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scurvgirl · 4 years

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More Tonlen x Oisin :)

Oisin, Einin, and Ardal belong to @lillotte17

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Every fifty years, the best bakers of Elvhenan come together to create the Great Bake. It’s a festival that’s meant to showcase the different baking styles and abilities of the different bakers in the empire. It’s a unifying festival, and each gathering takes place in a different territory’s capital, rotating from Mythal, to Elgar’nan, to now Dirthamen, Andruil, Sylaise, Ghilan’nain, June, and now Mana’din.

Ileth has been a baker for quite some time, but this is only his second Great Bake. It’s a privilege to be invited to partake in the festival, and in truth, he considers himself a smaller baker. He tends to shy from catering to the more opulent occasions and particularly anything involving one of the leaders. He’s been introduced to the lady Sylaise on more than one occasion, mostly as a child, and he feels he would be best to not disgrace her presence as an adult. His mismatched eyes, perpetually frizzed hair, and general untidiness is unfashionable and off-putting. Being a baker has suited him so much more than being the music hall manager in the Pleasure District.

To be invited to the Great Bake is to be recognized for his art, and baking is an art. There is a specific sort of finesse and knowledge involved, and gives him the ability to create something that can be enjoyed without him having to be seen. His form is softer, and his clothes are more common. He’s cut his hair to a more manageable length, and he hardly ever bothers with painting his face anymore.

Ileth enjoys his work, and he enjoys being recognized for it beyond his looks or his parentage. To be invited to the Great Bake is a high honor, and this time, it’s in Daran.

He’s positively ecstatic to be going to Daran. Firstly, he’s never been to Daran and he does enjoy going to a new place. Secondly, he gets to see his baby brother who isn’t much of a baby anymore, but still. It’s been such a long while since he’s seen Tonlen. They’ve written like good brothers and he is aware of some of the goings on in his life, but Ileth hasn’t seen him and he misses him.

Upon entry to Daran, he quickly guides his cart to the inn designated for bakers of his station and leaves his apprentice to the task of getting the cart properly set with the rooms. He has a brother to go see.

It’s getting to be late in the afternoon, but the streets are still filled with bustling people. Ileth can’t help but be amazed at the diversity of the people - in terms of looks and dress. His lady Sylaise appreciates an uniformity to aesthetics, and firmly believes that her citizens should carry out said aesthetic. There are certainly positions under her where one can avoid having to conform to the extremes of the seasonable aesthetics, such as Ileth’s own baking position, but there is still an expectation of a certain level of stylishness. Daran’s people are diverse, and there are those who are on-trend, the vast majority of people appear to be wearing whatever they please. The colors don’t seem to be as rigidly regulated either. It’s...quite amazing really.

Ileth meanders through Daran’s streets, enjoying the scenery for some time before coming across what could only be Tonlen’s shop. Elegant Steps - Custom Couture Footwear is painted across an awning in flowing gold script against a deep blue background. Sandals and open-toed heels dominate the window displays, though there is a pair of extravagant pearlescent boots that scream “Tonlen made me!”

Ileth opens the door, a small bell announcing his arrival to the store.

“Welcome to Elegant Steps - Custom Couture Footwear by Tonlen, most recently of Arlathan! How can we serve you?” A cheerful assistant chirps from behind the desk.

Ileth gives her a big smile, “My name is Ileth, and I’m actually looking for Tonlen himself. He’s my little brother, is he in?”

“Oh! I’ll go see, he’s probably in the workshop working on a commission.” The assistant ducks into the back, leaving Ileth to peruse the store. It’s a lovely shop, full of Tonlen’s creativity and love for finery. He even notices some lower priced, but still quality, footwraps. Ileth touches one of the wraps, feels the warmth of a sturdy enchantment. He always had a knack for enchantment, like Papae. His thoroughness and reliability earned him trust and respect in Arlathan, and truthfully, Ileth had expected him to remain in Arlathan, under Sylaise’s purview. His trade to Mana’din, and subsequent transfer to Daran, came quite as the surprise.

The back door opens and out steps Tonlen, dressed more plainly than usual. He likely meant to spend the entire day in his workshop then.

“Ileth! It’s so good to see you!” Tonlen exclaims, a bright smile lighting up his features. Ileth’s eyes widen at the change, but welcome change it is! Ileth moves forward and pulls his brother into a tight hug.

“TonTon! My baby brother, I am so happy to see you too!”

Tonlen pulls back, a frown now pulling at his features, “You know I loathe that name.”

“But it’s adorable!”

“I’m over three hundred years old, Ileth.”

“Still my baby brother. Now! Show me everything you’re working on, I haven’t seen your work in some time.”

“Oh I’m sure you have, you just didn’t know it because you were too busy staring into every customer’s eyes and not at their feet.”

“You wound me, brother!”

“Hardly.” They continue to banter as Tonlen guides him through the shop and even takes Ileth back to the workshop to show him the set of shoes he’s working on for the Daran Dance Company.

“I’m enchanting the taps to make different musical notes when struck properly. It’s quite complex, but good work. The whole set should be finished in two months, in time for the winter recital for when one of Mana’din’s attendants will be married.”

“Tonlen, that’s amazing! What a commission.”

Tonlen beams and puffs his chest out a bit, “It is! My current ambition is to be designing shoes for Mana’din’s attendants or advisors in two years time.”

“Only two years, goodness. You are ambitious, Tonlen, be careful not to fly too close to the sun.”

Tonlen chuckles, “No need to worry, Ileth. Mana’din’s courts are nothing like Sylaise’s. I do not fear the attention of the court for my work in the slightest, in fact, I welcome it. I’ve already commissioned for the Spymaster and their family.”

Ileth laughs, “You waste no time at all! I wish you well in your endeavors. Have you taken an apprentice? I know you were thinking of it in Arlathan.”

Tonlen nods, “Yes, in the next year. I need to take one if I am going to really accelerate this progress. I’ve a request for one, we’ll see when it turns up. I know I was brought on because there was actually a shortage of cobblers in Daran, so I am unsure how quickly this will actually happen.” Which means in the meantime, Tonlen is overly ambitious and overworked. Still, he seems remarkably happy, happier even than when he was in Arlathan.

“Come, I’ll change and then we can go out for dinner. My friend Dignity is a chef at a nearby restaurant, you’ll like it.”

Ileth agrees and waits while Tonlen and his assistant, Elsalin, close up the shop for the day. Afterwards, he follows Tonlen back to his apartment and he eagerly snoops around while Tonlen changes into something a bit more appropriate for going out. To his credit, he goes as quickly as he can. Still, Tonlen is fussy about his appearance, always wanting to be as perfect and posh as possible. No matter, Ileth takes the opportunity to inspect the apartment.

It’s a small place, smaller even than the apartment he had in Arlathan. Ileth frowns at that, a smaller apartment in a less renowned city - this was a downgrade for Tonlen, clearly. No wonder he is so ambitious to climb as highly as possible. Ileth wonders if he is able to wear some of the higher ordered colors and clothes he had enjoyed in Arlathan. Mana’din isn’t nearly as strict as Sylaise in these matters, but there is still a hierarchy to observe. And yet, despite this fact, Tonlen seems so happy.

Ileth walks the small apartment, enjoying all the little touches Tonlen’s added to indicate it’s his home. Like most apartments, it’s essentially one large rectangle that is then subdivided into spaces for different things. The bedroom and water closet are at the front of the apartment, close to the entrance, providing a hallway that opens up to an open area with a living space to the right and a dining space to the left. Along the side of the apartment is a balcony, running from the bedroom to the living space, letting in the beautiful afternoon light.

The only semblance of disorder is a desk that is shoved into the far right hand corner of the living area. The desk is piled with papers, a waste basket positioned next to the desk is filled with even more crinkled papers. A stack of books sits on top of the desk, inkwells and quills wait to be used - some of which are dried up and have yet to be thrown away. Upon further inspection, Ileth can see this is where Tonlen does the majority of his brainstorming for new designs. The papers are all notes and sketches, and they’re organized in a strange, but meticulous way.

There is one paper, however, that has no sketch, and the script in the center of the page is too fine and purposeful to be a scribbled note. Curious, Ileth leans forward to read it -

Each morning, I wake from dreams

Of you.

I dress myself in clothes

I hope you find fine.

I break my fast wishing to share it

With you.

I open my door and wish every time

I see you.

Each piece of leather,

Each strip of cloth

I touch I wish were

Your hands,

Your hair,

Your lips.

Never far from my mind,

Always in my heart.

Darlings never wish to part,

But I never feel far from you

When all that I do and all that I see

Wish

And feel

Is you.

I wish to believe my poetry has improved to better impress upon my utmost adoration. Alas, the words I find are never quite sufficient. I am a physical man, my darling, words have never been my forte.

With all my heart and more,

Tonlen

Ileth raises a brow and tries not to snort at the poem. It is certainly...clear, if not overwrought and sappy. His brother - a sap! Clearly whoever he is courting -

Oh, he’s courting! The shock hits Ileth with wondrous joy. It’s been so long since Tonlen has courted someone! Or has been courted! There had been offers in the years after Lithadra, but Tonlen had spurned them all, choosing instead to focus on his craft and self (at least that’s what he told Ileth). But he clearly has not spurned whoever this letter is intended for.

Ileth wonders who it might be. It seems so improbable that his brother would find an unfashionable Daran native to be attractive, but stranger things have happened. Perhaps an unfashionable person is exactly the person Tonlen needs - it would certainly be different from that prancing Lithadra and his absurd excess and overly honeyed words. Ileth should be kinder, Tonlen loved Lithadra very much, but if he’s honest...he was never fond of the fellow. Hindsight is perfect and all that but it’s true! Lithadra was (or is, Ileth supposes since the man is still up and about, prancing and dancing and banging anything that moves) Arlathan to the core - beautiful and lovely, all the while terrible and deeply heartbreaking.

When Tonlen and Lithadra finally severed themselves, Tonlen had been so hurt. He was a shell of himself for so long. Ileth understands that, being alone after being decidedly not alone is difficult. Ileth has longed for many people, many many people, though his actual courtships are few and far between. He is an odd sort, prone to fits of insomnia, melancholy, and anxiety. Frankly, he’s gotten good at being alone, but Tonlen had companionship for years and then it unraveled like a favorite knit sweater, pulled apart by forces it could no longer resist.

This letter, as terrible it might, gives Ileth hope that Tonlen is finally moving on, finally letting himself be happy.

“Alright, I’m ready. I have an extra robe if you would like to change into something...not as travel worn.” Tonlen says, looking pointedly at Ileth’s tan robe. He rolls his eyes.

“I look fine, let’s go.”

“I’ll never understand why you will settle for looking fine, when extraordinary is always an option.” Ileth rolls his eyes. His brother, ever so dramatic. Arlathan fit him, but Ileth would dare say being the fanciest fish in the pond fits him much better.

They set off into town, filling the space between them with talk about their respective businesses, what they’ve been reading - Tonlen telling of his fondness of mysteries, while Ileth waxes on his latest romance serial. He doesn’t press Tonlen about his paramour, Tonlen will tell him when he’s ready.

The restaurant Tonlen takes them to is a smaller place, but darling and cozy. They’re taken to a seat quickly and handed a single page of a menu. There are five main dishes to choose from, plus three different appetizers, and then a modest drink selection. They place their orders, Ileth selecting a summer roast with a selection of vegetables. Tonlen opts for a potato based dish that sounds quite specific to the region. Ileth indulges in ordering a nicer stout beer, dark and robust that has Tonlen wrinkling his nose.

“I don’t know how you stand to drink that.”

“Ah yes, you and your wines.”

“Now cider, as well, the apple orchards produce quite a nice brew.” He takes a sip of his summer wine and Ileth laughs.

“Daran has changed you, brother, but I like it. You seem happier.”

Tonlen’s face relaxes into a smile, as if he’s been doing it more these days, the new lines of Mana’din complimenting his expression. “I am. As odd as it is, I am happier.” He seems about to expand upon that thought when his eyes glance up and a light fills them.

“Tonlen?” Asks a voice positioned behind Ileth. He turns in his chair to see a tall person, cornsilk blonde hair braided into loops at the back of his head, blue eyes bright, surrounded by a sea of freckles - and he is smiling at Tonlen.

“Oisin!” Tonlen replies, standing at once and moving to greet this Oisin. Ileth watches, leaning into the shadows perhaps a bit much to conceal the difference in his eyes as much as possible.

Oisin’s eyes flick to Ileth for a moment, then his focus is on Tonlen, all smiles and excitement.

“I did not know you were in the city!”

“Einin and I were doing a bit of shopping, she complained that every time I run off to the city, it’s to see you.”

“I do not complain,” at her words, Ileth takes notice of the much shorter redheaded woman standing beside Oisin. Her hair is elegantly plaited, her dress cut to flatter a figure with more curves, but Oisin’s robe is decidedly more of a dress than even a robe.

“I do not mean to monopolize him,” Tonlen chuckles.

“Oh please, monopolize me,” Oisin flirts and Tonlen gets a wicked smile on his face. Ileth arches a brow, is this the focus of Tonlen’s affections? He’s a beautiful sort, definitely the kind of person Ileth could see Tonlen appreciating aesthetically.

Tonlen glances at Ileth then gestures, “You’re welcome to dine with us. This is my elder brother, Ileth. He is a baker in the greenlands of Samihlan for the Lady Sylaise. Ileth, this is Oisin and Einin. Oisin is apprenticed to a painter in Daran and Einin is apprenticed to a merchant.”

“Your brother!” Oisin exclaims, relief evident in his voice.

Ileth laughs, “I know, there is hardly any resemblance save for the nose. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He puts on his most charming smile. Oisin returns the smile while Einin looks on, curious.

“Yes, it’s so nice to finally meet you! Tonlen says the best things about your bread and pastries. Are you in town for the Great Bake?” Oisin asks as Tonlen sets about working with the host to set up another table pressed up against theirs to accommodate their guests.

“Yes, I am. You’re all welcome to visit me in my tent if you wish to partake in some of my wilder creations I will be making for the festival.” The Great Bake isn’t exactly a competition, but more of a showcase, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a competitive spirit between the bakers. Whoever’s stand is the most appreciated by the attendees, the more prestigious the stand - and honestly the higher the likelihood that the baker will be invited for the next Great Bake.

“Thank you, we’ll bring our brother, Ardal, as well,” Einin says, picking up her menu.

“All are welcome! Especially friends of Tonlen’s.” He takes a sip of his beer, but when he looks up, Oisin’s face is troubled. He glances to Einin to see a very pleasant expression that could only be concealing rage - he’s from Arlathan, he knows.

Tonlen looks pale and his focus is on Oisin.

“Oisin, I -

“Does he not know about me?” Oisin asks quietly. Oh, oh dear.

Before Tonlen can respond, Ileth does, “Tonlen is a secretive person, he likes to keep his matters to himself.”

But rather than diffusing the situation, Oisin simply looks more upset, “You wanted to keep me a secret?” Tonlen grimaces at Oisin’s soft, devastating question.

“No, darling, that...that is not what I meant to do.”

“Oisin is wonderful, and does not deserve to be a secret,” Einin says, her presence suddenly much larger than her actual form, her voice brooking no quarter. Ileth glances between them and feels his stomach drop.

“No of course not, I…”

“It’s because of the shifting, isn’t it? You said it wasn’t an issue but your brother doesn’t even know who I am.” They were all now talking faster than Ileth could interject, clearly referencing things he had no idea about.

“It isn’t an issue! Your shifting is beautiful, a beautiful part of you. That isn’t -

“Then what is it? What about me is so horrible that you can’t even talk about me to your family?”

“Oisin, we’re leaving.”

“No! I want him to...to tell me himself.” Tears start to leak out of Oisin’s eyes and Ileth feels very much like he should not be at this table.

“Nothing! I adore all of you.”

“Answer him, now,” Einin growls.

There is a pregnant pause, Tonlen looking pained. His eyes fall on Ileth, and Ileth suddenly knows why - and Tonlen can’t even say it, still.

“Tonlen’s previous relationship was quite public and it ended...not well. It hurt Tonlen a great deal. If I were to hazard a guess, he wanted to keep things less public for fear of what happened previously. I misspoke - Tonlen is not secretive, but private.” Ileth keeps his voice low and measured, using a method he used to use in Arlathan when he was having to explain an unfortunate situation to a higher up manager.

Tonlen stares at the table, his emotions pulled close in to himself, shielding himself. Oisin’s focus was entirely on Tonlen.

“I don’t want to be kept secret,” Oisin says and Tonlen nods.

“You don’t deserve to be,” Tonlen replies, unable to hide the sadness in his voice.

Oisin takes a deep breath, “I can’t be a secret.” I can’t be with someone who will keep me a secret. The meaning was clear as day.

Before Tonlen can reply, Oisin and Einin stand.

“It was nice meeting you, Ileth. Good luck with the baking,” Oisin mumbles, manners unforgotten. Ileth returns the sentiment, watching them leave in shock. He turns his attention back to Tonlen, his brother holding his face in his hands.

“Ton?” He murmurs.

“Not..let’s just eat.”

The dinner is short, quiet, and awkward. Ileth and Tonlen are less than a century apart, and Ileth didn’t leave Arlathan until Tonlen was well into his teens. Even then, Ileth was around at every free day he had, and their parents took holiday in Samihlan whenever possible. Ileth made it a point to write to Tonlen at least every two weeks to establish a good correspondence between the two of them. This awkwardness is unlike them, even when they’ve fallen into silences, it’s been companionable. Now there is a secret out and no one wants to approach the subject.

The walk back to Tonlen’s apartment is just as quiet, and by the time Tonlen’s door closes, Ileth is fed up with it.

“Was I right that you didn’t tell me, or our parents, about Oisin because of Lithadra?”

Tonlen turns from Ileth, “Yes. No...yes, but that isn’t just it. Part of it is Oisin. His gender is fluid and that is just a part of who he is, I know you and our parents are fine with that, but I didn’t want to invite any...prying into him.”

“That’s a bullshit reason.”

“Also, he is just over a century - Ileth, he is so young. This is his first courtship and I didn’t want to put any undue expectations on him. I wanted him to lead this, give him a romance he can control and...dammit, what did I do?” Tonlen collapses onto a chair, head buried in his hands.

Ileth quirks an eyebrow at his little brother, shocked, “You know what I hear a lot of? Fear. What are you afraid of, Ton?”

Tonlen shakes his head as if refusing to answer. Ileth crosses his arms and stares. Finally, Tonlen gives in.

“He’s so good, and he’s learning, and is so different from Lithadra. All wonderful things, and I wonder...with my baggage and my needs, am I enough? I wasn’t enough for Lithadra, how could I be enough for Oisin? If I introduce him to you, to Mamae and Papae, as the object of my affections - then that is undeniable. And when it comes to an end because I’m not enough, then it’s Lithadra all over again.”

Oh his poor brother. Ileth pulls a chair over to Tonlen, and takes his brother’s hands in his.

“Listen to me, Ton. Oisin is not Lithadra, therefore, it cannot be Lithadra again. Has Oisin said he wants multiple partners?” Tonlen shakes his head no and makes a move to protest, but Ileth continues, “Then you cannot know. You are scaring yourself with things that may not even be real. You know what can solve this? Talking to Oisin, asking him what he wants and going from there. And if he doesn’t think you’re enough, that’s his loss. You deserve someone who loves you as you are, who never questions if you are enough - because you are.” Do you ever get over your ex, Ileth wonders. Or does their influence continue throughout your life like some cloud that is forever tied to you? Looking at Tonlen’s worn face that had been so skillfully painted, now smudged at the edges by Tonlen’s hands, Ileth doubted if true distance was possible.

“Take the day off tomorrow and come with me to the Great Bake,” Ileth offers but Tonlen shakes his head.

“My next rest day is in three days, though. I’ll join you then.”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

Ileth leaves shortly after that. Tonlen wants to be left to his thoughts and the days of traveling have worn on Ileth. He returns to his inn and heads to bed.

The next few days are a flurry of activity of getting everything ready for the Great Bake. He has cookies, breads, cakes, and more to bake. His apprentice, Pahlera, is kept busy with the smaller baked items such as the cookies, muffins, and cupcakes, while Tonlen focuses on the show-stoppers.

Three days later, the Great Bake is in full swing. Tonlen arrives at Ileth’s stall fairly early, pilfering a croissant for his breakfast. The festival doesn’t warrant shutting the city down like many other festivals, but many are given half-days during the festival to come and enjoy.

Ileth is busy with one of the grander cakes when Tonlen rushes into the back of the tent where Ileth is.

“I just saw Oisin and his family,” he says quickly.

“Well, go to him! Apologize!” Ileth admonishes but Tonlen just stands there, looking exceptionally freaked out.

“His family -

“I’ll be right back.” Ileth is out of the tent in no-time, quickly spotting Oisin and his - no, their - family. Ileth makes a beeline for them, minding the crowds. He’s covered in flour and chocolate, among other stains, but he doesn’t care. He can’t help but feel partly responsible for how this all happened. He should have brought up the letter before dinner - then he would have known about Oisin and none of this would have happened.

“Oisin!” He calls, not caring much for decorum. Oisin goes turns, and so do several other people. Ileth’s eyes widen, and he understands Tonlen’s fear much more clearly now. Oisin’s family is not large, no, that is an understatement. Oisin’s family is gigantic. Two other towering blondes, two shorter blondes, Einin, and another dark-haired person all turn around at Ileth’s call.

Well, he’s in it now. Shoving his fear to the side, Ileth strides forward.

“Oisin, who is this?” One of the towering blondes, the woman, asks - sharp green eyes taking him in with clear distaste at his disheveled form. An Arlathan type, outside of Arlathan - lovely.

“My name is Ileth - Oisin, please listen. My brother isn’t perfect, but no one is. He made a mistake, but it wasn’t out of mistreatment of you but out of fear. The past isn’t so easily overcome, and no, I did not come here out of his wishes. In fact, I think he’d rather me stay out of - but too bad, I’m a nosy older brother, and before that dinner, I knew he was happier than he’d been in decades.”

“He needs his brother to speak for him?” The blonde continues, sneering, “The coward can’t even speak to you himself -

“Please do not call my brother a coward. His previous relationship was difficult in ways I am not at liberty to say -

Everyone starts speaking at once, everyone except for Oisin who looks quite confused and sad. As their family got louder, debating on what should be done, the smaller they seem. Ileth tries to interject, hating how their family discussed Tonlen, but they were all too well versed on the rhythm of their debates that Ileth can’t get a word in edgewise.

He’s about to leave them all to it when Tonlen appears beside him, amazingly out of notice of the arguing family. He reaches a hand out to Oisin.

“May I speak to you? In private?” Tonlen says, so softly that Ileth wonders if Oisin heard him. But their eyes are only for him.

Oisin’s face is clear with conflict. But they take his hand, and Tonlen quickly maneuvers them through the crowd and into Ileth’s tent.

Pahlera is minding the front, distributing the pastries. She eyes Tonlen and he can only imagine how she views this entire situation. Truly he can’t understand much of it either. He’s made a mess of things. He’s hurt Oisin, the one thing he has never wanted, never set to do, and here he is, draggin Oisin into the back of a tent to apologize for hurting them.

“Enough,” Oisin murmurs, pulling from Tonlen’s grasp. Their voice isn’t particularly strong, but the sheer act of pulling from him...it hurts.

“I’m a private person as my brother said, but that doesn’t excuse not telling the world about us. My heart is fullest when with you and I wish to continue to court you because...because you are you and I don’t want to hide you or us and I am rambling. Oisin, I want you to meet my brother more formally. I want you to meet my parents, and my Arlathan friends who cannot leave the city to come see me. You are not a secret - the secret is that I am afraid and now that isn’t a secret.” He is rambling and is so afraid, but he cannot lose Oisin to this stupidity of his.

So close to love he might as well be in it. The words dangle on his tongue, to be left unsaid until he knows he is enough.

“Do you truly feel this way or are you saying this because...because you want to bed me?”

It’s like a slap to the face. Tears spring to his eyes, “I suppose I deserve that, but Oisin I would never...of all my sins, I have never lied to you. My feelings for you are true.”

They purse their lips, “Vir said that one last night, she’s really mad.”

“I figured.”

Oisin steps forward and takes Tonlen’s hands, “My heart hurts. I know I am not fashionable like the lovers you have had in Arlathan, but I don’t want to be a secret.”

“Damned be the lovers I’ve had in Arlathan, for all their fashion they were not...they did not bring me as much joy and happiness as you have. Oh, darling Oisin, please forgive me, I cannot bear you to be mad at me.” He doesn’t care he is begging, doesn’t care that he is barely restraining himself now.

Before Oisin can respond, Tonlen is speaking again, “Come with me to Arlathan. I have a trip planned in six weeks to see my parents and to pay a visit to some of the fashion houses to stay current with my craft. Come with me, let me show you where I’m from, and let me show you off to my friends because darling you are worth showing off. I want you to meet my parents, who will adore you because you make me happy. What do you say?”

Their eyes widen and an incredulous smile overtakes their face, tears once more springing to them. “Yes! Tonlen, yes!”

They come together in a deep kiss, no emotional barriers between them because they don’t need them. Tonlen kisses them and lets them feel all the emotions he cannot yet say.

#tonlen #oisin #tonlen x oisin #ileth #clusterfuck au #einin #fic #my writing

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asherranceoftheheart · 5 years

Text

Lovestruck Fool - Antiaverage Fic

Pairing: Antiaverage Summary: Anti’s a pining idiot and rambles on inside his mind when he sees Chase smile. Everyone and their mother knows (well, only their close friends at least. The rest of the people still thinks Anti is a frigid asshole) that Anti is in love with Chase. Jack (Jackieboyman in this universe) serves as a judging friend trope while Sean exists to be an annoying thorn in Anti’s side in a way that younger siblings could only do. Genre: Fluff Warnings: Anti and Sean’s potty mouth, Soft!Anti, Ego Shipping Masterpost of my Fics

Taglist: @the-rampaige @egopocalypse @iris-the-asparagus @sqxxddygremlin @awkward-bullshit @jaysflight

“You’re drooling,” said Jack as he nudged at Anti who hissed back at him like an annoyed cat.

“I was not.” Anti growled but then ruined the sincerity of his sentence when he ‘subtly’ wiped at his mouth to check if he had been drooling.

“Your pining’s getting too pathetic, bastard.” Jack deadpanned, ignoring the blistering glare his friend (not that Anti would admit that outloud considering the asshole’s allergic to fluffy emotions) sent his way. “Sean told me Chase came to him asking him if you hated him—which, mind you, is so laughable if only he could see your pathetic ogling of his ass— with those kicked puppy dog eyes you would ramble on for hours on your good days.”

Anti opened his mouth, about to snap back at his annoying best friend (which he repeats, he would never admit even under the threat of torture) when he heard Chase laugh. His eyes were drawn back to the other boy automatically at the sound and just stood there, watching, entranced as the bright, true smile that Anti ‘secretly’ adores lit up Chase’s face. The way the corners of his eyes crinkled up and his baby blues practically shone in delight as he laughed at one of Anti’s annoying little brother’s jokes made him stop breathing for a few seconds there.

Whenever Chase Brody laughs and smiles with true happiness, a part of Anti’s heart eases and blossoms with warmth while the entire room seems to be suddenly bathed in light.

Chase Brody is just so pretty especially when he’s happy and the rapid beating of Anti’s heart when he sees him can’t be healthy for the lovestruck fool.

“You’re rambling on about how Chase’s the light of your life in your mind again, aren’tcha?” The sound of Jackie’s voice sent him crashing down back into reality and he immediately plastered on an ugly scowl on his face. “Oh no, you don’t! You can’t fool us Anti~! Not when Sean said you’re extremely weak for Chase’s pretty, pretty blue eyes.”

“Shut it.” Anti’s voice came out a bit louder than he thought because Chase’s head suddenly snapped over to him (was he imagining things in his pining mind or did Chase’s eyes just sparkle when their eyes met each other?) and was now walking towards their position with Anti’s smirking brother in tow.

The older of the twins sent his younger brother a warning look but it just served to make Sean’s smirk widen further as a taunt.

“Hey um… Anti,” Chase squeaked out, fidgeting about and looking down on his feet mumbling something to himself before looking up and sending Anti a wide grin (Anti would rather die than admit that that made his heart skip a beat in a way that happens in like romantic shoujo fucking anime or cheesy romance novels… no, he doesn’t read or watch them shut the fuck up. He would gut anyone who implies otherwise) that was endearing on him. “Are you free this weekend?”

“... What?” asked Anti with a blank expression as he processed the question.

(He could hear those fuckers—Jack and Sean—snickering in the background. He’s going to fucking slit their throats in their sleep tonight)

“I just wanted to know if you wanted to hang out with me in my room to play some videogames this weekend since I wanted to get to know you more and Sean mentioned that you don’t like crowded places or a lot of people but you love videogames so I thought maybe we could just play, just you and me… In a friend’s way of course! If you want to invite someone else with us I don’t mind I just thought you’d like lesser people—” Anti cut Chase off (and no, you assholes, he didn’t have any sort of desperation in his voice or face so shut the fuck up Jack, Sean—) in the middle of his rambling.

“Sure, what time?” Anti played it off with a cool tone.

He could see Sean making disgusted and kissy faces at him behind Chase.

…

He hoped that his bitch of a little brother sees the cold blooded murder that he was planning for him in his eyes.

Chase beamed up at him (nobody should look that fucking happy and cute after he said he’s willing to hang out with them).

“Great! We could uh… meet up at eleven? Then order some pizza for lunch?” Chase’s eyes were practically sparkling in his happiness and excitement for the upcoming hangout.

What the fuck.

Anti just gave him a wordless nod and Chase shot him another heartstopping smile (Shut the fuck up Jack. I can feel your judging aura without even looking at you) and then chirped out a goodbye to Sean and Jack, and a hopeful I’ll see you later at Anti.

Anti suddenly remembered something that Jack mentioned to him earlier.

“I don’t hate you.” Anti blurted out just before Chase moved away and immediately wanted to jump off the nearest window, especially when Chase tilted his head a bit in confusion at the out of nowhere statement (it makes him look so much like a curious little puppy. Fuck me.). He continued, “I don’t hate you. You’re not that bad like the others.”

Anti might as well have declared he loved Chase right then and there since everyone knows how much Anti hates people save for a select few that he tolerated. Chase looked stunned at his admission for a few seconds before Anti was treated to a full blast to the face of the smile that he had been admiring earlier on.

“I’m glad,” Chase quietly said before he was suddenly off while Anti was still stunned and recovering from the full frontal attack.

He’s going to be hanging out with Chase this weekend… alone.

Holy shit.

“You’re not that bad like the others, Chase.” Anti snapped out of his thoughts and stunned state when Sean started mocking him with a high-pitched, lovey-dovey copy of his voice (why the fuck is his brother so good at imitating his— Wait. Twins. Right. He’s a fucking moron). “I’m Anti, I think Chase is sooooo pretty! He only has to flash me those cute baby blues and I’d do anything for him because I’m his bitch.”

Absolutely mortified (especially since he knows his twin’s words has some truth in them), Anti could feel the blush creeping up his neck to the tips of his ears while he glared and seethed at his smug younger twin.

“I’m going to slit your throat with my knife tonight while you’re sleeping, you little shit.” Anti snarled and then swiped at Sean irritably when his smirking younger brother tried to hug him in a mocking placating manner. “Don’t fucking come near me you little demon.”

“But you make it sooo easy to fuck with you Tonton!” Sean cackled, ignoring the snarl and curses Anti sent his way for that accursed name.

If it weren’t for the fact that their mother would be sad and disappointed that this little bastard died, he would have gutted him years ago for coining that cursed nickname.

(Well, not really. Despite being little shits to each other they do love each other fiercely… Anti’s taking that sentiment to the grave. Sean could never know.)

Jack snorted and grabbed the back of Anti’s jacket when the older twin threateningly stepped towards Sean’s direction.

“You’re probably the only person who can get away with that nickname, Sean.” Jack dryly said. Sean just puffed up in that smug way all younger siblings are capable of when they know they have the perks of being the annoying younger sibling that their elder ones still can’t help but love.

“I’m sure Chase could get away with that and worse with my lovely big brother if he just flashes him that cute smile.” Sean slyly smiled.

“Sean, I swear to fucking god, you’re not going to live past midnight tonight if you don’t shut the fuck up.”

But despite Anti’s ire with his brother, his heart felt light and he resisted the urge to smile when he thought of what just happened.

Saturday huh? He just can’t wait.

“Oh god, he has that lovestruck dopey look on his face again.”

“Sean, literally only you could see that. Your older brother has a stone cold bitch face.”

“The two of you are going to die tonight.”

“Chase would be disappointed in you so I think the fuck not.”

“Can you just fucking cease existing.”

#writersofjack #jacksepticeye #antisepticeye #antiaverage #chase brody #fluff #ego shipping #ego shippy #soft!anti #jackieboyman

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ff15trashgoldenslumbers · 6 years

Text

So...here we are! And I refuse to believe that Tonberries are bad! Nothing that cute can be evil! And just to prove it! Another Tonton story!

As the dust cleared the most recent hunt, Tonton shuffled over picking up the spectacles that fell before him, before calling out in a grunt to the man who had lost them.

“Thank you, Tonton,” Ignis called, kneeling before the only member of the Crown's Gaurd that was not a human.

Tonton let out a pleasing huff as his tail wagged, allowing Olive to scoop him up, knowing that it was faster for them to carry him than himself walking, small legs and all. Noctis had given the little guy Crown’s Guard status and last they ran into Iris she promised to make him an attire like the others so that he didn’t feel left out. Such as before when he wasn’t in the blacks like the rest of his team.

“So what’s for dinner Iggy, I’m starving.” Gladiolus huffed.

“Seeing that our provisions are rather low and it is getting late, we are best having Noct catch us dinner,” Ignis stated.

“No prob,” Noctis called summoning his fishing rod. “You up for it, Prompto, Ton?”

The smallest member cheered as Olive handed him over to Noctis, those two loved their fishing. “You remember where we set up camp?”

“Tonton watch over Noct and Prompto,” Ignis called, rather having Gladiolus or Olive go after them, but Gladiolus still needed to set up the tent and Olive needed to go hunt down some herbs until they could get more potions.

Which is why when only the Prince and Photographer returned just before nightfall without a Tonberry it confused everyone at camp.

“Well, he’s a Tonberry, not many things are going to mess with him out here,” Gladiolus stated, setting down his book.

Olive giggled nudging the man, “You’re just as worried as we are, but Gladdy’s right Tonton’s smart.”

“We did get him use to humans think someone picked him up?” Prompto whined, he was very upset that the little green guy went missing on their watch.

“Nah, you see how he is with new people,” Noctis stated. “He knows where we set up camp, he’ll be back before we know it.”

Still, the next hour dragged on as Ignis prepared dinner, once everyone was served did they hear something coming from the darkness, only to see the familiar haunted eyes of one Royal Lucian Tonberry, waddling towards his group.

“There you are!” Prompto cried rushing over to the little guy, scooping him up as Tonton gave a please squeal at getting attention from Prompto. “You had us, worried buddy.”

Tonton gave another squeal, hugging Prompto, before tapping a freckled cheek and then motioning toward the ground. The blonde placed him down, before he waddled just out of the reaches of their fires glow, waving towards something.

Everyone waited on alert, only to see something waddling towards them, only to stare in shock at the two Tonberry babies before him.

“Wait I thought Tonton was a guy,” Gladiolus stated.

Tonton quickly waddled over to Olive pulling at her pant leg, asking her to come over to the two babies. While Tonton came to rest just below Noctis’s knee, these little ones came to rest at Tonton’s shoulder, if not shorter. They also appeared different, one was green still but had a red cloak, while the other was snow white and had a blue cloak on. Both with very long sleeves that was a surprise they didn’t stumble on when they moved.

“Hi, are you friends of Tonton?” Olive smiled kneeling down, only now noticing the white one had a tear on its sleeve. “Were you hurt?” As she reached out the one in red, reached out igniting a small fire, causing the woman to jump back.

“Olive!” “You okay?”

“I’m fine guys.” She giggled, as Tonton moved over to the smaller ones, assuring them that the woman was fine. Only then did the little white one shuffle forward. “I’m sorry did I scare you? Can I see your arm?”

The little one allowed Olive to pick it up, watching as Tonton and it’s friend followed towards her seat.

“Is this why you disappeared, Pug?” Ignis inquired, missing his chef at his side, as Tonton nodded.

Everyone watched as he moved over to the cooler before pulling out an egg, then pointing towards the two smaller Tonberries.

“They just hatched?” Noctis inquired, as Tonton squealed a yes. “So they really are babies.”

“A baby that almost lite, Liv on fire. They don’t look like Tonberries.” Gladiolus stated, watching the red one, who was staring at Olive with the same golden eyes as Tonton as the other healed the pale one in her lap.

“That’s because they’re not Tonberries,” Prompto replied holding up his phone. “The white one is a Paleberry and the red one is Red BonnetBerry, they use magic instead.”

“There you are little one.” Olive smiled finishing the healing to the small on, giving a mending stitch to the sleeve until Ignis could sew it better. “Feel better?”

The Paleberry cooed, looking at the woman with pale blue eyes, it’s small tail wagging underneath its cloak. Turning to its friend with a coo, as Olive set it down so they could inspect each other.

Tonton than moved over to Ignis looking up with bright golden eyes, almost begging as he let out a grunt for Ignis.

“We’re not keeping them,” Ignis replied staring down the Tonberry before him.

“Ugn.”

Ignis sighed, “All right fine.”

“That quickly Iggy, you losing your edge?” Gladiolus chuckled, as the man moved over to the cooking station filling up Tonton’s plate.

“He makes a very compelling argument,” Ignis replied, as he handed the plate to Tonton, who gave it to the two smaller ones.

The following morning, it wasn’t strange to find the little white one trailing behind Prompto and Ignis as they were always on the move. It even cooed when Prompto picked it up allowing them to see what Ignis was doing at the kitchen table. While the little red one kept an eye on Gladiolus, watching everything the man did with a watchful eye, often scampering away from the man when he turned to it.

It wasn't until everyone was in the car that the little red one seemed to forget it judgment and skittishness it was in awe of the fact of the car. Even being so daring as to sneak in the front seat between Prompto and Ignis.

“Would you like to try?” Ignis asked, raising his arm.

The little red one scampered into his lap, placing their small hands on the wheel like Ignis, standing on tiptoes. Gasping as Ignis lifted them up, so their feet stood on the bottom of the wheel, and they could see out the front.

“Looks like you got it, you’re a much better driver than Noct and Prompto.”

This got the strategist a coo from the Bonnetberry and an offend grunt from the other two.

“I think we should name them if they’re gonna be with us for a bit,” Gladiolus stated, as the little white one sat on the back of the car with Noctis, her little hand holding tightly to Noctis’s jacket so as not to stumble or accidentally get blown from the back of the car.

“We don’t even know what they are.” Olive stated, “We only know Tonton’s a boy because he told us.” She replied referencing when they asked Tonton if he was like Gladiolus or Olive and the little guy pointing towards Gladiolus, this could have also meant that he thought he could take Gladiolus in a fight. “These little ones more than likely don’t know the difference.”

At that moment the ambassador of The Berries woke up from his slumber, poking his head from his carrier with a yawn.

“Morning.” Gladiolus chuckled, as TonTon rubbed an eye. “You wanna help us out, and tell us if these little guys are boys or girls?”

Tonton pointed towards his Moogle charm he got from Iris, then Gladiolus.

“They’re your little sisters?” Prompto asked as Tonton nodded, then pointed to everyone else in the car followed by himself. “You’re gonna take them in like we did you?”

This got the blonde another nod.

“The fact you can understand him is both awesome and terrifying,” Noctis replied, placing a hand on the pale ones back, so she didn’t have to keep clinging to him.

“You said she’s a paleberry and she’s a red bonnetberry?” Olive inquired.

“I believe Ally would be nice for the little paleberry and Bonny for this one here,” Ignis stated, petting the little one's head. “Are you fine with that, Ally, Bonny?”

The two smaller berries let out coos.

With two more berries joining the party, hunts became rather easy, as no one really wanted to tangle with the aggressive fighting style of a regular Tonberry, plus add spell casting berries to the mix, who were learning to use their powers made the battlefield rather dangerous. There were a few times that if someone didn’t get out the way fast enough Bonny might accidentally light them on fire, and Ally ever the sweetheart would try to freeze the flame, accidentally freezing the entire battlefield, which would cause the little Paleberry to panic and tears, as she would cuddle them when they thawed.

Bonny took quite a liking to Gladiolus and often assisted with camping, her job every evening was to start the fire. She was a feisty little thing, and would often fight with Gladiolus, but that only made the duos bond stronger. She also took the role as co-driver, which she took very, very seriously.

While Ally was more sensitive and always enjoyed cuddling, which luckily she wasn’t as chilly as she appeared. She even learned a basic healing spell, not able to heal serious wounds but enough to give comfort until someone could get a potion.

A backpack was added so that the twins had some place to rest, granted Ally would often sleep in the car’s cooler, surrounding Ignis’s Ebony’s to keep them cool, and handing them out when requested. While Bonny would sleep on the leather seats absorbing the heat.

The duo even got Ignis to make them black cloaks, with a blue hood for Ally and a red one for Bonny.

“Everyone in,” Olive called, as Gladiolus zipped the tent closed. It had started to storm something fierce, fortunately, everyone made it in just as it began to downpour, but dinner was just getting started.

“BonBon mind heating this,” Gladiolus called, pouring a bottle of water into a cup noodle, as the Bonnet Berry wrapped herself around the cup, heating it up.

“Ally,” Ignis called, as the smaller twin climbed into the cooler, flash freezing their suppose dinner so ingredients didn’t go to waste.

“It’s like having our own little kitchen.” Prompto laughed, as Bonny handed him a cup of noodles, while Ally climbed from the cooler, handing a beer to Gladiolus.

The two smaller Berries shrieked as they heard a loud crash of thunder, quickly ducking behind TonTon who petted their backs and heads with soft cooes.

“Poor things.” Olive cooed, only to giggle at another clash of thunder drove the smaller berries to the arms of Noctis and Prompto. “It’s okay, little ones, it’s just a storm.”

As the storm raged on, the duo was placed before Prompto’s phone with Olive’s overhead headphones on to drown out the sound watching a video.

“Maybe we should drop them off with Iris,” Gladiolus replied, this was not the first time that this conversation had come up. “They’re still kids, and we don’t want them to get hurt.”

Tonton nodded, he liked Iris and knew that the smaller Amicitia would protect them.

“The car’s gonna be quieter without them.” Prompto sighed, looking to the two berries huddled together.

“If they’re with Iris, we wouldn’t have to worry about her safety or theirs,” Ignis suggested, as Tonton climbed into his lap. “It’s getting late we’ll discuss this further in the morning.”

As the lanterns turned off for the evening, the two small berries looked towards Tonton as he waddled over sitting beside them, taking up his post of guard. The two removed the headphones as they moved sitting beside their elder brother to join the watch for the evening.

“You’re going to meet Iris tomorrow.”

“Iris?” The younger ones cooed.

“It’s Gladio’s little sister.”

“Like us!” Ally beamed her little blue tail wagging.

“Are we going to be left with her?” Bonny asked.

“Maybe.” Tonton sighed.

“Don’t they like us?” Bonny asked as Ally let out a soft cry.

“Of course, that’s why they want you to go with Iris you’ll be safer, and won’t get hurt,” Tonton explained.

“I like it here.” Ally cried. “I promise not to freeze anyone again.”

“Ally.” Bonny sighed as her little sister stopped her whining. “Is Iris nice?”

“Very,” Tonton called. “You should get some sleep.”

Ally waddled over to Gladiolus, having a little trouble crawling up the man, only to have him in his sleep pull her onto his chest. While Bonny moved over to Ignis snuggling underneath his arm. The two would eventually make it across the tent by morning, but it sucked this was their last night together as a family.

“Come on Ally,” Noctis called, as the little Paleberry clung tightly to his shirt, burying her head into his shoulder as she gave her whine of Noctis.

“They’re normally not like this,” Olive replied, trying to help Prompto pull a growling Bonnet Berry from his shirt too.

Tonton waddled over letting out a grunt, as the two immediately let go of the two shirts.

“Don’t be this way,” Ignis replied petting Bonny’s head.

Bonny whined, Ignis was the smart one, he’d want her around.

“I don’t think they want to leave you,” Iris stated.

Tonton stared his little sisters down, as they whined before walking over to Iris, who scooped them up.

“Are you sure you want to leave them?” Iris asked, the two clinging to the young woman.

Olive moved over stroking the two’s back, “We’ll be back soon. Promise.” The woman gasped as both berries jumped from Iris’s arms, hugging the woman tightly, letting out soft cries in her shoulders. “Oh come now don’t cry.” She whimpered tears appearing in her eyes. “You’ll be safer here.”

“We don’t have to leave them here right?” Prompto cried, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“We never did ask them what they want,” Noctis replied.

The two younger berries jumped from Olive’s arms, before quickly waddling over to Ignis and Gladiolus, hugging the tallest’s legs.

Gladiolus groaned, “Looks like we really don’t have a choice.”

“It’s your call Noct,” Ignis replied.

It was lucky that the Regalia was a spacious car, as five humans and three berries made the car a little cramped. Tonton looked over his family, Bonny was taking selfies with Prompto, where she would bounce back over to help Ignis drive later when the man would request an Ebony from Ally, who would with Noctis’s help bounce over to Gladiolus to climb down to the cooler, and get the can which she would chill to the correct temp and hand to Olive to give to Ignis.

Tonton smile as he curled up on Olive’s lap, his family was strange, but they were his.

~~~~

FUN FACTS

Tonton is mostly nocturnal, but the twins are not

A new battle strategy is to pick up the nearest Berry and throw it in the air

Ally gives you a Snow Storm or hail

Bonny gives you firestorms

Tonton gets you a missile of death

Bonny is considered the hothead

But Ally has taken down a courel by herself

You don’t mess with her big brothers!

Everyone learned Bonny is fireproof when she walked into the fire to get a dropped smores

There was a lot of screaming

Like a lot

You don’t understand! There was a lot!

For whatever reason Chocobos aren’t afraid of this group of berry

Tonton will hold the little one's hands so you may have a Bonnetberry holding a lantern and a Paleberry holding a knife

Like a good older brother, he has taught them how to use a knife

This is horrifying to nearly everyone else

Bonny absolutely adores Cor!

Cor is worried that the team keeps gaining Berries

Ally thinks Lunafreya is so pretty!

She has a characterized pin on that backpack that is of Oracle

Gladiolus gave each of them a nickname

Tonton: Little Fucker

Bonny: Smaller Fucker

Ally: Snowball

When asked why Ally doesn’t have a name that matches the others Gladiolus stated

She’s the good one

They both have little dresses because they wanted to have fancy clothes like Big Brother Tonton

Iris makes 90% of them

They pay Iris with their share of the money from hunts

Bonny doesn’t like people touching the Regalia!

They have to go through her first!

Looking at you Cindy!

She will set you on fire!

The berries love cuddles!

Strange considering most Tonberry aren’t social

Depending on the weather, either Ally or Bonny will act as A/C or a heater

TonTon has taught the twins how to scare Gladiolus

Gladio will wake up in the middle of the night to two golden eyes staring at him, so he’ll roll over and has woken the team up when meeting the glowing blue pair

The blue eyes only woke up because her bedding shifted and woke her up.

She didn’t mean to scare him

Both Tontoon and Bonny have agreed

Gladiolus is a beautiful soprano

#tonton #tonberry #I'm a tonberry expert #paleberry #red bonnetberry #baby sisters bonny and ally #this family keeps freakin growing #ff15 fanfiction #ffxv fanfiction #final fantasy xv fanfiction #ffxv oc #ffxv text post

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