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nicoline1998enilocin · 3 months

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"Marry me" || Chapter 2

PAIRING || Fiancé!Tony Stark x Fiancée!Nurse!Fem!Reader

WORDCOUNT || 10.1K

SUMMARY ||For the past few weeks, you and Tony have been enjoying the excitement of his proposal without anyone knowing. But now it's time to make it public. First, you're going to announce it to your closest friends and family with a party. After that, it's time to share the news about your future with the world.

RATING || Explicit (E)

TAGS || Canon divergence. Everybody lives AU. Age gap. Nurse!Reader.

WARNINGS || Explicit sexual content. Implied/referenced insecurities. Use of Y/N. Tony is described as being tattooed.

SMUT || Teasing. Dirty talk. Praise. Nipple play. Hair pulling. Back scratching. Oral (F receiving). Fingering. Unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it!). Cream pie. Multiple orgasms. Cockwarming. Aftercare.

A/N || I want to thank you all for all the love and support you gave me on part 1, as it has led to my excitement to get part 2 ready for you all, too! After this, there will be more stories before their love story comes to an end for us all, and I’m also looking forward to sharing those. I want to give extra special thanks to @ccbsrmsf1 because you have helped me get this story to where it is now. I love you, bestie, and I feel fortunate to know someone as amazing as you! 🤍

EVENTS @anyfandomfluffbingo || Engagement party @fandom-free-bingo Book Night || 'Look at the stars' @fandom-free-bingo Maritime May || Christmas Day @fandom-free-bingo Pride || Both? Both.

@fandom-free-bingo Pride || 'Lead me out of the dark' + "Soft hearts make the universe worth living in." @fandom-free-bingo Wild || 'I was the white knight in your movies' @kinky-things-happen || Oral @sweetspicybingo Winter || Stocking stuffer

GIF: @ccbsrmsf1 || All other graphics are made by @nicoline1998enilocin

Main Masterlist || Tony Stark Masterlist || Series Masterlist

It's been nearly two weeks since Tony officially asked you to marry him, and today is the day you'll finally be telling the Avengers about the good news. Now, you're curled up in bed against your fiancé after he pulled you against his body with a soft groan, placing soft kisses all over your neck.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look wearing only my shirt?" Tony asks with his deep, gravelly morning voice, and you can't help but chuckle at his words as a flurry of butterflies goes wild in your stomach, right where his hand is softly digging into your flesh.

"Hmm, maybe once or twice," you tell him, feeling his smile against your skin as you do.

"There's one thing I know for sure, Gorgeous, and that is that the shirt looks even better when it's on the floor," he whispers as his hand trails to the hem of it and slides under, leaving goosebumps where his fingers trail softly over your now exposed skin.

"How about I give you a little show when I take it off?" you ask, and Tony has never refused an offer like that. He lets you go before turning to lie on his back, and you move to straddle his lap, his long, throbbing cock nudging against your clit as you do.

"Fuck-" you say as a jolt of electricity crawls up your spine, and Tony's fingers dig gently into the plush flesh of your thighs. Your hands glide over his exposed abdomen before caressing the tattoo of your name that's proudly displayed over his heart. A small smile forms on your lips as you trace every letter before placing your hand flat against his chest, feeling his heartbeat under the palm of your hand.

"You feel that, Gorgeous? It's beating only for you," he whispers, and you can feel tears forming at the corners of your eyes. He notices and reaches to wipe them away before they get a chance to glide down your cheeks, and you take the opportunity to nuzzle into the palm of his hand as his thumb carefully caresses your cheek.

"I love you, Beautiful," you whisper almost inaudibly, making Tony smile. As you look at him, you admire how the little wrinkles in the corners of his eyes appear and how his smile shapes his face with nothing but pure happiness. The sparkle in his eyes as he looks at you finishes it off - as if he's looking at the center of the universe - his universe.

"I love you too, Gorgeous, more than I can ever express to you," he tells you before you take his hand, placing small kisses on his knuckles. The butterflies in your fiancé's stomach are fluttering wildly, and he has never been happier than he is now.

Once Tony's hands have found their way to your thighs, you move to grab the hem of the shirt covering your otherwise bare body, and you lift it ever so slowly, revealing the fact that you're wearing absolutely nothing underneath.

The moment your breasts spill free, Tony gasps softly as he revels in the jiggling motions, his lip pulled between his teeth as you feel his cock throbbing underneath you again, the mischievous smirk on your face only intensifying by the second.

"Do you like what you see, Daddy?" the nickname slips off your tongue with a teasing edge, and Tony's reaction is instant. Without a second thought, his hips buck up, making you moan involuntarily as the feeling of his clothed, hard cock rubs over your sensitive clit. Your eyebrows are knitted together as you squeeze his thighs to ground yourself, your pleasure rapidly growing.

"Does that answer you, Kitten?" Tony asks, using the nickname he only reserves for moments of complete domination over you. As he does, you want to squeeze your thighs together for relief, which is impossible as you're still straddling him.

"Hmm, cats got your tongue, Gorgeous?" Tony asks teasingly, which sends a warmth through your cheeks that you've rarely felt before. He doesn't give you the chance to answer, though. Instead, he rolls you over so that you're lying on your back, and he's now on top of you.

"Allow me to take care of you this morning, Gorgeous," Tony whispers as he nuzzles your neck, placing soft kisses on your shoulder and collarbone as your nails softly drag over his bare skin. As soon as you nod to give him your approval, he trails his kisses downward, where he stops for a moment to pay some special attention to your pebbled nipples.

"I can't wait until these are swollen with milk because I'm definitely having a taste or two of your sweet milk once you're carrying my baby," he tells you, arousal laced thickly in his voice. The idea of Tony doing that has you moaning and arching into his touch, your hands tugging on his soft locks as you pull him impossibly closer.

He doesn't stay long there, though, because as soon as both nipples have had their fair share of love, he continues his trail until he's settled comfortably between your thighs - he can spend hours there if you give him a chance. Even though every last freckle and mole, every inch of your body is engraved in Tony's memory at this point, he will gladly take his time between your legs, whether it's by teasing you or eating you out like a starved man. It's his happy place, and he's going there at every opportunity.

The first time he licks a stripe through your folds catches you off-guard, as you were solely focused on the way his breath and kisses felt across your skin, but Tony's reveling in every sound he's pulling from you. Every moan, whimper, and groan goes straight to his cock, which is throbbing under his stomach as he takes the time to taste you - to devour you.

Your pleasure builds like a hot coil inside you, the edge nearing with every movement of your body and every little sound that escapes from you. It's when Tony adds two of his long, thick fingers into the mix that you find your undoing with a scream of his name, your thighs trembling as his broad shoulders are spreading them, and your hips bucking up against your fiancé's face. It's too much and not enough, but most of all, you never want him to stop.

"T-Tony, don't s-stop-" you pant as he pulls his mouth from your dripping folds, but he just smirks as he keeps working his magic with his fingers, still stimulating you from the inside out as he carefully brings you down from your high.

"I wouldn't dream of stopping when you're this fucking beautiful for me. You're like a goddess when you cum for me, Gorgeous," he whispers against your stomach, his fingers now slowly pulling out as well as you're panting - a light layer of sweat adorning your body to make you look like you're glowing with the rays of golden sun shining down on you.

"Open up," he orders gently, and you do as he asks so you can clean his fingers for him, humming at your taste on his digits. Your eyes slip shut as you savor the musky taste of your arousal on his fingers, and he can't stop smiling at the sight in front of him.

"Good girl."

Tony takes his time to kiss you all over your body as you're basking in the afterglow of your orgasm, and his lips all over make you feel like you're floating. At the same time, Tony feels like he's on top of the world as he explores your soft curves, his hands wandering everywhere his lips can't reach until he's happily settled with his hips between your legs, only thinking about what it'll be like to sink into your heat again.

"Take a deep breath for me, sweet girl," he whispers in your ear as he lines up his veiny, thick cock, his warm breath leaving goosebumps on your neck as you do what he asks. A smirk plays on his lips as he breaches your entrance with his leaking tip, a soft groan escaping as he feels your wet heat encompassing him again.

"I love you, Gorgeous, so fucking much," Tony mutters as he drives his cock deeper and deeper, your bodies melding together into one. With each drag of his length inside you, it feels like you're starting to float again, and Tony's right there alongside you.

He takes his time as he looks at you through lidded eyes, drinking in your features as they're taken over by pleasure. He revels in the way your mouth slightly opens each time he hits your sweet spot or the way your face contorts as your orgasm washes over you - he has it all memorized, but simultaneously, he never wants to stop seeing it either.

"You're doing so good for me, hot mama; you feel phenomenal on my cock," he says through gritted teeth, making you clench around him as he does. You feel the familiar pressure of your orgasm building inside you with every motion, your back arching to give yourself just the right amount of friction and movement to let you tip over the edge.

With a loud and uncontrollable moan of Tony's name, you clench down on his length, your orgasm crashing violently through your body as you scratch his back to ground yourself - earning a deep groan from him in return as he spills every last drop of his warm seed inside you.

As you both come down from your highs, Tony peppers kisses on every inch of your skin he can reach, all while you're still trembling underneath him. Your mind has gone completely blank for a moment, and Tony's starting to worry when you look up at the ceiling with a blank stare. However, you smile wide as soon as you return to your body.

"That. Was. Amazing." you tell him before grabbing his face and kissing him passionately, which he happily reciprocates as he's still buried deep inside you. He could spend the rest of his life like this if it were up to him, as he can never get enough of your touches, your voice, the way your body molds together with his so effortlessly, but unfortunately, all good things must end eventually.

"Shall we shower before I take you out for a nice breakfast today, Gorgeous?" Tony asks you after he's pulled out, your body still feeling like cooked noodles as he cleans you up with some of the wipes he has lying on his nightstand. All you can manage now is a nod, as your sudden burst earlier has cost you more energy than you thought, and you're starting to get a little sleepy again.

"Alright, I'll go warm up the shower while you get some more sleep," he says before gently kissing your forehead, making you smile as his facial hair tickles you. Before you know it, you feel Tony moving off the bed, and you doze off when he's getting everything ready. Once it's ready, he comes to get you, and you both share a sweet, loving shower with lots of small kisses, whispered sweet words and many 'I love you's before getting ready to go on a breakfast date together.

"Are you ready, Gorgeous?" Tony asks as he's standing in the kitchen; you're just finishing getting ready for breakfast this morning and picking out a dress for your engagement party later. The mornings tend to be chilly, so you're opting for a comfortable outfit with one of Tony's oversized shirts, and when you walk into the large kitchen, Tony can't help but wolf whistle.

"Damn, I'm the luckiest man in Manhattan today, that's for sure! Being seen with you looking like this by my side is a privilege I'll happily enjoy," he compliments you as you twirl a few times, a giant smile on your face as he showers you with compliments.

"Careful there, Tony, you don't want to become dehydrated, now do you?" you tease him with a wink after you’ve steadied yourself, and you walk past him, a little extra sway in your hips on your way to the elevator that'll bring you to the grand entrance of Avengers Tower. After a short, muttered protest, he follows you, and as soon as the doors of the elevator open, he pulls you inside. However, before the doors even get a chance to close, he gently pushes you against the wall of the elevator, his face mere inches from yours.

"It's impossible not to drool over you, Gorgeous, especially when you wear my clothing," he tells you as he reaches his hand up to fix the collar, the dark brown of his eyes almost completely taken over by his pupils as lust threatens to take over his body again. A soft whimper leaves your lips as he presses his large, muscular body against yours, leaving not a single inch of space between you both as he kisses you deeply and passionately.

Your hands slip into his hair, pulling on it and making it messy as his fingers dig into your waist and ass to draw you impossibly closer to his body, your tongues fighting for dominance as the elevator makes the trip from the penthouse to the grand entrance. The two of you are so deep into your make-out session that you don't notice you've arrived at the ground floor, and it's only when someone clears their throat that Tony pulls away to look at who would even dare to interrupt you both.

"Sorry, lovebirds, but I'm afraid I'm going to kick you out of the elevator because I need to use it to get to my meeting," Natasha says with a sly smirk. It takes you a moment to catch on to what’s going on right now, as your mind is still focused on what was just happening, but Tony’s face has turned dark red at the sight of her standing there with her arms folded and a smirk. When your mind finally catches up with what’s happening, you feel embarrassment spreading through your body and a burning sensation on your cheeks.

“Don’t worry, Detka. I understand being unable to stay away from your man,” she says as she makes way for you both to leave the elevator. However, before you can go too far, she stops you by touching your shoulder, bringing her fiery red lips to your ear, and whispering, “Congratulations on your engagement.”

Her words only intensify the blush on your cheeks, and it feels like your entire body is on fire. As the elevator doors close, you see Natasha standing with a satisfied smile, and you can’t help but laugh at everything that just happened. One moment, you were in a heavy make-out session with the man you love, and the next, you realized your friend had figured out you were engaged, even though neither of you had mentioned it to anyone.

“What’s going on, Gorgeous?” Tony asks, pulling you out of your thoughts. He pulls you close, his hands resting on your hips while yours are on his chest. You sigh almost inaudibly as you smile at the situation, and Tony’s waiting patiently for your answer. While Tony’s not particularly known as the most patient man you’ve met, he seems to have endless patience for you, and it’s something you’ll always be grateful for.

“She knows. I don’t know how she found out, but I’m also not surprised, seeing how she’s a former spy and unbelievably observant,” you tell your fiancé, who chuckles in response. It’s not a chuckle that makes you feel like what you say is wrong, but rather one that lets you know he agrees.

“I guess we weren’t as subtle as we thought, but I’m okay with her knowing about us,” Tony whispers before kissing your forehead, which calms your thoughts down tremendously. For a moment, you thought he may be mad at her knowing, but he has shown you the complete opposite. Once the moment’s intensity has passed, you peck his lips before grabbing his hand and interlacing your fingers, ready to go for breakfast.

Tony is taking you to the diner a few blocks from Avengers Tower, as it is the place you tend to visit often - especially after you have had a long, tiring night shift. On those mornings, Tony will always treat you to your favorite breakfast there as you two talk about everything that happened, and when you go back home, he takes a shower with you before tucking you into bed.

Now, you’re greeted by one of your favorite waitresses - Carol - before she seats both of you in a booth by the window. This’ll forever be one of your preferred seats, as it gives you a chance to look at the people passing the diner while you’re enjoying breakfast, giving them backstories with Tony that have you both laughing so hard your stomachs hurt from the laughter.

Your eyes scan the menu as your stomach starts to tell both of you that it's demanding to be fed. Tony chuckles at the rumbling sound, making you smile as the butterflies in your stomach go a mile a minute. A warmth spreads through your cheeks as you look up at him through your lashes, only to find him looking at you with pure adoration.

"Y'know, sometimes I still can't quite believe you said yes to marrying me, Gorgeous," Tony says as he carefully grabs your hand, his thumb gently caressing the skin where your engagement ring will be proudly displayed after today; when you don't have to hide it anymore.

"Tony, there is not a single thing I want more than to marry you. I don't have to sign a piece of paper to declare my undying love to you, but I will do it to feel even more connected. By saying yes, I will say yes to loving you for the rest of our lives and yes to being there for you through everything. We've already been through a lot together, but I know that with you, I can get through so much more than I could by myself."

A lump forms in Tony's throat as he hears the words that flow out of your mouth, and tears are starting to prick at the corners of his eyes. Out of the two of you, he's always been the one who struggles with words, but he also knows he feels the same about you. He wants to grow old with you and protect you in every way possible. But most of all, he wants to love you until his heart stops beating, as it beats for no one other than you.

"I love you," he whispers, and you nod with a smile lighting up your features. You know he isn't good with words, but it doesn't matter. Every ounce of emotion is poured into those three words, and you can't stop hearing them from him. Each time they tumble from his lips, your soul glows, and your heart feels like it's being healed just a bit every time you hear them.

"I love you too, Tony, but I'm also starving after our morning gymnastics," you say with a smirk and a quirked brow, and he can't help but let out a boisterous laugh at your words. You both take a moment to look at the menu, and Tony can't help but notice how you look as your eyes scan the menu. It's a facial expression he's seen countless times before and always finds endearing.

"What're you trying to decide between?"

"Well, I'm thinking of getting the luxury cream cheese bagel with salmon or the fried eggs with toast and bacon." You tap your finger against your chin as you weigh your options, a habit you picked up years ago that Tony finds cute each time he sees you do it.

"How about both?" Your eyes snap up to meet Tony's.

"Both?" "Both." His answer is almost matter-of-fact, and you nod as you think more about it.

"I'm okay with ordering one of those dishes and then sharing it with you, Gorgeous. Even though I had my heart set on those delicious pancakes they serve-" Tony says with a fake pained look on his face, "- I'm more than happy to share half of it so you can have a bit of both."

The solution seems so simple, yet it makes you feel nothing but love, as he always seems to know you better than you know yourself. As you look at your future husband, you feel the butterflies going wild again as you remember you will marry him in a few short months and officially become Mrs. Stark.

"I can't wait to marry you, Beautiful," you tell Tony after ordering your breakfast, and you're holding his large hands in your significantly smaller ones, your thumbs rubbing over the back of his hands as you tell him what's on your mind.

"I'm looking forward to having a simple, small ceremony with our closest friends and family, and we will all go out to dinner to celebrate before partying like never before. But most importantly, I'm looking forward to our wedding night. Our first time as husband and wife," you admit to him as your voice trails off near the end, shyness creeping in.

"Yeah? Is that what you've been thinking about?" Tony asks confidently, his brow raised as his smirk lightens his features. You nod as you look at your connected hands, and he gives them a reassuring squeeze as he admits to his thoughts.

"So have I, Gorgeous. It's the only thing I can think about - what it'll be like to make love to my wife," he says softly, and you smile at his confession. Every time with Tony is fantastic, but you'll only get so many first times - your first as husband and wife is the one you've been looking forward to most.

Before you can answer him again, your breakfast is served, and you're both diving in, seeing how you both need a good breakfast after the morning you had so far. Having sex the way you two did always makes you both ravenous, and the delicious food at the diner hits the spot just right as you take a bite out of the bagel you've been craving.

"I have a surprise for you, Gorgeous," Tony says after he pays for your breakfast, and his words immediately pique your interest.

"I have rented out a special boutique this morning so you can have a private shopping experience to pick out a perfect outfit for our engagement party tonight. You can pick out a dress, shoes, a sexy set of lingerie-" he says with a wiggle of his eyebrows, "- everything your heart desires, without worrying about other people shopping. It's a special occasion, so I'm pulling out all the stops for you today."

And that's how you find yourself in one of the most high-end boutiques in all of Manhattan, trying on a set of baby blue lingerie that accentuates all your curves perfectly. Tony's seated by the dressing rooms, and as soon as you open up the curtains to show him the set, his mouth goes slack from pure amazement.

"Wow." That is all he manages to whisper, as he's otherwise speechless. He takes in the light blue lace that compliments your skin perfectly - it's like it has been made just for you. It's simple, but it makes you feel very sexy as you walk over to your fiancé, an extra sway in your hips as his eyes rake over your body, making your insides feel like they're on fire with pure lust and sexiness.

"What do you think?" you ask Tony as you place your index finger under his chin, lifting his face to meet your gaze. He reluctantly pulls his line of sight off your soft curves, his hands now trailing gently over the skin of your thighs.

"Perfect," he says with a soft smile, and you nod in agreement. Tony always makes you feel sexy and seen, no matter what you're wearing - or not wearing -but after seeing his reaction, you know it's something you'll put on more often.

"I also have a few dress options for you," the boutique owner tells you as she rolls in a large rack with a few dresses, all varying in color and style. Your line of sight is immediately pulled to a deep red velvet dress with a deep neckline. It's a color you've worn previously and know Tony will go crazy for, so it's the first one you'll try.

The dress is tight on top before it flows beautifully over your hips and legs, the split on the side still allowing you to show off some more skin. Your arms are covered by tight, long sleeves that reach your wrists, and the neckline is deep enough to make it a bit spicier but not so deep that it'll show everything. As you look at yourself in the mirror, a smile lights up your features as you know you've found the one.

"What do you think of the dress, Gorgeous?" Tony asks, and he's gobsmacked when you walk out of the dressing room again. It's only the first one you've tried on, but it fits you perfectly, highlighting all your best features as you twirl in front of him. When Tony gets up and grabs your hand, he pulls you close before placing both hands on your hips.

He leads you as you sway back and forth, your gazes locked on one another as you dance to the soft music playing in the store. He can't stop smiling as he looks at you with pure, unabashed love and knows he has fallen in love with you all over again. He's going to marry you, and tonight, he gets to share your love with everyone as you announce your engagement to the Avengers. Tonight will be the first step of the rest of your lives, and neither of you can wait any longer to share the amazing news.

"We have one more stop to make before we go back to the Tower, Gorgeous," Tony says, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery, after paying for your entire outfit. You look at him, a mix of surprise and curiosity on your face. You were fully prepared to go back and get ready for the party, but now, you're intrigued about what else he has planned for you both.

"Oh? Where are we going?" you ask, your curiosity piqued, and Tony's smile warms your heart.

"Well, I think I will keep it a secret for a little longer because I want to see your reaction when we get there," he says before pecking your lips, and you nod in agreement. After a last thank you, you and Tony walk out the door before turning to the right and walking down the street to a shelter where he has arranged for you to pick a cat to adopt.

Tony has arranged for all the necessary things to arrive while you were out for breakfast and shopping for the outfit, so everything from a large cat tree to multiple cat beds, feeders, and water fountains, and of course, plenty of toys will be waiting for you once you get back to the penthouse, so your new addition to your family can settle in nicely from the moment they arrive.

Once you two get closer to the shelter, Tony keeps glancing over at you to see your reaction, and you smile back at him once you notice he keeps doing it.

"Is everything okay?" you ask with a raised brow, and Tony laughs heartily at your question.

"Everything's perfect, Gorgeous, but I'm just curious to see your reaction when you realize where we're going," he explains, and your curiosity has now shot through the roof. You look around to see if anything stands out, and when you see the large sign for the animal shelter, you let out an excited squeal.

"Are we going to the shelter to cuddle with cats today?! Oh, I cannot even tell you how badly I need that!" you exclaim, unable to contain your excitement, before letting go of his hand and running towards the shelter, where a few cats are playing in a large pen by the window. You can't stop smiling as you look at them, and Tony's enjoying every second of what's happening. He can't wait to see your reaction when he tells you you can take one home today.

"Look at them, Tony, aren't they adorable? Oh, I can't wait to go in and cuddle with all of them," you tell him excitedly, and he can't stop smiling as his heart feels like it's overflowing with nothing but love for you.

"They're very adorable, Gorgeous, but I think it's time we head in; otherwise, we won't have enough time to cuddle with all of them before we have to leave for the party tonight," he says, and you nod before getting up. You grab Tony's hand before pulling him into the shelter door, where you're greeted by a kind lady who's happy to let you handle all the cats there.

"Why don't you go ahead and cuddle with them? I'll use the bathroom and join you after, okay?" Tony asks, and you nod before pecking his lips and walking into the large room with all the cats. Your heart will burst out of your chest as you hear all the chirps and meows.

While Tony goes over the last things he needs to know before the adoption process, you find a comfortable spot on a large cushion as you let yourself be covered in cats of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and colors. However, one cat in particular seems to grab your attention. An older tuxedo cat walks over to you before getting comfortable in your lap, and you're immediately melting at the sight.

"Hi, sweet baby!" you coo as you pet the cat over her head and back. She lies happily in your lap, purring away at all the attention she's getting while you also try to divide your attention to some of the others there.

"Ah, there you are, Gorgeous! I almost couldn't see you between all the cats here," Tony jokes as he walks into the room, and your face immediately lights up when you hear his voice. As much as you love being between all the cats, you love spending time with your husband-to-be even more.

"Can I tell you a little secret, Gorgeous?" Tony whispers in your ear after he gets comfortable beside you, and the cat seated in your lap first has now moved into Tony's arms, where she's comfortable. You turn your head to meet Tony's gaze, and curiosity again enters your mind.

"I have arranged for you to pick a cat today, which we can adopt. I have arranged everything needed, so you can pick the one you like the most. I know we've talked about getting a cat before, so this will be my engagement present to you," Tony tells you as he sees the tears forming in the corners of your eyes at his confession.

"Please tell me you're serious, Tony. Can I pick out a cat to adopt today?" you ask in a small voice, and he nods with a broad smile before you capture his lips with yours in pure excitement. Your hands immediately grab his face to pull him closer as you kiss him excitedly, the happiness inside you threatening to spill over in the form of happy tears.

"It's an easy choice, actually," you tell Tony, as you already know who you want to take home today.

"The one who's comfortable in your arms immediately crawled into my lap when I sat down, and seeing how happy they are in your arms makes me want to take them home," you tell Tony, your voice filled with a mix of joy and tenderness. Tony nods in agreement, and you spend about another hour cuddling and playing with the other cats and kittens before signing the paperwork and taking home your cat, your heart full of love and gratitude.

"We have found the perfect cat to take home today," Tony tells the lady as you two head towards the front again. The lady's excitement is evident as she sees who's being adopted today. Domino has fallen asleep in Tony's arms as the three of you talk a little more about her, and you can't stop smiling at the fact that he did this for you.

"You have made a wonderful choice by adopting Domino! She's such a loving, cuddly cat who's amazing with other animals and children. She's been in the shelter for almost two years now, and I'm glad to see she has found her forever home with you two," she says, and you're glowing as you find out her name.

"Are you excited to go home with us, Domino? I can't wait to introduce you to Alpine as well; she will be thrilled to have a friend to play with," you whisper as Tony hands her to you, ready to sign the paperwork. Once that's done, it's finally time for all three of you to head to the Avengers Tower. You came in as a family of two, and you'll be leaving the shelter as a family of three, making today perfect.

"Thank you so much for everything today, Beautiful; this is the best present I could have ever wished to have gotten from you." As Tony kisses you, Domino meows from inside her carrier, letting both of you know she agrees with your statement. As the three of you walk home, you can't stop talking about what it'll be like to have a cat now and how happy everyone will be to meet her.

The moment you have waited for is finally here, as you and Tony will officially announce your engagement to some of your closest friends and the Avengers. A few weeks ago, Tony asked Pepper to prepare a small engagement party without giving too many details, and it is safe to say she has truly outdone herself once again during the party planning.

While Tony's still on an important conference call, he has asked you to do a last walk-through with Pepper before it's officially time to greet the guests. You're dressed in a Stark Industries tracksuit combined with a pair of worn-out sneakers; your hair is in rollers, and your face is bare in preparation for the make-over you'll receive once you're done here.

As you walk into the room, you gasp softly. It has an ethereal look, and your eyes glide over all the little details. The color combination of silver and white is a beautiful contrast against the room's darkness, and it fits perfectly with tonight's theme. From the outfits the servers and bartenders are wearing to the flower arrangements that brighten the room in all the corners, it's all considered to make it a party no one will ever forget.

"Pepper, it is beautiful!" you say as you turn to her, standing in the middle of the dancefloor. The DJ is sound-checking with some soft music.

"Well, I just did my job-" she starts, but you cut her off in the middle of her sentence.

"You went above and beyond for us and exceeded our expectations for tonight. You deserve to hear that you did an amazing job, and you don't need to be modest about it," you reassure her, and she smiles shyly at your words. Though Tony often praises her for all her hard work, she still gets a little caught off-guard by the compliments you give her.

"Well, thank you, Ms. Y/L/N," she whispers, her cheeks turning pink as she accepts the compliments.

"You should go and get changed for the party, too. It would be a shame if you couldn't enjoy your work tonight," you tell her, and she smiles politely before nodding and looking over her list to see if a few last-minute arrangements are to be made. After a few more instructions, you both go your separate ways to get ready, and nerves settle in your stomach.

Once you're in the elevator leading you to Tony's penthouse, you let out a trembling sigh, the nerves threatening to get the best of you. Usually, you're the one who's keeping a level head when everyone else is stressing, and you're the one who holds it together when everyone else loses their mind. But today, everything is different. As you look at the floor numbers rising, your heartbeat increases, and a slight panic settles in your body. However, this all melts away when you see Tony in the penthouse; his arms spread as he waits for you to be held in them.

"I missed you, Gorgeous," Tony whispers as he pulls you tight against his body. You stay silent as you take in your fiancé's comforting scent and feel his warmth. You listen to the soft hum of Tony's arc reactor as your cheek is pressed against his shoulder, calming your nerves slowly.

"Are you okay?" he asks when you pull away, and you smile reassuringly.

"I am now, thank you. I suddenly got hit by a bunch of nerves, but being in your arms has calmed me a lot," you tell him, and he nods in understanding.

"It's okay; you don't always have to be strong - even the best nurses can get nervous sometimes," he whispers against your forehead, and the words make you tear up. You know he's right, but it's not in your nature to show emotions like this. It's something you started to work on after getting together with Tony - it's okay to be vulnerable, and it's okay to show your vulnerability.

"Thank you, Tony. Thank you for being there for me when no one else was and believing in me when no one else did. Thank you for giving me a chance, and thank you for loving me." As you tell him this, you can see tears gathering in his eyes, too, and you cup his cheeks as you look up at him. You've never felt more sure about anything than when he asked you to marry him, and this moment cements it for you.

"I love you, Beautiful. More than I've ever thought I could love someone, and I can't wait to get married to you," you tell him as the corners of your mouth curl into a smile.

"I love you too." With those words, Tony's lips descend on yours in a soft but passionate kiss, your tongues dancing together as you bask in the moment's beauty. However, before you two get too lost in one another, it's time to get ready for the party, as there's still a lot of preparation to do for you before you're officially party-ready.

It takes you nearly two hours to get completely ready for your party. The make-up artist and hairdresser are finally finished, so it's time for you to put on your dress and heels. As you're about to ask one of the assistants to zip up your dress, Tony walks into the room and kisses your exposed skin before zipping it for you.

"You look even more beautiful than I could have imagined, Gorgeous," Tony says as his hands lie on your hips. Your soft blue lingerie is still engraved in his memory as his gaze wanders over your outfit. From how the dress's neckline shows off your breasts beautifully to the necklace that matches the dress to the split of the dress and your heels, he's rarely seen you look more beautiful.

"Something is missing," he suddenly says before letting you go, and he fishes something out of his pocket before taking your hand. He flips open the box containing your engagement ring and gently slides it onto your ring finger, where it'll be proudly displayed, finishing your look.

"That's better, Gorgeous. Now you're officially the most beautiful woman in the United States," he tells you as he interlaces his fingers with yours. You take this moment to admire his suit as well, as it's tailored to perfection, the fabric spanning beautifully over his body. Your gaze lingers for a few seconds when you see his bulge, dirty thoughts already swirling through your mind at the thought of what you want to do to him once you're home tonight.

Tony lifts your chin using his index finger and smirks as he knows exactly what's going on in your head, but he shakes his head to let you know there's no time to do anything before leaving. Instead, he leans in to capture your lips in a gentle kiss that has your eyes fluttering shut and your heart beating faster.

When you hear little footsteps and a soft meow coming into the room, you pull away from the kiss with a smile and crouch down to greet Domino as she walks over to you both. She meows louder before plopping down in front of you, and Tony also crouches down to give her some love. She has been settling nicely and exploring the penthouse to her heart's content.

"I'm so happy you allowed me to bring her home, Beautiful. She's so sweet, and now I will have even more love to take in when I'm coming home from my shifts every time," you tell him, and he laughs heartily.

"You're right, Gorgeous. She's perfect," he says as Domino purrs loudly. She's not bothered by the elevator doors opening, and Pepper walks into the large penthouse dressed in a long, silver dress that shows off her figure beautifully. Her hair is loose around her shoulders instead of in her signature ponytail, which softens her facial features immensely, and you're smiling as you look up at her.

"Are you two lovebirds ready to go? It's party time," she says proudly, and you nod before saying goodbye to Domino. Once you're standing up straight, you lace your fingers together in a way that hides your engagement ring from her, and she heads towards the elevator, which she's sharing with you both on the way to the party. As you're standing in the elevator, you let out a small sigh, and Tony squeezes your hand reassuringly while looking at you with pure adoration.

"How're you feeling, Gorgeous?" Tony asks before walking into the party, and you take a moment to consider it.

"A bit nervous; I've never been known to enjoy being the center of attention, but I'm overall okay. As long as you're there with me, I'll be fine tonight, Beautiful," you tell him as you let your hand glide softly over his cheek. His facial hair tickles under your fingertips, and you get lost in the kiss he gives you, giving you all the support you need to walk into the room together.

The moment the large doors open, you're both greeted by your closest friends and family, as well as the Avengers, as they're all dressed in elegant outfits, and you're both greeted by everyone while making small talk with most people as well, all while still hiding the ring around your finger. As you're trying to make your way to the bar, you suddenly run into Natasha and Yelena, who are dressed in long, black evening gowns that enhance their figures perfectly.

"Yelena, I didn't know you'd be joining us tonight! It's so good to see you outside the medbay, too," you tell her with a broad smile, and she can't help but laugh as she pulls you in for a hug.

"As soon as Nat told me about the party, I knew I wouldn't miss it for the world - I even came back early from a mission. We have so much to catch up on!" she says excitedly, pulling you away from Tony and towards the bar. You waved at him before returning to Yelena and Natasha, now discussing that Yelena had shortened her mission.

"What?! It's not like you wouldn't have done the same," Yelena says with her thick Russian accent, making you laugh as you order a glass of champagne, and they do the same. You listen to their chatter while your eyes scan the room, and you flash a smile at Tony once your eyes cross paths again. When you're about to say something to Natasha and Yelena, you feel a hand on your shoulder that has you turning around, curious as to who could be asking for your attention.

"Thor! Loki! I'm so glad to see you both here on this wonderful night," you say as they both envelop you in a hug. The brothers have always managed to intrigue you to no end, especially regarding their lives on Asgard and their being Gods.

"We were delighted to be invited to such an extraordinary party, Ms. Y/L/N. You have always taken such good care of my brother after getting injured that I wouldn't even think of declining an offer to celebrate you and Tony. It's the least I can do to repay you for that," Loki says, making you blush at his words.

"There's no need to exaggerate, Brother," Thor tells Loki with his Australian accent, which is a funny contrast to Loki's British one, only amplifying that one of them is adopted. As they banter for a little longer, you see Tony walking over to you, and your features light up as your gazes cross. After snaking his arms around your waist and pecking your lips, Tony asks how you're doing, and you're practically glowing now that you're reunited.

"I was doing wonderful, but now I'm even better because you're by my side," you tell him, making him show his fantastic smile. It's very contagious, as you're immediately smiling alongside him, which everyone notices. The second he approached you, your demeanor changed as you visibly relaxed.

"If it's okay with everyone here, I will steal you momentarily and take you to the dancefloor. I have prepared a speech to thank everyone for coming. I would love for you to be by my side when I do it," Tony says, looking at you for reassurance. You nod before saying thank you again to everyone who's come tonight, and you allow your fiancé to lead the way to the middle of the dancefloor.

On the way there, you both grab a glass of champagne, and you then take a seat on the large stool that has been placed there for your comfort - standing in your heels for a long time is not something you particularly enjoy, so you'll gladly sit down as Tony ensures you're comfortable. Once the DJ has handed him a microphone, all eyes are on you both, and your heartbeat starts to rise as you know what will happen.

"Can I have everyone's attention for a moment?" Tony asks, and shortly after, everyone is silent and focused on the two of you.

"First off, I want to thank you all for coming tonight. Having you here to celebrate a wondrous occasion means a lot to Y/N and myself. Most of you have wondered why I would throw a party, but I only invite those closest to us. We have a special reason for that. About two weeks ago, I asked the strong, amazing, and gorgeous woman next to me to marry me, and much to everyone's surprise, she said yes!"

For a few moments, there's a roar of laughter, applause, and congratulations throughout the room as Tony kisses your temple, and you're both smiling the entire time. They now know about your secret, and you no longer have to hide. When you find Natasha in the crowd, she winks at you to let you know she is right, and you give a slight nod in return.

"I want to take this moment with you all to look back on the moment she asked me on a date, as it will forever be one of my most cherished memories with my future wife," Tony says before reliving that faithful day in detail.

You have been a nurse at SHIELD for a little over a year, and ever since you started working for them, you've been one of the nurses who would provide care to the Avengers - but mainly Tony Stark. Your first encounter with him was during a mission where he sustained a severe injury, and you were the one who nursed him back to health. Since then, you've been his go-to nurse, and a bond has formed between you. More often than not, you find yourself looking forward to seeing him again - even though it's usually in less-than-ideal circumstances.

It's Christmas Day, and there's a thick layer of snow outside, glistening under the soft glow of the streetlights as you treat Tony after another extended mission. This time, there's nothing life-threatening going on, much to your relief. However, you've been more silent than usual as you're working up the courage to ask him something that has been on your mind for a long time.

"A penny for your thoughts, Gorgeous?" Tony asks, and your cheeks heat up at the nickname he has lovingly awarded you. The first time you were invited to one of his parties, you attended while wearing a red and gold dress, which earned you the nickname. Since then, he has been calling you that, a name that fills you with warmth and affection.

"I- uhm… Sorry, it's nothing-" you say, but Tony has never been known to take no for an answer.

"I'm sure it's not 'nothing,' Gorgeous. Your hands are trembling today, so I'm pretty sure something on your mind wants to come out," he says gently, and you feel a knot in your stomach loosen at his understanding. You sigh before nodding - Tony's right.

"You're right, but- I want you to know it's okay if you say no," you tell him shyly, meeting his dark brown eyes this time. "I was wondering if you want to celebrate Christmas together tonight. I'm all alone, and I was hoping we could spend it together if you'd have the time." As the words leave your lips, you can't help but feel a mix of hope and fear, unsure of how he will respond.

As Tony lets it sink in, you try to read his face, but there's no luck. No matter how hard you try, you cannot tell anything from his face.

"I would love nothing more than to spend Christmas with you, Gorgeous. Is it okay if we have dinner at my penthouse? I will ask Pepper if she knows a chef willing to spoil us with the most delicious meals on this beautiful night, and after, we can drink hot chocolate in front of the fireplace as we watch The Nightmare Before Christmas," Tony says. Your face instantly lights up at the mention of your favorite movie.

"You remembered!" you exclaim excitedly, and he nods with a broad smile.

"Of course! I remember your favorite Christmas movie and that you love your hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon, too," he says, filling you with joy and surprise. You never expected him to remember these things you've told him as throwaway comments, and the butterflies in your stomach go wild.

"That was the first night of many we would spend together, and I'm glad I said yes. That night was the first moment she helped to lead me out of the dark, even though she didn't know it then. Before Y/N, I didn't care if I lived or died, but now I have someone to live and fight for. Someone who's there for me no matter what and who will show me the bright side of everything, no matter how minimal it may be," Tony tells everyone, and you nod in agreement. If it weren't for you asking him out, you wouldn't be where you are today.

"If you had asked me at the beginning of our relationship, I might have told everyone that I was the white knight in your movies, but over time, I have learned that nothing could be further from the truth because Y/N has always been the one in mine. She saved me in ways I could have never foreseen, which is something I will forever be grateful for. I love you, Gorgeous, and I can't wait to call you my wife in a few months."

Tony leans in to kiss you as everyone applauds loudly for you, and he hands back the microphone before helping you back to your feet. It feels like your entire body is on fire the whole time, and your heart threatens to spill over from all the love. You're fortunate to share this beautiful moment with those closest to you, and tonight is only the beginning of the rest of your lives.

"Thank you for caring for me and showing me what it's like to be loved. Thank you for being you."

With those words, Tony pulls you into a deep, loving kiss, his hands cupping your cheeks while yours are around his neck, pulling him impossibly closer. You have given yourself completely over to him, your body feeling like it's completely on fire. Tony's hands dip lower until they're digging into the soft curves of your hips as you're getting lost in the moment - completely forgetting about everything and everyone for a moment.

"Fuck, I love you so much," Tony whispers breathlessly after pulling away, and neither of you can stop smiling. The rest of the evening is spent dancing, always touching in one way or another, and countless kisses are shared between you two. Now that you don't have to hide your engagement anymore, you can't get enough of the kisses, but no one seems to mind. Tonight is all about you and your love, after all.

As the night progresses, you decide to go outside and get some fresh air on one of the balconies that look out over the Manhattan skyline, which will forever be your favorite sight. While New York isn't where you were born and raised, you will always call it your home, as there's never been a place where you felt as free as you feel.

"What're you doing out here alone?" you hear a voice behind you. Looking back, you see your fiancé walking towards you, holding out his jacket to drape over your shoulders. You accept it with a small 'thank you' and a small peck on his lips.

"I needed some fresh air, so I thought I'd come here and look at the stars. The sky is clear, so we have a nice view of them," you tell Tony, who nods in agreement. You let your thumb glide over your ring as you look up at them, and a smile lights up your features. Tony can't stop looking at you as you do, making the love inside you grow even more significant.

"One of the good things about growing up in a small town is that you learn to enjoy the simpler things in life, such as the brightness and beauty of the stars and the way the sun rises every morning without fail," you tell Tony, who's now standing next to you, leaning on the railing of the balcony.

"Can I tell you something I learned from you over the years?" Tony asks, and you look up at him with a questioning look.

"You have taught me that soft hearts make the universe worth living in. Without you, God knows where I would be right now; I'd probably be so deep in stress and anxiety that I'd practically be ripping my hair out every day. But you taught me to enjoy the little things in life, which makes our lives beautiful and gives our lives meaning, too," Tony says as he turns to you, his fingers carefully caressing the curve of your jaw.

He leans in for a kiss, and you place your hand on his chest, right over his heart and tattoo, as his lips capture yours. The kiss is unrushed, soft, passionate, and powerful - perfectly combines all the feelings battling throughout your body. As you pull away, Tony looks at you with a soft, adoring look, and you stand on your tiptoes to peck his lips again.

"I brought a small surprise for you, Gorgeous," Tony says as he reaches for his jacket pocket. He plucks a small, felt star from his pocket that instantly has your features lighting up. To anyone else, it's just an unassuming star, but to you and Tony, it signifies the start of something beautiful: the beginning of the rest of your lives.

"I can't believe you brought it!" you tell Tony excited. Inside his hand is a handmade star you quickly put together before spending your first Christmas with your future husband. Even though neither of you had a stocking back then, you still told him it represented a little stocking stuffer, after which he joked about 'him happily stuffing your stocking.' It was that moment you knew he was the one for you, and you have never looked back since.

"Of course, I kept it because it has an indescribable meaning, Gorgeous. I always bring it with me when I need extra encouragement because it means I have a piece of you with me, and it has never let me down. When I'm with you, I know I can do anything, so I take this with me to give me the encouragement I need at that moment," he confesses shyly, and your heart melts at his words.

"I- I love you so much, Anthony Stark, and I can't wait to be able to call you my husband," you tell him as your fingers glide over his hand holding the star. Nothing can describe what you're feeling right now other than feeling fortunate. When meeting Tony, you have won the jackpot, and his asking to marry him only amplifies that feeling for you.

The night of the party has brought you and Tony many precious and happy memories, but you were also delighted to finally fall asleep as you were curled up against your fiancé, and your cat, Domino, was curled up by your feet. Now, you're sitting with your back against the large headboard, Tony by your side, and Domino lying on his lap as you pick the perfect photo for the public announcement.

Tony has prepared a large breakfast spread for you both to enjoy in bed while you took the chance to sleep in. You're now enjoying the food while looking through the seemingly endless pictures. Tony pops a raspberry in your mouth, quickly following it with a kiss that has you smiling like crazy, and you're enjoying every second you two spend together.

"What do you think of this one?" you ask Tony, and he hums approvingly as he's just eaten the toast he made. Your ring is shown beautifully in the photo, and it's your favorite photo of the two of you.

"I think it's perfect, Gorgeous, just like you," he says before popping a juicy strawberry in your mouth, making you moan at the taste of it. Your eyes slip shut as the taste invades your mouth, and it's time to work on a caption to accompany the photo.

It doesn't take long for the two of you to think of the perfect caption, and the reactions to the post are almost instant. Countless congratulations are coming in, and many people are reposting it with the announcement that you're both officially off the market and getting married.

"I love you, Beautiful, and I can't wait to live up to the photo's caption," you say, and he can't help but smile at your words. He also wants it to come true, and you two look it over one more time before you put the phone away and pay all your attention to your husband-to-be and your cat, who's happily purring on his lap. And the caption? It's rather simple:

Here's to growing old together 🤍

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harpersessentials · 1 year

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+30 CC-FREE LOTS FOR BRITECHESTER

I don’t know if it happens to you - but I often find myself with a sudden urge to rebuild worlds - Even though I’m the worst sim-builder and sim-decorator in the whole history of Sims 😋 And in my quest for lots there’s one thing that stresses me out all the time: where will the builds fit in the map?! 🤯 Therefore, I have been creating some personal lists with favourite lots and I thought why not sharing them with you too!

Below I leave a list of my absolute-favourite cc-free lots for Britechester (and their respective location in the map). A selection of builds made by amazing and astonishingly creative architect simmers. Thank you all for sharing your builds with us!

1 - Larry's Lagoon 40x30

Foxbury Lots-In-Commons (University Housing) by Cerrydd

Foxbury Commons (Foxbury Commons) by Mini Simmer

Foxbury Student Union (Foxbury Commons) by Kriint

2 - Maritime Manor 30x20

FoxD-gn (University Housing) by @helgatisha

Foxbury Housing (University Housing) by @Lazysimie

3 - Briny Tower 30x20

Foxbury Tower Dorm Right (University Housing) by jasonsterlingmrc

4 - Tidal Tower 30x20

Foxbury Tower Dorm Left (University Housing) by jasonsterlingrmc

5 - Laurel Library 50x40

St. Laurel Library (Library) by @awingedllama

6 - Pepper's Pub 20x20

His Lordship's Dinner Ale (Bar) by @moonlightowl-es

The Pub of Britechester (Bar) by @simnematographygj

Parisian Apartments + Coffee Shop (Residential/Retail) by Milgemilge

7 - Spring Steppes 20x15

London Townhouse (Residential) by @theseptembersim

Brook Townhouse (Residential) by @xogerardine

London Townhouse (Residential) by @xogerardine

Britechester Townhouses (Residential) by @juliafilms

Study in Britechester (Residential) by Moniamay72

8 - Mossy Lane 20x15

Wisteria London Townhouse (University Housing)by @theseptembersim

Campbell Townhouse (Residential) by @xogerardine

Autumn Townhouse (Residential) by @plantsimgirl

Britechester Bakery (Retail) by @simpaera

Mossy Lane Reno (Residential) by DoctorSimCraft

9 - Honeydew Fields 20x15

Allen Townhouse (Residential) by @xogerardine

Honeydew Fields (Residential/Cafe) by @helgatisha

UBrite Housing (University Housing) by xandralynn

Gibbs Hill Housing (University Housing) by Xandralynn

Classic Apartments (Residential) by plumbobkingdom

10 - Drake Hall 30x20

Wyrm Hall (University Housing) by @caelhinn

Britechester Student Hall (University Housing) by @96langerlui99

Drake Hall (University Housing) by @helgatisha

University Dorm (University Housing) by @juliafilms

Georgian House (Residential) by @theseptembersim

11 - Darby's Den 30x20

Darby's Den (UBrite Commons) by @juliafilms

UBrite Commons (UBrite Coomons) by MissSimReno

Student Center (UBrite Commons) by Xandralynn

12 - Wyrven Hall 30x20

Hydra Hall (University Housing) by @caelhinn

Wyrven Hall (University Housing) by @helgatisha

13 - Darkwing House 30x20

Darkwing House (University Housing) by @rebouks

Darkwing House (University Housing) by @awingedllama

Drake Dormitory (University Housing) by melapples

Simpha Sorority House (University Housing) by Mini Simmer

#akitas picks #ts4 britechester #ts4 university #ts4 lots #ts4 download #britechester

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cywscross · 5 months

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Title: To New Beginnings (So Long As It's With You) Fandom: Teen Wolf x Solo Leveling Character/Pairing: Peter Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Stiles Stilinski, Peter Hale, Original Characters Rating: T Word Count: 6,517 Summary: A single deviation lands Stiles and Peter in a whole new world.

They both agree that they're far better for it. Tags: Post-Season 6A, Canon Divergence AU, Dimension Travel, Crossover, Crossovers & Fandom Fusions, Original Character(s), Established Relationship, Domestic, Outsider POV, Multiple POV, Alternate Universe - Solo Leveling Fusion

Submitted For:

- 51+ Crossover Fandoms - 022. partnership - Post-July Break Bingo 2023 - "I can't lose you too." - 100 Prompts Challenge - 010. Stranger - Across the Universe Bingo - Dimension Hopping - Gen Prompt Bingo [Round 25] - Fork in the Road AU - Seasonal Delights Bingo: Language of Flowers [Card 2] - Sweet Pea - Seasonal Delights Bingo: Types of Love [Card 1] - "With You, I Found That it's Not as Lonely to Be Alone" (@seasonaldelightsbingo x2) - Lyrical Escape Bingo - "Until the dawn of time, we'll hold on." (@lyricalescape) - Any Fandom Angst Bingo - Trapped (@anyfandomangstbingo) - Winter Break Advent 2023 - December 11th-15th: Physical Hurt/Comfort | Going Through it Together | Kidnapped or captured by the same person | If you think that I'm someone to give up and leave - that'll never be me | Desperate measures + Working together - Fandom-Free Bingo: Frosty Edition - Stranded - Fandom-Free Bingo: Flight Edition - Opportunities - Fandom-Free Bingo: Valentine Edition - Begging Not to Go - Fandom-Free Bingo: Wild Edition [Card 2] - Falling Asleep on One Another - Fandom-Free Bingo: WBN Edition [Card 2] - The Truth About (Lies) - Fandom-Free Bingo: Maritime May Edition [Card 2] - Curled Up On Their Chest (@fandom-free-bingo x6) - Eclipsing Bingo - Sharing a Bed (@eclipsingbingo)

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mononijikayu · 9 months

Text

what are you doing new year's eve? ― nanami kento

The cafe was long behind them, and the echoes of jazz lingered in the little hums from her lips, accompanying them in their steps as they ventured into the winter night. In that quietude, they began leaving behind the remnants of that dance in the summer and that night in the jazz bar, stepping into the unscripted chapter that awaited them. Tomorrow was a new year, and in the cold winter streets of Copenhagen, both of them were certain—it was made for being together.

GENRE: Alternate Universe - Canon Convergence;

WARNING/s: Gen, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Husband and Wife, Friendship, Husband! Nanami, Reader! Wife, Fluff, Drama, Comfort, Falling In Love, Flirting, Fix-It, Humor, Domesticity, Family Life, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Idiots In Love, Light-Hearted, Slice of Life, Pining, Nanami Being A Great Husband;

WORDS: 5k words.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: i hope this makes up for the overtly sad sad stuff i write on here. this is a new year chapter for the new years!!! happy new year everyone!!! thank you for your support throughout 2023!!! let's be together happily in 2024 too!!!

main masterlist

what a wonderful world masterlist

malmö i mitt hjärta | what are you doing new year's eve

next: polaroid love

HE THINKS HE SHOULD HAVE WORN A WARMER COAT. Nanami Kento could feel his nose numbing as he tried to breathe air into his already exasperated lungs. He knew it was far too cold to wear this sort of coat. But he did not feel like going back into the house and scrambling through his winter clothes. He also did not want to see his grandmother fuss over him. She worries as much as his mother.

As much as he loved them both, he did not want them to worry too much about him. The cold could be bearable. But perhaps his restlessness was not. He needed to get out of the house. He just couldn’t take the four walls of his room anymore. He wouldn’t be able to bear it much longer.

The bitter wind, crisp and biting, meandered through the labyrinthine streets of Copenhagen, weaving its way around the ancient architecture that bore witness to the city's rich history. Each gust carried with it the distinctive scent of the nearby sea, a salty whisper that spoke of untold tales and distant horizons. In this Nordic city, where the air was charged with the essence of maritime adventure, Nanami Kento walked with purpose.

A year had passed since Nanami made the daring decision to sever ties with the tumultuous world of jujutsu. The echoes of battles fought and sacrifices made lingered in his memory, but the decision to leave it all behind had granted him a newfound sense of freedom. Seeking solace from the haunting shadows of his past, he found refuge in the comforting embrace of his grandparents' home—a haven nestled in the heart of this foreign land.

The cobblestone streets beneath his boots whispered tales of centuries gone by, and the vibrant hues of the buildings stood in stark contrast to the monochrome memories Nanami had left behind. In the midst of this cultural tapestry, he discovered solace, a respite from the constant turmoil that had defined his life.

As he walked through the city, the wind tugged at the collar of his coat, a reminder of the world he had chosen to leave behind. Yet, there was a promise in the air, an intangible current that hinted at new beginnings. Copenhagen, with its fusion of tradition and modernity, offered Nanami a canvas on which to paint the next chapter of his life.

Arriving at the doorstep of his grandparents' home, he felt the weight of the wooden door, weathered by time and stories. It swung open to welcome him, and the warmth within enveloped him like a familiar hug. The walls whispered tales of his own childhood, and the aroma of his grandmother's cooking wafted through the air, grounding him in the present.

In this foreign land, amidst the echoes of harsher winters than that of his own, Nanami discovered the beauty of starting anew. The bitter wind, though relentless, became a companion on his journey of self-discovery. As the sea-scented breeze caressed his face, he couldn't help but feel that, in Copenhagen, he had found a sanctuary—a place where the echoes of the jujutsu world could finally be drowned out by the soothing symphony of a city that embraced him without judgment.

It was a crisp winter morning, the kind that painted the world in hues of silver and white. Nanami Kento ambled through the narrow, quaint streets of the city, a foreign canvas upon which his footsteps left imprints of newfound freedom. The Nordic air, crisp and invigorating, filled his lungs with each breath, replacing the dense, suffocating atmosphere of the jujutsu world with the promise of serenity.

As he meandered through the snow-covered landscape, the weight that had burdened his shoulders for so long began to dissipate. The Scandinavian calm enveloped him like a soothing balm, soothing the wounds inflicted by battles fought and choices made. The city, adorned in its winter finery, seemed to cradle Nanami in its embrace, offering respite from the storm he had weathered.

Yet, in the quiet moments of solitude, Nanami couldn't escape the specters of his past. The thought of Mikoto Nobuhiko lingered in the recesses of his mind—the glistening eyes, the unspoken emotions that danced between them as they parted ways in the dorms. The memories of youth, now distant echoes, resurfaced, particularly the haunting image of standing before a cobblestone tomb where a dear friend rested, taken too soon. Nanami often found himself plagued by self-blame, haunted by the belief that he could have done more, that he could have altered the course of fate.

In the quiet of Copenhagen's winter, he couldn't shake the dreams of Yu Haibara and his infectious boyish smile. The gentleness that once defined Yu, stolen away by the unforgiving hands of the cruel world, haunted Nanami's subconscious. Yet, like a mantra, he reminded himself that those days were gone, a realm he could never revisit. The past, with its joys and sorrows, had become an unalterable tapestry that no amount of yearning could unravel.

Copenhagen, with its cold tendrils caressing his skin, became a sanctuary where Nanami sought solace. The chill, instead of biting, cradled him tenderly, a reminder that he had escaped the clutches of a world he could never truly leave behind. The city, with its ancient charm and modern allure, became a backdrop for Nanami's journey forward.

It whispered promises of a new beginning, a life unburdened by the shackles of the past. In the heart of Copenhagen, Nanami found relief, and as he navigated the snow-kissed streets, he embraced the present, determined to forge a path ahead—one guided not by regret, but by the gentle touch of a city that offered him a canvas upon which to paint the chapters of his rebirth.

The familiar street greeted him like an old friend, its cobblestones beneath his feet whispering tales of summer days gone by. Just a few months ago, Nanami Kento had wandered these same lanes during the summer break. The memories of those warm days lingered, woven into the fabric of the city's essence.

His grandfather, a jazz musician with a passion that spanned decades, had been a regular attendee of the music festival that graced the city every summer since the '70s. Kento, in tow, became a witness to the traditions that bound generations together. It had been a family affair, with his mother, equally enamored with jazz, usually accompanying them. However, that particular summer, his mother opted to spend time with his grandmother, leaving Kento with his father and grandfather.

As he traversed the familiar route, Kento couldn't help but reminisce about that summer day when the vibrant world of jazz had captured his senses. The infectious rhythm and soulful melodies had beckoned him, and he had surrendered himself to the music, if only for a brief moment. Little did he anticipate that this impromptu decision would act as a catalyst, altering the trajectory of his life.

The memories of that summer warmed his heart as he strolled through the well-trodden path. The city, once again alive with the spirit of jazz, seemed to echo with the tunes that had left an indelible mark on his soul.

And then, as if the city itself orchestrated a serendipitous encounter, he found himself standing in the same spot where destiny had intervened months ago. His gaze fell upon a young woman, her beauty transcending the ordinary. A wide smile graced her face, and her infectious laughter mingled with the music that enveloped the space. Her dress swirled around her as she danced with a partner, the joyous energy radiating from her like a beacon.

She fell into her partner's chest, laughter bubbling forth like a melody, and when she turned to face Kento, her eyes sparkled with an intensity that rivaled the sun. Before he could fathom what was happening, she took him by the hand, her eyes silently urging him to join the dance.

A playful gleam lit up her eyes as she extended her hand toward him, the vivacity in her voice cutting through the ambient jazz notes. He felt hesitant for a moment, turning to his father and grandfather with sudden panic. He did not know how to react. They nodded at him, smiling and urging him forward.

The air was charged with excitement and vibrant wonder, and as the first notes of a jazz tune enveloped them, Kento couldn't resist the magnetic pull of the music and the enchanting woman who had chosen him as her dance partner.

"Come on, don't be shy! Let the music guide you," she urged, her grin infectious, and in that instant, Nanami Kento felt a magnetic pull that transcended both time and space.

Without a word, he took her hand, and as their fingers intertwined, an unspoken connection ignited. The jazz, a melodic symphony that seemed to resonate from the very heart of the city, served as the backdrop to their impromptu dance.

The crowded space with its eclectic mix of jazz enthusiasts faded into the background as they swayed and twirled to the rhythm of the music. The world ,with its indifference and worries, ceased to exist within the warmth of the shared moment. In the heart of Copenhagen, surrounded by the echoes of jazz, Nanami Kento and the mysterious woman moved in perfect harmony.

The music, like a benevolent guide, dictated their steps, leading them through a dance that felt both spontaneous and rehearsed. As they spun and dipped, the energy of the jazz festival enveloped them, creating a cocoon where the troubles of the past and uncertainties of the future held no sway.

The woman's laughter, a melody of its own, echoed through the cobbled streets, interweaving with the jazz notes in a harmonious dance. Nanami, typically reserved and guarded, found himself surrendering to the rhythm, losing track of time and space. For those fleeting moments, the weight of the jujutsu world, the ghosts of his past, all seemed to dissipate in the cadence of their shared dance.

As the final notes of the jazz piece resonated through the air, the applause of the café's patrons brought them back to reality. The woman, still caught in the joy of the dance, turned to Nanami with a bright smile.

"That was amazing! Thank you for dancing with me," she expressed, her eyes reflecting genuine appreciation.

Nanami, a rare warmth lingering in his eyes, met her gaze. "No, thank you. It was a pleasure," he replied, a sentiment that transcended mere words.

He tried not to be embarrassed as he stepped away from her and back towards his father and grandfather. They continued to clap and laugh and praise him for doing well. Father even bragged about having taken a video and promised to show it to his mother later. He groaned about it as they continued to walk off and go to the path towards the other jazz musicians.

He did not know if it was the Danish sun that was hot all summer that made him feel so warm.

But as he turned back, seeing the young woman smile and giggle.

He was certain that the warmth he felt would stay with him throughout.

The spellbinding dance in the heart of bright, sunny Copenhagen had not only offered Nanami an escape from his past but had also kindled a connection that felt destined—a dance of a lifetime that he would carry with him, a cherished memory of a summer's day in a city that had become his unexpected refuge.

Restlessness gripped Nanami Kento with an unyielding tenacity, casting a pervasive shadow over the edges of his solitude. Within the confines of his own thoughts, dark tendrils of contemplation writhed like wildfire, unwelcome and intrusive. He loathed this emotional turbulence, an unwelcome companion that had persisted, refusing to release its hold on him even after the passage of time.

Seated with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, Nanami took deliberate, deep breaths, attempting to quell the tempest within his mind. The warmth of the beverage offered a comforting contrast to the internal chill that clung to him. It was a battle against the relentless onslaught of thoughts, a struggle against the emotions that threatened to consume him.

In this moment of quiet reflection, he pondered the futile hope that distance could sever the ties to haunting memories. He had sought solace miles and miles away, yearning to escape the accusatory gazes that whispered tales of abandonment and the painful eyes that spoke the language of goodbyes.

As he sighed, the warm breath escaping his lips seemed to carry with it the weight of unresolved emotions. Nanami couldn't escape the relentless echoes of the past, and even in the sanctuary of a quiet corner with a steaming cup before him, the turmoil within persisted. The hot chocolate, a feeble antidote, offered temporary respite, but the battle against the haunting shadows of his thoughts endured.

It was a struggle against an invisible adversary, an emotional warfare that unfolded within the confines of his own consciousness. Nanami, with each deliberate sip, attempted to find solace, seeking refuge in the simple act of indulging in the warmth of his drink. Yet, the restlessness, like an indomitable force, continued to linger, an ever-present companion on his journey through the labyrinth of his own emotions.

The familiar walls of his grandparents' home, while comforting, seemed to close in on him, urging him to escape the confines of his own thoughts. Sensing his need for reprieve, his grandfather, a sage figure of wisdom and understanding, suggested a simple remedy—take a walk.

The time-worn walls of his grandparents' home, though steeped in familiarity and the embrace of cherished memories, now seemed to tighten their grasp on Nanami Kento. Despite their comforting presence, they took on an almost oppressive quality, closing in around him like silent witnesses to the turmoil within his mind. The quietude of the rooms, once a haven, now echoed with the resonance of unspoken thoughts, urging him to seek refuge beyond the confines of his own contemplations.

His grandfather seemed to recognize the restlessness that brewed within Kento's being. Perhaps his mother has felt this way before too. Grandfather smiled at him tenderly. He was like a sage whenever Kento looked at him. It was as though he was someone who years carried the weight of experience and the gentle wisdom of time.

Certainly, he sensed the need for reprieve in his grandson's troubled heart. It was amidst this silent acknowledgment that the elderly patriarch offered a remedy as simple as it was profound—take a walk and relieve your heart with the sights of something else.

The suggestion hung in the air, laden with the unspoken understanding that sometimes, the remedy for a restless soul lay not in grand gestures or complex solutions, but in the simplicity of a deliberate step outside. The labyrinth of thoughts could often be navigated more effectively under the open sky, where the vastness of the world provided both perspective and solace.

Nanami, sensing the gravity of his grandfather's suggestion, nodded in silent agreement. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the unspoken bond that transcended generations—the understanding that, in the face of internal struggles, the wisdom of an elder could guide one towards a path of renewal.

As he stepped out into the crisp air, the creaking door behind him seemed to release not just his physical form but also the weight of his emotional burden. The world outside, bathed in the soft hues of daylight, became a canvas for introspection and healing.

Nanami's footsteps echoed the rhythm of his contemplations, each stride serving as a subtle declaration of his intent to navigate the labyrinth of his thoughts with the simple act of walking—an age-old remedy, whispered from one generation to another, under the watchful eyes of time.

The winter air greeted him coldly as he stepped out onto the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen. With earphones in place, the soothing rhythms of bossa nova provided a backdrop to his aimless journey. Each step resonated with a silent yearning to untangle the threads of his restless mind.

The city unfolded before him, a tapestry of ancient charm and modern allure, and Kento wandered through its labyrinthine streets, losing himself in the rhythmic cadence of his footsteps. As the city whispered tales of its storied past, he meandered through the enigmatic alleys, the bossa nova notes acting as a companion to his contemplations.

However, fatigue eventually set in, and as if guided by an unseen force, Kento found himself standing at the entrance of a familiar courtyard. The air seemed to shimmer with a sense of déjà vu, transporting him back to the vibrant days of summer. It was as if the city itself conspired to lead him to this very spot.

Without much thought, he stepped into the charming café tucked away in the corner of the courtyard. The ambiance was a sensory symphony, the warm notes of a saxophone enveloping him like a gentle embrace. The air buzzed with the lively laughter and animated chatter of cafe-goers, creating an atmosphere that felt alive with shared joy.

Nanami chose a seat near the small stage, drawn like a moth to the enchanting voice of the singer who held court before a captivated audience. The music, a melodic potion, seemed to weave a spell around him, momentarily quieting the restlessness that had plagued his thoughts. The singer, with a voice that resonated with emotion and grace, commanded the attention of everyone present, casting a spell that transcended the ordinary.

In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of the café and the entrancing melodies of the festival, Nanami Kento found himself once again caught in the embrace of the city's magic. The saxophone's soothing tones and the singer's enchanting voice served as a balm for his restless soul, providing a sanctuary where the worries of the world outside momentarily ceased to exist.

It was her, singing as though an angel sent from above.

Nanami Kento felt his lips part, but no words could come out.

He felt that same warmth, just as he had that summer's day in her arms.

As the musical crescendo reached its zenith, the singer's gaze, like a beacon in the dimly lit cafe, found Nanami Kento's eyes. In that ephemeral connection, a knowing smile graced her lips, a silent acknowledgment that transcended the audible notes and resonated with the unspoken language of their shared musical experience.

In that moment, it was as if a secret pact had been forged, sealed with the mutual understanding that they were both voyagers on a sonic journey, each note a stepping stone leading them to the heart of the melody.

The singer, bathed in the golden glow of the stage lights, seemed to surrender herself to the intoxicating passion of the music. Her eyes, illuminated with a spark of something indefinable, drank deeply from the chalice of its harmony, as if she were communing with a force beyond the tangible. It was a transcendent communion, where the boundaries between artist and art blurred, leaving only the essence of emotion that permeated the air.

For Kento, the allure of her presence became an irresistible force, a magnetic pull that tethered him to the heart of the performance. As he watched her, he felt not just the music but the very essence of her being infused with the atmosphere.

It was as though she and the music were indivisible entities, two sides of the same coin, each note an extension of her soul. In the canvas of the cafe, where the air hummed with the residue of melodies, life unfolded before him in the form of this captivating songstress.

The symbiosis between the singer and the music was palpable, a dance of mutual surrender. It was as though she embodied the very spirit of the composition, becoming the living, breathing manifestation of the melodies that cascaded around her.

The passion that emanated from her was contagious, and in that intimate space, Nanami Kento found himself caught in the intricate dance between artist and audience, the boundaries between their worlds momentarily dissolved.

In the presence of this goddess, life seemed to harmonize with the cadence of her voice. It was as though the cafe itself had become a sacred space, where the divinity of music and the essence of existence converged, creating a symphony that transcended the ordinary.

In those moments, as the singer basked in the afterglow of the song's climax, Nanami Kento couldn't help but feel that he had witnessed not just a performance but a manifestation of life's profound beauty.

As the minutes stretched into hours, the atmosphere of the cafe transformed into a timeless realm where Nanami Kento found himself ensconced in the spell of both music and the captivating presence of the singer. The rhythm became a pulse, and time, a fluid entity that seemed to elude the constraints of the clock. She sang, her voice a melodic river that coursed through the air, and Kento, a willing captive, lost himself in the undulating waves of sound.

Her singing was a continuous offering, a stream of prayers that flowed from her lips, each note like a sacred incantation. Kento, seated in the audience, listened with a reverence that bordered on the worshipful. It was as though he paid homage to a goddess of music, and in the repetition of the praises, he found himself entranced by the enchanting cadence that echoed through the space.

In a serendipitous twist of fate, Kento learned that she was a last-minute replacement, a sudden vacancy in the band leaving them without a singer.

Her brother, a member of the jazz band, had called her at the eleventh hour to fill the void. She chuckled at the unexpected turn of events, downplaying the praises that showered upon her. She waved them off, saying she was no singer. That she was no professional.

Yet Kento, a discerning listener, recognized the truth in those praises. They all ring true. Her voice, a celestial melody that resonated with his very soul, had woven itself into the fabric of his being.

When the final notes of the last song melted into the ether, the cafe erupted in applause. The singer, basking in the aftermath of her musical journey, cast a gentle smile in Kento's direction. It was a moment of acknowledgment, a silent exchange that transcended the applause and connected them on a level beyond the tangible.

As she prepared to leave the stage, she thanked everyone for coming. She started to say goodbye to members of the band and grinned at them, joking with them for a bit and kissed her brother's cheek and left the stage. Her brother was doing the next set as just jazz music, and so the claps and cheers finished and began anew as the band started to play once more. The cafe had turned into the bar it was at night.

The warmth of the cafe–bar gave way to the chill of the outside world. Opening the door, she let out a disgruntled sound and started complaining about the winter cold with her thick She started to stepped out into the cold, fumbling with the buttons of her winter coat. In that transitional moment, as the boundary between the magical world of music and the reality of the winter night blurred, Kento felt an unfamiliar impulse surge within him.

Seizing the opportunity, propelled by a courage he hadn't known existed, he stepped forward to bridge the gap between their worlds. The cold air hung heavy with anticipation as he took a chance, driven by an urge to break free from the silent observer and become an active participant in the unfolding drama of the night.

"Wait," the words escaped Nanami Kento's lips, a sudden impulse that caught even himself off guard. The singer turned towards him, her eyes a curious but kind inquiry, as if the melody of his voice had woven its own verse into the lingering notes of the music. "I think I know you."

Her gaze studied his face for a moment before recognition sparked in her eyes, and a smile began to blossom on her lips. "I met you, this summer. Didn't I? We danced together, just nearby!"

A nod from Kento, his heart resounding with each beat, a rhythm echoing the memories of that summer encounter. "Yes, I just... I just thought I was mistaken."

Her grin widened, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, you weren't. Good for you, hm?"

"I, uh... I didn't expect to see you here."

"Me neither," she responded, her hands finding refuge in her pockets, the winter air lending warmth to her words. "But my brother needed my help, and it's his last gig for the year. I thought I should help him out."

"I see."

"What's your name?"

"Kento," he replied, the syllables escaping almost too quickly for his liking. "Kento Nanami."

"Oh, you're Japanese?" A moment of realization crossed her features, and she gracefully bowed to him. Switching to Japanese, she continued, "It's nice to meet you."

Caught off guard, he reciprocated the bow, his face reflecting a mixture of surprise and astonishment. The unexpected reunion and the sudden switch to their shared language in the heart of Copenhagen added an unforeseen twist to the unfolding moment.

She giggled as she shared her name, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed as if Nanami was attempting to etch it into the recesses of his memory.

"I think I should go, Nanami—kun. After all, it's getting late."

"O-oh, uh... of course."

With a casual wave, she added, "Happy New Year, Nanami-kun."

"Happy New Year," he replied, the exchange marking a momentary farewell. Yet, just as she began to turn away, an inexplicable force pulled at him.

He called out to her again. That was what stunned him. He called her name by the pure, unexpected impulse. He did not know if she will turn around. But when she turned, still smiling, he could feel his heart pound so hard in his chest. It hurt to feel so warm inside, so almost exposed to the echoes of life.

Yet he knew he wanted to be greedy, at this moment.

Nanami Kento thinks he will not be able to not speak his heart aloud.

Because deep within, he found himself reluctant to let her slip away.

Scratching the back of his head, heat flushing his face, he mumbled, "I don't really do this, and I... I don't really know what will happen after I say it. But I just had to ask."

Her grin persisted, "What is it, stranger?"

"Would you like to have a meal with me?" He mumbles out, barely coherent. "Not here....just. Let's look for a place to eat at."

The question lingered in the air, suspended between the notes of the fading jazz melody, the enchantment of Copenhagen's winter night, and the thread of connection woven through their shared history of a summer dance.

It was a daring proposition, an invitation that transcended the boundaries of the ordinary, as if the cafe–bar itself held its breath in anticipation of her response.

Her eyes, still carrying the sparkle of their shared memories, held a playful curiosity as she considered his invitation. The cafe and bar, wrapped in the quietude of the aftermath of the performance, seemed to wait with bated breath for her answer.

The allure of possibility wafted through the space, a subtle hum in the air that resonated with the unspoken possibilities of a shared coffee, a continuation of a story that had begun in the rhythms of a summer dance.

She tilted her head, the smile on her lips carrying a hint of mischief, "Well, Kento—kun, I suppose it would be a shame to let such an unexpected reunion end so quickly, wouldn't it?"

Nanami Kento felt a surge of relief and excitement, the uncharted territory of possibility stretching before them. It was as though this moment just felt right. Everything he felt was right. Everything he felt about life shifted and changed and merged and broke. Everything in this moment was beyond comprehension. Everything about tonight was a once and a lifetime miracle.

"I'd like that," he replied, a sincerity in his voice that mirrored the warmth that had been kindled within him. "Very much."

She hums back, happily. "Hm, me too."

Their conversation, a delightful blend of laughter and shared memories, intertwined seamlessly with the enchanting atmosphere of the night. The lamplights cast elongated shadows on the cobblestone streets, creating an intimate tableau as they meandered through the city's silent alleys.

It was a dance of words beneath the glow, a choreography of sentences and responses that mirrored the ebb and flow of the moonlit waves on a distant shore.

The moon, a silent sentinel in the celestial expanse, bestowed its tender glow upon them, as if lending an ethereal blessing to this rendezvous. Its silver light, filtered through the winter night's breath, painted their silhouettes against the backdrop of Copenhagen's timeless beauty.

Underneath the moonlit canvas, they strolled with a leisurely pace, navigating the labyrinth of streets with no particular destination in mind. Each step was a sentence in the unwritten story of their night—a story that seemed to unfold organically, propelled by the magnetic pull of shared laughter and the quiet understanding that words could convey.

As they wandered, the city's pulse seemed to quicken, echoing the cadence of their conversation. The facades of historic buildings, adorned with tales of centuries past, watched over them like ancient guardians privy to the secrets exchanged in the moonlit embrace of the night.

The chill in the air did nothing to cool the warmth that radiated between them. Their breath mingled with the winter mist, creating an ephemeral veil around their steps. It was a dance of tenderness, orchestrated by the moon's watchful gaze and accompanied by the distant symphony of the city—footsteps on cobblestones, the occasional rustle of leaves, and the murmur of waves caressing the nearby shore.

As they continued to amble through Copenhagen's nocturnal embrace, the moonlight etched a silent poem in the sky, an ode to unexpected reunions and the timeless beauty of shared moments beneath its watchful eye. The city, in its slumber, whispered its approval, its ancient heart beating in harmony with the melody of their conversation. And in that tranquil interlude, two souls found solace in the delicate dance of words and the moonlit romance of a winter night in Copenhagen.

The cafe and bar was long behind them, and the echoes of jazz lingered in the little hums from her lips, accompanying them in their steps as they ventured into the winter night. In that quietude, they began leaving behind the remnants of that dance in the summer and that night in the jazz bar, stepping into the unscripted chapter that awaited them.

Tomorrow was a new year, and in the cold winter streets of Copenhagen, both of them were certain—it was made for being together.

fact about nanami and his wife this chapter: nanami's parents visited and attended a jujutsu sorcerer christmas party. his parents showed gojo the video of young nanami dancing with his wife in copenhagen. needless to say, nanami is not pleased. nanami's wife often comes to her brother's rescue when the singer of their band makes excuses. she has a really good singing voice and it helped nanami during sleepless nights or after a nightmare. she's been recruited a couple of times to be a professional singer, but she prefers writing! nanami's wife can speak japanese because her favorite uncle married a japanese woman. she wanted to be able to speak to her, so she and her aunt learned japanese and danish together. i always imagine nanami's wife's voice be like narumi from wotakoi while i write her dialogue. she sounds soft spoken but energetically bright to me. she was played by arisa date. here's a sample of narumi's voice. nanami's top three favorite music genre is hard rock, alternative rock and jazz. but he would listen to all types of music too. nanami's wife likes a lot of sorts of music, but she grew up around jazz, pop and ballad. the day of their wedding, gojo's present to nanami's wife was a giving her a flash drive of second year nanami kento singing and jamming out to evanescence's bring me back to life. his wife calls it the best video ever. nanami has tried to take the flashdrive but his wife has made subsequent copies! copenhagen is nanami and his wife's favorite city to be in whenever they're in denmark. its everything to them to be there on july, when the jazz festival happens when they first met and near new year when they had they met again. the years after this, when they confessed in snow flower, on new year's eve, when he and her came back to the jazz bar and ate at the same place as their first date as a couple.

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diioonysus · 1 year

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creepy/messed-up history facts

the man in the booth across from lincoln was named major henry rathbone, and after booth fired the shot, rathbone tried to tackle him to the ground, but booth sliced rathbone in the arm with a dagger. after that night, rathbone was never free of guilt. he suffered from stomach ailments to heart palpitations, and on december 23rd 1883, he attacked and killed his wife clara, and attempted to kill himself. he spent the rest of his life in a mental institution.

in 1494, sailors returning from the new world brought with them massive outbreak of syphilis, which spread through an entire french army, and with no antibiotics to counteract it, the disease spread unchecked. the skin on victims' faces would essentially rot away from the grisly ulcers. in some cases, the noses, lips and other body parts of the affected people were essentially gone.

in 1890, thomas edison, using wax cylinder, produced a line of baby dolls. they had wooden bodies, procelain heads, and miniature phonographs in their chests. the phonographs would play back recordings of young women reciting nursery rhymes like "hictory dickory dock," and "now i lay me down to sleep." (here's the audio of them x)

dentures used to be made from the teeth of dead soldiers. they were ivory base plates with real human teeth attached, a lot of these were sold to dentists by scavengers looting corpses from the battle of waterloo. the dentists would boil the them down, cut off the roots, attach them to ivory plates, and sell them.

in 1929, a pair of scientists at princeton university wanted to test and understand how the auditory nerve percieves sound, and their test subject was an alive cat. they cut out part of its brain and attached one end of a telephone wire to its auditory nerve and the other end to a reciever. weirdly enough, many researchers think this helped lead to the development of cochlear implants. but the cat was killed after the scientists wanted to see if it worked on a dead cat.

in 1726, mary toft told doctors that she gave birth to rabbits, and doctors were fully convinced until they found pieces of corn inside the stomach of one of the rabbits, proving that it hadn't developed inside her womb. she instead was manually inserting the rabbits to make the delivery look as realistic as possible.

it was believed that babies under the age of 15 months couldn't feel pain, so doctors would instead use muscle relaxers that had a paralytic effect to stop the baby from moving. this essentially meant they couldn't move or cry but they could still hear, see, and feel everything that was done to them. this was accepted up until 1980s

there was a tiger in india named man-eater of champawat who became dependent on human flesh, which at the turn of the 20th century inflicted a seven-year reign, killing 436 men, women, and children. she was eventually killed in 1907.

there was a book called "how the mail steamer went down in mid atlantic, by a survivor," which tells the story of an unnamed ocean liner that sinks in the atlantic. the protagonist is a sailor named thompson, who grows concerned over the lifeboat shortage, and sure enough the liners collides with a small sailing ship in a fog. as the ship sinks, only 200 of the 700 people on board survive. the second novella "the wreck of the titan: or, futility" by morgan robertson, follows the fictional ocean liner titan, which hits an iceberg in the north atlantic and sinks. like the titanic, the titan was described as the largest ship afloat at the time, both ships had a shortage of lifeboats, and the titan was dubbed "unsinkable." when the accident occurred, roberston simply said he was knowledgabe about maritime operations, saying "i know what i'm writing about, that's all."

some books created in the 18th and 19th century were bound in real human skin which was called anthropodermic bibliopegy. most of these books that were bound with human skin instead of animal skin were mostly based on anatomy or erotica.

during the battle of ramree island, which was fought between january and february 1945, japanese soldiers were cornered by english troops seeking to conquer burmese island of ramree, forcing japanese troops to cross 10 miles of swamp. the japanese soon began to suffer the effects of tropical diseases, but the presence of large numbers of scorpions, tropical mosquitoes and thousands of saltwater crocodiles, the world's largest reptiles, was even worse. In its genre. very aggressive beasts that can reach 8 meters in length and weigh more than a ton. according to some survivors, during the night, they were hunted one by one, in which the crocodiles would ambush them from underneath. and the survivors said the worst part was hearing the screams and the breaking of bones in the dark.

there is a cocodile named gustave (or was if you believe he's dead), a large nile crocodile in burundi who has been rumored to have killed 200-300 people. he's never been captured, but it has been stated that he could be "easily more than 20 feet, and weigh more than 2,000 pounds." he was/is estimated to be over 100 years old, and was/is described as having bullet wounds over his body, and his right shoulder blade was found to be deeply wounded, but they don't know what could have caused it. it's been rumored that he would leave the corpses he killed behind. in 2019, an article revealed he was killed, but there's no photographic evidence which leaves people doubting it's true.

#just some creepy facts ive come across #history #scary #facts

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cunning-frog · 8 months

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Holed Stones in English Folk Magic

Sources at the end

Stones with naturally occurring holes in them have many uses in magic all over the world. In England they have been used for protection and luck as well as in medicine. Holed stones are known by many different names, In England they have been and are known by numerous names such as Hag stones, Witch stones, Serpents'/Snakes' eggs, Adder stones, and Lucky stones. For the sake of clarity, I will be referring to them as ‘holed stones’.

Luck and Protection

Holed stones are used as amulets for protection against Hags, witches, faeries, and other spirits, when they are used in this way they are referred to as hag or witch stones. People would hang a holed stone above the door of their home or barn, and sometimes passageways within the home. People would also keep a small holed stone in a pocket for luck and protection.

Holed stones have also been known for being lucky, being worn around the neck for luck or tossed over the shoulder after spitting through the stone's hole to grant a wish. It was also said that is a person tied a holed stone to their house keys, those who resided in the home would be prosperous.

In communities where fishing and/or sailing was common the use of holed stones for protection was common, tying them to the bows of boats or inside of smaller rowing boats for protection while at sea. Holed stones were also used to protect against drowning, Christopher Duffin (2011) writes, “The coxswain of the Ramsay lifeboat [during 1929], also a fisherman by trade, always wore a small discoidal [holed] stone around his neck, threaded with copper wire. The amulet, passed down through three generations of fishermen, was credited with preserving the life of the wearer through terrible maritime circumstances.”

Medicine

As these holed stones protected against hags, witches, faeries, and other spirits they would often be used in medicine, as magic was often thought to be the cause of illness.

One of the illnesses holed stones were used to treat is ‘hag-riding’, in the book A Dictionary of English Folklore it is defined as “a frightening sensation of being held immobile in bed, often by a heavy weight pressing on one’s stomach or chest […] In folklore, it was thought of as a magical attack, though whether by demonic incubus, ghost, harmful fairy, or witch varied according to place and period.” (Simpson & Roud, 2003) Today hag-riding is understood to be sleep paralysis. To treat hag-riding a holed stone would be hung above the bed of the sufferer or, if the sufferer is an animal, placed in a stable.

This belief applied to both humans as well as other animals; hag stones were often used in the treatment of ill livestock. In Lancashire holed stones would be tied to the back of cows to protect them from all forms of harm, “self-holed stones, termed ‘lucky-stones,’ are still suspended over the backs of cows in order that they may be protected from every diabolical influence.” (Harland and Wilkinson 1873).

Sources:

Thwaite, A.-S. (2020). Magic and the material culture of healing in early modern England [Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository]. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.63593

Vicky, King (2021, November 11). Hag Stones and Lucky Charms. https://www.horniman.ac.uk/story/hag-stones-and-lucky-charms/

Pitt Rivers Museum, Accession Number: 1985.51.987.1 https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/collections-online#/item/prm-object-239947 (c) Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford, Date Accessed: 21 January 2024

Adams, Thomas, fl. 1612-1653., 2013, A commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written by the blessed apostle St. Peter. By Thomas Adams, Oxford Text Archive, http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12024/A00665

Jacqueline Simpson & Steve Roud (2003). A Dictionary of English Folklore. Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095941856

Christopher J. Duffin (2011) Herbert Toms (1874–1940), Witch Stones, and Porosphaera Beads, Folklore, 122:1, 84-101, DOI: 10.1080/0015587X.2011.537134

Harland, J., & Wilkinson, T. T. (1873). Lancashire Legends: Traditions, Pagents, Sports, & C. With an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract on the Lancashire Witches, & C., &c. G. Routledge. https://archive.org/details/cu31924028040057

Photo source:

File:Hag Stones (8020251781).jpg. (2023, February 2). Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 04:11, January 26, 2024 from https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Hag_Stones_(8020251781).jpg&oldid=729610598.

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oinonsana · 24 days

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my ongoing bladepunk dharmacore new weird fantasy web serial THE KNIGHT VAGRANT just updated and it's got a good chunk of reading material to get through now. its slow going: the maximalist maritime asia inspired fantasy world system of WANDERING is filled with physics and concepts that must be unraveled, and i'm drip feeding info like an elden ring item description

check it out here!

here's the blurb if you're interested!

Death held them, once, for the quickest second. Until the Adamantine Path reaped its due.

Raxri Uttara the Once-Dead walks again, rejuvenated by the Medicine Awoken. Arisen, without memory, they must wander again this Wheel of Wandering. They must seek revelation from their past, understand again the vaunted world of the Utter Islands, and choose, ultimately, between vengeance or enlightenment.

And within that moment, let their enlightenment be that such a duality is delusion.

Follow now RAXRI UTTARA, a once swordgendered swordstress and mystic now shorn of their accumulations. Now they must needs wield the God-Dissolving Darkness to flense away the forgetting's dirt, so that they may arrive again at the truth. In so doing they must recover their lost magicks and martial arts... and attain yet more to enact vengeant enlightenment upon those that wronged them.

If they could remember who or what wronged them...

Upon that peak, will they choose the right blade? The Termagant Buddha watches closely.

Giant cats turned into apartment complexes, ghost horse steeds that tire not, walking giant mechanical armors turned into public transportation, charnel wizards summoning the long-dead, witches wielding the Pureflame of Creation, the Machine God beginning its slick advance into forever progress... the Age of Furor is upon us.

The Latter Day of the Law.

As you walk your Path, Kill God Yourself. Until all beings are free.

THE KNIGHT VAGRANT is a new weird progression fantasy web novel in the universe of WANDERING, a world wrought from Highest Fantasy, Esoteric Buddhism and Maritime Asia.

* Follow warriors who cultivate good merit and meditate upon deities so that they themselves can gain access to paranormal powers, ritual magics, and other means to exercise power over the phenomenal world through enlightenment to their Awoken Nature.

* Inspired by the likes of Abhorsen, Demigods and Semidevils, Return of the Blossoming Blade, Florante at Laura, Elden Ring, Breath of the Wild, Wuxia, Westerns, and Vagrant Story.

* The web novel explores themes of vengeance, memory, being, violence, peace, forgiveness, and emptiness in the face of betrayal, wrath, and war.

* If you liked Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Jin Yong, China Mieville, Return of the Blossoming Blade or Thousand Autumns, you might enjoy this!

#fantasy #writing #maritime asia #web serial #progression fantasy #new weird #weird fantasy #literature

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batrachised · 2 months

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"I first read Anne of Green Gables to my grade 3 class in Vernon River. When we got to the chapter in which Matthew dies, we all sat still and quiet until one student said, “I didn’t know a teacher could cry.”'

-Deirdre Kessler, a former Poet Laureate of P.E.I.

"I recall reading Montgomery at specific times and in particular places. I remember reading Anne of Avonlea with my best friend in her back yard after our grade 5 teacher had read Anne of Green Gables aloud to the class. We were hooked. I reread Anne of Green Gables and Anne’s House of Dreams in a residence room at Carleton University when I was preparing to go to Nigeria as a CUSO teacher. I read Volume I of The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery while watching my young daughter play at a park. In more recent years I have gone directly to those passages that sustain me. I marvel at how deeply the words on the page connect writer and reader."

-Margaret Steffler, Professor Emerita at Trent University

"I grew up 27 kilometres and 98 years from Lucy Maud Montgomery: nearer in space than in time to her life and her creations. Growing up a writer within that circumference, it was hard to say if Maud cast a shadow or a gleam across the literary landscape and Island imagination. In the shadow of saccharine oversimplifications and commercialization, the writer was tempted always to challenge, to write against her legacy. But on an August day by a brook or on a December evening meeting a sharp-tongued character with a sharp eye on Island cultural characteristics, the writer is required to recalibrate: to recognize that we write, here, in her gleam. Happy 150 years since that first glimmer."

-Jane Ledwell, PEI writer

"For the past ten years I have lived in a small town in central Pennsylvania. (You can’t buy twenty pounds of brown sugar at the hardware store, but it’s that kind of place.) It’s nice enough, but it isn’t home. As someone who grew up in Toronto – attended a girls’ school – and then went east, I was probably fated to identify with Jane Stuart, Jane of Lantern Hill. I wasn’t born on the Island; I can’t make jam; and I was born decades too late to take the train from Union Station across on the Tormentine ferry. But I thrill to mornings on the Island and long for its sea winds, and just like Jane, I live through being away by never really being away: “Because in a very real sense Jane was still living on the Island.” I may live here, but I am there.

I’m glad that L.M. Montgomery understood how that feels."

-Claire Campbell is a double expatriate, a Canadian living in the United States and an Upper Canadian-born who misses the Maritimes.

"To me, teaching Anne of Green Gables in Iran was an unexpected journey that brought profound inspiration and hope. Little did I know that this classic tale of Anne Shirley’s resilience and feisty spirit would become a beacon of empowerment for my predominantly female students. Their connection with Anne's unwavering determination and her strong character ignited a spark within them that eventually helped spark an uprising against a relentless dictatorship. Witnessing these remarkable young women, who had once found solace in Anne's story, rise up against four decades of draconian rule in Iran has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Iranian women have taken the lessons of Anne’s perseverance to heart and channeled that spirit into a courageous struggle for justice and freedom. This is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream of a better world."

-Sam Roodi, professor of Global Citizenship at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada

"Recollections of childhood reading experiences tend to blur repetitively, but, for me, one memory is categorically singular. I was nine years old, home from school sick. My dad, on his way to work, stuck his head inside my bedroom door and said, “Here, try this.” He handed me a blue hardback of Anne of Green Gables. When he returned that night, I had finished it. For that whole day, I lived inside the skin of a different person. In a blur of astonishment and devastation, I learned that it was possible for a beloved fictional character to die. And I explicitly knew I was a different Margaret from the one who had woken up that morning. I remember my startled recognition, in so many words, that Thornton Burgess’s animal stories – hitherto completely satisfying – would never be quite the same again. My life as a reader had suddenly and irrevocably expanded."

-Margaret Mackey is Professor Emerita in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta

"You inspired my mother to be a writer, when she was a little girl in Texas; you inspired my father, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, to see beauty all around. My little sister is named for your Anne. Every day I think about or read your work and try to imagine who you were within and between the lines. Thank you, thank you for giving me so many reasons and ways to read, to write, to connect with others, and to be."

-Elizabeth Rollins Epperly

"Maud’s writing first spoke to me when my own world had gone very quiet. I dwelt in a small town in regional Australia and was rarely able to leave my home due to chronic illness. Instead, I lived vicariously through her tales of girls and young women on an equally small island, about as far away from my own as it was possible to be. She showed me that life lived on a domestic scale could be just as vivid as that on the wider horizon. Unable to travel elsewhere, I gained strength from Pat’s decision to remain in a home to which she was so powerfully attached. Later, as a young teacher in a rural boarding school, I found comfort in my isolated state from Emily’s example of writing through her difficult feelings. Later still, when I reached Oxford, it was Anne’s experiences at university and her rich relationships with the kindred spirits she found there that resonated with special force. Maud’s words have been inscribed on each stage of my life, a tapestry of experiences that I have shared with her remarkable heroines, and which I will continue to weave in the decades yet to come."

-Chelsea Wallis

"My Maud testimonial begins with Brenda K Weber's testimonial. At an LMMI conference decades ago, she recalled a stuffy academic party during which a graduate student had approached her to make small talk. The student had a shaved head and a well-known enthusiasm for science fiction, and he wore black sneakers to this department party. When she told him she was about to attend a conference on Montgomery, his eyes lit up. "I love Emily of New Moon!" he exclaimed, and went on to babble about it for the next ten minutes. I love Weber's story as a reminder that we will find kindred spirits in the most unexpected places. I also love it because the graduate student in that story...was me. I discovered Weber's paper years later, and I think it captures me perfectly: a little too extraverted, a little fashion-ignorant, and still completely in love with Emily."

-Joe Sutliff Sanders is a specialist in children’s media in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge

"I open the cocoa-splattered, tatty book. Hand-written – hand-scrawled – memories of sensory pleasure: spicy, sugary, crunchy, hearty, homey. I open my mother’s falling-apart recipe book. In it are generations of recipes, passed on from great-grandmothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, daughters, and daughters-in-law. A whole museum of feminine companionship.

You, too, held such a collection – a testimony to your own experiences of motherhood, of sisterhood, of friendship, of love. And when I open Anne of Green Gables, The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook, and then also Aunt Maud's Recipe Book, I share in these experiences. I find recipes to add to my own cocoa-splattered, tatty, hand-written recipe book. Liniment cake (with vanilla this time) made for birthdays, raspberry tarts for Sunday afternoon fun, ice cream that tastes of clouds … I open these books and I find comfort; I find love; I find motherhood."

-Daniella Dedekind is currently completing her MA at the University of Pretoria, South Africa

"On a recent spring day, I glanced out the window of my fourth-floor apartment and saw a flurry of white crab apple blossoms fluttering gracefully through the air, dancing upward on the wind. The whole urban landscape was transformed, and in that moment, I felt so thankful, not only for this glimpse of the wild nature of my city, but also for Montgomery and her nature-loving heroines, who taught me about Snow Queens and Wind Women and Flashes and how to live each day with eyes and heart and mind open to the beautiful surprises of the world around me. "

-Tara Parmiter is a Clinical Professor of Expository Writing at New York University.

"When I was in the third grade, my mother bought me Anne of Green Gables as a birthday present. I kept asking for sequels every year, and when I was in junior high, I learned that Prince Edward Island was a real place. During my university years, I visited the Island for the first time and stayed for three weeks. After several trips and working with a travel agency, I landed a job as a tour guide on PEI.

At first, I just liked to see the various seasons described in Montgomery’s books; then I wanted to feel the joy of spring after a long winter. Before I knew it, it had been 28 years in PEI. Again, this spring, I'll go into the woods looking for mayflowers. Gilbert's love, expressed through gathering these small flowers for Anne, still touches my heart after all these years."

-Katsue Masuda

"Like so many of us, my introduction to L.M. Montgomery came in childhood, at a time when I read voraciously, so hungry for departure. Back then, I had no clear sense of myself as a lesbian, but I knew intuitively that something about me was strange and “different” – or, as Montgomery herself might have put it, “queer.”

Because, at the time, there were so few novels for young readers with LGBTQ+ characters, I learned to find myself in other, less overt mirrors. It was in Montgomery’s books that I saw the clearest echoes of my own unarticulated desires. Emily Byrd Starr’s world is populated by older, unmarried female characters who show no interest in finding male partners. Valancy Stirling casts off the constraints of her disapproving family to pursue the existence she wants for herself. And Montgomery gave me Katherine Brooke in Anne of Windy Poplars, arguably her most overtly queer character.

I know, of course, that Montgomery wasn’t writing for readers who were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender – and I know her opinions on lesbianism, expressed with such vehemence in her diaries – but she was writing for those of us who were “queer,” in the broader sense of the term. I’d like to think that she’d be able to understand my deep gratitude for the ways her work has always made me feel seen."

-Katharine Slater is an associate professor of children’s and young adult literature at Rowan University

"When my fifth-grade teacher read Anne of Green Gables to my class in the sixties, it was the comedic episodes of Anne dying her hair green and getting Diana drunk that made the book enticing. Throughout the decades since, as I aged and my interests changed, there was something new that appealed to me with each reading: a description of a beautiful garden as I planted one of my own, a reference to a special type of needlework as I learned to quilt, a humorous episode about Anne’s attempts in the kitchen as I also struggled in this regard, the love and bond between Anne and Marilla as I experienced those same emotions with my children and grandchild."

-Joanne Lebold

"L.M. Montgomery has not just inspired my family; she has shaped it. My great-grandma Cora first read the books aloud to her students in a one-room schoolhouse. Her daughter, my grandma Penny, and her daughter, my mother Christy, spent countless family vacations tracking down old copies of Montgomery’s books. It is pretty easy to figure out where my name and my sister’s came from (Emily and Anne, naturally). Montgomery has inspired our travel, showed us the joy in unraveling historical puzzles, supplied countless treasured memories, and connected us to friends all over the world. We have studied, collected, honoured, researched, discussed, savoured and loved Montgomery’s works. And we’ve done it all together. We have learned that Montgomery’s legacy is not just literary; it is intergenerational and personal."

-Emily Woster

#maud150 is a collection of tributes for Maud's 150th birthday. the above are a handful of my favorites.

#lm montgomery #maud150 #long post

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