#and just the way there were so many subtle understated moves

[herewegobebe]

TAEMIN | 'Strings' ✦ Metamorph

[pearljen-blog]

Joel Miller NSFW Alphabet

As always I prefer the video game version of Joel; he’s just so handsome and lovely. But I believe it works for the HBO version as well. 

I’m new to this, so please be patient with me.

Similarly, I have to be patient getting used to tumblr, as the editing can be right… ***

Warnings: This is 18+ content. Please do not interact with this content if you are under the age or do not generally like smutty content. Adult themes and language used below the cut.

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Joel is a lot more emotional and caring than people may assume. That said, his love language is subtle and understated. When you are alone with him, he loves having you close to him, usually draped over his chest or by his side. Small kisses on your head and soft touches along your tummy. He loves your scent and smooth skin.

After sex, Joel will admire your body, often sticky with his cum. At times even move you slightly to get a better look. He will help you get cleaned eventually, but he loves to admire his artwork for a little while so he’s in no hurry.

Depending on how busy the day was, he can fall asleep fairly quickly. On a good day, you will watch a movie together or listen to music, until one or both of you fall asleep. Once you started staying over more often, you would occasionally read aloud from your book and watch Joel fall asleep to it. It calms him down immensely and it’s a kind of hidden secret between the two of you. You never talk about it, it just sort of happened.

 B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Joel is an ass man all the way. He loves looking at your ass, feeling your ass, kneading your ass, touching your ass and, if you let him, penetrate your ass.

He also enjoys touching and kissing your belly. If you get shy around him because you feel bloated or insecure, he takes these thoughts right from you by placing a hand on your lower belly and gently trailing it up and down, giving you goosebumps in an instant.

Favourite body part of himself are his arms. He lifts weights occasionally and likes how it makes him strong and capable. Carrying his daughter or helping you to lift heavy boxes makes him feel confident and he known you like it too.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Joel usually opts for coming on you and enjoys seeing his cum dribble down your ass or face. Sometimes it can get him going again right away, just looking at your cum smeared face. He has many images of you covered in his juices branded to his memory.

Also, his absolute favourite thing is making you come around him. Not just with his mouth, but actually being deep inside you when you come, squeezing his cock. Your aftershocks and hypersensitivity make him go wild and is, at times, enough to bring him over the edge as well. If he would have a say on how he’d leave this world, it would be this exact scenario.

Young Joel preferred sex without a condom but would wear one if you insist. Post outbreak, Joel would have preferred to be on the safe side, but condoms were no longer available.

 D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Would love to have a few pictures of you, spread out and covered in his cum. It’s too dangerous to have around the house or even on his phone, so he has never asked or indulged in it. But it had crossed his mind a few times to take a few compromising pictures of you, after he fucked your brains out and covered you in his juices.

 E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

He was a loner when he was really young, not too many friends, especially not girls. But eventually being closed off turned into something mysterious and attractive and girls would start lining up. Joel never had a problem getting laid as a teen and young adult and took advantage of it for a while.  That settled down when he fell in love for the first time, and this is also when he started seeing sex as something more personal and put a lot more effort into it. Making it worthwhile not just for him, but also for his partner.

Once he had Sarah and got divorced, he was hanging on to flings and even occasional dating. However, his time was mainly split between Sarah and work during his late 20s and he only had one notable relationship during this time.

After the outbreak, he only ever allows himself to even think about sex when it was safe and secure. It didn’t happen often until he arrived in Jackson, so there was a lot of downtime for many years.

 F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Anything from behind really. He loves taking you doggy style and watching your hole. Joel loves making you come in this position, and pace himself, if that’s what you need. But if you let him, he will just fuck you like a wild animal. You will have to adjust your stance often to keep up with his thrusts.

69 is another position he loves. Joel would happily suffocate with you on top of him. But he’s open to most positions, especially if it gets you off.

 G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

During sex, Joel is just living and enjoying the moment with you. He’s not particular humorous during the act, but keeps it light enough in the bedroom. If you say something filthy or teasing to him, he will blush or smile. But all in all, he’s a lot funnier after sex, occasionally tickling or teasing you. His humor is generally understated and dark.

 H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Minimal grooming, mainly cutting or buzzing down the hair to keep it short. He showers every day, sometimes more, because of work.

Joel had a beard since he could properly grow one and he’s never looked back. He grooms his beard more than the downstairs, but hasn’t shaved since he was 17.

He has no real preference for you, but prefers it slightly trimmed. That said, he wouldn’t car enough to ever bring it up.

 I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Joel is very touchy during sex and has his hands all over your body. You have gained many bruises because of him, not painful, just reminders of him kneading your skin and pushing you deeper into him.

He doesn’t talk a lot during sex but will call you sweetheart or beautiful whenever you are close. Loves kissing you, not just on the lips but all over your body and especially your intimate places.

It’s important for you to feel save and to trust him with everything you are doing. If there’s ever a doubt in your mind or something you are not ok with, he will stop immediately and check in with you.

In public, he’s the opposite. Something you have to learn to accept is his lack of intimacy from him in public.

 J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Masturbation was always a big part of his life. Either because he preferred a lot of time spend alone, or because he was just too damn tired. He can come easily, and it’s more of a means to an end for him to relax.

Since being with you it happens much less, but he still jacks off occasionally, just to get the tension out of his body.

 K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

When he was younger it was all about girl-on-girl action. If he watched porn or had dirty thoughts, they usually involved girls getting it on. He never indulged in it physically and doesn’t regret it.

Loves anything ass related. When he takes you from behind, Joel will usually squeeze and slap your ass first and pull your cheeks apart to get a good look at your ring. If you’d let him, he would definitely be into anal. He doesn’t need it every time, but claiming your ass fully is something he’s into.

 L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

There was a time, when he was much younger, where he would bang anything and everywhere. It was just a few years as a very young adult, and he grew out of it quickly.

With Sarah / Ellie around, he is mainly just looking for a quiet and save place to indulge. If he gets an occasional chance to have you over and all to himself, he will be fucking you on every counter and table. But it doesn’t happen often, so the bed is the preferred options.

 M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

He’s attracted to many types of women, and used to indulge more in letting his fantasies play out.

When he’s with you, it doesn’t take much to turn him on. He’s not too keen on public display of affection, but when you are alone, the touch of your hair or your smell can get him in the mood. Loves grabbing your ass and slide his hand between your legs to keep you going. Your moans are like gospel to his ears and will get him hard in an instant.

 N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Joel doesn’t generally flirt or talk dirty in public. It was part of his strict upbringing, and he keeps his sexual needs and desires very far apart from his public image. In private, alone with you, he’s a lot more relaxed.

He would also never share you with anyone. Even the thought of someone getting too close to you or making you feel uncomfortable, makes his blood boil. Anyone else touching you privately would be reason enough to kill that person. Even before the outbreak he would have caused damage if anyone dared.

 O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Prefers penetrative sex over oral. That said, he known it gets you off and he would gladly spend hours going down on you, to make sure you are satisfied. He’s skilful and patient enough to make you come with his tongue and fingers. In the beginning he was a bit too rough for your liking, but he learned quickly.

Favourite oral position is 69. It’s not just about coming for Joel, but that lazy position allows both of each other to discover and experience your bodies. Joel loves licking part of your body, like your thighs and your perineum.

 P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Joel's default pace is deep and hard. Not particularly fast or slow, just fucking you with his whole body. You feel him for days after. When he’s on top of you, you will usually scootch all the way up the bed. When he’s taking you from behind, you will often have to adjust your stance to keep up with him.

Great thing about Joel is that he’s fine taking feedback and will change his pace to accommodate you in any way you want. Even keeping completely still when you ride him. If it gets you off, is all that matter to him.

 Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Quickies are more a thing of the past for him. He used to fuck his girlfriend, way back when, after school.

Given the right time and place, he prefers to indulge and keep you around to fully take advantage of your whole body. Lick you, feel you and fuck you multiple ways.

Post outbreak, sex often became a commodity to get him off but not fully invested. It was often awkward and would fall under quickies. Not his favourite time, until he was settled in Jackson.

 R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Back in the days, sure. No shame about being caught having sex in a car or after school. It was a thrill for a short time, and mainly to rebel against his strict upbringing.

Since then, he has learned to keep his sexual needs away from the public. He will barely even show public affections.

The most risk he would take is fucking you in the same house when his daughter is in another room. You got into the habit of keeping the TV on in the bedroom to cover your noises somewhat.

 S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Joel can go for one long session, rather than multiple ones. He loves seeing you come and will fuck you for as long as it takes. He’s perfected the art of staying hard and giving you whatever you need to get yourself off. When it’s his time to let loose and just go for it, he can be done in minutes.

Occasionally he can go a second round, especially when he sees your fucked out state and knows he can take full advantage of your body. He will usually take you from behind, as it’s the one position that always gets him hard. Seeing you bent over is something he will never get tired of.

 T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Never used toys on a girl or on himself. He used to watch porn with girls using dildos, and he very much enjoyed it. If you would ask for it, he would likely try it and even enjoy fucking you with it. But it’s not something he would bring up from his side.

 U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

The most teasing Joel does is tickling you into submission. It’s part of his playful love language before or after sex.

He just loves seeing you come and squirm when he’s fucking you, so he would never deny you.

 V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Joel grunts and moans mainly. He’s not very vocal but when he does say something during sex it will extra filthy and rumbled into your ear with his dark Texas accent. It’s the hottest thing in the world.

He’s shocked when you use indecent and nasty language around him and tell him you want to be fucked by him. But secretly he loves it; as long as it’s for his ears only.

Most of the noise in your bedroom comes from skin slapping on skin, because he fucks you hard and relentlessly into the mattress.

 W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He lost his virginity at 13 to an older woman. He’s never really told anyone about it and is not proud of it.

 X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Average in length, but thick as a soup can. He’s aware of the thick cock he’s packing and learned as a young man to take his time getting a woman ready before penetrating her. It sounds great but can actually cause discomfort at times.

Sensitive and ticklish balls as well, which he needs to make clear when receiving oral. Not circumcised.

 Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Joel’s sex drive highly depends on the circumstances he finds himself in. For long periods of time, he’s depended on relieving himself with his own hands, and as such he lost interest in sex. Too much stress and worries, even before the outbreak.

Given the right and safe environment, Joel and his sex drive are thriving and feels good being able to enjoy his desires again. Having you around is making him want to be a better man, inside and outside the bed.

 Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

At times, Joel has fallen asleep instantly. Literally powering himself out and hitting the pillow right after. He will still pull you close and make sure you’re fine, but he would have literally spend his last energy on you.

If he’s not defeated by the day, he will be a lot more attentive and even go for another round later on. He is active in his day to day life and in good health, so he will try and make the time together worthwhile.

Masterlist

[mercillery]

I LITERALLY LOVE YOUR WRITING!! YOU'RE ONE OF THE FEW THAT WRITES FOR ALL OF MY FAVOURITE BC CHARACTERS 🙏🙏 Could I get a SFW Alphabet for either Damnatio, Zenon or Conrad?

WARNING: GENDER NOT SPECIFIED + NOT PROOFREAD

NOTES: Zenon because I’m down bad for anyone who shares Zogratis blood and there’s no way I’m passing up an opportunity to write for him 😩 ALSO IM SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG ANON…I HAVE NO EXCUSES THIS TIME.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

He might not be the most affectionate partner, and you might not see many public displays of affection from him. It's not that he doesn't love you—he absolutely does—but he's just not the type to express his feelings through physical touch. He values privacy in your relationship and prefers to keep your bond away from the public eye. He shows his love in other, more subtle ways—acts of service are his primary love language; he goes out of his way to take care of things for you, whether it's running errands or simply making sure your needs are met before you even have to ask. These gestures may seem small, but they are his way of saying, "I care about you deeply."

Quality time is also equally important to him. He cherishes the moments you spend together, even if it's just sitting in comfortable silence or sharing a meal. These moments, though quiet and understated, are where his affection truly shines through. Moreover, Zenon tries to make up for his lack of outward affection by keeping you close to him. He values your presence immensely and makes a conscious effort to have you by his side as much as possible. Whether he's on a mission, attending to his duties, or finally finding a moment to relax, he ensures that you are there with him.

Another one of the most significant ways Zenon shows his love is by protecting you from his siblings. He knows how intense and chaotic they can be. Their intense and overwhelming nature can be a lot to handle, and Zenon completely understands if you find them to be too much at times. He frequently steps in to shield you from their antics, providing a buffer so you can find some peace amidst the chaos.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Allen 2.0???

The only realistic way to forge a friendship with someone as stoic and intense as Zenon is by working for him, which means becoming one of his Dark Disciples. This is the sole path to becoming his friend, let alone his best friend. However, it’s not just about the position you hold; it’s also about the qualities you share with him. To earn Zenon's friendship, you need to demonstrate a level of determination and strength that mirrors his own. Zenon isn’t particularly picky, but if he were to choose a best friend, he’d want someone who is as resolved and strong as he is. He has no interest in a friend he constantly needs to babysit or watch over. He wants someone on his level, someone who can stand beside him as an equal. Your chances of becoming his best friend increase significantly if you share the same mindset and approach to life as he does.

As a best friend, Zenon's support would manifest more through actions than words. While he insists on having a best friend who can stand on their own and doesn't need constant supervision, he would still be a bit protective of you—just a bit. If you're strong and find yourself in a tough fight but make a minor mistake, such as miscalculating your opponent's next move, Zenon will step in without hesitation to cover for you. Additionally, Zenon would be brutally honest. He would never sugarcoat his opinions or offer false praise. His feedback can often come across as harsh, but it stems from a place of wanting to see you improve and reach your full potential. He believes in pushing you to be your best self, even if it means being critical at times. His honesty is unwavering, and while it might be tough to hear, you know that he always has your best interests at heart.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

I know I said he isn’t the most affectionate man, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to deny you cuddling him if you so desire it—as long as it remains behind closed doors. He understands that physical closeness can be important and is willing to accommodate your needs. If you want to cuddle with him when you're alone, he will absolutely let you do so. And while he might rarely ever initiate physical affection first, he does appreciate the intimacy and warmth that come from these moments. It’s in these private, quiet times that Zenon allows himself to be at ease. So, even though he’s not naturally affectionate, he’s willing to meet you halfway and share in these tender moments.

How would Zenon cuddle? Well, that's entirely up to you. He doesn't have a strong preference for how cuddling happens. To him, cuddles are cuddles, and the specifics don't really matter as long as you're both comfortable. Whether you want to rest your head on his chest, wrap your arms around him, or simply lie side by side, he’s fine with it all. Zenon is adaptable and willing to go along with whatever makes you happy. As long as the cuddling remains behind closed doors, he’s perfectly fine with any position or style you prefer. In these private moments, he’s more focused on the connection and intimacy than the mechanics.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Settle down? No, absolutely not. There's really not much to explain here; it's flat-out obvious that Zenon is a child-free man. Just look at him. He and his siblings have grand plans—plans far too important to be put on hold for the sake of raising a child. The responsibilities and ambitions they have leave no room for the demands of parenthood. Even if Zenon were to accomplish all his goals, the idea of settling down still seems unlikely. His focus and dedication to his mission are so ingrained in his identity that the thought of shifting gears to a quieter, domestic life just doesn’t fit. The drive and determination that fuel him are not easily turned off, and the notion of stepping away from his life's work to "baby a baby" seems out of character for him. In summary, the concept of settling down and starting a family is simply not on Zenon's radar. His priorities lie elsewhere, and his lifestyle and ambitions don't align with the traditional path of marriage and children.

He’s okay at cooking. Just okay.

Zenon is adept at cleaning. Even before the Dark entered the picture, he had a habit of tidying up after himself. He also doesn't waste time and approaches cleaning with the same focused determination he applies to everything else. 🧹🧽

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

If Zenon ever found himself needing to end the relationship, he would approach it with swift and direct honesty, cutting straight to the point without much preamble. His communication style in such situations would be brief and matter-of-fact, devoid of emotional flourishes or unnecessary explanations. If you cry or experience emotional distress, Zenon will still maintain his stoic demeanor. He wouldn't attempt to comfort you or offer reassurances. Instead, he expects a level of maturity and resilience, believing that individuals should handle their emotions independently—including you.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Zenon takes commitment seriously. If you've managed to become his lover, then that surely means you've broken through his stone-cold exterior, earning a place in his heart and his respect. Breaking through Zenon's walls is no easy feat. As his partner, you gained a level of respect that surpasses what he holds for his own siblings. Despite being bound by blood, Zenon isn't emotionally connected to his siblings in the same way he is with you. His relationship with them is more about shared goals and obligations, whereas with you, there's a deeper, more personal connection. Given this profound connection, Zenon takes his commitment to the relationship extremely seriously. If you ever find yourself doubting his loyalty or suspecting him of infidelity, you're mistaken—very mistaken. Zenon would never cheat on you. His dedication is unwavering, and the mere notion of betraying your trust is unfathomable to him. If such suspicions arise, you should be ready to apologize for even entertaining the idea.

Zenon feels indifferent about marriage, perhaps even a bit reluctant and hesitant. Throughout the relationship, marriage is the last thing on his mind, and he doesn't place as much importance on it as some couples might. To him, the bond and commitment you share are what truly matter, and he doesn't see the need for a formal ceremony to validate it. Marriage only becomes a topic of consideration when you bring it up. When you do, Zenon might be a bit taken aback. It's not that he opposes the idea outright, but it's something that doesn't naturally align with his priorities or view of your relationship. He struggles to understand why you feel the need to formalize your bond when, in his eyes, you are already committed to each other. He’s already yours, and he believes that the commitment you share is as strong as it can be without needing a legal or societal stamp of approval. However, if you persistently express your desire to get married and it genuinely means a lot to you, Zenon might consider it. He respects your feelings and wants to make you happy, but it would take considerable persuasion for him to fully embrace the idea.

And if your desire for marriage is strong enough and you somehow get him to marry you, then just know that it would be more out of his love and respect for you than his own inclination towards the institution of marriage.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Gentle? Listen, he’s trying. Gentleness is not something he’s too familiar with.

Physically, Zenon's gentleness is decent but leans toward the firmer side. To put it simply, he’s usually firm but with a soft touch—if that makes sense. For instance, when you’re holding hands, he ensures to keep a firm grip on your hand, but not to the extent that it hurts or feels suffocating. His touch is confident and steady, conveying his presence and strength without causing discomfort. It's up to you whether this level of firmness is something you believe he needs to work on or not. Zenon is naturally firm about everything, including his physical interactions, but with you, he consciously tries to balance it so you don't feel overwhelmed. If you appreciate a firmer touch, then this aspect of his demeanor should be perfectly fine for you. However, if you prefer a gentler approach, then you might need to guide him a bit. Gentleness is not something Zenon grew up familiar with, and it’s a concept he may struggle to fully grasp. It’s a word that might not even be in his active vocabulary. Teaching him to be more gentle will require patience and clear communication from you, and helping Zenon understand your needs and preferences is essential to fostering a more gentle touch. Show him how you’d like to be held, explain what feels comfortable and what doesn’t, and gradually he will learn. While it might take some time and effort, with your guidance, Zenon can learn to balance his firm nature with the gentleness you desire.

Emotionally, Zenon has a lot more work to do compared to his physical gentleness. Even if you're not particularly emotional or don't place a lot of importance on it, it's evident that Zenon needs significant improvement in this area. Gentleness, especially when it comes to emotions, is something he’s still unfamiliar with. As mentioned earlier in the best friend part, Zenon is straightforward and never sugarcoats his opinions, often coming off as harsh. Unfortunately, this tendency doesn’t change even while in a relationship with him. His blunt honesty and lack of emotional sensitivity can definitely be challenging to navigate. Zenon's emotional approach is rooted in his upbringing and the environment he's accustomed to, where emotional gentleness was neither valued nor practiced. This makes it difficult for him to naturally adopt a softer, more considerate demeanor when dealing with feelings. However, acknowledging this is the first step towards improvement. Patience and open communication are key if you want to help Zenon develop a more emotionally gentle side. Express your feelings and let him know how his bluntness affects you. Provide specific examples of when his words have been hurtful or lacking in sensitivity. It’s important to recognize that this will be a gradual process. Zenon’s commitment to you means he will try to adapt and grow, but it will take time and consistent effort.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Like cuddles, he doesn’t mind hugs as long as they’re in private. Again, he’s a private guy and prefers it if you keep it professional with him in public.

Even if you’re not the most physically affectionate, it’s often you hugging him rather than he himself initiating hugs.

But on the very rare occasion that he does hug you, it’s usually like I said earlier in the gentle part, he’s firm but not to the point of even slightly hurting you—just firm.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

It's very likely that you say "I love you" way before Zenon does. Even if you're not typically someone who says those three words first, chances are you'll end up being the one to initiate it. Imagine being together for years without either of you having said it yet—and when you do finally muster the courage to utter those words, don't expect immediate reciprocation from Zenon. When you tell Zenon, "I love you," his response might be something indirect like "I as well," or he might simply nod his head. Believe me, he absolutely loves you—he's just very hesitant and reluctant to say those three words back. It's not something he feels comfortable saying, as it's a level of vulnerability he's not used to expressing. Zenon will find ways to convey his feelings without actually saying the words for a while. He might use his actions to show his love or offer subtle verbal affirmations that skirt around the direct expression of "I love you." This could go on for months, possibly even close to a year, until he finally says it. When Zenon does finally say, "I love you," it's a moment worth waiting for. He won't be shy, but he'll likely say it quietly and perhaps glance away. He's just not accustomed to saying such intimate words, and it's probably the first time he's ever uttered them to anyone. Saying it to you feels incredibly intimate for him, but in a positive way. It takes him a long time to get there, but when he does, it’s a powerful testament to his feelings for you.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

It's hard to describe Zenon's jealousy in words, but I can give you an idea with percentages. When he gets jealous, it ranges from about 5% to 40%, depending on the situation. He knows without a doubt that you’re his, and he’s yours, but it still genuinely irks him to feel even a hint of jealousy. For example, if someone is hitting on you—whether it’s a man or a woman—he’ll appear out of nowhere, much like when he suddenly appeared beside Yami after Dante was defeated. In those moments, he’s visibly bothered, irked, and annoyed. Despite his confidence in your loyalty, the idea of someone attempting to flirt with you still grates on him. Zenon’s jealousy doesn’t stem from insecurity about your commitment to him; he knows you would never entertain the thought of cheating—rather, it’s the audacity of others thinking they can encroach on what he holds dear that irritates him. He takes your relationship seriously, and any perceived threat, no matter how insignificant, is enough to rouse his protective instincts. So, while he may not always express it openly, his jealousy is a clear sign of how much he values and cherishes you. His reaction, though firm and sometimes intense, is rooted in his deep-seated desire to keep you safe and ensure that others respect the bond you share.

As mentioned earlier, Zenon literally appears out of nowhere when someone is making a flirtatious attempt at you. No one even notices how he suddenly got there or where he came from. The person hitting on you is definitely in for a shock when they suddenly find Zenon’s face inches from theirs, sporting a deadpan and intensely displeased expression. Just his expression alone is enough to make the flirter immediately get the hint and back off. Zenon's presence and demeanor are so intimidating that he doesn't need to say a word to scare them away. His silent but powerful message is clear: You're off-limits. After dealing with the intruder, Zenon turns to you and calmly advises you to be more careful next time. This isn’t a warning directed at you but rather a suggestion to be aware of anyone trying to hit on you. His concern is for your comfort and safety, not a reflection of any annoyance toward you. Rest assured, Zenon’s irritation is never directed at you, no matter how many times such incidents occur. His frustration is solely aimed at the person flirting with you, making it very clear that his annoyance lies with those who fail to respect your relationship, never with you.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Like I said earlier, Zenon’s demeanor is firm but balanced, with a subtle hint of gentleness. This extends to his kisses as well. When he kisses you, it’s typically with a firm grip, with one hand holding the side of your face while his lips press against yours. His kiss is assertive yet not overwhelming, striking a balance that leaves you breathless but never suffocating.

When he kisses you, he usually aims for your lips, like most lovers do. Nothing too different or crazy here. His favorite spots to kiss are just your lips.

As for where he likes to be kissed, he doesn’t have a preferred spot. He doesn’t mind any type of kiss you give him, no matter where they are. He’s a simple guy who just likes any type of kiss you give him. And again, as long as PDA remains behind closed doors, he’s perfectly fine. 

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

To put it simply, he's awkward and doesn’t care for them. Even in the presence of the most polite or adorable child, Zenon remains indifferent. He finds children a little bit annoying and doesn't have much patience for their antics or needs. When he's around kids, Zenon maintains the same demeanor—serious and stoic. He doesn't soften his expression or adjust his behavior to accommodate their presence. You’ll never catch Zenon being even the slightest bit soft around kids. He doesn't engage in playful banter, doesn't smile more often, and certainly doesn't exhibit any nurturing tendencies. His interactions are minimal and purely functional, often limited to acknowledging their existence without any genuine interest. He just doesn't see the appeal and prefers to keep his distance. There's not much more to say—he just doesn’t like children and makes no effort to hide it.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

No matter how early you rise, you'll rarely wake up with Zenon by your side. It's an extremely rare occurrence to find him next to you in the morning, and it only happens when he has absolutely nothing important on his agenda. Zenon is the type of man who wakes up at the crack of dawn to get things done. He doesn't like to waste time and prefers to tackle his duties quickly and efficiently. This is why, by the time you wake up, Zenon is already up and gone, immersed in his responsibilities. On the rare occasions when you do wake up with Zenon still beside you, it’s a special treat. However, his dedication to his responsibilities means these mornings are unfortunately few and far between. 

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Zenon sleeps with a quietness that sometimes triggers your paranoia. There are moments when you find yourself shaking him awake just to reassure yourself that he’s still alive. It’s not uncommon for his peaceful slumber to make you wonder if something’s amiss, but don't worry; he’s simply a very quiet sleeper. However, despite this worryingly serene sleeping habit, Zenon possesses a remarkable ability to wake up at the slightest disturbance. It’s as if his ears are finely tuned even while he sleeps, instantly alerting him to the faintest of sounds. This unique combination can be surprising, considering how deeply he seems to rest. If you wake up in the middle of the night needing water or a bathroom break, attempting to move quietly won’t do much good. Zenon’s sensitivity to noise means that even the subtlest movement or sound is enough to rouse him. He awakens almost instantly, demonstrating his keen awareness even in sleep. This heightened awareness contrasts with his otherwise tranquil sleeping demeanor, providing a curious dichotomy. While his quiet sleep can lead to moments of concern for you, his responsiveness to your movements ensures that he’s always attuned to your needs, even in the dead of night.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Patience is key when it comes to getting to know Zenon on a deeper level. He is notoriously slow at opening up and revealing things about himself. It's not that he's unwilling or uninterested in sharing, but rather that he's cautious and reserved by nature.

You shouldn’t expect Zenon to start revealing personal details until at least a year into your relationship. He's not accustomed to divulging personal information to just anyone, and it takes time for him to build that level of trust and comfort with someone—even with you, his very own lover.

When he does begin to share, it's not all at once. Zenon reveals bits and pieces of himself gradually, which can be frustratingly slow if you're impatient. However, if you're patient and understanding, you'll find that he's worth the wait.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

When it comes to you, Zenon is very slow to anger. Despite his cold and reserved nature, he shows remarkable patience with you. Even though his demeanor might suggest otherwise, that doesn't mean that he easily loses his temper with you. Sure, there may be times when he might firmly scold you for a mistake, especially if it’s something that could have put you in serious danger during a fight. His firm tone is more about concern for your well-being than actual anger. The closest you’ll ever see Zenon to genuine anger with you is this firm, corrective demeanor—or just firm. However, there is one situation that could genuinely provoke his anger: betrayal. If you were to cheat on him or seriously breach his trust, it would undoubtedly stir deep emotions. In such a scenario, his usual calm and composed nature would give way to genuine anger and hurt. This kind of betrayal would cut deep, given how much trust and effort he puts into the relationship. But I think you're smart enough to not betray him—hopefully.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Zenon has a decent memory when it comes to you, focusing more on the small, meaningful details that are directly about you. He might not bother to remember every minor detail about your past, like the name of your childhood best friend, the academy you attended, or the exact number of pets you had growing up. Those things don't seem particularly significant to him. However, when it comes to the small, personal preferences and quirks that define you, Zenon pays close attention—such as remembering your favorite color and whether you prefer the heat or the cold. His selective memory highlights his focus on what truly matters to you. While he may not recall every single fact about your past, he makes an effort to remember the things that bring you joy or comfort.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

When it's just the two of you—alone. Although he may not openly show it, the immense pressure of his goals and the weight of his responsibilities seriously stress him out. His siblings, who often treat their mission with a casual, almost playful attitude, add to his frustration and make him feel isolated in his seriousness. In these moments of solitude, you become his sanctuary. Your presence alone, whether you're sitting quietly across the room or cuddling close to him, provides him with a profound sense of relief. It doesn't matter what you're doing; the simple fact that it's just you and him with no interruptions is like a breath of fresh air for him. Being alone with you gives Zenon a chance to relax and recharge in a way he can't manage when surrounded by others.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

How protective is Zenon? Well, he strikes a balance in his protectiveness toward you. If you’re his lover, he trusts that you can handle yourself without needing constant assistance or intervention. He respects your strength and independence, believing that you’re capable enough to manage most situations on your own. However, if you’re more on the weaker side, Zenon’s protectiveness does increase, but it’s never to the point of being overbearing or excessive. He’s mindful not to smother you or make you feel incapable. Instead, he takes a more practical approach, ensuring you’re prepared to defend yourself when he’s not around. To this end, Zenon dedicates time to training you, teaching you how to fight and protect yourself. He wants you to be self-sufficient and confident in your abilities. So, while Zenon isn’t overly protective, he’s attentive and supportive, ensuring you’re equipped to handle challenges independently.

When it comes to protecting you, Zenon often acts when you least expect it. For instance, imagine you’re about to trip over a rock you didn’t see, and before you even realize you’re falling, Zenon uses his bone magic to catch you before you even hit the ground. It’s a subtle but effective way of showing his care and attentiveness. In more dangerous situations, his protective instincts become even more pronounced. If an enemy is about to strike you in a blind spot, Zenon’s bone magic springs into action. He can catch the attacker’s wrist mid-air, yanking them harshly toward him. With a deadly glare, he ensures the assailant understands the gravity of their mistake before he utterly demolishes them. Zenon’s protection is both subtle and fierce, ensuring your safety in everyday mishaps and life-threatening battles alike.

Please, the last thing Zenon needs is protection. His strength and combat prowess are unmatched, making him more than capable of handling any threat that comes his way. However, if you still try to protect him nonetheless, he wouldn’t mind at all. In fact, Zenon would appreciate your efforts. He’d give you a small nod, a subtle gesture acknowledging your attempt to protect him. <3

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He’d put a decent amount of effort into dates, anniversaries, and gifts combined. I'm not so sure about everyday tasks, though.

He understands that dates, anniversaries, and gifts are all important events, especially anniversaries. That being said, don’t worry, he does absolutely put effort into those things—he puts even more effort into anniversaries, like above and beyond type effort.

As for everyday tasks, he could definitely work on them. Zenon doesn’t think everyday tasks are too special; they are called everyday tasks for a reason—because you do them every day. Unlike dates, anniversaries, and gifts, Zenon deems everyday tasks less important. 

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Gosh, where do I start…

His stoicism, sternness, mercilessness, and a lot more. If you share his mindset and values, these traits might not pose a problem for you. However, if you have a more compassionate and empathetic heart, these habits can be difficult to accept and reconcile with. Zenon's stoicism often means he keeps his emotions tightly controlled and rarely expresses his feelings openly. His sternness can make him seem unapproachable and inflexible, while his mercilessness in battle and towards his enemies reveals a harsh and unforgiving side. These traits are deeply ingrained in Zenon—they have been shaped by his upbringing and the harsh realities he has faced throughout his life. He has always been this way, and it's unlikely that he will change these aspects of himself anytime soon, if ever. While he loves you, these habits and traits are part of who he is. They define his approach to life and the way he interacts with the world.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

He could care less about how he looks; there are more important things to be concerned about than his looks. 

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Yes, Zenon would absolutely feel incomplete without you. At first, he might be in denial, refusing to admit the void your absence creates in his life. He may even spend his entire life in this state of denial, unwilling to face the depth of his emotions. But deep down, he truly does feel incomplete without you. Losing you would remind him of the days when his friend Allen died, a period filled with sorrow. Although Zenon managed to move on from Allen’s death to some extent, he genuinely doesn't believe he could recover from your absence. Allen was a cherished friend, but you are his lover, a bond that took immense patience and effort to form. Becoming Zenon’s lover is no easy feat; it requires patience and perseverance to break through his cold exterior and earn his trust. Winning his heart is a monumental task, and he realizes just how much you’ve endured to be with him. Despite his stoic and ruthless nature, even Zenon’s heart can't bear the thought of losing your presence and love. He might not openly acknowledge these feelings, stubbornly clinging to his denial. Yet, the reality remains that without you, Zenon would feel a profound emptiness, an irreplaceable void that echoes the loss of something deeply significant in his life. Your love and presence have woven themselves into the very fabric of his being, making your absence an unbearable reality he struggles to confront. :(

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Zenon really likes poetry and classical music.

Despite his stoic exterior and single-minded focus on his missions, Zenon has a surprising appreciation for the arts, particularly classical music. In the rare moments when he has time to himself, he listens to orchestral compositions to find a sense of peace and clarity—a way to just forget about all his and his siblings grand plans for a moment.

Poetry is also another example of his appreciation for the arts. What kind of poetry, you may wonder? Well, any type! No matter what type of topic it focuses on, Zenon has a deep appreciation for every single one of them. Overall, poetry plus classical music in his alone time is like his sanctuary, second to you, of course.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

What Zenon wouldn’t like in a partner is any form of weakness, particularly physical vulnerability. While he values strength and resilience across all aspects—physical, emotional, and mental—he places a significant emphasis on physical capability. For Zenon, having a partner who is physically weak can be challenging, as he prefers someone who can handle themselves independently. While he may be willing to train and support a partner to improve their physical strength, a persistent need for protection due to physical frailty would likely frustrate him.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

As I mentioned in the night part, Zenon sleeps in absolute silence, making no sound whatsoever. It's as if he enters a state of perfect stillness and quietness, which can be unnerving at times. However, despite his deep sleep, he's incredibly alert to the smallest of sounds. It's almost uncanny how quickly he can awaken from even the faintest noise, instantly snapping from sleep to full alertness.

[leggerefiore]

cw: fluff, pla Ingo

---------

You sighed as you watched the grey clouds swirl in the great sky above. A chilly breeze blew through the air and left a lingering cool about as you moved closer to the Warden sitting beside you. There were few challengers for him today, and training had slowed down to a staggering halt in the Galaxy Team due to the approaching winter season. The morning often greeted you with frost and frozen water, but you found little reason to worry. Ingo hummed and wrapped a tender arm around you, pressing your body closer to his.

The lovely warmth of him was never something to be understated. In fact, rather, it was one of his easily most beloved feature. A certain soft heat he constantly emanated. Zisu gave a sweet smile at you two from her post and waved a curt goodbye as she headed to the HQ. There was a meeting about something you had not really cared to give much mind. Your inclusion in the Survey Corp was more a courtesy to Professor Laventon than an actual needed position. You had moved in with Ingo, after all. Irida had also stated many, many times that you were more than welcome to join her clan if you would like.

“… I think I need an arsenal of fire types,” you sighed. Ingo shook his head. A bit ironic, but you supposed his recollection of his past life was much beyond him. The joy his eyes would have lit up with back in Unova if a small horde of Litwicks greeted him after a long shift at the station. Those days seemed so far away from you now, but so dearly missed. Both of you had no idea how pleasant the mediocrity and peace of your existence had been. The only shake-ups being some powerful trainer, Team Plasma activities, or whatever mess Emmet could create with his army of Joltiks.

“You know, back home,” you turned to look the silver-haired man in his eyes, “You actually had a ghost-type as your starter.” Those eyes of his suddenly shifted to hold a distant melancholy. His inability to remember his past life bothered him. You often tried to help him however you could, easily answering questions and recalling events you believed were important to him.

“Ah, I must say… They do give me a good scare sometimes,” his voice was nothing but kind despite the small sadness he clearly held, “But something inside of me finds them cute. Whenever I see that Typhlosion the professor brought, I feel something strange in my head… Like a distant flame burning in the night while I stumble around a place.” You giggled at his half-recollection. It was accurate. Many times you caught him sneaking off to the bathroom or kitchen, using Chandelure alone for light. The sweet luring pokemon would have followed her trainer to the ends of the earth if he wanted.

“Mhm, that's about right, Ingo,” you giggled, “Your pokemon had the same typing as a Hisuian Typhlosion does.”

“… Perhaps I should see if I could procure one from the professor,” Ingo wondered aloud.

“Chandelure was a jealous type,” you continued on, “She got upset whenever you looked at another ghost type. Once I brought home a Sableye that a Hoennian friend had gifted me, and she threw a fit. I had no idea lighting fixtures could sulk until she did.” You adored how his eyes shifted. A certain gentleness returned to them, and the corners of his mouth twitched up. He was always so stoic, but you loved the subtle ways he expressed himself. (Of course, if you were too worried, he would openly speak his feelings if asked.) His eyes always showed his true feelings, and he was so easy to fluster.

In fact…

You shifted to grasp his cheeks with your hand, feeling their chill in your warmed hands. Leaning forward, you nuzzled your nose against his before pecking a quick kiss to his lips. By the time you were done, his cheeks bloomed with vibrant colour. “I love you, Ingo,” you lowered your hands to hold his calloused, worn ones with a bright grin on your face, “I think we should head home soon. I doubt you're getting any more trainers, and I just want to cuddle with you…”

His eyes were big and filled with something so tender your heart ached. The pad of his thumb rubbed against your skin, and he nodded.

“Of course, my dear… I love you, too.”

[magicofthepen]

shipping ask game: [immediately forgets every ship ever whoops]

how about Korrasami?

ship it/don’t ship it ask game

Korrasami - Ship It

What made you ship it?

oh this takes me back! how has it been almost nine years since I first watched Legend of Korra, oh my god the passage of time.

I never liked the love triangles of early Legend of Korra - especially in the context of, I was a teenager, so many stories aimed at teenagers had love triangles, and I was deeply rolling my eyes by that point. The rapid romantic development of Korra and Mako in season 1 also didn’t click with me, which especially makes sense in hindsight, because romantic attraction developing really quickly after meeting someone is never an experience I’ve had. Certainly not at the time.

But the subtle hints of something building between Korra and Asami? The established friendship shifting over time? That was my preferred kind of romantic storytelling, and it struck a cord, in a way I was only just beginning to consciously process. And the idea of two former romantic rivals falling for each other was also extremely compelling, given how much I disliked the love triangles.

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

on an out-of-universe level: this ship made me realize I was queer. this story, the way it spoke to me, the way the writers confirmed that yes, there was something there. their friends to lovers arc resonated enough that my brain finally went oh. I came out to myself because of this ship, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

on an in-universe level: okay I did an A:TLA rewatch within the past year, but I got distracted a season into Korra (slash possibly I stalled out in season 2 because, well. season 2). so the later parts of the show are not that fresh in my mind, so this is going to be fairly vague.

but I love the friendship they have even early on, when they’re romantic rivals. how they come from very different backgrounds (learning to bend most of the elements in the South Pole vs. having a technology-centric life in Republic City), although both with some Expectation of Importance (Korra raised knowing she’s the Avatar, Asami growing up as the heir to Sato Industries), and how they respect each others’ strengths, even early on.

and the relationship we see them build in the later seasons is just so lovely - we see them hanging out and having fun together! fighting together! looking out for and protecting each other! confiding in each other! I know that there are downsides to the romance being so understated, but at the same time, I genuinely appreciate seeing a romance build in a series of moments stacked on top of each other - not flashy and impulsive and dramatic. and yeah, impulsive and dramatic is what we’ve seen from Korra especially before, but I like that it’s atypical for her? it feels like the sort of romance that crept up on her, too.

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

I don’t know what opinions are popular or unpopular these days about Korra and Asami’s place in The History of Queer Characters in Cartoons, but where I’m at is:

yeah, it really was more subtext than text in the show. even the ending. the intentions were there, and I’m glad they made it overt in the comics, but these days I don’t think the ending was as Obvious as I thought it was at the time.

but! that doesn’t mean it wasn’t important. Legend of Korra did help move the needle forward, and on a personal level, it was The show that did it for me. the representation thing of seeing yourself reflected in the show and coming to accept yourself more because of it. I was in my mid-teens, Legend of Korra was aimed at my age group, that subtextual representation (and how much the creators stood behind it as canonical) clearly made a difference to one queer teenager. and that matters.

and I’m so glad that Legend of Korra’s queer story looks lackluster in comparison to later cartoons. it means we have moved forward! not enough, queer cartoons are still getting screwed over by networks, but still. look at the stories that have been told since.

(I realize a lot of this is me talking about Korrasami’s place in media history and not their storyline itself, but 1. again, haven’t rewatched recently, a lot of the details are fuzzy, and 2. it’s place in media history was hugely important to me personally, of course I’m gonna talk about it.)

[jewelryeuropean]

Our Guide to Men's Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings for Summer

When it comes to wedding jewelry, men's engagement rings in Chicago and wedding rings are catching up in style and variation. As we move into this summer, the trend of men's rings moves to blend classic elegance with modern design aspects. This guide will lead you to the summer trends on men's engagement and wedding rings and give you tips on finding that perfect piece that radiates your style.

1. Choosing the Metal Right

Among the first decisive factors in deciding on men's engagement or wedding rings is the metal used. Light-colored metals like platinum or even white gold are prevalent in the summer season. These metals offer a lean and slender look and remain cool to the skin even during summer.

But it isn't all about white metals; yellow gold is making a comeback, offering a mellow, classic color complementing the summer's brilliance. If you're all about something a bit more up-to-date, then rose gold offers a distinct, stylish alternative for both casual and formal wear.

2. Accent Diamonds and Gemstones

While men's rings are traditionally more understated, there is a growing trend for diamonds and gemstones set into men's engagement and wedding bands. Small, non-obvious set diamonds can be just enough to add only a little influence from some glint rather than any kind of obvious signage. A bolder look often incorporates larger stones or a cluster of smaller diamonds.

Gemstones are also becoming a trend, letting you wear a little personality through sapphires, emeralds, or even black diamonds. Because of these stones, it brings not only visual interest but at the same time makes the ring special as a one-of-a-kind.

3. Textured Finishes

This summer, during men's rings, you are going to see some textured finishes from brushed to hammered to matte. Really adds depth and character to a ring. A brushed finish really shows a refined look for a man, and a hammered finish can offer some real rugged appeal. Some guys want subtle but modern, reaching for matte finishes.

These textures mask the ring very well and enhance the look. Hence, they are practical and beautiful choices for daily wear without having to worry about minor scratches and wear.

4. Engravings and Personalization

Personalization remains among the key trends for men's jewelry, and summer is no time to shy away. Your ring can be made really unique with an engraving: one thinks of important dates, your initials together, or even a little phrase with a special meaning for both of you.

Another way to personalize is by choosing a design that might be close to your heart, a representation of your personal tastes or style, a favorite pattern, a symbol, etc. Personalized rings would be the way to go on this route.

5. Matching Sets

Matching engagement and wedding ring sets are in high fashion, so couples can feel uniform. For men, this may involve either engagement ring shopping in Chicago that complements a woman's choice or choosing specially designed wedding rings that are meant to be worn closely.

Summer is the perfect season to follow this trend, as matching rings should signify coming together and unity. Look for sets that were similarly created out of metals, finishes, or stone settings that can achieve the balance of unification in a particular look.

6. Sustainable Choices

Sustainability has stopped being a buzzword; it's more taking on movement status now, directing all of fashion in the same way that men's jewelry takes a numbering stance. Many couples prefer rings with recycled metals or lab-grown diamonds for a reduced environmental impact.

Lab-created diamonds are very popular nowadays for growing in an ethical fashion and having lower expenses than normal diamonds. These diamonds are exactly like natural diamonds in appearance and quality but have the extra edge of being environmentally friendly.

7. Comfort Fit Bands

In men's rings, comfort is important, especially for a man not used to wearing jewelry. Comfort-fit bands have a round edge on the interior, which makes it easier for continuous wear. The bands are good for summer wear, as the individual will never run the risk of becoming irritated or uncomfortable by the hot, humid weather.

Conclusion: Why Choose European Jewelers?

When one thinks of where to buy an engagement ring in Chicago, one thinks of European Jewelers. They cater to all kinds of styles for modern tastes and classical wear and offer handsome, beautifully crafted rings. Their commitment to their craft is evident in their quality workmanship, ensuring that every ring is not only beautiful but also extremely durable and long-lasting.

Be it for an engagement ring or wedding band, European Jewelers advises expertly on your choice. It offers personalized service in such a way that it helps its customers find or create a ring that will exude the style of their relationship. From its vast collection to the follow-up on the satisfaction of the customer, European Jewelers is the best online jewelry store for engagement rings and definitely the destination to find your perfect ring this summer.

Choosing European Jewelers means that when you buy, you acquire something more than just a piece of jewelry; you acquire something that will forever remind you of the love you share through life's different seasons. Shop at https://europeanj.com/. 

Original Source: https://europeanjewelryamerica.blogspot.com/2024/08/our-guide-to-mens-engagement-rings-and.html

[worryinglyinnocent]

Fic: Practical Alchemy (11/11)

Summary: "Everyone knows that the Hawkeye name is cursed. There are always two girls to a generation and they have to keep the family name in order to inherit. They'll fall in love with alchemists, and those alchemists are doomed to die. We thought Aunt Trisha had broken the curse - she changed her name, and she had boys not girls - but it just rebounded on her. That's why I dread falling in love."

Riza Hawkeye lives a quiet life - running her late aunt's herbal dispensary and helping her Uncle Hoho bring up her young cousins, having vowed never to fall in love herself. A call from her estranged sister Rebecca turns her life upside down - especially when a certain State Alchemist named Roy Mustang enters the scene on the sisters' tail.

A Practical Magic AU.

Rated: T

[One] [Two] [Three] [Four] [Five] [Six] [Seven] [Eight] [Nine] [Ten] [AO3]

Epilogue

“For goodness’ sake, stop fidgeting!”

“I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”

“Of course you’re nervous. This is the most important and momentous day of your life thus far, that will, of course, be eclipsed in the future by the birth of my first adorable niece or nephew.”

Riza eyed Rebecca’s very pregnant belly. “I think the momentous occasion of my first niece or nephew will be happening first.”

“Well, yes, but that’s going to be far more momentous for me than it is for you. Unless I have the baby in the dispensary, in which case I don’t think any amount of Aunt Trisha’s patented pain remedies will help.”

Riza tried to glance sideways into the mirror without turning her head and earning herself another admonishment from Rebecca, who had taken it upon herself to do her sister’s hair and make-up for the momentous occasion in question and was taking the entire matter far too seriously. For Riza, who did not wear a lot of make-up at the best of times and who was used to simply putting her hair up in a clip to get it out of the way, it all felt like a bit much, but at the same time, she did accept that it was a special occasion, and she wanted everything to be perfect just as much as everyone else did. More so, since it was her wedding. 

“There.” Rebecca dabbed a final touch of powder on her nose and sat back to admire her handiwork, finally letting Riza move and take a look at herself. 

She would admit that she was impressed. Rebecca being a far more adventurous make-up user, she’d been slightly concerned about her enthusiasm for getting to give Riza a makeover, but she still looked like her normal self, there was nothing outlandish or strange about her appearance. It was subtle and understated. Just like her. 

“It looks great. I look great.” 

Rebecca leaned in to share the mirror space with her. “And you were worried I’d go over the top. Oh, ye of little faith. I know you, I know what you like and what you look like. Come on, I was never going to do anything rash.”

Riza just raised an eyebrow. 

“Ok, so I admit I have done an awful lot of rash things in the past, but I’m a responsible almost-parent now. You need to cut me some slack.”

Riza shook her head in good-natured despair, and touched the white flowers woven into her hair. Rebecca had outdone herself.

“I’ll leave you alone with your thoughts for a while.” Rebecca leaned in and pecked a kiss to her cheek without making contact and risking upsetting her delicate handiwork. “You look fantastic. Roy won’t know what’s hit him.”

It felt strange being back in her childhood bedroom in the white cottage. It had felt strange moving out and going to live with Roy in their own little place in the town centre, a couple of doors down from the dispensary. Of course, she was always in and around the cottage working in the greenhouse, it was still very much a part of her life, but it was no longer home for her. 

Still, she felt it fitting that she would get ready here, with Rebecca, in the place where they had shared so many whispered conversations about the curse and how it would affect them growing up, and if they would marry alchemists. It all seemed so far away now, along with the oaths that Riza had taken never to fall in love, never to marry, never to bring that curse down on someone else. She had resigned herself to a life of loneliness in this room, and now, it was in this room that she was leaving that life behind and moving on to a new one filled with a new love and a new togetherness. 

Riza knew that she would never regret not sticking to her vow to remain single forever. Before everything that had happened with Kimblee, perhaps she would have felt more trepidation about potentially following in her mother and aunt’s footsteps, by openly defying the curse, but now she felt no qualms about it at all. The curse was gone - whether or not it existed in the first place was entirely irrelevant - and Riza would no longer use it as an excuse to hide behind. These past two years of being with Roy had given her a freedom that she had never really believed existed, and her spirit felt lighter for it, a weight she had not realised she had been carrying around for all her life now lifted. 

She was nervous, that couldn’t be denied, but any bride would feel nervous on her wedding day.

There was a soft tap at the door, pulling her out of her reverie.

“Come in.”

“Are you ready?” Uncle Van peered around the door, looking wholly out of place so spruced up and polished instead of giving off his usual mad professor vibe. Riza nodded to herself firmly in the mirror and stood up, giving a twirl as he came into the room fully. He smiled, a happy smile of paternal pride, and Riza realised that when it came down to it, he had always been more of a father figure in her life than her actual father had been, and she couldn’t think of anyone else that she would want to walk her down the aisle.

“You look beautiful, Riza. Martha and Trisha would be so proud if they could see you now.”

Riza smiled. “Thank you.” There was a long pause then, neither of them really sure what to say and how best to voice their thoughts. There were lots of silences with Uncle Van; there always had been, but Riza had never minded them. With Rebecca, and Aunt Trisha, and with Ed and Al, she could talk for hours - although it was more like she could listen to them talk for hours. Uncle Van had always been more like her in that respect, happy with his own company.

“Uncle Hoho? Everything’s going to be all right, isn’t it?”

“Oh, Riza…” He crossed the room, kissing her forehead. “Of course everything’s going to be all right. You love Roy, he loves you, and you both love each other to put the work in and make sure that this is the right thing and you’ll be stronger together than you are apart. You complement each other, the way Trisha and I always did. Everything will be more than all right. Now, are you ready to start that adventure?”

Riza nodded. “Yes. I can’t wait.”

They left the room, making their way down through the house and out towards the garden, where the ceremony would be taking place, moving through the greenhouse. Riza stopped for a moment, looking at the wicker chair where she still spent so much time. She had learned her trade at that desk, and now she was teaching it to Roy as well. She could still feel Aunt Trisha’s presence here, a gentle guiding hand on her shoulder pushing her onwards and encouraging her to live without fear. 

“Thank you,” she whispered to the plants. “Thank you so much.”

Rebecca was waiting for them at the doors out into the garden, giving Riza’s hair a final tweak before making her way to her seat next to Havoc. Out of everything that had happened in the aftermath of the Kimblee incident, Riza could safely say that Rebecca and Havoc becoming an item had not been something she’d expected. She’d expected Rebecca’s pregnancy even less - well, to be fair, none of them were expecting that particular surprise - and she definitely hadn’t been expecting Rebecca to be so overjoyed at the thought of motherhood. It was something they’d never really discussed; the implication always being that neither of them wanted to pass the curse on to any potential daughters. Now there were brand new opportunities open to them. 

She stepped out into the garden, curling her arm through Uncle Van’s as he led her down towards the rose arbour where Roy was waiting for her. 

Roy. Despite everything, despite all the strangeness surrounding her and her family, he had stuck with her through thick and thin. It had been an odd time after they had successfully banished Kimblee’s soul back beyond the gate. In giving up the curse and breaking her belief in it, Riza felt like a small part of her identity had been broken away as well. She had no longer known what it meant to be a Hawkeye anymore. She had given it up willingly and she would never want to go back to the way that things had been before, not when so much good had come of it, but that didn’t mean that it hadn’t been hard at times, trying to figure out who she was and what her place in the world was now that it was no longer defined by an old legend with potentially no truth in it. 

Rebecca liked to believe that there had been truth in it, and that they had been the ones to break the curse. She had always been more accepting of the idea of the curse in the first place, embracing it and living her life in spite of it instead of hiding away from it like Riza had done. Riza was not so sure. Considering how many years she had spent as a victim of it, she didn’t want to feel like that was all for nothing, but the burden of guilt lifting off her, especially for Aunt Trisha’s death, had been a true release. Roy had been by her side throughout it all, never once thinking she was weird or admonishing her for her strange beliefs. He’d had her back, and he would now have it forever, no matter what life might throw at them next. They could weather that storm together. They’d help each other, and they had all their friends and family around them to help them both as well. Everyone who was gathered here in the garden today to wish them well. 

They reached the bottom of the garden, and Uncle Van pulled her into a hug. 

“Riza, this is honestly one of the happiest days of my life,” he murmured to her. “Now go and be happy, love. You deserve every moment of this.”

He released her and stepped aside, letting Riza move across to Roy and take his hand. 

“Are you ready?” he asked. 

“Absolutely. You?”

“Definitely.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Roy liked to play the suave romantic, but Riza knew that deep down he was just as nervous as she was. It was a good kind of nervousness, not a fear for the future, but an intense excitement for what that future might hold. Maybe they’d provide Rebecca with some nieces and nephews. Maybe Rebecca and Havoc would get their act together and be standing here in a few years’ time. Maybe Ed and Al would discover a brand new form of alchemy that would revolutionise the field forever. 

“Are you ready to begin?” the registrar asked. Riza nodded, and a general hush fell over the garden. 

“We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye…”

Maybe nothing special would happen in their lives, but whatever happened, they would be together, and they would always have their friends and family around them. 

The shadows of the past were well and truly lifted, and Riza’s heart could sing with the sheer joy of it.

[sevlgi]

dinner

requested: no

group: red velvet

pairing: joy x gn!reader

genre: fluff

contents: waitress!joy. [17/33]

warnings: none

synopsis: It’s way too difficult for Joy to watch you go on disaster dates, especially when she knows she could do so much better.

a/n: kdrama? no it’s just me

word count: 1.1k

Your first date was really freaking pretty.

Sooyoung remembered the way your cheeks flushed when the girl first arrived, the way you couldn’t stop smiling when she didn’t turn out to be a catfish.

Of course, the smile on your face slipped after about 15 minutes.

The girl wasn’t a catfish, but she was a gold digger without a personality- the entire time, she basically tried to seduce you instead of talk with you, and Sooyoung could easily tell how uncomfortable you were the whole time.

“Check, please,” you sighed, waving a hand halfheartedly once the girl had stormed off. Sooyoung winced at the price, but you just signed and handed her the money without a second glance at it. “Could I get a whiskey or something to go?”

The waitress didn’t have the heart to tell you that the restaurant didn’t allow her to give you alcohol to go, so she just silently handed you a little cup of amber liquid. “Have a nice night... Y/N,” she greeted, reading the name off of your receipt.

“Thanks.”

The second date was just as disastrous. For whatever reason, you and the second girl just didn’t seem to click at all, despite your efforts to stir up some kind of conversation. She was like a wall, and you were a ball bouncing futilely off of it.

That time, you didn’t even bother to ask for the whiskey, barely mumbling a ‘thank you’ before leaving. Sooyoung could only stare at you sympathetically for a few minutes before moving to serve the next customer.

Somehow, she always managed to be the server when you arrived, every Monday and Thursday night at 7 with a different date, each as horrible as the one before. She watched you go on nearly a dozen dates, and to be honest, Sooyoung came up with some interesting and mostly factual observations about you.

First, you always put in copious amount of effort; no matter how difficult it was, you carried every conversation on your own, coming up with endless questions to try and stir something up.

Second, you weren’t easily discouraged. That much was evident at how many times you came back, and how hopeful you seemed at the beginning of every date. Sooyoung admired that- perseverance, however stupid it might be.

Third, you were kind. No matter how terrible each date went, you never took your frustration out on others. Some people wouldn’t tip as high as you always did when things went badly, but maybe that was just you being a decent person.

Last, you were gorgeous. That part was just Sooyoung’s personal preference, though.

But with everything summed up, she couldn’t possibly fathom how someone like you was still single, or how you were so unlucky in finding a match. You had barely spoken 3 words to her, but she was sure that just one date with you would have her head over heels in love.

The 11th date, though, was by far the worst. Your date, a pretty but extremely hot-tempered and disagreeable girl, left before the food was even delivered. “Your foo- oh. Um, is she...”

“Gone? Yeah.” You raked your hands through your hair frustratedly, grimacing at the 2 huge platters of pasta. “I have no idea how I’m going to finish all of this.”

Sooyoung frowned, too, still holding the serving tray in her hands. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think you can refund. What would you like me to do?”

Biting down on your lip, you tossed the napkin folded neatly on your plate aside. “I’ll try my best, I suppose. Could you bring me some takeout boxes? I’ll have food for a couple weeks.”

A jokester. Before she could stop herself, Sooyoung blurted, “I could... try and help you finish? You won’t have to pay for what I eat, of course, I just. There’s not many customers.”

It wasn’t a lie- the two of you were the only people in the entire restaurant, the two cooks in the kitchen quiet too. You stared up at her for just enough time for her cheeks to redden, but you cleared your throat and gestured vaguely at the chair opposite you. “Uh, yeah. Help yourself.”

She smiled before setting the food down, pulling the chair out and sitting. You were even more attractive up close, and you made it terribly hard to actually focus on the food. “Is there a reason you’ve gone on 11 dates?” she asked in an attempt to start a conversation.

You looked up, surprised, before nodding. “Right, you were here each time, weren’t you?”

At her nod, you shrugged, “I don’t really know. I guess I’m kind of bored with the way I’m living, you know?”

“Being alone is no fun,” Sooyoung agreed, twirling her fork. “Why this same restaurant, though? I didn’t think eating the same pasta 11 times would be very inviting...”

“Ah. That’s not really the reason. I met my last girlfriend here, actually,” you explained. “Maybe I’m just hoping I’ll get lucky again.”

The other girl smiled, “Maybe you will.”

Before she knew it, you were talking freely, conversation rushing so fast that her brain could hardly keep up. You’re funny, Sooyoung realized, in a kind of way that not many people would pick up on. Everything about you was a bit understated- you’re kind in subtle ways, witty rather than outright hilarious.

The pasta finished itself incredibly fast, and you stared at your plate in disbelief. “Wow. I don’t think any of the dates I went on in the past month lasted this long.”

“They definitely didn’t,” Sooyoung responded, laughing when you pressed a hand to your chest in mock-hurt. “Well, you can count this as a date in your records, if you want.

You sipped at the wine the waitress brought over. “After everything that happened, I didn’t think I’d ever want to go on a dinner date again. But this was fun. If we were to go on another date, though, let’s not occupy your work time.”

Despite the pink flush to her cheeks, Sooyoung continued to joke, “You might have enjoyed it, who said I did? I’m just kidding. You’re the best date I’ve been on in a while too.”

Checking your watch, you hesitated just a second before blurting out, “Then. Do you want to go somewhere, after your shift? We already ate, but I think we can find something else to do somewhere in the city.”

“Sure,” Sooyoung grinned, standing as well. “My shift is over, anyway.”

“Is it really?” you laughed, seeing right through her.

She assumed a serious expression, slinging her apron over the chair and grabbing her purse from the lockers. “Of course not. But I’ll risk it to be your 12th date.”

[lumosandnoxwriting]

🍾 - I'd love to use this opportunity to know your thoughts on a fic that I'm probably the most proud of atm, Sol et Luna - The Sun and the Moon 😌

im so excited to read this, I love a good soulmate AU, especially with George!

🍾 - fic review: Sol et Luna - The Sun and the Moon

beware there may be some spoilers!

first of all I love the title, it gives me romance novel vibes for sure! And the idea of the sun and the moon as representing soulmates is very fitting!

“Don’t give us any ideas,” Fred feign-threatened with a mischievous smile, yet you didn’t understand him. “…or you might end up finding yourself in the water,” George followed, looking you straight in the eye with the same expression. You felt a shiver down your spine.

“You wouldn’t…” you pointed out, wanting to believe that and crossed your arms over your chest. Fred and George knew a boundary. Right? George shrugged, continuing his act as he walked up to you. “We’ve got two whole weeks, love,” he said melodically and squeezed you against his side, way tighter than necessary.

I feel like this exchange is just like, the pinnacle of Fred and George. They absolutely would throw you in a cold lake no matter what you say or what you're wearing. they'd just pick you up and toss you in.

I really like these subtle hints of George x Reader so far in the opening here, like their little interactions that are friendly but hint at more - a really great way of hinting at the rest of the fic!

“We should really get on with it, it’s gonna overcook…” you concluded firmly, glancing at the pot on the stove, closing the previous topic. George didn’t feel in place to drag it further since you clearly didn’t wish to talk. But he was really not pleased with how that conversation had gone, and it left him with this uneasy feeling somewhere in his chest, eating away at him.

The slightest touch of angst with both the reader and George doubting things - you love to see it! also I feel a very real way to tackle a soulmate au! they both seems nervous about the possibility of their tattoos matching and worry that they aren't enough for the other person this gives such a great opportunity for the future of the story and I'm excited to see how to progresses!

I love your characterization of George in this fic!! Very sweet and understanding, a little nervous and unsure of himself! it's very much what I imagine George to be like!

“Is that okay if I show you?” he asked and you didn’t understand at first, before he made a move to stand behind you with one hand on your shoulder and the other over your hand, but waited until you replied.

This is so cute and romantic in an understated way I'm going to implode.

Both his hands were on your shoulders when you turned around and smiled, beaming at him, and he thought he could get used to it.

no thoughts, just many squeals

I love the slow build that their relationship is going through as they work through their emotions! like this soft transition from acquaintances to friends and better friends, etc. feels very natural and really showcases the readers feelings/george's feelings and their growing bond!

the little moment when George catches the reader staring at him in the water - very cute and such a nice transition into the reader realizing her feelings for George!

It was like some force, drilling inside him constantly, the inability to leave you be

I really like this line - just George being super obsessed with the reader haha

Kiss me. Kiss me. Kiss me. – you repeated, though the words wouldn’t come out of your mouth.

But he’d heard them

This was such a cute moment!! I was on the edge of my. seat only for it to be interrupted haha, very nice touch of humor!

I don't want to put too much more as the story ends to avoid any spoilers, but the ending is beautiful! just the words they say to each other are so vulnerable and beautiful and just perfect.

this fic is honestly 1000/100, I love the slow build up to the beautiful, heart warming ending! there's so many great little moments and interactions between George and the reader that just add up to it and it feels like they are forging something genuine not just based off of the possibility of them being soulmates!

come join the party!

[kendrixtermina]

Interesting details about the 3 houses cast (From dialogue in ‘Heroes’)

The first name Ferdinand’s father is ‘Ludwig’ and he is apparently an insufferable braggart who also said his own name alot

Before moving into her uncle’s castle, Anette spent her early childhood in a small, humble house in the Capital. Gilbert & his wife couldn’t afford domestic servants so she did the chores herself.

Mercedes’ father died in a “conflict in the empire”. Before he died, he taught her mom the secret recipe that Mercedes mentions in the Constance and Dedue supports. A bit of her fatalistic passive attitude early on comes from feeling that she couldn’t change much about her life while she and her mom were being mistreated at the Bartels’ home

Claude has a lot of fun with the mushroom poison.

Despite their student’s glowing opinions, Byleth isn’t actually all that confident about their professor-ing, which is probably not unexpected given how the job was suddenly dumped in their lap.

They’re somewhat uncertain about whether they have real connections with people beyond just the professional level. I guess that’s another parallel to Edelgard.

Someone observed that they look “more like a mercenary and less like a teacher” while they’re fighting.

Apparently their students described them as “a bit eccentric at times”

They seem to like/appreciate it when other ppl can pick up what they’re really feeling/thinking. (I really hope Jeralt knew that) 

 It’s considered rare for Claude and Dimitri to agree on anything

The sad thing is that the trio is noted to be quite effective when they cooperated. I guess we also saw this in Cindered Shadows

There is a hilarious sequence where Byleth is like, “This may call for drastic measures” and everyone starts looking at Claude and correctly assuming that he’s probably already cooking up some sort of crazy plan

 Ferdinand apparently likes the “refined way” that Edelgard swings her axe

Petra considers hunting one of the most important skills you can have, both because you acquire many crucial materials (like leather etc) and because it also hones a lot of skills. Bridgid is very green & plentiful, so most people do some degree of hunting and even the rulers are expected to know it. Someone remarks that it’s probably a culture that places emphasis on self-sufficiency. That’s an interesting way to think about it, especially if you think about Petra’s attitudes, how she approaches even this cobjectively crappy political hostage situation as an opportunity and has a very problem-solvy approach to things. I’d noted that, but I’d never connected it with the hunting thing; I thought it was just Petra being awesome, which it basically still is, but it adds a cool layer to consider how she got this way and how this may be her way to stay close to her homeland’s values even in exile.

“In Brigid, there is a phrase we say. A gray sky will be pierced by the sun. A raging tide will be leading to land. Beyond failure, success is waiting.” 

Hubert seemed to know that he ten elites fought against the godess even pre timeskip. 

He also sees Edelgard as one of the few ppl who really paid attention to him when he was younger -  I guess this goes with this understated complex he has about his looks & personality.

Edelgard likes to just lie around and relax, but only when she’s all alone. At least pre timeskip or pre holy-tomb scene she didn’t think like she could really be herself in the company of others. She does seem to put some deliberate thought into what image to project/embody

Dimitri seems to think that having a crest (and high status) makes it his duty to protect & take care of the people – I guess that’s another way in which he’s completely ruled by obligation. He gets characteristically intense about this. “My life was never mine to begin with, I guess I haven’t the right to throw it away”

the glorious “nice weather” exchange has already been posted. Edelgard (and Lysithea) are the first to clarify that they shouldn’t bring their grudges into this situation since they’re not in Fodlan atm.

Edelgard and Claude are beyond shook when AzureMoon!Dimitri actually agrees. Chill Dimitri is apparently not something they ever imagined. He is obviously the most changed in “his” route, with the other two its no less profound but a lot more subtle. 

Lysithea has an interest in botany (now I really want her to talk plants with Bernie )

Hilda: “I haven’t heard about there being a future me here. She’s probably busy relaxing on a beach or something…”

Mercie and Anette immediately reassured each other that their future selves are probably cute af. Aww

 This is probably unsurprising, but future!Dimitri is still very tormented by his less than stellar actions during and right after the timeskip

Small Dimitri is heartbreakingly surprised to hear that there’s any version of him that’s alive and on the throne, though he hides it because his friends (or at least Annie and Mercie) did not have such doubt

Edelgard decides from the get-go not to concern herself with the future version of her. I get the sense that she really wants to avoid the scenario where she allows her resolve about what she feels absolutely must be done to falter after meeting a regretful future version of herself; I really like this, I know some haters will probably spin this into something about her not caring about the consequences of her actions but it really circles back to how she’s philosophically all about self-determination & can’t let something like a future possibility determine what she does… nor can she back off a sacrifice meant for the greater good just because it might turn out poorly for her (which it does, just not in the CF timeline that this particular future version is from)

 Cut to the future versions who have contrasting ideas about what to do about their tiny selves. Claude thinks they should not risk causing any time paradoxa. Dimitri ponders the thought of warning his younger self (and past!Byleth). Edelgard doesn’t think it would make any difference at all, especially since they would each be showing their tiny self the timeline where they win.

Though I guess one think to consider here is probably that Dimitri would be the most surprised by a sucessful older version of himself

Claude eventuallly agrees, since they were each doing what they thought was best (Claude, too, is sort of uniquely situated to grasp this as the one who can part on good terms with each of the other two in their respective timelines) – though he’s hoping that the time crash will maybe send their younger selves in a different direction (in which you see that this is distinctly VW!Claude & thus a bit more hopeful)

 the others actually agree & it ends with a fun semi-friendly sparring match

 Edelgard wants to show past!Byleth how awesome she’s going to be in the future

it is very in line with my interpretation of her character that she would describe her own disproportional strenght as “hideous”

Claude’s lines are solid gold in this. Like he’s just being aggressive irrevent to bridge the obvious awkwardness “Go on, we’re old dining hall palls!”

This gets Lysithea wondering what might’ve happened if they’d actually graduated as planned. I mean I kind of respect that they DIDNT put in a golden ending but I guess if you want one you can imagine that they got one after returning from Askr I guess.

let’s just hope that “the timeline none of them experienced” doesn’t just turn out to be silver snow lol

[allycryz]

2. Open your eyes. for either all of the ot6 or just emet-selch x y'shtola.

Surprise, I found a way to do both :D

Post SHB, A Beach Episode With an Extremely Vague KH Reference

Rated: T-ish for implied sex

Y’shtola approaches from behind and lays her hand atop his head, fingers sinking into thick hair. “Close your eyes, Hades.”

He goes still and quiet beneath her. The only sounds are the wind, the waves, and distant shouts of laughter from their loves. She pushes at the limit of her aether sense to perceive them: Thancred and Nerys on Haurchefant and Urianger’s respective shoulders, fighting to knock the other off into the water. ‘Tis late for such games, given the setting sun and the dangerous undertow but…

...There is a reckless quality in all of them that draws her. Perhaps because it means they’ll accept that same trait in her. She has spent a lot of time pondering the forces that draw the six of them together. No easy answers, but many promising theories.

Hades sits on the porch in his shorts and open floral shirt, dark glasses pushed up into his hair. Much of the garment’s pattern is lost to her–she recognizes the distinct aetheric signatures of purple and black dye, vague flower shapes, and gaps the pigment variations are too subtle to catch without concentrated focus (It is rare for him to be understated in his clothes. She suspects a floral print at the beach needs subversion before he will don it.)

She spends a moment assessing the correct point of entry before perching herself in his lap. At once–as expected–his hands seize her hips to steady her.

“May I open them now, darling?” His eyebrows shoot up to the hairline and glasses, but his lids remain firmly shut. 

“Not yet.” One hand continues holding the plate she brought from inside their rented beach house. The other runs over his cheek. The skin feels slightly warm. Hades had been diligent in applying and re-applying sunscreen...until Urianger started a sandcastle contest. 

Nerys was the one to remind him, noting he was getting pink all over. Which sparked a debate about whether the time spent re-applying would be taken from the two-bell time limit. (They ruled against him and also against the use of magic. He still won.)

He caresses her hip, rubbing the fabric of her sarong between two fingers. The other arm locks firm about her waist until her bathing suit top presses against his shirt and bare chest. Y’shtola goes very still, not giving him the slide of bodies he clearly wants.

Hades sighs. “Cruel sorceress, you’ll drive me to distraction.”

“It seems you were doing nothing before I arrived. What could I distract you from?”

“Why…” He leans forward until his mouth finds her forehead. “Watching our lovers of course. It’s cute Thancred thinks he stands a chance.”

“Ah but Thancred need only give one of those smiles at the right moment. And then he can push her into the water.” Y’shtola smiles. “Nerys can only resist such prettiness for so long.”

“I’m aware. How do you think I won her over?”

“I’m certain…” Y’shtola gives her driest tone. “That wasn’t the sole reason.”

“Believe what you will.” His mouth drops down, intent on pressing against hers. She slips the free hand between them, so that his lips press to her palm. Hades huffs a chuckle and slides his tongue over her skin.

“Now,” says Y’shtola. “Eyes stay closed. Open your mouth.”

He gives her a look as best as one can with their eyes closed. But he obeys, full lips parting. There is some type of balm upon them. Possibly darker than the natural shade. If it were more pigmented, the energies would feel different. 

She takes the offering from her plate and presses it to his lower lip. Hades follows the cue and takes it full into his mouth, chewing it slow as he savors it. Juice clings to her fingertips and she offers them in the same way. His tongue slides over, practiced enough to know how to avoid her clawtips. 

“Is this…?”

“Open your eyes.” 

He does, smiling at her and then at the plate. The fruit atop it is so vibrant a red-orange she perceives it as clearly as its star shape and the pith she peeled away in the kitchen. “So that’s where you were this morning. You did remember how dangerous I said the trek would be.”

“Of course. It meant I was well-prepared for the terrain and the monsters. Besides…” She picks up another piece of the fruit. “You knew exactly what you were doing, telling two aetherologists about an aether-rich fruit. And all four of them are hungry for the types of stories you said went along with it.”

“Five of you.” He plucks the fruit from her hand and presses it to her lips. “You cannot pretend you were not captivated.”

She hums and takes the offering, returning the slide of tongue over fingertips. Sucking lightly at the tip of his longest finger. The arm about her waist tightens, presses her nearer. 

“But tell me, darling. Why go by yourself?”

“Because we came here specifically to relax. Not to take quests and errands. I went so that the others can enjoy the…” She wrinkles her nose, realising the unintended pun about to come out. His chuckles says he guesses at it. “So they can enjoy the fruit without the strain. They deserve it.”

“Ah, but don’t you also deserve a reprieve?”

Y’shtola shrugs. “To tell the truth, I found the trek great fun. And I know-” She touches his lips to silence the comment bubbling from his mouth. “That Nerys and Haurchefant would say they also find quests enjoyable. But neither of them know when to pause or relax.”

“Pot, kettle.” He stands, lifting her in his arms. She clutches at him with her free hand, frowning a little at the sudden gesture. (At least she kept ahold of the plate.) “It seems once again, I must save you from yourself.”

"If you drop me into the ocean I will not be held responsible for the consequences."

"Tempting but no, I've something else in mind." He walks into the house, clutching her to his chest.

--

"What have you two been up to?" Thancred asks, poking his head into the bedroom. There is a raucous hubbub below, snatches of Haurchefant and Nerys giggling. 

"Guess." Hades says, drawing his hands over Y'shtola's bare back. She shivers under the touch but does nothing else, says nothing else. For once, she is utterly languid. 

"Room for one more?"

Hades sniffs. "Wash the brine and sand off of you and maybe we'll allow it."

"Spoilsports." But he steps back, just as the other three crowd the doorway. Well. Nerys and Haurchefant do. Urianger hangs back a little. 

"Shtola!" Nerys sounds both awed and stern. "We found the fruit in the kitchen. This morning, were you-"

"She was," Hades answers for her. "Would all of you please go wash up instead of tracking sand into the bedroom?"

"If it wouldn’t make the sheets gritty," she hears Haurchefant mutter. "We could go in now and track sand all over him."

"To the shower," Urianger says. "And then we shall see about the bed."

"Ah Uri, my sweet prince, you are the kindest of us."

"Mayhaps not, for I am sore tempted to vex Hades with my sandy feet upon his person."

Y'shtola laughs, pressing her face to Hades’ chest. The other four move on, voices muffled by the closing of the bathroom door.

"...that shower and the bath are rather large," Hades murmurs. "Do you want to join them?"

"Another time." She says, eyes falling shut again. "I'm resting now."

"I'm pleased to hear it, darling." He strokes the back of her neck and she melts against him, sleepy and content.

[ask-the-crimson-king]

Music Shill of the Day: "JUDAS" by Lord of the Lost

PART 1 of 2: "DAMNATION"

Welcome to my Music Shill on the album "Judas" by Lord of the Lost. I think it's the first or second time I've shilled them, and it's honestly due to the fact that I've only found them quite recently. And they just so happened to be releasing a new album. Lucky me.

I will be going through each of the tracks with various ratings, gushing, and general nerdy bullshit on why I like them. Don't expect anything to be really technical, I'm just an average listener. And if you want the theological side of things, ask my friend @hoholupercal-adopts for that. Overall this album is fucking beautiful and is generally fantastic. There are some I like more than others, but please go out and give these songs a listen. And maybe buy the album as well if you vibe with it.

LINKS WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE SONGS MENTIONED. I will also be doing a 1-10 rating system, where this is the scale: 1 - garbage. Horrible. Wow this just sucks. 5 - average. It's decent. It's workable. Not horrible, not great either. 10 - fantastic. An absolute banger. Holy shit. This is so great.

Yes it is entirely subjective. And since this rambling has taken up so much space, I will be putting the actual songs and ratings under the cut, but have a link to the album via Youtube anyway.

ONWARDS, FRIENDS!

1. "Priest" - 10/10

Starting off EXTREMELY STRONG with the song that really got me hyped about the album, we have Priest.

What is there not to love on this album? The drums at the beginning, the ethereal and light singing, and how Chris' vocals pair with them right into those nice, deep "PRIEST." screams. The first verse builds on the opening with that nice riff in the background as intensity builds, and then...

That. Fucking. CHORUS. It sounds so fucking good. I can't accurately state how much I love it actually. Chris' vocals sound wonderful. I love how flowy it is and how much power is within the chorus, I love Pi's backing "We're all at- we're all at - we're all at fault", I love everything about it. I just can't understate it. The fucking sheer intensity this song brings all the way through, then the break for that moment of calm, and then going right into the last chorus...

Perfect. Wonderful. Beautiful. I listened to this song non-stop when it was originally released as a single. It inspired a small piece of writing from me too. It's so good. It's too fucking good. Fantastic opener for the album. What could possibly succeed this amazing fucking track?

2. "For They Know Not What They Do" - 8/10

Another great one. Not as great as Priest, but still a great song overall.

The opening is very interesting but kinda thematic for the album moving forward. It uses a chorus in the opening and closing of the track, which happens to be only 5 people layered over each other many times, and this chorus shows up in several tracks throughout the record. With only the exception of "Viva Vendetta", which had a full chorus of 386 people. That aside, it does sound quite nice. It is indeed a banger.

The lyrics are very repetitive, but it works very well for the song. They don't sound boring or tiring, but the song is more low-key than Priest. Though its chorus is much more reliant on Chris' screams than its predecessor, and the screams do sound great when contrasted by his cleans for the rest of the chorus. The piano melody in the back also sounds beautiful for the entire duration of the song.

A wonderful song, it still slaps immensely. So the album is going pretty strong, but already these two songs were released ahead of the album. What does the first 'new' song of the album have to offer?

3. "Your Star Has Led You Astray" - 8/10

It has a LOT to offer, actually.

It is more intense and a bit more powerful than For They Know Not What They Do, and I do like this song a bit more. I just don't want to do something like '8.3/10' cause if these songs were on a tierlist they'd be in the same tier.

The organ underlying everything is a very subtle touch, and it's a very welcome one. It lends to this feeling of this being a prayer or a confession within a church, perhaps of someone confiding in some sort of priest. Or someone being scorned by a priest or religious figure.

The choir in the background, which also comes out more prominently towards the end of the song, also lends more to this preacher/church vibe that the song has. The instrumentals outside of that act as almost a sort of contrast, at least with the guitar/bass lines. They feel very heavy, very intense, while the piano, vocals, choir, and organ have a more light and almost somber feel. It blends very well and makes for a wonderful song.

So far, so good. Now, what's next?

4. Born With a Broken Heart - 10/10

ABSOLUTE. BANGER.

And I almost thought this may be a Primal Fear cover when I first saw the track title a few weeks back.

While the two tracks proceeding it were more low-key, with some nice heavier feeling added in, this returns to a more heavy and weighty and intense sound. The verses sound groovy and almost bouncy, with the guitars taking a bit of a backseat when the vocals begin. I think it's a great contrast to the rest of the song itself, where they have that same sort of constant sound that they had in Priest.

The chorus is slower, but still carries all the power and weight of the verses right along with them. The vocals on this track are beautiful and wonderful and I adore the immensely. Once more the organ is a very subtle and great touch. Once more, the choir in the back sounds wonderful, and the singled out solo voice of Scarlet Dorn (I believe that's her) sounds as light and moving as it did in Priest.

Overall, amazing song. Absolutely slaps immensely. Love it.

Already a third of the way through disc 1. What can follow this pattern?

5. "The 13th" - 7/10

It is a good song. It is above average. It isn't entirely my style, but I can see others definitely vibing to it. It's very somber, it's very slow, but it still carries weight to it. Also the tie-in to Born With a Broken Heart is nice.

The organs here take a more prominent role in the song, which is nice. The synths in the back of the song are something that I find to be interesting, but not something that I really vibe with. They almost sort of clash with the overall feel of the song in my opinion.

The chorus is very nice, and feels on the same level of Born with a Broken Heart in terms of emotional intensity. This is most certainly a more somber piece for sure. It's much more sorrowful. The vocals are great, the overall instrumentals are fine, this is a good song. Just not one that I enjoy as much as other entries.

With all that being said, onward to the next song!

6. "In the Field of Blood" - 9/10

Alright. I can see people waving phones and lighters to this song already.

Another slower, somber sounding song. But this one is done better than The 13th in my humble opinion. There isn't the odd synth, the piano returns, there's some nice bits of stringwork done around the verses, and it feels more like a classic metal ballad. The piano in the chorus paired with the vocals sounds very, very nice. I love it.

It picks up a bit in terms of intensity for the bridge, when there is a small key change and the introduction of some screams. It transitions very smoothly into a nice chorus, and then there is a nice, pleasant sounding groove to lead the song out.

Heavy, slow, sad, but wonderful. Remorseful as well. Very well done.

7. "2000 Years a Pyre" - 8/10

A really, really good song. Another slower, heavier piece. But it sounds very nice.

The only thing I don't like is how this is the third track now with a chorus that sounds kinda samey. It's another with a beautiful piano accompaniment to the vocals, and sounds alltogether very sorrowful. Which is a good theme since this is the "damnation" of Judas thus far.

However, the song has a nice vibe and beat to it. The choir backing the chorus sounds great. The ending distortion and the ramping of how heavy it is for a bridge is very cool as well. Not quite an absolute 10/10 banger, but still a very good song.

8. "Death is Just a Kiss Away" - 10/10

I. AM. A. BITCH. FOR. GOOD. STRINGS.

AND THIS SONG DEFINITELY HAS THAT. AND! It has the leitmotif taking a much more central role. It's the tune of the verse, and it comes back several times across the record.

And man do I love how its played in the opening. I love the strings, the organ, the piano, how everything slowly keeps building and building over the course of the song. It doesn't just feel the same sort of somber and sad as some of the other tracks do. It builds and builds and builds, ending with Chris' vocals sounding more powerful and much more confident.

The lyrics sound almost like a conversation or some sort of Shakespearean lament. Okay, sure, the other songs do too, but I still love them nonetheless. I also like how the guitars and most of the heavier elements of LOTL as a band take a break for this piece.

I love this song. Love it to death. The choir at the end is a great touch as well. So good.

9. "The Heart is a Traitor" - 9/10

AH, YES. The 90s metalcore sounding song. Hell yeah.

This song kicks ass. A return to the intensity found to open the album, and a style that is reminscent of Born with a Broken Heart but with more of that heavy metal feeling for the chorus.

Here, the instrumentation of the song relies more on the classic bits of LOTL - guitars, some piano, the drums, and some bass. There is also some synth added in, but of course there is. I was almost nervous cause I didn't like the vibe or feel of the synths used in The 13th, but they work really well here. It follows the guitars really well, and it blends into the overall song wonderfully. Plus it helps out that 90s vibe.

The vocals are wonderful as well, with nice screams mixed among the powerful, gravelly sounding choruses and cleaner verses. Overall, wonderful song.

Almost done. ONWARDS!

10. "Euphoria" - 8/10

It sounds very nice. It is slow, deliberate, it has good pacing. The piano sounds very light, and I get visions of something like A Christmas Carol from the song. It has the late December or just a cold winter's night vibes.

Once more, the heavier elements are absent for a good deal of the song, but they do eventually kick in. The build up is great, it is well done, but not as well as Death is Just a Kiss Away to me. Still, the song is very good. Powerful and soft vocals with a nice slow rhythm on drums and a pleasant piano in the back works wonderfully.

A great song, to be sure.

11. "Be Still and Know" - 9/10

The first instrumental track on the record, and it's got the entire band on display here.

The intro is intense, and it brings back the leitmotif as well. The guitar solo is grand, especially how it ties into the leitmotif towards its end.

The song itself serves as a good almost-midway point for the album. A chance to breathe and feel, a chance to listen and enjoy. Of course, you can get that with the other 10 songs too, but there's just something about an instrumental track acting as a great checkpoint that's very refreshing. Even with one that carries such a heavy and powerful rhythm to it.

A wonderful, beautiful piece. Very, very well done. Very enjoyable.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

12. "The Death of All Colours" - 10/10

An acapella piece to see the end of disc 1, and once more the leitmotif is on display through the vocals themselves.

Well, of course they are, there's only the vocals to be heard. But you know what I mean -- last track had them in the instrumentals, this one has them in the vocals.

I love the lyrics here. I find myself singing this song often. It's simply too good not to. This song was already released a few weeks ahead of the album itself, but I hadn't heard it until I heard Priest.

It has power that slowly dwindles as the song ends, and carries with it these sadder and more somber themes. It's a wonderful piece in and of itself. In fact I didn't even realize it was acapella until I saw the "Track by Track" video for it on LOTL's YT channel. It feels whole and complete. A great song. Absolutely fantastic. Great way to end the first half of the dual-album.

Final thoughts will be shared in a separate post, but overall, already there are plenty of really, really solid songs here. I love all of them. Not one do I think is particularly bad or even really just 'meh' thus far. Will this change in disc 2?

FIND OUT IN... About an hour and a half? Maybe? Or maybe just wait for the reblog that'll come at a more reasonable hour.

[quillyfied]

Mega Good Omens Fic Rec Post 4

I LIIIIIIIVE

99 titles on this list again and once again we have an extra category, and I am pumped that I finally got this one done! Got a lot of holiday overflow but suck it up bc here it comes. As a refresher, the categories are: Jaunts through History/Canon, South Downs, Post-Apocalypse, Bus Ride/Night Before/Heaven and Hell, AU/UA, Soft, Before (exclusive to this list and List 2, meaning takes place almost exclusively Before Canon, as in The Fall/Creation/etc), Touch-Starved/Body Worship/Wings, Bonus, and H/C /Whump/BAMF. Warnings for gore and explicit material present where applicable. I don’t read smut fics but sometimes more adult material sneaks in there.

Mega GOmens Fic Rec Post MASTER

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF A LINK IS BROKEN OR IF I MISATTRIBUTED AN AUTHOR.

JAUNTS THROUGH HISTORY/CANON

1. You are a Call to Motion – @freyjawriter24 (G, the one where Aziraphale would like to dance but doesn’t. Very sweet and soft and kinda sad, follows Aziraphale through history wanting to dance (specifically with Crowley) until he finally gets to. The pining is so good, y’all.)

2. I love you because I know no other way than this – kriswithakay (T, the one where Aziraphale and Crowley use the excuse of being spectacularly drunk to get in little touches and kisses throughout history. This one is so sad and so full of yearning, the whole time you just wish they would face each other sober. It’s so quiet and beautiful.)

3. A Simple Thing – Sir_Bedevere (T, the one where Aziraphale gives out forehead kisses and Crowley is jelly about it. Continuing with the trend of being achingly sad and tender, this fic packs a wallop in that department. Forehead kisses aren’t always given at the happiest of times, after all. Also Crowley continues his stint as a pine tree and it’s painful.)

4. The Problem with Saints – Lurlur, D20Owlbear, robynthemagpie_writes, Wyvernquill (T and G, the series where it’s Catholic but funny. This series is weird and it’s hilarious and I hope there will be more, because this series goes through some fairly niche Catholic saint stories and the retelling of them featuring the Ineffable Husbands is hysterical. I don’t even want to tell y’all too much about it, just go read them and laugh with me, because they’re beautiful.)

5. When The Things You’ve Planned Need a Helping Hand – Proskenion (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale run into each other in the 1920s. Flapper!Crowley being a lounge singer is the centerpiece of this one, which is delightful enough, but throw in some canon-typical friction over the Arrangement and a chance for Aziraphale to come to the rescue, it’s a lovely little romp that has just the right edge of emotional tenderness to take the sting out of said earlier friction. Or add to it. Just depends on your point of view, really.)

6. The Serpent and the Lady – @summerofspock (T, the one where Aziraphale is Lady Fair and Crowley is competing in a tournament for his favor. Has female-presenting Aziraphale still using male pronouns bc that’s just what he’s comfortable with, and definitely, definitely has that Disney animated Robin Hood flavor. This fic scratches so many of my itches—Aziraphale in a dress, Crowley being a dashing BAMF, chivalric courtship, swordplay, armor, hand-sewn tokens of favor. A delicious little diversion, very worth it a++++.)

7.  Sunlight and Water – @themoonmothwrites (M, the one where Aziraphale is a flirty drunk and Crowley has to be the sensible one. M for some racy elements but not explicit. This one is fun but then takes a direct left into Feels Town, which, when coupled with @cassieoh’s art, just makes the whole experience dreadfully unfair. A gorgeous little story, and the ending is just *chef’s kiss*.)

8. Sloth – libbyfay (T, the one where Aziraphale checks in on Crowley after the fourteenth century. This one is a delight, and includes Aziraphale recommending The Canterbury Tales, as well as a back-and-forth about depression versus Sloth and a lot of talking around feelings. Must absolutely be read in conjunction with the next rec in the list, which is something of a continuation. )

9. I have an aungel which that loveth me – HolRose (NR, the one where Crowley follows up on The Canterbury Tales recommendation from Aziraphale and it gets a bit deep. A continuation of the previous rec, and oof, y’all. This one gets hella sad, which hits pretty hard after Crowley laughing his head off about the funny bits in Canterbury Tales. There’s also Feelings, which are desperate and tender and guys they don’t even kiss but it’s still breathtaking. They love each other so much.)

10. (heaven is) a place on earth – rattatatosk (G, the one where Aziraphale nearly loses his bookshop. This takes place during the deleted scene from the 1800 opening of the bookshop, and has oodles of Aziraphale building himself a home and being devastated about nearly losing it. Not a nesting fic in the traditional sense (meaning it isn’t about building a home for himself and Crowley, it’s definitely just for him), but for fans of happy Aziraphale being fluffy and content in his bookshop, here you go.)

11. No other news to report – @argentconflagration (T, the one where Aziraphale is torn up about an assignment. Y’all want Crowley interfering in angelic plans? Y’all want tenderness and holding? Y’all want Aziraphale letting himself be bested? Then stay a while, because this one is a heart-wrecker. Featuring a very sick and very devout child, and female-presenting Crowley.)

12. These Things Were Here – @MajorEnglishEsquire (T, the one where Crowley resorts to snake form to deal with his feelings. This one is long and it’s emotional; Crowley reverts down to being a snake whenever he gets especially bad assignments from Hell, and it’s about him and Aziraphale finding balance and harmony between themselves when Crowley is like this. Very sweet and very tender and very sad.)

13. Crossing Paths – @amuseoffyre (G, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale meet every few years. This is your typical “through the ages” fic but it’s Fyre writing it, and that means it has so much humor and heart and history in it it’s practically like reading deleted scenes of the show. The boys are so in-character and their love is subtle and slow-boiling but there. Highly recommended, absolutely.)

14. apples (per the author’s intention) – @lwtis (T, the one where apples is a recurring theme in their friendship. This one is hilarious and it’s heartfelt and I quite enjoyed it; the bits where Aziraphale is absolutely convinced this is a temptation of some kind are particularly juicy (not unlike Crowley’s backside in a certain pair of trousers). Crowley absolutely knows how to beat a joke to death and he does it with style.)

SOUTH DOWNS

15. up in our bedroom, after the war – @rufeepeach (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale need to get away to process things. In this one, they more vacation to the South Downs rather than move there, but them working through the awkwardness of Armageddon’s fighting and gently taking their relationship to its natural conclusion is beautiful and good. It isn’t urgent or desperate, just quiet and understated and organic. A lovely piece.)

16. Somewhere Alive and Green – @thetunewillcome (T, the one where they make a necessary move. This one is quiet and reflective, as a good South Downs fic should be, and though it’s short I think it’s wonderfully healing. Very good.)

POST-APOCALYPSE

17. England’s pleasant pastures seen – @squidsticks (T, the one where Aziraphale has an appointment with a book collector and Crowley offers to drive. Y’all it’s so sweet and, dare I say, uplifting, how much they love each other. Someone drops the “husband” word at some point and someone else has a joyful fit over it and I bet you can tell who does what. There’s also a lot of teasing and the kind of easy banter that comes with knowing someone for so long. V. good.)

18. you have built nests from all my bark – @mutalune (T, the one where Crowley is nesting as an aggressive courting maneuver. This fic is so much fun. Highlights include Michael thinking Aziraphale must have a special connection with the Almighty and trying to emulate his lifestyle in order to have one herself, Crowley getting irrationally jealous over it all and constructing the finest nest known to reality (including cupholders, which I now also want in all my pillow piles), Dagon looking for a very similar thing from Crowley that Michael wants from Aziraphale, and lots of delicious humor and unexpected character interactions. I highly recommend this one if you’re having a bad day.)

19. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – @divisionten (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale find out how to get around Heaven and Hell and it’s through summons. More of an anthology than a solid story, and it’s such a fascinating universe, liberally layered with overcoming trust issues and adjusting to being in a loving relationship, and it’s Good Food y’all, trust me on this.)

20. That’s Not Funny – cyankelpie (G, the one where they’re exceptionally drunk and Crowley says I Love You and Aziraphale thinks he’s joking. This one is sharper than expected but it makes the moment where they finally have everything out in the open so much sweeter. Lots of protective Crowley and very confused Aziraphale.)

21. Stars – @lyricwritesprose (G, the series that’s a spinoff of Tales of the Them that’s about Crowley and the stars, ostensibly. It’s a spinoff bc it deals with Aziraphale’s point of view, too, and their careful navigation of a complicated subject in Crowley’s history. Very soft and bittersweet.)

22. In Action How Like an Angel – PinkPenguinParade (T/NR/M, the series where Aziraphale stumbles into making some useful wards and then Crowley gets taken. Rated high for safety but the violence is truly not that bad and the sex jokes are very mild. Come for cool worldbuilding, stay for BAMF!Aziraphale, and have some extra bits of Anathema and Newt being very good and helpful friends on top!)

23. Let’s share a drink! – @nohaijiachi (G, the one where Aziraphale gets horribly discorporated and gets his body back fairly quickly thanks to quick thinking and Gabriel being easy to gross out. This one is a bit gross, fair warning, but it’s not too graphic, and it’s hilarious besides. Peak Bastard Aziraphale Hours, this one is. If you like reading about Gabriel getting messed with, welcome to the party.)

24. Metastable – MrsCaufield (Not Rated, the one where Aziraphale is having an existential crisis post-Armageddon. Featuring lots of miscommunication, some mild jealousy, and Aziraphale figuring himself out, which is always lovely to read about. Misunderstandings and two supernatural beings being grossly in love, can’t get better than this!)

25. Taking Steps – @joyandotherstories (G, the one where Aziraphale decides he wants to take salsa dancing lessons and Crowley agrees. Oh, y’all. You like pining? You like awkward touching? Do you perhaps like…faked relationships turning into real relationships? You’d best have a seat and dive into this one, because the payoff is many-layered and just phenomenal. The pride in these idiots not only learning to dance but learning to be open about how much they love each other is so good.)

BUS RIDE/NIGHT BEFORE/HEAVEN AND HELL

26. Introspection and Starlight – d20owlbear (T, the one where Aziraphale has a breakdown and is hold. I seem to have a special taste for Aziraphale breaking down, and this one is Hecking Delicious—it’s a slow break but it’s so achingly tender and emotional, especially once sleepy Crowley gets on the scene. Apologies are made and two very tired beings just hold each other at the end of it all and it’s so good.)

27. The Longest Night – @charlottemadison42 (T, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale are taking slow and important steps. Three fics in the series so far, and each one captures their hilarious and effortless dynamic so well while still paying homage to their quiet love. There are so many cool details to explore, ESPECIALLY in the bodyswap fics, and overall they are a really fun and thoughtful look at how the Night the World Didn’t End could’ve gone. OH AND A FOURTH ONE HAS GONE UP WHILE I WAS WORKING ON THIS LIST and you guyssss so much good content about Crowley’s (Presumably) Foot Thing and Shoes, omg. A treasure.)

28. Last Confessions and Hopeless Loves – @girlwholovesherwords (G, the one where they very neatly and annoyingly slot into their new dynamic. This one is so matter-of-fact and tongue-in-cheek I about died laughing, which is amazing given that it’s less than 3k words. A very good little egg.)

29. Choose Your Faces Wisely – @cheeseandonioncrisps (G, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale set the record straight on how they portrayed each other. This is a fun one based on the very good meta bits floating around (which have been bolstered by Neil Gaiman’s commentary in the DVDs I will have you know) that their performances in each other’s skins is how they see each other and how different that is from how they see themselves and guys it’s so good, I wanted this conversation to last forever and ever.)

30. and I just want to love you, to love you, to love you well – BrinneyFriday (T, the one where apologies are made and kisses are had. Guys it’s so soft. Oh my gosh you guys the tenderness is unreal. There’s Crowley falling asleep in Aziraphale’s lap and there’s deciding they’re stronger together and guys pls it’s so good just read it pleASE—)

AU/UA

31. A Curious Case of Miracles on Marlborough Street – @nihilnovisubsole (M, the one where there might be such a thing as too much of a good thing. M for sexual humor and situations but nothing all that graphic. Y’all it’s the “angels accidentally cast miracles when they orgasm” crack given the serious treatment it deserves, and this fic also wins awards for its brilliant OC angel Sabrael, Keeper of Miracles. The icing on the cake? Beautiful artistic accompaniment to go along with the brilliant writing. Just delightful, a whole entire treat. An afternoon delight indeed.)

32. Too Much of a Good Thing – @yamisnuffles (G, T, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale are both angels and things are a bit different. It’s not fair that yamisnuffles is a distinctive and wonderful artist, they have to be a good writer, too, and be terribly talented at telling a good story. Crowley’s character arc and emotional growth as a disgraced angel cursed to live as a snake for a while is fabulous, and it’s only ramping up, so jump on the train now! It’s a good train!)

33. Measures of Freedom – KazLangston (T, the one where Crowley is an acquisition made by one Mr. AZ Fell. This is one of those “turn left” AUs where they’re still an angel and a demon, they just didn’t meet in Eden. Instead, they meet because Crowley gets himself captured and Aziraphale doesn’t think it’s safe to let a real, dangerous demon loose. Their relationship is very combative and antagonistic but it softens; the emotional journey they go on from clear enemies to clear friends is fantastic.)

34. Somewhere Down Below – jane_with_a_j (T, the series where Aziraphale is captured as an incentive for Crowley to jump masters in Hell. There’s lots of hurt!Aziraphale in this one, as tends to happen to an angel captive in Hell, and an excruciating amount of pining that doesn’t so much counterbalance the angst so much as spice it up enormously. There’s intrigue, there’s a daring escape, it’s radical, folks.)

35. How it Happens – @captainqueernerd (T, the one that’s based on a comic and both are DELIGHTFUL. The fic here is an extension of the comic and so sweet, oh my goodness how sweet it is. The best bits aren’t even when they cover the comic’s events—it’s AFTER that is the real treat. I’ll hand out brownie points to anyone who can find the sentence that made me put down my laptop before I accidentally chucked it while laughing too hard.)

36. mors certissima – @northerntrash (T, the Hades and Persephone AU where Aziraphale is Hades and Crowley is Persephone and they’re all doing their best. This is a super fun one, beautifully written and lovely original lore that has Aziraphale really coming into his own as a god of death and what that means for the wider pantheon and the world. And IT’S ABOUT TO GO DOWN where the fic is at the moment, I’m pumped for the conclusion!)

37. It’s All Greek to Me (that is, Ineffable) – @ulspi (UR, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale are cast in different mythological roles in each fic. This one’s gorgeous, you guys, haunting and romantic and each fic has a distinct flavor that is impossibly good. A beautiful way to spend a rainy afternoon, in my opinion.)

38. The Princess and the Serpent – @longforgottenhymn (G, the one where Aziraphale takes Crowley to King Arthur’s court to get a nobleman off his back and oh no, fake dating becomes real dating, oh no. You think you’re ready for this fic? FOOL. This fic is going to carve you up from the inside out and you won’t even be READY for it even if you know it’s coming. This fic is going to promise intimacy and deliver in terrible, terrible tenderness. I am being melodramatic but THIS FIC. THIS FIC IS SO GOOD. This fic is not what I was expecting and it hits HARD because of that.)

39. Wicked dance – pirripipi (T, the one that’s a royal AU with incredible depth and complexity. Listen, what this fic might lack in polish it more than makes up for in flat-out interesting worldbuilding. The characterization is on point and the nonlinear storytelling is very well-handled. And that ending! So triumphant, so utterly joyful. What a joy this fic is! Just wait until you see the Garden of Eden, it’s SPECTACULAR.)

40. The sun doesn’t set on the shoreline – VinWrit (G, the one that’s a selkie and siren AU. This one feels more like it’s being told in microfiction installments and that’s certainly interesting on its own, but it reads like a horror story and it’s chock full of worldbuilding, and the characterization of Crowley especially just breaks my heart right in two. What a great little story.)

41. An Angel’s Hope – @braver-stronger-smarter (M, the one that’s a crossover with the Kiesha’ra book series by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes and it’s delicious AF. Not sure why it’s rated M, but it does deal with a war and the fallout of dealing with constant violence and death. Explains things well enough that you don’t need to have read the Kiesha’ra to understand what’s going on (or, like, if it’s been well over a decade since you last read it…), and the integration of Crowley and Aziraphale into the main plot of these shapeshifter snake and bird cultures is effortless. Can’t wait to see where this one goes (bc even if it just follows the plot of Hawksong, it’s sure to be an exciting ride). (Side note, read the Kiesha’ra, it’s a good series.))

42. By Grace – @seaskystone (G, the one that’s the little soulmate AU that could. Not very long but still highly impactful in my opinion, featuring Crowley and Aziraphale meeting in heaven and knowing right away they’re meant for each other, but canon still happens as it does. Short and bittersweet and pretty.)

43. The Ones Who Walk Away from Nevaeh – @soft-october-night (T, the one that’s the “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” AU none of us ever even knew we needed but heck if we didn’t get it anyway. If you aren’t familiar, “Omelas” is a short story by Ursula K LeGuin that I absolutely believe you must read in order to get the full impact of this and what the author does with the story with regard to our two boys, it’s earth-shattering. Soft-october-night does it again, just goes and makes outstanding AUs that own my entire soul like it ain’t no thing. Completely unfair.)

44. Take the Fall (What’s a Second Time) – @triffidsandcuckoos (T, the one where Crawly does what it says on the tin. This one includes a nice helping of Crowley suffering from chronic pain as a consequence of taking the blame for the apple business, and some sweet care from Aziraphale, who is well aware it’s his fault. An interesting take and a heartwarming story (even if suffering from chronic pain is the pits and there’s no way around that).)

45. forgotten (but not gone) – @writeonclara (T, the one where their memories are taken and Crowley and Aziraphale still manage to stay away from each other for about .04 seconds. This one has some hard edges and it is a harrowing story about accepting others and yourself, and having faith in yourself and your loved one, but the way they can’t keep their hands to themselves when all the stops are pulled out is frankly hilarious and I commend this story whole-heartedly for committing to that.)

46. It’s Not the Years, it’s the Mileage – @moveslikebucky (T, the one that’s an Indiana Jones AU based on @yamisnuffles’ art. You want Aziraphale doing his best in an Indy role while still being an angel? You want Crowley owning a bar and it DOESN’T suck? You want pining and heartache and hilarity? Park it, then, folks, you don’t even need to know the Indiana Jones films to enjoy it (I certainly don’t and I am aware of this failing, thank you).)

47. or the look or the words – @taizi (T, the one where they just keep getting married and it doesn’t stop from happening. Guys they are literally married HUNDREDS OF TIMES throughout history STARTING AT THE ARK. They are literally so soft and so in love and I am beside myself right now, please love yourself and practice some self-care by reading this fic.)

48. Give me a title, I’ll give you my heart – @nohaijiachi (T, the one that’s a human AU based on fanart and it’s great. Single dad Aziraphale with a cautious past, determined son Adam who is gonna get his dad a date if it’s the last thing he does, utterly besotted Crowley who is excellent at being gentle and also a great beta reader…a surprisingly emotional and fun piece, very good.)

49. what if you fall? oh, but my darling, what if i fly? – Doggoos (T, the one where they loved in Heaven and outside interference tore them apart. I LOST THIS FIC AND SPENT FOREVER TRYING TO FIND IT AGAIN. The one detail that kept me going? Crowley (as Raphael) and Aziraphale exchange jewelry before Gabriel sticks his stupid nose in it and the jewelry is visually stunning and emotionally gorgeous. It’s emotional and it’s fraught and there’s erased memories to contend with but holy COW, y’all. They’re so in love.)

50. Snakes and Stones (the Crowley/Aziraphale Human AU) – @deerstalkerdeathfrisbee (G, the series where it’s exactly what it says it is. The opening fic for this series is where literally everyone in Aziraphale’s dorm thinks his boyfriend is made up and Aziraphale has the enormous pleasure of proving them all wrong. It has great Newt characterization and, surprisingly, Gabriel being likeable, though he has to work for it. It’s fun and a little silly and I adore it.)

51. in the arms of the ocean (so sweet and so cold) – robynthemagpie_writes, agent_of_mischief (T, the one where Aziraphale becomes a lighthouse keeper and Crowley is probably a sea monster. This is a horror story and it’s a love story and while reading it kept me awake at night, thinking about it also kept me very much awake at night. I am the world’s biggest chicken and the spoop is real, friends, but more than that, it’s the horrors lurking in Aziraphale’s past (and probably Crowley’s, I have some theories) that are the heartbreaking bit. Not for the faint-hearted, it goes hard and I have a feeling it’s only going to go harder.)

52. i’ve found a way (a way to make you smile) – @fremulon (T, the one that’s an AU of The Office. Requires no knowledge of The Office but I’m sure it helps. This is one I kept putting off and deeply regret doing so (though, on the other hand, waiting so long to read it meant that I caught up the night before the last chapter went up, so HA). Y’all, it’s so funny and so relatable as an adult stuck in a dead-end job I don’t like, and the romance between Aziraphale and Crowley is so simple and so sweet. I just love it and I love this fic and I want you to read it immediately right now.)

53. I Know Places We Won’t Be Found – FangsScalesSkin (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale run away together from the Garden of Eden. I have been waiting for someone to write this forever and it’s finally happening. And it’s got such fun worldbuilding, and their interactions are so cute, and I just love them and want them to be okay and to be married forever and ever.)

54. an imitation of the garden of eden – @dyslexiccrowley (T, the one that’s a D&D-inspired AU. Speaking of AUs that come out of hecking nowhere, here’s one! This one is a really fun adventure, and if you thought me turning the Bentley into a horse in several of my fics was fun, this one beats me out by a country mile and I couldn’t be more gleeful about it because THE BENTLEY IS A DRAGON. I could deffo see the dnd elements throughout but the flavor of it is so unique, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and the character moments.)

55. Hell is Just a Sauna – @anthonyjcrowiey (T, the one that’s a “Ten Things I Hate About You” AU. I haven’t seen the film (though I have read Taming of the Shrew and I have been on Tumblr long enough to absorb several gifsets), but this fic was still so good and managed to hook me right in regardless of that fact. I can’t wait for it to finish up, we’re on the emotional crux of the plot and it’s tearing me up how it’s been left!)

56. be mine tonight (be mine forever) – @qorktrees (T, the one that’s a literal “fake dating becomes real dating” AU. Human AU, and these idiots I SWEAR. Aziraphale needs a date for the office Christmas party, Crowley is available and bribable, and of course it ends in their ruse becoming the real deal, this is fanfiction for crying out loud. It happens so sweetly, though, you’ve gotta see this.)

57. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – @gigglesnortbangdead (T, the one where Heaven and Hell turn enemies into children instead of smiting. Oh, goodness gracious y’all are not ready for this one. You aren’t ready for the way being turned into a child affects an angel or a demon. You aren’t ready for the myriad ways bb!Crowley is gonna tug at your heartstrings. You aren’t ready for the way Aziraphale is when it finally happens to him. You AREN’T READY. This is precisely why you should go read it right now immediately, to see just how unready you really are. You should take care of that at this exact moment.)

58. Ineffably Yours – SecondHandNews (M, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale choose each other and keep choosing each other. Listen to me: this series is the length of several novels. I have only read the first one, after stumbling on a side-story that was really good and not realizing it was a side-story of a bigger series until I’d finished it. I am planning on reading the rest of the series, which is still updating. I am a little terrified at this titan who has managed to write over 360K words since June in this one series alone. The first one absolutely had me biting my nails and rocking back and forth in an anxious haze, and it’s so tender and so beautiful and SO NERVE-WRACKING. Crowley and Aziraphale learn the Rapture is coming and they just…kinda snap, really. Stop avoiding each other, start choosing each other, and all the twists and turns that comes with it. Just. Really outstanding work, I am an anxious mess but it’s good XD)

JUST SOFT

59. Where to Start – @freyjawriter24 (T, the one where Crowley nearly kisses Aziraphale throughout history like A LOT. Guys you wanna feel the pine crushing into your soul? You want to feel that deep ache of wanting to touch so badly but holding back out of sheer desperate force of will? Read this, prepare to have your knees appropriately weakened from the longing.)

60. A Softer Fall – @themoonmothwrites (T, the one that’s the wall shoving but soft. Bury me in this one, boys, my corpse will rest well for eternity, because holy COW the longing and the fear and the reassurances…my heart is a marshmallow now and it’s this fic’s fault.)

61. for the dancing and the dreaming – @une-danse-macabre (G, the one where Aziraphale proposes. Listen I know this entire section of the post is for Soft Fic but this is Softe Fic and I am not joking even a little bit. Crowley desperately deflecting using humor bc he is so overwhelmed? It’s more likely than you think. Read this, it’s a beautiful little shot of humor and romance.)

62. in candlelight, we dance – SaerM (T, the one where they take a shower together. I have a deep and abiding weakness for bathing fic, and even better, it’s not a sex fic! Just two ineffable partners being tender and washing each other and being together. So sweet and good.)

63. A Pile of Pillows – @waffleironbiddingwar (T, the one where Aziraphale seems to have built a nest during a weekend apart. There’s a few cute nesting fics in this here post but this is one of my very favorites; even has some wing grooming, and lots of teasing and kissing. Very cute!)

64. When the Wind Changes – Star_less (G, the one where Crowley makes faces at babies. Listen. LISTEN. You don’t have to personally like kids to go all gooey over how much Crowley seems to like kids, entirely without meaning to. It’s too cute. Someone call the Cute Police.)

65. with adorations, with fertile tears – waywarder (T, the one where there’s an emotional meltdown while watching a high school production of Twelfth Night. So sweet and unsure and awkward, this one; it’s canon-verse, Aziraphale just drags Crowley to a high school production and then proceeds to very nearly have an angelic aneurysm over trying to hold his hand. If you’ve a soft spot for the Ineffable Husbands quoting Shakespeare at each other, welcome to the party, you’ve arrived.)

66. Sleeping Angel – @whatawriterwields (G, the one where Aziraphale is asleep on Crowley’s chest. It should be noted that this writer wields tenderness like a weapon, stiletto right between the ribs to knock all that breath right out of you, which is a much more gruesome descriptor than I probably should’ve used but YOU GUYS CROWLEY TALKS TO AZIRAPHALE IN HIS SLEEP AND IT’S SO SWEET AND I CAN’T BREATHE.)

67. in so many words – @asideofourown (G, the one where Aziraphale has trouble saying “I love you.” This one made me laugh and “aww” in equal measure, but to get you to click on the link and read as fast as I did, Aziraphale says “thank you” the first time Crowley says “I love you” and I DIED.)

68. A First Christmas, Once Again – lalaland666 (G, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale get to celebrate Christmas together. This one has a fun twist on why Aziraphale dislikes the holidays and a really cute Crowley getting excited for them, and I think it’s well worth reading whether or not you find the December holiday season celebratory or not.)

69. (i love you) as you are – @asideofourown (T, the one where Crowley tries to change to be more like Aziraphale in order to keep him and it’s heartbreaking. Listen, this writer is great and more often than not draws me in bc the dialogue is so good, but this one just crushed my heart into pieces, because Crowley is trying SO HARD and he doesn’t have to but doesn’t realize that he doesn’t have to and AUGH.)

70. the commendation – @forineffablereasons (G, the one where Aziraphale’s ring is itself a commendation from Heaven. This one is short and sweet but it GUTS me every time, just over Aziraphale and how much Heaven screwed him over and failed him by making him feel like the failure. Something this short should not hurt me so much AND YET. Crowley makes it better. Obviously.)

71. the other way round – @forineffablereasons (G, the one where Aziraphale lays in Crowley’s lap instead. Listen we all love it when Crowley puts his head in Aziraphale’s lap but this writer has the right of it, we don’t see it nearly enough the other way round and HHHHGK. The tenderness. The softness. It BURNS.)

72. Every Song in Every Key – @impishtubist (T, the one with the seriously misleading summary. I mean this in the best possible way. Crowley being the one to enjoy the holidays is fun enough, but the true meat of this fic came out of nowhere and it hit me square in the squishy bits. One of the tags is “kid fic” for a little bit of a hint but I shan’t spoil it for you, just go read about Crowley being soft.)

73. shed a sweet light – @areyougonnabe (T, the one that’s not anti-holiday so much as a non-holiday holiday fic. That was probably confusing for you BUT IN ESSENCE: Aziraphale has been around too long to get too attached to any particular holiday (plus time passes so differently when you’re immortal), and attracts the ire of holiday influencers. It gets surprisingly dire, and then delightfully Jewish. Has the exact heart that every holiday story hopes for: quiet, enduring love amidst the chaos. A beautiful little thing.)

BEFORE

74. Unexpected Variables – @seaskystone (T, the one where God keeps having to reset the universe. Hands-down the most hilarious fic on the list just by virtue of God’s impending migraine in dealing with Crowley and Aziraphale, who are so incompetent and I love them so much.)

75. Astralphysiastrics – @wortlby2 (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale finally talk about Before. This one’s “Before” elements take place in flashbacks but given that they’re a pretty significant portion of the fic, I put it in this category anyway. Guys this one HURTS, but there’s healing in it, too, which is a beautiful balance. Ends nice and fluffy, which is a good landing after the flashbacks are done tossing you about.)

TOUCH-STARVED/BODY WORSHIP/WINGS

76. To Preen a Songbird – @tiger-in-the-flightdeck (T, the one that’s just some good old-fashioned preening, y’all. Prepare for these idiots being silly and bantering and teasing, because the back-and-forth is so good. SO good. So very, very good.)

77. Life Hurts (But Not With You) – Spider_Lilly (T, the series that’s about Aziraphale letting Crowley preen him. This one takes a pretty serious turn and talks about what happens to angels with slightly more realistic-type wings who don’t have help preening. Fair warning, there’s a bit of grossness with impacted preen glands (which are oil glands) and if you are squeamish I would tread carefully, bc it can get a bit disturbing when Crowley has to help deal with them, but if you like realistic wing care, this is the series for you. Also love. Also pining. Also they’re kind of the same story from different perspectives and the one from Aziraphale’s perspective is SO MUCH WORSE EMOTIONALLY. A good bit of catharsis fic, for sure.)

78. Descent Suspension – @onheil-ferguson (M, the one where Crowley could use some tying up. M for shibari but it’s nonsexual. Book!verse. I apparently have a thing for nonsexual BDSM and bondage, because this fic absolutely took my breath away. It’s very calm and understated and dignified, just feels quiet. A beautiful piece, for sure.)

79. The End (of the Beginning) or A Not-So-Nice or Accurate Guide to Sex on a Stick, By Anthony J. Crowley, Demon. – @fantasticallyobscure (T, the one where Crowley has been trying sex with all the wrong people. Not explicit at all, just has a lot of discussions about sex, which can be off-putting but now you know going in (if the title didn’t give it away). Basically Crowley keeps trying sex with people who have his same physical build and loses his appetite for it, until he and Aziraphale finally get their heads on straight and Aziraphale wants to try it. Some hilarious metaphors and a lot of adorable Aziraphale being jealous, which is a trip. A wonderful little romp, for sure!)

80. You Are Unbreaking (Though Quaking) – @lesbianscrowleys (T, the one where Aziraphale works through his knee-jerk reactions to being touched. A very good little snapshot of healing and working through things while communicating with your partner, and there’s a fun side-story about accepting who you are that underscores the main theme rather well. Crowley is so good and patient and Aziraphale is trying so hard.)

81. A Treatise Concerning Religious Affectations – forthegreatergood (T, the one where there are discussions of religious ecstasy versus regular ecstasy. This one involves more or less orgasming via manipulation of miraculous brain chemistry, and it’s a little bit funky, but you get in the vibe of the fic pretty quickly, I think, the writer is good about setting the tone. And it’s adversarial as all heck, this is a legitimate disagreement Crowley and Aziraphale are having and you feel every weighty second of it. It’s sensual, I think, but not necessarily erotic, and that’s a hard needle to thread and they do it very well.)

82. 451°F – @purple-suits (G, the one after the church bombing where Aziraphale wants so badly it hurts. Guys, oh you guys, the pure need in this one isn’t even really sexual but it HURTS, it is so physical and raw and achey. It absolutely put about five more aches under my skin just from secondhand need. Oh, y’all. Oh beans.)

BONUS

83. Chaos Theory – @themoonmothwrites (T, the series that’s about Adam hitting on Warlock in a bar and then reintroducing him to his old nanny and gardener. This one is 1. prime Adam/Warlock material, and 2. PRIME Warlock/facing his feelings and confronting his past and figuring out his future material. I have the weakest spot possible for Warlock Dowling and this one hits that spot like a LOT.)

84. Through the branches there’s a son that’s always shone – @jessicafish (G, the one with a contented Warlock. This one is a Halloween fic that has the softest Warlock and Crowley interaction of all time, it’s so short but it hits so hard and I must thank it for my life, really.)

85. Love, And Its Interference With The Nature of Reality – @souljellied (M, the one where Adam has a big ole crush and reality is warping for Warlock. M for some saucy makeouts at the start but it’s pretty tame. Guys if the fact that at one point the headlines in a news stand all read “TOP TEN REASONS TO DATE ADAM YOUNG” before Warlock blinks and they all change back to normal isn’t a good enough reason to read this fic then I don’t know what to tell you, it’s so delightfully tongue-in-cheek about Adam’s effect on reality and so funny and so sweet, even if it does end on a note that makes me howl for wanting a continuation.)

86. Slumber Party Summons and Aftereffects – @joyandotherstories (G, the series where Crowley gets summoned by a party of teenage girls and has a very heartfelt, productive evening with them. I dragged my feet on this story for incomprehensible reasons so DON’T YOU MAKE MY MISTAKES. The teenage girls who summon Crowley are so sweet and loveable, each and every one of them, and guys they ship Crowley and Aziraphale so hard when they finally pry Crowley’s life story out of him, with help from some memory projection witchery. It’s so good, y’all, so cute and so fresh. Just the best.)

87. Christmas Delivery – Daegaer (G, the one where Gabriel sends obnoxious Christmas cards and they are the highlight of Heaven’s holiday (to make merciless fun of). It should be noted that these Christmas cards all feature artistic renderings of Gabriel himself. I about died laughing and it’s canon now in my heart. I should not be endeared to the Archangels but here we are.)

88. and i don’t care if you don’t want me (i’m yours anyhow) – shaekspeares (T, the one where Warlock is figuring himself out at uni. This one is complex and deadpan and has such a good representation of Warlock and what he could grow to be, plus that excellent Warlock/Adam content I am always here for and Warlock having a complete meltdown over the idea that his former nanny and gardener were sent by his parents to spy on him, but not that they’re an angel and a demon. This kid has his priorities in order. Well, no, he doesn’t, but it’s fun to watch him get there. And he and Adam have the best dynamic ever, it’s full of friction and no small amount of adversarial energy turning sweet over time. This fic is physically healing to read and we aren’t even done yet. A fantastic addition to the fandom, if just for what Warlock does to the British equivalent of the Young Republican student body.)

89. Demonology and the Tri-Phasic Model of Trauma: An Integrative Approach – Nnm (T, the one where Crowley gets a therapist. I know most of you should know this, or at least have heard of it, but pipe down bc I finally got around to reading it and it’s AMAZING. If you’re a human who’s gone to a good therapist or who needs to, this story’s protagonist is phenomenal. And she’s not static in her own journey, either, she grows and heals along with Crowley, and it’s not linear or clean or simple. Like real life, it has dips and turns and bad patches, but the healing is palpable. A masterwork, truly, just real dadgum good, y’all.)

H/C /WHUMP/BAMF

90. I Don’t Want the World to See Me – @coulson-is-an-avenger (T, the one where they navigate an unexpected boundary concerning Crowley’s glasses. People who flinch every time they read about Aziraphale taking off Crowley’s glasses without permission rejoice: we have a fix-it fic for you. It’s tender in every sense of the word, and shows great boundary communication (y’know after the immediate scare is over), and all around is incredibly worth the read.)

91. Still Waking Up – @sleepymccoy (T, the one that’s trauma recovery with lots of bed-sharing and pining. Friendos if you want to feel every inch of that slow burn, you’ve arrived. This fic is careful and it’s emotionally ragged-edged and it’s just so dang pretty as Crowley and Aziraphale work through their separate issues and come to terms with what it means to them to be together with each other.)

92. Borrowed Scars – dreamsofspike (M, the one where Aziraphale finds out what Crowley goes through when he’s in Hell. M for implied/referenced rape and onscreen torture (and like some heavy petting that gets interrupted by feels). This one’s heavy, y’all, heavier than my usual fare, bc Aziraphale is in Hell wearing Crowley’s body when he finds this out so it’s pretty firsthand. Most of the bad bits are told in flashbacks but there’s also the healing part where Crowley finds out and he and Aziraphale have to have a heart-to-heart about what happened and how it’s never going to happen again. Drags you through the mud but then sets you back on your feet, a very good little number, I thought.)

93. Surviving Hell – @whatawriterwields (T, the series where Crowley’s coping mechanism is to shut down and then that coping mechanism becomes maladaptive in the new world. If you’re like me, you’re used to this writer writing the fluffiest creations known to man, so this foray into deeper territory socks like a cannonball right in the gut. Crowley’s healing process is long and it’s slow, with so much aching tender care from Aziraphale it is physically painful in a way. Can’t wait for it to update, I am INVESTED.)

94. Easier than Air – @a-candle-for-sherlock (G, the one where Aziraphale finally deals with stuff. This is a collection of panic attacks, as a warning; Aziraphale’s entire six-thousand-year life is catching up to him, living under Heaven’s eye and knowing he doesn’t measure up, still trying to be with Crowley even though knowing the danger…it’s a lot on a person, and it all kinda comes crashing down after Armageddon’t. Crowley takes care of him, talks and holds him through it all, and it’s so sweet, so freeing to vicariously fall apart through Aziraphale and be held through it by Crowley. Just. Augh.)

95. So Still I Wait – HotCrossPigeon (T, the one where Heaven locks Aziraphale in a void, basically, for three months, and then dump him back on earth for Crowley to pick up the pieces. Guys this one is part of a “hurt Aziraphale” series and it delivers. Aziraphale is his usual soft, silly self all throughout and that makes it hurt worse when he’s suffering, and downright agonizing when he’s trying to recover. Heaven is horrible to him throughout, and Crowley is so gentle and scared, and honestly I don’t know how I didn’t just keel over while reading it. This takes touch-starved to an extreme that booted it from the Touch-Starved category and into this one, because WOW. WOW.)

96. Flaming Like Anything – @thepoetoftime (NR, the one where any weapon Aziraphale holds flames. This one isn’t silly, exactly, but it is hilarious watching Aziraphale flame things like a stick and an umbrella and then absolutely CREAM his foes with them. Never stood a chance, poor souls. A wonderful read, with a surprising twist near the end I highly recommend savoring, it’s too good a mental image.)

97. Love Seeketh Not Itself to Please – @dietraumerei (T, the one where Aziraphale is hurt by a summoning and Crowley takes him to Heaven for healing. This one hurts on so many levels I don’t know where to begin. There’s the physical hurt—obviously—but then there’s the tension of our favorite reprobates being back in Heaven, and a moment where the rug is pulled that is disorienting and just…hateful, absolutely hateful, but in the weirdest, most relieving way. I cannot explain this to you, you must read it. And then sweet, sweet aftercare, because of course. I wouldn’t recommend it to you if there wasn’t any comfort in it, and this writer in particular has historically done excellently with the comfort aspect; this is certainly no different. It absolutely tickled my fancy.)

98. Cry for Absolution – forthegreatergood (T, the one where a miscommunication causes six thousand years of touch avoidance. Guys. GUYS. Crowley thinks his touch hurts Aziraphale and you know what it actually does? It actually hurts ME, personally, watching Crowley misread Aziraphale’s little gasps and flinches as pain rather than shock. Then they fight about it, and things resolve, but HHHNG. THAT PINING. THAT TOUCH-STARVED LONGING.)

99. White Walls and Dead Air – BabyHoldMyFlower (G, the one where Crowley has to physically take Aziraphale away from the plague. This one lands in this category rather than in the Body Worship/Touch-Starved/Wings category is the sheer (DESERVED) emotional vitriol Aziraphale has bottled up in him, the anger at God and Heaven, and how ragged he is from trying to stay ahead of the plague but just not being able to. Crowley helps, because of course he does, but this fic is the emotional equivalent of being put through a wringer. It’s exhausting and it’s beautiful.)

[happymetalgirl]

Five* Outside albums of 2020

I do this little list every year of my favorite albums that fall mostly “outside” the metal sphere and weren’t so metal-adjacent that I reviewed them formally during the year. The past three times I have written this little piece, I have kept it to five, but *this year, I’ve just had a hard time narrowing it down, so I figured, why do that? Well, I could go through a few dozen albums or so that I fucked with this year outside the metal sphere, but I’m compromising with the addition of a new, quick (we’ll see) honorable mention section.

So, in the interest of keeping my verbose tendencies in check, I’ll cut this introduction off and get into the honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions:

Anna von Hausswolff - All Thoughts Fly

I did review Anna von Hausswolff’s previous record, Dead Magic, back in 2018 as part of my bunch of metal albums reviews that year, because it was kind of tangentially metallic. It wasn’t a lot at a technical level, only a few metallic elements here no there, but it had a lot of harrowing qualities that I thought metal listeners might appreciate. For the Swedish singer and pipe-organist, that album really was the closest she ever came to metal’s territory, and I don’t think any flirting with the genre was intentional on her part. Most of what she does is haunting, neoclassical, organ-based music that’s usually not as wild as what Dead Magic was, and this year’s album is a real scale back to her roots and an appreciation for the pipe organ. While I do miss her bewitching vocals on this entirely instrumental album, All Thoughts Fly stands well on its own merits as both a solid tribute to von Hausswolff’s organ playing and as a beautiful, incredibly immersive ambient album that does so much with its relatively small palette. I’ve talked a few times on here about really shitty ambient music that’s approached with a clearly lazy attitude because of its supposed background role. Rather than being made to be ignored, All Thoughts Fly pulls you in and around in a swirl of lush sounds that aren’t too common in ambient music, and with a relatively minimal approach, relying on the naturally serene tambre of the instrument to fill the space with a lightening, floating ambience and well-structured movements to do the gentle moving. It’s a beautiful example of what an ambient album can achieve if it’s actually made with a lot of love and care.

Shabaka & The Ancestors - We Are Sent Here by History

Okay, that first one went pretty long. I’ll try to keep the rest of these here relatively short. Sons of Kemet band leader, Shabaka Hutchings, takes his other group on slightly less chaotic Afro-jazz odessey that what Sons of Kemet have been delivering us. While more contained on the surface within the genre’s usual light grey areas, Shabaka & The Ancestors move with freedom and flexibility on this album in a way that highlights the natural appeals of the Afro-jazz sound pallet through constantly engaging arrangements from masters of the craft.

Lady Gaga - Chromatica

I know we’re all well aware of Lady Gaga, but the pop icon has been relatively quietly been making the best music of her career since taking the edge rather than the center of the spotlight, from 2013’s diverse Artpop to 2016’s more bare-bones Joanne. And now, after her mellower, more traditional Americana-influenced album in 2016, Gaga cranks the volume and the fun way back up. Chromatica is a blast of an album whose wide span of dance pop albums influences new and old keeps it varied and lively all the way through. This album feels very much like it’s Gaga unleashed, just doing her thing and having a good time with a bunch of dance music styles that she’s always loved, and it’s impossible not to feel that enthusiasm secondhand, and groove the hell out along with it.

Black Thought - Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane & Abel

Black Thought has had nothing to prove since the relative inactivity of The Roots this past decade, but he has sure been rapping as if he does have something to prove on his solo work. The Philadelphia rapper put out a couple of EPs back in 2018 that showcased his impressive modern lyricism and flow, and the third, LP-sized installment in the series is just another offering of further proof of the man’s lyrical chops. There’s a little bit of an understated delivery in the music overall, but Black Thought really lets his words speak for themselves more than his moderate bravado. It’s not super flashy because it doesn’t need to be.

Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher

Indie folk has always loved to soak in the puddles of personal sadness, but Californian singer Phoebe Bridgers takes the style to whole new depths of personally gripping, bordering on the outright emo, and that is by all means a compliment for rather than a shot at. The album’s candid journaling of Bridgers’ personal struggles is so tangible and so genuine that it would probably rival Connor Oberst’s best work with Bright Eyes. It is just a beautiful, yet tear-inducing album.

Alright, now on to the five “main” “non-metal” albums of the “list proper”.

Hexvessel - Kindred

Hexvessel are a Finnish six-piece whose sixth album of psychedelic folk here manages to touch on the same haunting, gothic tones that groups like Opeth and Gazpacho do at their most forest-y. Indeed, Kindred is an enchanting album, with sprawling styles and a full-bodied sonic pallet to keep it interesting the whole way through. And it’s as strong in its more bombastic song like that which opens the album as it is in its more stripped back acoustic tracks like that which closes it. Songs like “Magical and Damned” straight-up evoke Mount Eerie, while songs like “Kindred Moon” hearken to The Beatles at their most minimal and folky, and there’s plenty of spooky, mystical energy to go around. Definitely one of the best finds of the year for me.

The Strokes - The New Abnormal

Coming at the end of a seven-year gap between it and their previous album, 2013’s somewhat fan-polarizing Comedown Machine (which I liked a lot), The Strokes’ aptly named return is a return to the spotlight, but hardly to normalcy or the musical roots in garage rock that so many of the band’s fans have been sweating for. Twisting the electronic alternative rock of their Angles era into some odd, but mesmerizing forms, The New Abnormal is a subtly wild ride of an album through lots of melancholic overtones and undertones whose impact is made all the more potent by the occasional teasing of sorts with the few more traditionally rockin’ moments on here. It doesn’t take long to pull back the seemingly preppy synth rock or 80’s rock curtains to find the melancholy beneath “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” and “Bad Decisions”, respectively. But the band aren’t even that subtle with the immediate depression of just the straight-up guitar melodies on songs like “Selfless”, “Not the Same Anymore”, and the chill-inducing soar of “Ode to the Mets”. The album’s prize piece, though, has to be the utterly gorgeous and empathetic minimalist synth song, “At the Door”, whose simple melodies and bare delivery make for one of the most gently heart-piercing songs I know and of my favorite songs of the year and probably my favorite Strokes song ever, as hard as it is to listen to. Welcome back Julien and company.

Rina Sawayama - Sawayama

Quite possibly the best outright pop album I have heard in a long while, Sawayama sounds simultaneously fresh and vintage in the landscape it was born into, making use of a lot of early 2000’s pop rock instrumentation, even some heavy metal guitars here and there, but most importantly, a real sense of passion that seems to be flat-out absent from so much of the pop that I (usually inadvertently) hear. I don’t want to overstate the prominence of the metal elements, but the album does have a bubbling, infectious energy both vocally and instrumentally from front to back that the occasional bursts of heavy guitars between Sawayama’s charismatic, dance-inducing performances do provide a good snapshot of. Furthermore, there’s a rich diversity of song types across the album that dive into the pop sphere beyond the standard trend-hopping that dominates streaming playlists and make for a dynamic and fun, rather than disjointed, pop album. And that’s all only possible with the consistently tight compositions o the album. Indeed, this is one of the best pop albums I have ever heard, certainly in recent years.

clipping. - Visions of Bodies Being Burned

clipping. are the second artist to be on here two years in a row after last year’s spectacularly spooky There Existed an Addiction to Blood, and Denzel Curry’s one-two punch of TA13OO and Zuu in 2018 and 2019 respectively. There Existed an Addiction to Blood was a thrilling and fresh take on many tropes of horrorcore with the band’s already forward-thinking and creative noise-driven instrumental production guiding harrowing stories of femme fatales and street violence in a more modern setting that often flipped the script on victims and perpetrators, as well as settings themselves. Visions of Bodies Being Burned is quite literally a continuing sequel to that explosive album, also released in time for Halloween this year; the material was recorded in the same sessions as the previous album and in the same unique vein. Consequently, there’s not really a whole lot I can say about this album in contrast with the last without getting way too in-depth and spoiling the fun. Whereas MC Daveed Diggs’ hooks were one of the biggest strong points of last year’s album, the creatively noisy production is the big star on this album. The fans seem to be leaning a bit more toward this year’s release, but I think I’m still a little partial to There Existed an Addiction to Blood. Nevertheless, Visions of Bodies Being Burned is a blood-pumping follow-up not to be missed.

Mac Miller - Circles

The posthumous release from Pennsylvanian rapper Mac Miller captures the man at his most chill and contemplative. The album is more of a minimalist ambient singer-songwriter sort of album than hip hop and its serene atmosphere becomes kind of inadvertently tragic in the posthumous context, but it serves as a beautiful swan song for the creative rapper whose struggles with addiction sadly prevented him from being able to bask in the deserved wide appreciation of his sixth album. Circles is a soulful, bittersweet cap to Mac Miller’s legacy that I think anyone will be able to feel the love and raw humanness of.

[bella-caecilia]

16. Modern Cobert please 😘💕love all your cobert work Darling ❤️❤️

Thank you for the lovely request and the charming words! You don’t know how happy it makes me that you enjoy my work! So, here comes some Modern Cobert fluff ♥️♥️♥️

16 – kissing knuckles

Robert wondered why he had agreed to attend Rosamund’s gallery opening. His sister had a taste for art he didn’t entirely share. In fact, he couldn’t understand at all how these contemporary paintings in penetrating vibrant colours could have any appeal. But if he was honest with himself, Rosamund’s paintings weren’t his reason of attendance. His reason stood beside a giant canvas that was covered with neon orange brushstrokes. Her piercing blue eyes set a nice contrast to the ghastly painting. When she felt his gaze on her face, her eyes found his and she sent him a brilliant smile of hers. 

Robert had known Cora since they’d shared some courses at college. She came to England to start college and he immediately noticed her refreshing and natural way. Soon a dear friendship developed and they spent many of their classes laughing about silly jokes only they understood. But for a long time, their friendship was somehow confined to their joint classes. They didn’t meet outside from class; he had his established group of friends and she soon had hers too. Only when they both took a job at the same historical research institute, they got to know each other apart from their mutual banter in college. Now, they were known as best friends.

Unaware to any observing eye, Robert saw not only his best friend, when he looked at Cora from across the room but also his lover. When the chance to get to know each other better came up with their shared work, the strong bond, that existed between them, inevitably led to a burning romance. The thing they had, went on for five months now. But, there still was no label for their thing. They kissed passionately behind closed doors at work and spent many evenings at Robert’s flat. When Cora moved out of her shared flat into her own one, they “inaugurated” it together festively. Her only guest at her “inauguration ceremony” had been very attentive to all her needs and Cora’d hoped she had been as good as hostess. But no matter how far their thing had developed, it was still kept a secret.

“… And now, I don’t want to keep you any longer from letting the pieces have their effect on you”, Rosamund ended her speech.

They definitely had an effect, but one Robert didn’t feel like explore any further. Instead made his way to Cora. The mostly understated dressed but clearly wealthy clientele approached the paintings, whispering contemplative. His arrival at Cora's side was delayed by the necessity to get past the moving crowd.

“Do you enjoy the art?”, he asked when he finally stood beside her. She held a glass of champagne that was served earlier on.

“It is very interesting, indeed”, she responded while scanning the paintings.

“Interesting, yes. Ghastly, if you ask me”, Robert uttered.

“Oh, I wouldn’t go quite that far. You know, there must be reason, why the abstract works of art are that popular right now”, Cora stated.

He huffed. Cora had to supress a chuckle.

“Well, I would be disappointed if I’d come for the art”, Robert made clear.

“Oh, you didn’t?”, Cora acted surprised but they’d discussed it before-hand. She knew he was here because of her.

“No, I had a far more alluring prospect that awaited me here”, he leaned towards and whispered in her ear. Her hair stood lightly at the unexpected intimacy. His hand brushed her silky blouse and he was about to sneak his arm around her waist.

“Robert, compose yourself”, Cora implored as she gently pushed his hand away.

Robert knew exactly he’d crossed a boundary. Cora only granted him a kiss on her knuckles in public as long as they weren’t together officially. And he understood that. He’d no desire to explain themselves to others either. And he was glad Cora was as disciplined, because he sometimes struggled to hold his horses.

“But you know, you’re allowed to give me a kiss on the hand”, Cora grinned and tapped her fingers against her champagne flute.

He returned her grin and his eyes settled on her slender fingers and her manicured but natural nails, “May I kiss your hand, my lady?”

Her eyes gleamed and she giggled lightly. His lips caressed the smooth skin on the back of her hand, before they moved to her knuckles. He considered to kiss her knuckles one by one but decided to just linger for a moment. They weren’t only in public but also in company of his sister. They didn’t want to draw attention.

Cora was aware of the fact, that their thing was a precarious situation. It was a balancing act that wasn’t explicitly necessary. The farther they took it the more striking would be the revelation. She didn’t know how long they intended to continue this rather silly game of hide, but she couldn’t care less at the moment. His adorable manner in showing his affection while trying to hide it at the same time, was just too sweet.

“Your patience will be rewarded, Mr Crawley”, Cora said nonchalantly without looking at him, but he noticed the slight upturn of her lips.

“You may accompany me home”, she went on while letting her gaze roam the gallery.

Robert always was the one to whisper saucy suggestions while Cora was only making subtle hints in public. But her subtle way turned him on at least as much. He knew exactly, where her thoughts wandered when she said these innocent things. And now, his thoughts started wandering too.

“Oh, I’d enjoy that very much…”, was his response. They stood next to each other, both with a far-away look and a gentle grin.

[lonelier-version-of-you]

WTF was that end scene? Did they intend it to be touching or powerful? I just found it cringey. Even the bit with everyone clapping in the Casualty COVID ep (yes, I’m the one person who thought the Casualty COVID ep was badly written and didn’t do the topic justice, sue me - except don’t actually sue me please I have no money lmao) was less... bizarre than that. It just felt... overdone. If we’re going to be doing a tribute to NHS staff/nurses, I think it would’ve been better to do something more subtle. I know this may come as a shock to the current Holby writers, but sometimes, more understated actually equals more powerful.

Indeed, I could extend my ‘WTF’ to that episode in general. So since I started with the ending - *cue record scratch sound* - let’s rewind.

Donna being awesome was by far the best part of the ep. I love Donna, always have, always will, and she’s so underused by the show - even though she’s now the longest-running character! So it was wonderful to see her get some spotlight tonight. And I’m glad Henrik saw sense and reinstated her.

The Josh and Jeongsoo scenes were fun. I love their dynamic. I also really liked the storyline with Jeongsoo helping the woman who was in an abusive relationship. That was the second best part of the episode. I’m glad we’ve been getting actual patient storylines again these last couple of weeks. I hope we continue to get them.

Don’t have much to say on the Dom stuff. His quest for ~revenge~ is going to bore me to sleep and it hasn’t even started yet. I did like the little moment with Henrik expressing concern about Dom - I hope this means the writers haven’t forgotten their friendship entirely.

(I still really want scenes of Dom being there for Henrik now, like Henrik was there for him after Isaac. It would be a wonderful little parallel. Sadly, it would require the writers and storyliners to actually care about characterisation and not just ~shocks~ and misery, so I doubt we’ll get it.)

Speaking of Henrik, we are now in phase 2 (i.e. the post-Sahira era) of the exploitative, racist, sensationalist CSA storyline. So far, it is no better than phase 1.

Following in Chloe’s footsteps from 2019, tonight it was Henrik who got the self-harm scenes with no trigger warning during Mental Health Awareness Week. (Oddly, Chloe’s SH scenes then were of course part of the Evan storyline, and so they were part of the build up to an exploitative, sensationalist rape storyline; Henrik’s SH scenes are part of the aftermath to an exploitative, sensationalist rape storyline. Yeah, you can really tell this is a Wallbank and Harper story, even if the scenes are technically playing out under Gleeson’s tenure. There are too many similarities to Chloe’s story.) I suppose I should just be grateful it wasn’t as graphic as last week’s episode! Sigh.

I have a feeling more recent fans (who haven’t seen older episodes) may start saying that Henrik’s behaviour is out of character. However, as someone who has seen almost every episode Henrik is in, barring his guest appearances on Casualty (and I even plan on watching those someday), I can tell you all: it’s not. This is actually one of the less terrible parts of the storyline.

Henrik threatening Josh was a shitty thing for him to do, but it is absolutely in character, so kudos to the show for getting that right at least. And as for the ‘cold looming CEO who doesn’t care about anyone’ act, it’s actually very similar to how Henrik was early on - I could definitely see early Henrik firing Donna for starting a protest. So this basically confirms the way I’ve always interpreted Henrik - that the Cold CEO act from his early days, and that we’ve seen occasionally even in recent years, is his way of making himself feel like he’s safe and in control. He really hates being seen as vulnerable, and that’s why we tend to see him lapse back into that act when he’s stressed or struggling.

As much as I hate how awful and dark and exploitative Henrik’s storyline is, I am glad they’ve moved away from writing him as a Good Victim(TM), because I really felt they were leaning into that way too much in previous weeks. He still deserves sympathy even when his trauma symptoms aren’t convenient, when he’s not suffering prettily in silence.

I don’t really know how to end this post, so I guess that’s all, folks.