#i still plan on having this space for a while yet and i've already reserved the URL so...

[son-of-avraham]

Everyone, pray for me that the guys at my shul don't go through with throwing a party (complete with pagan rituals!) after I convert because I'm Afraid of celebrations. If g-d loves me, He wouldn't torment me so..........

[thehypnone]

Sundown: Chapter 14

WC: 2,7K

Relationship: SwissAlps

Tags: AU; Cowboy!Swiss x Barmaid!Mountain, Transfeminine Mountain, Fluff, Wedding!!!

Swiss’ hands shake as he slides the ring down Mounty’s finger, but it’s okay; so do hers. They giggle quietly at each other when it takes a small eternity for Swiss’ ring to end up on his finger, but soon enough it’s done.

Playlist here. / Chapter 1 here or on AO3.

Read chapter 14 under the cut or on AO3.

When Mounty’s leg is healed and Swiss’ stitches are out—a few weeks after the scariest day of them all—the real countdown begins; it’s all pure chaos and days blurring together.

One day, though, Swiss and Mounty wake up in the morning tangled together and realize it’s the day.

They kiss about it and giggle into each other’s mouths, so happy and yet still unable to fully grasp what really is going to happen in a few hours.

After a little while Mounty goes down to the bar to prepare some light breakfast and Swiss packs his stuff, planning on going to Rain, Dewdrop, and Phantom’s place later to get ready there, leaving their space for Mounty.

He can’t find his bolo tie, though—of course—so he jumps down the stairs and calls out to his girl, “Momo, have you seen my…”

Swiss doesn’t finish his question, getting distracted by the presence of the tallest man he’s ever seen in his entire life. He’s just there, standing by the bar and talking with Mounty. They both turn, hearing Swiss’ voice.

“Good morning,” he says with reservation, even though Mounty is completely at ease; obviously comfortable with the man.

“Good morning,” the stranger replies, “I'm Earth, Mountain’s father.”

Swiss’ jaw drops.

“Oh, you–her…her father, I–uhm, good–good morning…sir,” he stammers out.

“You said that already,” Earth chuckles and Mounty hides her smile with a hand. “Indeed it is.”

Swiss now understands where his girl got her height and sense of humor from. He completely forgot Mounty had talked about him and mentioned inviting him to their wedding.

He jumps off the last step he’s been lingering on and makes his way to the bar, albeit keeping a safe distance from the huge man.

“I think you scared him, dad,” Mounty gets on her tiptoes to whisper into her father’s ear over the counter, but it’s still loud enough so Swiss can hear it.

“No, no, hah, I–” The cowboy blushes. “Nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure is all mine,” Earth nods with a gentle—but still a bit scary—smile and turns a chair for Swiss to sit on. He obliges, of course. And buttons up his shirt. “I've heard you saved my so–daughter's life.”

Mounty doesn’t seem bothered by the tiny slip up, so Swiss ignores it. He can see Earth is supportive and loving, and that it was an honest mistake, probably an effect of all the years he did indeed see Mounty as his son. Swiss learned that little errors like this don’t matter when someone really cares for the other person.

 “Me? I–I guess you could say so…sir, but–”

The cowboy yelps in surprise when Earth suddenly throws his arms around him and hugs him tightly. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Mounty holding herself back from bursting out laughing.

“Thank you.” Her dad finally pulls away. “Mountain didn’t tell me much, but I’m grateful you were here to protect her when I couldn’t.”

Swiss looks down on his feet, a wave of guilt washing over him; Mounty wouldn’t be in danger in the first place if it weren’t for him, after all, but the next thing Earth says snaps him out of it and fills him with something that almost feels like pride.

“I can see in both your eyes how much you love each other. I have no doubt you will make her happy, son.”

If Swiss tears up a little, nobody mentions it. He swallows through the lump in his throat and nods with a smile, finally looking Earth in the eye properly. “Thank you.”

Mounty decides it’s time for a distraction, so she brings out food for the three of them.

“So…have you seen my tie?” Swiss asks again as he takes the plates from her and Mounty smirks, taking it out from under the counter. The cowboy furrows his brows, confused as to what it’s doing there but then he remembers last week—when he was trying his suit on—and blushes bright red. He silently begs any god that will listen that his soon-to-be father in law doesn’t connect the dots. “Thanks, sweetheart…”

After the incredibly awkward breakfast, Mounty’s dad decides to go for a walk to kill some time before the wedding and Aurora comes knocking on Mounty’s door with two boxes of beauty products under her arms just when Swiss is about to leave. He helps her with the cargo and then gets shooed out of the saloon and waved goodbye by the two giggling women.

He doesn’t go straight to his groomsmen’s house, though, as planned. He goes to the stables, to Monty, first.

The mare is happy to see him—as always—and Swiss thinks she can sense his happiness and excitement as she seems to mirror it. He leans against her and talks to her quietly; an old habit they have been cultivating since Monty was a foal.

“What are you doing in here?” Swiss gets interrupted at some point, hearing Dewdrop behind him. “Not planning on leaving Mounty at the altar, are you?”

“Oh, I ain’t going anywhere, don’t ya worry,” he chuckles. “Just thinking. Trying to…comprehend it all.”

Dewdrop nods, understanding.

“And talking to this ol’ chick. She’s the one who’s been with me through it all.”

The other man hums in acknowledgement and gives Monty a pat.

“This reminds me of something from a few months ago,” he says after a moment of silence. He’s right, Swiss doesn’t miss the parallel. “Look how far you’ve come.”

“I wouldn’t be here if not for you, you know that?” Swiss finally looks at Dewdrop. His eyes are glassy, but there’s a smile on his face and the other can see genuine gratitude in his expression. “I would be long gone if you hadn’t stopped me that day and I would be convinced I was doing you all a favor. Especially Mounty.” 

“I hope you can see now how wrong you were.”

“I do. And I ain't ever again gonna even think about leaving her.”

“Atta boy.” Dewdrop mirrors his smile and claps a hand over his shoulder. “Now come on, let’s make you presentable for your girl.”

Swiss laughs, pats his mare’s neck and lets Dewdrop lead him to his house.

In the meantime, the girls are having the time of their life in the saloon. By the time Cumulus arrives with Mounty’s wedding dress two hours later, Aurora has already done her makeup and hair.

Weeks ago, when the tailoress had asked Mounty what she wanted from her wedding dress, she only said two words.

“Just…me.”

The tailoress didn't have much time so they decided to make it rather simple, but special and very Mounty nonetheless. Now when she is putting it on, Mounty realizes she could not have dreamed up a better dress for her wedding than what Cumulus came up with.

Also because of how little time there was, Mounty told her bridesmaids to just wear something green instead of dooming Cumulus to sleepless nights spent working on matching dresses for them all. Swiss said the same to his groomsmen and for himself decided to get Cumulus to tailor a suit that's been waiting in her workshop rather than to make something entirely new. It's not about clothes, after all, especially not for Swiss. All he wants is his girl to be happy and he never doubted Cumulus’ ability to make Mounty the happiest bride with her work.

“How are you feeling?” the tailoress asks as she finishes tying the corset of the dress up.

“Lussy, this is–I’ve no words, it’s so beautiful,” Mounty mutters, looking herself over in the mirror. She can barely recognize herself; in a good way. For the first time in what feels like forever the barmaid sees a beautiful woman in the mirror and there’s no nagging voice in the back of her head telling her otherwise.

“I’m so happy you like it, my dear,” Cumulus chuckles, “but how are you feeling, really? About all of this? There must be a lot of emotion, let it out.”

Mounty sighs. There is a lot of emotion, indeed, but it’s not so easy to put it into words. She tries her best, “I never thought I’d find someone who…who’d take me seriously. I didn’t ever expect anyone to see me as a real woman and love me as one, too. This is more than a dream come true and Swiss is…he’s a lot of things and he might not be perfect but he’s perfect for me. Makes me feel whole, you know?”

“I know,” the tailoress—and Mounty’s maid of honor—agrees. “I’m very happy for you, Mounty.”

The bride grins and can’t help but throw her arms around the other woman and hug her tightly; as a thanks for everything.

“Careful now,” Cumulus laughs, “let’s not crease your dress before Swiss can get his hands on you. Though I must admit I’m a little scared for it, because he will want to rip it right off you when he sees you, my dear.”

Mounty pulls away and can’t help but giggle. It’s contagious so they end up laughing so hard they can’t breathe as they joke about Swiss and how the bride has him wrapped right around her little finger.

Cumulus was chosen by Mounty to be her maid of honor with Aurora, Cirrus and Mist—Mounty’s cousin that traveled with Earth—as the remaining bridesmaids, while Rain, Dewdrop and Phantom are Swiss’ groomsmen. He and Mounty gave Phantom a choice whether they wanted to be one of Mounty’s bridesmaids or Swiss’ groomsmen and they chose the latter, wanting to make the number on both sides even.

Albeit, to most guests it still won’t seem even.

They decided to get married in the groove. Mounty has always loved that place, it’s where Swiss proposed—or rather tried, the first time—and it’s simply beautiful. It was clear to both of them it had to be there. And considering it’s August, the weather would be perfect for an afternoon wedding out in the open.

Setting it all up took some time; they put tons of chairs around the trees and a carpet for Mounty to walk on down to the altar made of a few short steps and a platform with a floral archway. A similar passage was put at the entrance—this one with a curtain so Mounty could be unseen before its time for her to walk through it. Behind it all, on the edge of the groove there’s a tent for the reception party with a wooden floor that took the longest to make. They also built little stables with hay and water for people that wanted to come on their horses; many indeed did.

When the clock in Sundown strikes three, it all begins.

Dewdrop, Rain, and Phantom go first, standing in a neat line on the left side of the officiant already waiting there, but one step down. Then come the bridesmaids—Cumulus, Cirrus, Aurora, and Mist—and line up on the right. Swiss takes a few more deep breaths and walks out after them to wait for his girl at the top. It feels both like a second and an hour as the space is filled out with overlapping murmurs of the guests.

But then it all goes quiet.

Everyone stands up and Swiss feels his heart in his throat.

His knees nearly give out when Mounty walks out from behind the trees with Earth by her side and a pretty bouquet in her hands. They begin to make their way to the altar and Swiss’ eyes sting; he tips his hat downwards to hide the wet shine in them.

“Dude, are you crying already?” Phantom teases quietly. Indeed, he is. Already.

“Yeah, just…just look at her,” Swiss chuckles. Phantom does look over and they can’t deny Mounty looks absolutely divine. Her dress is long and puffy with layers upon layers of tulle; the top part of it a simple off-shoulder corset with a sweetheart neckline—how on point. It’s all pure white, just as the veil that’s cascading down over the bride's let down amber hair down to the very ground, but there are green applications scattered all over it. As Mounty gets closer everyone sees they are patches of leaves with tiny red flowers amongst them.

“She’s a goddess,” Swiss whispers wetly and no one would dare disagree with that.

Mounty smiles brightly as she and her father cross the remaining distance to where her future is waiting; she hugs Earth before he goes to take his spot in one of the front chairs and turns to Swiss. She takes that last step but her foot catches on the edge of the platform through her dress and she sways; falling right into Swiss’ arms.

“Careful, sweetheart,” he chuckles, looking deep into her fresh-grass-green eyes. Mounty blushes, regaining her footing, and stands proudly in her spot. Cumulus runs up to her quickly to smooth down her veil and the back of her dress and when she nods at the officiant it all begins.

They made it.

Neither Swiss nor Mounty will remember the next twenty minutes—they’re not even listening to the officiant, staring at each other and smiling like two teenagers in love instead. Only when it’s time for them to speak—for their vows—do they snap out of it. Well, not fully, of course.

“Mounty, love of my life,” Swiss begins. “You know I ain’t much good with words, so I’ll just say what…comes to mind. We haven’t known each other that long, but you already know me better than anyone else ever had; better than I know myself. You looked at me once and your kindness and beauty captivated me and I can’t imagine my life without you now. I was lost and you found me and I can never repay you for that, for all you’ve done for me. But I’ll try, I’ll do my damn best to give you a better life than you’ve dreamed of. If you’ll let me.”

Mounty chuckles, nodding with a grin and glistening eyes.

“Swiss, my darling, you gave me something I doubted I could ever have. You made me feel loved and important and now I wake up every day with the knowledge that I’m someone’s. That I’m yours and I couldn’t imagine it being different, now. You filled the empty spaces in my heart and soul I didn’t even know were there. I look forward to waking up next to you and facing the world for the next tens of years and more. You also gave me something to worry about and I do think you may have to work on that aspect.”

This time all the guests laugh with them.

Swiss tries to be discreet when he wipes the tears from his eyes, but he’s not doing a very good job of it. Neither is Mounty, even though she’s more graceful when she pats them away with a corner of a napkin.

The bride looks back at Cirrus as it’s time for them to exchange rings and she brings them out; just two simple golden bands. They decided they needed nothing but a symbol; their love alone already made them richer than any jewelry could ever be a proof of. 

Swiss’ hands shake as he slides the ring down Mounty’s finger, but it’s okay; so do hers. They giggle quietly at each other when it takes a small eternity for Swiss’ ring to end up on his finger, but soon enough it’s done.

They made it.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant announces and the world goes quiet.

Swiss grins as he throws his hat away before wrapping his arms all around Mounty and dipping her so low the ends of her hair touch the ground. The guests cheer loudly, but neither the cowboy nor his wife pay them any mind as they kiss; it’s just them despite the crowd, just like the first time.

And the sun that shines upon them through the treetops is the missing best woman.

look at the beautiful art by @arkeusruin!!!

[dramajib]

TUMBLR

wtaf.

I have once again succumbed to the allure of flashy gifsets and started a drama and this time I am just APPALLED.

The only thing I can say is thank God When The Phone Rings is only 12 episodes long because there is no way I would last longer than that (it remains to be seen if I will even last that long in the first place).

I was LED TO BELIEVE this was Yoo Yeon Seok being all tough exterior mushy interior madly in love with his wife but ALAS we are actually dealing with two completely DERANGED PEOPLE whose ideas of what is acceptable are SO FAR OUT that even astronomical doesn't even begin to cover it.

For anyone who is NOT watching this, let me break it down for you. What I thought I was in for, was a drama about a couple with a failing marriage that come together to work against a ransom demander. What I got instead was.... boy. Where do we even begin.

Spoiler alert - although really, with this drama, I'm not sure it matters.

Our boy Yoo Yeon Seok is rich-rich (presumably, so is her family, but that's secondary-ish at the moment), and works in the President's office, as some big shot hot shot all the country loves him spokesperson dude. Do I actually understand what his job encompasses? Not in the least. It does somehow mean he attends meetings about dating trends but also has entire security details at his beck and call. Enlighten me by all means if any of that makes sense to you.

So anyway, his name is Baek Sa Eon, and three years ago he was supposed to marry the eldest daughter of some news conglomerate dude. Except we find out as the episodes progress that said daughter was not into the marriage. Sa Eon apparently has been long distance in love with this girl's younger stepsister this whole time, and the night before the wedding, he proposes they SWITCH THE BRIDE. AND SOMEHOW. EVERYBODY. AGREES. TO THIS. PLAN. Older sister... runs away? And apparently is still missing three years later? Keep in mind I am at the end of episode 2, so I'm sure we have more exposition ahead of us, but this is what I've gathered so far.

It's unclear if anyone knows that Hui Joo is a stepsister and not actually the conglomerate dude's biological daughter, although she has changed her last name so presumably she's adopted and in the family registrar etc etc.

BUT.

She does not like her adoptive family, and would have preferred to stay with her dad when her parents separated. Alas he is but a nightclub singer and could not give her a great upbringing, so away with her slightly mad mother she went (reserving full judgement on her mother for the time being, although I am already certain that HIS mother is solidly deserving several kicks in the behind). Hui Joo develops (or possibly fakes????) selective mutism, and in the present day, hides her ability to speak except when alone or visiting her biological father in his nursing home.

Oh, no, wait, there is one more time she uses her voice.

WHEN SHE

God, this is so incredibly daft I don't even know if I can write it out.

So.

Some dude kidnaps Hui Joo one night when Sa Eon is busy negotiating a hostage situation of Korean citizens in foreign territory (again, what is his job, actually?). Kidnapper puts Sa Eon on speakerphone in the car while threatening Hui Joo. Having previously called Hui Joo's mother, who said they were together and safe, Sa Eon believes this guy is a hack, and tells him to go ahead and kill her. Lots of callous nonsense etc etc. Hui Joo gets mad at his lack of concern and wrecks the car (??????) with the kidnapper inside (we have not yet discovered what happened to him post wreckage, but watch this space) and then proceeds to keep this fancy phone that's rigged up to ONLY call Sa Eon via virtually untraceable means with virtually un-unscramble-able voice modulation. AND THEN she calls HER HUSBAND and tells him to BREAK UP WITH HER AND MARRY HER SISTER AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED (?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!)

Interjecting my own commentary to say that the families, when deciding to SWAP BRIDES decided to not tell anyone and pretend that he was still marrying the elder daughter and Hui Joo now has to hide her identity as his wife. FOR THREE YEARS. THIS MAN. Who the whole country idolizes like an actual kpop idol. Has kept his wife secret (??????????????)

So now I'm basically watching a drama about this MENTAL COUPLE that actually both like each other but are too WHACK IN THE HEAD TO JUST COMMUNICATE IT go through the most BIZARRE circus act of romcom tropes dressed up as a political thriller show.

WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. FUCK.

And NO ONE. NO ONEEEEEEEEE. In ALL THE GIFS. Of her sitting in the rain, and him teasing her to get in bed, NO ONE. HAS MENTIONED. THAT THEY'RE BOTH ABSOLUTELY CERTIFIABLY NUTS.

So anyway, totally going to continue hatewatching this for the foreseeable future, toodles!

[ladyazulina]

Azu is Talking — Emotional Rollercoaster

It was a stellar week, if randomly dropping emotions here and there is what you would call ✨ stellar ✨.

Weekly Quests Overview Monday: Celebrate partner's New Year ✨ Tuesday: Catch up with Iron Valley's posts. Wednesday: Get my passport. Thursday: Start new backstage section. Friday: Brainstorm friend's birthday gift. Saturday: Read new solo TTRPG.

I'm not even going to try to cover it, there did was something stellar. I was a stellar mess.

Rolling down in the pre hormones state, this is the lowest I have fallen since I met my partner. Which was a huge and nice streak. The last one was in November, and it was so hard I was trying to convince myself to reach out to any helpline. I did not, as I was gonna have my therapy session the next day, but I was going through hell that night.

Maybe not the whole week, but the ball started rolling in advance, and this past weekend was dreadful. I did the best I could to distract myself, but my mind doesn't turn off.

Let's go back to the week, though:

Monday

Quest of the Day: Celebrate partner's New Year ✨.

It was my partner's birthday and I was so excited to celebrate the first one I could with him. It was stressful, though, ‘cause I had to fight to reserve the day just for us. From his side. (I mean, I know, if he had wanted to do something else or with someone else, I would have been quiet.)

Even though he had to go to work, I'm certain I did a great job. We started it the day prior to make up for the hours we would miss while he was working, but I showered him with lovely gifts.

I've been working on them for MONTHS. It was nice to finally get them out.

The rest and details are just for us though, but it's been so long since I've been waiting for a day that wasn't mine. Starting to plan to beat myself next year already ✨

Tuesday

Quest of the Day: Catch up with Iron Valley's posts.

Did I do that?… Oh, yeah, I did!

Linney's campaign's over, sadly. At least for now. All I had from their first day is already out. You can find the whole of it on Patreon, but a part and excerpts from the rest are as well on Tumblr, Medium, Substack, and Inkspired. Delight yourself to your heart's content 💙

I adore Linney, but I'm sure I'll continue the story mainly because of Chase. Have you met him yet? He's delicious 😋 While rereading (you do that a lot when you're posting stuff, or is that just me?), I figured out demonic lore I doubt I thought about while I was playing, and as I never brought it up explicitly (’cause I doubt it ever came to mind), I can still play with it in the future. If When I get back to it. And I just can tell you… it satisfies a lot of my imagination 🤭

My Personal Campaign starred this week as well and I thought of the best way of describing it:

Celeste is an amnesiac human who has to find out why she's running away from the city.

The only free post is this first one, the rest will be locked behind a paywall on Patreon because, even though this is just another story of mine, I poured a lot of me into the main character. It felt private. It was private, that's what ‘personal’ stands for. And I know someday I will feel a lot better about broadly sharing it, but for now, it will be like that.

Iron Valley, Personal Campaign, is being live every Tuesday.

I also was happy I got to get back with the reviews. I still have a lot of them to share and I want to keep the reading schedule, so there won't be anything new on Patreon for a while. Sadly, whatever has kept me away from posting them on the rest of my accounts has kept me from posting the most recent ones in spaces like Tumblr, GoodReads, The StoryGraph, and Instagram (which are the easiest ones to share on immediately). I have three new titles in the belt, so I should schedule it… It just feels so weird, it just never needed to be in the schedule for me to sit and post them, but I guess I'm more messy now. I need to write down everything or it fell through.

Read this week’s review, The Last Ever After.

Wednesday

Quest of the Day: Get my passport.

My Wednesdays have been taken away from me lately but I hope that was the last one. Because now that I have the workshops up and running, I want to at least make one post talking about them. On Instagram, I mean. It was going to be a thematic Wednesday task, but it just was dragged under with all this passport madness.

I'm sure I'll write a whole particular post about this process, so I'm not gonna rant more than the minimum indispensable.

After my photo finally being approved, my biometric data painstakingly taken, and the delivery date scheduled, I just had to go get my passport.

This little book has given me so much stress and many headaches… But just after a little hell of a time, enough to take out the rest of my day, I got it.

I did it.

It took a little more than a month, but I finally have my passport.

Now onto the visa 🫠

My dad wants to take me to the US, so I need to have a visa for that. But, more importantly, I need a visa to go to my partner.

As I missed the visit window time for the embassy, I settled with an email I didn't thought I was going to get an answer from. It didn't even took long. I scheduled it to go the next morning and I had an answer before noon.

My intention to have a winter (more like summer? He's on the opposite side of the world from me) vacation was destroyed before I even got time to think about what I wanted for lunch. It was a lot to digest but that only meant our plans changed, not that they disappeared.

We will still be hit by it every now and then as the days pass by, but we will also be solidifying the next attempt, so nothing was really lost (more than expectations, I mean). (I know very well that expectations are A Big Thing™️ and play a great deal in long-distance relationships, I shouldn't have said that—in that way at least, but I forgot how the original sentence or intent went. I'm sorry.)

Thursday

Quest of the Day: Start new backstage section.

I certainly didn’t start it. I was down. That was the day in which my partner and I talked about our plans crumbling, so we weren’t feeling exactly great. He was busy and I certainly busied myself with editions (finally, I started them! But, uh oh, did I managed to keep it constant?), so in some way, we kept ourselves together anyway.

I had my first level 5 English quiz and I got a 19/20. Neat. I didn’t find where the mistake was, though, so I will have to carry my curiosity to the grave. And after that, I went on doing English homework until I was fed up with it. I have to start this week’s one already, but I still have a few days to do so.

The Supernatural episodes weren’t nice to us. My partner got to enjoy them somehow, but the wound was fresh and they were pushing their fingers on it. It also could have been because of my hormones, but welp. We survived? Yay?

Friday

Quest of the Day: Brainstorm friend's birthday gift.

I have a certain idea of what I want to write about, but I didn’t dwell on that.

My partner received the hit of the news that morning, so we spent a little time licking our wounds.

I did nothing else apart from the editions, which is good anyway. I mean, I’m trying to balance my body’s needs and all that, so if I needed to take a step away to breathe, I was going to do so.

And I did so, more and less, all weekend.

Saturday

Quest of the Day: Read new solo TTRPG.

I wanted to start the last TTRPG I received, but emotional baggage is never taken into account. I mean, I never do, it’s impossible to prevent.

So I spent the whole weekend watching a Dorama. The hormones brought a destructive wave of feelings and thoughts I rather didn’t pay attention to, and distracting my mind is the best way to ignore them. It wasn’t easy. It didn’t made them go. But the days passed faster and I stayed less in those moments and emotions.

I started to feel a little better last night, when I drafted half of this update. And though today has been another hardship, aren’t I here? I say it counts as something.

This new ‘template’ just occurred to me and I’m not sure if I should share what I think would be next (this) week’s main quests, but I will pass right now. I don’t want to see what the week has in store for me—not in the mood just yet.

The most important one at the moment is getting back into place. Why does it always seem like I’m always fighting to get back in place?

[shi-kyuu]

suguru had managed to procure his official license to be a tattoo artist in just two years. he's always been artistic and steady with his hands, but he wanted to make absolute sure that he would be ready to mark his art on someone permanently. he was always found sketching designs, having more than 2 portfolio's worth of art ready to be inked on skin, but he had a special design in reserves for one person only. while he was officially a tattoo artist, suguru still wanted to peruse his degree in pathology and fine arts, hence he settled on waiting to be an official tattoo artist for after he graduated, although he does have an official set up for whenever he was prepared.

the only thing stopping him was that his first customer has quite the uncommon and unorthodox request. satoru has been asking for the past two years to be his first client whenever suguru passed his courses and studies. graceful hands pause in sketching out a long dragon, the colors looking almost water color-like even though it was shaded in with color pencil. he looks over to the source of his distraction, satoru; as he peers at his work. it never ceased to amuse him whenever the other would look so enamored with his art. it gave him more confidence than he knew what to do with.

“satoru,” he purrs, corners of his mouth lifting into a small smile, feeling those arms wrap snuggly around him. he hates to admit it, but he adores how clingy satoru could be. he didn't often like sharing his personal space with others, preferring social distance at all times, but something about his roommate's comforting touch sent his heart into a tizzy every time. he hums thoughtfully, being asked this same question again. it's not like he's stalling on purpose but... “when? hmm, let me see,” he ponders softly, knowing he couldn't stall any longer on the promise he'd made to him.

the only thing he isn't sure of is getting matching tattoos - ignore the fact that he already has an idea in mind, but he would hate to get one only for something to happen and it be a reminder of every that could have been but never was. however looking into those gorgeous sapphire eyes, suguru felt as if a possibility like that would never exist. his heart felt like it was in the heavens as the other proclaims he wants to be his first. there were quite a lot of those in that bold yet ambiguous words; first client, first love, first kiss...

he turns to look at him, gaze soft and enamored. “you have quite a way with words, satoru. those public speaking classes do you good,” he teases with a soft smile, the lilt to his voice amused. “you know i promised you would be my first, i plan to keep that promise.” suguru lifts a hand to smooth snow white locks back, enjoying the softness of it and relishing that it's his hands satoru enjoys doing this to him. “i assume you mean more than just my first client with that sentence though. you can't expect me to be able to read your mind though. care to share what you meant by that?”

his head tilts tot he side, eyes flitting over to his book; the rainbow dragon only half finished, but just a few pages behind that, geto finds himself turning to that page to show satoru what he'd kept hidden from him ever since the idea of matching tattoos came up. “if you're actually serious about it... i've considered this for your first tattoo. the frayed fin black koi fish.” one that suguru thought himself as, versus the matching koi with its beautiful fins fading from white to blue. it is quite obviously meant to symbolize them for each other. he looks up at satoru to gauge his reaction. “what do you think?”

TWO YEARS SINCE HIS LIFE CHANGED & HE MET SUGURU GETO. the two of them were roommates & he had watched as his closest friend had pursued his dreams of wanting to be a tattoo artist. meanwhile, satoru was supplementing his learning as he was poised to take over his family's company. he has everything he could want: the striking good looks, the charms, the confidence to back his words, & money beyond his disposable. he has everything he wants except one person. lips pull into a pout as he wraps his arms around suguru. ❛ suguuuruu,❜ he whines before looking over to see what he's sketching.

satoru had always been enamored by his art. he's not sure if it's the way he draws the lines, or even the shading that makes it feel like he looking at a masterpiece. something about suguru's art pulls forth a sense of emotion in him even though he could give a rat's ass about the world. he was considered a prodigy, his sense of business was second to none, so it was obvious he was take up the mantle of ceo soon. ❛ when are you going to tattoo me? ❜ he inquires. the white haired boy had been serious about getting art done by him. he even went so far as suggested matching tattoos. it was the connection between them he wanted to solidify in a meaning of a tattoo, not to mention the way his heart seems to beat a little faster every time suguru gives him a glance. he could get lost in those amethyst eyes, a beautiful jewel that always tends to carry a sense of ease, a peace that he finds.

❛ i wanna be your first everything, ❜ he declares boldly. there was no shame in his words. maybe he was greedy when it came to suguru, desiring it all when it comes to him. it's why satoru's had not stuck to his playboy ways, in an effort to get suguru to notice him. before he had met suguru, he wouldn't bat an eyelash & discard his one night stands as if they were plastic only to be recycled by different faces. he's sure his best friend could destroy a person's hopes & dreams by rejection alone & that's why he's always scared that suguru would reject him. satoru had never felt more seen, he was a stained glass window with an easy reflection to see. no one had ever made an effort to get to know him behind all the bravado.

how much more obvious can he be? he pulls his lips into a pout, gaze softening hoping that suguru would budge with something.if shoko were here he's certain her eyeballs would fall out from rolling her eyes too much.

@getsusekaii

[ventofu]

spending valentines day with them ☆ various genshin characters 🧸 （´・｀ ）♡

♪(o´▽｀o)ﾉ currently playing .. ! ♡

love like you by rebecca sugar ! 💌🌸🍓

# (🍫) AVAILABLE CHARACTERS:

SCARAMOUCHE, CHILDE AND EULA 💗

special notes: GN!READER ♡ headcanons and a short scenario of you and them spending valentines together <3 !! i made this post longer than my usual ones to make up for the few days i was gone, i've been so drained bc finals is next week n' my schedule has been packed, i'm so sorry ! (ﾉД`) but on a different note, i wrote for eula too ! i'm very much open to writing female characters as well c:

# (☂️) SCARAMOUCHE !

♡ ah, this man !! you're very lucky that he has reserved patience to deal with you and your antics, especially because he has minimal patience and a very short temper .. (´._.`)(‘́⌣’̀ ) !

♡ he does seem to not bat an eyelash at you at all, head held high all the time, his seering dominance taking over the room. his eyes are burning holes into your skin when you brush your hands against under the table during one of his meetings, but the color on his cheeks say otherwise (¬_¬'')ԅ(￣ε￣ԅ) ! he always claims to not care about you at all.. zero zip nada!

♡ and yet, why does he seem to be reduced to a blushing mess when you're all dressed up in a pretty suit or dress, suggesting you go somewhere private to celebrate valentines ? (งಠ_ಠ)ง　σ( •̀ ω •́ σ)

♡ scara is flustered. to the max. and he hates feeling weak, or vulnerable to those around him, so he puts up a front - even despite the fact he does kind of want to share a box of chocolates with you .. ! Q(`⌒´Q) his ego won't let him though ..

♡ he was the one who was supposed to make the plans, he was the one who was supposed to make your heart flutter, he was supposed to be the one who had his chest puffed out in pride as you swoon over what stupid surprise he got for you ( that you claimed couples give each other during said occasion ! ) ヘ(´－｀;)ヘ

♡ you pout and facepalm at the way he turns his head away from you, a curt and short, " no. " coming from his mouth. ( he's being childish, don't mind him, ) he asks you to leave, but you note how he takes a second glance when you leave with one of his subjects (●´□`)♡

♡ he does make up for it though, a knock on your door and 2 seconds later, three of his servants are there at your doorstep carrying various bouquets of flowers, a huge stuffed animal, and a banner that had a beautifully written " happy valentines day, i'm sorry " in cursive writing (◠‿◠✿)

♡ you snicker at how sappy and cliché it was, but for someone like kuni, this was already a huge step and a rare occurence of him showing you how much he really loves you, despite his harsh words sometimes (⺣◡⺣)♡*

♡ that doesn't mean he's still not salty though, he's practically fuming when you're cuddling the stuffed bear he bought you tight, its head under your chin, arms all snug while you sigh in comfort (`⌒*)O-(`⌒´Q) 🧸

♡ doesn't he deserve a reward? that bear was supposed to be him ><; he wanted to be pushed up against your chest, or have his arms encircling your warmth, or being able to rest his head on your lap - not that damn bear ! (T_T) really.. after what he did for you ..

♡ anyway, please do comfort him, validate him, just show that you appreciate his actions and spoil him with affection .. (he doesn't say it out loud, but he's dying just to get a taste of your lips again, he misses the familiar strawberry on his tongue, yeah ?)（>﹏ <）

♡ + scara would definitely love to take you somewhere isolated, a place where he could declare his love for you with no one else present, he's 100% not a fan of pda, and he feels it's more heartfelt and meaningful when it's just you two <3

♡ maybe on a ferris wheel, or a rented out space at the rooftop at one of the most expensive buildings in your area there are .. he would spend his money just like that just to see how the city lights reflect in your eyes, and as he holds you close, and no words are muttered, you could see in his amethyst ones that he loved you (>‿-) !!

the moon was long up in the sky, the wind blowing through your hair and kissing your skin. besides the soft glow of the stars above you, the candlelight that sits at the center of the round table serves as a light source. you gently smile at the view of the city nightlife just below you, allowing you the temporary illusion that you were on top of the world. you then suddenly feel the caress of a familiar hand from the man sitting a chair from you, relishing in the feel of the top of your fingers - and yet despite such a bold move, he still manages avoids your gaze. you softly smile at his actions, giggling at the irony. outside, he always made sure he was a strong and unmovable figure of power, moving with poise and words always stamped with conviction. but here, with you, he was not scaramouche, but he was him. he was kunikuzushi. he clicks his tongue at your loving watch, heart fluttering with the solemn whispers of the wind. "you're lucky i love you .. "

# (🌊) CHILDE !

♡ no. 1 biggest spender.. must i say more? ヽ(＾Д＾)ﾉ

♡ valentines is his time to shine and flaunt just how perfect of a boyfriend he could truly be <3 he wouldn't miss the occasion for the world ! ﾟ(*＾ワ＾*)

♡ i mentioned this in a previous post, but he would buy out multiple flower shops and definitely your favorite clothing shops, even the branded ones ! your eyes are popping out of their sockets when you notice the price of one wool sweater that you even felt guilty having in your closet (⊙▽⊙)

♡ childe would ask you to have a mini fashion show of the various articles of clothing he brought home, telling you this could serve as your " thanks " - and his cheeky grin said it all (´･_･｀) .. he would lounge on the couch with a glass of wine urging you to check what were in the bags, sigh, get ready for a long night ! (⌒ω⌒)

♡ would bug you about every single thing during valentines, would nag you and drown your phone in messages about his plans and reservations for you both - you appreciated it a lot, but you didn't need to go restaurant hopping at 9 in the morning !! (*꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ)

♡ treats valentines like it's his birthday !! steals every opportunity to ask for cuddles and kisses - hugging you from behind all of a sudden, putting his chin on your shoulder, nuzzling into your neck - a goofy man who loves his s/o so much basically.. (￣З￣) if you thought ajax was overaffectionate already, just imagine him during an occasion that allows him the go signal to up the level to maximum ?! his eyes are metaphorical love hearts, pumping with desire and admiration for you, you're starting to think your kisses are his only cure >< !!

♡ the kind to play these old 70's love songs that he could sway you to, or lift you up in the air to - making you both feel like an old school couple as you laugh in sync in the living room to the melody (*/ω＼)

♡ slowdancing is a must - being in love just puts him in such a high, and having you close like this makes him feel like he has the world in his hands o(>< )o

♡ matching formal wear, matching pajamas, matching rings - a power couple move !

♡ makes sure everyone knows you're his and he's yours, shamelessly introducing you as his significant other to everyone you bump into on the streets, whether that be a food vendor or a prestigious business partner, absolutely makes sure they put you on a pedestal and view you in good light (つω`｡)

♡ he's just making sure you both make the most of this special holiday, not wanting this once in a year opportunity to go to waste <3 if you want love, he'll give you love ! best bf award goes to.. ヽ(･ω･ゞ)

soft music plays through the speakers of your shared home, sunlight filtering through the curtains as the local birds sing a tune to compliment the soft rock in the background. you and ajax are lounging on the couch, snacking on the chocolate covered strawberries he brought home. you're popping one into his mouth, his eyes shaped like crescents while chewing - and you wipe the crumbs on his lips with a smile. the previous song playing soon ends, and a new rhythm starts resonating around the room. the man beside you perks up, scrambling to his feet and swallowing the fruit in a hurry. he's pulling you up, laughing with mirth, " it's our song! it's our song, babe! " the familiar tune of edison lighthouse playing as he twirls you around under the ceiling fan in your living room. god, you're both in love.

# (❄) EULA !

♡ this woman !! aaaa !! she is a complete angel and ure super lucky to call her yours <3 !!

♡ she strongly believes in her ideals, and set a high standard for herself whether that be as a knight or a protector, so she also makes sure she applies this aspect when it comes to your relationship <3

♡ and by that i mean, she doesn't leave any space for disappointment, she works quick and prepares you a gorgeous valentines day outfit from her connections, adorning you with accessories - making sure you look like you emerged from a painting, or maybe a materialized form of what a walking fairytale would look like ヽ(♡‿♡)ノ !!

♡ she is particularly soft for you, and very compliant as you ask her to open her mouth so you could feed her this new pie recipe you tried out !! she gives you honest criticism, praising you as she demands (yes demands,) you to prepare the pastries for her everyday after training snack - for vengeance, of course ♡(｡- ω -)

♡ takes you on café dates, opting to order a cold unique drink from the must try menu - as you do the same, her eyes sparkling at your decision >< don't worry, the warmth emanating from your hand in hers supplies just enough to sate the chilly nature of the drink (⌒▽⌒) !!

♡ she LOVES bringing you on a shopping spree.. and must i tell you.. she would love the idea of matching corsets even more, the calm and collected eula reduced to a frozen deer in headlights when you come out of the fitting room all snug in beautiful lace and leather σ(≧ε≦σ) !!

♡ takes the time out of her day to ask amber to assist her in preparing an intimate candlelit dinner, ordering a warm sticky honey roast and your favorite dishes too !!

♡ would stand up from her seat, gently gesturing for you to take her hand. she invites you to dance afterwards, pink tinting her cheeks as she confidently places your hand on her waist, guiding you under the glamorous chandelier. flickering candlelight plays in the background, eula flawlessly twirling you around and executing her steps perfectly so they sync with yours (っ˘ω˘ς ) graceful as can be !

♡ you would go at this for hours, eula teaching you how to move your feet. and as she exudes pure grace, you couldn't help but feel like you see her in her element, where she wasn't weighed down by the pressure given to her by her family, she felt home with you :<

♡ she handles you like a fragile vase, guiding you and making sure you're comfortable. that is, until you trip over your own feet and tumble into eula's arms.. she catches you immaculately, bi-colored eyes widening in surprise, gazing into yours ( ˙꒳​˙ )

♡ you suddenly feel a rush, heart pounding and pulling her closer, locking her lips with yours .. and as cold as eula was, the way her icy heart bloomed with lovely heat sent her into lockdown mode - kissing back in fervor, she allowed the hot sensation to engulf her whole.. love.. for the first time, she understood what it meant. (つ﹏⊂)

it was four o'clock in the afternoon, the town bustling with people as the sun prepares to set for the day and color the sky in purple and orange hues. the afternoon heat just the perfect motivation to move your feet and scout for a food place that'll refresh you and your girlfriend and wake you both up. you bring her into a local coffee shop, the bell chiming above the door. you both tell the cashier your orders settling for two cold blueberry drinks and a warm moon pie, eula's eyes sparkling just like the crest on her cardigan. you both point out the interesting little people you see walk past the store's front window, eula making up quaint stories about each individual and their possible lives. as you feed her a forkful of pastry, she locks eyes with yours and a knowing smile makes its way to her lips. " i appreciate what we have.. and i hope you acknowledge the fact that i, eula lawrence, is fond of the feeling in my chest whenever i go on these.. dates.. with you.. ahem. but don't go around thinking i'm going soft or tender.. alright? "

[convexicalcrow]

Aww yeah the copper grind was 100% worth it, that roof looks so much better now. <3 I'm going to do, like, tiered gardens going down the mountainside for crops and whatnot, just to give the land more shape, and to flatten it out a little.

Did a cute lil interior as well. Little workspace in one area, and more of a sitting area on the other side, with some storage under the staircase. I'm all fully organised now, and I dug a storage room into the mountain bc I was already outgrowing the initial storage I put in the second floor lololol. Too much digging. XD

The furnace wall will turn into an autosmelter in time so I can expand my storage out that way when it's time, but for now, it'll do. I've reserved three columns of chests on the back left side for cobble, dirt, and cobbled deepslate, bc I just have So Much of it.

Enchanting room and bedroom. <3 Bedroom still needs some lil bits of decoration, but it'll do for now. I have sheep and cows and sugarcane growing now so I'll slowly work on getting the bookshelves I need for a full set-up. I'll build the animals a barn at some point as well, so they're not just in random pens down the mountainside.

Also I've been making staircases everywhere. Up to the top of the mountain, and down to my branch mine. There's tons of flat land on the top of the mountain, and I'd like to build some bigger structures up there, though what yet I don't know. Maybe I'll put the villagers up there idk. I could def fit a nice trading hall up there without needing to terraform so much. idk we'll see.

I do plan to make a path to the closest village, and I think next time I play, I may do that, and spend some time over there getting some villagers levelled up. It's by a meadow biome, and there's plenty of flat-ish space for crop farming and tree farming for emerald trades. I'd like to get a mending villager, and also a leatherworker so I can get a saddle and acquire one of the horses or donkeys I've seen around the place to make the journey quicker.

I'd like to bring the villagers back to my base eventually, when I decide to switch this world from peaceful to easy, so I can get an iron farm up and running, but I need to decide where tf the villagers are going first. I'll do the same iron farm I have in my other java world bc it's so stupidly small and simple to build, and it has given me SO MUCH MORE IRON THAN I COULD EVER POSSIBLY USE omg. I just need to figure out where the villagers are going, and then figure out how tf I'm getting them there lol. :D

Also guess who managed to get lost TWICE today and had to dig tunnels to get back again lololol. :D Once whilst bringing cows back from the village, and once while accidentally going caving and finding a deep dark biome and forgetting my way back. Also I am disappointed to discover I just have a gigantic deep dark biome under the mountain, not an ancient city, so no loot for me. It's in the biggest fkn cave I've ever seen, stretched hundreds of blocks. Sadge.

Also I have decided I'm not going to bother upgrading to netherite on my other java solo world before I upgrade the world. I have toolsmiths and armoursmiths for days, tons of diamonds, I play with keep inventory on, and I Do Not Want to go netherite mining, so. I'll make do with diamond. I will trim the world a little tho, cut out those chunks around the mountains and the woodland mansion just so I can be sure I'll get those Vex armour trims. >_>

Oh. And remind me tomorrow to fix up my minecraft build tags, bc I want to be able to find each world, and now that I have two java solo worlds, I should probably make them distinguishable. So I'll do a post about that tomorrow. And then maybe catch up on my dash bc I've been ignoring it bc I'm so addicted to 1.20 omg.

[starshiningsirius]

Like old times (Yandere Azul x reader)

@bryzie27 - i like what you did with overblot leona. could you do something similar with overblot azul?

Not sure what you mean like the chase scene? The dynamics of Octanivelle's structure still aren't quite clear to me if they can go out in the water but I'll try!

I FORGOT THE GIF IS FROM @flowerofthemoonworld !

Let's give the octopus some love!

"Hey, your Azul right?"

He lifted his head to look at who had spoken to him. It was a mermaid with a strange speckled tail that added to her beauty. She seemed to be more of the reserved type. Her hair had two streaks of the same color on either side of her face and the rest was all one color. Her eyes shimmered radiantly.

He could feel a rush of heat claim his entire face.

"Here." She handed him his books.

"W -why are you doing this?" The young octopus sniffled.

He wasn't expecting this, not with the way everyone else treated him. It didn't make any sense why you'd treat him kindly. A freakish eight legged merman who couldn't swim correctly.

"It's the right thing to do, Azul. I couldn't just swim away with you like this. It'd be immoral."

From that first encounter on forward they became friends. She helped him walk and swim a bit better considering he found it embarrassing. She didn't even have tentacles yet she instructed him so well.. Maybe he inked once or twice, a few times around her on accident, he swears! It didn't matter she was fine with it. She didn't mind one bit who he was.

Even when they went to the Atlantica Museum she stayed by his side and explored it with him. He was a bit slow considering his physique was on the chubby side so he wasn't fast. It still didn't matter, for some odd reason she stayed with him. In the picture commemorating the trip he held her hand since he was a bit self conscious about his picture being taken.

Y/n couldn't help but find it adorable. Everything about Azul wasn't at all strange to her it only made her more curious to get to know him. He would always apologize for any small thing he did wrong. She would always say, "It's fine." as if he did nothing. Her smile always seemed to brighten Azul's darkest days.

She'd visit him in his family restaurant in which his mother and father always welcomed his first friend. They were overjoyed. She saw him gorging himself on the plate of food in front of him compared to her smaller portion. She couldn't help but to stare, it made her understand why he was on the chubby side. Then he looked at her sauce around his mouth and she couldn't help but smile at him with laughter filling the area. He was embarrassed blushing a shade of red and he felt a bit ashamed.

"Azulie, you're absolutely adorable!" She said through her laughter.

It was one of his most fondest memories he ever had with her, but all good things had to come to an end.

Eventually she had to depart from the northern seas to the far southern ones. She had to leave Azul behind. She had given him a hug it was full of so much warmth of which he had never felt before and it made his heart race twice as fast. Both parents of the children found it endearing their children had found a friend.

. . .

And that was that. Time passed and he eventually became Azul Ashengrotto the dorm leader of Octanivelle who could grant any wish just as the sea witch. He could never ever forget the one person he was so fond of though. It never left him every time he wrote down a contract he could remember a time where he truly did care for someone.

The new year at Night Raven was his second year while a new group of first years came entering the school. He had ordered Jade to get information on each of them and when he went through the long list of students that had been sorted into Octanivelle while in his office. He immediately crossed one oh so familiar.

Y/n L/n.

He couldn't believe his eyes. He put the sheet of paper down and opened one of his drawers in the desk that showed him and her back then. He never altered this photo as he did countless others. She accepted him for who he was and that was well enough a reason for him to admire her.

He automatically called upon Jade as Floyd would have probably scared the poor girl. He told him to fetch her immediately.

When he finally did see her for the first time in years he was astounded at how you changed so little but so much at the same time. You had grown taller and your eyes still sparkled just as they always did. You had the same two streaks on either side of your hair which had grown a few inches he might add.

Jade had left to do other tasks he was assigned but Azul couldn't care less seeing as he had his childhood friend and sweetheart in front of him.

"Azulie, that really is you huh?" Your voice had matured but was more timid just like the very first time they met. Of course it was so long ago that they're more like strangers now. That nickname though, it's been a long time since he's heard it.

"Yes, I've changed quite a bit." He was a little nervous though he'd never admit it his voice slightly betrayed him and his face had a little red tint. He tried pushing up his glasses to shield it from her eyes but it was a futile attempt. He heard her chuckle that made his heart race like never before.

"You haven't changed fully as your still the most adorable by far." She said.

That made his face blossom as red as a rose in the rose maze of Heartsbyul. Heat was exerting itself from his still body that he sat in the chair from.

From that moment on he would keep a watchful eye on her. He would always try his best when she was around and get any info on anything going on pertaining to her.

She had met Floyd and Jade before who Azul wasn't too fond of at first, but she reccomended he became friends with them back then since it wasn't everyday someone didn't come up to tease him and noticed his accomplishments. Of course it was only because of Azul that they met again at Night Raven. The first time she met Jade was when he first brought her to see Azul in his office. He looked familiar to her and she mentioned it to him, and they both shared their fondest memories on the way. She met Floyd a little later on in the Mostro Lounge as he had taken her order and he noticed she had come in a lot just to see Azul. Jade had to explain the situation that she wasn't required to pay for any food she ate there because of an order Azul had given out.

Azul would spend some time out of the day to just hang out with you if he wasn't always busy with the lounge. It was always a joy to be with you, it reminded him of when you were both younger. He thought back to those days every night and day that you had still never left his mind. The thought of you leaving again made him lose his sense of reason and fall deeper in his sweet obsession.

He had started to act different you noticed. He had become a bit more invasive of your personal space in which you remember that only happened when he was nervous at least you thought he grew out of it.

Jade and Floyd began to direct you to the Lounge like your life was there and no where else. It'd only be a matter of time before Azul was informed by Jade of his sweetheart's newest infatuation.

Vil happened to catch your attention. It led Azul to be green with envy. He knew the dorm leader of Pomeifore had complimented her one day and it was enough to send her falling head over heels. He had so many followers it made no sense why he had to take something else Azul had wanted for the longest time. With Vil's beauty he only began to question his own.

He had to come up with a solution just as he had done for those bullies. He just couldn't lose Y/n again. Not if he had any say in it.

After hours of pondering in his office sinking his nails into his desk the answer happened to be right behind him. The vault that was situated behind his desk held the many contracts he had collected.

Maybe if he could impress her she wouldn't see him as that stupid, clumsy octopus he once was. All these different magic spells that he obtained from those fools from the exams on land in Night Raven and those idiots who swam under the sea.

That's when his plan fell apart. Y/n avoided him all of a sudden. Mainly having spent time with those troublesome first years he sent to the museum to collect one of the last remnants of his past.

He didn't have time to keep thinking about Y/n at the moment which irritated him quite a bit. One thing led to another and now he was out here trying to negotiate with the arrogant and prideful dorm head of Savanclaw. As soon as he destroyed them all hope was lost.

He was taunting him, but his next few words really took him over the top in terms of a sadistic being.

"You know, one of your little sea friends really wanted to believe you were nice. We just had to show her the real Azul Ashengrotto." Leona had smirked turning his head to the side, beyond the corner of the tunnel his darling angelfish had appeared. Disbelief in her eyes, she couldn't even meet his eyes.

That's when everyone else had arrived, but the deed was already done. He had lost everything and his angelfish had seen him as a weak being, the same stupid clumsy octopus he hated being.

They took her from his side. He had her in his grasp and they stole her. He had lost it.

His newborn and unimaginable power were apparent now. He just had to get it all back. Not even Floyd or Jade wanted to help him either.

He reminded himself of you holding your pen ready to fire another offensive attack. His anger swelled inside him where he could tap into more power.

"GIVE HER BACK TO ME! GIVE ME BACK WHAT YOU TOOK! "

A large swarm of harsh black wind had overwhelmed the group. She still managed to stand but when the dust cleared she saw all of them had collapsed unconscious. Even the prefect who was thrown back the farthest had their head hit the tunnel, it didn't look like she was breathing from here though.

She took a look back at Azul and suddenly she felt her feet carrying her away from the scene, having Azul call out to her from behind.

* * *

It's been a while since she had to swim that fast. Her tail fin was starting to hurt from the constant movement. She wanted to take a break, a never ending nightmare she pleaded in her head to be over.

That was until she heard him calling for her.

"Oh Angelfish! You really have nothing to fear! Come out I promise I won't hurt you!" He said in a sing songy voice.

She was hiding behind a large boulder on the sea floor near a small coral reef.

"Am I not enough anymore?! I'LL DO ANYTHING TO PROVE IT! I'M NOT THE SAME AS BEFORE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AFTER ME! " The tone of voice he had scared her even more so now that she was alone.

"I'm not, ... I'm not that stupid clumsy little octopus anymore." He sounded as if he were about to cry, it pulled at her heartstrings a bit and she thought she could convince him to calm down in this state.

"Azulie I never-"

"There you are! " He said with glee and delight in his tone, that never would have made you think he was sad in the first place.

He successfully guilt tripped her into coming out of hiding. Using his tentacles he pulled her by the tail toward him careful to avoid giving her any injuries. He grasped her in his arms feeling himself relax a bit, at the fact he had her in his grasp once again. She felt warm just as she did all those years ago for him.

He clasped her hands together with his. A deranged smile on his face as he stared into the soul of his adorable little angelfish who shivered under such an intense gaze radiating his madness.

"We'll be together again! Just like old times! Except this time I'm all powerful and no one will be able to steal what's mine!"

Masterlist

[lemonmeringuecry]

The Cubs at Disneyland

Hi, so I've been trying to do this for awhile (ever since I drew Lo in a Mickey Mouse hoodie) but when the queen herself, miss Hazel, said she needs them to go to Disney... well I wrote this. And drew it. Because I'm me.

So anyway, here's the drawing and below is the fic

Tw for a couple mentions of food but I think that's it

Credit for everything @lumosinlove

Leo bounced a bit on the balls of his feet, goofy smile at full force while he waited to board the plane. He had grown up going to Disney World with his family. Living in Louisiana, Florida wasn’t too far away, and Eloise and Wyatt Knut didn’t let being adults stop them from enjoying the magic of Disney. When Leo was born, his parents were beyond excited about the prospect of going as a family, getting mickey ears, collecting pins, and making memories.

The first time he went, Leo was five, his favorite Disney movie was the lion king, and an expression of pure joy was permanent in his pale, blue eyes. Over the four days they were in the parks he got to go on rides, eat themed sweets, and meet his favorite characters.

After that first trip, Eloise started a scrap book. The book, titled ‘Disney World 2006’, was soon filled with pictures of Leo at the entrance gate, Leo with pineapple dole whip halfway to his mouth, and countless of all three of them taken by the photographers.

A favorite picture of Eloise’s was near the back, this one of her son with Simba. When Leo had spotted the cast member dressed as his favorite character, he all but threw himself at the lion costume clad employee. Leo’s mama had taken many pictures of the two lion cubs together and they were beyond adorable.

There are more scrap books from 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. Throughout the years of pictures Leo never looks less than ecstatic. Even though New Orleans will forever remain his favorite place in the world, Disney is a close second to home, which is why this trip with his boys is such a big deal for him.

The Lions are currently on a short break in the season after their game against the Coyotes and the cubs are going to spend a few days at Disneyland in Anaheim.

Finn reaches forward to grab Leo’s hand who is standing in line in front of him.

“Sunshine, are you excited?” He asks. Leo tilts his head around to look at his boyfriend and nods eagerly.

“We’ll take that as a yes,” logan chuckles sleepily from behind Finn where he is standing with his head resting on the red head’s back. Evidently waking up at 6:00 in the morning to drive to the airport wasn’t ideal for him.

Leo lets out a low, impatient groan, still bouncing, “I need to be there like right now. Can’t we get on the plane already?”.

“We haven’t even been waiting that long. I think they’re about to call our section though, Peanut,” Finn answers him, trying not to let his amusement show too much.

A crinkly noise cuts off Leo’s response, “Now boarding rows 1-10,” a voice says from over the loudspeaker. Leo stands up straighter and turns to his boyfriends, “that’s us!”

“I know Nutter-Butter, go on, let’s get you to Disney!” Finn says as he pats Leo’s butt lightly, moving him forward, onto the jet bridge.

The boys get settled into their seats, Finn by the window, Logan in the middle for maximum cuddles, and Leo on the aisle for the leg room. For the first half of the flight Logan sleeps while Finn and Leo share a movie, but all three boys are wide awake by the time the flight attendants come around with drinks for the second time. The rest of the flight is spent chatting about practices coming up after the break, things they need for the apartment, and what they are going to do first upon arriving.

Once getting off the plane in California, they take the shuttle from John Wayne Airport to the Disneyland hotels. They are staying in the Adventure Land tower, closest to the park. By this point all three boys are buzzing with the infectious happiness of Disney. After unpacking and getting settled into their hotel room, the cubs proceed with their plans of shopping and getting dinner in Downtown Disney. First thing on the agenda is to procure mouse ears. Logan, Finn, and Leo make their way to World of Disney in order to find the widest selection of ears. Leo has a collection of his own ears at home, including his favorite pride Minnie ears, but for this trip he wants to get new ones along with Logan and Finn. Leo and Finn decide on classic Mickey ear hats, while Logan picks out Minnie ears with a lavender bow. They all get sweatshirts too, as is custom.

After a pleasant evening of enjoying the atmosphere and getting dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Leo’s offense towards their attempt at Cajun cuisine is only partially a joke), they call it night. They head back to the hotel, brush their teeth, put on pajamas, and cuddle up in bed. After a busy day the three boys quickly fall asleep, full of anticipation for the day ahead.

Something you should know about Leo is that when it comes to Disney, he is hard core. Their first morning there is an early entry in Disneyland park.

“Rise and shine, party people!” Leo calls as he entera the main part of the hotel room from the bathroom. Logan and Finn are just now waking up, but they aren’t remotely tired. The pure excitement radiating off their boyfriend is contagious as well as the promise of a day of fun.

“Butter baby, how long have you been up?” Finn’s question is alarmed yet distinctly amused.

“Since 5:30,” Leo responds off-handedly. Logan and Finn share a look, then turn it on Leo. Undeterred, Leo spins slowly in a circle in order to show off his carefully constructed outfit. He is wearing his favorite light wash Levi’s, paired with the crewneck he bought yesterday (light gray with vintage looking Mickey & friends). Underneath his sweatshirt he is wearing his Pizza Planet t-shirt, ready for when it gets hot later. Leo’s outfit is accessorized with his new Mickey ear hat, white air Jordan 1’s, and his Tinker Bell lanyard filled with pins from over the years.

“These things take time! Now y’all go get dressed, we have to be in line by 6:45,” Leo says. With that both Finn and Logan get out of bed and into their clothes in record time. On their way out of the room, they pick up their ears and backpacks from the desk by the TV.

After a brief stop at the Starbucks in Downtown Disney, the boys make it into the que of people lining up at the entrance gate. Once 7:00 hits, the lines start to move into the park. As Logan, Finn, and Leo enter, they gaze around in awe. At the end of Mainstreet sits Sleeping Beauty’s castle, tall and glorious. They walk hand in hand down the lane of colorful, old fashioned buildings, chatting excitedly about what to do first.

“Alright babes, what’s up on the agenda?” Finn asks.

“I don’t even know the options, what do you say Le?” Logan continues.

They end up heading over to Tomorrow Land first. They go on Star Tours and Space Mountain while the lines are short, then bounce around Fantasy land as they make their way across the park. Around 8:30 all three boys start to get hungry so they grab a bag or two of beignets from New Orleans Square. After breakfast, they hit their favorites in Adventure land (Finn fucking loves Indiana Jones), Frontier Land (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fan favorite), and New Orleans Square (Logan might not stop singing ‘Yo Ho a Pirate’s Life for Me’ for weeks).

Around noon the cubs exit Disneyland Park and walk across to California Adventure. After lunch at Wine Country Trattoria the boys bop around Cars Land, Hollywood Land, Pacific Warf and Grizzly Peak. The lines are a lot longer now that it’s afternoon, so they take it in stride and spend their waiting time talking, cuddling, and playing games. They end up going on almost every ride as well as hitting the extra good ones twice like Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy (still a fan-fucking-tastic ride but Leo misses the Twilight Zone theme).

By the time they finish up in California Adventure for the day, it’s almost time for Fantasmic, and Leo has yet to tell his boys that he got them reserved seats. The cubs meander back to Disneyland but when they start to near Frontier Land Finn picks up the pace.

“Sweetheart, what’s the hurry?” Leo asks with a knowing smile.

“I wanna get good seats for Fantasmic, I haven’t seen it since I was little!” Finn replies.

“Orgasmic? I like the sound of that,” Logan slides in with a smirk.

“Baby, no!” His boyfriends exclaim at the same time. Logan giggles which gets Leo and Finn laughing as well.

“And Finn, I got us seat reservations for the show so no need to rush,” Leo tells him. Finn’s response is to jump on Leo with a fierce hug and a drawn out “Yay,”.

The cubs enjoy the water show immensely, all snuggled up and bundled in sweatshirts once again to fend off the cool evening air. They point out little details to each other with intertwined hands and gasp aloud at the pretty fireworks. Once Fantasmic is over they do a few more rides, then head back to the hotel, sleepy after a full day. The boys fall asleep quickly again, ready to do it all again the next day.

[headinthestaticsky]

Extras for The Dusk Calls for me.

Authors Note: While I plan out the next few chapters of my story, enjoy these memories I did for the re-write I did on Wattpad.

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions and a attempt of SA

Time: This Takes place a year before the beginning of The Dusk Calls for me.

"Makes me feel like flying

Top-down backstreet driving Dusty road all alone

Tip my hat Puff of smoke, smoke

Makes me feel like flying

I just run ."

American Gurl by: Kilo Kish

I was finally out, those words of bile my mother and sister spew toward me finally pushed me over the edge. Yet those words finally got me back with my father in Forks, where I always belonged.

Flashback: One Week Ago.

"FLEUR! GET DOWN HERE NOW!" My erratic mother Renee yelled from downstairs.

My heart started beating out of my chest, what did I do this time? I walked into the dining room, Renee and Isabella were sitting at the table across from where I was sitting. Bella had a smirk on her face relishing in the tension between Renee and I.

"Yes?" I asked.

"You always have to cause trouble don't you?' She replied back, malice laced her voice.

"What? What are you even talking about?"

"Bella told me you've been saving money to go see your father in Forks." She spat at me.

My rapidly beating heart sunk down into my stomach, I had been trying to see my dad in Forks for a year now. My mother refused to get me a plane ticket herself, she always told me I reminded her too much of my father and that I didn't need to be around him anymore than I already was which wasn't often.

"Mother, it's my money I can do with it as I please," I said calmly though I could feel the rage beginning to boil in my blood.

"YOU AREN'T GOING!" She yelled demandingly.

I couldn't control myself, it was as if someone else had entered my body.

"WHAT IN THE HELL IS SO WRONG FOR WANTING TO SEE MY FATHER!?"

"I'M NOT GOING TO WASTE THAT KIND OF MONEY ON YOU!"

"Well you aren't now aren't you? It's my own money and I will use it however the hell I want to!"

"Oh don't you..." Renee started.

"Are you going to tell me you would be doing the same thing if Bella was the one wanting to go see dad?"

"She isn't a trouble maker." She snapped back.

"How am I a trouble maker? For wanting my mother to be kind and considerate? For wanting my mother to treat me with respect? To get an ounce of love from the frozen, undead heart inside your chest?" I asked, my face heated up it felt like it was burning.

"If you can't stand to be around us so much why don't you just move down there to Forks?"

"I will, just give me the rest of the money for the plane ticket and I swear to god the second I walk out that door I will NEVER come back!"

"Fine..." I turned away from her before she could say anything else. Before I reached the stairs I turned around again, looking directly at Bella.

"Get away from her while you can Isabella, or you're going to end up being just as toxic as she is." I then left before they could say anything else.

Flashback over: 2 years before the Original story begins.

I looked to the side, staring out the window. The desert plains had disappeared while I slept and now the lush green forests overtook the view. The fog wasn't heavy but the skies were covered with dark grey clouds and a downpour of rain. The cold weather was a lot more favorable in my opinion, the sun couldn't burn my skin much here. The plane had begun to shake signaling that the plane was beginning to land. I couldn't wait to see my father again, I hadn't seen him since my 12th birthday. When I got off the plane I stretched, being cramped in a small plane for an almost 3-hour flight wasn't exactly the most comfortable.

I walked through the crowded airport, scanning the area for my father. I bumped into some disgruntled couples and quickly left before I was caught in the crossfires of their mood.

"Petal?" I heard from behind me. I turned around quickly recognizing that voice, it could calm me down before I got into trouble.

"Dad..." I said fondly before running up to hug him.

My heartfelt I little more full, and the pain my mother inflicted on me was healed for the time being. We walked out together, each of us was carrying a bag. The wind was strong today and my hair was flying all of the places. Its cooling touch raised goosebumps on my skin, mom didn't buy any warmer clothes for me so I was stuck in the typical Arizona tank tops and shorts. Luckily for me, the car was already warmed up so I dethawed quickly. We drove for a few minutes in silence, the roar of the engine and other passing cars were the only sounds filling the space.

"So, how have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in a while." Dad said.

"I've been better, you know how mom is," I mumbled.

"I don't know what happened to her, she wasn't like that in high school. If she was I wouldn't have even wasted a second on her."

"I know you would've dad...she's cruel for sure. She's just good at hiding it from people she wants to impress."

"Yeah, she is."

The drive was a giant wave of nostalgia, being 16 now and seeing all of the familiar sites and views brought back fond memories. The old ice cream shop dad use to take me to, the reservation that Sam and Leah lived on, it all brought me back. It also fueled anger, however, as my mother constantly kept me under the brutal radiation of the sun.  Dad must've seen the look on my face and put his hand on my shoulder.

"It's going to be okay Petal, you're away from her now." He comforted.

"It's not just her dad... Bella's acting like her too."

"That's a shame... it really is."

"Yeah... it is." I sighed.

"I just can't wait to get back home, the attic is calling for me."

Dad chuckled before speaking again.

"You know... I heard you just got your license... So I got you an older car."

"You did not have to do that dad."

"It doesn't get in until next week, so I'll have to drive you to school until then," Dad said as if that would balance out the fact he got me a car.

"That's fine dad. What is it?"

"It's an old Mustang, a Fastback."

"Thank you, dad..."

"No problem Petal.

When we pulled into the driveway of our small but beautiful home the nostalgia fully set in. The colors were exactly the same, and the grass was just as muddy and dead as before.

"Well I cleared off some shelves for you in the bathroom, your room was a bit dusty so I just cleaned it for you," Dad explained as he helped me take my luggage upstairs.

"Sounds good, thank you again, dad, I love you."

"Love you too Petal." He kissed my head before closing the door behind me. The room was bare, I would have to fix it later on. I collapsed on my bed, facing the ceiling.

"I'm home."

September 17th, 2004.

"Dad I have to go, I don't want to be late on my first day!" I exclaimed throwing on a leather jacket.

"Petal I am almost ready, I never knew you were so much of a bookworm." He joked, ruffling my hair.

"Dad I am an entire school year ahead of where I should be... I take my education very seriously." I said, trying to hide the growing smirk on my face.

"Alright alright let's go," Dad said, taking my arm and pulling me out the door.

We were only driving for a little bit when I decided to roll the window down, I placed my arms on where the window used to be and rested my head on them. My hair blew out of my face and the cool mist of Forks hit me. When we arrived at the school dad was scanning the parking lot looking for a place to park when he passed right by a group of people. They were all gorgeous, their faces seemingly perfectly sculpted, and they all had the same colored eyes, golden. My eyes locked with one however, they were filled with pain for a second before melting into shock. something strange filled my chest and my heart began to race. As we drove past them I gave him a smile, hoping to ease his shock.

Timeskip: September 30th, 2004

Something was up, the boy I saw outside that window, Jasper Hale was more than what he seemed. He was freezing cold all the time, and I swore I saw his eyes turn black for a split second when he saw a boy from another make a gesture toward me. It was strange really, we had been friends for a few weeks but he seemingly had a protective...energy over me. But at the same time, I still felt something... I couldn't explain it. It was as if we were connected to each other in some way. My dad had to take my car to the shop and he couldn't pick me up today so I decided to take a trip to the library, hoping to find some new material to read.

I didn't realize how long I had been in the library until I looked out of the small windows of the building. The sky was darkened and daylight was running out, I checked out a few books and left not wanting to be stuck walking in the night. I was a few blocks home when I heard 3 men talking behind me.

"Oh looks at this one..."

"She seems perfect for us."

"Come here girly... we just want to talk."

My heart raced and my pace quickened, speed walking home. I tried taking weird turns and cuts but they wouldn't fall for the bait. I decided to run for it hoping my legs would be quick enough to evade them all. I was then pushed against the wall 2 minutes into my escape again, the smell of alcohol made me want to retch.

"You aren't very good at listening to orders." One murmured, his face was inches away from me, he breathed in my scent and began to chuckle.

"Don't be too hard on her... I like ones that fight." Another said

"Make this easy on yourself girl..."

One reached down to take off my clothes when he was suddenly thrown back a few feet into the air. I just stood against the wall shocked, I saw Jasper standing over the man before making his way over to the other two men. They both took off leaving their "friend" behind but Jasper zoomed toward them. His speed was inhuman and his strength was unprecedented yet I couldn't stop myself from moving from my spot. The other two men were flown into the air and scream on impact. Jasper grabbed them both by the throats.

"If you EVER try to touch her or any woman for that matter like that again... I. will. kill. you!" He growled before releasing them down on the ground. They gasped and ran again, babbling in terror toward one another.

Jasper walked toward me with a guilty look on his face, his hand reached out for mine and I took it without even thinking.

"Come with me Darlin' I have a lot to explain to you." He said softly, his mood had completely changed with me.

We walked for a few moments in silence, I side-eyed him for any shift in behavior, when it didn't I decided to interrogate him.

"How did you do that?" My voice trembled.

He sighed before replying.

"I'm a vampire." He said blatantly.

I looked at him and laughed thinking it was a joke... when he didn't join I stopped and looked at him with shock.

"You're serious?" I said, my eyes widening again.

"Yes I am, I've been 17 for...141 years. I got changed during the Civil War."

"Damn... you're old... wait were you in the Civil War?"

"Yes, I was drafted to the Confederate Army when I was 17..."

"Yikes..."

"You're telling me, I ran away the first chance I got... I wasn't going to fight in some war that was fueled by warped and disgusting ideas just because I was forced to. I never thought the way they did... I never understood why someone could think so low of a human being just because of his skin."

"That's very brave of you."

"I had just made it to Galveston when I decided to take a break... I ended up on a beach... that's when I ran into an immortal named Maria. She was creating an army and decided that I would be a good fit for it."

"She changed you against your will?"

"I didn't even know what she was doing until I felt searing pains from my arms all the way up to my neck." He explained rolling up his sleeves and showing me his scars."

I traced the teeth marks on his forearm before looking up at him again.

"I'm sorry that happened to you..."

He looked up at me in shock.

"You... you feel sympathy for something like me? I'm a monster..." He said sincerely.

"It wasn't even your choice as to what you became... and I don't think a monster would've saved me back there. Face it, Jasper, you're a big softie who's had bad experiences in his long... long life."

He chuckled before glancing at me, we made it back to the house, dad still wasn't home yet. We walked into the backyard, sitting in patio chairs and looking up at the stars.

"There's something else I have to tell you." Jasper admitted in the darkness.

I looked at him in confusion, what else did he have to tell me? He's a werewolf too?

"You're..." He hesitated. "You're my mate." He said quickly.

"What? How... vampires have mates?" I asked in shock.

"Yes we do, and we instantly know when we've met them. Didn't you feel it, when you looked out that window at me? It was enamour... love, something I have never experienced before."

"I haven't either... but I have to admit I felt something too. I just didn't know what it was, I felt connected to you somehow though. But... I'm 16... falling deeply in love isn't exactly something I planned."

"I understand completely. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. I understand I am a vampire... this is a lot to take in." Jasper said lowering his head in shame, his curls covered his eyes.

I sat up and turned to him.

"Hey, hey it's not just because you're a vampire honest! I just need to think things through... we can still talk in and out of school I won't push you out." I said a bit faced-paced. I didn't want to hurt his feelings he did just save me after all.

He looked and me and grabbed my hand.

"Take all the time you need Fleur, I will accept your answer no matter what is it." He said sincerely.

"Thank you... Jasper."

"It's not any trouble." His face lit up all of the sudden, car headlights entered my line of view. I felt my hand by dropped by his cold one and a whoosh of wind flew my hair forward. I turned back around and he was gone.

Timeskip: October 16th, 2004.

It was hard, weighing the pros and cons of being with Jasper.

Pros: We were soulmates... destined to be with each other, He knew my limits and respected my boundaries, he gave me a choice, not forcing me into something I might not want to do, and he was a kind and gentle soul. We understood each other, our hearts and souls were connected and I would never find someone else I would be so close to.

Cons: He was a creature who thirsted for blood... a thirst he didn't always have the best control over, Being in a serious relationship at such a young age was a huge commitment I didn't even fully know who I was... would I ever be able to find out who I am being so committed to someone If I did become involved in a relationship two things would happen... I would die and leave him lonely for eternity, or I would be turned into a vampire... leaving my family behind.

My mulling over of the pros and cons was interrupted, a girl had cleared her throat. I looked up realizing I was still in the school library, standing in the back of the constant isles of books. I turned to the voice and my eyes were shocked to see Rosalie Hale looking at me.

"Rosalie? Is there something you need?" I asked.

"Let's go for a walk, I need to talk to you in private." She said she seemed tense about something.

I checked out the books I got before following her to the outside, we walked near the edge of the woods. The dead leaves and grass crunched underneath our feet.

"I know Jasper told you about us... and he told me that you wanted to think somethings over with him." She started.

"Hey... I just wanted to let you know I would never tell anyone about you guys... And I'm not trying to hurt Jasper with me thinking our relationship over. It's just a lot of process." By the time I finished that statement she laughed and patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry Fleur I completely understand why you want to think over some things... I would too if I were in your shoes. Besides, I trust you... I get a good vibe off of you." Rosalie replied smiling at me.

"I want to get into a relationship with Jasper I do but... I don't want to leave my father... he's all I got right now and I'm all he's got."

"Hey, I promise no one would force you into becoming a vampire in our family... I especially wouldn't force you to."

"Really?"

"Yes of course... It's nice to meet someone with a respect for mortality."

"It's just... I always to do certain things... like going to that art school in Cayon City Oregon... the Art Museums down there are amazing... and I always wanted to kid when I was older... a little boy." I explained smiling fondly at the thought.

"I did too... I always wanted a son."

"But at the same time... I wouldn't want to spend all my time with Jasper... only to leave him alone for eternity you know?" I asked her hoping she would get my point of view.

"Of course... I can tell you've been conflicted these past few weeks about it. But I wanted to vouch for Jasper... he's willing to do anything for you, and his thirst for blood has never been more controlled than when he's been with you. He won't take you away from your family either... he would never want to hurt you in any way possible." She explains turning toward me to look me in the eyes so the message could really sink in.

"Thanks, Rosalie..."

"Of course...give Jasper a chance, I promise it'll be worth it." She said.

"I will... I'll talk to him tonight, thanks for the guidance."

"No problem."

Timeskip: October 16th, 2004: 10:12 PM

Dad was gone, he had to work late down at the station tonight. My palms and legs shook nervous to tell Jasper my decision. I was sitting in the same spot I was in when Jasper told me I was his soulmate... the cool air calmed my nerves slightly before I closed my eyes and sighed.

"Fleur? You said you wanted to talk to me... are you okay?" Jasper's voice asked worryingly behind my closed lids.

"Yeah, I'm fine... I just wanted to give you an answer about... everything."

He sat down adjacent to me and nodded, wanting me to continue.

"I will get into a relationship with you... thank you for giving me the time to think about things."

He smiled before asking me if he could kiss my cheek. I said yes of course and it seemed my body melted in bliss and content. All the past weeks' tensions and worrying left me and it was replaced with love... and a sense of stability. We looked up at the stars and I pointed toward the largest one in the sky.

"You see that one?" I said.

"Yes, I do Darlin'."

"That is the star of the path I started with you..."

[ahsxual]

Romantic Anniversary

Pairing: Patrick Verona x Reader

Summary: It's your birthday and Pat has prepared everything for your day be perfect.

Genre: Fluff Fluff and more fluff

Word count: 1,4k

A/N: This one is with Pat 🥰 He's sooo cute, I want to hug and give him kisses all over his face so badly 🥺 Anyways, I hope you enjoy it!

Patrick Verona. The name of the boy that makes sure you are happy everyday, the one who makes sure you feel loved every moment, the one who loves you as much as you love him. By his side, you feel so safe, so alive, and so lucky to have him, to have someone who cares for you so deeply and doesn't give up on you. Never.

He is seen as a rebellious and pathetic anti-social guy whose middle's name was trouble. Everyone, except you. And that's why he loves to assure you that he's so greatful for everything you have done for him, by loving you every way possible: from taking care of you when you're sick and wiping your tears away on the hardest moments, to offering you presents and being with you whenever he's available. However, today was a different day. A special and unique day. Why? Well, that's simple: because it was your day. The day where an angel and a precious kind soul was born to rescue him from the merciless darkness of the world. He wanted everything to be perfect for you: although he didn't care about school, he surely was way too perfectionist whenever you were the subject of the matter.

While you were with some friends during the day, reserving the entire night only for your dedicated and loving boyfriend, Patrick was setting all the things he bought for your birthday party: he bought balloons, your favorite cake with your cutest picture together on it, your favorite t-shirt and sweater, two tickets for the premiere movie that you wanted so badly to see and two rings with each others names on it, making your relationship official.

Saying that he was excited and anxious wasn't enough to describe how he really felt. He couldn't wait to see your big bright smile planted on your face, proudly knowing that he was the one responsible for it.

Hours passed and he was checking for the hundrenth time if everything was placed correctly, until your front door opened:

"Baabe, I'm home! I'm all yours now! " you said while putting your bag on the wooden hanger. You got no response, however you didn't worry too much about it once you saw all the red petals and lit candles that were dimming the dark space, leading to your bedroom. You slowly followed the lit path ahead of you, admiring how beautiful the view was.

When you reached your bedroom's door, you saw several red velvet hearts all over and white letters of the same material glued to it, saying: "Only allowed for my gorgeous goodness and future wife". Instinctively your eyes became wet and your vision turved from your happy tears that eventually shamelessly appeared, but you decided to wipe them and play his game instead.

"I'm sorry, but I wanted to know if I'm allowed to come in! " you spoke loudly, wanting to your not-yet-seen boyfriend to hear you.

"Identify yourself, miss." you heard him respond from the other side of the room. You smiled at this, remembering instantly how naturally you communicate, understand and joked around with each other with such little effort.

"My name is Y/n L/n, sir." after this, the door opened, revealing your lovely boyfriend whom owned a smile bigger than the sky and brighter than every single star on it.

"I've been waiting for you, my love. Make yourself at home." he joked, mimicking the gentleman of the old romance movies.

You couldn’t resist him anymore, so you immediately jumped on his arms and started kissing him hard, not caring on letting your emotions take control over you.

"Woow, someone was eager to see me, huh?" he moved a piece of your hair behind your ear so he could see and kiss you properly.

"You can't imagine how much, big boy." you said before kissing him again, this time slower yet passionately. When you pulled away, he placed you on the ground, giving you a last quick kiss before showing you the rest of his surprises: there was a small table on the corner of your room with your cake on it and several balloons of your favorite color around, attached to the table; on it were some red petals as well around the cake and some papers glued to it, all of them saying the reasons why he fell in love with you: "you helped and cared about me when no one else did", "you never believed any of those rumors about me and never judged me", "you always were kind, gentle, attentive and so so beautiful to me", "you are so silly like me, yet that's just one more reason to love you more, if that's even possible" and so many others. It was outstanding and simply perfect. When you got closer, you saw your favorite picture of yourselves printed on your cake.

"Oh my God Pat, this one was taken on our first date!" you said feeling nostalgic of one of your most memorable moments together. "You-you did all this? For me??" you could already feel new tears starting to form in your eyes.

"This and so much more." he promised, kneeling right after while still making eye contact with your overwhelmed eyes. You were confused, yet so excited to see what more he had planned for you. He took a small black velvet box inside of his back pocket and opened it to you, only to reveal two silver rings with your names on it: you were speechless by this.

"Pat, y-you didn't need to-" you couldn't believe this was actually happening.

"Shhh don't say that, of course I needed. And wanted it too." he then removed the one that had his name on it, before grabbing your hand delicately. "May I?" he questioned, waiting for your permission first.

"Of course, baby!" he was so happy and proud of himself to know you've reacted the way he was hoping for: his plan was going great so far. He slowly put the ring on your finger, while admiring how beautiful it was on you. "Well, I guess now it's my turn." you offered, after eyeing mindlessly how the ring looked on your finger. This gesture was way much more than you ever expected.

"Go ahead, sweet cheeks." he loved to call you every possible nickname, memorizing which one made your smile grew bigger. "The next ones will be put on our wedding." he said confidently, while looking at you as if you were the most marvelous woman alived.

"I'm so happy, Patrick! This is so, so perfect, I can't even believe you made all of this!"

"Why can't you? Are you underestimating me?" He complained, pretending to be offended.

"Of course not, silly! I just... I just didn't expect you to be so romantic." you teased while putting your arms around his neck, only to be gently grabbed by your waist in return.

"What can I say... I like to impress and show my princess what I'm capable of." he smiled once again, before kissing you.

"Oh by the way, it's such a shame that we will have to eat that delicious cake! I don't want to ruin the picture!! " he laughed at this, kissing you this time on the forehead instead.

"Well, it seems like we have to order more cakes like this one than, but with another picture." now was your turn to laugh.

The rest of the night was spent the best way possible: you opened the rest of the presents he had for you, saw your favorite movies together while eating your favorite snacks, danced with him, gossiped about your secrets that weren't already revealed while he told you about his, had pillow talks while he cuddled with you and listened so carefully to your opinions about several subjects... you couldn't be any happier. This was all you wished for: to spend your day by the side of your soulmate, your lover, your best friend. The only one who truly understands you... that night was sufficient proof that he was the right one and the only one for you.

[hollycreadisserda]

cozy days

happy valentines day!

i drew my babies holly and acke:)

speedpaint: https://youtu.be/Ue1DgRwpJ0w

also i wrote a story based on this drawing!

if you want to read it, click read more or read it on wattpad here: https://www.wattpad.com/story/258769207-cozy-days ♥

Since we started living together in our small house, Acke always made sure that I wake up in good humor every day. He promised me that he would help me beat all my demons. Whenever I had a worse day, he was there to comfort me. He always made sure I felt better. This morning I didn't feel well. I was staring at the ceiling all night, couldn't close my eyes. I was scared. I didn't even know why. Sometimes you are scared without a solid reason, and surreal thoughts are covering your mind. When Acke asked me, what's wrong, I wasn't even able to speak. After a moment, he just shook his head and kissed my forehead. "Rest today, give yourself a day-off, my sweet blueberry pie." I nodded. Acke gave me a warm smile and gave me a few more smooches on my cheek. He always made sure that every minute I spent with him made me feel loved. And he was always succeeding. Either it was by kissing my neck when we were making out or just telling me that he is proud of me because I cleaned up the bathroom all by myself. I felt love and happiness in my life thanks to him. I've never realized how much I needed this in my life. He hugged me tightly and told me to try to take a nap. I took a deep breath and put my face on his chest. His heartbeat made me feel calmer. I didn't even know when I fell asleep. Though, when I woke up, he was already out. I wished he could stay, but people at our office were gossiping a lot whenever we both stayed at home. After all, I was still his boss and shouldn't give him days-off just because I am madly in love with him. Well, they were right, but sometimes I couldn't help my heart. I was usually forcing Acke to stay in bed with me, but he never really seemed to complain. It wasn't happening a lot anyway, just whenever it was really important. It was hard for me to get out of bed. During days like these, I wished to do nothing at all. I wanted to lay in my cozy bed as long as Acke would be at work. On the other hand, I didn't want to waste my entire day. I knew it would also make Acke worry a lot. Apparently, not having the energy to go out of the bed wasn't normal. I was still new to the whole "self-care" thing and never really felt like doing things for myself, so for now, doing things for him was good enough for me. I texted him that I got up. He almost immediately replied that he is proud and that he loves me. I was thankful for him. I took my notebook. I wanted to plan this day and spend it productive so he can be proud of me again. I smiled. I could imagine how he smiles when he hears that I planned the whole day by myself. I was feeling butterflies in my stomach again. I took a warm shower, used the best shower creams, used conditioner on my hair, and put a lot of moisture on my skin. I even used some products for my face. I didn't have significant problems with my skin, but it just felt nice to wear all these masks. I felt like in a spa. I looked at the mirror. I still didn't like what I see. My lips were shaking whenever I tried to smile to myself. It felt so hard. I remembered what Acke was telling me. "You need to look beautiful for yourself, not for me. I already know you are the prettiest woman that ever existed. It's time for you to acknowledge that." Yet, I couldn't believe it. It felt like someone was telling me that the color black is white. It just felt surreal. I opened my mouth to say that I love myself, that I love every part of my body, every scar, each finger, and a strand of hair. I bit my lip and closed my eyes. Not today. I wasn't ready yet. But I will be one day.

I got dressed in my casual but still comfortable clothes. Sometimes I didn't have the energy to even wore anything besides my pajamas but, I wanted to fight this urge every day. And I was getting better. Things that felt like a challenge months ago were easier now. I was slowly taking steps in my healing. Every time I did it, I was proud of myself. Then I was writing it to my sisters and Acke so they can also be proud. I was so happy they were by my side. I finally didn't feel alone. I didn't know that sometimes you simply need to tell people how you feel. It felt so abstract to me. I was scared that they wouldn't understand my words and feelings and that I am just a psycho. But they understood every word I said. They helped me find peace in myself. It's still hard for me to believe in myself, but at least I have people who do. *** I loved cooking for Acke. Acke couldn't prepare food at all. He often forgot about either adding important ingredients or about turning off the oven. Once, he wanted to do a surprise date for me. He was preparing one of the Anyposian traditional dishes, which are not that easy to cook. It ended up cleaning up the whole kitchen and ordering food from the restaurant. Though, thanks to that, he always enjoyed my food. He never complained, even if I added a little too much salt. If I wasn't proud of my food, he told me that he would probably burn it already. Whatever I did was tasty for him anyway. I wanted to bake a cake. I rarely baked anything. We were usually just buying sweets whenever we wanted to eat something sweet. But today, I had an opportunity to surprise him. I never really was in love before I started dating Acke. I didn't know how it is. I couldn't understand why people love loving. It wasn't logical at all. Why would you do something that might not reward you? But love is not reserved for the brain but the heart. I acknowledge that the little sparkle in the eye of your loved ones is the reward. That little smirk after hearing your stupid joke is what you get. That was the best thing I could get. Him being happy. After I prepared the dinner, I started making a cake. I wanted to make it in time, so when Acke would finish eating dinner, I would put a plate of warm cake in front of him. However, he came back earlier. I looked at him. He seemed to be a little tired. "Hey, do you feel any better?" he said while unbuttoning his shirt. I nodded. It was weird for Acke to come back so soon. "I... I think I feel a little better." "What were you doing?" I described to him my whole day. I told him what book I read and what did I watch on TV. He always seemed to be interested. I was lucky to have such a good listener. "Well, if this book is that good, I need to read it too." He said and gave me a warm smile. I smiled back while mixing the dough. He held my cheeks and gave a kiss on my forehead. "So, why are you so early?" He looked at me and opened his mouths a little. It felt like he couldn't find words. I raised my eyebrow and put the bowl aside. We were staring at each other for a while. We were doing it pretty often. Either it was just for the sake of us admiring each other or us wanting to give another person space to think. He was stroking my cheeks with his thumbs. His fingers were a little shaky. "You know you are beautiful, right?" I didn't know how to reply. I know I am beautiful for you. I know I might be for everyone else. But not for me. I couldn't reply. I didn't want to lie. "I wanted to bake a cake as a surprise, but I guess it's not a surprise anymore..." It was a pain for me to avoid some topics. I hated playing stupid. It felt as if I didn't know what he was talking about. He took a deep breath and looked at the window. The last rays of sunshine were coming to our kitchen. Our neighbor's cat was observing kids who were playing. I sighed and put the dinner on the table.

"Holly...just..."

I looked at him. He came to me and hugged me tightly. I glared at him, a little confused, and hugged him back.

"So...why did you come back early?"

Acke put his face on my chest.

"I was scared that you will leave me."

His breath was shaky. Mine got a little, too.

"How could you even think that way, honey? I love you with all my mind, body, soul, and heart. I would hate myself for eternity if I left you."

He didn't reply. He just held me as if I were going to disappear. I put my hand on his head. I was stroking his dark, soft hair. I could feel his heart beating fast as if he just ran a marathon.

"I know I worry too much. But I can't lose you, too."

Losing people I loved was the worst thing I have ever experienced.

When I was a child, I thought losing is about someone disappearing from your life suddenly and forever. That death is the only way I can lose people I love.

Acke lost his whole family.

When he became a soul, his parents, brother, and sister forgot about his existence. He watched his siblings die, yet the worst pain he felt was that he couldn't talk to his parents again like a son would.

Acke wanted to tell them that he is in a relationship with me, that he is working, that he is doing good. But he couldn't. His parents forgot about his existence.

He would prefer to know that he can't meet them anymore. But he could.

I tried to encourage Acke to meet his parents, but he didn't even want to hear about it. I didn't want to argue with him about it, so I don't talk about this.

At least not that often. Because I still believe Acke's parents would understand. They were some of the loveliest people I ever encountered. They would welcome him with open arms. They would be as proud of him as he is of me.

"You need to understand that you need to think about yourself too."

He sighed.

During my 27-year-old life, I learned a lot. When we think about others too much, we might forget about our problems. I didn't care about what I truly feel for definitely too long. I was thinking only about revenge on Eysha. I fell into the trap of constantly thinking about other people instead of focusing on my problems. When I was forgetting about taking care of myself, Acke was here to remind me that it's time to think about what I feel and what I need instead of blindly seeking revenge the whole time

Acke was the most supportive person I could ever meet. However, he was also the first one to forget about himself.

I wasn't the greatest friend, most of the time, but now I wanted to change it. I wanted not only to learn how to take care of myself. I wanted to know how to take care of other people.

"I want to stay quiet with you today."

I didn't bake the cake after all.

For the rest of the day, we sat on the couch and listened to his favorite music. We didn't talk. Acke just needed me, not my words.

He cried.

I was thankful that I have Acke. That he wasn't scared to show me who he truly is.

I loved spending with him all those cozy days.

thank you for reading what i wrote:) its my first time actually posting my writing so im kinda nervous haha

tell me if you liked it ♥ have a good day

[lcnelyinthesky]

pairing: akaashi keiji x female reader

genre: fluff!!, TLFY!au

warnings: none :>

word count: 1249

synopsis: you come home from a horrible day at work to your boyfriend akaashi, who has his heart set on telling you a little story.

author’s note: chapter six of lily and i’s “the last five years” collab! i remember being super proud of this when i wrote it, so enjoy!!

“Keiji, I’m really not up for your antics right now.” Your tone had a slight bite to it after having a horrible day at the bar you were employed by. The big dreams you had weren’t working as planned and today had been a tipping point, and while you love your boyfriend, he could sometimes be a bit overbearing with his ideas.

Schmuel would work 'til half-past ten at his tailor shop in Klimovich

Get up at dawn and start again with the hems and pins and twist

Forty-one years had come and gone at his tailor shop in Klimovich

Watching the winters soldier on, there was one thing Schmuel missed

“Oh come on y/n!! I made this just for you. It’s just a little Christmas story, I call it ‘The Story of Schmuel, Tailor of Klimovich,’ please, just relax and listen.” Akaashi grabbed your hand and led you to the couch in your living room. The whole space, albeit small, was decorated to the brim with Christmas decorations. Every wall was adorned with colored lights and the small, green tree on the coffee table had a star on the top that was far too big for it. He stood in the center of the room, making his already tall body just a bit taller with a step stool as a stage. He continued to speak in a funny voice

"If I only had time," old Schmuel said "I would build the dress that's in my head. A dress to fire the mad desire of girls from here to Minsk. But I have no more hours left to sew.”

Akaashi’s eyes began to light up more and more as he got into the story.

Then the clock upon the wall began to glow… And the clock said: "Na na na na, na na na, oh Schmuel, you'll get to be happy! Na na na na, na na na, I give you unlimited time! Na na na na, na na na, So Schmuel, go sew and be happy!"

Something about his passion always fascinated you. He was reserved and quiet as a person, but that let him be far more meticulous than most. He could see every single thing and he remembered them all. There was no getting past Akaashi Keiji, but he wasn’t necessarily stubborn. 

But Schmuel said, "No, no, it's not my lot. I've gotta make do with the time I've got."

You had grown to know him better and better through the time you’ve been together. He opened up to you and you did to him. If you told anyone that your quiet boyfriend was telling you a very animated story about an old man, they wouldn’t believe you for a second.

But you knew Akaashi. You trusted him, and he trusted you. You two worked in a way none of your relationships had before. 

Schmuel was done at half-past ten and he said, "Good night, old Klimovich!" Put on his coat to go, but then the clock cried, "Wait! Not yet! Even though you're not wise or rich, you're the finest man in Klimovich! Listen up, Schmuel – Make one stitch and you'll see what you can get!"

He was a goofball under the stoic, silent facade. He was playful and passionate and open, and you thanked fate every day for letting you see that side of him. 

But Schmuel said, "Clock, it's much too late. I'm at peace with life, I accept my fate..."

But the clock said, "Schmuel! One stitch and you will unlock the dreams you've lost!"

Akaashi’s face was lit up.

So Schmuel, with reluctance, took his thread. He pulled a bolt of velvet and he said:

"I should take out my teeth and go to bed! I'm sitting here with talking clocks instead!"

His eyes were glistening.

And the clock said: "Na na na na, na na na, oh Schmuel, you'll get to be happy! Na na na na, na na na, I give you unlimited time! Na na na na, na na na, just do it and you can be happy!"

He was in his element.

So Schmuel put the thread through the needle's eye, and the moon stared down from a starless sky

And he pushed the thread through the velvet black, and he looked, and the clock was turning... back!

So he grabbed his shears and he cut some lace as the hands moved left on the old clock's face!

And his fingers flew and the fabric swirled – It was nine-fifteen all around the world!

And you were so thankful to be a part of that.

Every cut and stitch was a perfect fit as if God Himself were controlling it! And Schmuel cried, through a rush of tears, "Take me back! Take me back all forty-one years!"

You sat there and giggled as he got so into his story. His face had curled into the biggest smile as he watched the glee enter your eyes. You grabbed the blanket from over the back of the couch and covered yourself in it, finding a mug of tea on the table next to you that presumably Akaashi had made before you came home--it was still warm. You sipped and filled yourself with warmth, feeling the horrendous parts of the day melt right away. Akaashi’s tone quieted down as he told the next parts of the story.

Plenty have hoped and dreamed and prayed, but they can't get out of Klimovich

If Schmuel had been a cute Goyishe maid, he'd've looked a lot like you

“Wait. I'm Schmuel? Why am I Schmuel??” You looked into the light blue eyes of your boyfriend, who was now kneeling in front of you on the couch. He held both of your hands in his and spoke right to you.

“Oh yeah you are, dear.” Akaashi giggled when he spoke, getting ready for his explanation as you scoffed jokingly. He may have just compared you to an old man, but you couldn’t help but feel loved in his presence.

Maybe it's just that you're afraid to go out on to a limb-ovich

Maybe your heart's completely swayed, but your head can't follow through

He winked at you and got up, walking to the other side of the room again, ready to continue the story with as much passion as before.

But shouldn't I want the world to see the brilliant girl who inspires me?

Don't you think that now's a good time to be the ambitious freak you are?

Say goodbye to wiping ashtrays at the bar! Say hello to Cathy Hiatt, big-time star!

He then grabbed some things off a nearby table, all wrapped lightly in white tissue paper and a pale yellow ribbon. 

Here's a headshot guy and a new BackStage where you're right for something on every page –

Take a breath. Take a step. Take a chance… Take your time.

He set the things down in your lap as you shifted to place your feet on the vinyl flooring. Akaashi knelt down in front of you again, putting his hands on your knees and looking intently into your eyes. Vulnerability and honesty and love was plastered all over his face. His features softened and he took his right hand up to push a piece of your hair behind your ear. He placed a kiss on your forehead when you moved your head down slightly.

Have I mentioned today how lucky I am to be in love with you?

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[bonfire-at-the-crossroads]

Rutger Hauer has passed, and is on his way through the stars, toward the shoulder of Orion and the Tannhauser Gate.

He gave himself to the world of film and created characters which will continue to inspire the people lucky enough to share in the dreams he left behind.

I wrote this a couple years ago - and maybe it’s time to look at it again.

Thank you Mr Hauer for leaving this place a little brighter for your having been here.

Good journey, peace at last.....

————————————————————————————————————-

January 8, 2016

It's Roy Batty's birthday.

Ridley Scott's 1982 movie - Blade Runner - cast Rutgers Hauer as the renegade Replicant in search of his maker.

The film was a brilliant adaptation of Philip K Dick's "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?"

Roy and a small group of Nexus-6 Replicants, have stolen an off-world transport, killed the crew, and returned to earth - in an attempt to coerce their designer to extend their programmed four-year lifespan. January 8, 2016 was the day of Roy's inception, and also the day his genetic coding has scheduled him for death.

He is being hunted by Harrison Ford, as hired-gun Deckard - a Blade Runner - paid to track and kill escaped Replicants.

----------------------------------------------

In 1982 - the idea of the year 2016 was a mind-numbing distance away.

"The Future" was a place where anything was possible, and our wildest dreams would come true.

It seems like yesterday.

And yet, when I started thinking about the world I inhabited in '82, and where I've washed up on the shores of 2016 - it's been quite an extended sea voyage.

I was married to somebody else.

We walked into town to the little movie theater on Central Avenue, and as we moved to our seats, were told by the usher ( yeah, that's right - there were still ushers ) -"You shouldn't even bother with this movie. It stinks. Four people at the last show actually asked for their money back."

We loved it.

Minds were blown - and we went back two more times, bringing friends.

That Christmas Eve - I had a small stroke. I was 26.

At the time, I was more worried about how the news would affect my husband - and did not fully appreciate my own predicament. He overheard the doctor on the phone making arrangements for what was then, the only echocardiogram machine in the New York area.

"Is that about you?" He asked. I nodded.

My husband passed out cold on the waiting room floor.

I survived. Had test after test after test, and slowly got my left side back under my own control.

Time passed.

We tried for the baby - and a series of horrors led to the loss of pregnancy, and culminated with a 3:00 AM visit to the emergency room.

The husband was so upset - he left me by the hospital entrance, and drove home.

When he inevitably decided that he needed "space" and wanted to "take a break" -(clearly, his office-affair had nothing to do with this decision ) - I used the time to take a good long look at the marriage.

When he came back three months later - I was not the girl he had walked out on.

The world had changed, and so had the locks.

-------------------------------------------------

I moved into the West Village with a girlfriend. It was awkward having a roommate after having a husband, home, and mortgage - but I made it work.

An unusual boyfriend followed, and several years of actors, artists, and cabaret performers filled my days and nights.

It was Manhattan in the '80's. There were nights out spent dancing at the clubs til dawn.

The Met was open late on Friday nights, and my group of fellow oddballs wandered the museum halls every week for over a year.

Art and illustration was my livelihood. I knew everyone in the Village ( at least by sight) and was completely comfortable in my element.

But my friends got sick.

And my friends started dying.

AIDS ravaged the world.

The Village was ground zero, and everyone was terrified. We didn't know where it was coming from, didn't know how to cope with the skeletal friend, the friend covered with sarcoma blotches - was it the end of the world?

In many ways - yes. It was.

The best, brightest, most talented people on earth were dying out - and all I could do was hold hands at the bedside, and attend memorial services.

There was a three month period when I went to a service EVERY SINGLE WEEK.

My dearest friend, Bruce - I never even knew when he was well. We were fellow illustrators, and spent hours a day with phone cocked between shoulder and ear - talking while we drew in our separate studios. He was in Chelsea, I was on the corner of Perry and West Fourth.

We brought children's books to life, and loved the work.

As AIDS ravaged his body, he needed to take long naps in the afternoons. His fever would spike uncontrollably - he called it "Shake and Bakes."

He fussed over the ugly sarcoma lesions which appeared on his arms and hands - he found a theatrical makeup which he swore would cover them up so that nobody would know.

Everybody pretended that it worked.

"Well, my sweet darling angel - I took a shower this morning, and guess what? I watched all my hair go down the drain."

Some medication he was taking, combined with what may have been a chemotherapy cocktail - took every hair on his head.

He entered the shower - with.

Exited - without.

He had been told this might be a possibility, and had already purchased a wig from a professional Broadway wig-maker.

It was awful looking, but we continued to pretend.

He slipped farther away, and was hospitalized on a closed floor reserved for AIDS patients.

I visited every single day.

I brought tiny gifts, saved up stories to make him laugh - and built my day around spending time with him.

His family wouldn't come and see him. Friends did their best, but simply couldn't be with him when push had finally come down to shove.

I remember shouting at his brother on the pay phone in the hospital hallway "I can't make this better. I'm not allowed to make decisions for his care, because I'm not a family member. He is dying, and you need to be here."

He wasn't.

I held Bru's hand, and wiped his forehead. I asked the nurse to turn up his oxygen because he was struggling and begging for air. "It's as high as it will go." she said - and even though it was time for all visitors to leave, she said I could stay.

The day before, he had spent time with a priest who had given him what I now believe was last rites. He seemed comforted, and we said what needed to be said.

"You know Bru....I will ALWAYS love you."

He smiled and said. "I know. And I will always love you too."

He took his last breath a little before midnight.

I closed his eyes.

Twenty seven years have passed since that night.

-----------------------------------------------

The unusual boyfriend fell victim to his own silliness. He convinced himself that another woman was sending him messages about being attracted to him - and he needed "some space" to explore the magic.

He did.

She didn't

And I was magically single again.

As 1990 dawned - the Internet had not been invented.

The cell phone - wasn't.

Video rental stores were visited daily, and made money hand-over-fist.

Blonde, Madonna, and all that wonderful 80's music that my kids now think is divine - were the sounds of the decade.

And I didn't quite trust CD's.....

Times Square was just beginning to shed the peep shows and adult movie houses.

It was gritty, and how I loved it.

July 4th of 1990 I found myself eating in the diner downstairs from my apartment on the corner of 14th St and Seventh Avenue.

It was empty.

I ate my bluefish dinner and went back upstairs to the drawing board.

One single red rocket cleared the rooftops and the stars rained down.

I was bored.

Decided to place a personal ad in The Village Voice. "Looking for an interesting conversation over a cup of coffee....." and some other minor nonsense.

Over 350 people responded in the three days I checked the answering machine.

"I've never answered a personal ad," said the voice on the phone."I live with a grey cat. And I'm reading DUNE. Maybe you could call me, and we'll get a cup of coffee?"

On our third date, he never went back home.

"You know what? It's getting kind of silly to keep paying for an apartment to keep my cat in...."

"So what are you saying?" I asked. "Are you asking to officIally move in here?"

" Nope. Let's get married. It'll be fun. I'm not exactly getting younger - either are you. Why not?"

"It'll either work - or it won't. What's the reason that we shouldn't at least TRY?"

He talked me into it.

Brian and I were married in the Cathedral of St John the Divine, three months after our first date. Twenty five years ago, last October.

Babies happened. Three in a row. "Irish triplets" as my obstetrician called them.

Quinn.

Morgan.

Maddie.

They were (and are ) the three finest people I have ever known - and are the center of my soul.

Brian and I survived critical fulcrum points where the smallest waver would have plunged all of us into hell.

We stared death in the face - death blinked, and looked away,

more than once.

We walked away from alcoholism.

Left cigarettes behind,

Did battle with depression,

and kept walking....

We've skated on the thinnest of financial ice for YEARS.

We've worked and worked and worked some more - and it was never going to be enough to keep the ship afloat.

The kids, as we've laughed over the years have "Never missed a meal."

Nothing was easy, but our youngest will be the third to graduate from college in the Spring. Yes, there are loans to be paid - and we'll do everything we can to help them gain traction in their lives.

About a year and a half ago we took a good hard look at where the road was leading us. Our ability to maintain the income necessary to support our lives in Westchester county, in a big house with a big mortgage - huge utility bills, and a dwindling job market - we came up with a plan.

The bank was unhappy with our syncopated mortgage payment schedule - and really wanted their house back. Things were sliding downhill, and we simply couldn't stop it.

"Let's take the money from my last free-lance job, and buy a house in Ireland."

Found one.

And did.

Sold the house in Westchester.

Packed up everything we could.

Got on the plane.

And here we are.

January 8th, 2016, and it's 1982 all over again.

The Replicant is out of time.

He sits high on the rooftops above the city, rain is pouring from the black skies - and Roy Batty,- in his last moment of life - knows what it is to be fully human.

"I've seen things, you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain."

We all go through the motions. We get out of bed every day, and do our best to keep our lives and our families moving forward.

We work.

And plan.

And strive for happiness.

I'm no Roy - but I too, have seen things that will pass away with me when I go.

I, too, have learned what it is to be fully, and completely - human.

[wwenhlimagines]

"Don't worry baby girl, I've got you." - Finn Balor Requested by @melissashecklerstyles

One day, while you were sitting on your couch watching tv, you get a text from your boyfriend, Finn Balor. Finn - Hey babygirl, are you free tonight? I miss you, love. 😢 Y/N - I miss you too babe. What do you have in mind? 😚 Finn - I want to show you off, so dinner at (insert fancy restaurant here)? 🍾 Y/N - Perfect! 😘 Finn - I’ll pick you up at 6pm. 😁 Y/N - Can’t wait to see you in a suit 😜 Finn - You’ll be looking delicious in that dress I got you. Maybe I’ll skip dessert at the restaurant 😋 Your heart started to race as you pictured it in your mind. Finn would be so excited to take this next step in your relationship, but how would he react when you tell him you’re a virgin? Y/N - I’ve got cookies here 😁 You facepalmed as soon as you hit send. He’s trying to flirt and you’re acting completely oblivious over text. You have been texting Finn dirty thoughts while he’s on the road, especially when you watch RAW. You have been so confident over text, but in real life you’re scared out of your mind. Finn looks like he was made in a factory or something with you being able to see every delicious muscle in his body. You know that with a body like that, he’s definitely had a lot of experience in the bedroom, but you have only gone as far as over the clothes touching with anyone. Even though Finn is the sweetest boyfriend and you think he is the one, you’re scared that he might walk away when he hears about your inexperience. You think you are ready to give yourself to him, but still so scared to lose him. Trying to shake off the thoughts in your head, you watch some YouTube videos and soon your phone rings from another text message from Finn. Finn - I bet your cookie is delicious 😜 Your breath catches in your throat as you stare at that stupid little emoji. How is he so damn cute and dirty at the same time? Y/N - Maybe you’ll find out soon 🍪 “Damn it! What the fuck am I doing? He’s going to expect it now. Why can’t I resist his dirty talk? I want him so bad, but I’m such a scaredy cat.” You yelled at yourself as you pace back and forth around your living room. After a few minutes, you finally take a few deep breaths and decide to go to the gym for two reasons. 1. To distract yourself from the whole situation. 2. If he’s going to see you naked, you want to look your best. After a good workout, you come home and take a shower, taking your time to fully prepare yourself for tonight by shaving and using your favorite body wash. Getting out of the shower, you wrap a towel around you and make your way to your closet. You find the maroon velvet dress that Finn had bought you end lay it out on your bed as you search for the right bra and panty combo for it. Once everything is laid out, you return to the bathroom and play some music as you prep your hair and makeup. It’s 5:45 when you finish hair and makeup, so you dance around a bit before putting on your dress. You look in the mirror and smile at the way it fits your body. You couldn’t believe that even without seeing you naked yet, Finn somehow already knew what size and shape to get to flatter your figure the best. Soon enough, the doorbell rings and you grab your clutch with your phone, lipstick, wallet, and keys before opening the door. Finn was stood there with a single red rose and that dorky smile on his face until he saw your dress. He bit his lip as he handed you the rose and took your other hand in his to twirl you around. “You’re looking absolutely stunning baby.” You giggle and kiss him, “And you’re looking dashing babe.” He chuckles as you turn around to lock up and he escorts you to his car. “Your chariot awaits m'lady.” He opens the door for you and then climbs in himself and starts to drive. It was a 15 minute ride to the restaurant, so you talked about work and cracked a few jokes. He interlaced your fingers with his and placed them on your leg, so that at every stoplight he could pick them up and kiss your knuckles. When you arrive at the restaurant, he helps you out of the car and tells the maitre d the reservation name before you are led back to your table. You start to look at the menu when the waitress comes over to take your drink order. Finn tells her to bring out a bottle of wine and some water so you nod back and she walks off. Your waitress was gorgeous and you thought about how Finn could do so much better than you. You got so caught up in your thoughts that Finn grabbing your hand to signal your drinks arrived and to move your menu out of the way startled you. “Are you okay sweetheart?” You blush and nod, “Sorry, I just spaced out for a second.” He smiles and the waitress asks if you’re ready to order. Finn looks to you and even though you forgot to actually read the menu you nodded anyways. She turned to you first and you chose the first thing you could find on the menu before giving it back to her as Finn ordered his food. She smiled and nodded as she went to place our orders. “So what’s going on in that pretty brain of yours?” You blush as he now takes ahold of both of your hands with a smile on his face. “Just thinking about how lucky I am.” “You’re telling me. I scored the freaking jackpot when you agreed to go out with me.” You giggle and look away slightly. “There’s that gorgeous smile that I love.” You blush and change the subject back to work. He tells you about the plans for the next couple weeks and soon enough your food arrives. You try to eat as much as you can but you are so nervous about tonight that you barely touch your plate. “Does it not taste good, because you can get something else?” “No, I guess I just had a big lunch.” Finn eyes you suspiciously but agrees to let it slide. The waitress returns and you ask if you can take the food home so she packs it up and brings the check with it. You try to reach for it so you can pay your share, but Finn beats you to it. “Don’t worry babygirl, I’ve got you.” You sigh and excuse yourself to the restroom. You do your business and then stare at yourself in the mirror trying to prepare for the night ahead of you. A girl comes out of another stall and sees you in a daze, so she asks, “Is everything okay girl?” You nod, “Yeah, just nervous.” “What are you nervous about?” You check that there are no other girls in there and then decide to tell this random stranger about your problems. “Well, my boyfriend and I probably going to take a big step in our relationship tonight, but I’m scared he will be disappointed.” She frowns a bit, “How could he be disappointed when you look like that?” You giggle, “Well, he bought this for me.” She waves her hands in the air dramatically. “Wait…so you’re telling me that he brought you to this fancy restaurant and bought you this bomb dress, and yet you’re nervous about doing it? Girl, he’s basically wifed you up already so I know he loves you even if he hasn’t said it yet.” You blush and hid your face. “I promise you sweetheart, everything will be fine and he will still love you no matter what.” “But I’ve never…done it before.” “Great! Men love to know that you have truly given yourself to them. Plus, they hate thinking about being compared to your exes.” You nod, “Okay, but I know he’s very experienced.” “That means he will be willing to take it slow and he’ll want to make sure you’re enjoying it the whole time.” You take a deep breath and take one last look in the mirror. “Okay, I think I’m ready. Thank you so much!” You give her a quick hug and she laughs, “You’re welcome sweetheart, now go get him!” You walk out of the bathroom to see Finn waiting just outside the door with your food in hand. “Is everything okay baby? You were in there a while.” You kiss him quickly and smile, “I ran into a friend and we got carried away talking. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” He smiles and grabs your hand starting to walk out, “I’d wait a million years for you.” You look away as you blush to see the girl from the restroom walk out and give you 2 thumbs up. You wave goodbye to her and walk out to the car with Finn. The drive home was about the same as the drive there and when you arrived, you got out of the car, grabbed your food, and walked up to the door with Finn by your side. You unlocked the door and he let you go in first. Once you were inside, you put your leftovers in the fridge. As you shut the refrigerator door, Finn’s hands slid around your waist and he kissed your cheek. “Have you told you how beautiful you look tonight?” You lean back into him and sigh, “Maybe, but tell me more.” His lips started to trail down towards your neck, “Your hair is so soft and silky, your skin so smooth I want to kiss every inch.” He turns you around, “Your eyes are sparkling like a diamond and your lips as plush as a pillow I want to rest mine on forever.” He slowly kisses your lips as your hands rest on his chest playing the with collar of his suit as his start to roam slowly along your spine pulling you closer as the kiss deepens. You bit his lip and he groans as his hands slide down to your ass. Yours finding their way to the back of his neck as you press your chests together. Your tongues dance together as you start to walk towards your bedroom. You pull away and drag Finn behind you until you end up outside your room. He picks you up bridal style and carries you over the threshold and gently places you on the bed. He takes off his suit jacket and shoes before he lays down next to you as you smile at each other just enjoying the moment. You lean back in and catch his lips in a kiss as his hand travels down your leg and gently hooks it around his waist. He then rolls onto you and hooks the other one too. You kick off your heels and weave your fingers into his hair earning a low groan as you tug gently. Finn’s fingers brush your hair out of your face and off your body as he trails his lips down to your neck. Your fingers start to unbutton his shirt as his explore your curves slowly almost as if he is memorizing every little detail. You slide his shirt off and you run your fingers along his abs before they make contact with his pants. You unbuckle them and push them down enough so he can kick them off. He sits up and stares down at your dress but he sees worry in your face. Leaning forward, he whispers in your ear. “You’re so gorgeous baby. We don’t have to go any further if you don’t want to.” You shake your head, “I want to but I’m just nervous.” He rolls over so he is laying next to you. “Why are you nervous baby? It’s just me.” “I know but…it’s my first time.” His eyes widen a bit out of shock but he quickly readjust, “Are you sure you want me to be your first?” You nod, “Honestly that’s the only thing I’m sure about. I trust you and I can’t imagine my life without you.” He smiles and kisses you lightly. “Baby, my life wouldn’t be complete without you. You’re my everything sweetheart. I love you Y/N.” You blush and kiss him back, “I love you too Finn.” He smiles, “So babygirl, can I make love to you tonight?” You nod your head and he kisses you with the utmost passion. “Now, can I see what’s underneath this dress?” You nod as he pulls it up and off of your body. He smiles when he sees your matching bra and panty combo. Kisses start on your collarbone and he travels down to your cleavage. He kisses all over the top and looks at you for approval before he unclips your bra unveiling your entire top half to him. Your arms try to cover you up, but Finn pulls them away as he kisses around each breast and sucks each nipple into his mouth for just a second. You start to moan and he moves his kisses down your stomach as he hooks his fingers into the sides of your panties. He places open mouth kisses over your panties on your clit and entrance then pulls them down as his lips travel to your thighs. His hands lightly push your legs apart as his lips inch closer to your center. Finn’s fingers stroke up and down your slit lightly before circling your clit. Your moans pick back up as he breathes onto your clit and moves his fingers down to your opening. He kisses your clit and his tongue starts to circle it as his finger starts to push into you. You shift a bit at the new feeling but settle in as his finger slides in completely. His finger then curls up and you moan as he hits the spot. He sucks your clit when he pulls his fingers back out to add a second one. This time there is a bit of pain but it goes away fairly quick. His fingers curl again and your moans get louder and more frequent. Your fingers slide into his hair and you start to feel a pressure build up in your core. A few seconds later, you let out a real loud moan and your back arches as your legs clamp around Finn’s head. Once your orgasm dies down, Finn lifts his head and smiles seeing your post orgasm face for the first time. “That’s my new favorite facial expression of yours.” You smile as he pulls his boxers off and you try to sit up to return the favor. “Not right now baby, tonight is about you. So just lay down and relax. Don’t worry baby girl, I’ve got you.” The second time tonight he has said that and you know he means every word. You nod and lay down as he finds a condom and puts it on. “Okay baby, this will hurt a little, so tell me if it’s too much.” You take a deep breath as his tip starts to push inside you. Finn leans forward so that he can kiss your forehead to help you relax. He continues to push in until he has filled you up. Your face is scrunched up in pain so he kisses your temple, cheeks, nose, and jaw until he finds your lips. You kiss him back and as you relax the pain goes away. You pull away for a moment, “You can move now.” He smiles and pulls out slowly before pushing back in. His lips catch yours again and soon you are moaning into his mouth at the feeling. His hips start to thrust faster and your fingers scratch lightly down his back as you feel that same build up. You pull away from the kiss, “I’m going to cum again.” “Me too baby. Look at me so I can see your beautiful face as you cum.” You stare into each other’s eyes as your mouths hang slightly open moaning each other’s names. Eventually, your back arches again and Finn’s thrusts slow down as he releases. You kiss him again as he slowly pulls out. Your breathing starts to normalize and then you roll over to cuddle into his side. He wraps his arms around your body and kisses your head. You look up at him and smile as he stares up at the ceiling. “Thank you Finn.” He chuckles, “No, thank you Y/N. That was amazing.” You giggle, “Even though it was my first time?” He kisses you passionately, “When it’s with the one who completes you, nothing can compare to it. This was the best because it was with the woman I will love for the rest of my life.” You tear up a bit at his confession and kiss him again before fall asleep on his chest.