like that?”

“Those are dresses from Soie Velours, the most renown modiste in the kingdom. In fact, her shop and ateliers are just on the other side of this street.”

Really? Vanessa immediately looked out of the window.

She actually saw that shop already lots of times when she came to this café, but without knowing what it was exactly. Once in a while, she even stopped to admire the dresses presented at the store window. But of course, she had no idea that this shop was such a big deal.

Right now, she saw three women, probably noble ladies, one older and two younger, entering the shop. Today, one light blue dress with garlands of flowers with different shades of pink and lemon yellow gown were presented in the window.

“I have to admit, those dresses are quite beautiful. But they must be expensive as well.”

“Indeed. I’m not that much interested in fashion, but I know that most of nobility and royalty are clients mostly, as well as the richest of the gentry.”

“Well, not for me then. That’s sucks, I probably would have been better dressed with a gown like that for the wedding.”

“But you were nicely dressed.”

“Oh, thank you. It’s my best one, but it’s just second-hand.”

“It doesn’t matter. I think you looked better than the present noble ladies.”

Vanessa just stared at him. Did… did Nozel just complimented her?

The captain of the Silver Eagles just stared back at her for a few seconds, before the meaning of his words probably hit him. He immediately looked away and drank his hot chocolate awkwardly, blushing again, maybe afraid of his own boldness.

Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle again. Not only was he handsome, but also cute. Taking another sip from her hot chocolate, she promised herself to make Nozel open up to her more.

♣♣♣

“So, what do you need to calm your worries down while open your heart, captain Charlotte? Love Angel Puli’s very special grilled cheese sandwiches! Enjoy~”

Charlotte frowned. She always thought that people rather eat sweet things, like cakes or ice cream when they needed comfort while worried. But this was Puli and her grilled cheese sandwiches were really exquisite. Everyone in the Blue Rose squad loved those.

So, maybe Pulis grilled cheese sandwiches were a good alternative to sweets, cakes and ice cream.

“I’ve also made some tea. Rose tea with milk and no sugar, just as you like it, captain Charlotte.”

“Oh, this is very nice, Gordon, thank you.”

Charlotte smiled at her Black Bull visitor, who smiled back. In his own creepy way, of course, but Charlotte knew that Gordon never meant to be creepy, so she wasn’t taken aback by his smiles anymore.

A plate of grilled cheese sandwiches, a cup with delicious rose tea and herself, sitting in the kitchen of the Blue Roses headquarters with Puli Angel, one of her knights, and Gordon Agrippa, a Black Bull and by that, one of the knights of the man she was hopelessly in love with for over ten years.

What a situation.

But she couldn’t avoid it. Not anymore. Charlotte needed help with her love life.

Ever since the royal wedding more than three days ago, when she had that talk with Yami and even more that intense stare into each other’s eyes, she felt so overwhelmed by her emotions. Well, not that she never felt overwhelmed when Yami was involved. But during those three days, this overwhelming feeling had been more intense than in the last ten years.

It was obvious, so obvious actually. Charlotte knew that she couldn’t live like this anymore. Ever hiding her love for Yami, putting a strong and cold armour to not show how much she loved him, while longing for him and at the same time, fear his reaction.

She went like that for ten long years and it just haven’t brought her anywhere with her feelings. Her love confession in Spade was one of the biggest step she took considering her love for Yami, it was impossible to go back to how it was.

Which didn’t she find it difficult. Somehow, fighting devils and the Dark Triad was more easy to deal with for Charlotte than fixing everything with Yami.

This was why she decided to talk with Puli. Oh, all of her knights where more than helpful to help her with Yami. But Puli was so good to talk about fears and doubts, she mostly gave good advice – sometimes along with crazy suggestions, but still – and was a good listener.

It also helped that Gordon Agrippa and Finral Roulacase were now on board. Her love confession gave her two new helpers and like Puli said, having two Black Bulls on their team was a good thing. Not to mention that those two were very kind and helpful, even Sol came to like them the more they came to visit the Blue Roses.

Puli gave another plate of her sandwiches to Gordon and take one cup of rose tea, before both sat in front of her. Charlotte hoped that this won’t end up like an interrogation or something.

“Alright,” Puli said, already eating her first cheese sandwiches. “Finral couldn’t come of course, this lucky fella is on his honeymoon. But given that Gordon is here too, we can all guess what you want to tell us about, captain Charlotte.”

“Yes… Well, it’s… you know…”

“Captain Yami?” Gordon asked softly.

“Yes.”

“Of course it is, who would made you all stuttering like that, captain?”

“Pu-… Puli!”

“Oh, I apologize, but it’s true. So, take a deep breath, then tell auntie Puli and uncle Gordon what makes you desperate about Yami.”

Puli was her subordinate and Gordon was younger than her, she couldn’t call them auntie and uncle. But well, Charlotte also felt like a stupid teenage girl who needed adults to help her dealing with a huge crush, so she let it pass this time.

“Well… I feel this way since my love confession in Spade. It’s just… it’s frustrating? It definitely is frustrating. I just can’t continue like this anymore, staying in my current situation with Yami, like it was before the war!”

“No offense, captain Charlotte, but… duh.”

“Duh?”

“Of course you can’t continue like you did for a decade and even before Spade, if you ask me. You just dwell painfully in your still hidden feelings while the love of your life still has no idea that your heart belongs to him. It is time to move more forward.”

“But… how?”

“There are many ways to move forward and I don’t think you lack motivation. The problem is more your own emotional insecurity, captain Charlotte. But that would be easy to work out. The bigger problem is obviously captain Yami.”

Gordon nodded, “My captain is really oblivious, even though he can read Ki. I don’t think he would get it if you yelled I love you right into his ear. But he is a wonderful friend to all of us, don’t worry about it.”

“I don’t worry about how much he cares about you all, Gordon. But… if even something direct won’t be enough to make him realize how I feel about him, what should I do?”

Puli just flickered her hand. “Welp, we already know he’s on the stupid side and trust me, even the worst idiots of mankind are able to finally understand that another person is in love with them. One way or another. Maybe we should learn more about him and then, captain Charlotte, you can use it to reach your goal. Gordon, tell us everything you know about your captain.”

“Well… He must have some indigestions problems, given how much time he spent on the toilet.”

“Yeah… I don’t think that this kind knowledge would help us on that matter.”

“He loves gambling, to a point that he would bet his own grimoire away.”

“What?” Charlotte yelled, almost jumping from her seat. She already knew that Yami had some kind of addiction to takes the most risky and ridiculous bets and gambles. But risking to lose his own grimoire like that, really? Why did she fell in love with him again? And why did she still love him despite this disastrous habit?

Did she need to know the answer for this last question?

Puli shook her head. “If we wanted to blackmail him, that would have been some juicy knowledge to work with. But blackmailing is a big no-no to get two people together. We need something else. What does he like or what is he afraid of?”

“Is there something Yami could ever be afraid of?” Charlotte groaned.

“Oh, yes. He’s afraid of moths.”

“Moths?”

But Puli and Charlotte looked surprised at their Black Bull visitor.

“Yes, moths. I don’t think my friends knows it and captain Yami doesn’t know that I know. But I saw him many times freak out when there was a moth and when he thought to be alone. When he’s not alone, he would start leaving his spot and break a wall for distraction or something like that. I don’t think he wants anyone to know about that fear of his.”

Puli grinned, “Now that is some useful knowledge that could help.”

“Wait, Puli! I won’t use his fear to blackmail him!”

“Of course not, captain Charlotte. As I said, blackmailing is a taboo in romance. But imagine, you helping him with his fear, reassuring him and such. Even buff and stubborn men like captain Yami must appreciate to be taken care of, even by just one person. That is really something we can work on.”

Charlotte was about to reply, when her communication device lighten up. Hopefully it wasn’t an emergency or a spontaneous captains meeting, like Julius loved to do.

“Oh, take that call, captain Charlotte, maybe it’s captain Yami.”

“Or maybe it’s a friend who can help you with captain Yami.”

Charlotte doubted that it was one of those possibilities, but she still hoped it.

“Blue Roses base, captain Charlotte Roselei.”

“Hello, Charlotte, my dear niece.”

Oh no. Not aunt Rosamund. It was never good when she called. Especially when she used that sick sweet tone to talk, that could only mean Rosamund has something up her sleeves.

“Rosamund, I’m rather… busy at the moment, can’t this wait-“

“Oh, magic knights affairs are not as important as you think, trust me, I know that very well.”

How so, Rosamund never had been a magic knight.

“Listen well, there’s a golden occasion for you. I talked to lord Reginald Évantail just today and you know what? He IS interested to get married again! And when I mentioned that you were still on the market, he seemed really happy about that perspective! Charlotte, isn’t it fantastic? You would finally-“

Puli just let three fry pans fall at once, making a lot of noise.

“Oh dear, what was that, Charlotte?”

“An emergency in town, I really need to go. Thank you, Rosamund, we’ll talk about it later.”

And by later, Charlotte meant never ever.

Cutting the call, Charlotte leaned back in her chair, sighing in defeat, taking a bite from a grilled cheese sandwich. As if Yami wasn’t the only problem she got, there was still her family trying to get her finally married. And aunt Rosamund was the worst, what would she even got to have her niece married to a prestigious family while she had own children to wed off?

Ugh, how she hated nobility when it came to arranged marriages. Especially towards women.

“Thank you, Puli. I don’t think I could’ve taken to listen to my aunt any longer.”

“Always happy to help you, captain Charlotte. But tell me… Is your family also eager to have you wed off?”

“Sadly yes, and it’s getting worse after the war. That’s I avoid to go to any Roselei villa lately, my future wedding is always a subject and of course, they dismiss what I want.”

“Typical problem for any nobles, I know,” Puli said, frowning slightly. Despite being a noble herself, Puli was very open minded and always heavily complained about any kind of arranged marriages. “Goodness, this might also be a problem.”

“You mean… her family would never accept that captain Charlotte and captain Yami are in love together?” Gordon asked and Charlotte was touched as she saw him slightly cry, the biggest tears she ever saw. Oh, Gordon was such a sweetheart.

“Yes, but will deal with that more precisely when you and the captain of the Black Bulls are finally together,” Puli declared with a certainty Charlotte wished she had herself.

“But… How can I be sure that Yami might fall in love with me? And how can I make sure he realizes I love him? He must think that I hate him even more since Finrals wedding!”

“Wait, captain Charlotte… You two TALKED at Finrals wedding? Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because… I feel so unsure about it. We had a talk, yes, not friendly like usual. But at one point… We were this closeto each other, smelling each other’s scents, looking deeply into each other’s eyes… I have no idea what happened between us, but there was something. Like a spark, something I could feel into my entire body, but… it didn’t last long and I ran away immediately. I don’t know how he must have felt while being so close to me and even more when I ran away from him… again. He asked me if I got a new perfume. Which I hadn’t, how would he even knew that I wear perfume. I feel so stupid. It’s like before the war and-“

“Wait! I’m sorry to interrupt you, captain Charlotte, but captain Yami had been weird since the wedding,” Gordon interrupted her, looking all excited.

“Oh, really? How so?” Puli asked with the same excitement.

“For some reason, he takes our squads communication device everywhere with him, not letting anyone else have it. Which was upsetting Vanessa, she gave lots and lots of calls since we returned from Spade. Anyways, captain Yami never called anyone while he hold the device. But every time a call came, he looked excited and then upset, as if it wasn’t who he hoped.”

“Gordon… This is fantastic! Captain Charlotte, maybe your other half was waiting for YOU to call him! You should do it!”

“What? Right here? Right now?”

“Yes, of course. You have to strike while the iron is hot. Jump while you still can, it will be only more difficult later on.”

Charlotte wasn’t so sure. But she never had been sure so many times lately and Puli and Gordon were giving here such encouraging smiles and thumb ups she couldn’t say no.

Taking a deep breath to give herself some courage, Charlotte picked her communication device and called the Black Bulls hideout.

“Geez, who’s calling while I’m taking a shit? You’d better be Prickly Queen or else-“

“Yami? It is me.”

“Prickly Queen? Finally! ‘t was about time you answer instead of blank calling me again.”

“Blank call you?”

“Yes, you did. After your strange act at my wheels wedding, I was waiting for you to call and explain yourself, but you always let me blank. Geez, Prickly Queen, I thought you had a better education than that, even my brats don’t do blank calls… I think.”

“But… but… I never called you since the wedding! And I would never blank call anyone, who do you think I am?”

“Wait… you never called me since the wedding?”

“Of course not, you brute! Why did you even assume it was me! You know me better than that!”

“But if it wasn’t you, who was blank calling me then?”

“I don’t know. If you think it was a captain, the only who would such a thing would be Jack and if she’s awake, maybe Dorothy. Those two are the only ones who would do that. If they would.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. Beanpole loves getting on my nerves especially and who knows what goes through that dreamy mind of Sleepy Hat. Hard Nose, Braids, Goldie Guts, Glowing Hair and Purple Moustache Grandpa aren’t pranksters at all.”

“Me neither, you know.”

“Don’t know, you often acting weird around me, breaking my delicate little heart, y’know.”

“What… You… I… I’m not a prankster and you know it!”

“Geez, don’t get offended, I didn’t meant to insult you.”

“I can never be sure of that, you know.”

“Fair enough, I guess. So, will you explain yourself?”

“Why did you think I called you. But… I admit that it’s difficult to do it over the phone. You know what? Let’s have dinner tomorrow, it would be easier to at least try to talk things out.”

“Will you pay? You know that I’m broke.”

“Why, you… Okay, I’ll invite you this time, but I won’t make a habit out of it.”

“Geez, I’m not being that impolite. But okay, I come get you and you’ll pay, so were even.”

“At least, you’re trying to be polite. We’ll meet each other at six o’clock at the Blue Roses headquarters. And don’t you dare be late!”

“I’ll try to, but I can’t promise. My wheels is own his fucking honeymoon, so who knows how long it will take me.”

“I don’t if I should believe that, but okay. See you tomorrow, goodbye.”

“Bye, Prickly Queen.”

Charlotte cut the communication, letting go on that breath she was somehow holding during the entire call. Yami couldn’t read Ki over the device, so he didn’t noticed how nervous she felt.

Puli and Gordon just smiled at her, Gordon was even clapping. Charlotte would admit that it was an accomplishment. At least, it was better than during those last three months after Spade. Charlotte leaned back, finishing her grilled cheese sandwich. It was actually relieving to finally do a step forward with Yami.

But as Charlotte took a sip from her rose tea, it hit her.

Did she just got a date with Yami?