#all things end and the point is to just try to be happy until it does

[kalims]

⭒ㅤwhose (not) random kid

premise. crash landing from the future is apparently your kid, not that you know that anyway... in the form of a mixture between you, and your... supposed counterpart, clues are bound to pile up as to whose child this is.

parts. rosehearts, kingscholar, ashengrotto, al asim, schoenheit, shroud, draconia

cont. gender neutral reader, use of 'mada' which is just 'mama' and 'dada' cut in half for our resident shrimp (aka yuu), octavinelle's shady business deserved it's own tag, 7.0k words

note. hiii again! it took a whole month for this to come out hehe. my honest opinion, the kid here is the cutest I've had to write. I really love em' 🤎 most of the good parts of this fic is near the end where they start interacting with yuu!

azul

ashengrotto did not do things himself–it sounds bad, by extension. like he was incompetent but most of the student body of the school knew better than to assume so, much less say it out loud. associating with him came with consequences, but much larger rewards to sow if you were actually useful for him to keep close.

why should he exert much effort from the body when his mind had already done the work? he rewarded his employees well after all.

his grip was iron. figuratively, and literally. no slip through for an exit, if he let go then it was because he wanted to. he does things when he wants to and watches it all play with a critical eye. he let his actor take point center, relish the spotlight where in the end, he can bask under the light. what was rewards without hardships?

azul does things for you despite himself.

like now, he’s desperately trying to pluck out every thought of you like a needle stuck in hay from his mind because he was not at the local store for you, but for a business opportunity.

like before, when he would inevitably grace you with pointers for advanced lessons for better preparation. muttering something about him not nurturing employees that lack the essence of his dorm–intelligence, and wit. 

like after, he’s not so sure if there is one now. who would take back what he said? him? ashengrotto?

everything is so within a script he plays that he tells himself that he let you storm off because he willed it. 

“you wouldn’t know what it’s like to be special,” he shouldn’t have regretted the remarks that flew from his mouth as a defense mechanism that wrapped around himself and inevitably pushed you away. azul was special because he made himself to be (and you were special to him in a way that was irrevocably lost to him).

what did you do? how did you do it?

azul did not want to hold onto someone so sought after, he wouldn’t handle it well if you chose another warmth to run into, he only made investments that he was sure he would win.

he watched when you straightened abruptly from his words. like his voice struck you even when he made sure it was a sound that drew joy from you, you don’t look happy. you breezed past him like the wind, not unkindly but something fleeting that he can’t grasp at.

after all, no one can hold onto the wind.

a pair of eyes follow his frisky movements with amusement–since when did the perceptive, at ease azul struggle to focus picking off the most ripe ruby berries? he’d been staring at the fruit for so long that even floyd, whose attention was frayed by other aisles.

jade had only been interested in the mundane task of shopping when he spotted a tray of fungi on sale, his eyes sparkled. so azul compromised to purchase some free of charge if he was diligent in his work afterward. over time the interest faded, it was simply routine until he exited the aisle after a quick skim and found azul in the same spot.

then floyd got interested at whatever jade was standing by and idly observing.

now, they’re both looking at azul.

“he’s still sulking?” floyd scrunched up his nose as azul threw a perfectly decent ruby berry back into the basket, in his opinion anyway why was there a need to spend so much time finding perfect ones? azul was not as interesting to poke at considering he hadn’t blown up at floyd yet.

marine creatures are much more fun when they puff up. he had told his brother who agreed without any insight.

azul can only take much of floyd, and if he’s still keeping to himself by now it must have been serious.

and! more fun to see if pushed too hard. chuckled floyd in his head.

jade does not stray his eyes from azul. “it appears so.” he agreed with a light hum, he took the pack of eggs from floyd’s hands and set it in the basket before the latter got any ideas of breaking it–more so if it was related to throwing them at azul’s head specifically.

“but i would say it is brooding rather than sulking.” he added unhelpfully to azul’s case to which floyd merely shrugged in response.

“you do know i can still hear you both?” azul drawled from the stands. seemingly finding two more ruby berries adequate enough so he discards them at the basket hanging from his inner elbow. when he has forcefully moved his gaze from the fruits to the two, he is given the full extent of the amusement on their faces.

for floyd, lack thereof.

“indeed.” jade flashed him a smile.

floyd continued for him, shifting on his feet with one hand buried beneath his pocket. “that’s why we’re talking, azul.” cause you can hear us.

in response, azul merely crinkled the two of his brows. he briefly pondered to grace them with a response, but what would simply be adding more oil to the flame and he greatly disliked fire. the twins offered a brief respite from the hurricane of thoughts that was you, he supposed he could at least be grateful for that.

even if they clearly didn’t intend so and relished his disdain.

he pushes up the rim of his glasses. “all done?” azul interjected. there were far better thing to use with time rather than spend it all teasing him–or for thinking of good old you that didn’t fit into any equation he drew.

he still snuck you in.

thankfully none of the two had the ability to read minds, as it happens jade might be eerily good at reading but peering into his thoughts was out of his range. if they did, he would simply never hear the end of it, could have left them all alone just so he could have a hint of privacy.

jade nodded, azul hands him the list. “double check in case floyd,” he glared pointedly at said male. “forgets something like last time.”

the last time azul was negligent in checking twice, floyd hadn’t been able to grab a bottle of witch’s essence. mostly because of the presence of you, where floyd had found trailing after you far more interesting than browsing the aisles for what he was supposed to get.

he was supposed to be irritated, he was until he was simply just a bit grateful floyd was near to ward off a persisting customer of the shop who found your ‘less than interesting magic-less capabilities’ apparently interesting enough to poke fun at.

azul didn’t take you with them anymore. due to floyd’s distraction or the possibility you’d be bothered again he isn’t so sure.

of course, he tied off that loose end with jade.

“i don’t get why we couldn’t have done this at sam’s shop.” grumbled floyd, stopping in front of their paths and is then ushered by jade forwards once more. the voice shakes azul from his recollection, that unfortunately was once again related to you–who shall not be named.

jade momentarily eyed azul who stares ahead as if to shake off his piercing stare. “of course, azul would only stop at the best for the prefect.” 

the remark burned him. you who shall not be named burned him, and azul sort of liked it. his cheeks flared with warmth and he cleared his throat, fearful that it would come out as a scrawny, weak, affected croak. “this is for our new exclusive offer.” azul retaliated.

“so the birthday bash offer was not for the prefect whose birthday is today?” jade retorted.

the excited it’s shrimpy’s birthday? from floyd was only entertained by his brother who nodded in confirmation. he looks away from azul who made it a point to drill him a stare on the side of his head.

“that makes sense.” floyd said, stopping to lean by the register where the other two transfer their item of goods from the basket to the counter. “everyone else doesn’t deserve anything but nothing except for shrimpy.”

besides the other students that you had ‘beast tamed’ that extended to the twins, jade took you in steadily when you proved to be a fascinating specimen while floyd took more convincing when you pointedly ignored his attempts at intimidation.

now the tweel won’t even leave you alone. azul is only ever grateful a few times for it.

when thought about once, you embedded deeper in the mind. it must be what floyd as doing because he spoke again. “i haven’t seen shrimpy in a looong time,” he pouted, the cashier had rung up half the items at that point. looking sleep deprived, and their chatter was merely background noise.

“it’s only been 7 days.” azul corrected, unwilling to voice the and 2 hours that lingered in response to floyd’s quip.

“you could just say a week.” teased jade. “have you been keeping tabs?”

floyd off-handedly took jade’s phone from his pocket, having forgotten his back at the dorm. the latter does not argue considering it was better to let floyd run amok when the things he desired was innocent.

“i simply like to be informed well.” 

ignoring the other two was easy as trein’s class (which was easy because he slept through mot of it). floyd inputted the password of his other and peered as the screen flared to something other than an ominous screen of a forest fungus. he, for one was glad to be free of the sight.

his face does sour into a blach when he finds the last thing jade was on is an online cart full of plants he didn’t bother to remember, and a few he associated with the list of fungi crewel gave them with the book to study for an upcoming test. 

floyd isn’t sure if jade was trying out hands on learning or doing something weird with those… things again, like cooking them up and force feeding it to him.

he shuddered.

“about yuu?”

azul glared, floyd spared a glance to quietly laugh at the expression before returning to the device.

way too bright, he sniffed, swiping down to lower the brightness that was obnoxiously raised to the maximum setting and stopped at the myriad of notifications of missed calls.

“you buddy-buddy with oyster?” queried floyd as he found the number seven next to the red ping of a missed call.

jade tilts his head.

“or yellowfin tuna,” he read. “or flounder, or mackerel..”

floyd listed out the names as he scrolled, only pausing when he found the end to be an answered call from you four days ago. azul turns his head after handing off the newly bagged items as they made their way to the exit.

likely, he recognized those to be the species of his employees. 

“we are dorm mates.” jade answered, they weren’t friends, colleagues at most but most prominently dorm mates.

floyd held up his phone. “you got like ten million missed calls from everyone at the dorm at this point,” he snorted. “and message from tuna hours ago about the lounge being in chaos.”

“what?” azul sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “i left flounder in charge, he’s capable.”

“clearly not capable enough, did azul make a lapse in judgement?”

“why you–”

“floyd.”

___

the dorm was in fact.

not in chaos?

the three stood befuddled at the surprising serene peace of the lounge. azul in particular crossed his arms and wondered when his employees got off making lies about the state of his lounge. if anything the atmosphere was better simply because everyone on the shift seemed to be in a good mood right now.

oyster passed along a bottle of coral sea refresher to a table of savanaclaw students with a smile which could be the sign of the impending doom of the world because all they knew how to do was brood, and brood, and brood about their state of finance as if azul isn’t their answer to that particular problem.

“did you teleport us to the wrong place?” floyd scratched his head.

“how dare you imply i could make a mistake.” azul snapped, reigning his temper in before he could fully grant floyd the satisfaction of seeing his patience fraying.

“you exerted your magic suddenly without pausing for mistakes.” jade chided. usually a teleportation spell could have moments to spare before the final incantation to polish beforehand to ensure the body is in one piece after the travel. a spontaneous one consumed larger magic due to lack of perfection.

if the reservoirs weren’t enough the spell would simply hurt the body instead.

azul sighed. “what can i do? the lounge cannot run well, or at least i was told.” his face twists into a cold stare of annoyance, eyes skimming the room, likely looking for flounder.

to his displeasure, he does not see them. only the startling smoothness that the lounge operates in at the moment. it was a sight that should have brought him satisfaction–just another variable in his equation to separate from his worries.

instead the sourness that had lingered for days now churned in his gut. no matter how much water he drank to flush it out, it stayed and that was strange because you did not.

floyd shrugged his shoulders. “eh, looks good enough to me. since it’s operating so well, we shouldn’t disturb them.” which was the less subtle form of i don’t want to work. azul could not read jade’s expression as usual, so he was unsure if he agreed with floyd or not.

he stared longer around. looking for a crack in the pristine management to put floyd as a temporary bandage

azul slumped his shoulders. “fine.” he relented, not without a heated glare at the side of floyd’s head.

then the eel was huffing, striding to the back where the dark halls extended to the inner dormitory of octavinelle. intimidating on purpose of course, to ward off just in case any stray, wandering customer came to close.

and of course, if they still looked past that. any octavinelle hungry enough for a fool was welcome to name it their prey.

he glanced sideways. “find flounder. we have much to discuss.” jade nodded, did not pry. a more favorable trait between the two brothers if you asked azul.

azul was just about to turn to the direction of his office, sort out his plans for the following week. ensure his current plans are not falling through, ponder about the state of you or maybe he can pick himself out of his towering, fragile pride that he’d let you tip over if you came back.

maybe.

you likely would not though, once he’s chased off someone they don’t come back. he does not give them a reason to, nothing in him to stay anyway. you had nothing but had something that briefly makes his heart stammer in a way that warms him even in the frigid cold of octavinelle.

he would need several hours to shrug off afterwards, lamenting over the time his thoughts scattered and he scampered around in his mind trying to pick off fragments. azul did not waste time, didn’t make the same mistake twice but still sought you out like a symbolic voice.

he’s never heard you sing, but he wants to hear it more than your stifling silence.

frazzled, azul grasps at the edge of his hat. tilting it down to hide even the slightest of skin over his distraught expression. forget about them! he protested against his mind, now his mind won’t even listen to him lately. stop thinking about them…

“azul,”

“not now jade.” he hissed, eyes shut.

“azul,” again.

“i told you to look for flounder just a second ago.”

“i suppose you don’t want to talk about the child skimming through your contracts?”

“whatever you do is none of my–”

blue eyes snap open to jade, tracing the line of sight.

a cold chill shriveled his spine. he had not fully registered the entirety of jade’s words, the word your contracts is what he zeroed in on with lazer focus as his legs jerked to move towards the bar. where he certainly did not keep his contracts and where a child was certainly skimming through quite a few diligently.

where did they find that? his eyes twitched, eyes unrelenting on the little thing. the better question was, who let it inside of mostro lounge! do any of them know he’s not allowed to bring any in here? 

well, no one does.

still! a child? his contracts?

“excuse me,” he halted in front of their tiny frame, their legs barely even meeting the floor and hovering from the stool. if azul had to guess… they required some semblance of assistance to even reach it, begging the question who and why in the world when they are clutching onto his–! “i do believe you should not take what is not yours.”

azul could not help the frown that tugs at his face. he probably looks unfriendly, and frightening to a child now no matter how soft he forced his voice to be. he reaches out and grasps at the edge of the pristine parchment, tugging, smoothly rolling it to tuck into the inside of his coat without another word.

to make up for the sudden motion, he breaks into a smile. “you are not supposed to be here.” he states flatly, half aware of jade’s footsteps coming to a stop beside him.

the eel leans down slightly. 

curiously. the child peers up without a sense of startle, just calm observation.

“mister jade.” they murmured.

said male’s brows quirked. “i would have remembered such a… small specimen.” he says, a subtle jab to their knowledge. a nicer way of prying he typically does not spare for problems, after all, it is a kid.

his eyes drift from the child to azul. not to share a look of confusion but to compare the eerie shade of blue that reflected back at him.

in a surprising act of sincerely, the child blinked and glanced at the hand that used to hold his contracts. “I'm sorry, papa.” they murmured, bowing their head in a show of what seems to be genuine atonement. their hand reaches out and clutches onto the coat of his dorm uniform, azul is feeling more surprised to the fact he hadn't recoiled away.

papa? he's not a papa! he blanched, forcing a wobbling smile.

at their point of eye contact only does he notice the striking similarity of his eyes. it reminded him of himself when he was young, that sort of innocence before it was tainted.

gravely. he shook it off.

though they seemed to have mistaken his silence for anger. their lips purse. “don't be mad.” 

jade eyed the interaction with a glint of surprise. “you clearly shouldn't have a child in the future if you've made one so upset already.”

azul spares him a heady glare. “be quiet, jade.”

the child frowned lightly at that. “don't be mean to mister jade, papa.”

the eel in question grinned lightly. “that's right, papa. don't be so mean to the kind mister over here.”

azul is tempted to make his stare more harsh, and throw in the good old threat. it always worked for employees out of line, even if it was scarce to work on jade. so he had always pinned the punishment on floyd, who would then pester jade about being dragged about his mess.

that was how to keep jade in line.

halfway into it, he remembers the innocent child in front of him. holding onto him like he was their father. well, they certainly thought so. which was an extremely silly thought. still, azul bites his tongue before he can spew any semblance to ink on land.

once, jade had received the unfortunate end to his ink and wasn't too pleased.

safe to say he had never tried to dent his pot ever again.

azul clicked his tongue but for appearances sake, he manages another practiced smile at the kid. turning his head to hide a grimace as they tugged on his coat. “ahem… dear child, you are not supposed to be here.” he started. he wanted to back track, he did not want to sound like that crow! “how did you get here?”

“how about we inquire about this charming little one's name first?” jade cut smoothly.

the child perked up.

“i’m solon!”

azul's lips twitched–

“I haven't thought about a name yet.”

“don't tell me its another business thing? it's just to differentiate marine life!”

“hmph, I am not always so driven to success. I have time for other things, like pondering, and indulging your silly excuses for passing time like naming these creatures..”

“what would you name that little cutie there then?”

a shy little octopus in the corner? he paused. “a wise one named solon.” proudly said.

–downwards.

he wants to knock on his head this instant. how dare he betray himself again by drifting his thoughts to you? azul cleared his throat and feigned a cough. “is that so?” he croaked.

“and azul is your father, is that why you're here?” 

the former shot him a look so incredulous that it was easy to read. you’re kidding. azul’s face read, both a non-verbal message to himself and jade. do i look like a father to you?

jade was almost tempted to give azul a nod out of spite, to see if his expression twist into deeper offense but then again the two had known each other for a while enough to read more clearly than others. they did not use the term friends to describe one another, more of a lasting companionship than anything else.

as long as he continued to be amusing, jade and floyd would stick by him. be occasional thorns on his side but nonetheless still there.

azul opened his mouth to reply before he could get prodded at further.

solon already answered for him with a nod. “yes, my papa.” to which azul’s eyes bulged through the fogging lens of his glasses. jade had never seen him so discombobulated that he could not help an amused, low chuckle under his breath,

always so interesting. he thought with a simpering smile. he’ll stay by for a while it seems. shouldn’t he call floyd to share the laugh?

it was not azul that pushed up the rim of his sliding glasses up the bridge of his nose, but his seeming younger counterpart. “papa’s establishment was failing so i saved it.” they added.

that solves the why is the lounge operating so good. so that means flounder was out of azul’s red zone. for now anyway!

“excuse you?” azul stammered. “mostro lounge is many things, but it is not a failing establishment!”

solon blinked. “oh, it's a mostro lounge? i thought it was an aquarium.”

“azul was always thinking of having something other than a restaurant for business.” jade mused in reply.

azul could not believe the audacity of this child. coincidentally looking the same as him or not… sharing the same name he shared only with you or not… mostro lounge could only be his only real child, something he raised from ground up with his own blood, sweat and tears yet here was this strange child…

he glanced up, watching the lounge around. azul will not deny that if solon really took care of mostro lounge in his absence, and flounder’s apparent incompetence…

his eyes glimmered. a business opportunity! his mind swooned. “would you like to work for me?” azul grinned lightly, voice tinged with sweetness.

again, jade unhelpfully cut in. “you’ll be arrested for child labor.”

oh, right that was a thing.

azul’s smile faded immediately as he sighed. if only chances came to him like this little one on a silver platter everyday, his business would simply be booming. he would even entertain jade’s idea of variety in his line. 

it wouldn’t be too bad.

that way the names you bestowed upon those oblivious fish would be put to use.

ah! internally, he slapped himself.

on the other hand. jade was having the highlight of his day. he would say time of his life but that was only ever reserved for the time azul was scampering around to find a suitable gift for you for… well, no reason that he can remember at all.

after all, he had not been given the pleasure of seeing a pink octopus until then.

in hindsight. he noticed azul was quite down under the works, and even that description was too far off to describe the spiral of a mood that azul seemed to be going through. funny for a while but now quite boring. thankfully, this random child that spoke of odd things made azul interesting once more.

that interest transferred over to them in an instant as he surveyed their form. he had never met this one so he was not so sure how they knew of him, or even spoke so politely with respect for that matter. jade is used to seeing being held in high regard out of fear, not such positive emotion.

a grin breaks his lips apart as he spots the dangling shell initially hidden by their little sweater.

once upon a time he spied on azul giving you the exact same thing…

seems like my theory is correct. 

wouldn’t it be hilarious to slap azul with that kind of truth?

“azuuuuul!”

the said male immediately groaned.

solon eyes brightened, letting go of azul’s coat instinctively as the latter quickly straightened his uniform. azul sighed deeply, bracing his remaining brain cells to stick together as he turned. “floyd, how many times do i have to tell you that yelling is unbecoming in the–”

he shuts his mouth at the sight of a blank faced you.

floyd, proudly it seemed, shook his arms in your direction as if you were a surprise. a surprise yes, but certainly not a pleasant one–! “tada!” cackled floyd, sliding an arm around your shoulders and tilting to the side. you wordlessly followed. “i got a tilting shrimpy with me!”

“kidnapped.” you corrected. not too pleased with the sight of azul either which only seemed to fuel floyd’s amusement. 

oh. is that what it was? floyd was bored and in dire need of a drama to watch?

at first. you did not notice the little kid. neither did floyd considering he only ever paid attention to his area of ‘people’ which happened to be very few right now. so solon slipped from his radar, only paid attention to when he barrelled to your side.

startled. you hold a hand to their head in case they toppled over from the speed and force they ran over to you with.

floyd shamelessly pointed. “an fry shrimplet sticking to the shrimpy!”

all three of you send him incredulous glances.

“mada!” solon exclaimed with bright eyes, briefly glancing at floyd. “and mister floyd!”

the male in question tilts his head, looks at you, looks at solon, looks at azul then back at solon. “the fry talks!” he blinked.

“of course i talk. you’re always weird, mister floyd.” solon replied, not an ounce of intimidation on their chubby little face at floyd hovering until he leaned down to curiously peer at them. he pokes their chubby cheeks with a grin.

“you’re weird.” floyd retorted like it was obvious, another poke to their cheek has his teeth widening. “and round, hey, hey… you kinda look like az–”

“floyd!” azul snapped with rapidly warming cheeks.

when the male frantically waved floyd over–several times until the latter relented and swaggered forwards, you take the chance to adjust your grip on the child. feeling a sort of responsibility to treat youth with care came naturally as you settled one of your hands on the back of their head, letting them nuzzle all they liked on your stomach.

the other smoothed down the curve of their solider. you felt movement against your front, no doubt a delighted quirk of their lips. it brought a light smile of your own despite your initial wariness to be in the same presence as the intruder of your thoughts.

thoughts that came in either harsh hurricanes, memories less than pleasant swirling around in your head like a storm you can only brace yourself from or a gentle breeze, lighter memories that you couldn’t hold onto as they passed.

nor did you want to remember it again.

“hello there,” you greeted politely at the child who tightened their arms in response. when they looked up their lids were blown open, staring upwards at you with what you presume to be marvel. being the object of such a sentiment has you warming, absentmindedly patting their head. “i’m yuu.”

you also miss the look of offense flashing through azul’s face before he schools it into stubborn neutrality.

“i know!” bubbled the increasingly excited child who promptly bit the inside of their cheek lest they overflow. control what you show. solon thought to themselves but that was so incredibly hard when they could only focus on what they feel!

and what they felt was incredible admiration. even if you were unmistakably younger, more expressive due to the passage of time not caressing your soul long enough for you to be a cultivated version of yourself… this was still the same person that made your house a home alongside their father, who took a more prominent role in managing the smooth flow of the home.

you smiled wider, pinching their cheek. you could melt into a puddle with how the adorable fat stretches as you tugged lightly. would it be possible to shake this little one into oblivion out of cuteness? “i’m solon.” newly introduced solon adds, clearing their throat. “but mada, and papa calls me sol.”

mada? your smile doesn’t falter but you do blink slowly. papa?

you sniffed, glancing up the trio who appeared to be watching you with deep fascination. jade, more so, floyd, less so. azul… was staring pointedly at solon. 

“is there a teen father at night raven or did you kidnap some child?” you snorted, tone laced with skepticism. 

jade in particular side eyed azul and you followed his sight and could not help your train of thought as you peered back at solon, noting their similar features. huh.

“not at all.” the eel replied smoothly. “azul was just about to recruit a new hire though.”

you blanched. “that’s illegal!” or at least in your world it was… hopefully in this world it is? azul in question immediately straightened up at the feel of your disappointment rolling in waves and he could not help but sputter in defense of his already shattered reputation by you.

“i knew that!” he cried. too aggressive in the manner he shoves his glasses up the bridge of his nose to actually know that. “why wouldn’t i?”

“probably only seeing madol rather than the law.”

floyd snickers from his side–having grown bored of remaining idle, and instead striding towards you. he grasps at solon’s arm, about to pull them up and you frantically correct his manner of holding a child before letting him lift them up.

he holds him up under his arms and tilting his head. “you’re even smaller than shrimpy.” 

floyd ignores you boldly smacking his side when he feigns dropping solon, who surprisingly does not even yelp in surprise. only blinking when they were temporarily suspended in air, and caught again. this time closer to your side as you tugged on floyd’s arm with a simmering glare.

“that’s a child, floyd!”

“eh? i just see a sticky fry.”

“you need to handle solon with more care. they’re not like me who you can throw around for a bit, i won’t stand for it.”

“shrimpy survived all the rough stuff and now, look. you’re tougher than all those other kids.”

the heat of your stare heightened until floyd pouted and deposited solon to your side. you shuffled several steps backwards. “that’s not how it works.” you pinched the bridge of your nose, refusing to open your eyes when floyd barked out an sure it is! 

you also ignore floyd now attempting to rile you up once more–looking for entertainment, which is apparently you brawling with him.

“how did you even end up here?” you sighed defeatedly. at least you weren’t roped into reconciling with azul, which was what you initially thought when floyd popped out from the octavinelle’s mirror in the chamber. he had spotted you chatting with your heartslabyul companions and when they departed back to the space of their dorms he pounced on you.

no polite requests of letting you go loosened his grip as he hauled you to the lounge.

now you were, not talking to azul but instead holding a smaller version of him it seemed. well, good thing this one was cuter than that idiot.

you were spiralling back to azul and your face must have darkened because solon had paused to eye your microexpressions carefully. the squinting of your eyes, the displeased curl of your lips that only pulled down further the more you unconsciously glanced at azul…

he muttered something under his breath.

again, you sighed. “sorry–what was that?”

strangely enough, floyd stopped speaking.

… so did jade who joined floyd to pester solon with endless questions. do you only stick to shrimps? what do you do for your past time? why are you an algae? would you inform authorities if we took you under our wing? 

you didn’t even want to question the last part.

when you look up floyd’s mouth was open in an intermittent yawn–one of his eyes was shut and there was moisture gathered on the corners. he was still staring quite interestedly at solon while jade seemed to just… stand still as a statue.

neither of them blinked.

feeling just like the day you found out magic was apparently real and people here could just levitate a remote back to them across a room, you snapped your gaze around. even the customers remained unmoving. you spotted a group of savanaclaw, one pointedly having hurled a glass towards a half dead server of octavinelle who had their back turned.

you contemplate walking over to save that guy from a possible injury before identifying said student to be one of your previous perpetrators–getting your stuff (especially when it was from professor crewel. back then you went to classes without much simply because you were too shameful to ask once more for a replacement) dumped in the fountain was indeed no fun.

goodluck with that. you mused in your head. call it your petty way of payback.

you glanced around for moments longer, lingering on kalim’s midst at some table. 

“what in the world…”

apparently azul could move, like you. you’re not sure why and even dreading your predicament. in what world would time freeze and the only one unaffected is you, oh, yeah. your enemy that you self proclaimed in your head? twisted wonderland apparently…

besides your increasingly disgruntled face that you no longer try to mask in the presence of others considering azul is only ever the one you’d show such blatant dislike to now, he looks positively floored. while the turn of his head is slow as he stared around, his eyes are wide through his rims.

the arms encircled around your waist slid off, bringing your attention to solon who frowns lightly. their previous look of sparkling warmth was still present in their eyes, simply dwindled to highlight their look of seriousness. they crossed their arms.

“you’re my before mada,” solon pointed at you, then to azul. “you’re my before papa so now you have to go back to being lovey so i can go back to my mada and papa.”

both of your jaws drop. 

“what?!”

“wait a second–this is going too fast.” you blurted, feeling a bit flustered. who would drop a big bomb like that so suddenly? this kid was saying you and azul have a kid in the far time ahead!

didn’t that mean you chose to stay here? or perhaps you never really did find a way back… 

implications aside, it was certainly… an experience to hear it being said so outright. azul seems to think the same due to him gasping out an: “y-you mean…” he gaped, eyes darting to you and solon with reddening ears. “they’re my… we… have a…?”

gosh he was going to faint.

it was at least a pleasure to witness the eloquent azul struggling to conjure a coherent sentence. the more he glanced at you the more prominent his change of color was. it didn’t help that his attire helped it contrast from his complexion.

solon giggled, momentarily dropping their face of seriousness. “you said i’m the product of your love.” 

azul squawked. “i said that?!” but, that was just so… embarrassing to say! why would his future self say that?!

you frowned. “is this a joke?” you asked seriously only deadpanning when solon nods.

“please make up,” they said sincerely. sensing both of your skeptism, they reached under the collar of their shirt pulling out a shell necklace that eerily seemed similar to– 

your hand instinctively flew over your collarbone. panic giving way to unwanted relief. azul watched the motion.

he thought you threw it away since he did not see it.

“i want to go home.”

you simpered bitterly. you did too.

“mada please forgive my weird papa.” solon beamed, ignoring azul’s look of offense.

“if you do you’ll go home too.” 

your throat twisted.

“you said me and papa is your home.”

before solon can spot the look of frozen shock from your face, they whirled around, smacking azul on the leg. the latter winces but didn’t look as reluctant as before. he’s even staring at you in the eye with something unreadable and heavy in his. 

azul seemed to be weighing his pride the size of a mountain and the depth of his feelings for you that could probably only be measured by the neverending sea. it wasn’t infinite like some cheesy someone would proclaim, but it was calm at some parts, rough at the other but certainly deep.

something he can’t pinpoint a how but he knows.

he sighed deeply. “i apologize.” he said finally, voice low like he only wanted it to flow between the space of the three of you despite the time frozen. azul felt like that was how he spoke to his business transaction partners so he rephrased himself, there was a lot of them and only one of you. “i’m sorry.”

you squinted.

“my mind was clouded before.” he pursed his lips. “i… don’t want you to be special. that only meant you would be something others would be reaching for, i don’t want that. i’m selfish. you’re so special in a way that i can never take ahold of and keep to myself. i dislike it.”

“you’re terrible at communicating.” you pointed out gruffly. albeit less hostile than before, more inclined to hear him out. was being terrible with emotions an admission requirement here? is the concept of affection illegal?

azul chuckled at that. he did not smile–tried to but it fell. “with you it seems so.” 

“yeah.”

“i don’t know how to atone.” he admitted and you only furrowed your brows.

“being mean to me isn’t a sin but it sure was unfair.”

you only heard a quiet agreement from him and pointed accusingly. “you’re going to listen to my demands until i say so, okay?”

iffed but carrying a plank to bridge the distance between two mountains, azul nods. “we should discuss it over a contract. i won’t change any terms.”

which was his sad version of an apology. you’ve come to learn that individuals here deviated from the normal and morally right way of doing things. the most you could do was to recognize that this was this world’s version of grovelling on the knees.

you only focused your attention on the brightening solon–literally bright like he was about to get sent to heaven or something. he was only smiling lighty, no teeth. something you’d see on azul’s face but solon did well in expressing something so little sincerely. his expression was brighter than the light he was encased in.

“you’re going home?” you sniffed, aware of azul quietly shuffling to the side where you were in your peripheral vision as if his small steps weren’t noticeable. you didn’t comment on it.

solon nodded enthusiastically. “mhm. thank you.”

they did not bother with a goodbye, it wasn’t a goodbye. they’d see you soon.

“bye, sol.” 

you elbowed azul who had somehow managed to awkwardly stand by your left in the span of a few seconds.

he coughed, side eyeing you. “farewell, sol. keep that necklace safe. it is very precious.”

the child laughed. “don’t worry. papa has all the stuff he gave to mada in a box under your bed.”

azul’s eye twitched. “off you go.” it was more of to finally drag you off somewhere himself and a little bit of not letting any of his future secrets be jeopardized.

when the last proof of solon’s existence fades before your eyes, the world starts again.

“-our wing–?” jade finished, frowning when the spot where solon used to be, in front of you, was replaced by nothing. 

he blinked. directing his gaze to azul, noticeably lighter who seemed to be quietly exchanging words with you.

“the heck?” guffawed floyd, rearing his head to squint at the two of you. “when did they make up!”

“go back to work.” azul snapped, grasping at your wrist and dragging you off to the direction of the back.

“are you two getting started on solon already?”

“jade!”

trivia

if you guessed, the time stop was solon’s unique magic: “a chilling stop” very boring name, i know. i kind of just spew the children’s UM names off the top of my head! like you have observed it is simply pausing time within a decimated space for a period of time. in this case, solon only paused time inside the lounge. everything outside remained in motion. the larger the range, the harder it is to keep up.

solon is written to be a ten year old cutie pie male! the necklace he was wearing is what past azul gave to past yuu, and future yuu will eventually give it to solon (yes, azul actually does have a box of trinkets he collected. some things from you, the other reminds him of you. it accumulated over the years and he couldn’t stop)

like the other kids who had specified conditions to return, in solon’s time, future yuu and future azul was in a fight, and he coincidentally (or intentionally?) got warped to a time where past yuu and past azul was also in a fight. their conditions to return home was to reconcile their before parents.

when they came back future parents also made up <3 (idk i am just yapping at this point)

yeah. azul was out here trying to recruit a kid just because they ended up doing pretty well with managing the lounge lol.

i accidentally deviated from my outline lol! originally azul was supposed to start interrogating the employees currently on shift as to why they’re letting a kid run the lounge. it was chaos before and solon made it run smoothly so they kind of just accepted it. better than azul coming back to chaos, right?

floyd’s nickname for solon “fry shrimplet” deviates from the babies of shrimps. 

as you can see i didn’t see that particular line and i was writing the ending when i saw it!

the names of the employees are not their actual names lol but rather their species, just like what i did for leona’s part with the side characters. 

🔖: @lostsomewhereinthegarden @staplertwst @rinis-reality @rhyzoma @iamprodigious @irzali-imagines @glitterandgoldfinds @luna-looniesblog @wokasiv @readrecieptoff @miyaswmire @dakissomewhere @yourfavouritecitizen @rei-vii @colombia-chan @ceramic-raven @leitor-sonolento @night-shadowblood-writes2 @ms-shroud @bju3c0re @usernamesarehardtomake @wonderlandcrown @los3rtown | @squishychongyun @brights-place @mochiclouds @sol3chu @runu-chan @random-fandoms7 @minkyungseokie

[bonsiii-art]

Please blab about the dynamic changes between Anon and Longan, we're all sat and listening OwO

ALRIGHTY ( •̀ ω •́ ) [ TL;DR bc omg this is long: Anon and Longan's relationship power imbalance goes crazy but they're both kinda into it. Warlord route is where things get rocky and it ends in a messy breakup, where Anon crumbles Longan. Emperor route is where everything is fine and they have a happy wedding :) ]

So, with Longan's new costume, it outlines three possible timelines that all branch off the main one, all starting from the outcome of the final confrontation between Longan and Gingerbrave and co. Establishing Longan and Anon's relationship before the branch-off point, while it's romantic, there's a huge power imbalance. Longan sees Anon as something that's theirs, body and soul. And this results in them having lots of control over Anon's activities especially where they go.

And Anon surprisingly does not mind it... as much at least. Their reasoning why is up to anyone since I like to keep my Anons as blank as possible. In this instance, set up is inevitable <:D. Back to this, I believe that while they are okay in their role that Longan's given them, they hope that the old dragon becomes more sentimental and trusting of them. So that Anon won't be just a cookie to them, they'll be their cookie, their one and only.

During the final battle, Anon would be in Longan Shaman's care, flying around with them in their wyvern form to stay out of danger. So, that's how they are currently and whatever happens in the story 2 months from now will help me decide what goes on from there for the main timeline! >:P ( @snipersiniora since this does answer your question. uwo quick answer is both!)

Now the two routes, starting with the Warlord of Eternal Rest path! As said, this is where everything went super wrong for everyone. The battle raged on until all the dragons were on their last legs. Longan would've hoped that the three dragons' struggle would make them falter but their resolve proved stronger than that. So, it was either them or Longan... and Longan won, killing all three. Lychee had also fallen during this due to having a change of heart and protecting Rambutan from falling debris, getting mortally wounded in the process. The destruction from the war was so great, it would scar the world for years to come. And due to Longan being pushed to their limits, the elimination of cookiekind was not perfect, as in a few survivors still remained, hidden from the dragon orbs. After the initial chaos, Longan attempts to preserve what's left of the islands and their palace. This takes years and their relationship with Anon suffers for it as the ivory dragon spends less and less time with them. Anon still loves them so they try their best to comfort Longan. However, once they saw Anon looking slightly older due to age, the reality of their cookie's mortality hits them and they panic, turning Anon into stone. (Btw, this is going off the idea that Longan can reverse the effects of turning one into stone via their power.) Finding that the world was in ruins no matter what they do, they shifted focus to finding a way to make Anon into a dragon to lengthen their lifespan. Now that they're truly alone, Longan realizes how much they took their companionship for granted and becomes unhealthily obsessed. Insert a small scenario during this period where a surviving cookie somehow sneaks into the palace to find a way to defeat Longan. That cookie finds an altar where Anon's statue is kept and in getting caught by the dragon, ends up accidentally knocking it over. The statue breaking in places sends Longan into a rage, quickly killing the intruder. The dragon's able to fix the statue with the life powder from the fallen cookie and other materials so it's cool for now, I just like angst :) Whether it's through magic or medicine, Longan finds a way to turn Anon into a dragon! So Anon wakes up, extremely sore (from being broken as a statue) but now a proper dragon. They're in a lot of confusion and unease, with their new form and the fact that Longan is much more doting than they remember. Since the dragon is less restrictive of where they go now, Anon travels around Earthbread. Things happen and they end up befriending cookie survivors. This friendship plants the seed of doubt in Anon, seeing the cookies don't deserve to live in these conditions. This all culminates in Anon creating a plan to get rid of Longan. The plan ends up being successful. All in exchange for the heartbreak Anon endures for the rest of their life, reliving the moments before the end and remembering how Longan did not fight back...

And now the Emperor of Eternal Paradise path!! This is where Longan got eeeeverything they wanted. In the final battle, they were able to get Pitaya, Ananas, and Lotus to submit defeat (or at least get them to a point where they can no longer fight on.) Once they quelled the rebellion, they set out all of their dragon orbs to take out the rest of cookiekind. After getting everything settled, Longan promises to formally be with Anon once they find a method of turning them into a dragon. And with endless resources on hand now, this takes almost no time at all (and no statue era for Anon 😔). In a new paradise, sprawling with nature and dragons, Longan and Anon vow their love and loyalty to each other. (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ) To the other dragons, they'll never shake that feeling of something missing in their lives now. But for Longan, It's nothing short of perfect.

Sorry I didn't write much here; It's a bad end where everyone's completely boned. Except Longan. :D If you read all the way to the end, I'm sorry and thank youuu qwq

[darlingdaisyfarm]

A thought I’d like to share:

Imagine Ford proposing to you except it’s young/pre portal! Ford.

He takes you out to a nice restaurant and the poor dude can’t relax, like all. He’s bright red and keeps fidgeting with the ring box in his pocket, meanwhile you’re just staring at him from across the table with a concerned look and keep asking him if he’s okay. Poor guy can’t even think straight, seeing you in a stunning outfit that he definitely picked out for you, and all he can think about is making you his spouse and kissing you silly.

Eventually when he does propose it starts as something science-y and profound (he wrote it down and practiced) but the poor guy ends up tripping over his words and ends up just blurting out the question. Once you say yes he gives you the deepest most passionate kiss he can muster until you’re dam near seeing stars.

After dinner is done he scoops you up the second you get out of the restaurant and takes you back to his car where he once again kisses you silly. The wedding is supposed to be scheduled after the portals completion but it never happens for obvious reasons, except once he gets back and post weirdmageddon you two reconnect again, somehow, and he finds out you kept the ring he gave you. The ring, by the way, is made of some crazy alien material but it’s like..crazy beautiful and also matches your eyes. Anyways cue wedding organized by Mabel and your two of you finally get your happy ending.

I know this is long and crazy tooth rotting fluff but I want to kiss him so bad it’s insane

(P.s-I feel like Stan would be the type to either say “you’re my wife/husband/spouse now” with no further explanation OR also stumble over his words similarly to when he tried to flirt with Lazy Susan)

Also I read your most recent post about having a Stan fic in the works and the first time I read it I misread “Stan” as “Satan” and just accepted it

aaAAA YES YES YES im gonna cry because i too want to kiss him so bad it’s kind of ruining my life

everything is sfw here but ill anyways hide it because i talked too much, sorry i just love it

first of all, Ford and Dipper making “plan lists” with bullet points like “ask them about their day” and “don’t forget eye contact” is SOOO real. “ah yes! rehearse my conversations like they’re mission briefings”, the clipboard is shaking in his hand, Ford is clearing his throat every two seconds trying not to look like a nerd and failing miserably

and you just sit there smiling because you know, you always know, you’ve seen him like this before, all flustered and over-calculating and cute as hell, and every time it just makes you wanna grab his face and kiss his stupid genius forehead

yes, this man definitely planned everything. Ford reserved the restaurant three weeks in advance. he absolutely picked the outfit for you, “as a surprise!”, “i saw this in a shop window and thought it might be. . . flattering to your uh, body?,” meanwhile he’s been daydreaming about how you’d look in it for weeks. Ford nearly passes out when when you wear it, walking out of the room

he keeps checking his pocket every second, afraid the ring's gonna mysteriously disappear. god, he had a speech, a beautiful, sprawling, poetic thing about quantum entanglement and soul mates and probability curves and how the odds of finding someone like you were incalculably rare. and he practiced it in the mirror. but none of it makes sense or works when he’s there across from you, trying not to let the little velvet box burn a hole in his pocket

you ask “are you okay, sweetheart?” and Ford wants to run away because he's literally dying from anxiety. Ford needs a shower, more than one, even if he despises them. he’s sweating, knees weak and all his academic vocabulary just vanishes. and he blurts it out finally, “will you marry me— i mean, i want you to—uh, i have a whole speech! just, wait, n-no, say yes first??”

you barely let him finish, saying “yes Ford oh my god of course i will marry you” although you're no better than him, almost choking on your saliva from excitement and happiness. ohhh the kiss, the KISS that follows, Stanford surges over the table, turning off his ever-working brain for the first time in so long. hands trembling, glasses askew, but it’s all feeling, finally letting himself have what he’s always been too scared to want. he’s chosen you, and you’ve chosen him, and he can’t believe it’s real

(id like to add that if kiss happens in the restaurant, then the whole place claps and some peeps are sitting with “😧😧” faces but Ford doesn't notice. HE ONLY SEES YOU)

my heart is broken though :(( the wedding that was supposed to happen but doesn’t, because gravity falls fandom is allergic to happiness! tragedy and science and destiny and fear— and YET!! his sweetheart keeps the ring. the weird alien ring that shimmers, and it matches your eyes because he designed it that way. Ford studied the spectrum of your irises. he matched it to a metal from a planet he swore he’d never forget

you still have the ring, wore it on a chain, you kept it safe. and when Ford sees the glint of alien gemstone, he just falls apart, his knees go weak all over again, just like 30 years ago. he doesn't know how to ask “you kept it? after all these years ?” without bursting into tears in front of his love. feeling emotional as well, you gift him a kiss on the cheek, staring into his brown eyes that have held onto their love, even after three decades lost in other worlds

oh emotional rollercoaster, from fluff to angst and now back to fluff, thanks anon :'')

so.. Mabel organizing your post-apocalypse wedding with, of course, glitter, rainbow themes, FLOWER CROWNS (need Ford in one), and a playlist that includes both classical violin and her favorite boy bands because “you’re old but you’re still in love and that’s what matters guys!” (Ford has to be dragged out of the lab three separate times but he makes it)

and this time, when he says “i do, my love,” he doesn’t trip over a single word.

and you, standing there, marrying the man who once shook through a speech because he loved you too much to say it right.

🫠🫠🫠

and YES to the Stan sidenote, btw!

i could talk about Stanley forever and ever but i’m pretty sure this ask is meant to be Ford-centric! but he’s absolutely the “you’re my spouse now, deal with it” type.

“hey, uh, so—uh, if you want. i mean you don’t have to, but like, technically, would you maybe wanna—be married? to me?? but it’s fine if not. totally cool. i mean i got a ring but, uh—where are you going?”

i love this ask so much

[kiruamon]

A Villain's Light AU - What if...

... Eclipse had found his little boy, when Snowcone had been even younger? Like just a tiny baby:

His first reaction would be something between confusion and panic. His processors running so wild that his internal fans could be heard loud and clearly. How can something be that tiny? So vulnerable? There wouldn't have been even a split second to be in denial that he might care for the life of an organic being in this very moment. But dang would his hands have trembled when he picked up the little fox cub, somewhat scared of being too rough with this tiny squeaking thing in his hands. Feeling scared - for the first time in a very long while - ... that it might die on him if he didn't do something. He would have been way more faster in a protective and caring mode and trying to nuture the little fox while putting his projects aside for a good while.

The Bite of You're-My-Papa-Now:

Happy proud dad mode would have been unlocked for sure:

Yeah, just a fun What-if-scenario. Back to reality though: Things in the original timeline where a tad more sober and slow paced when Eclipse found Snowcone as a pub. He isn't too proud of his initial thoughts back then (not at all). To have felt indifferent at the sight of Snowcone's mother. Just a dead fox killed by another animal, nothing more to it then that, right? (He still feels guilty about that one.) And the little cub bound to die as well when being left alone. It's just the way nature is. An end that every organic being faces at some point. Why bother if it happens sooner rather than later? "If it has to die anyway, then why not take it with me? It can be a test subject. At least there would be an use to it's life then." Like this Eclipse had thought about the situation, even if at the same time the words had felt a bit hollow. But that was still at a time were Eclipse had a more distorted view of himself, of who he had been shaped into and who he thought to be in his self-created role as a villain. A lot of pieces to himself still missing. Even to believe that there had been any kinds of positive emotions left in him seemed unthinkable to him. To this day, it makes him feel an odd mix of shame and disgust towards himself for the way he had treated his little boy during their first time together. Not that Eclipse really had done anything bad to him. He had made sure to make him a box with some blankets as a 'bed'. He got him some bowls with food and water - that one makes him still cringe in hindsight. And he even looked up what to feed a fox cub. His attachment hadn't started very big, but when Eclipse does something he usually sticks with doing his research thoroughly to make sure he is doing things right. And despite his original excuse, he never had shown a real interest in using Snowcone as a test subject. Honestly, after taking Snowcone in, Eclipse mused more over reasons why he couldn't use the fox cub as a test subject instead of looking for ways how to use him. He would tell himself things like:

"In his current state he is too fragile, I have to do some health checks first." "Results would be more beneficial when he's fully grown up. Right now, he is just too young for any serious testings." "I have more important projects to work on right now. There is no time to bother to come up with a test series. Maybe later, when there is nothing better to do." "Still no time, I'll think about something another day."

In aftersight, his words since the begin might have just been an excuse. An half-hearted way to reason why to take the cub with him instead of leaving it as he never had any real need for a test subject in the first place. His henchmen had probably a better understanding for Eclipse's actions than he himself. They knew since a long time, that their boss had a tendency to take abandoned and lost things with him. To give them a place to stay or to make them whole until they were ready to leave on their own. After all, it was how most of them had found their way under his protective wings.

[peachiejeongin]

Hi sweetie! So I don't know what is up with lixie and his whole beauty and the beast obsession.. it's a beautiful concept tho... Omg nah I'm OBSESSED! Could I get a fic where reader and Felix are best friends but are low key something more (you know how it goes 🤣) and him and reader attend a fancy dress party and without him knowing (until reader shows up) that she is dressed in the most stunning belle inspired princess dress and he's in LOVE. Like absolutely in awe. literally can't catch his breath. Like literally that's my wife right there. Oh but things take a turn for the worst when she slips and bumps her head (maybe from dancing on the table - a dare by Han) to the point where's she's all dazed and confused and Han feels guilty trying to help clean her up with protective chan or someone but shes all like no I want my beast! And it's just so cute because as if the reader hasn't pulled on lixies heartstrings enough! And the boys are so offended but so shocked and so happy that you want Felix more then anyone and it's obvious you two have a thing and it's all so lush and it's all so perfect and it all makes perfect sense! And omg just reader and lixie as beauty and the beast! 🥺 Maybe a long hard cute confession of their love at the end maybe? (Idk, you said you wanted long requests so I'm really trying here 😇) Thank youuuu x

Tale as Old as Love | Lee Felix

Synopsis: A night of dancing, festivity...and one unfortunate head bump leaves Beauty wanting her Beast.

Pairing: Felix x Reader

Genre: non-idol au, best friends to lovers, fluff, a little crack

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol

WC: 2.3K

Notice: Hello, my loves! As you all may have noticed, I have been M.I.A. due to some issues in my personal life :( Nevertheless, I am back and here to deliver your hearts' requests! I absolutely ADORED writing this, so I thank you, dear darling, for the request! Without further ado, enjoy the night with your Beast ;)

Divider By: @strangergraphics

The night was shimmering with gold; the sun was starting to set over the trees overhead, casting an ethereal glimmer on the crowd of partygoers below---some were chatting while enjoying sparkling glasses of wine, some were just arriving and prepared for a night of joyous adventure. One, however, was still waiting for his date to arrive.

It was not Felix's idea to attend this elaborate dress party; in fact, it is never truly his idea to attend any of the events you two often find yourselves parading at. You had casually brought up the idea just a week or so prior, stating how you had a coworker who knew a guy that knew a guy who could get you, Felix, and the rest of your friend group into the party for free. Your best friend, looking forward to a night of dressing up and dancing the night away, more so looking forward to doing so with you, agreed to the idea almost instantly. He had even offered to pick you up; however, you had declined for reasons unbeknownst to Felix.

Thus, here he stood, adorned in a deep navy embroidered jacket with gold thread curling across the edges of the torso and sleeves, matching dress pants, and black dress shoes that felt like they were squeezing his ankles to the point of blistering. The party had officially started almost ten minutes ago, yet you were nowhere to be found.

Felix glanced nervously at his watch, then towards the entrance to the party venue, before taking a deep sigh; as he exhaled, he noticed Han coming out of the double doors, holding a glass of champagne.

"Y/n's still not here?" Han questioned before taking a sip of his drink. Felix responded with a saddened head shake.

"It's weird," he began. "She's always on time. I'm usually the one that's running late." Han chuckled lightly.

"Well, come on inside and dance with us while you're waiting for your princess to arrive." Han started his stride back to the event, leaving Felix agape at his words; eventually, Felix followed suit and quickly found his group of friends.

The room sparkled under sparkling chandeliers. Couples danced to the slow music softly blaring overhead. Glittering masks and flowing ball gowns were everywhere imaginable. Felix tapped his foot nervously, unable to focus on Changbin attempting to hold a conversation with him about some new workout routine. He glanced around the expansive ballroom, hoping he would catch sight of your face somewhere in the crowd.

Where were you?

His train of thought was broken by the doors creaking open and numerous gasps erupting from the crowd; Felix's attention fixated on the capturing sight.

For a second, he forgot how to breathe.

You had finally arrived at the party, dressed in a glistening, goldenrod gown, clearly inspired by the beauty, Belle, herself; off-the shoulder sleeves brushed against your shoulders, a lace-fitted bodice curved perfectly onto your waist, and a full, flowing skirt shimmered with every step. Your hair was pinned up with tiny, jeweled pins glinting like stars. Your face was lit with a soft, glowing smile as your eyes scanned the room in search of Felix.

The boy in question was stiffened, his eyes the only part of his body that he could adjust as he watched your every move.

"Bro," Changbin whispered, nudging Felix's arm. "You good?"

"She..." Felix stammered, his voice briefly catching in his throat. "She's beautiful."

"If he's like this now, imagine him on their wedding day," Hyunjin teased, eliciting laughter from the others. Felix, however, just nodded his head in agreement.

"Yeah. Imagine," he responded in a daze. "Because that is my future wife." The boys snorted in laughter as you slowly approached them, cheeks flushed a light shade of pink as you noticed Felix's stare.

"Y/n!" Minho called out first. "Give us a spin!" You giggled as you twirled, the fabric of your dress spinning before carefully falling back into place. You looked up at Felix and gave a toothy grin.

"Hey," you shyly greeted.

"Hey," he breathily replied. "You look...magical." Felix's words made your heart pound in your chest as your gaze fixated on the floor. It felt as if every moment of tension between you and Felix had peaked at this very moment; sure, you had always been best friends, but it had also always felt like...more than that.

Throughout the entire night, you rarely left Felix's side, only doing so to grab another drink or chat with a friend. The two of you would share snacks with one another, sneak into the nearby photobooth, and laugh about any and everything together. There was no denying that something soft yet electric was in the air between you two; Felix's freckled cheeks would redden at anything you did, and you could not keep your eyes on him for more than a few seconds without shyly glancing away. It felt as if absolutely nothing could ruin this night.

Except for Han Jisung.

An energetic dance song had begun to blast through the speakers, immediately prompting Han to rush over to you.

"Y/n! Come dance with me! This is our song!" Han screamed over the music; he had perhaps had one too many glasses of champagne, denoted by the way he was tugging sluggishly at your arm.

"Okay, okay!" you chuckled at his antics before turning to Felix. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all, love," Felix answered as he patted your shoulder. "Just, uh...good luck with that one."

You laughed at his response before scattering off with Han. You were making your way towards the dance floor before Han tugged you in a completely different direction. You were utterly confused...that is until Han hopped onto an empty table, swaying to the beat and begging you to join him.

'Eh, it won't hurt!' you thought to yourself as you hiked your skirt up slightly and climbed onto the table alongside Han. Felix kept his eyes on you from a distance, watching you dance along to the loud party track. He was glad you were having a good time and began making his way over to the table so he could cheer you on.

Before he could, however, the heel of your shoe caught onto the edge of the table, causing you to fall backwards when you went to take a step forward. Your head smacked against the floor lightly, causing Felix, Han, and Chan to rush your way. Han and Chan, being the closest in vicinity, were the first to make it there.

"Y/n!" Chan nearly screamed. "Are you okay?" He tried to lift up your head, but to his surprise, you pushed his arm away. Han attempted to do the same but was met with a similar reaction.

"Felix," you murmured painfully. "Where's Felix? I want Felix!"

Upon your pleas, Felix rushed to your side, something twisting so painfully in his chest that he felt his heart breaking into two pieces.

"I'm here, love," he whispered as he cradled you in his arms. "I'm here."

Felix helped you up gently, sending Chan to grab an ice pack for your head. You clung to him like a lifeline, your head still throbbing from the impact.

"You scared me, y/n," Felix chuckled as Chan hurried over with the ice pack. Felix pressed the cool compact against your forehead, and you sighed as you felt instant relief.

"'M sorry," you groaned.

"No need to apologize; although, you know you don't have to put on a spectacle like that to get my attention, right? You've already got it!" Felix was only joking, but the way you looked up at him was as serious as ever.

"I...I do?" you questioned, causing Felix's eyes to widen.

"I mean, yeah. Yeah, of course you do. You're my best friend; I'm always going to pay attention to you."

"What about as more than a friend?" you suddenly asked. Felix felt his heartrate quicken.

"Um...what do you mean, y/n?"

"I mean...do I have your attention as more than a friend?" You stared into his eyes, searching for some sort of a response, whether it be fear, hesitation, love, whatever.

"Well, uh...you see-"

"It's okay if I don't," you suddenly replied. "I understand."

"What? No, no! That's not what I mean at all it's just...the question just caught me off guard is all!" Felix nervously stuttered, attempting to chuckle and cover up his anxiety; however, the look in your eyes spelled out that you did not believe him. Thus, he took a deep breath and confessed.

"You have always had my attention in that way. Everything about you, it...it awes me, truly. Tonight was just more proof of that."

"Me falling off of a table proved that you like me?"

"No!" Felix playfully nudged you before continuing. "Tonight...the way you looked, the way you looked at me, everything. It just all proved that I fell so much harder for you than I thought I ever would." To his response, your cheeks flushed and your eyes softened.

"Trust me, this isn't the way I wanted to tell you," you began, "but I fell for you too. The way you care about me, protect me...it's all so endearing and I... I love you for it, Lixie." Felix's eyes widened once more, and his lips formed into an endearing grin.

"You...love me?"

"Mhm," you nodded, a thin smile forming. "Again, not how I wanted to tell you. In fact, I'm going to have to tell Seungmin to keep the sign we made in his car-"

"Wait, sign?" Felix inquired whilst laughing. "You made a sign to tell me that you loved me?"

"What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic!"

"Wait so, the reason you invited me out tonight...it was to confess to me?"

"Perhaps," you looked away, pretending to think about Felix's words. "I wanted to make tonight special, but as you can see, it has turned...not so special." You shrugged, allowing your hands to fall into your lap as they came down; as soon as they did, Felix grabbed them, pressing gentle kisses onto both of them.

"Every moment I spend with you is special, y/n. You are truly a fairytale come true. Because of that, it is with full confidence that I can say I love you too." As Felix watched your eyes light up, a slower, romantic song began to play; as such, he smiled towards you before standing up and holding out his left hand for you to take.

"May I have this dance, my Beauty? If you feel well enough for it, that is?"

"You may, my Beast," you replied, grinning from ear to ear as you took Felix's hand.

Thus, under the soft golden lights, you danced in each other's embrace. The world around you seemed to vanish as you both thought, in the backs of your minds, that this was your happily ever after all along.

Taglist: @velvetmoonlght, @amararosesblog (If you would like to be added to the taglist, please let me know!)

[blufblucake]

Hi!! Can I ask for a resquet of romantic Hc's about Rumble x Cassette!F!Reader? I saw this idea before and loved it (especially because I love Rumble)

The reader can be a Decepticon or an Autobot, whichever you like best is fine ^^

✧˖*° Headcanon: Rumble x Cassette!F!Reader

Warnings: None, I think.

Word count: 1,1k

Author’s Notes: I was really happy to get this ask because I love Rumble too. I have to admit I’m a sucker for that whole Romeo and Juliet vibe, rival families and forbidden love, but I decided to write both scenarios because I think it’ll be fun. I really hope you enjoy it! :)

⋆ 𐙚 ̊. 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫:

✦ Rumble definitely wasn’t looking for love. He was happy the way things were: helping Soundwave when needed, causing trouble around the ship with Frenzy, bothering Skywarp now and then… In his opinion, it was a pretty good life. The idea of getting romantically involved with someone had never crossed his processor. Until one encounter with the Autobots changed everything.

✦ In the middle of the battle, there you were. In a quick move from Blaster, you were ejected and launched into the fight, attacking fiercely. You were beautiful, the most beautiful femme he had ever seen. Without any trouble, you knocked Frenzy down with a single blow and charged straight at him.

✦ He couldn’t even bring himself to care when you struck and knocked him out. When he hit the ground, he stayed there, unconscious but happy. It was the best punch of his life, a true punch of love.

✦ Ever since then, he hadn’t stopped thinking or talking about you. His brothers couldn’t take hearing about the Autobot cassette who had captured Rumble’s spark anymore, and every time he went on a mission, he secretly hoped he’d run into you again, even if it meant getting punched again.

✦ On your second encounter, Rumble made a point of using all his charm, shamelessly flirting with you. However, nothing seemed to work, as you stayed serious, focused only on the fight. That day, once again, he got beaten up — and apparently, the more you hit him, the more he fell for you.

✦ The next encounters followed the same pattern: him flirting, you hitting. Until finally, one day, you responded to the cassette’s flirting. You had to give him credit for his persistence, and let’s be honest, he was actually kind of cute.

✦ Slowly, a connection began to form between you. Your fights became just an excuse to talk, since you knew there wouldn’t be many other chances. You’d talk about the war and your views of the world, always trying to convince the other to switch sides.

✦ One day, the opportunity finally came, and you were able to meet outside of battle. A secret meeting in the middle of the night, you both knew full well that if your factions found out what you were doing, there would be serious consequences, especially for him.

✦ That night, you connected in a unique way. The Autobot infiltrator and the Decepticon saboteur — a forbidden love, yet one that felt so right.

✦ You gave yourself to Rumble, surrendered to your desires, and allowed yourself to enjoy those feelings and sensations, even if only for one night. It was the most passionate night of your life, and you stayed wrapped up in each other, exchanging caresses until it was time to return to reality.

✦ After that, nothing was the same, for either of you. You knew you had to complete your duties, and your loyalty to your respective factions was unquestionable, but you could no longer bring yourselves to hurt each other.

✦ One day, distracted by Rumble, you ended up getting attacked by a Decepticon. You would have been captured and eliminated, he had no doubt about that, and he couldn’t let it happen. Using his seismic power, Rumble created a crater that took down many Decepticons and Autobots, but at least gave you time to escape, and your team scattered.

✦ He’d have to use all his charisma and persuasion to convince the others he didn’t do it to help you escape, but it was worth it. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to you. He still had time to convince you to join his side, so the two of you could live your love without restrictions.

⋆˙⟡ 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫:

✦ In the beginning, you didn’t belong to any faction. You watched the war from a distance, trying to stay out of it, but by that point, such a thing was no longer possible. You lived on the margins of society, surviving on scraps and never knowing if you’d live to see another day. In your eyes, both Autobots and Decepticons were dangerous.

✦ But everything changed when Soundwave found you. He offered you shelter and safety, and that was more than you could have asked for. From that moment on, the choice was easy — you joined the Decepticons not out of belief in Megatron’s words, but for self-preservation. After all, it was better to be a predator than prey.

✦ You didn’t open up easily to any of the other cassettes, at most to Ravage, whom you spoke with more often, but never to the point of revealing details about your life before them. And that intrigued Rumble.

✦ Rumble’s loud, commanding personality clashed sharply with your more reserved nature. He always tried to pull you into jokes and get some kind of reaction out of you, but it was always in vain. Whenever he started, you pulled away, and that frustrated him.

✦ Noticing the situation, Soundwave made a point of pairing you two up whenever he could, forcing you to get along so things would go as planned. Little by little, you began to accept each other’s presence and learned to appreciate the traits each of you had.

✦ You taught him the importance of balance, not doing things purely on impulse, while he showed you that life wasn’t just about strategy and survival. He fell for your cold composure, and you, for his fire.

✦ There was still competition among you and the other cassettes, everyone trying to prove their worth and avoid being underestimated. But over time, you and Rumble became inseparable.

✦ Even though arguments happened often — fights that could sometimes cause more damage than fighting Autobots — everyone knew you worked better together than apart. You were each other’s balance.

✦ Most of your nights were spent together, alone in some hidden corner of the ship only the two of you knew about. Over time, you opened up to Rumble about your past, and despite his arrogance and immaturity, he had the sensitivity to listen and not judge you, choosing instead to simply offer a shoulder to lean on.

✦ You had a private frequency. You shared music, jokes, and secrets not even Soundwave knew. And despite everything, life was good by the troublemaker’s side.

✦ When you fought together on the battlefield, it was like putting on a show. The soundwaves you produced combined with Rumble’s seismic punches created chaos for the enemy. And he was proud of you.

✦ In the middle of the night, while you recharged in his arms, he wished with all his spark that the war would end, that you’d come out victorious, and that one day, you could finally relax together — maybe even build a family of your own.

[withclawandvine]

THESE ARE STRANGE AND BREATHLESS DAYS...

or, a little piece of the whimsical elriel au that lives in my dreams that i hope to write for real someday.

By all accounts, Azriel Chazen did not have a happy childhood. 

The family’s closest neighbor, a reclusive man two miles east, had discovered the young boy on his property a mere six months after moving in with his father, dirty and shaken, carrying a backpack stuffed with clothes and granola bars. 

Teachers described a sullen child. Although well-mannered and kind, the boy was withdrawn and mistrustful, and was either unwilling or unable to accept the friendship of his fellow classmates. 

The ladies sewing circle that met in the basement of the Lutheran church every second Thursday each month all agreed that something just wasn’t right about that family. They clucked their tongues and shook their heads whenever the conversation turned to that woman and the way she looked at her stepson. 

The child psychologist eventually assigned to his case by Child Protective Services wrote in her notes that the child’s behavior was nothing you wouldn’t expect to see. Long silences, avoidant eyes, and occasional hostility. What was intriguing was the story he told about the girl from the hole in the fence. 

He was bashful to admit he’d been crying when she found him, trying to soothe his blistered hands in the cool water of the pond on the north side of the property. She’d crept up on him without so much as rustling the tall grass. Her feet were bare, sticking out from a fraying but otherwise exquisite pink dress. She had more hair than anyone he had ever seen before, tumbling down to her knees, flowers and shiny baubles woven into the cumulous mass of curls. Her eyes were too big and round, and the tips of her ears were pointed. 

From the cloth sack slung across her body, she withdrew a dark, spear-like leaf. When she split it apart with a tiny, wicked knife, strings of lavender goo clung to the blade. 

Without a trace of mischief, Azriel explained that she’d wound each half around his damaged hands, sticky side down. He held out his palms to the doctor, That’s why they healed so fast. 

That wasn’t the only time the girl, Elain, had appeared to him that August. 

She talked funny, and could be kind of bossy — like she’d never been told no before — but she’d giggle when he pushed her on the rope swing and helped him up when he tripped over his own feet trying to keep up with her as they ran across the yard. In exchange for swimming lessons in the pond, she taught him a few swordplay tricks she’d learned from her tutors using sticks. He smuggled snack cakes and cheddar crackers out of the pantry to share with her. 

The last time he saw her, the boy confessed, was after their wedding under the weeping willow. 

She’d just returned from a days-long absence. Celebrations lasted for days where she lived, and her cousin Briar was now married. She guided him through the steps of the slow, swirling dance she’d had to master beforehand. As he whirled her around, the fireflies came out to dance with them. The sun was setting, and Elain was the prettiest thing Azriel had ever seen. 

He was the one who brought up getting married; she made it sound so fun and beautiful, like everything else about her world. He wished he could see it with her, be there with her. Elain did most of the talking after that. She had a strange, lyrical way of speaking that Azriel was utterly enamored with. He didn’t chime back in until the end, finishing her pretty words with the promise he’d heard his father make to his stepmother last year: Until death do we part. 

Elain’s eyes had gotten impossibly bigger, but before Azriel had the chance to ask what was wrong, he was going rigid at the sound of his name being roared across the field. You’ll get your sorry ass inside right this damn minute if you know what’s good for you!

Go, she’d urged, I’ll wait here for you tomorrow. 

For the first time since starting his story, the boy showed signs of distress, because she must have waited for him for a long time. And he had no way of telling her that they’d taken him away, that he was going to live with a different family. 

Although he never forgot about Elain, as he got older, Azriel learned not to speak about her. He coached himself into believing the doctor and the other adults when they said she had been merely the trick of a lonely, traumatized boy’s mind — conjured up to cope with the horrors he’d faced in that house, the buried grief of his mother’s passing.

He talked about her though, in the only way he knew how: a composition called “Firefly Waltz.” The piece, which had started as nothing more than an attempt at preserving the magic of that summer, earned him a spot in a prestigious conservatory. While unpacking his few worldly possessions in his dorm, it occurred to Azriel that this was the second time the magical girl from beyond the hole in the fence had changed his life. 

The third time came a few years later, when Azriel found a familiar figure waiting for him in the parking lot behind the performing arts building in a moon-yellow sundress, taking his hands in a desperate grip, and begging him to follow her to her homeland. To take his rightful place as her king.

paintings used: 1, 2, 3, 4 photographs by: miguelmarquezoutside & estherscanon [for @elriel-month]

[blueberrypancakesworld]

Hello. May I please ask for a request?

Fem reader introduce pete with the show called happy tree friends.

Colorful animals and lots of violence

Pete DiNunzio x fem!reader

warning : fluff, mention of violence

Summary : Stumbling across the colorful forest creatures on TV one day, the student knew she had to tell her boyfriend about it. Who would have thought that Pete could take such a liking to something so cute? Especially when everything was full of pink, sweet sugar and kindness before each brutal depiction.

info : Sure of course you can request it dear anon :) I hope you enjoy reading and thanks again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was a normal school Friday, the bell had rung and all the students were heading to their last classes for the day.

The four nerds hadn't done anything else either, even if their attention was focused on completely different things.

Bill just wanted to go to his club room and rearrange it, Josh wanted to put his new Star Wars figures away, Jerry had got new cards, only Pete didn't quite know what to do.

He had just framed his new horror movie posters yesterday and made a maarthon, but now with the weekend what would he do?

Lost in his thoughts, he felt the nudge at his side and looked at a chair next to him, his friend's upturned smile came to him, behind the math book she had held out a piece of paper, “For us” she had whispered as much as she could and pretended to continue working as the teacher turned around.

Taking the piece of paper, he opened it and looked at the written sentences, the dark-haired man's smile growing bigger with every word.

His weekend was saved and without a club meeting just him and his girlfriend, it was going to be a bloody good meeting. It was only two hours before all the students ran out of the school, trying not to run over each other as they all got on the buses or cars that picked them up.

The boys had also said goodbye to each other and were all hurrying home, Pete and his girlfriend walking hand in hand on the short journey home, “So what's this show?” he asked impatiently, hardly able to wait until they were back home in his room.

But a glance to his side told him that she only had a smirk on her lips and didn't seem to say a word to him, “Wait and see,” she winked and pulled him faster behind her as they both arrived in front of his house after a quarter of an hour and quickly made themselves comfortable.

A little food, a little talk, cuddling on his bed until the time finally came when she reached for his TV, “Well, like I said, I discovered it by accident when I was pulling an all-nighter,” she began, switching the channels on the small but adequate TV, Pete clutching the bowl of snacks tensely as various images raced through his mind.

One more brutal than the other, maybe it was aliens, monsters, monsters aliens with weapons, whatever it was the dark-haired man could hardly wait.

When he heard “Found it” he was almost glued to the TV and his smile vanished as he saw the animated, colorful, cute animals mak.

“What the hell is that?” he immediately voiced and the bowl almost fell out of his hands as he turned to his friend but only pointed at the TV, “Don't be fooled Pete” and he turned back.

The forest dwellers had just gathered around a cake, one of the creatures must have had a birthday or something, when the cake blew up, metal pieces flew around and cut a green squirrel in half, an elf's trunk was cut off and a hedgehog lost his eyes.

All of a sudden Pete was back in the action and watched with interest as one after the other was brutally cut up, dismembered and beaten to death, “That's so awesome!” he shouted as he noticed the two differences.

He had never thought how something so sweet could be so brutal, going back to the bed and sitting down with her he only said “I need more” and was quite excited when she told him that there was much more to it than that.

Leaning on Pete, the young couple enjoyed the series to the end and knew they had saved the weekend for the next few months.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@hyperfixationcenter , @the0nlystar , @just-a-sideblog524 , @thequeenofcupps , @trentreznorslefttestical

[written-in-knife]

Hello! Love your Floyd fic and may I ask a request about Reader/Yuu having a crush on Floyd, but Floyd is not ready to commit yet/doesnt see the point of it so reader keeps getting lead on and reader realizes that it would go to nowhere so they stopped pursuing. Floyd was supposed to be happy that the courting stopped but found out that he can't stop looking at reader interacting with someone else other than him.

Basically like the Flipped movie, just wholesome/hurt/comfort with the main theme of figuring out ones feelings. Reader and Floyd don't require to be together in the end just like in the Flipped movie but Im fine if they get together too! Im torn between the two. Please disregard this if you don't feel comfy creating it ^^

Disappointed

Floyd Leech x gn!reader one-sided both ways, background Ace Trappola x gn!reader, not explicit, could easily be read as platonic and/or fake dating

they/them pronouns, is THIS angst? I think this is angst, background hurt/comfort for reader but not Floyd :)

Word Count: 1098

I've never seen Flipped, but I love this premise and I'm going to make it Worse :) pretty short but this is what we call a tasty little morsel lmaoo

Floyd knew you were interested in him, how could he not? You made it so obvious. He thought it was funny at first, how you kept handing him little trinkets and rushing away, eventually getting brave enough to hang around him. But you kept coming, even on his bad days. For months, you kept stopping by the Mostro Lounge or catching him in the hallways or showing up to basketball games. It stopped being so fun after awhile. He'd thrown most of the trinkets that you'd given him away, not really interested in your courting attempts in the first place. It was just fun for him to watch you flit around like the little shrimp you were. He never stopped you, even if he knew this would never go further than your silly little attempts.

You'd brought him a tiny blown glass eel you'd found in town after a basketball game, catching him before he went into the locker room. You handed it to him with that same hopeful smile you always had on your face, and he took it from you with the same minimal acknowledgement that he always did. The second the door closed behind him in the locker room, he tossed the little eel into the trash with as much acknowledgement as he'd given you before moving to change out of his uniform.

"What was that?" Ace scoffed as he pulled off his jersey, tossing it into his locker haphazardly.

"Shrimpy keeps givin' me crap I don't want." Floyd shrugged, moving over to his locker as Ace gave him a confused look. "I've just been throwin' it away."

He didn't pay any attention as Ace moved over to the garbage, pulling the little glass figure out of the bin with a loud huff.

"You could just tell 'em you don't want it, you know." Ace snapped at him, taking the figure back to his locker. "They spent money on this crap trying to get you to notice them! Quit leading 'em on!"

Floyd rolled his eyes dramatically as he turned to Ace, glaring him down. "And hafta see 'em cry or somethin'? Hard pass."

You knew you were being blatantly obvious about your attraction to Floyd, you thought he might've been flirting back whenever he teased you about it. What you perceived as flirting was the only thing keeping you from getting discouraged after so long trying to court him. You didn't realize exactly how wrong you were until Ace came to find you when he was done in the locker room, the glass blown figure you'd given Floyd in his hands. Your heart sank as he apologized, telling you that he'd watched Floyd throw it away the second you wouldn't see, that apparently that's where all your gifts had gone. In the trash. You were embarrassed and disappointed, a lot of Floyd's actions making much more sense to you now. You took the figure back with trembling fingers, trying to put on a brave face for your friend, but you were devastated. You'd tried really hard to pick out things you thought Floyd would like, you thought you might've been getting somewhere. It hurt to find out where all that effort was really going.

Floyd noticed before the end of the week that you hadn't come by. You'd become a regular presence in his life, not necessarily daily, but often enough that your absence was notable. At first, he really didn't care much, it was one less thing he had to deal with. But something nagged at the back of his head about it. He tried to ignore it, but it was making his mood significantly worse. He didn't even know what it was, he was supposed to be happy that you weren't hanging around him all the time... wasn't he?

He didn't start to realize what the feeling was until he saw you weeks later. Basketball practice had just let out and he spotted you in the hall outside the locker room. Before he could go over and ask where you'd been, Ace pushed past him to you, throwing an arm around your shoulders and poking at your cheek. He watched you laugh at whatever Ace had said as the two of you turned away from him to leave. The nagging feeling in the back of his head returned tenfold, surprising him as he watched you disappear around a corner. Why was he jealous of Ace? He hadn't been interested before, why would he be jealous of something he didn't want? It wasn't even on purpose, it felt more like karma that Floyd kept seeing you in the halls every day now. Always with Ace. He saw the delighted smiles on your face, the way you would blush and smack his chest when he whispered in your ear, the damn arm that was always around your shoulders. You'd sure moved on quick, if you could call multiple weeks quick. And why wouldn't you? Ace had likely told you what Floyd had been doing after he found out, he was probably there to comfort you in the aftermath, he was one of your best friends after all. Rationalizing it in his head didn't help, he still had an awful pit in his gut whenever he saw the two of you. You leaving him alone was what he wanted anyways, wasn't it?

Floyd let it go on for a few more weeks, even Jade tried to figure out what had him so upset. But how could Jade help when Floyd couldn't figure out his own feelings about it? It came to a head after another basketball practice, back in the locker room. Floyd was slow to get changed, waiting until Ace had gotten dressed and was about to leave.

"So you and Shrimpy, huh?" He asked as Ace walked past, trying to keep his tone casual.

"You snooze you lose?" Ace offered with a shrug, shooting him a smirk before walking out of the locker room.

"Yeah..." Floyd muttered to himself.

He sat in the feeling for a moment, finally able to see it for what it was. He was disappointed. Disappointed he hadn't realized sooner, disappointed he hadn't just turned you down so he could maybe try himself later. Disappointed it wasn't him. You had become such a regular presence in his life, he hadn't realized he was taking it for granted. Hadn't realized that when he stopped finding your courting fun, it wasn't because he didn't like it, it had just stopped being surprising. And he had no one to blame but himself.

I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO USE MY WORK TO TRAIN AI

MASTERLIST

[holidaygirl1224]

💬New Post from holidaygirl1224

So, I like horror movies a lot... I thiinkkk I've said this a few times here, at this point XP. I just think being scared is fun, and sometimes they can have really great stories! There's one particular series of horror movies however that I've avoided for basically my entire life... it's the one where like... everyone just dies. That's it. That's the whole thing. Every movie, it's just these terrible, elaborate disasters happening to everyone because one person "cheated death"... no one EVER lives!!! XD I don't mind characters dying, that's just how horror works... but from the start you basically know everyone's going to die... and then they die!!! And that's it!!! The thrill of it, of course, isn't about the destination... it's about seeing just how each character ends up FINALLY dying. The main reason I avoid these films isn't because of that, though... it's that almost every death is with completely mundane, real life things! Someone will drop a fork, and that'll cause the most RIDICULOUS chain of events, and by the end everyone in the room has had their heads chopped off. My problem is that I am ALWAYS thinking these things. Like, ALWAYS. When walking down the street, I'm thinking about all the things that could go wrong, and kill me... even when I'm alone in my room at night I'm waiting for the roof to suddenly cave in and crush me XD All the thoughts are of course not going to happen, they're ridiculous... but these movies? They're all ABOUT those sort of thoughts coming true... so watching one I've always feared would just make my thoughts ten times worse. Over the years I've seen some scenes from these movies, but I've never sat down to watch a full one...... until earlier today. I went to the movies with, umm.... well, someone, it doesn't matter who! But I let her pick out the movie... and guess what certain series just HAPPENED to have a new movie out in theaters. DXXXX It wasn't... bad. It was absolutely not a bad movie, in fact it had a lot more good plot and twists throughout than I expected... overall, I'd say it was a good movie. But GOODNESS. GOODNESS. GOODNESS. It was ROUUGHHHHH to watch XDD I'm always happy to be in a cold room with popcorn, so there was that... and I wasn't alone... but goodness it was a hard movie to sit through. Since getting out of the theater, I've felt like EVERYTHING is going to kill me LOL Once we got out of the theater I was walking so slowly, trying to be as careful as I could... and hey, it paid off, cause your girl's not dead!!! XD Ya'know, the whole movie's premise is based around the idea of if you cheat death, it'll come back to get you... Which just makes me think of a time me and my dad were driving during a storm, and we stopped at a traffic light..... and while we were sat there, within mere FEET of our car, a huge bolt of lightning struck DIRECTLY NEXT TO US!!! My dad turned to me, expecting me to be super worried and crying... but I was just silent... I think the shock (XD) of the situation really just stunned (XDDD) me. If it just hit a little more to the side, well... it would've been smoked venison for dinner XD Thankfully we lived to drive another day... but I wonder if that counts as cheating death.......... hope I never find out!!!!!!!!! XP

[marshmallowprotection]

What's your opinion on Bad Ending 2 (Suit Saeran) from Saeran's route? I really like your opinions and the way you show details that would otherwise go unnoticed!

I've definitely talked about this before in the past but I'd be happy to discuss it again. I like to call that Bad Ending, "Humpty Dumpty." The narration is as follows, Suit Saeran torments you because he's trying to find something that will tell him that what Rika taught him is pretty much inevitable. Cruelty will breed cruelty, and kindness will die out if you poke somebody hard enough. Love cannot survive because it is a mark of weakness.

If you love someone, you will suffer for it.

That's what happened to Ray. Ray adored you, you adored Ray, and the price for that love was a one-way trip to the basement. Ray was tortured within an inch of his life and Saeran woke up to pick up the pieces to ensure it never happened again. That's what he's doing on the traditional path to the Good Ending when he takes away the food from your plate and locks you in your room.

This is in no way justifies the actions he took, but in his mind, he needed to be certain nobody would drug your food (as they did to his) and to be sure nobody would drag you into the basement without his say in the matter. He masked these actions with cruelty, because that is the way he had to survive under Rika's thumb.

He's a protector who's very much willing to smash Ray's pots, destroy his hope, and beat his soft heart down because "if I don't, Rika will kill him."

When you've been pinned down, you'll do whatever it takes to get out of the hell someone's put you in. You'll do things you may not be that proud of later on because you thought it was the only way. These are the things that a Good Ending Suit Saeran carries in his chest as he's determined to do better, to show you that forgiving him wasn't a bad choice because he will never hurt you again. He can't promise that he won't make a mistake, but there's a difference between intent and an accident.

But, in regards to the Bad Ending, we're faced with something else... something where Suit Saeran takes it too far and he can never take it back. He pushed too hard as he focused on trying to prove to himself that kindness fades... that you wouldn't care for him in the same way you cared for Ray. You would growl, hiss, and bark at him because he isn't worthy of love. That's what Rika told him, after all. He's a tool, he is a weapon, and he will never have the freedom to dream.

That was a carrot on a string for Ray, and his existence serves no purpose if he is distracted by "mush". Rather than us focusing on Suit Saeran's drive to protect, we're given a path where we're subjected to the survival of the fittest.

This is the other side of his feelings the player confronts when he is trying to balance the survival of the fittest and his desire to be a good protector. The side that wants to see someone crack like he did in the pit he calls Hell because what does it say about him if he gave up and you didn't? What if your kindness survives? Is he broken? Was he just a weak person? Was love truly more powerful than the torment Rika's beaten into him?

What was his purpose?

What was any of this for, then?

What was the point?

If love is not a weakness, then why did his Ray have suffer in the dark, lonely room with poison stuffed down his throat? Why did he have to scream in agony until his lungs gave out? Why did Saeran have to be the one to embrace the cruelty of this place if he could've chosen the love he craved instead? Because, that's the thing, he wants love just as much as Ray does but he isn't allowed to show it! He knows he will be tortured for it!

His quest to make you crumble and give up on love doesn't go the way he expects it to, though. He pushes you so hard that you break apart. Your mind can't take the torment, and in a way, you bend to a catatonic state where you do nothing but stare ahead of you. It's like he sucked the life out of you. There is no anger in your eyes, only the void.

There is nothing left to you but apathy, not even a quiet type of sorrow, and he can't handle it.

You say nothing. You do nothing. You don't react to a word he says, and even though he's pulled out every trick he can think of to make you talk to him, you don't budge for a minute. You're gone just like a Humpty Dumpty who sat on a wall. You took a great fall, and it does not matter how many horses and how many men he has, you will not be put back together again.

The vicious things he does like taunt you, claim he'll replace you, and shower you in gifts only to tell you that you can't touch them are what he does to try and spark a reaction out of you. He doesn't know what else to do! He can't bring you back because he pushed you too far to prove his point. Yet, his point wasn't proven. The is nothing that could justify his sins. There is nothing he can tell himself to make sense of the survival of the fittest.

There is no survival.

Only misery and identity death.

All he did was hurt you in a way he can never fix, so think of this as a sunk-cost situation.

All he can think to do is pour more fuel on the fire as he clutches to cinder as if that will bring the log he burned back to life. You'll never come back. He'll never be saved. Mint Eye is suffering and he should have taken you and fled instead of what he did. Pretending to be Ray in the first place was supposed to give him a chance to feel love. His life was never meant for love. Ray could have it, but after what he did to you, it's obvious to him that he never deserved it.

Saeran could have never been Ray. No amount of trying to wear his clothes and twisting your arm could've made you treat him the same way. Sure, you never fought back in this ending, but you weren't ever going to embrace him, you were never going to hold his hand and be happy to stand at his side, and you were never going to say you loved Saeran. It would've been fake from the very beginning. He would have had to settle for less.

It never would've been enough.

He never would've been good enough.

Because, who is Suit Saeran if not a wolf in sheep's clothing who can't even hold back a grin long enough to trick the flock? I think, sometimes, this angle isn't always obvious to players because the instinctual reaction is to take him at face value. That his words are cruel, that he means every lick of what he says, and that there's no depth to the situation. Understanding isn't the same as condoning his actions.

React. He shouts as you stare at him with dead, sullen eyes. Please, give me a reason to believe the lie! If I can't believe the lie she told me, then there's no point! It was for nothing! I was for nothing! Ray suffered for nothing! We suffered for nothing! If love is stronger in this world, why wasn't love enough to keep my brother at home? To keep V from leaving?! If I can't make you react, there is no hope for me! For us! For Ray!

But, since he's decided torment is the only answer he can use to get what he wants, this will only end in everyone's despair. I believe in my heart that Suit Saeran is going to crack sooner or later because your apathy is soul-crashing. He can't bring you back, he can't bring Ray back, and he can't change what he did.

There is nothing left for him in this world, and a kind smile will never exist for him because he broke the one person who could've offered him one even though he didn't deserve it.

Yet, we see him continually try to use Ray as a mask to get what he desires both in this ending and the Good Ending path because he's afraid of what will happen when someone realizes what he's doing to you isn't just a game of cat and mouse. He only really realizes that he can use his strength to protect people in other ways after you nudge him away from his attempts at playing pretend.

"I'm strong enough to protect someone now," is among one of the things he says after Rika tries to stop him from going into your room not long before the switch for the 3rd Bad Ending, or the 2nd Bad Relationship Ending. He had to realize he could be strong in another way, the forbidden way, without risking everything to do it.

The fear of losing everything held him back, but once he embraces the fear, he's able to move forward. In the case of the BRE2, he sends you to the apartment before returning to Mint Eye because he doesn't consider himself worthy of freedom. You were... but he had to pay the price for not being strong enough to stop the suffering from the very beginning.

That's what he believes deep in his heart in this ending. It simply isn't possible for him, but it is for you. "You'll be safe with them, I'm sure of it. I wish you nothing but happiness... I pray you forget me because I'd rather you live on peacefully than remember the man who hurt you."

The sad thing about BE3 is that YOU betray him. You sell him out to Rika because you want Ray back by any means necessary. You play him for a fool and use him at your leisure while Rika shrugs and lets you do as you please as long as he's the Savior puppet.

He was ready to leave, to let go of his bitter fear and animosity, and you said, "Actually, I choose your suffering for my pleasure."

So, anyway, this Bad Ending path is centered around his drive to make you crumble like he did to make himself feel better about what happened to him first. It's not healthy, it's not okay, it's not the path anyone wants to take, but this is a bad ending, it's not supposed to be okay.

[noirandchocolate]

It's my birthday and I made a promise to myself to not do any work on my day off and to make a Yiga Headcanon Post for the first time in a long time, so... Well you see since it is my birthday, and this is my very favorite subject at the moment, and I feel like doing a cute topic, here are some...

Banana Bread Relationship Headcanons!

My Kohga and Sooga didn't get together romantically until after the Calamity was vanquished. Sooga survived the encounter with the four Blights by the skin of his teeth (a subject for a different post, so I can stay on topic), made it back to Karusa Valley (greatly assisted along the way) shortly after Calamity Ganon was beaten, was helped along massively in the healing process by a visit from Mipha, and... Was incredibly surprised when, once he'd recovered enough to be out of bed and walking around, his Master invited him to his quarters and asked if he wanted to be partners.

But let me back up a bit! More than a bit, really. I'm not going to go into detail here about Sooga's entire backstory outside and within the Yiga Clan, but one important thing to know for this topic is that by the point Kohga asked his question, Sooga had been infatuated with him for about ten years. Ten. Years. Since he'd become a Blademaster at age 20. He'd been working for years already to train and hone himself for the position, to pay the Master back for his life, but at his induction ceremony, he saw Kohga in the lantern-light, standing above him and conferring such an honor upon him, and... To call it a crush would be to belittle it, because it was not a little "oooh the Master is so handsome teehee~" kind of thing at all. You've seen the depths of this man's devotion right in canon, and his determination to serve Kohga. Well after that ceremony, there was also an attraction element mixed in with that. Which Sooga knew he had to just push down, no matter how the years went on and he grew to a more appropriate age and progressed through the ranks and distinguished himself. Because the great Master Kohga would never see him, just Sooga, as anything but a skilled and useful sword, at best. Right?

Meanwhile Kohga...I've alluded only obliquely to the fact that Kohga had a couple prior romances under his belt, but now I'll tell you that these were half his lifetime ago. In his 20s. Both ending in death. In particular, the second of these, a woman named Noor, was Kohga's partner from the summer after he became Master at 25, to the autumn of the next year. And she was killed by monsters out on a scouting mission Kohga sent her on. Because he's the Master, and he sends people on missions. And oh, that hurt Kohga deeply. He knew, of course, that as Master, this general kind of thing would happen. It hurts whenever any member of the Clan dies "on his watch." He cares about all of them--every single person in the greater family that is his Clan. But having just lost both his parents (and his first love, who had also been his best friend) very soon before this, Kohga was devastated by Noor's death. And it caused him to lock up that part of his heart--the part that wanted very much to fall in love romantically--for many, many years. Behind layers of flirtation and one night stands he carefully made sure would stay that way, behind walls he didn't let anyone past. Oh, he was still the cheerful, morale-boosting Master. In fact, he grew into that role quite well over the following two decades, and it's genuine! Just because he'd decided not to ever let himself have romance again doesn't mean he wasn't happy (and I mean that, I'm not trying to be sarcastic)! But I tell you about this so that you know. That when Sooga took over as Kohga's Right Hand a few years before the Calamity, Kohga was NOT looking for love. There was no way that would ever happen for him again. Right?

But it was when Kohga and Sooga started spending more time together as Master and Right Hand that Kohga came to actually really like the guy, like in a friendly sort of way. They really hadn't spoken much before that (which was Sooga's doing--he wanted to protect the Chief as a Blademaster, certainly, but...there was that whole "I'm not worthy" Thing coupled with the fact that Sooga...is a very socially anxious fellow), and Kohga was enjoying getting to know this big strong strapping stoic guy. Even making him laugh sometimes! ((Oh wow, those aren't butterflies in your stomach when that happens, are they Kohga? No, of course not. You're just being yourself, you like it when people laugh at your funny remarks. You're very funny! Nothing is happening here.)) And Kohga came to rely so much more on specifically Sooga as a second in command and gallant protector, while Sooga quietly and invisibly self-immolated from the inside out at the thought that he and the Master were getting along. That they were...becoming friends? No, surely not. The Master already had so many long-time friends. Sooga couldn't compare--wouldn't dare try to put himself in any sort of informal position with Master Kohga! No, his shameful wishes for companionship had to stay in his head. The Master was just being nice. The Master is nice to practically everybody. Nothing is happening here.

So let me put all this rambling in tl;dr form: Sooga knew he was in love, but never would have shown it in any way that wasn't simply Doing His Job As Right Hand. Kohga was starting to fall for Sooga but had conditioned himself not to notice this due to trauma. Sooga was the pining/repressing dork, Kohga was the denying/oblivious dork.

Kohga says that the way he knew he had romantic feelings for Sooga was because running away from his Right Hand and leaving him to certain death made it feel like his heart, already raging and torn from losing so many of his Clan-mates to Astor's betrayal just hours earlier, had been completely destroyed. Just like with Noor. Sooga had been his Right Hand. His to order. And Sooga was going to die protecting The Master. Kohga realized there had still been a little bit of his pushed-down heart that hoped, one day, to find a partner, and that it had been snuffed out. He finally realized. His fanfic-trope 'oh' moment was that he thought Sooga was dead, and that they'd never even had a chance. And then he got on with working his very hardest to save the rest of the Clan, with his alliance with Zelda and his fight against the Calamity. He mourned Sooga along with the others, and was never going to tell anyone what he'd felt.

But then Sooga came back. Sooga lived.

And it turned out Kohga did have a chance.

And he decided--vowed--not to let it pass him by.

Anyway that's their relationship's "backstory," you could say. Next I shall say...

That although Sooga definitely was in Devoted Right Hand Love with Kohga, and although Kohga was letting himself relearn how to be in love with anyone at all but specifically Sooga, and although they are now married and incredibly adorable together, they have faced some psychological roadblocks in getting to the point they're at now.

On Sooga's side, it's the whole I'm Not Worthy Thing. He was so sure that Kohga couldn't possibly really have feelings for him--not that he'd ever accuse Kohga of lying to him!!!!! Sooga had Kohga on a pedestal. As the person who saved his life and gave him a new one. As The Stupendous Chief of the Yiga Clan Master Kohga. So it took him some time, at the start of their courtship, to a) let himself to think of Kohga as a man and truly a partner he's allowed to care for, not only a Master to be served faithfully; b) allow himself to believe that Kohga really wanted him; and c) let himself ever relax and stop trying to Get a Good Grade in Boyfriend instead of being himself. This manifested as a whole bunch of awkwardness. Thinking way too hard about whether it was okay to reach for Kohga's hand because what if it's not the right time or what if Kohga doesn't want him to or what if somebody sees and thinks "ew, what would the awesome and amazing Master Kohga be doing with Sooga? Sooga doesn't deserve him"??? Going mute when Kohga flirted with him because he has difficulty enough choosing words sometimes and didn't want to Say Something Wrong. Refusing to stay overnight with Kohga after sex because he certainly wouldn't want to disrupt his Master by getting up for training drills at dawn. Etc etc. Sooga really had to try to get over this. But he has.

On Kohga's side, it's both his past trauma surrounding losing loved ones (having to accept that loving someone is putting your heart at risk for loss and then doing it anyway), and... Well, a nagging fear that Sooga saw him only as The Master and not as himself (are you seeing the mirror images here?). Kohga doesn't have the same Not Worthy issues as Sooga. Man's got a massive ego and loves himself to pieces. So it wasn't a lack of confidence generally, but more him just really needing reassurance that he wasn't forcing Sooga into a relationship purely by dint of being The Master. That Sooga wasn't just going along with his outing ideas or having sex because Sooga never disobeys. That Sooga really wanted him. The man he is behind the mask, the man he is behind closed doors, the man he is in his heart, not his title. That. This was something he kept mostly to himself, manifesting only as occasional testiness/frustration when Sooga would hesitate too long or not just say what he wanted instead of what he thought Kohga would want to hear.

And on both sides, well...there was the Banana. You know the one. The thing is, Sooga had hinged his whole life's purpose on that banana. And Kohga...didn't remember it. All right, he remembered giving a ragged-looking child a banana and bringing him back to the Valley and handing him off to his then-Right Hand Chisao to join the Clan. He didn't remember that was Sooga, until Sooga reminded him while convalescing (a few days before Kohga asked for their partnership). This was for several reasons, ranging from "Sooga doesn't look like that kid--not only is he huge now, Kohga hadn't seen his true face literally since that one first meeting" to "Sooga tried his very best to stay away from Master Kohga and not be noticed in any more than a passing capacity until he'd a) gotten his mask/learned to disguise himself AND b) trained with blades and magic enough that he could start Blademaster training and maybe just maybe eventually pay Kohga back. For the Banana." And the fact of The Banana kinda fueled both their hangups about the relationship. For Sooga, it was because he was still trying to chase after Being Good Enough to have received the blessing that the Banana symbolized. For Kohga, it was because he had to wonder if Sooga was still just trying to pay off a debt. For Sooga, it was a bit of "how could you forget this thing that was so important to me? (But also thank the ancestors you did, I’m glad you don’t think of me as that sad child.)” For Kohga, it was "how did you not know I was joking? even after all this time? why would you try to die for me over a stinking banana???"

Yes they were a little at cross-purposes and misunderstanding each other at the start, despite their mutual attraction and genuine desire to be partners.

But Kohga really wanted Sooga, and let Sooga know that with all kinds of encouragement, and compliments, and touches, and gifts, and giving him space to find his words, and just all around sappiness and doting (and really great lovemaking). And Sooga really wanted Kohga, and let Kohga know that with quiet moments, and making time for him, and opening up, and heartfelt words, and an all-around change from rigid diligence to honest trust and warmth with him (...and really great lovemaking lol). They talked these things out, eventually, sharing their past hardships and stories and over time, coming to feel comfortable sharing all their thoughts and feelings about each other openly. And so now! They are both very confident in their bond! And they are one of those unstoppable power couples that's actually good at communicating and ridiculously hot together!

AND NOW FOR SOME REALLY CUTE AND SWEET STUFF!!

Their first little "date" involved Kohga helping the still-strength-recovering Sooga with his desert gardening and an errand for the Clan's head apothecary (I've mentioned before that Sooga did chores for the apothecaries as a child and has planted a bunch of cacti and succulents in a sort of natural garden). Koh got Sooga talking about plants while they trotted around watering things and moving Miss Kira's herb pots around, and ended up hanging on every word <3. Because Sooga was actually being casual and chatting. And Sooga enjoyed it too, because Kohga was taking an interest in him and helping with his task (without his having had to ask--he was still feeling pretty weak but did not want to show weakness in front of Kohga at that stage).

Their first kiss was a week into their partnership. Kohga was being stupid in his head about Does Sooga Actually Like Me because they hadn't kissed yet, and was kind of cringe about asking for it. And then he spontaneously combusted when Sooga did it. Gentlest kiss ever. Boy when I say that while Sooga fell first, Kohga fell HARDEST...

Of course Master Kohga gets served the best food of the batch at every meal time--choicest bits of meat and such. He very quickly started sharing them with Sooga nonchalantly. Now that Sooga is Lord-Consort he gets special treatment too, but they're always feeding each other with their chopsticks and being obnoxious.

Speaking of food, one of their very favorite outings to go on is picnics on Satori Mountain. To just sit up under the ever-blooming cherry trees and enjoy some snacks and flavored waters, enjoy each other's company, hike around a little and see the beautiful natural sights...

I'm only barely alluding to their sex life because I wouldn't wanna suddenly blindside anyone with raunchy stuff, but I will say. That the first time Sooga did stay overnight and literally sleep with Kohga after the two figuratively "slept together" (exactly two months into their relationship), Kohga was incredibly happy. It was like the two had turned a corner in the relationship, and started becoming truly close and much much less guarded with each other.

Kohga's the gift-giver of the two. He learned of Sooga's sweet tooth and now he goes out of his way to pick up Gerudo hard candies at KaraKara Bazaar or little cakes in Castle Town when he's there on business. Just anywhere he goes, whether Sooga's with him or not, it's Buying Little Treats for Sooga O'Clock. And y'know. If Sooga's huge honkin' gold and ruby betrothal necklace wasn't a bludgeon of a clue that Kohga's goal is to give Sooga all the finer things he can manage, I don't know what could hit harder.

Sooga's more about spending quality time. He's got so many duties as Right Hand and has historically been horrible at delegating any of them because of How He Is, so actually taking time out to be with Kohga--taking a nap together, bringing Koh a hand-packed lunch at the Royal Ancient Lab if he's working there that day, indulging one of Kohga's "let's go somewhere!" whims--is a big way he shows he cares.

Kohga knows very well that Sooga's a workaholic and he appreciates Sooga taking so much of his own workload and doing so so so much for the Clan. <3 But since they've been partners, Kohga's been trying to step up more and not just let himself make Sooga do all the administrative stuff. In a way, he's trying harder to be the kind of Master deserving of a Right Hand like Sooga. In another way, he just wants to give his husband a break sometimes. If he has to, he can order Sooga to take a break! But he'd really rather just say, "You know, it's been a while since you went to hang out with Mipha. Why don't you hop up the tower and go see her? I'll have this inventory checked by the time you get back." It makes Sooga smile. Kohga lives for Sooga's smile.

Sooga knows very well that Kohga's a social butterfly and he appreciates Kohga taking the lead in conversations when the two of them are around other people. But since they've been together, Sooga's been trying to be more sociable too, and not just stand silently by as the Intimidating Right Hand role. In a way, he's trying harder to be a true partner to Kohga, to show an interest in his friends and to take some of the onus off his mate to always be the one talking at formal events and meetings. In another way, he really does want to be a part of Kohga's social life. If he has to, he can tell Kohga he needs a break from a big crowd and would prefer they step away to be by themselves for a little while. But he'd really rather just step in to add a point about one of the tech projects Kohga's working on at the lab, or to inject one of his pointed little jokes. It makes Kohga smile. Sooga lives for Kohga's smile.

Kohga's favorite part of Sooga's body is his big strong chest which is so comfortable and warm and lovely to rest one's head on and doze off. A close second are his arms. Sooga's favorite part of Kohga's body is--oh you thought I was gonna say the belly or the butt, right? no!!--his back. He thinks the curve of Kohga's spine down the center of his big Inverted Eye tattoo and right to the dramatic spot where it meets his backside is just divine perfection.

Once Sooga got more confident in the relationship, in letting himself be loved and show his love for Kohga openly, he realized that Kohga really really wants him to do that. As in, Kohga loves PDA. Loves it when Sooga puts a protective arm around his shoulders when some snotty Hylian's giving him trouble at one of those periodic Leadership Conferences at the castle. Loves for Sooga to slip a hand onto his waist and squeeze while they're at a crowded shop. Loves to be pulled around a corner in the Complex and trapped against the wall for a kiss. All such little gestures that show how much Sooga wants him. And so. Sooga does that just as much as he can~

(Which Sooga also enjoys doing. It's not just for Kohga's sake. He's gotten kiiiinda possessive. Not in the sense of being jealous if Kohga so much as talks to someone else. Or even flirts. Kohga's a flirt. Sooga knows this and finds it endearing that his partner is so funny and cute that way. Not in the sense of feeling superior to others because he "bagged the Master," or anything so crass. But possessive in the sense of reaaaaally loving it when people Know they're Together. That he is Kohga's, and that (for as long as Kohga desires it) Kohga is his. Wearing jewelry that's essentially a collar with Kohga's insignia on it fuels him.)

Kohga's pet names for Sooga include: darling, love, sweetheart, and my star, which is a family thing for him and a reference to Yiga marriage vows. Sooga's pet names for Kohga are: my love, my dear one, and most of all, beloved.

Finally... @quasar-kaiser asked me wayyyy back on Kohga's birthday in April what their most memorable gift was. Well for Sooga from Kohga, it was indeed his betrothal necklace, in of course a close tie with Kohga's Bond gift to him at their wedding, of a shamisen song and a love poem recited before the whole Clan and several visiting dignitaries. That Kohga would use his time and skill to create such works for him, and that he was willing to perform them for essentially the whole world...what a heady joy! Sooga hardly felt himself worthy of it...but...he believes Kohga feels he is, and that is nothing short of a dream come true.

And for Kohga from Sooga, it was...his name back. His name. I've posted at length about how Kohga had a name before he was Master, but that every Master takes on the name Kohga and it's taboo to ever call a Master by their before-name ever again. Even among family. (Kohga's mother stopped calling his father by his name instantly when he became Master. He was only ever Kohga, even in private, after that. Koh, who was nine years old at the time, has not forgotten how jarring this was, and then sixteen years later how sad he felt when she stopped calling him by the name she'd given him, too.) Sooga didn't even know Kohga's before-name, because Sooga wasn't part of the Clan when Kohga lost it, and no one would ever have dared tell him. But after they became engaged--intended--Kohga told him. And Sooga, who had been told about the taboo, was certainly touched by that gesture, but he felt very anxious when Kohga added, that if Sooga wanted to, he could call him by it. Sometimes. Maybe. When they're alone. ...maybe? No, Sooga responded, not wanting to even get Kohga's hopes up with a "maybe" that would never become reality. It's not permitted. Not even for lovers, not even for the betrothed. It would be...wrong. Kohga couldn't really blame Sooga--he'd known it was a long shot, and breaking this rule would be a huge deal. He was being selfish, asking that. Selfish also, to still keep secretly thinking of his old name as his "real" one. So...imagine his intense surprise and utter overflow of emotion when, on their wedding night, after they'd been intimate for the first time as husbands, Sooga murmured, right against his lips, "I love you, my..." and then his name. HIS NAME. Spoken to him for the first time in over 25 years.

Kohga started out the relationship worried Sooga only loved The Master? No. Sooga loves HIM. This gift was the proof, as if he needed more. And as he told Sooga in his wedding poem, he is going to love him back and sing his praise, in the best words he can find...until eternity ends.

That's all for now, folks! Hope you've enjoyed this sweet sticky banana bread!

[missmurbertime]

One day you this absolutely brilliant idea. Make/buy a comm of your skeletons. It’s perfect right? Think of all the tings you can do with it! Of course you start easy. A keychain of sans. He is of course flattered. Flushing that pretty blue and avoiding your gaze. Shuffling close to you on occasion to brush against you and see it closer. He is so happy you got it. He just doesn’t really know how to say that. But that doesn’t stop him from trying either. After a while he waits until you’re secluded in the laundry room. Pinning you against the wall and kissing you. Rough and wild. If he can’t say how much he likes it. Then He can damn well show you.

Then comes red. Of course it’s easy to know what you should get with him. Clearly a poster. A hot one. Damn. Hot. His rib cage showing and everything. He sees it when he goes in your room to ask you something. He stops. Stares. Stares again. Then stares some more. Then laughs, loud and booming. Running to his room and grabbing a gold sharpie to sign it in the most dramatic fashion ever. Grinning those pointed teeth at you and asking if you need a personal reenactment of the art~

The following week, you decide on something for blue. It was a hard choice. But you ended up choosing a throw pillow. Small. Cute. Soft. He also sees his in your room. But it’s early. When he is coming to wake you for work. But the way you hug it close and press your face against it does wicked things to his SOUL. And before he knows it, he is slipping into the bed with you. Pressing his huge frame against your back. His phalanges ghosting on your hip to wake you. Putting in your ear and asking if you’d rather hold the real thing.

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

I disagree Sauron has multiple motivations, and even Charlie talked about this recently to “Deadline”, he’s entirely motivated by the same goal, and everything he does is towards that goal: “rehabilitate” and “reorganize” Middle-earth because he believes the Valar have forsaken it after the War of Wrath, and he'll continue to believe this until the bitter end. The rings of power are a key element of that goal, and so is Galadriel, according to Charlie. The show simplified this to “heal Middle-earth" because they included the “spreading of corruption” to show Morgoth’s influence in the world even though he’s banished to the Void until the end of days (“all of Middle-earth was Morgoth’s ring”).

The thing is Tolkien himself utterly rejected this view of “evil loves only itself”. The context was from a review W.H. Auden did for “Return of the King” book in 1956. There’s a few segments of it online. Tolkien wasn’t very happy about the things Auden wrote, and even said he’s not some simple-minded adolescent. But what really triggered Tolkien was this quote right here (from where Charlie took “evil loves only itself”;

“Evil, defiantly chosen, can no longer imagine anything but itself. Sauron cannot imagine any motives except lust for domination and fear so that, when he has learned that his enemies have the Ring, the thought that they might try to destroy it never enters his head, and his eye is kept toward Gondor and away from Mordor and the Mount of Doom.”

And Tolkien disagreed with this so much he wrote an entire rant about it (Letter 183):

“In my story I do not deal in Absolute Evil. I do not think there is such a thing, since that is Zero. I do not think that at any rate any 'rational being’ is wholly evil.” […] Some critics seem determined to represent me as a simple-minded adolescent, inspired with, say, a With-the-flag-to-Pretoria spirit, and wilfully distort what is said in my tale. I have not that spirit, and it does not appear in the story.”

So, I’m taking Tolkien side on this one. Always. This is his world and his characters. To me, this is one of those things that’s not even debatable. I just wished Charlie hadn’t brought this up (or someone else told him to) because this was something Tolkien absolutely despised. He even stopped W. H. Auden from writing a book about his work after this essay, and the two of them had a fall-out.

love requires self-sacrifice. which is made even more complex because i truly believe that sauron would swear up and down that he IS sacrificing himself for the good of middle-earth to the point of compromising his fëa to create the one ring. would someone who didn't love do that??

You are answering your own question, Sauron is willing to sacrifice his own being for Middle-earth. He becomes earthbound because of the One ring, and that’s why he loses his ability to take on fair form ever again (it’s not a “punishment from Eru” like the popular interpretation; Tolkien talks about this on his letters).

Does Sauron loves Galadriel in a romantic way? We don’t know. Nothing has been confirmed by the show. According to Charlotte Brändström yes, but we can only work with what the show reveals to us. But in my opinion, yes. But it’s turning into a more obsessive, possessive and darker form of love, now.

I don’t think they have conflicting minds, at all; they are two sides of the same coin, after all. They desire the same things, even in Tolkien legendarium. As we are told in “Nature of Middle-earth”: “when Sauron visited Eregion he sees quickly that he has met his match in Galadriel”. He’s the “Lord of Magic”, she’s the “Mistress of Magic” (“Two Towers”). In “Unfinished Tales” we are told Sauron considered Galadriel “his chief adversary”, in one version she moves to Lothlórien because she suspects Sauron is hiding in Dol Guldur, across the river. She’s right, and they even have a magical showdown in the same book. They see into each others minds. The Orcs attack Lothlórien Three times during the War of the Ring, but Tolkien says “the power that dwelt there was too great for any to overcome, unless Sauron had come there himself." (Appendix B of LOTR). She’s also been obsessing about the One ring for thousands of years. RoP exploring this dynamic between them is actually brilliant.

never not thinking about charlie vickers's "saurondriel is not romantic" agenda, which i feel baffles a lot of the fandom because "if not romantic, then why all.......that?" but i think i know what he means, and bear with me!!! because charlie is clearly an intelligent guy, meticulous about his research, detail-oriented, so he wouldn't be so adamant about this if he hadn't thought it through.

it's not that sauron and galadriel are platonic, it's just that they're not romantic in a way we usually associate with Romance. like, they're not on bridgerton. charlie loves to bring up the fact that sauron isn't human, he's a "demigod written by a human," and galadriel isn't human either. so while "cosmic connection" has been used to death, it really is the closest we'll ever come to describing their relationship in two words, and using the one - "romantic" - leaves out their eternal memories, the nature of their creations, what they symbolize within the narrative, their power plays and conflicting agendas.... like, it's romantic, but it's like confusing Romance with Gothic Romance with Romanticism with Romance languages. i don't think he's trying to flat-out deny deny deny the romantic aspects of saurondriel (which are confirmed by charlotte brandström anyway, and she must have discussed them with charlie and miv while filming), but by contradicting the conventionally romantic (meaning "love affair") nature of their relationship, he is highlighting that:

1) these characters aren't human and we shouldn't think of them as such,

2) the relationship itself is complex and brings up feelings both of yearning and also deep, unsettling anger, shame, and hurt,

3) sauron is a masterful deceiver and the villain of the piece and his m.o. is literally psychological undoing,

4) his ability to love selflessly has been compromised for literal ages,

5) considering the romantic love aspect (as we typically understand it) isn't enough when there are larger questions of good vs evil and callings which they must both defend. sauron and galadriel are both characters in their own right but also archetypal symbols because, again... say it with me... they aren't human.

so i don't think charlie is being obtuse, i think he's trying to discourage reductive takes on the saurondriel relationship and i respect him for it. he's saying "don't get stuck on looking here, try looking over there too!"

[skitskatdacat63]

More matador!Fernando! Ferrari this time :D (I can't help myself.....)

- facial hair

+ closeups

I really wanted the vibe of this Nando pic, I think I did pretty well??

[connormoving]

its so embarassing likee. going to talk abt a feeling you have but you already know ppl will be like Oh that sounds like depression lol and its like. well yes . i know . trust me i am so aware i am depressed . but its still like a thing ive been thinking abt and wanting to talk abt but ik itll just be like Ok hun 👍. idk idk what response i would want tho ig FNFNFNF