#The Ruby Fashion Library

[heartlilith]

WHAT THE VENUS SIGNS REMIND ME OF

🩷Oddly specific things I think about when I hear ______ venus

Aries Venus: Summer, rubies, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, rollercoasters, fast cars, the color red, vampire fangs, Saturday nights, liquor stores and gas stations, fireworks, sour candy, cool bic lighters, “you’re mine”, Mario Kart, boys who wear nail polish, fuck it energy, oversized sweatshirts, middle finger emoji, cherries

Taurus Venus: Satin pillowcases, white candles, pearls, mirrors, hand holding, walking someone home at night, vinyls, red lipstick, full lips, fancy dinner dates, the wine and dine, old romantic movies, wallets and purses, hotels, French manicures, old money, “I won’t get on my knees for no man”

Gemini Venus: Driving around at night listening to music, reading to someone, comedy shows, mimosas, Samantha from Sex and the City, libraries, nerd kink, hot teachers/student kink, emerald green, laughter, swing sets, looking out of the window and just watching, untied shoelaces, dogs and puppies, dad jokes

Cancer Venus: Soft feather pillows, a bowl of warm soup, a bubble bath, tears and running mascara, babies and how babies laugh, poetry, “I’ll be whatever you want me to be”, hot tubs, hot coffee, teddy bears, heartbeats, soft hands & skin, lotion, bagels and cream cheese, doodling in your journal

Leo Venus: Lip gloss, mojitos, getting drunk at brunch, diamond tennis bracelets, drunk texts you regret sending later, the block button, lonely nights, shooting stars, blowing bubbles, piggy back rides, art museums, glittery eyeshadow, jumparoos, birthday parties

Virgo Venus: Taking a shower, Dove soap, smooth skin, symmetry, butterflies, the smell of books, getting a facial or going to the spa, chicken caesar salads, the good tasting water, chunky headphones, acoustic guitar, running errands, getting your eyebrows done, neat handwriting, neutral colors, sushi

Libra Venus: Blush, dimples, Y2K fashion, Hello Kitty, makeup skills, those little hand mirrors, princes and princesses, cupcakes, pedicures, Margaritas, taking pictures, art, castles, Disney movies, daisies, spin the bottle, cartwheels, soft hair, bubblegum, skincare, watermelon and pineapple

Scorpio Venus: Psychology, neck tattoos, “until death do us part”, Kings & Queens, snakes, sacred sex, chess, secrets, hickeys, the feeling after you stay up all night, the feeling of being at a concert, roses, knives, tequila shots, legs intertwined, dirty martinis, sparklers, Avril Lavigne, fantasy books, true crime and dark history

Sagittarius Venus: Clouds, rock climbing, rappers, Hip Hop and R&B, going on vacation, açaí bowls and fresh fruit, sun kissed/radiant skin, the color yellow, retreats, history, yoga and Pilates, spicy food, “it is what it is”, curly hair, the smell of weed, casinos, the last day of school, Las Vegas

Capricorn Venus: Leather, red wine, the cow pattern, cowgirl boots, the color brown, espresso, dark chocolate, briefcase of money like in the movies, the movie Scarface, whiskey on the rocks, bosses, owls, turtle necks, caramel, wearing suits, lingerie, business, New York City

Aquarius Venus: Lightbulbs, telescopes and microscopes, LED lights, hamsters, college parties, glitter, peace signs, 70s concerts, food trucks, skipping school, “fuck it”, diving in the pool, the beach at night, disco balls, getting detentions in school

Pisces Venus: Mermaids, kittens, cartoons and Disney princesses, champagne, Webkinz, little kid stories like Goldilocks, 3 Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel, clear glittery lip gloss, holographic, snowmen and icicles, swimming in the pool, flower gardens, glow sticks , picnics, bumblebees, sand castles, elementary art class, 3D movies

Book a Reading 🩷

Masterlist 🩷

[astrolovecosmos]

The Planets & Random or Obscure Associations

~Sun~

Creativity, vitality, head of state, the father, games, yellow and orange clothing, articles of value, jewelry, gold, brass, power, diamonds, citrine, topaz, jasper, amber, rhodochrosite, mistletoe, almonds, citrus, succulents, sunflowers, fevers, heart, back, spine, grapes, walnuts, rice, chamomile, frankincense, juniper, saffron, marigold, rosemary, rue, palaces, towers, luxury.

~Moon~

Eternal, cycles, silver, aluminum, pearls, moonstone, opal, selenite, chest, glands, lymphatic system, nervous system, emotions, mother, ancestors, nurture, rebirth, tides, baths, ocean, brew, boat, sap, willow trees, succulents, pale color plants, white flowers, cucumber, cabbage, lettuce, melons, shellfish, pumpkins, lakes, fountains, ports, fishponds, pools, springs, sewers, dairies, toys, reflection, blankets, objects of comfort.

~Mercury~

Communication, journal, pen/pencil, any writing tools, wings, phosphorous, mercury, agate, tiger's eye, brain, nervous system, eyes, respiration, thyroid, speech, hearing, intellect, vehicles, money, bills, paper, books, pictures, parties or social gatherings, scientific instruments, butterflies, messages, mail, hazel, mulberry, myrtle, seeds, aniseed, dill, fennel, lavender, liquorice, marjoram, parsley, valerian, hazelnuts, beans, mushrooms, pomegranates, carrots, celery, libraries, schools, markets, fairs, public spaces, tennis or badminton court, studies, banks, bowling greens, offices, blue, white, or light colored flowers.

~Venus~

Love, relating, lust, high-quality fabrics, copper, bronze, sodium, malachite, tourmaline, emerald, rose quartz, kunzite, sapphire, pastels, throat, kidneys, lumber region, art, music, aesthetics, social life, fashion, jewelry, wine, pleasure, alder tree, fruit trees, paint, ash tree, birch, pomegranates, early flowering, daisy, mint, marshmallow, meadowsweet, mugwort, plantain, tansy, roses, thyme, vervain, yarrow, potatoes, strawberries, wheat, sugar, nectarines, ballrooms, bedrooms, dining room, gardens, fountains, wardrobes, theaters, looking and feeling good.

~Mars~

Lust, conquest, desire, flaming sword, red things, fights, iron, brass, bloodstone, carnelian, cinnabar, pyrite, magnetite, ruby, garnet, hematite, muscles, reproductive organs, blood, kidneys, immunity, heat, action, arms, pepper, sharp instruments, cutlery, attacks, scissors, weapons, physical intimacy, bites, stings, scalds, burns, accidents, hawthorn, pine, thorns, cactus, aloes, anemone, arnica, belladonna, garlic, ginger, hops, mustard seed, nettles, wormwood, chives, onions, leeks, radish, rhubarb, tobacco, labs, furnaces, distilleries, bakehouses, ovens, smiths, butchers, fields, anger, passion, self-focus.

~Jupiter~

Expansion, optimism, religion, religious sites, tin, seduction, turquoise, chrysocolla, topaz, citrine, jasper, liver, pancreas, pituitary gland, sciatic nerve, excess, abundance, prophecy, philosophy, knowledge, universities, foreign travel, luggage, honey, oil, silk, fruit, distinct clothing, merchandise, horses, domestic birds, gambling, indulgence, entertainment, oak, dandelion, sage, endive, chervil, asparagus, figs, churches, temples, palaces, altars, courts, mansions, woods, orchards, winery, cornucopia, connecting with the soul.

~Saturn~

Limits, boundaries, father time, lord of death, shadows, lead, iron, steel, calcium, asbestos, sulphur, diamond, onyx, calcite, skeleton, spleen, skin, teeth, nails, joints, structure, crystallization, old age, blockage, anything dark, wool, heavy materials, agriculture, wheelbarrows, spades, farm houses and buildings, cold, laws, aspen, blackthorn, buckthorn, cypress, elm, toxic plants, hemlock, henbane, belladonna, hellebore, barley, beetroot, safflower, parsnips, spinach, deserts, woods, valleys, caves, church yards, ruins, coalpits, sinks, wells, mud, institutions.

~Uranus~

Eccentrics, mavericks, invention, genius, revolution, change, trends, disruptive science or tech, uranium, magnesium, lapis lazuli, sapphire, aquamarine, azurite, chalcedony, electricity, neon lights, plaid, nervous and circulatory system, pineal gland, chaos, violence, upheaval, astrology, steam engines, coal, machinery, coins, baths, fishponds, dangerous places, computers, magnets, quantum physics, research, welfare, humanity, hypnotherapy, railways, banks, gas, psychiatric hospitals, offices, hospitals, dispensaries, fortified places, chemicals, mingled/mingling, spirit and matter.

~Neptune~

Illusions, veils, diffuse, deception, water, oceans, mysticism, enlightenment, artistic pursuit and understanding, zinc, potassium, amethyst, fluorite, jade, sugilite, coral, aquamarine, pineal gland, lymphatic and nervous system, spine, mental processes, addiction, psychoses, disease, photography, music, substances, gas, religion, poetry, mimicry, chameleon, anesthetic, telepathy, empathy, dancing, psychic gifts, places near water, hospitals, places of healing, jeweler, painters, brewers, musicians, visionary.

~Pluto~

Power, influence, darkness, new life, what's hidden underneath, seeds, volcanoes, deep earth or ocean, bury, explosions, eruptions, abduction, plutonium, smoky quartz, obsidian, jet, pearl, deep reds, reproductive organs, the unconscious, nuclear, transformation, death, birth, rebirth, underworld, riches, earthquakes, big business, murder, detection, detective, invisibility, sneak, enforced change, hidden places, underground, drains, sewers, radioactive places, the occult, black magic, sacrifice, renew.

[rubyofthesims]

all together now - a collective savefile - 2.0

version 2.0 of my savefile is finally here! ✨

i have completed magnolia promenade, oasis springs, and san myshuno. again, each family has relationships, careers, and skills that will hopefully make you feel like you are playing in a fleshed out world. my goal is to make a savefile that feels connected and detailed, while also still being able to run on most people's computers. i really hope you enjoy what i have been able to do so far!

download link and more details under the readmore!! ✌️

magnolia promenade

community lots provided:

family funtimes (bowling alley + skate rink)

pearl's tea & coffee (cafe, bubble tea, thrift shop)

spa petrichor (luxurious spa)

pappardelle's (italian restaurant)

oasis springs

community lots provided:

tuna maria vet clinic

the solar flare (pool + gym)

oasis springs library (bubble tea + thrift shop)

larry longneck diner

dusty terf gas station

san llama mission + park

landgraab lounge (bar + lounge)

skyward palms rec center

families of oasis springs:

landgraab

caliente

curious

roth

zest

broke

newbie

lothario

+ 8 original households/sims!

san myshuno

community lots provided:

torendi tower; satire society (comedy club), taste quest (restaurant), blissful body (day spa), office center

club delirium (nightclub)

pizza paradise (restaurant) + cloudtea (internet cafe)

planet honey pop! (karaoke lounge) + noodle nexus (restaurant)

stargazer lounge (bar)

skye fitness (pool + gym)

myshuno meadows (park)

casban art center

families of san myshuno:

bheeda

mashuga

jang

cho

lee

pizzazz

feng

lobo

karaoke legends

+ 8 original households/sims

required packs:

all expansions packs

all games pack except batuu

all stuff packs

all kits except goth galore, castle estates, poolside splash, simtimates, first fits, bust the dust, throwback fit, carnaval streetwear, fashion street, and modern menswear

✨download here✨

<3 ruby

[sylphiesweet]

: ̗̀➛ Rarijack Fanfic - Ch1 ౨ৎ

- ͙۪۪̥˚┊❛ w/c: 6.5k ❜┊˚ ͙۪۪̥◌

a/n: hello !! this is my first real post on here. i don't typically use tumblr, and i don't typically write fanfiction ! but i love to write, and i figured i would rather write stuff that others will want to read than write stuff that will collect dust in my folders. constructive feedback is much appreciated :)

Summary: A humanized MLP:FiM alternate universe set in the 90s where Rarity- a now famous fashion designer living in Canterlot- visits Ponyville for a reunion with her friends. Centers on the Rarity x Applejack ship. Lots of fluff, only involves the mane 6, very wholesome.

enjoy ♡

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

Under the warm lamp light of the Canterlot Carousel’s tailor shop fervorously work the delicate and nimble fingers of Equestria’s greatest designer. It is well past close, the streets just beyond the doors of the boutique are desolate, yet Rarity is intent on completing her remaining custom orders. Through her rubied cat eye frames this artist fixates on the precise stitching of her sewing machine. The fabric of the garment being constructed is ethereal, it possesses an otherworldly luster that practically lights up what is an otherwise pitch-black room. Nights like these, where this lady of refined elegance works her magic for hours on end, are what have gotten her so far in such a cutthroat industry. They are also, however, what tends to be the blockage between her and a healthy social life.

Under the obnoxiously loud whirring of Rarity’s sewing machine approaches the faint sound of heels clicking against the boutique’s shiny marble floors. She doesn’t hear the voice calling her name, too stuck in her trance-like state of work. It takes the sewing machine being turned off mid-seam for her to finally look up. “What do you think you are doing, Sassy?! I am in a time crunch here!”

In front of the dramatic damsel stood Rarity’s store manager, Sassy Saddles, with the unplugged cord to the sewing machine in hand. She had a partially amused, mostly concerned expression. “I was closing up the boutique when I heard you back here. You’ve been sewing for a while, Rarity. I haven’t seen you step away from your desk all day.”

She gave her manager an unamused expression. “Time crunch, darling. Pay attention. Now plug the machine back in, will you?” Rarity instinctively bent back into position, expecting Sassy to obey and the machine to resume.

Sassy sighed. She knew there was no use in arguing, not with Rarity of all women. “Before you continue, I came to give you this.” From her skirt pocket, she pulls a wax-sealed envelope addressed to Rarity.

This got her attention. “Oh? Give it here.” She held her hand out and received the letter. Searching for something on her desk to open it with, she glanced up briefly to her manager. “Who’s it from?”

“I believe your old friends from Ponyville. It has the Princess’s logo on the seal- see?” A well-manicured finger reached over the sewing machine and tapped on the crimson wax holding the envelope together. It did indeed have the insignia of their nation’s beloved princess pressed into it.

Rarity took her embroidery shears and sliced the parcel open. The letter inside contained the iconic calligraphy of a royal friend from a lifetime ago, she would recognize it anywhere. If the wax seal and the regal writing didn’t already give away the author of such a letter, it was the words themselves. Nobody else in all of Equestria wrote with such intellectual grace. The same level of attention to detail in each sentence could be achieved by no one other than the Princess of Friendship herself; Twilight Sparkle. Seeing the penmanship of a friend from her girlhood brought a smile to Rarity’s face. It sometimes still felt like it was only yesterday that they were having sleepovers together in her quaint library, giving each other facials and sharing the local gossip. That was back when she was still a small-town girl, running her first and only boutique with a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion. The more she reminisced, the older she began to feel. The gray hairs on her head were probably multiplying with each memory. She should just read the letter already.

As her boss read, Sassy discreetly began to wrap up the sewing machine’s cord and hook it onto the side of the desk. She loved when the boutique had plenty of business, but she also knew from past experience that an overworked Rarity could lead to catastrophic things. A sigh of disappointment from the tired designer came once she finished reading. Sassy looked up, quickly folding her hands in front of her to hide her crime. “What’s wrong?” she asked hesitantly.

”Nothing is wrong… Twilight is hosting a reunion.” Rarity set the letter aside.

Sassy smiled, yet still held that look of worry in her brows. “Well, that’s wonderful!… Is it not?”

”It’s all the way back in Ponyville. That’s a trip I simply do not have the time to take, I will have to decline the invitation.” She began searching around her desk for a pen and paper to write with.

”Now hold on, Rarity!” Sassy stepped around the desk to face Rarity, mostly so they could stop talking over the sewing machine. “You have been working yourself to the tips of your cuticles. There is not another lady in Canterlot more deserving of a break than you. Speaking as both your manager and your friend, you would be mad not to accept this invite.”

Rarity paused her searching. Sassy wasn’t a stranger to dramatic speeches, nor was she, yet it was surprising to hear her actively protest like this. “How deserving I am of a break doesn’t matter when we have New York Fashion Week rapidly approaching. My schedule is absolutely full! I have to go back up to Manehattan on Monday to fit the models for the line, and then down to Fillydelphia on Wednesday for a meeting with the design team coming from Milan, and next Saturday I am flying out to Las Pegasus for the opening of the Carousel Boutique on the strip.” She had begun to spiral into one of her fast-paced, extra-dramatic rants. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rarity looked up at Sassy and took her glasses off. “Tell me, where am I meant to fit a trip to Ponyville in all of that?” The name of her hometown was spat out with a coat of contemptment, like it wasn’t good enough to be considered on her roster of Equestria’s top fashion cities.

Sassy sighed quietly, she never knew how to calm Rarity down. “I’m not sure, but you are great at making things work. When is the party?”

Rarity put her glasses back on and pulled the letter over again. “…This weekend it seems.” Well that invalidated most of her argument, and Sassy was quick to pick up on it.

”Perfect, you could leave for Manehattan straight from Ponyville. If you think about it, a relaxing trip home before your busy week would be a fantastic reset. We both know that you can’t avoid burnout.”

Holding the paper, Rarity chewed the corner of her lip as she stared at the date written down. She took a moment to think. “I’d have to book my train tickets first thing tomorrow…” It seemed she was genuinely considering this trip.

“I would be happy to do that for you,” she replied with a smile.

Rarity’s brow furrowed in deep contemplation. “I… will think about it. Thank you, Sassy. You can go home now.”

Satisfied with that answer, Sassy nodded and turned to head out. “Good night, Rarity. I will see you tomorrow.” Her heel clicks followed her out the door, with the ring of the storefront bell signaling her exit.

It was a few more minutes of silent thinking before Rarity sighed and set the letter down once more. The decision seemed obvious, Sassy was right in saying she needed a break, yet something in the back of her mind still worried about falling behind. The days before New York Fashion Week were always ruthless, yet if one managed to stay on top of it all it could boost their reputation tremendously. If they fell behind, the consequences could be dire. Rarity had worked too hard to build a name for herself just to let big opportunities slip away.

This was a choice that could be made tomorrow, she had orders to fulfill now. Getting back into sewing position, she tried to start the machine. When it didn’t start, Rarity finally noticed that Sassy had wrapped up the cord. “What- Oh, for Celestia’s sake!” She groaned and leaned back in her chair, defeatedly. Her persistent assistant had won. It was too late to continue, anyways.

Rarity took off her glasses, leaning back even further to stretch out her stiff spine. The silence of her studio consumed her. She stopped bringing Opalescence to work with her recently, the boutique gets overwhelmingly busy and she’s an old kitty now, little lady needs her rest. Ever since then, nights like these bring a strange sense of loneliness to Rarity. When she’s not working, work is all she has to think about. She is living her dream, so where is the fulfillment that was meant to come with it? Ever since permanently moving out of Ponyville, this lonely feeling has haunted her relentlessly… Perhaps this reunion will do her good.

She gets up and turns the lamp off, leaving everything as it is to be resumed in the morning.

—

Celestia’s Sun had yet to begin its rise over Sweet Apple Acres on the day of the reunion, yet Ponyville’s hard-working orchardist was already starting her day. As was usual, the farm was quiet in the morning. Only the songs of the earliest birds could be heard. By noon, the crickets and cicadas would join them. It didn’t get much louder than that around here, not since Apple Bloom went off to college. Big McIntosh and Sugar Belle had their second kid not so long before that, and they decided it was too much work to raise their family while living on the farm. Now, it’s just Applejack and Winona left.

While it was still the quietest it would be all day, AJ ran herself a refreshing shower. “Freezing” might be the more accurate word, or at least the word most would use, but there was nothing like a shot of ice-cold water at 4 AM to wake a gal up. Purified and straight from the same rivers that ran through the orchards, the water trickled down her long, golden locks. She let out a sigh, closing her eyes and running her fingers through her hair. No one would be able to tell, not with the naked eye, but AJ had grown plenty of grays amidst all those blonde strands. The stress of managing the farm without Big Mac to help her had probably only doubled them by now, she wasn’t the same spry and young girl she used to be.

A hearty breakfast is typically in order after her rinse-off. Three eggs sunny side up, four bacon strips, two sausages, and a slice of toast. All accompanied by a shiny red apple, plucked straight from a tree in her backyard. One doesn’t acquire the muscles she has by simply working on a farm, a diet full of protein is a must. Although, coming from a long line of farmers on both sides of the family, AJ’s natural 6 '1 stature did attribute to her well-toned physique.

Today, she would be needing this protein-filled breakfast. Not that she didn’t need it every day. The reunion Twilight was throwing would be held at her barn- a good old-fashioned hoedown. Her friends were meant to arrive this evening, so she had the whole day to get her daily chores done and set up for the party. It would be a bit of a crunch to fit all that into one day, but it was worth it for her friends. The only real social interaction she got these days was on her weekly trips into town to sell her apples. It would be great to chill for a night and catch up with her gals.

Mid-apple crunch, an unexpected knock came from the porch door. Winona started barking relentlessly without hesitation. Well shit, she wasn’t presentable in the slightest. Her hair was still wet from the shower, sitting on top of the towel draped over her broad shoulders. Aside from her not-so-fashionable accessory, AJ was in just a tank and shorts. The door had to be answered regardless! She set the half-eaten fruit down and got up. If she could make a list of the least expected guests to be showing up on her doorstep before 5 AM on a weekend, this girl would be dead last. AJ had to do a double take when she opened her door. “Rarity?? Huh! Well, I’ll be!”

The plum-haired beauty smiled up to her old friend. “Applejack, darling! Good morning, dear. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She was carrying Opal in her mini bejeweled feline carrier, no bigger than a fashionable purse.

”Only breakfast. Come on in, gal!” AJ pulls Rarity in for a warm hug before stepping aside.

Their embrace, which was probably the first real hug either of them have experienced in some time, lasts enough time for their bodies to melt into one another, as if in an attempt to make up for all the time spent apart. It also lasts long enough for their pets to start bickering, with Opal hissing down at Winona from her carrier.

Rarity laughs apologetically, scolding her cat on the way into AJ’s house. “Bad kitty! This is not how we behave. You’ve known Winona for years, quit it!”

AJ chuckles, quieting down Winona as well as she follows Rarity inside. “I must say, I’m surprised as all get out to see you up so early. Are you finally past the point of beauty sleep?” She said this with an obvious joking tone, always loving to tease her “girly” obsessions.

Joining her host for a seat at the dining table, Rarity playfully scoffed. “One doesn’t simply stop needing beauty sleep, darling. Honestly, I would rather be getting said sleep now… My assistant- Sassy Saddles, you remember her right? Well, she booked the earliest train from Canterlot. Too early, in my opinion! So, here I am.” She smiled and pulled Opalescence out of her carrier and began stroking her fluffy white fur in her lap.

AJ couldn’t help but smile as she listened to the most elegant woman she knew speak her mind. It had been too long since they had spoken, her ears wanted to soak up every word she said. There was just something in Rarity’s voice, her cadence and tone and choice of words, that could hypnotize a girl like Applejack in seconds. “Well boy howdy it sure is good to see you again, girl. But, uhh… Why’d you come to my place? The party ain’t for ten hours.”

Rarity sheepishly giggled. “Who else in all of Ponyville is going to be up at sunrise on a Saturday?”

She got her there. AJ laughed wholeheartedly. “Y’ain’t wrong about that! Can I get you some breakfast? The trains serve nothin’ good.” Getting up from the table, she opens the cupboards like she already has an idea in mind of what to make.

“Oh, I’m quite alright. Thank you, dear. I will take a tea or coffee if you have any.” Rarity looked around the kitchen. It was amazing, hardly anything had changed. The only notable difference was the new pictures here and there. Their most recent family photo caught her eye. “Heavens! Is little Apple Bloom really that grown up?” She set Opal down to get up and look at the frame on the wall.

AJ, already brewing a pot of coffee, smiled to herself at the mention of her little sister. “Crazy, right? Feels like yesterday she was still runnin’ around in my old treehouse with their little crusader club… How’s Sweetie Belle?”

It took Rarity a moment to respond, still in shock at how much the Apple family had changed. “Oh, she’s just fine. I believe she’s coming home for winter break. Perhaps we could stop by to catch up with you and Apple Bloom when the time comes.” The bell on Opal’s collar jingled as she rubbed herself against Rarity’s ankles, purring at her to be picked up. Still examining the pictures, she bent down and scooped her kitty up to be held.

Sunlight had finally made its way over the hills and in through the kitchen window, streaking amber rays across the walls. The light bounced off floating dust particles, it reflected on the glass over hanging pictures, danced across the kitchen’s cutlery and crockery. Most notably, it illuminated Applejack in an enchanting halo. She turned around with a smile as bright as this early morning sunrise, pouring Rarity’s cup of coffee as she spoke. “That’d be mighty swell! Here ya’ are, darlin’.” She set the mug down and slid it across the kitchen island with a smooth wink.

Something caught Rarity in a trance. She seemed to be frozen, holding Opal in her arms and staring at AJ. The way her hair, all dewy from what she could only assume was a shower, was highlighted by the sun rays. Her gorgeously toned muscles had a glowing golden aura, as did every lash, freckle, and mark on her face. Her friend had suddenly transformed from the town farmer to a goddess sculpted by the sun. How come she had never noticed the beauty in all her chiseled features before? Sure, AJ was always a strong and tall lady, but she’s aged like a fine apple cider. She couldn’t help but continue to stare… for an uncomfortably long time.

”Uh… Rarity? Somethin’ wrong?” Applejack chuckled nervously.

”H- Huh?? Oh! Pardon me, nothing is wrong, darling. Thank you for the drink.” She set Opal back down and stepped over to pick up the coffee. One could tell from just the scent that it was as fresh as it gets, the beans were most likely hand-ground by AJ herself today. Everything on Sweet Apple Acres had that realness to it, that pure authenticity that the Apple family stood by. It could be tasted from the first sip Rarity took, rich and dense in flavor. “Mmm, it’s lovely.”

Applejack smiled, feeling the self-consciousness of being stared at wash away. “Oh! Glad to hear it.” She lifted the towel from her shoulders and wrung out her hair one last time before tossing it over the side of the sink. “So, what’ve you been up to lately? I heard the Canterlot Carousel’s doin’ swell.” In a small town like Ponyville, news of any resident’s success travels quick, doesn’t matter if they still live there or not. She walks back over to the dining table to sit with Rarity and chat.

Sipping her coffee and sitting down as well, she lets out an exasperated sigh. “Ohhh busy busy busy… I have just been eternally busy with my boutiques.”

”Wait- Boutiques plural? I thought your business in Canterlot was the only one you’ve got! Not since the Carousel Boutique closed…” Rarity’s first store location had closed not too long ago. Now it just serves as her home when she comes to visit.

She nodded, understanding the confusion. “I opened a second store in Manehattan when I closed that one. It has proven to be most successful, and I'm looking at real estate in Las Pegasus for a third store! My goal is to have one location in all of Equestria’s major fashion cities.”

Again, AJ couldn’t help her smile as Rarity spoke. “Well that’s fantastic! Congrats, Rare. Figures that a star-studded gal like you would make it so big, ain’t nobody in this town who had more passion and talent than yourself…”

While AJ had no intentions with such a compliment other than to speak the truth, it left Rarity pink in the cheeks. “Awh! Wh- why thank you, Applejack! How about you? The farm looks marvelous, I must say. Walking through the orchards on my way up here was absolutely scenic.”

She chuckled. “Scenic, huh? I appreciate it, but what you see ‘round here really is what you get these days. Those trees out front are the majority of what I have now. Had to cut a lotta acres since Big Mac moved out, it’s just too much work to handle all by my lonesome.” Applejack went quiet for a moment, looking out the window as the sun continued to rise. “Truth be told, I don’t want to lose the farm, but it just ain’t what it used to be. I ain’t what I used to be. I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout it an awful lot recently. That maybe I’d keep workin’ for a few more years, just enough to get Apple Bloom through college, and then sell it all once she’s settled…” Realizing she had gone on a little tangent, she scratched the back of her neck and laughed. “Pardon me, Rarity. That’s stuff that only Winona usually hears.”

The little border collie who was curled up under the table stuck her head up upon hearing her name. AJ bent down and petted her head as a painfully tense silence sifted between them. It took Rarity a bit to find her words. “…I’m… I’m terribly sorry, Applejack. That’s quite the burden to be carrying, especially for just one girl.” She reached out and placed her hand on top of AJ’s.

The difference in their skin was apparent not just visually, but even more so tactilely. One’s hand was tanned from the sun, calloused by years of hard work, muscular even down to the tips of the fingers. The other’s was soft, feminine, had a beautiful manicure, and only calloused where sewing needles prick. Yet, despite the polarity of their physical makeups, each one standing on the opposite ends of what society deems to be a woman, the intimate connection sparking between the colliding cells of their separate beings was undeniable.

Tender affection like this had been absent from Applejack’s life for longer than she could remember. The feeling of Rarity’s gentle skin on hers, the calming words of comfort she could give, they quickly made this a moment to savor. An urge somewhere inside herself began to crave more of this. She hadn’t even realized there was an absence of anything in her life, and a subtle taste of what she had been missing ignited a desire for more. Carefully, Applejack supinated her hand so that their palms were facing one another, and she held Rarity’s dainty fingers with her own. “Thank you, Rare. Sorry to toss all this on you, I know it’s kinda heavy.”

Rarity squeezed AJ’s hand back. “And yet you’ve been carrying it all by yourself… Both metaphorically and physically, my dear. I mean, good Celestia! You’ve really been running Sweet Apple Acres all alone? Not even a farmhand to help you?”

AJ chuckled and shook her head. “Nope, just Winona and I. But I could say the same about you! You’ve been runnin’ all these fancy stores across the country by yourself? No business partner or nothin’?”

”Oh don’t flatter me, a boutique is hardly comparable to a farm. And I have managers, assistants and such. As strong as you are, darling, you’re carrying the load of three… Have you discussed any of this with your brother?”

Talking wasn’t something she and her brother did much of recently. There wasn’t any animosity, they had a great relationship. Life had just gotten in the way. “Ah, he’s got his kids to deal with… We did have a long talk before they decided to move out, and he was worried about just this. In the end, we chalked it up to “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” And, uh…” AJ chuckled in a defeated manner. “I’ve gotten to that bridge. Now I just ain’t sure…”

Rarity also wasn’t sure. She hated seeing one of her closest friends in such a tough situation, but she was also in no position to give advice. What she could do was set her coffee down, let go of Applejack’s hand, and lean in for a hug. “I am not sure how much weight my words hold, but I am sure that whatever you decide to do will be the right choice, Applejack.”

Those words held more weight than she could carry, enough weight to knock some of the unbearable pressure off her shoulders. AJ returned the hug with a smile, squeezing Rarity gently in her arms. “Thank you…”

—

The barn at Sweet Apple Acres was lit up and lively that night. Atmospheric lighting emitted by the lanterns that hung from every pole post created a cozy environment, perfect for a long night of reconnecting with one another. Applejack and Rarity had spent the day cleaning the space up, shoveling hay out of the way and setting up tables. In between that, Rarity assisted with some of the farmwork that needed to be done. As per usual, all of the decorations credit goes to Pinkie Pie, who showed up around noon with a truckload of party supplies.

By sunset, everyone had arrived. The organizer of this party was the last to show up, as she got caught up with royal duties before she could leave. When she finally made her appearance, it was in an official royal motorcade. She embarrassedly had to command her guards to leave her there, not wanting tonight to be any different than the hangouts they all used to have in the past. If it were up to her, which it should be, she would have driven herself up here. Alas, official procedures say otherwise.

Still dressed in her formal blazer with her hair wound in a tight bun, Princess Twilight Sparkle joined her friends inside the barn. Only now, she wasn’t a princess. She was just Twilight. Almost instantly, she was wrapped in a hug of 10 arms and squeals from her 5 favorite girls.

“Thank you all for coming!! It’s so great to see you girls again.” There was a shared wave of ease that washed over the group as they were all together for the first time in years.

Attempts had been made at group reunions like this in the past, at least once a year. It was almost impossible for everyone to be free at the same time, someone always had to decline. That someone had typically been Rarity. Her surprise presence hadn’t gone unnoticed, and it was quick to be pointed out. They all moved to the lounge pit made of hay bales to chat.

“I was starting to think you hated us, Rare!” Rainbow Dash leaned over and elbowed Rarity playfully. “Your fancy Canterlot life too good for us?”

Rarity nervously laughed, pushing Rainbow off of her in an equally playful fashion. “Of course not! You know I love you girls.”

“Then how come you’ve missed our last, like, three hangouts!!” Pinkie Pie giggled from across the pit, sitting criss-crossed on her hay bale and sipping some cider.

She knew this was just friendly fire, but a part of her felt bad for being so absent. This invitation would’ve also been declined if it wasn’t for her assistant’s insistence. “The fashion industry is ruthless, darlings. Free time is nonexistent! Not if you want to survive...” Rarity was extra dramatic with this delivery, which got everyone laughing.

The ever-quiet Fluttershy took her own shot at Rarity. “Twilight is the ruler of Equestria and she can make time for us, that’s no excuse.” Everyone “oohed” at Rarity after that.

Twilight laughed this off, not wanting to draw attention to herself. “Hey now, it’s not her fault if she has a busy schedule! Besides, Canterlot is a far trip from Ponyville.”

Applejack chimes in, this time making a jab at Twilight. “Yeah, we can’t all travel in a limousine with a motorcade.” The whole group laughed, and it felt just like old times again.

The hours passed quickly, and the sky went from a peachy array of pinks and oranges to midnight hues of blue and black. The girls drank cider fresh from the orchards, snacked on pastries from the Sugarcube Corner, told stories from their lives over the past years, and laughed at jokes as old as their friendships. At some point in between all of the drinking and laughing, Applejack had snuck out of the barn. Rarity was the first to notice. She excused herself as well to go find where the party’s host had gone.

Just beyond the barn doors, under the spread of twinkling stars and Luna’s moon was a hard at work Applejack. The thud of her axe rang out through the silent field as it came down, splitting a log in two. She grabbed the fallen pieces and put them back together, taking another hard swing to split it into quarters.

Rarity cautiously stepped over to AJ, partially amused at this late-night wood cutting. “Needed some fresh air, did we?” She stopped far enough away that no stray wood chips would come flying at her.

Applejack turned and smiled at Rarity as she tossed another log onto her stump. “You think everyone would be up for a bonfire? It’s a beauty of a night out here, perfect weather for one.” She raises her axe once more and brings it down with a slight grunt, continuing to repeat the process from before. “I wish I had the idea for one earlier, woulda been convenient to do this before sundown.”

”That sounds like a lovely idea!.. Can I help you?” She asks this hesitantly, very aware of her lack of bonfire-making skills.

As the fresh quarters of wood topple over around the chopping block, AJ puts the head of her axe on the ground and leans on the handle. She wipes some sweat from her forehead with her arm as she turns to Rarity. “…You… You wanna help chop wood?…” Her words ended with a quiet chuckle. Who is this girl, and what has she done with the helpless damsel Rarity?

Taking offense to this, she crosses her arms and pouts. “Is that not what I just said?? I don’t understand what’s funny.” Actually, she does indeed see the humor in this. Normally she would pull up a chair and watch the hard work be done for her. Maybe it was all of the cleaning they did together earlier, the feeling of accomplishment a hard day’s work gave her that was incentivizing her to do more. Or maybe it was just the idea of being around Applejack.

Adjusting her leather Stetson hat to brush some blonde strands out of her face, AJ chuckled again before nodding to Rarity. She beckoned her over with two fingers. “Alright, gal. But I gotta teach you how to properly handle this thing first.” The axe handle was carved from an apple tree grown on the orchard, sanded and polished by AJ herself. She grabs a smaller, more easily choppable log and throws it on the stump.

“That’s fine! Looks easy enough. You just grab and swing, no?” She tries to take the axe from AJ, but it quickly gets pulled back.

”Whoa-ho-ho! Slow your roll there, sugar. You could pull a tendon or send this here axe flying buck wild without proper form, and I’m not tryna have any ladies hurtin’ on my farm tonight.” The axe gets placed up against the stump while Rarity gets her schooling in wood chopping. Placing her hands on her shoulders from behind, AJ guides her into position.

That same rosy pink blush from sunup today had found its way back to Rarity’s cheeks. AJ’s grip was firm yet gentle, and just one of her hands covered the entirety of her shoulder. The heat of her palms also felt nice on her skin in contrast with the crisp night air. More than anything, it was the way she effortlessly moved her to where she wanted. She couldn’t have tried to resist even if she wanted to, though she knows AJ would never actually use force on her in such a way. Regardless, the mere potential of being restrained by Applejack’s sheer strength… it made something deep within Rarity double over.

Maneuvering Rarity to the right distance from the stump, AJ then bends down behind her. She keeps one hand resting on Rarity’s waist while the other gently pushes on her thigh, manually shaping her stance. Although unusually flustered, Rarity lets herself be posed like one of her fashion mannequins. Her hand migrates from the top of her thigh to the back of her knee, using just enough pressure to force a bend. It’s taking Rarity more and more strength to stay standing, this is more touching than she expected wood splitting to warrant.

 Once AJ is satisfied with the stance, she gets up and grabs the axe, placing it in Rarity’s hands. It’s much heavier than she expected. ”Alright, now grip your left hand at the base of the helve like this… And then start with your right near the head…” As she explains, she places her hands on top of Rarity’s to guide them accordingly. AJ’s body is pressed right up against Rarity’s in doing this, with her head peering over her shoulder. A sewing needle couldn’t wriggle its way between them.

At last, this designer has been molded into the image of a lumberjack, with just an additional farmer hanging off her behind. AJ turns her head slightly towards Rarity’s and smiles. “You ready, gal?”

Still profusely blushing, Rarity nervously swallows and nods. She doesn’t feel ready at all, but she also doesn’t know how much more manhandling she can take.

Applejack, still guiding Rarity’s hands, steadily raises the axe above their heads. She then swiftly brings it down onto the little log. It splits with ease, tumbling off either side of the block. Rarity couldn’t help but smile. She got a rush of excitement at the power that chop had, even though it was almost entirely AJ’s doing.

They separated, and AJ finally let Rarity hold the axe by herself. She had the proudest grin on and gave her a pat on the back. “Well done!! Think you can handle one by yourself?” She grabbed another easy log.

Rarity nodded eagerly, readying her stance now that she knew what to do. She took a swing at the log and partially split it. AJ came over and helped unstick the head. “That swing wasn’t half bad! Give it one more go, you got it.” Her tone was encouraging in an almost motherly way. It was internally strengthening to receive praise and assurance from someone who knows what she’s talking about.

She took another swing, this time with a power-packed grunt. The log split on the second strike, sending the halves toppling to the dirt. She cheered, doing as much of a celebratory jump as she could while still gripping the axe.

AJ cheered with her, grabbing the log she split and assembling it again for a quarter split. “Hoo-Wee! That’s a clean chop, Rare! Didn’t think you packed such a punch.” That’s a lie, everyone knows Rarity is capable of going off the rails when she wants to. “Go at ‘er one more time, and we’ll have some good kindlin’ for the fire.”

”Oh no, thank you, darling, but I’ve had quite enough.” She gently sets the axe down on the stump and steps away, wiping her hands off. “I’ll give you motivational support from over here!”

Back to the same old same old. AJ chuckles and takes over, splitting the log again in one fluid motion. “Well, I appreciate the help. And I commend you for still tryin’ new things at our age. You’re always full of surprises, sugar.”

A few more split logs later and Applejack had gotten a roaring fire going. Everyone migrated outside, sitting down on whatever plank, bale, or barrel they could find. Faces were hot from the radiating heat of the fire, and backs were chilly from the cool air of Luna’s hour.

Pinkie Pie plucked an apple from the nearest tree and managed to skewer it. “I bet this will taste just like warm, sugary apple pie!” she giggled in excitement.

“I… don’t believe that’s how it works-” Twilight hesitantly watched, nervous about the fruit going up in flames.

Rainbow cackled from across the fire as she toasted a marshmallow. “You’re lacking a few ingredients, Pie.” Her mallow then proceeded to catch fire, to which she frowned and tossed it into the pit to watch disintegrate.

“No I’m not! See?” Miraculously, Pinkie held up a pie tin, already lined with crust dough. The rest of the girls took a moment to process her antics… and then all burst into laughter.

Toads chirped their song from the grass and trees, the cindering logs crackled harmoniously, and these six soulmates laughed with each other until their lungs were void of oxygen. Their riotous joy soon simmered into a quiet appreciation of each other’s company, watching the fire under the moonlit sky. Pinkie Pie shared slices of her freshly fire-baked pastry while Rainbow Dash munched on her first successful s’more, and Applejack brought her guitar over to play for everyone. It felt like an almost ceremonious closing to their reunion.

She sat on the haybale next to Rarity with her guitar, angling the neck away so as not to hit her with it. As she carefully checked the tuning of the strings, she quietly leaned into Rarity with a question. “What song should I play?”

Had she been more awake, perhaps Rarity would have gotten slightly flustered at yet another intimate moment with her shockingly gorgeous, strong, kind-hearted friend. But it was late, and the fire was cozy. Even the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering their way to sleep. She thought about the question for a moment. “...What’s that one slow song by Elvis? It’s the only thing coming to mind at the moment.” She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand.

AJ thought for a moment, a small smile curling at her lips. “I think I know which one ya mean… Does it go like this?...” She begins lightly picking the strings, and the song is instantly recognizable after just a few chords. It perks up the other sleepy heads sitting around the fire, as their attention is all directed to the music.

Rarity nods, her eyelids slowly growing heavy. “Mhm… That’s the one…”

“Alright, doll.” Applejack begins playing, gaining an audience of all her friends. The flames, dying down now, dance in a way that nearly matches the song’s rhythm.

The sweetness of her music quickly lulls Rarity into the sleep that has been prodding at her. As AJ begins softly singing the lyrics, Rarity lays her head on her shoulder and closes her eyes. The blush that had been haunting her all day transferred at the touch of their bodies, it was finally AJ’s turn. Her cheeks grew rosy, but she didn’t stop her playing. A smile brighter than the fire in front of them could be heard through her words as she sang…

“… Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?...”

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

ending song reference:

thank you all for reading, even my friends who i begged to. chapter 2 will come if enough people enjoyed this one ! ( ˘ ³˘ )♡

[unusuallysubtext]

I'm a writer with too much time on my hands, excited to see who you come up witb

I am looking for a romantic relationship with any gender

I typically spend my time deeply entrenched in a book or reading some obscure forum for the specific niche I am currently interested in (right now that's the half life game series)

I have shoulder length wavy hair that is naturally brunette that I keep down and my fashion style is whatever is comfortable (Normall byy a black cotton shirt, large black jeans and a watch on my left arm)

I'm good at most mental problems like problem solving (Ironically not maths) and try to help with physical tasks but fail fairly often

Ideal future is any future where I am comftable and with whoever this partner ends up being but would love to settle down in a nice house with a large enough library and expansive garden

Mycroft Holmes

Mycroft Holmes first saw you in Oxford Street's Ruby Jubilee Tea Room.

While it was true that he did not frequent cafés, the Ruby Jubilee was, according to Mycroft, the only worthwhile place to take a break from his steadfast workaholic tendencies and drink tea, as it came with a bonus of observing mere goldfish.

He was in his bubble, they were in their tank.

But you...

Dressed in smart, comfortable (oh! how Mycroft unadmittedly longed for a day where he could match your level of cosiness and ease) oversized jeans and matching black cotton shirt, he watched you delicately hold the teacup to your lips and sip.

You returned to the Ruby Jubilee once a week, and by the third visit, you were vaguely aware of a presence, dark against the ivory walls and milky white furniture with tables laid with lace cloth, and pearly crockery for vanilla cream cakes and Victoria sponges.

You looked to your left to catch the eye of a posh man in a black pinstripe suit.

He smiled softly at you, placing his fork down on a half-eaten slice of cake.

You smiled back, but the connection subsided and you were quickly back to reading.

The next week, sitting alone at your usual table, your focus was broken by a familiar face.

"Good morning. I was hoping this seat wouldn't be taken... Mycroft Holmes is the name."

You introduced yourself, and allowed him to sit down.

That was the first of many more meetings where you would not pick up a novel inside of the Ruby Jubilee, instead absorbed in the beautiful man in front of you and your conversations.

Months later, you were living with Mycroft, in his mansion thirty minutes outside of the London suburbs.

The extensive collections of antique and classic books in the two-story library in the west wing coupled with the expansive gardens planted with roses and archways and a small stream with a little wooden bridge easily filled the hours in your day when Mycroft was working.

When Mycroft happened to be working at home, you would sit in your half of the office with your PC setup and spend time with your video games.

Meanwhile, Mycroft would be coordinating a meeting with the Russian oligarchs about the sanctions on their economy or mediating a borderline war brewing between South Korea and Japan.

However, as soon as Mycroft had a day off, he never failed to whisk you away to the Ruby Jubilee, and gift you with a new novel he had deduced you would like from your previous favourites.

It is an unspoken fact that Mycroft often steals your clothing (hoodies and jumpers) to sleep with or cuddle, or even simply hold and have near him while in the office or sitting room, because it is comfortable.

You ended up buying him baggy jeans and jogging bottoms paired with cotton t-shirts for optimal comfort, but it still took forever to convince him to try them on.

Now he doesn't even blink at his suits when home.

Needless to say, while he may not be one for PDA or excessive touch, he loves you a lot ❤️

-

hope you liked it, @friedtoastandegg! tagging @anonymoussherlockandmarvelgeek @that-ace-idiot @the-girl-who-simps-too-much

Your Sherlock Life asks are still open!

[kydrogendragon]

Dec 10 - Silver and Gold

(Ao3 Link)

The gold earrings on display shone like the early morning sun. The red ruby nestled in the center called to Morpheus from across the way as Hob and he had made their way through the local shopping mall. They were originally on the search for gifts for Hob’s friends and colleagues. He had spotted these as they had passed the storefront and refused to leave Morpheus’s mind.

They had gotten a few shops ahead before Hob was pulled into a lengthy conversation with a group of his coworkers. Morpheus had politely ducked out, claiming he had to use the restroom only to sneak his way into the jeweler’s shop.

The earrings were magnificent up close. They were light in his palms. The ruby wasn’t a real one, apparently, but a gem made to look close to a ruby. It was close enough to the naked eye. Two small black gems lined the base of the rectangular earrings and made Morpheus smile. They were Morpheus’s colors, after all, even if he had no right to claim the title of Dream of the Endless. The ruby had been his dreamstone. Daniel wore the Emerald now, after all, and preferred creams and whites for his palette, whereas Morpheus had always leaned towards blacks and darker colors.

He did not have his own source of funds, not yet, but he did have a card - a credit card, Hob had explained - that would allow him access to some of Hob’s own funds. He was to start work at their local library at the start of the next year and would be able to pay Hob back for this purchase. Morpheus was tempted to wait, but the uncertainty that this specific pair would be here come that time swayed him otherwise.

Morpheus held the earrings in his hand and made his way to the counter, only to stop in his tracks. There, towards the back corner, a male and female torso made of fabric and stuffing and metal stood displaying a matching set of chains that had Morpheus’s mouth parting in awe. A complementary pair of silver and gold chain harnesses draped across the fabric chests in a tantalizing fashion.

A silver band circles low on the mannequin’s neck with dozens of long, trailing chains falling down the length of the torso, wrapping around the sides and place where hips would be, ascending up the length of the back to the other side of the main silver band. Morpheus steps near, reaching a hand out to trace down the lines of cool metal. He swallows, images flash in his mind. Him, lying against the silky sheets in Hob’s bed, the black contrasts his pale skin decorated in lines of glittering silver.

His eyes dart to the jewelry’s golden mate and nigh salivates at the thought of Hob’s tan skin adorned with the thicker metal. Study golden chains wind together in a similar fashion to the silver. A looser golden band still encircles the neck, but the loops of chains trail over the shoulders and a subsection trails down the chest and back like a clasped cape. The lines would frame Hob’s pectorals and shoulders in the most lovely of fashions, Morpheus is certain of this.

Morpheus closes his eyes and takes a steadying breath. He should not think this way. The earrings are a stretch enough as is. To wish to lay claim to Hob, to wish to mark him as his in such a way is already too far. There is no guarantee that Hob would accept his suit as is. He cannot indulge in buying such frivolous things with no certainty that they would be used, after all. It would be foolish and a waste of Hob’s money. And where would he hide such items in the meantime? Hob would surely question his purchase. Hiding things would only cause a divide between them. No. Morpheus should not. He could not. He would simply purchase the earrings for they are easily concealed in the pocket of his jacket and all would be well.

Morpheus buys the set.

It is Christmas Eve. Morpheus stands in front of the full length mirror in his separate bedroom, just across the hall from Hob’s. The silver chains drape down his form in a way that reminds him of the elaborate garb he’d wear at times back when he was Endless. He trails a hand down his chest, his breath hitching at the press of cool metal into his still sensitive skin. In a way, it felt like armor. It shielded his naked form, his desires and attractions behind threads of silver. Sliding on his shirt over the harness, he smiled. Even unseen, Morpheus could not deny the effect it had on his mind. He felt more confident, even if it was artificially so. Perhaps he might even work up the courage to give Hob the earrings he wrapped.

They had gotten closer over these past few weeks. He was not oblivious to Hob’s gentle touches and how much more frequent they’ve gotten. He is also not blind to the lingering stares he’s received from him from across the room. Morpheus is, at least mildly certain, that there’s a chance Hob would return his affections and desires. But, as Morpheus well knew, what one dreams of does not always mean it is what one wants.

Taking hold of the wrapped gift, he places it gently in the pocket of jeans and pads into the living room.

Morpheus gripped the top of the couch for dear life as Hob, kneeling at his feet, worked his jeans down his legs. He sighed as the pleasantly warm air of their flat hit his bare skin. The rough pads of Hob’s fingers trailed down his pale flesh, leaving goosebumps in their wake. Morpheus looked down and felt his heart flutter.

Hob’s eyes were dark and wide as his hands explored the expanse of his skin, now scattered with dark coarse hairs that had finally started taking root. He shuttered as Hob’s hands brushed against the hair’s natural flow, producing the slightest tugging sensation. It was a new feeling and Morpheus was unprepared.

Leaning forward, Hob pressed his warm lips against his thigh, mouthing at the soft flesh. He moved up and up, kissing his way closer and closer to the ever growing aching heat of his own cock. Morpheus hissed as Hob licked up his clothed length. Hob smirked, his eyes catching Morpheus’s own. Finally, Hob’s hands reached up, his fingers curling over the band of his underclothes.

“This okay?” he asked, eyes searching Morpheus’s face.

Morpheus leaned down, hands moving from the couch to the sides of Hob’s face. He pulls him forward, catching Hob’s mouth on his own. He feasts at his lips, the urgency of lust and desire overtaking him. He tasted sweeter than ambrosia, more addictive than the touch of Delirium. He wanted. He wanted more than he ever had. Hob moaned into his mouth and Morpheus took advantage. His tongue swiped forward, caressing the soft skin of his upper palette. He felt as Hob’s own pressed against the underside of his tongue. Morpheus trusted his hips forwards.

Hob chucked, sending a shiver down Morpheus’s spine at the vibration. They parted, panting against each other. Hob’s hot breath against his face made him smile. The humanity, the reality of it all was tipping towards overwhelming. For eons, Morpheus had been a creature firmly rooted in the land of the unreal and ever-changing. Even at his most solid and tangible, all that he was could never be contained in such a small vessel. As such, the carnality of the flesh was never one he could truly experience. Not in the way that he can now.

“I take it that’s a quite enthusiastic yes, then?” Hob laughs against his cheek. Morpheus’s eyes flutter close. Oh. Oh, wasn’t that just music to hear. The swirl of want, the heat pooling in his gut mixed with the butterflies taking flight in his stomach and the light in his chest. Laughter, in a moment so intimate. He had never experienced such before.

Was this love? Love as humanity experiences it?

“Yes,” he whispers, unsure if he could speak much louder with how throughout Hob Gadling has managed to steal away his breath.

Hob’s eyes soften as he pulls back just far enough to nuzzle his nose against Morpheus’s own. A kiss, so gentle and soft, a stark contrast to the heat and passion just moments before, is pressed against his lips. Morpheus can feel his heart clench as the tenderness.

“To the bedroom, then?” Hob mumbles against his lips. “I want to take my time with you. If you’ll let me.” Morpheus nods. With a smile, Hob takes Morpheus’s hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze as he leads them down the hallway.

Hob pauses at the end, his head looking between the two closed doors. “Um,” he says, turning back to Morpheus. He quirks a brow. Surely… surely Hob was not having second thoughts? “Should… uh, mine or yours?” He waggles a finger between the two rooms and Morpheus can’t help but huff with laughter.

Pulling Hob close, he kisses him. “Yours… ours, perhaps,” He whispers, leaning back to gauge Hob’s reaction. “If… If that would be what you would like?”

Hob’s eyes shine. The soft overhead light quite literally casting a golden glow in his now watery gaze. He reaches out, tan hands cupping the side of Morpheus’s face. He presses into the warmth. “Always,” Hob says, voice soft. “Whatever you want, whatever you’ll give me, I’ll always want it. Always want you.”

Morpheus grabs a fist full of fabric and yanks him close, their chests pressed against each other as Morpheus all but devours him. He trails his lips down, kissing along Hob’s jaw and down the open expanse of skin at his neck. Morpheus paused, sucking and biting at the soft flesh just at the junction of his collarbone, earning him a shaky gasp.

“I will not let you go, Hob Gadling.” Morpheus growls into his skin. “I am greedy and will demand all of you. This has not changed. You must know this before we continue.”

Hob chuckles. “Oh love, if you think that’s going to turn me away from you, you must not know me.”

Love.

Morpheus manages to reach around and open the closed door to Hob’s- No. To their room. He walks Hob backwards, their limbs and lips tangled against each other. The backs of Hob’s knees hit the side of the bed and Morpheus follows him down onto the soft mattress. He feels as Hob’s large hands cup his hips, thumbs nudging under his shirt, rucking up the fabric. Morpheus smirks as Hob’s breath hitches.

“Dove, what am I feeling?” Hob’s voice is rough as he stares up at Morpheus with something near awe in his eyes. Shifting to straddle Hob’s hips properly, he leans up, staring Hob down as he lifts the edge of his shirt up. Silver glints in the low light of their bedroom and Hob keens. He reaches out, hesitantly drifting over the silver chains that flowed over his figure.

“Does it please you?” Morpheus asks, trying his best to hide the wobble in his voice. He knows, given Hob’s reaction, it does. But this is all new territory for them, after all.

Hob leans up, one hand behind him to stabilize, the other pulls Morpheus closer. He rests his forehead on Morpheus’s. “It’s wonderful, Morpheus.” Hob trails his hand down the side of his face and down to his chest, resting on the slight bump that the chains underneath create. “I’d love to see more, if you’ll let me.”

Slowly, wanting to see the desire in Hob’s eyes grow, Morpheus slips his shirt over his head, revealing the silver chained harness he had picked up weeks earlier. He luxuriates in the darting of Hob’s eyes and the whimpers that escape his lips.

“God’s Wounds, love,” Hob manages, his fingers curling around the delicate strings, following their circular path around Morpheus’s torso. “When did you get this? Where did you get this?” Hob’s eyes dart up to his. “And just how long have you been planning on seducing me like this?” He adds with a chuckle.

Morpheus purses his lips, looking down as Hob gives a gentle tug at the circular chain that rounds his neck. He leans into it, with a slight sigh. “At the mall, when you were too preoccupied with your fellow professors. I-” He hesitates, his mind flashing to the matching box that rests in his nightstand drawer. “I have one, for you as well. If… if you would like.”

Hob’s grip tightens as he bucks into Morpheus’s weight. Groaning, Hob says, “Get it.”

Not without a few desperate kisses, Morpheus manages to untangle himself and make it back to his room, his old room, now, and quickly swipes the box from the drawer. He lifts the lid, smiling at the thicker gold chains that lie inside, before padding back to their bedroom.

Hob’s since stripped himself of his remaining vestments and has taken position lounging across the bed on his back. One hand rests behind his head, the other rests tantalizingly close to his erect cock. Morpheus can’t help but notice the moment he enters the room, now clad only in his undergarments and the silver chains, Hob’s prick jumps in interest.

“Christ, you’re a sight,” Hob sighs, sitting up. His eyes find the box in Morpheus’s hand and he smiles. “That one mine, then?”

Nodding, Morpheus makes his way to the edge of the bed and sits. He plucks the decorative gold harness from the box and lifts it for Hob’s inspection. Tan hands take it, rubbing the cool, smooth metal under his fingers.

“Put it on me?” Hob asks, shifting to sit closer to Morpheus.

He nods and crawls his way to sit behind Hob on his knees. He lifts the mass of gold chains, turning it around to orient it properly, before placing it over Hob’s head and down onto his shoulders. Morpheus guides the chains to lay flat, his fingers dancing along Hob’s warm skin until every piece is in place. Turning around, Hob meets Morpheus’s eye, smiling.

“Well, how do I look?”

He looked ethereal. Gold and finery was made to rest upon Hob’s skin. The chains hugged his shoulders, drawing one’s eye to the lines of muscles and strength he has honed over his many centuries of life. He looked worthy of capture in statues of old. He should be painted, this image forever immortalized, so all would know the beauty and glory of Hob Gadling.

“I would burn your clothes and dispose of any other garments so that you would only wear this. Your body was meant to be worshiped and seen, decorated in such riches, and I intend to lay my offerings and prayers upon your flesh.”

Hob’s face flushed a most lovely red. “Jesus wept, Morpheus.” He pulls him in, mouths meeting in an uncoordinated fashion. “I need you. Now. Please, Morpheus.” He whispered against his lips.

With a growl, Morpheus pushes Hob back against the bed, the soft, downy duvet hugging Hob’s edges. He crawls over his body, leaning down, letting the two colored chains graze and shift on one another. The gentle shifting sounds of metal on metal mixed in with the sighs and whimpers of Hob’s voice as Morpheus worked kisses along the length of his body.

Morpheus kissed and sucked along every inch of skin that rested between the golden chains, savoring the sweet noises Hob produced. The thick patches of hair, Morpheus found as he worked his mouth across his chest, clung onto the sweat and scent of Hob. It was delectable. Morpheus found himself moaning as he lapped up the natural taste of his lover. The course hairs brushed against his face, caressing his lips. It was as if every piece of Hob’s body reached for his touch. It was a heady thought.

“Please, Morpheus,” Hob begged, hands wandering across any bit of Morpheus’s body they could reach. Fingers wove themselves through the thin chains, pulling, rubbing, sliding.

“Patience, my lover. Patience.” He said, lips hovering just over his navel now. Hob groans, hips thrusting forward, searching for any sort of friction, any touch. Morpheus just chuckled, pressing his tongue into the hole of Hob’s belly. Hob’s breath hitched.

Continuing his exploration, Morpheus sucks and bites as the soft flesh of his stomach, working purple bruises into the skin. He glanced up, smiling as the discoloration had already begun showing around Hob’s neck and chest. Hob was his. He would not allow him to go unmarked as such from now on. Not after learning how beautifully Hob sings from his touch.

The tip of Hob’s cock presses against the edge of Morpheus’s jaw as he works one more mark into the edge of Hob’s hip. Hob cries out, rocking his hips forward against the sensation. Hob’s scent was stronger here. It was quickly dissolving any self-control Morpheus possessed. With another growl, Morpheus lifts his head, moving down to hover just above Hob’s leaking prick.

Hob’s eyes meet his. Tears have formed, some having already trailed over his cheeks. He was panting and red. Sweat clung to his brow and hair. He looked absolutely debauched. He was perfect.

Giving no warning, Morpheus ducked his head and took Hob into his mouth. Hob cried, canting his hips up, seeking more of the wet warmth of Morpheus’s throat. Morpheus grips Hob’s hips, pushing him flat into the mattress. He flicks his tongue across the slit, savoring the salty taste of pre that had dribbled out. Morpheus’s eyes fluttered close and he slowly worked more of Hob’s length into his mouth. His cock was hot and heavy against his tongue. It stretched his lips and jaw. What Hob lacked (not that he was truly lacking) in length, he more than made up for his girth. He was nearly impossibly thick and Morpheus couldn’t help but grind his own straining cock into the mattress at the thought of Hob pressing into him, splitting him open.

“Fuck, Morpheus!” Hob cries, his hands finding hold in Morpheus’s inky black hair. Morpheus moans, the noise vibrating through Hob’s length, as he bobs up and down, slowly easing more and more of him inside. This body had not taken a cock into it in any fashion, but the notion was not a foreign one. Many dreams covered such activities in detail. And he, himself, had enjoyed such positions, both taking and receiving. But here, now, with the heat and sweat and spit, with the humanity and animalistic desire of it all, Morpheus was woefully unprepared for how much he wanted.

Before Morpheus realized it, his nose was pressed against the curly hairs around the base of Hob’s cock. His jaw was aching and the tip of Hob’s length was pressing into the back of his throat, threatening to gag him, but he still pushed forward, nuzzling against the soft skin. Hob tugs his hair, pushing him impossibly closer with a grunt. It stirs something in him. Heat pools into his gut rapidly and he pushes his hips against the mattress again.

He whines as Hob releases his grip and guides Morpheus’s mouth off of him. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to pull. You okay?” He asks, his eyes narrowed in concern. Anger, of all things, is the first emotion that hits Morpheus, followed closely by a wave of affection.

“I am unharmed,” he says, voice hoarse. “But I believe I would quite like you to do that again.”

Hob’s brows rise. “Oh?”

Morpheus nods.

Chuckling, Hob smirks and leans back against the bed. “I can do that, then. Tap me twice if it’s too much or you need me to stop, okay?”

Morpheus nods and lowers himself back down, taking Hob back into his mouth. The weight on his tongue and the stretch of his lips felt good. It calmed something in him as he worked back down his length. He sighs as Hob’s hands find their way into his hair and gives it a testing pull. That flood of warmth returns as he bobs earnestly. Slowly, the grip in his hair tightens and Morpheus feels as Hob guides his movements, controlling the speed and depth as which Morpheus takes Hob in.

He grinds into the bed. His cock is aching and he can feel the wetness from where the top of the head is straining against the fabric. He feels light, almost floaty, as Hob works him up and down his length, chasing his own pleasure. The grip on Hob’s hip lightens as he goes lax, mind focusing on the stretch and the weight and the glide. He feels so full and so light and so wonderfully perfect. He was made to be here, lying between Hob Gadling’s legs for his pleasure. Morpheus barely processes the jolt of his own orgasm when Hob thrusts once more, hard, into his mouth, slamming Morpheus’s nose against his pelvic bone.

Warmth floods Morpheus’s throat. Hob’s spend coats him from inside. It’s perfect. He strokes the underside of his cock with his tongue, coaxing out every last drop for Morpheus’s consumption. Hob’s hands have gone lax, his thumb gently stroking the sides of his head. Slowly, ever so slowly, Hob sighs and lifts Morpheus’s head up. His softening cock falls from his lips, leaving a trail of spend and spit down his chin. Morpheus’s mind still feels floaty, but it doesn’t matter when Hob’s hands are holding his face between them and he can still taste Hob on his tongue.

“C’mere,” Hob mumbles, pulling Morpheus up close. His limbs are wobbly, but he manages to heave himself, with Hob’s help, up against his chest. He’s vaguely aware of Hob’s lips against his forehead. “So good, so good for me. Fuck, that was amazing,” he mumbles against his skin. Morpheus wraps his arms around Hob’s center and nuzzles closer.

“Good?” Morpheus says, voice low.

“Extremely good,” Hob sighs, content. “Just gimme a mo to recover, then I’ll make sure to return the favor.” Morpheus feels one of Hob’s hands trail down his side and rest on the band of his underwear. “Can’t leave you hanging, not after that mind-blowing orgasm you’d given me.”

Morpheus flushes as his mind begins to process the sticky feeling against the skin of his softened cock. “I… I do not believe that will be necessary.” He mumbles.

“None of that, now. I still want to get my mouth of you, after all. It’s no trouble.”

“No, I… I do not think that that is… needed. I have-I…”

Hob tilts his head forward to get a better look at Morpheus’s reddened face. His eyes flow down his body, stopping at the glaringly obvious large wet mark, and smirks. The floaty feeling Morpheus had had began to fade rapidly as Hob nuzzles into the top of his head, laughing.

“My dick really that good?”

Morpheus huddles in further, hoping if he gets close enough, he may just disappear inside Hob or the bed.

“Cockiness is unflattering, Hob Gadling.”

Hob just laughs harder, but pulls Morpheus close to him. He shifts, turning on his side to better tangle their legs together.

“You love me for it, though.”

“Mm. Perhaps.” Morpheus peaks his head out from where it had been nearly crushed in Hob’s armpit. Hob’s eyes are twinkling with delight and mirth. Hob was not wrong. He did love him for it.

“We’re definitely keeping these,” Hob says, running a finger over the silver metal. “If it gets me such an enthusiastic blow job, especially.”

Morpheus huffs, but tilts his chest into Hob’s touch. “I have no complaints to such.”

“Good. We’ll just have to make sure you last long enough for me to return the favor.”

Morpheus grabs the pillow to his right and smacks it into Hob’s head.

[starlightshadowsworld]

A bit of a headcanon here. Yetis give gems or precious stones as birthday gifts. It means that they hope the person who receive the gift will have good luck in the next year of their life.

So Abbey does just that. She gives Heath a nice polished and cut ruby.

Unfortunately she doesn't know much about elemental monster's culture. Because giving gems are a sign of courtship. It's their equivalent of getting on one's knees, pulling out a ring and asking someone to marry them.

Heath is freaking out because, holy crap Abbey, what in Agni's name!? Sure, he likes her but they're both are still young.

Jackson and Holt are also freaking out. Does Abbey know what she just gave their cousin?

I love this so much.

Abbey accidentally drops it and hands it to Heath while on her knees and Heath is just freaking out.

Because he loves Abbey, he really does but he's too young, their both too young for this.

And just kinda blue screens, stammering he can't take it.

Abbey gets upset and leaves because she thinks Heath hates it or thinks she's werid like most others do.

Jackson, bless his heart finds her in the library and kindly asks Abbey about the gem.

Abbey explains and Jackson gives her a hug and reassures her that Heath would adore it.

It's just that in their culture these gems mean something else....

Abbey, goes bright blue at the explanation, embarrassed and rushes out to apologise to Heath.

Both of them have a heart to heart.

I like to think with help from Jennifire they fashion the gem into something that reflects both of their cultures for happiness and good luck.

Without it looking like something else.

Heath hugs Jackson and thanks him for explaining things and Jackson just smiles and is happy everything worked out.

[liviavanrouge]

Fashion Queen

"Style icon, size zero"

Livia: *Carries scrolls, wearing a dark purple dress with silver trimming along it shaping flower patterns, pearls decorating the trimming following the pattern designs, a pearl choker around her neck with a fake white daisy in the middle, her hair in a half up half down bun style, dark purple low heeled shoes on her feet*

Lilia: Need help?

Livia: Yes, thanks Papa

Lilia: *Smiles and nods, helping her carry the scrolls*

"And my boots from the Valentino"

Livia: *Writes in her diary, wearing a peach colored dress, a white bow around her waist, facing the side, a ruby studding the middle of it, a white bow in her hair studded with pearls and a diamond in the middle, her hair in a flower bun style, peach low heeled shoes on her feet with a ruby at the front*

Sebek: My lady, shall we go out now?

Livia: Oh yes!

Sebek: *Nods, smiling*

Livia: *Places the sealing spell back on her book, then stands up* Let's go!

"I'm a self-made runway queen"

Livia: *Walks through the halls of school, wearing an ankle length off shoulder blue dress with ruffles around the shoulder part, the chest part decorated with fake dark blue roses studded with diamonds in the middle of each of them, her hair in a bow tie ponytail, blue low heeled shoes on her feet with fake blue roses studded with diamonds*

Kalim: *Waves, beaming* Hey Liv!

Azul: Nice outfit

Livia: Thank you lets go!

"And my dad is Lilia Vanrouge"

Livia: *Stays still as Lilia worked on her new measurements* Papa?

Lilia: *Chuckles* I can't tell you what dress I'm making you this time~

Livia: *Smiles slightly* Okay but so not fair

Lilia: *Shoos her away, chuckling* Very fair~ now go play!

Livia: Alright *waves, running off*

"Make it to the high-fashion"

Livia: *Walks into the Diasomnia common room, wearing a light-green dress with a yellow-green bow around her waist decorated with an emerald in the middle, a yellow-green caplet wrapped around her shoulders, a chain with a bat hanging from it keeping it from falling off, her half of her bangs brushed back being held by a light-green bow with a crocodile on the sides, light green low heeled shoes on her feet with crocodiles on the side*

Sebek: *Stares with wide eyes, his face turning red* L-Lady Livia...

Lilia: *Grins cheekily, pleased by Sebek's flustered state*

Sebek: *Smiles giddily, Livia taking his offered hand*

Lilia: Young Love~

"Fashion, fashion, a-a-a, fashion"

Livia: *Sits on a bench, wearing a black dress with a dark green bow on the chest part, a black diamond studded in the middle, thorn patterns stretching across the rest of her outfit, a dragon hair clip in her hair, emeralds studded in it for its eyes, her hair in a ponytail, black low heeled shoes with green flames decorating the sides*

Crowley: Young Vanrouge!

Livia: Headmaster?

Crowley: I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to RSA

Livia: *Beams, her eyes sparkling* Sure!

Crowley: *Smiles, looking pleased* I'm so very happy you agreed!

"My religion, my confession"

Livia: *Walks through the library, wearing a brown red dress with a brown bow around her waist trimmed with gold lining around the edges and the ribbons, brown zircon gems as bracelets around her wrists, her hair in a crown braid style, gold and brown red trimmings in it, brown red medium heeled shoes on her feet with brown zircons on the front*

Trey: Oh Pipsqueak!

Livia: Hi Big brother Trey!

Trey: *Laughs* Looking good today! Very cute..

Livia: Thank you!

"Fashion, fashion, a-a, confession"

Livia: *Leaves Diasomnia, wearing a black dress with magenta trimming decorating the skirt part, forming bats all along it, fake magenta roses decorating the chest part of her outfit, each studded with a bat carved jasper gem on the petal or in the middle, bat shaped diamond earrings hanging from her ears, magenta garnet gems studded in them as eyes, her hair in bubble braids half up half down pigtails, black shoes low heeled shoes on her feet with fake bats on the front with magetna garnet eyes*

Epel: Finally!

Yolan: Let's head to the port!

Ferny: Yeah!

Kuzo: Come on!

Livia: *Beams, following them*

@anxious-twisted-vampire @yukii0nna @writing-heiress

[saltytwi]

just had 2 crossover ideas for aqours: one for toh, one for tf2

lol get ready for a very silly (and really messy) post

yknow the type of crossovers where you just think that what if the characters were from that universe.

so here they are:

aqours in the toh universe, which i dont know the name of this au yet

aqours in tf2, aka aqours fortress, bc i saw a niji and a muse version but didn't see one for aqours so i decided to do it

they're not idols in either of these btw

also i'm gonna take some inspo from GnY but not entirely bc i still haven't fully watched it. just some stuff

chika takami

in aqours x toh

i know there are 9 covens but she struck me as 'obsessed w magic but doesnt have it'. so yeah she uses glyphs

(but if she would go for a track it would be plant and she would use it SO MUCH to grow oranges)

she arrived in BI one day randomly and a plant coven family adopted her

her family in the canon is that plant coven family

her palisman is a puppy (it's shiitake) it's still an egg but it hatched just a while before day of unity

in aqours fortress

soldier

(she uses a rocket launcher like weapon in gny)

a detail: her bangs are longer than canon so it kinda covers her eyes along with the helmet, but she crooked it a bit so one of her eyes is visible unlike her blu counterpart

in this version of expiration date she teleported oranges for 3 days straight, instead of bread

you watanabe

in aqours x toh

construction

there is no water related coven?..cmon

anyway she and chika became friends when chika first arrived in BI, when she arrived to help her family

she uses her magic to create ramps to jump from, she's fast as hell

she's a feared player in flyer derby

her palisman is an otter

in aqours fortress

demoman

(since demo has a lot of sea-themed cosmetics) and well sea is you's whole thing

(she also has a whole solo that has a pirate/sea vibe (plus shes the center of pirates desire))

one of her melees is the giant flag in that song's live.

one of her taunts is her doing a cheerful salute

soldier demo besties = chika you besties

also btw. she uses tiny little bombs for easier carriage. think of the little blue stones at the beginning of arcane (i forgot the name of it sorry)

riko sakurauchi

in aqours x toh

bard coven

her hairpin is in the shape of a little piano, she summons a keyboard from it

she can also make magic with violins too

the second track she would learn after wild magic got legalized would be beast keeping

and yes just like in the anime, chika approached her first

her palisman is a fox, it stays on her shoulders

in aqours fortress

sniper

to be honest i didn't really know why. but then it struck

she's awkward and reserved

she likes animals

she actually has no idea how she ended up here but she doesn't really complain

she doesn't throw anything. has a strong asf razorback on though

hanamaru kunikida

in aqours x toh

potion coven

mostly seen in the library

she doesn't have a palisman yet but she got an egg (its gonna be a raccoon)

so she always walked to her school but ever since becoming friends with ruby, the latter picked her up and they fly together mostly

in aqours fortress

engineer

smart + shortest lol

hanamaru has a country-vibe(?) solo

in this universe, she's not awful with tech, in fact she's amazing at it

although she's kind of 'old-fashioned' and doesn't get social clues well

and yes she does have gunslinger

shes the one who 'made and upgraded' all the girls weapons. yeah this au kinda takes place in (kind of) future

ruby kurosawa

in aqours x toh

beast keeping

comes from a family full of illusionists, so when she decided to go for beast keeping track she got some side-eyes

except her sister. her sister supports her with her whole being

her palisman is a bunny

in aqours fortress

scout

honestly i have no idea abt this one. i think its the reason i made dia as spy so scout is automatically her sister aka ruby

she's still a diehard idol fan

in the anime her first instict when she gets scared is to sprint away as much as possible and she's fast so there you go. scout

she doesn't have many siblings like the og scout, but she does have a missing sister that her family told her

small detail: her shirt sleeves aren't rolled up

yoshiko yohane tsushima

in aqours x toh

wild magic

i was gonna give her the oracle coven since it has fortune related things but. this is a magical world. it's yohane we're talking about

she would try to master all magic as possible

her favorite is oracle though

she met with riko while she was practicing wild magic, almost got caught but riko somehow saved her from scouts, and then duo went into a bonkers adventure

after that she met chika

was aware of the day of unity bs. first warned chika, then riko

her palisman is a cat

in aqours fortress

pyro

instead of pyrovision, she sees whatever she imagines in her fallen angel thing in the anime

she's wearing a gas mask but the ones that doesn't cover your head fully. it's either that or she cut a part in the full head mask to make her bun visible. her hair is singed in soot (look man i needed something to differentiate her from the og okay)

she doesn't really take out the mask as much as her blu counterpart though.

mari ohara

in aqours x toh

abomination

she's purple lol

her family is kinda like blight indisturies

although she never really cared about their bs, always sneak off to play with dia and kanan when they were kids.

her palisman is a peacock

in aqours fortress

medic

good manners, dramatic, tad bit silly

comes from a rich family of surgeons and doctors

but she never become a doctor and work in a hospital, but she does have a license (idk if its still though)

still childhood friends with kanan and dia. although the latter disappeared after a while so it was just her and kanan

kanan matsuura

in aqours x toh

healing

her palisman is a dolphin

lives with her grandpa, they run a small clinic which also happens to be a shop that sells herbs

she wants to swim so bad. even though the water is boiling and she was born and raised in BI she didnt understand why she has a feeling like this

in aqours fortress

heavy

she's physically the strongest in her team so

wanted to support her family and her grandpa's diving shop, so she somehow found herself doing mercenary work while trying to find a work related to diving

they gave her the heavy class immediately when she lifted the minigun effortlessy in front of them (she just moved it aside from the table it was sitting on)

dia kurosawa

in aqours x toh

illusions

the only one who has a sigil branded on her wrist, even though she's still in high school

her family wanted her to be branded

teacher's pet. she's yells no running in the halls, or shuts up the class before the teacher comes in, etc.

everyone's kind of afraid of her, except her sister

her palisman is a penguin

in aqours fortress

spy

honestly this is entirely based on the vibe

she often tries to get her group together, while not being the leader

(and spy tried to get everyone to work together with their wishes during expiration date)

has good manners, and seen as cold, but she is also silly

also btw i have thoughts of giving her a hood and big sharp sunglasses instead of a balaclava bc i think it looks nice. (but she does wear balaclavas during very secretive missions)

she's still ruby's big sis. (she left the family when ruby was very young. i still havent thought much into this one)

after a while the rest of the team saw her identity

~☆●○°•°☆°•°○●☆~

additional notes:

aqours fortress

in this au, the girls are a bit older, like in post-college age

miss pauling is shizuku

admin is lanzhu

aqours is the red team

meanwhile blu is muse (technically it should be the reverse due to colors but role reversal lets go)

honoka = soldier

kotori = engineer

umi = sniper (uses her bow and arrows more than her rifle)

rin = scout

hanayo = demoman (im still not rlly sure if i should swap kotori and hanayo but kotori's smart and she's a designer, sooo...)

maki = spy (instead of a hood+glasses, she wears a fedora+mask with her hair in a bun)

nico = pyro

nozomi = medic

eli = heavy

i was actually gonna make blu as niji but couldn't decide who's who so i went with muse instead.

i had some ideas for liella but i don't know them too well. maybe one day. (the ideas in question: chisato is scout, shiki is medic, ren is heavy)

aqours x toh

none of the girls are branded since they are all still in high school, well, except dia

they're all in hexside

i have an idea where this au takes place in the same time as the actual canon, but chika's arrival would not make sense since there's probably only one door between the human realm and BI 😭 but then again. what if. another door

during the day of unity they all somehow ran away from that, thanks to yohane and chika. although dia almost died

i havent thought much about that yet

maybe they went to the human realm but i dont think thats possible bc i think there was only one door?..

anyway they all took refuge in mari's family's mansion. dia gave the illusion of it being look like shit so nobody really approached it.

yeaaaah these are not really balanced. some of them has many things, some of them doesnt. some of them also dont really make sense. but anyway i'll maybe draw something(s) for either of these aus

[xxx-wounded-angel-xxx]

Someone Who'll Get It

Felix x fem! reader

not proof read - 2248 words

Read on AO3

It was getting lonely here. You had been turned for a whole year now, by your coven leader with a mind gift after realizing that she could not reach you after meeting you in a Parisian library while you were still human. You had to leave everything behind, as she wanted you in his coven. A powerful mental shield! That’s what she had said about you, and the reason she turned you. The only reason why you were here. Sure, you had everything you wanted, could shop in those Lolita shops the prettiest gothic dresses you’d ever seen. Angelic Pretty, Devil Inspired, Sinister, Hell Bunny, Poizen Industries… All of those brands that you couldn’t afford suddenly became your everyday wear. Fingers adorned in Alchemy rings, neck covered in real diamonds shining oh so lovely under candlelight, it was like a dream come true. But it seemed that every dream comes with a price.

You could not care less about eating people, or not being able to be under the sunlight in public, oh that you did not miss! But what was really getting you was that lonely feeling slowly overcoming you, creeping down your spine. Your coven mates treated you like a child, scolding you when you did something they thought was wrong, or when you were not up their expectations. And Henriette! Your coven leader, treated you like a precious doll, like a trophy daughter! You were twenty-one, yet when you were with her it felt like you were a child again, afraid of doing a wrong move and getting punished for it. You were not Henriette’s darling daughter; you were Henriette’s darling mental shield and that’s how the whole coven saw you. You’d tried to talk about it to Isabeau, yet the young woman had told you to not bother about it. How could you be sad wearing such pretty dresses? Maybe you needed something else? And so she would take you shopping, buying you another crimson dress to go with a cross necklace adorned in rubies, matching your dyed hair. A new pair of Demonia was acquired, and that was it. You had to be happy now, after all you had such pretty clothing, huh [Y/N]?

Yet it was not what you were longing for. You did not want to be just a pretty face with a gift to exhibit to passing nomads to show how powerful the De Jarjayes coven was. You wanted friends, family, someone to spend eternity with. You’d heard Ethan talk about mates once, and when you brought up the subject to Henriette, wanting to know more, was it like a soulmate? She never answered, saying that you should not busy your pretty head with something that hypothetical, and why aren’t we practicing your gift? You should be able to project your shield, it would be useful, you know?

So you always did as you were told. After all, what could you do? You were so young compared tot the other vampires of your coven, who had been walking this earth for centuries, and you couldn’t go against them, you knew deep inside of you that you would be hurt and that in the end it would only worsen your situations and not make it easier. So you complied, exercising your gift, projecting your shield a little bit longer and further day after day of training. You would dress up like the pretty doll you were, only finding pleasure in fashion, and the books you could read. All dolled-up, you would stand tall beside Henriette when nomads or other coven would visit, rendering vampires with mental abilities powerless for Henriette’s sake, praying that someday would appear someone who would get it, get how lonely and hurt inside you were feeling, and get you out of there. But nomads were wary of Henriette and you, and as soon that their curiosity was satiated, they would leave, not daring to create any amical relation with you in fear of your coven leader. But there was someone, more like a coven that Henriette was worried about.

She had told you about them, of course. The Italian nobility, ruling the vampire world for thousand years. She wanted you to be scared of them, and oh how she succeeds! Telling tales of the Romanian war, of Caius the Bloodthirsty King, of the terrifying Felix the Executioner! How easily the taller than life vampire could overpower you and kill you if he wishes to! Of the terrible Witch Twins, Alec who could take away all of your senses, and Jane, you could torture you with only her mind if you were not careful with your shield! How easily Demetri could track you, following you to the end pf the world to lead you to your demise! Her words were to make you afraid of leaving, of making any mistakes, and with such gory tales, how could you want to leave? No, you did not want to attract the attention of the ruling coven on you, poor little rose!

But in the dark of the night, when the manor was silent, and you were left alone to your thought, despite the fear Henriette had instigated in you about the Volturi, you hoped in secret in your heart that maybe they were not to fear, that she was only to say that to keep you at her feet, like a pretty puppet that she could manipulate at her wishes. You prayed to meet your mate, your romantic soulmate that would love you, and take you away from here, away from the manipulative coven.

You started to try to get more information about the Volturi, but with how controlled your environment was, it was nearly mission impossible. Days were passing by, seasons, and now it was close to the second anniversary of your turning. You were more powerful, and Henriette wanted to celebrate it celebrate the little doll that brought such power to her coven! She bought you a dress prettier than all of the others, white like the pure little dove she wanted everyone, including yourself, to see you as. She liked to show you off, and in the end, it was what caused her demise.

You see, a nomad that had met you a few weeks ago ended up in Volterra. He had committed a fault in his past, and as a punishment he was to observe the world for the Volturi. Approaching the end of his sentence, he went to give the kings all of the information he had collected over the months he spent roaming around Europe. And when that nomad, whose name doesn’t matter for your story, held his hand to Aro, and when the King saw about you, about your gift, about the sadness the nomad had seen in your eyes, the longing for a family, for love, he decided that a little thing like you could thrive in a castle full of older vampires ready to teach you about life, about art, and everything your little heart desired, and that your power could be a great addition to the Guard. It would be too dangerous to leave you with Henriette, the Volturi had grown wary of her after the demise of the Romanians, and he didn’t like the idea of such vampires controlling a vampire with such a powerful gift.

On the day of the celebration of your turning, you prayed again and again, to any god, any deity that could hear your payers, to grant you a mate, someone who’ll get it, who would take you away from here.

Ethan had got out of the cellar some of the best blood-wine, and you were sitting beside them, like a porcelain doll on her throne, as you hoped again and again that this would be the last anniversary you would spend in this manor, resembling so much the Versailles Court Henriette knew in her human life, full of costumes and lies.

Sipping your blood-wine, you were faking interest in what Isabeau was telling you when you heard the doors opening. You could feel how tense the room suddenly was, and as you stood and looked at the newcomers, you understood why. There was only one coven owning such cloaks. The Volturi had finally learnt about you. There were four figures, but you could only focus on the most imposing one. It could only be Felix, the head of the Volturi Guard. And if you could breathe, the air would have been stuck in your lungs. He was the most handsome man you’d ever seen, dark curls framing a beautiful but now severe face. He was tall, easily towering your [height]. You could only focus on him as that warm pull in your chest lead you toward him, and you knew that you would never want to be away from him again. Your prayers had been answered, and for this anniversary you had received the most beautiful gift you could ever have: a mate.

As his eyes landed on you, Felix seemed to soften, but it was still clear that he was the most powerful person here. Henriette, knowing very well that she couldn’t stand against four of the most powerful guard of the Volturi, had no choice but let you leave with them.

You rushed to your room, filling a bag with the only things you had brought from your human life. You took off this horrid white dress, putting on your favorite Sinister one. Felix gently helped you removing the diamond necklace, that you left on your bed that you would never rest on again, and helped you pack a few more clothes: a few Angelic Pretty blouses and shirts, a dress, your favorite pieces from Sinister, your Alchemy jewelry, a pair of Demonia. Contrary to what Henriette had told you, Felix was gentle with you, carrying you bags as you rejoined the other guards on the bottom floor. And without a look for the vampires that made your life a painfully lonely hell for the past two years, you left, Felix’ arm wrapped around your shoulder leading you towards a new and welcoming life.

During the long ride towards Italy, the guards presented themselves, and tried to put you at ease. While some fear instigated by your sire were lingering, as the hours passed by you were growing more comfortable: you were away from the manipulative coven that had been the only people you had been around to, excluding the nomads that were passing by but never stayed long. Somehow Felix’ presence reassured you, and you were more serene that you’d ever been for the past two years.

Felix and Demetri took time to explain to you why they had come to you, and answered all of the questions you had. You were still a little nervous, but by the time you arrived at the castle you were not as terrified of them as you had been because of the stories Henriette had told you.

Felix by your side, you were guided to the kings, and since Aro could not get inside your mind, you told the four of them everything you could remember, from the blurry memories of your human meeting with Henriette to the long two years. When came the tales, you tried to limit the explanations as much as you could, but you still saw Felix tense at your side. Now that you had met him, you could not understand how you could still be scared of him: he had treated you with such respect and gentleness that you knew you couldn’t think badly of your mate, for he had only been kindness for you.

The kings felt sorry for you, and said that they would give you time to settle into a normality before giving you duties. You would have your own quarters close to Felix’, and Heidi and him would help you make yourself comfortable.

During the few months it took you to settle into this new life, your mate never left your side, gently guiding you and helping you. As your mate bond grew stronger, you were feeling happier with Felix by your side, leaving the scared little doll behind, growing into the powerful woman you had always wished to be.

And soon, as duty called, you were to be trained like any other guard. Felix took his job seriously, making sure you could defend yourself. The friendship slowly turning into something more. You were training with Felix again, trying to execute the moves he had taught you, without great success. With a sight, you prepared yourself to do it again, and got the surprise to tackle your mate to the ground, legs straddling his hips as he clearly enjoyed the view.

“You cheated! You’re not supposed to let me win Felix!”

He smiled “Can you blame me for wanting to enjoy such a view Cor Meum?”

If you could blush, you face would be red from embarrassment with the nickname that awoke butterflies in your belly.

“Kiss me then, Mon Coeur.”

“As you wish”

His lips felt like heaven, so warm and soft as you let him kiss you oh so tenderly. How nice it was that you needed not to part to breath! The kiss grew steamier, and you both parted after a few minutes, big smiles on your faces and love in your eyes. Yes, you truly got sent someone who would get you, in the person of the lovely Felix.

[valkariel]

Ruby Glow

Inspired by Mio Meyi's "Arbitratrix"

Head: Augmented Lunar Envoy's Hairpin of Casting  - snow white Body: Edengrace Jacket of Casting - wine red Hands: Spaekona's Wrist Torques - dark red Legs: Edenchoir Breeches of Casting - dark red Feet: Best Man's Gaiters - dark red

For other casters: Alt Hands: Moonward Armlets of Casting | Kumbhiraskin Gloves of the Black Griffin (clips sleeves)

For heavy detail leg/shoe combo: Alt Legs: Nezha Lady's Slops - wine red Alt Feet: Faerie Tale Princess's Heels - wine red

Earring: Manalis Earrings of Casting Neck: The Emperor's New Necklace Wrists: The Emperor's New Bracelet Right Ring: The Emperor's New Ring Left Ring: The Emperor's New Ring

Main Hand: Augmented Lunar Envoy's Staff - wine red Off Hand: --

Alt Main Hand: Lunar Envoy weapons | Rod of the Black Khan - dalamud red

Fashion Accessory: -- Minion: -- Location: The Great Gubal Library (Hard) - The Last Lamp

Shader: Faeberry Gaussian

[rennivere]

0.1 - failed meetings

I have Yue/G'raha Tia brain worms and I wanted to get them down before they wriggle away. This is entirely for myself, so please excuse the mess.

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

They knew each other, albeit only in passing. A proper "two ships in the night" sort of tale, one might say.

Yue certainly remembered seeing the Miqo'te, often intrigued by his mismatched eyes and the little frustrated pout that would pull on his lips as he struggled to reach a book on one of the library's higher shelves. She always wished she was a bit taller, a bit more nimble, something that would help her help him. Alas, she was neither, prompting her to simply watch him for a moment of fondness before returning to her own books.

She eventually learned his name when they shared a class together: G'raha Tia. He had stood at the front of the room after a few weeks, meek and a bit awkward as he cleared his throat, his voice fading between pitches a bit as his pubescence reared its head while he introduced himself, immediately before giving a thorough presentation on Allagan technology and aetherochemistry with the confidence of someone thrice his age. He spoke as if he had first-hand experience with the technology, proving himself early-on as a fount of knowledge on the topic.

Yue mustered up the courage to compliment him on his research not long after.

She'd never forget the way his mismatched eyes lit up with the most genuine excitement. He'd had to cut himself off from rambling, a little pink tinge spreading over his cheeks as his head dipped, hands wringing on front of him as he quietly cleared his throat before nodding in response to the young blond Au Ra boy (Yue was not 'out' at the time, mind you).

They planned to meet at the library over lunch the next day.

Yue hadn't expected to return home to learn that she was accompanying her parents on another venture to sea the next morning.

She barely had enough time to run a note to to one of the library's book keepers, insisting they give it to G'raha Tia when they saw him.

She wasn't sure if he ever received the note, or if he'd even visited the library to meet with her. She wasn't sure if he ever cared... and it would be some time before she found out.

Yue and her family returned to Sharlayan some months later, and in proper Yue fashion, she returned immediately to her studies. Alas, the class she and the ruby-haired boy had once shared had long since ended, and it would be weeks before she so much as ran into the other teen, although only briefly.

"You're back," was all he said in greeting, an almost timid smile tugging at his lips, his mismatched eyes glittering with restrained delight. Yue just smiled shyly in response, giving a small nod as she cradled a pair of books on aetheric manipulation to her chest with one hand, leaning into her crutch with another. He looked at her with a bit of intrigue and surprise, taking in the subtle changes to her appearance - the feminine fringe, the skirt to replace her slacks, the gentle pink blush across her nose and cheeks and the shimmer around her eyes. His mouth opened and closed like he wanted to comment - maybe question her, maybe compliment the change, but instead he just smiled.

"I got your note. If I'd known you'd been leaving so soon, I would've offered to meet after dinner instead," he said with a boyish grin that had Yue smiling, her head tilting to the side.

"Well... I'm still interested in learning about Allag from you, if you have time. Maybe... tomorrow, after lunch?" She suggested gingerly, a small but hopeful smile stuck to her lips - though it faded as she watched the boy's gaze drop. "Ah... I would love to... but I'm afraid now it's my turn to go on a little adventure. My guardians with the Students of Baldesion are having me join them on a... field trip of sorts. I don't know all the details yet, but... when I return I'd be happy to meet up. Then, I can tell you all the things I know, and all the new things I've learned," he suggested with a grin, shifting on his feet with gleeful anxiety.

Yue almost forgot to respond, instead just smiling for a moment as she admired the other teen's excitement.

"That sounds perfect. I'll look forward to it, G'raha,"

The boy's ears stood straight, tail twitching behind him as she said his name, and Yue had to stop herself from giggling at his expense. The Miqo'te gave a resolute nod in response, though otherwise said nothing for a moment. There were a few seconds where both just stared at each other, before G'raha let out a breath, head giving another nod.

"Right! So will I. I'm glad I ran into you again, Yos--"

"Yue," she interjected, causing the Miqo'te's eyes to widen, panic settling into his gaze as he tried to figure out if he had misremembered her name or otherwise made a horrible mistake. His mouth opened as he took in a breath, surely gearing up to rattle off apologies, but Yue just smiled, head giving a slight, reassuring shake. G'raha relaxed in response, briefly nipping at his bottom lip before swallowing, giving another nod.

"Yue, then."

Her eyes twinkled a bit with relief as she nodded in response.

"Enjoy your trip, G'raha. I'll see you when you come back."

Fate would not be quite so kind to the bookish pair, however. Before G'raha could return from his trip, Yue would be off on another of her own, and thus began the seemingly endless cycle of brief exchanges in passing between responsibilities, conflicting schedules keeping the two would-be scholars from sharing their knowledge and interests over lunch.

Even as they grew older, progressing from their teens into young adulthood, their different areas of study kept them at arms length, returning to their youth of seeing each other only in passing, catching glimpses of the other and offering a gentle wave. Yue was certain that once she'd made the decision to stay in Sharlayan full-time for her health that there would be a chance to reconnect with her childhood would-be friend, but G'raha Tia was on a seemingly endless pursuit of knowledge. It was a miracle he learned and retained anything with how quickly he seemed to flit from one place to another, always chasing after new opportunities to learn and grow and flourish. The Calamity had only seemed to spur on the Miqo'te's pursuit of knowledge.

She could hardly blame him. In fact, in many ways, she envied him and his drive.

Perhaps that was a contributing factor into her finding the courage to leave Sharlayan on her own one day, leaving behind her home and books to make for the recently formed Arcanist's Guild in Limsa Lominsa with hopes of learning more ways to cope with her physical ailments through aetheric manipulation.

She never could have guessed that the start of her adventure would be the very thing to finally bring her and a certain Miqo'te together... though it would still take many moons... and a number of life-changing discoveries and alliances along the way.

[rubyofthesims]

all together now - a collective savefile

the first version of my savefile is here!! ✨

i have all of willow creek completed. i have a total of 7 community lots, 7 new families, 2 community favorite families, and 1 "throwback" family! each family has relationships, careers, and skills that will hopefully make you feel like you are playing in a fleshed out world.

download link and more details under the readmore!! ✌️

community lots provided:

crawdad community library

dalia's kitchen (with a thrift store next door and basketball court out back)

common grounds cafe (lot also contains a record store, business office, and the local news station WCCN)

crawdad shopping center which is a generic community lot that contains: a hair salon, gym, bookstore, boba shop, bakery, laundromat, selvadorada cafe, community garden, and keyana's flower shop

oakenstead cathedral (wedding venue)

courtyard community pool

little tykes kidspace

and of course magnolia blossom park

families of willow creek:

goth

pancakes

rhoads

williams

nassar

london

sakura

velazquez

jefferson and han

alto

required packs:

all expansions packs

all games pack except batuu

all stuff packs

all kits except poolside splash, simtimates, first fits, bust the dust, throwback fit, carnaval streetwear, fashion street, and modern menswear

** this is my first ever time making a savefile, please let me know if you run into any issues or general weirdness. my goal is to make a savefile that feels connected and detailed, while also still being able to run on most people's computers. i really hope you enjoy what i have been able to do so far! **

✨download here ✨

<3 ruby

[bluedalahorse]

Things to know about me: I collect toys and dolls. Mostly American Girl Dolls, but I acquired my first two Ruby Red Fashion Friends this month. I mean, both of these girls look like such sad midcentury lesbian artistes, how could I resist?

They clearly met at some old gothic university, where their hands brushed among the book stacks of the very haunted library.

[scholarlycait]

✦ Letters from a Cait Scholar: Days 281-284 ✦

Day 281

Title: “Letter from a Cait Scholar” Message: “Day 281, today I think I'll have brunch!

A scholar's strength lies in their ability to analyze. Whenever I come across something I don't understand, I read books and observe the subject closely. In battle, a scholar can analyze an enemy's weaknesses, So our utility extends far beyond the library!

P.S. I sent you some Rubies as well. Don’t spend them all in one place!” Received Item(s): Rubies ×10

Day 282

Title: “Letter from a Cait Scholar” Message: “Day 282, I think I lost a screw!

As I wrote in my last letter, research is im-purr-tant! And while I'm more of a bookworm myself, there's a lot to be said fur learning by doing. I'm sure your travels have taught you as much as a lifetime of books, and I hope you keep on learning every single day!

P.S. I sent you some Rubies as well. Don’t spend them all in one place!” Received Item(s): Rubies ×10

Day 283

Title: “Letter from a Cait Scholar” Message: “Day 283, my loyalty is guaranteed!

If you're ever feeling tired, I recommend having some grapes. The nutrients in them aren't absorbed by the body, but instead used directly as energy! That's why a bunch of grapes will purr-k you right up. Now you have a great grasp of grapes!

P.S. I sent you some Rubies as well. Don’t spend them all in one place!” Received Item(s): Rubies ×10

Day 284

Title: “Letter from a Cait Scholar” Message: “Day 284, stay the course!

Your head is full of weak spots; the face, temples, forehead, eyes... there's just too many! That's why it's im-purr-tant to protect your head! Fleece hoods are fashionable and comfy, but a paw-erful swipe can knock one right off. If you want fur-midable defense, make helmets your top purr-iority!

P.S. I sent you some Rubies as well. Don’t spend them all in one place!” Received Item(s): Rubies ×10

[contreparry]

Arriving in a new city and remembering an identical evening in a different city that was happier (or unhappy) - for any pairing of your choosing

Absolutely! Here's some pre!Surana/Zevran (once again from a modern!Thedas AU) for @dadrunkwriting!

Bran was good at uprooting his life.

It was part of being a Mage, being in the Circle system and not in a Clan, part of being an orphan and getting lost in the system. Sometimes you got shuffled from place to place, from one town to the other all across Ferelden as people learned that you weren't just a Mage but a talented one, that you weren't just sullen but a bit of a problem child, when you were... well, when you were someone like Bran Surana, you got used to moving around from place to place and never staying too long. But as he looked over the chilly waters of the Bay of Amaranthine, Bran thought of another time he looked over a big body of water as the sun set. He wondered if this time, this time, he might finally grow those roots his grandmother always told him about.

"Roots aren't always a place, they're also a people," she would say, and Bran remembered the lonely nights at Kinloch College, when he stared out at the lake from his dorm and tried to remind himself that all the lonely nights of studying would be worth it in the end. He almost heard his grandmother's voice as he stared out the 3rd floor library window at the bay. There was a shipping freighter out in the distance. If he squinted he could count individual shipping bins stacked on top of each other. Bran stared out at the water. Choppy. Sort of like Lake Calenhad. The lake was big enough to have tides, though Bran saw the difference between lake tides and ocean tides now. Bran hadn't put down roots, but he was... putting out feelers. Testing the soil? He was now familiar with Amaranthine and the winding streets. He was... getting used to it.

"Ah! I thought you might be up here," a now familiar voice murmured near his left ear. A warm arm snaked around his waist and a hand came to rest on the bony part of his hip. The warmth bled through his thin cotton shirt. Bran recognized the hand: slender, long fingers, warm amber skin, neat manicured nails. He also recognized the polished steel ring with the delicate engravings and onyx stone on the man's middle finger. What was it that Leliana's friend said about her party guest? Something something "he's lovely once you get to know him," something. Bran felt like she was telling him the truth, but the only problem was-

"Oh. Messere Arainai," Bran said, and he turned to look at his companion. He was dressed as fashionably as ever: dark overcoat, dark slacks, dark boots that cost more than his monthly stipend, blond hair perfectly disheveled. The only bit of color to the man's wardrobe was the ocean blue green scarf tied about his neck and the ruby earring that dangled from his right ear like a drop of blood. He was effortlessly elegant, yet somehow no one seemed to notice him. They stood at the window and looked out at sea, surrounded by shelves full of dusty books on magic and mathematics.

"Zevran, my dear bookseller," Arainai- Zevran- said with a smile. It was the fake one again, the one that was too perfect and charming, and Bran frowned. This was the problem with Zevran Arainai: he wore his grace and affability like armor, and Bran wanted to pry it off of him and speak to the person underneath it all. The messy person who would wheeze when he laughed and seemed greedy for conversation- just some conversation! Bran wasn't good at talking, but for that laugh? That little sliver of authenticity? Bran would try.

"Zevran," Bran said as he ducked away from Zevran's touch, hovering just out of reach. "I don't remember telling you where I'd be." Zevran had an annoying (alarming) habit of showing up when least expected. He swept into the room, spun Bran around until he could hardly think, and then he was gone and left nothing behind, not even a trace of cologne in his wake. Weird. A fashionable man like Zevran seemed like the type who would wear cologne, or at least use some scented soap.

"I saw you purchase a coffee downstairs and thought you might enjoy a snack to go with the caffeine," Zevran said, and he held up a paper bag with an oil stain slowly spreading at the bottom of the bag. Bran eyed the bag. He might be rigid in some respects (safety first, theory before practice, always have a fire extinguisher on hand), but when it came to bribery... Bran nodded towards two armchairs by the window.

"You thought correctly," Bran replied. "I'm not much for conversation, got a lesson plan to review."

"No need to converse, dear Bran," Zevran assured him, already on his way to the chairs and the window. "I am happy to be in your company, even without words."

Despite the smile and polish, there was something in Zevran's voice that made Bran flop down in his chair and settle in. Sincerity. Bran was used to uprooting himself, but maybe... Bran reached into the paper bag and pulled out a slightly squished apple turnover. Maybe this was a place with the people where he might just grow his roots.