#and they all just pound ra's together

[gisellaswrld]

we rush back to each other; in our hearts it was real.

af11 | after adam comes to michigan for a small visit, he makes talking to you hard to avoid.

(a/n this is a part two. part one can be found here)

Adam was so grateful to get the chance to do an honorary puck drop at a Michigan game. He was excited to see his old teammates play again and be around the campus. Yet, only one priority clouded his mind.

You.

You knew Adam would be back in Ann Arbor. Fuck, you even felt his presence, even if he was staying with his brother. The thought made you sick to your stomach in embarrassment.

Adam didn't even attempt to reach out after your pathetic attempt to show him you missed him. It was so embarrassing to you. You spent three nights crying in your room, sobbing to the point you were dry heaving.

This really proved you two were done, for good.

You were wasting away your day, rotting in your dorm room. It was freezing cold too, you wanted to feel the coldness as a way of suffering.

A constant vibrating came from your phone. Which, in your mind, was strange. Considering the fact your phone had sat on DND for the past week.

The call was sent through again and you finally reached over to grasp the device. The caller ID belonged to no other than Luca Fantilli. You let a slew of curse words fall from your lips, answering the phone.

"Hi, Y/N! Whatcha doin'?" Luca's excited voice rang into the speaker, practically causing you lose your hearing. "Rotting in bed, why?" You grumbled, flipping over to switch on your lamp.

You heard the sound of whispering in the background. You knew it was Adam.

"I have those Bio notes! I'll drop them outside your door." Luca informed, causing you to roll your eyes. "I don't want them, I told you that," You complained, a cough coming from your throat.

"Too bad! I'll knock and leave. You won't even have to see me!" Luca spoke, yet, you knew he wasn't being truthful. Luca loved to bother people, well, not necessarily bother. He just loved to talk and talk.

"Right, okay. Got it," You replied, not convinced by his story, hanging up the phone. You slumped back into your bed, running your hands down you face. “Fuck.”

After about thirty minutes, you heard the incessant knocking on the door. You didn’t bother to get up, considering Luca said he’d drop off the “bio notes.” After a few minutes, the knocking started again.

With a groan, you climbed out of your bed. Your feet touched the cold ground, causing a shiver to shake your body. Not bothering to look in the peep hole, you pulled the door open.

Except, it wasn’t Luca standing outside of the door. Not this time. This time it was Adam, not holding any stack of papers. Out of instinct, you shut the door back in his face.

Your heart twisted, pounding rapidly against your chest. It took him a week to reach out after you sent what could possibly be the most embarrassing video in your life.

“Open the door, please.” Adam’s voice spoke from across the door. Your hand was placed on the door handle, hesitant to pull it open. Without much thinking, you opened the door once more.

“Hi, Adam.” You spoke, eyes looked on him.

Adam ran a hand through his hair, his eyes examining your body. You looked much more frail since the last time he’d seen you. Your eyebags were deep and purple, your face sunken in.

“Can we talk?”

You looked back down at your feet, lips pursed together. You lifted your shoulders, shrugging at the boy. “What is there to talk about?” You asked.

“Let me come in,” Adam pressed. He wanted to just grab you and keep you with him all the time. Before he watched your video, Adam swore he was better off without you. But now? Adam didn’t want to do anything if you weren’t by his side.

You sighed, taking a step back from the door, beckoning Adam inside. Adam slipped off his shoes, shrugging off his coat. Your eyes attentively watched him, swallowing harshly.

Adam still looked like the same old boy who let you walk out of his life. He looked healthy, had great vibe radiating off of him. It made you sick to think that while you’ve been crying in your room, he’s probably perfectly fine.

“What do you want to talk about?” You spoke, your voice cracking as the words got stuck in your throat.

“Do you still love me?” Adam asked, keeping at least an arm’s length distance between the two of you. “Well, of course-“ Your words cut off by him.

“Why haven’t you ever said anything?” His voice seems to have been laced with anger, which caused you to feel much too small in his presence. He spoke to you like you were being scolded.

“Because you seem fine without me. There was no reason-“

“Except there is. Because I miss you, so fucking much. And then here you go, making a small little video that has been stuck on my mind since I’ve seen it. Why did you have to do that? Why did it have to be that way?” Adam pressed, his face screwed up in confusion.

“Because I was never going to tell you. Then Luca asked me to be in the video, then your mom even asked me to do it as well. I couldn’t just say no.” You explained, your fingers rubbing at your eyes to try to prevent the tears from starting to spill. You had to be strong.

“Why did it have to be a secret?” Adam’s voice cracked ever so slightly, causing your body to fill up with rage. How dare he get to be upset when he was the one who planned to leave you? He was the one who left you cold and alone in Michigan.

“Adam! You don’t get to be upset about this! You don’t! You are the one who planned to leave! You had this figment in your fucking imagination that somehow we wouldn’t work. But fucking look at me! Do I look healthy? Do I look better now that you are gone? I don’t!” You shook your head, a scoff pausing your words. “And for me to stand here, still fighting for some relationship that didn’t mean anything to you? Gosh, it’s pathetic.” You groaned.

“Adam I think you need to go,” You were able to muster out, gently pushing him towards the door. Your hands were pressed against his chest has you attempted to push him out. “No, no, I’m staying,” Adam wrapped his hands over your wrists, holding his ground.

“Adam, go,” You stated once more, give another attempt to push him out. “No.” Adam deadpanned, his heart aching as he looked down at you. “Why can’t you let me move on!” You cried, falling against his chest, the tears finally stinging your eyes as they fell down your chest.

Adam caught you as you fell forward, his arms wrapping around your shaking body. His hand was pressed to the back of your head, holding you as you sobbed into his chest. “Because maybe we weren’t meant to move on from each other,” Adam quietly spoke, a sad frown appearing on his face.

“Don’t say that,” You managed to choke out.

“I mean it. We aren’t meant to move on, we were meant to be together. I made the horrible mistake to let you go, to push you away from me. But, I’ve missed you every single day. I’ve regretted it since,” Adam explained himself, listening as your crying slowed. He could tell your breathing calmed down, your heart beating at a steady rate. “I’m not asking you to forgive me, I’m just asking to give me another chance,” Adam added to her previous statement.

You took a step back, looking at him through your foggy eyes. At any moment, it looked like he would get down on his knees and beg. You racked your brain for any sort of direction on how to move forward. You love Adam, that has never changed. You missed him every day, hoping that he’d do exactly what he was doing now.

How could you let yourself miss the opportunity?

“Adam, how could we even work it out? Maybe you were right along, that the distance would be too much.” You sighed, wiping some of the tears from under your eyes. “Would it be any worse than how it is now? We can figure it out, Y/N.” Adam pleaded, taking a step towards you.

You looked down, chewing on your bottom lip. He had a point. Dealing with the short distance would be nothing compared to the literal lack of Adam you’ve been dealing with. Nothing can compare to the hurt and pain you’ve pushed yourself into.

“Okay,” You mumbled, trying to find words to speak. “We can try again. But I swear Adam, if at any point it becomes too much, we have to - we have to talk.” You sternly spoke, looking back up at him.

“Yes, yes. We will talk, we will work it out. I promise, I will make sure of it,” Adam nodded, his eyes turning a small bit brighter than usual. You give him a small smile, connecting the small bit of distance between the both of you with a tight hug. Adam quickly pulled you into his grasp, holding you like you’d fall into the ground if he let go.

“I’ve missed you so much, I’ve missed you more than anything,” Adam spoke into your hair, placing a quick peck to the top of your head. “I’ve missed you too, you big sap,” You had a joking tone to your voice.

“Can we prank Luca before we tell him we worked things out?” You spoke, looking up at Adam with a mischievous expression. Adam raised his eyebrows, nodding quickly. “Hell yeah, but first-“ Adam paused, looking around the room, almost like he was suddenly nervous again.

“What?” You curiously asked, furrowing your brows as you looked at him. Adam shrugged, his hand moving to rest on your cheek. He leaned in, his lips pressing compassionately to your lips. You gripped onto his biceps, quickly melting into his embrace.

Adam pulled away, his cheeks a light tint of red. “Alright, now time to mess with Luca.”

[spacedace]

Fuck whatever DC is doing with the al Ghul's characterizations and story lines, I've decided that from now on the al Ghul's are gonna be DC's version of the Addams Family instead.

Now I don't mean just give the various al Ghul's the exact personalities of the various Addams and call it a day. That's boring, that erases all the interesting parts of the al Ghuls, that's just using "find & replace" and not actually adding anything. I mean give them the vibes of the Addams Family.

Keep the al Ghul's as the al Ghul's with all their scheming and machinations and world domination attempts but give them all the unhinged energy, the casually insane view of the world, the deranged levels of love and devotion for family. Make them that group where objectively they are batshit insane but also you cannot argue with the fact that they are indisputably the most stable and functional family in the entire universe.

They're creepy, they're kooky, they're mysterious and spooky. Ra's many opulent homes and impenetrable fortresses are a museum and the al Ghul's really are a screa-um whenever people come to see-um (or when they lay waste upon their enemies in a surprise attack that has been planned for months and is just the first domino in a series that will ultimately lead to achieving a far greater goal).

They all love each other and want each other to be happy, they express this primarily with stabbing and murder attempts (its fine, death is a thing that happens to other people).

And forget the League of Assassins being a cult. Just make the whole vast globe spanning organization a collection of cousins/aunts/uncles/dear old friends ect. No one (not even the al Ghuls, if they cared to keep track of such things) is sure who is actually related to them and who just got absorbed into the ever expanding family tree based on their vibes being right.

(Is Sensei Ra's father you ask? Well he's certainly someone's father - probably.

Anyway have you heard about Cousin Cheshire? Despicable poisoner of a young woman, capable of the most horrific things imaginable - yes she is the sweetest dear. Like I was saying though, she just had a baby!

Everyone in the family is just so excited to throw a baby shower to celebrate! Ubu has really gone all out with the spike traps, he does so love getting to welcome a new addition to the family.

Talia of course has cultivated a brand new strain of the most toxic plants imaginable to make a brand new kind of necrotizing poison. You know, as a nice little romantic gift for Cousin Cheshire and that young man of hers. It really is so important to make sure you take time for you and your partner to go on dates and have a few pitched battles to the death on dark rooftops in the pounding rain when you have children.

Now there is some to-do about it all of course, you know how family get together can be. Everyone is arguing over who should get to give little Lian her first weapon and what it should be. Nyssa is pushing for grenades but Ra's is insisting on a sword - he's traditional like that you know - but Dusan has the vote so far on throwing knives. You know the kind that have the little divots along the edges of the blades them to make it easier to get the poison you dip them in to stick.)

I'm just saying that the al Ghuls should be a delightful cross between the Bond Villains they were originally conceived as and the lovingly unhinged Addams Family. It just feels correct in my heart.

(Again keep the interesting aspects of the characters and the nuances of who each of them are like their drive to save the world through destroying humanity and their strong environmentalist leanings and their constantly playing 5D chess and everything, but like, take away the racism and the cartoonishly evil for no reason bullshit and give them some fun feral energy to go along with it).

[thatdeadaquarius]

How about Benny in SAGAU? Like a continuation with Razor?? We do not talk about your growing found family 😤

Like, how would be his 'unluckiness'? Dya cancel it or you get pulled with his shenanigans? I feel like he might introduce you to his Dads no, we are still not going to talk about it 😤😤

A little scenario kept getting into my head when Benny applies Pyro and then Razor used his Electro and y'all got yer asses pounded on the ground 💀👌🏻and just taking care of each other's wounds 🥺🥺

You better be with him whenever he opens a chest so it wouldn't only spawn veggies, but decent weapon AND mora as well! You know, actual treasures, HOYO!!

BENNYYYYY ANOTHER ONE OF MY BOYSSS

This kid also arguably needs more parental supervision just bc of his sheer bad luck, poor kid

(i adore the headcanon that no matter the person's gender, he calls them dad lol)

Like,, hoyo cursed him and he's in a world with traps, monsters, fatui, MAGIC?? 💀 bro how is Benny still alive??!!

(LOOK AT HOW CUTE THEY LOOK IN THIS GIF MY BOYS 🥺)

Okay but the fact that Benny calls so many ppl dad just proves his desire for parental/sibling affection 💔

Aight since u phrased this as a continuation of this post <3 RAZOR MY BOYYYY

That is what we shall do :) ! ! !

So ur running with the wolves still lol

Also ur symbol as the Creator reader is 🦄 or 🌈, bc ur gay and special, jk its bc elements i promise lol

Or even 😑 / 😶 for language reader shenanigans

♡

EDIT 4/11/24: HELLA forgot to say theres a sorta Part 3, its more focused on Razor living, rather than Benny tho fair warning!

Lupical for life bro

U r chillin with the pack now

Razor now has a sweet new digs, fits, and now a crazy amount of power

Bc ur just that great 💅

You have officially moved on to purchasing some leftover amenities/new furniture etc. for him and you :D

And while u could get some stuff in Springvale, like lanterns and soap and perfume and whatnot

Ur still not rlly getting furniture like a bedframe or some storage space, like a nightstand, from them

Which u dont need bc u still got an inventory

...but Razor definitely needs to store all his goodies somewhere that isnt up a tree or buried in a hole 😃

Yes, u did have to tell him to stop doing that.

So yall (u and Razor) are in Mondstadt a lot these days, and ur routine consists of grinding domains, hunting for food, hanging with cute Lupical puppies, playing giant tic-tac-toe w/ Andrius bc poor guy is pretty bored these days etc.

So you figured you run into ppl eventually, afterall you'd already re-met Lisa :)

(who at first was kind of taken aback to Razor having made a random adult friend in the woods, but after vibe checking her , and her vibe checking you, yall were cool, tho she did start reading these new lore books you didnt recognize called "Immortal They Return: A Series of Prophesies", she avoided ur questions abt it too..)

It was inevitable that after introducing you to Lisa, he'd gotten all excited at seeing two familiar figures hanging around Kathryne one day

THE BANDS GETTING BACK TOGETHER, ITS-

Fischl and Bennett !! :D the cutest adventurers in all of Mondstadt ! (besides Klee)

The two take one look at you and Razor and coming running

..

...

....well mostly Fischl,

Bennett got his boot laces tangled together somehow? And is kinda hopping his way over

Immediately the electro vision royalty launches into their quintessential speech (they/them fischl SUPREMACY)

And as u get introduced,

U watch the pyro boy hop and trip over while trying to untie the laces

And just as he's about to go down, and ur debating reaching out and supporting the poor guy bc geez this looks sm worse in person-

Bennett has finally gotten his shoes untied!

Even he looks shocked 💀

And he like, apruptly stops falling over too?

And walks over with no issue??

Theres even a few out of place cobblestones in his path which he sees and moves to avoid

You dont know who looks more shocked and kinda scared you, him, or Fischl/Oz or Razor

Fischl and Razor have stopped talking bc it was more distracting Bennett didnt fall 😭

..

...yall all just kinda,, stand in a circle of silence (well fly in oz's case)

Staring at Bennett.

(Even Katheryne looks impressed😭)

After a couple of shook seconds, Fischl is nearly yelling about some kind of curse being lifted?? , Razor is like, sniffing Bennett's immediate area for sus scents, Bennett is kicking rocks to see if any of them hit him anymore, and poor Oz is trying to calm them down

(none of the rocks hit Bennett btw, or anything valuable around him)

◇

So after that fiasco, u offer to take them around to the parts of Mondstadt they weren't allowed to go to w/o at least 1 adult :)

Theyre pumped and yall set off!

At first, Bennett hangs back, as Fischl and Razor throw themselves into monster battles yall encounter, as per what seems like a routine u assume bc of his bad luck

Eh, u figure while hes here, u might as well reveal u can make him stronger, u think he definitely needs the HP...

If there were any characters youd be worried about needing more power/HP in Mondstadt that u could level up besides Razor, itd be Bennett, hands down.

Between his adventuring, unnatural bad luck, and no parental supervision..

(even Klee seems better off than him, and shes like 7 💀)

Yeah, needless to say u were worried abt the guy

So he looks adorably fascinated <3, bc turns out they can see some of ur interface!

Mostly it looks like floating magical icons and that weird Teyvat language u saw in game, like that Abyss/ruins language u see all the time?

Bennett showed u his perspective in a sand drawing, hes actually pretty good at art wow

Razor couldnt rlly find the words to describe it before which is why u werent sure what they saw before now

And with that hes called into battle last by the others, mostly to apply pyro 🔥

and he fights at the edges to be further away from ppl u notice so he wont affect their luck..

aw Benny </3 :(

But as he draws his sword and ur getting ready trying to become a cheerleader for both Razor and Fischl but particularly Bennett,

He full on takes out 3 hilichurls at once 💀

...then with the dramatic down swing he does, he accidentally launches a rock right at the bigger hilichurl's foot..

...which trips him out of his axe swing...

...which makes it let go of the axe...

...which goes flying...

....breaks the last bit of the cryo abyss mage's shield bubble...

....

......

........and smacks it on the head too.

..fischl, oz, and razor halfway thru this insanity just like,, lower their weapons and stop to watch

Even the abyss mage is looking at Bennett surprised 😭😭

◇

Congratulations!

Bro, an achievement pops up-

"Lucky Day!!!"

Its little description says, "As Teyvat's God, you give the unluckiest person in Teyvat the luckiest day ever!"

💀

Bennett just sits down on the ground.

♤

(Same Benny because, this is where I lost it all, guys. All of that writing. Gone. Forever. I'm putting this here as both a gravestone for it, and a call out to tumblr. I'm not afraid of this website or its shitty admins, meet me in my dms for a real fight you fucks 🥊🥋🧍‍♂️you took what mattered to me, I'll take what matters to you, you god awful programmers. 🥲😐)

♤

And it just keeps happening like that for the rest of the day you guys are together.

Every chest Benny opens are way higher quality than they should be

Especially for him.

(also u have gotten so comfy from before when u were playing Genshin that u r physically struggling not to call him Benny, so when u do accidentally call him that, u try to apologize politely, but he just talks about finally having a nickname so giddy that u just stick with Benny, what a cutie)

Common chests, Razor/Fischl gets what u expect, you personally maybe get a little extra materials and money,

But Benny?

He opens a common chest and suddenly it's a secret Precious chest

The pyro boy honestly looks a little afraid

◇

You guys have a picnic later on for lunch together, partially bc Razor rlly wanted them to try ur food !! :D

Fischl and Benny were drooling over garlic salt, jesus- Teyvat's been deprived-

The blanket u used was a custom one u got made for Razor for his bday awhile back, all diff shades of purple and some silver wolf puppies and pawprints on it, 10/10 vv cute he loves it :)

(and also showed it off to his friends, Benny in particular looks smitten by it..)

◇

Fischl eventually gets herded by Oz back to Mondstadt bc of their parents wanting them back by dinner,

So u Razor and Benny r left to wander around :]

As u guys explore and get chests and talk,

U all begin to gather ingredients for dinner (not that u dont have an inventory but the boys dont wanna cut into ur supplies, the sweethearts)

... Benny slowly starts to find and accumulate foodstuffs

Those Phileano? mushrooms (the white toasty looking ones that r always on roofs or windmills?)

He finds at eye level on nearly any building u come across.

Crabs?

Benny currently has his shirt turned into a basket trying to contain them, and more are flocking to him lol

Snap dragons? Calla lilies?? Even violetgrass, those purple horsetails, lotus heads, and a few qingqin from Liyue somehow make it into his bag 💀

The real question to ask at this point is, when wasn't Bennett lucky today??

(wow never thought youd hear that one)

◇

So its a few weeks later, and Benny is like spending, every day with yall now lol

Ur getting dinner ready for u guys, and ur hopefully gonna make enough to leave leftovers for Lupical and Andrius,

So Razor has gone off to get some water to boil,

And Benny is climbing this huge tree to reach some eggs

And as he gets farther and farther up the tree away from you, he starts to slip more often 😬

Finally as he reaches the top, u realize after weeks without even a trip from him whenever hes around yall, why he wasnt unlucky-

...the closer he is to you, the luckier he is, and the farther Benny is-

He steps on a dead branch and it snaps :0 !!

Just as he falls, he screams and yells,

"DAD!!"

U push together some thick bushes and vines to catch him luckily

(lord knows u couldnt have caught him no matter how light he is, rip benny)

..Benny is okay, but he does go red in the face, and when u ask if he wants u to get one of his dads from the guild to check him over/make him feel better?

He says quickly "NO THANKS!"

Then Razor comes back like, "You call Lupical dad now?"

Benny: "What? No!"

You: "Do u see me as a, father figure, Bennett?"

Benny: "NO- more like I see u as a BOTHER figure bc ur always BOTHERING ME-"

Lol anyways jk

what a cutie tho,

(Ur Creator vibes made him feel vv at home in a way he hasnt felt before, so u got the honors early <3)

so ur a Dad™️ now (regardless of ur gender btw)

hope u like having a pack of puppies, a wolf spirit god, a wild wolf raised boy, and another wild but adventurer guild raised boy as ur family now 🤷‍♂️

Congratz U R THE FATHER LMAO

♧

You may or may not have also gotten onto Benny for charging straight into battle at other times, bc hes so used to bad luck happening anyway, apparently its canon he will just run in???

(to the point Grand Master VARKAS commented on it??!!)

U were pissed, bonked his head and everything-

He looked sufficiently chastised, but when u originally found out Fischl and Razor were nearby,

And u just hear snickering behind u as u bop him

(U bop them later too for that lol)

◇

Benny is also very good at treating injuries bc of this too apparantly,

So one time when you Razor and him were engaging with a couple hilichurls again on the way to Windrise,

Benny applied pyro, and bc u were standing father away than usual (there was an archer earlier u were dodging)

His bad luck crept in and when Razor went to charge up his wolf spirit electro ult-

...everyone went flying back.

...Including Benny and Razor 💀

You heard a really sick pop!

From Benny's shoulder :(

You quickly start pullin out the healing foods lol shove a fishstick in his mouth screaming IT HEALS like a crazed grandparent lmao

But Benny has already sighed and sat up, popping his arm back into place

🤢🤮

You^

While u do praise his healing??? skills,

U have found out thru him that apparently ur food also gives some pain killer effects

So u scold him and bop him on the head with some dango 🍡

For not waiting on u to help him lol

..

Which btw-

Any healing food u give him, he treats like the bandages many others give him, like Barbara, Katheryne, his guild dads, etc.

And holds onto them, rarely eating them

(Ur stuff preserves until needed bc its magical Creator powers surprise, surprise)

Benny feels like its a tangible piece of your care he can keep with him <3 sobs

"Well, since you're by my side, I guess I'm not that unlucky after all!"

proud of you son :')

♤

Ok so youve been getting Razor and u furnishings right

And youve been asking him what he wants to add to the caves digs ! :]

(U made a more fortified "front door" to the cave entrance, its also not that deep of a cave so there r only like 3 other "rooms" besides the main entrance area)

U improved both of u guys beds (tho razor will crash urs if he has a nightmare)

Along with some new outfits for him!

And so he has requested some stuff, but as time goes on,

Slowly, Razor goes from telling Benny about what new thing u added or telling his friend abt what he wants for the cave/himself,

To asking Benny what he wants bc he stays over so often 😭

(Youve gotten Benny factored into ur finances now lol, u gave him new clothes, new gear, amenities, etc. It also helps him bc he doesnt rlly have a main caretaker, so if he needs money he has to take commissions, which can be dangerous to him alone bc if u dont know, Benny's Adventuring Team only has him as the single member of it, plus thats not good if he is too sick or too injured to work, so a 2nd source of lowkey income is good for him <3 )

◇

U now have a coffee table as the dinner table (razor was used to sitting on the ground to eat so a high table felt weird to him)

And it has a few pillow chair thingys?

For you, Razor, Benny, and a guest aw 💘

Benny also originally wanted to help make smth for u guys as a house warming gift

but bc he would try to work on it away from ur influence, it would break everytime :(

Eventually u just coninvced the poor kid to help u pick out some nice rugs and stuff lol

He also has surprisingly good interior design tastes, huh, who knew?

(cough when benny stays over he usually stays in razors bed, but occasionally theyre both lonely had nightmares and ask to crash with u, i love these kids sm cough)

♧

Recently youve been visiting Benny in town even w/o Razor sometimes (rare as it is lol)

Mostly bc it seems like he needs the attention too <3

U gotta make sure hes eating real food okay

U dont want him to end up like u in ur world where u ate snacks for dinner when u were his age...

And Benny gets super hype about it every time, hes grabbing u by the arm, hauling u around to talk to ppl etc.

(Did i mention ur one of the few or not at all ppl who he can freely hold onto no matter the weather/situation bc his bad luck doesnt happen to you?? Oh no??? Well there u go :)

Most notably, to talk to the other Guild Dads™️

They deadass lowkey postured at you for an hour at you before giving in bc u seemed to be the only good luck charm the kid's ever gotten in his entire life 😭

They also r rlly happy someone is able to bc of his rlly bad luck willing to look out for him when they cant :)

♡

For his birthday, you guys all celebrated by doing a picnic again like when u first met them, and you made him a cake

Benny's face rlly said " :'D !! "

Later on, for presents, you got him a blanket matching Razor's !!

Shades of red, with some good luck symbols thruout to maybe make up for when ur not there, and puppies all over <3

And at the top, you yourself embroidered (attempted, so its kinda sloppy but still readable, its endearing you like to think)

"Benny's Adventure Team"

With your name, Razor, Fischl, and even Oz and Andrius lol, all embroidered (not by u bc u stabbed urself enough times making the title thx) as team members down below 👍

You also show him a copy of the book record Katheryne keeps of adventuring teams, telling him that you snuck into Mondstadt one day w/o him knowing and officially signed you guys together (the others agreed too ofc)

.

..

...

...Benny cried, straight up.

And just like held onto you for bascially the rest of the day ❤️

♡

MY HEART FOR MY BOYS FOREVER

♡

(you also may or may not have signed the corner with "love, dad" haha what)

♡

☆

I just want y'all to know.

I had like this whole thing ready to post.

Then tumblr decided it didn't like any of my writing, and deleted half of this post.

U probably saw the spot i marked where i lost it all :'/

I think it took an hour? Or at least 30 minutes to write.

Guess tumblr didn't like that I was adding so much in one go.

So now it's gone.

Doin smth ballsy bc in order to avoid that, ive just rewritten that lost half, and am just going to post it straight up rather than expecting it to save my draft 🥲

Those beautiful moments between Bennett and us, are gone forever. My memory isn't good enough to rewrite it all. ;-;

If you don't mind, I'll be crying somewhere over those lost Benny moments that I drafted on here and can no longer remember to add.

I guess that's tumblr's cruel way of telling me to go the extra mile and draft my bullshit on a literal Google Doc then come back here and deal with the formatting transition hell.

Thanks tumblr.

Appreciate the writing advice.

💔

(Fischl Voice) TIS I, WATERS OF THE SKY, IN THE NIGHT I SHINE UPON THEE, OH MOST HEAVENLY OF DIVINE BEINGS, FEAST YOUR EYES UPON MY OFFERINGS TO THINE BELOW!! COME ONE, COME ALL, FIND MY LABRYNTH'S RULES, AND REJOICE IF YE FIND THE TREASURE WITHIN!

(Oz translation: hey its aquarius here! I hope you gods enjoyed my writing! Feel free to check out my Masterpost/Writing Rules List if you guys ever wanna request something, including non-Sagau/Isekai stuff! :] )

Cheers,

🌒🌧🌊Aquarius♒️🌌🌘

♡the beloveds♡

@karmawonders / @0rah-s / @randomnatics / @glxssynarvi / @nexylaza / @genshin-impacts-me / @wholesomey-artist

(^^^^

Hey not sure if yall will see this, but while this does have influences of Sagau/Isekai genshin, its still pretty just platonic genshin stuff, so let me know if thats not what u wanna be tagged for - just dm me!!)

[preciousthingsareprecious]

Fic List Part 2

Okay so I have...a lot of fics apparently soo...this list will be more than two parts as I find stuff. This starts at 2019 and goes through roughly part of 2022. Please forgive me if there’s dupes or I forgot something that is your fav. Tumblr’s search feature even for me finding my own fics is...a mess

Part 1 of the Fic List

Master List (with AO3 Links)

Those Days We Miss

Damian dealing with missing Talia 

Out Here Together

Dick teaching Damian about s’mores, connected to All the Fears will Pass but readable on it’s own

Love so Soft 

Bruce Teaching Damian how to do s’mores! Spiritual sequel to Dick teaching him the same thing

All the Fears Will Pass

Dick and Damian, Damian tangling with Ivy for the first time

Alfred & Damian fluff

As the Years go By 

Bruce being a Dad over Dick growing up

Of Baskets and Braids

Bruce, Dick, and Damian fluff, watching youtube and being a fam

Be There, For Me

Bruce and Damian, Damian having some flashbacks and Bruce taking care of him

Hearts Pounding and Blood Coursing 

Robin and Batgirl have to save Batman (Dick!) from Scarecrow

Lego Land

Damian winning at Legos

Safe Together

Dick and Damian and fear toxin trapped in a grain silo 

Down Here Below

Damian trying to disarm underwater bombs

And they Dig

Damian is kidnapped and stuck waiting around for rescue 

Deterrent

Dick and Damian get hit with pollen that makes them unable to touch each other and they’re trapped in a collapsed building!

Laced Drink

Damian at a Gala and getting kidnapped.

Bleeding Out

https://preciousthingsareprecious.tumblr.com/post/188647957706/bleeding-out

Part 2 of a fic set with part one being Laced Drink. Featuring Dick off to save Damian! 

Close the Chasm 

Dick and Bruce talking about taking care of Damian

Underneath the Christmas Tree

A new present themed baddie in Gotham nabs Robin and it’s up to Batman to rescue him! 

Out of Sight

Dick loses Damian in the chaos of a Wayne event getting hijacked

That Time Tim Totally Terminated Ra’s al Ghuls’ Entire Empire Part 1 

Crack fic where to spite Ra’s Tim unionizes Ra’s ninjas and also comes home with two brothers 

With Warmth and Love

Damian bakes cookies with Jason and Dick. Loose sequel to I’ll give All I Have

Here we are Together in the End

Content warning: Major Character Death, no comfort. This is my only no comfort fic so please be warned. 

Dick and Damian deal with earthquakes in Gotham.

Light’s Out

The power goes out at the Penthouse and Dick and Damian figure out a way to enjoy the snow day

On a Cold Winter’s Night

The power goes out at Wayne Manor and Dick and Damian chill out

Under Repair

Jason helps Damian fix a car he’s just crashed…kind of

Put on Display

Robin gets nabbed by an obsessed fan and needs to be rescued

The Weight of Us

Dick and Bruce patrolling right after Bruce returns from being lost in time

A Lucky Shot

Dick and Damian and a series of unfortunate events on patrol 

Damian at a Animal Rescue Farm

This Thrilling Day 

Damian and Jon on vacation pulling Home Alone stunts 

You Always Bring Me Home

Alfred and Bruce! Alfred being amazing and rescuing his Bat-lad

Just a Little Too Much

Damian being a little overwhelmed by a bad day

Bake it Just Right

Jason stress baking

No Day Like Toad-ay 

Damian talks to a frog

And the World Spins

Dick has a very bad no good run in with Clayface

Time Ticks By 

Tim and Damian bonding while escaping the Riddler

Safe Here, Safe Now

Dick and Damian training

[clonesupport]

Not So Quiet in the Night

arthur morgan x f!reader

word count: +1.9k

warnings: 18+, NSFW, p in v sex, unprotected sex, creampie/breeding (of course😌), exhibitionism/semi-public, squirting, some earth shattering orgasms lol, porn without plot, smut under the cut

a/n: OK SO I DECIDED TO FINISH IT AFTER POSTING THE WIP- i uuuuhhh i just had thoughts ok👀👀 this is purely and entirely self indulgent, i need this man to fuck me in full nelson, that's all this drabble is about🤧

The faint glow of the lantern emits from yours and Arthur's shared tent, the sounds of muffled moans and shuffling bodies rebounding off the canvas walls of the tent. The entrance flaps blowing slightly ajar every so often as the breeze picked up in the night. The cot creaking every other thrust as your laboured breaths echo against each other.

Your arms are wrapped around his broad shoulders, his face buried into your neck while his hair tickles your cheek. His hands held your knees up on either side of him as he angles himself to thrust deep within you. Your mewls are melded with his moans as his hips pull his cock all the way out before ramming back in, pressing and prodding heavenly against your cervix. His cock drags in and out, brushing sweetly against every good spot inside you. You can hear his tip squelch with a pop before it breaches your tight hole once more as you feel every languid and thorough thrust stretching you deliciously.

You kept your eyes screwed shut, unable to process anymore than what you're already feeling. The way Arthur was filling your cunt so perfectly was driving your mind wild. You focus on how he's fucking you, every ounce of pleasure coursing through your body with every pump.

Your slick was oozing down your ass and being spread across your thighs, his balls were slapping firmly against your rear with every strong buck of his hips. Your skin was hot with a sheen of sweat, your heart pounded in your ears and chest as your throat grew dry from how hard you were breathing. You tried to quiet your moans with there being only the thin canvas of the tent separating the two of you and the rest of camp. Only it was getting harder by the second to hold yourself back with the way Arthur was fucking you.

Arthur's breath fanned out against you as his lips graze your neck, his saliva leaving a warm, silky imprint on your skin. He pulls his head away enough to watch your expression. The way your brows were pulled upwards together. Your eyes closed as your lashes fluttered against your cheeks. Your mouth hangs agape while your hair frames your face perfectly. His eyes trail down to your chest, the way they bounced with every one of his thrusts mesmerizing him. He leans down, latching hips lips around your nipple and begins to suck your sensitive skin, delicately flicking his tongue against your bud.

Your hands flew to his hair and neck, gripping and scratching in response to the added sensation as you throw your head back with a choked cry. His beard rough against the smooth skin of your breast. His tonging and sucking sending additional jolts of pleasure to your cunt. You arched your back off of the cot, only creating a deeper angle for Arthur to thrust his cock into your womb. Another cry escapes your lungs as he pulls away from your breasts, his saliva string lewdly connecting his lips to your nipple.

With each tug of his hair and thrust of his hips drew groan after moan from Arthurs lips. Something deep within him needed more the further he watched you unravel beneath him. He wanted to feel you completely crumble in his arms, more than you already were. A new idea struck in his pleasure drunk brain before he's pulling out of you. He swiftly flips the both of you over as you yelped, your arms tightening around his neck as his secured around your waist. You bring your head up to look at him with a questioning look, your hair falling around the two of you.

Arthur's hands grip your hips, his cock throbbing and sliding between your thighs as you watch him with a raised brow. "Help me turn you around, lay on your back." His voice was gruff, barely above a whisper while his eyes watched you hungrily as you oblige to his request. Positioning yourself on your back, your legs naturally slip open, only to allow Arthur's cock to spring up against your folds, the gentle friction making you squirm on top of him. His arms wrap around your middle as he props his knees up between your spread thighs. His erection runs against your needy cunt in the process, making your whine at the lack of pleasure he's giving you in comparison to just moments ago. His hand slips down, grabbing his cock and prodding it at your entrance, sliding it easily into your wet hole.

A moan drags out of you as Arthur pushes himself back into you, raising his hips to angle his cock deep into your pussy. Your head falls back to rest against his shoulder as he begins to fuck up into you. Moaning, you turn your head to busy your face the best you could into his neck, your nose pressing against his jaw and you mouth drops open in pleasure. His arms lock themselves around your frame as he picks up his pace, balls slapping against your clit with enough force to jolt your core.

His jaw is clenched as your lips trail against it, your teeth grazing his growing beard as you let out moan after moan. Arthur groans through gritted teeth, he could hear the sound of skin slapping skin pairing the sounds of your voice slowly upping in volume. The two of you have completely disregarded the precognition to stay minimally quiet as Arthur plows into your cunt impossibly faster. His head pumping into your pleasure points perfectly as he hits your cervix with every thrust. Every pleasurable sensation rips moan from moan out of your lungs, making your head spin as your hands grip onto him. Your one hand squeezes his forearm while the other reaches around to the back of his neck, fisting his hair while tugging with every forceful thrust.

The vibrations of your moans echoed against Arthurs jaw, each sensation sending waves of arousal to his cock as he drove into your soaked hole. Your arms flexed in their hold on whatever part of Arthur you would reach. Feeling the ridge of his tip pulling in and out of you pushing you closer and closer to your release. He held you so firmly you were sure your waist would be red while your thighs ached from the sheer strength of his thrusts.

With gritted teeth, Arthur groans against your temple, moving his head to nuzzle into yours as he feels his orgasm near impossibly quicker. His hand reaches down for your clit. Messily, his fingers rub your nerves only to pull a louder scream out from you before you're instinctively clapping your hand over your mouth. You muffle your own cries as Arthur's rough finger pads toy brutally with your clit. His stimulation making your legs shake and your walls flutter around his never ceasing pace. You felt as though you couldn't clench your eyes any tighter as your nerves burned with overstimulation.

Your eyes shot open as the instinctual panic rises through your core right before you attempt to muffle another cry as your hips buck up in sheer force. You could feel yourself burst as you squirt all over Arthur's cock, your cunt clenching down so hard on him it forced him out of you. The liquid gushed out of you like a broken damn the moment his tip popped out of your hole. Arthur's fingers on your clit only made the squirt messier as he continues to flick and fan your bud. He overloads your nerves as you soak both Arthur and yourself creating a puddle beneath the two of you.

Your body falls limp once your body has ceased, pulse pumping erratically through your veins as you regained your breath. Your mind was hazy as you tried to decipher whether you came or not, the power of the squirt along with your overload of pleasure. You face was hot and surely beet red, your hair sticking to your forehead due to the sweat that had collected on your skin. You could feel Arthurs lips gently pressing tender kisses to your shoulder, arms still holding your tight as he waited for you to calm down. "You alright, darlin'?" His voice breathy and low, velvety against your skin as his hot breath left goose bumps beneath its touch.

"Yeah." You sigh, whimpering as you shifted yourself slightly. Arthur's cock was still erect against your centre with a subtle rhythmic throb. Reaching down you carefully guided him to your entrance once more, your hips stuttering at the sensitivity of being touched.

"Are you sure?" Arthur's concern was clear in his voice, he didn't want to over do you more than you could take.

"Mhmm." You hummed, nodding as you eyed his cock before it disappeared with ease back into your now much more slippery hole.

His cock slid in swiftly, bottoming out inside you once more. Your pussy almost felt numb, surely you had came? Though the moment Arthur gradually resumed his pace, the level of pleasure you felt couldn't have been possible after an orgasm so soon, right? Quickly, Arthur's thrusts reestablished its rhythm and force, your previous intense arousal returning as if chasing its finish. Perhaps you hadn't.

You drag your bottom lip between your teeth as you muffle your moans once again. Arthur's balls slap against your clit with the force of his bucks, his hips rising off the cot to meet yours so fully. You could feel your orgasm begin to rebuild itself much quicker this time. Your added slick only making it easier for Arthur to fuck up into you. Your head is thrown back against his shoulder, your fingers gripping at his arms as he brought the two of you closer to release.

He had begun to moan shakily, his own breath as laboured and quick as his thrusts. He buries his face into your hair, closing his eyes to focus on the fierce pleasure enveloping his body. With how high and quick your gasped moans are becoming, he knew you were close as well, teetering on the edge of euphoria waiting for him to push you over. Your sighs were becoming more ragged with every pleading beg of his name.

"Fuck yes! Fuck! Arthur, fuck!-" Bliss enraptured your entire being, pleasure crashing through your body like electric shocks of white hot magma. Your moans are choked as you clench down on Arthur's cock while he continues to pump into you. Your orgasm was brutal, your whole body convulsing with every jolting wave coursing into your system.

Arthur was soon to follow. With a few harsh, thorough thrusts, his own climax quickly overtook him as he buried himself deep inside you. Stilling his movements, his head threatening to breach your cervix with such pressure. His cum shooting forcefully into your exhausted cunt rope after rope, cock twitching inside you, moans matching every pump of his load.

Your body tremors with every jolt of your orgasm's after shock as your body relaxes in Arthur's arms. The feeling of fullness satisfied you more than you could have imagined. Being full of his cum while his cock pressed oh so deliciously into your cervix.

"Oh god," you sigh, the rise and fall of your chest matching the speed of his beneath you, "that was..." Your breath fails you and so do your words, lingering bliss clouding your mind to formulate your thoughts.

"Yeah," Arthur agrees as if thinking the same thought, "it was." A chuckle pulls from his lips, a grin stretched across his face as he presses a kiss to your crown.

[kentosbabes]

hi i love your works! can i request brother’s best friend trope with nanami? thanks <3

You had always known Nanami Kento. He was your brother's best friend, and you had grown up with him always around. You had never thought much of him before - he was just another one of your brother's friends, after all. You made your way back up from university to surprise Gojo your eldest brother, but what she didn't know was that he gained a roommate called Nanami. You used the spare key to get in, carrying luggage and flowers for him, humming a song whilst you took your coat off. You shrugged off your jumper and slid into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Nanami who was having a shower and didn't hear the door being open, he left the bathroom with just a white towel around his waist and water dripping from his hair down his built abdomen. He did not expect to see a girl in the kitchen downing a glass of water. You turned around with a grin expecting to see your brother but were met with an unfamiliar face. Your smile dropped when you took in his whole appearance and looked down. You quickly averted your eyes and asked who he was and what he was doing in your brother's apartment.

Nanami had never seen someone so beautiful in his life, it rendered him speechless. You started to blush and he finally realised you had asked him a question, "I work with him and am his roommate. Who are you?" You replied, "I'm his sister, it's supposed to be a surprise." He wanted to ask you more but he was indecent, he stammered an apology and went into his room to put some actual clothes on.

You have never seen someone so fine in your life, attractive and polite. Nanami walked back out of his room wearing grey sweatpants and a black oversized top that hid his muscular body. He offered you some tea and you accepted, making small talk was difficult as you both felt awkward because of how you met- the image of him shirtless is engraved in your brain.

Gojo walked in and greeted Nanami, not seeing you behind the door. You tap him on the back and he squeals. You both hug and exchange pleasantries, he asks where you're staying and you reply a hotel nearby. "No, no, no, my sister can't be staying at a hotel when I have a room here for her." He has been persistent and stubborn from childhood and it's not like it would change all of a sudden, you roll your eyes and reason that you are only going to live there for a couple days until you have to get back. Gojo asked Nanami if it was okay if you could stay, "Of course, it's not an issue for me."

But one day, something changed. You saw Nanami in a different light, and suddenly you couldn't stop thinking about him. You started to notice the little things about him - the way he furrowed his brow when he was concentrating, the way he chuckled softly at a joke, the way his eyes sparkled in the sunlight. You tried to ignore your feelings at first, knowing that Nanami was your brother's friend and that it would be awkward if anything happened between the two of you. But the more you tried to push your feelings down, the stronger they became.

Nanami was a surprisingly attentive man, he took note of how you take your tea and the fact that you hate coffee. He places you a meal when he's making something and without fail asks if you would want some water. You started to spend more and more time together since Gojo had a project at the firm and was often working overtime, much to his dismay. Gojo tasked Nanami to hang out with you so you didn't feel awkward all by yourself in a strange city and home. Eventually, after a day of awkwardness, you asked him about himself, understanding why he's so kind and attentive- it's just in his nature/.

You found yourself alone with Nanami. Your heart was pounding in your chest as you looked at him, suddenly seeing him in a whole new light. To your surprise, Nanami was looking back at you, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Hey," he said softly. "You okay?" You swallowed nervously, your mind racing. You didn't know what to say, or what to do. But before you could even think, Nanami leaned in and kissed you gently on the lips.

It was a simple kiss, but it was filled with so much emotion. You felt your heart swell with happiness as Nanami pulled away, looking at you with a mixture of tenderness and longing. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he admitted, his voice low and husky. You smiled, feeling your cheeks flush with heat. "Me too," you said, leaning in to kiss him again.

From that moment on, you and Nanami were inseparable. You spent every moment you could with him, exploring the city and discovering new things together just before you left. You had a conversation about a long-distance relationship and put it out there that you would be moving anyways to be closer to your brother (that is the real reason you came over) so it wouldn't be a factor. He helps to apartment hunt for you and you find a perfect place, only ten minutes away from them. Although he was your brother's best friend, it didn't matter - you knew that what you had with Nanami was real and true, and nothing could stand in the way of your love.

Masterlist

[jungkookschin]

Anxiously pacing around your room, your eyes continuously flicker towards the window for Jake’s arrival.

Once you see his familiar car pull into the driveway, your legs immediately sprint towards the front door, attacking him with your embrace as soon as he gets out of the car.

Though surprised, he reciprocates the fervor of your embrace, squeezing you tightly. His arms wrap around the expanse of your body, and he holds your head against his chest.

The familiarity of his embrace, the comfort his presence provides, the masculine scent of his cologne- it all soothes the aching anxiety in your chest.

operation true love!

twenty eight: we’re rich

prev/next

*continues under the cut!*

“I’m so scared,” the words leave your lips as you bury your head into his chest, and his hand pats your hair gently, lulling you over.

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” he whispers into your hair. “We’re going to take care of this.”

-

“Heeseung, cover your eyes,” Wonyoung half-jokingly mumbles, turning her head from the window and towards Heeseung.

Heeseung gnaws on his lip before releasing a subtle sigh. He rips his eyes away from the sight in front of your house and plops himself down on your office chair, squeezing the bridge of his nose to alleviate his pounding headache.

From an objective perspective, Heeseung probably carries the most burden out of every member in the group.

Along with Y/N, he was one of the original persons to receive death threats from the strange blonde man from Marang Entertainment. His life was on the line- his existence and his future.

He would either die or be forced to become a K-pop star, which was a career path he did not want to take.

After quitting his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, Heeseung isolated himself from everyone he knew because he was sick of the attention.

Quite frankly, he was heartbroken and bitter, but didn’t have time to grieve because he had to take care of his dying father. He wanted to be alone, didn’t want to hear the superficial pretentious bullshit spewing from people’s mouths.

Managing three part time jobs wasn’t an easy feat either- he was always sleep deprived, hungry, and exhausted. He was desperate for money to pay his father’s hospital bills, and even opted to scamming anime fans on Twitter.

However, he found his sole solace in the only girl he’s ever trusted, the same girl who he tried to scam 400 dollars from.

When you first met up with him outside of the assembly, an internal battle raged inside his system. He could have either scammed you, or let himself see your pretty smile after giving you the PC for free.

Of course, he opted with the latter.

That wasn’t the first time Heeseung has heard of you, either. When he did play on the soccer team he often heard Jungwon talking about you, and even watched Blue Lock because your obsession with it was mentioned.

He’s also seen you at soccer games supporting Minwoo, and while others may have thought that you were being cringy, he thought that it would be nice to have a cute girl cheering him on at his game.

Anyways, Heeseung fell for you hard after your night together, and the way you were snuggled up against him in his bed.

Of course he was aware that you only clung to him because you were being psychologically tortured, but he couldn’t help but imagine you clinging to him every night, and it induced a burning sensation in his stomach.

You were the only person he liked being around, and the only girl he trusted. He was always so stressed and exhausted, and your presence alleviated all the aches and his pains in his body and heart.

Ra-Im’s voice pulled Heeseung from his thoughts. “Holy shit a black SUV just pulled up!”

Wonyoung, Ra-Im, and Heeseung peered through the window, and watched as an official looking government figure stepped out of the vehicle.

-

taglist: @curly-fr13s , @viagumi , @gyurtl  , @haechansbbg  , @wvnkoi . @flamiricky , @lomzy5 , @loves0ft , @ilymarkchan , @paragonofroyalty , @whippedforbeomgyu ,  @duolingofanaccount , @rikizm , @bluxjun , @articxari , @noascats , @xxjustmaiyaxx , @msviatrix

[kwallanghae]

just forget before anything changes (i refuse) | yoon jeonghan

a short prologue to the events of my longer Jeonghan fic, twenty two days before we go our separate ways (twenty two days of not falling for you) (read here!) it can be read alone too :)

i was so shocked by the attention my latest fic received, and i’m so honoured the positive reception it’s received, so i wanted to share this little drabble about one of the events in twenty two days that i mentioned! hope you enjoy :)

((somewhat angsty, especially if you’ve already read twenty two days))

member: yoon jeonghan - seventeen

word count: 0.9k

warnings: language; mentions of alcohol and hangovers

Imagine if time was physical. And not just physical, but heavy, and moving. In fact, moving with such a speed that it was downright dangerous. And it had just crashed into you. That was just a glimpse of how you felt when you woke up that morning.

Your hangover was especially deadly. God, what even happened last night? Maybe if it didn’t hurt so much, you could have opened your eyes to see any clues you had left yourself, but that was certainly a struggle for you currently. All you could remember was the clink of your beer can against Jeonghan’s.

Jeonghan. Of course. The two of you were drinking together last night, a way to get over your latest heartbreak. Well, heartbreak was dramatic. Your pride hurt more than your heart. But how else can you describe a breakup? Especially one so unfounded. 

“He’s such an asshole! Wooyoung just... refused to listen to me, refused to entertain the idea that I wasn’t cheating on him with you.”

You opened your eyes as little as you could, yet the sunlight still blinded you, leaving you hissing and groaning. As you focused, you saw a pile of crushed beer cans laying in the corner of your room, a couple of feet away from your dustbin. Next to those, an almost empty bottle of tequila.

You remembered the tequila. You remembered hiding it, wrapped in towels and stuffed under your mattress, when your RA made a surprise visit, and promising yourself to save it for when you really needed it. And it seemed like in your infinite wisdom, that you had decided last night warranted it.

“He doesn’t deserve you. You don’t need to keep searching for losers who don’t understand you.”

Nausea is especially painful when paired with regret. You have a 10AM class, one you’ve probably already missed, and all you can think about is the pounding in your head. And whatever went on last night.

You should go to sleep Y/N, before you do something you’re gonna regret.

Your dorm room looked especially messy. Someone’s shirt was on the floor, and it definitely wasn’t yours. Maybe if you weren’t hungover you would know who it belonged to. It was so familiar.

“What about you? Are you going to do something you’ll regret?”

“If you keep looking at me like that, I will.”

There was a soft snoring noise to your left, one you recognised instantly, the snores Jeonghan let out just before he would wake up. You looked over to see the gentle rise and fall of his bare back.

Shit. You and Jeonghan kissed.

“Like what?”

“Fuck it.”

Time had once again rammed into you at full speed, and you were knocked back by the force of the memories. How Jeonghan cradled your jaw so gently before pulling you into him, the way he smiled as he kissed you, how you smiled as you kissed him back. 

“Why have you, mmhmm, never kissed me before, Hannie?”

“Never had the guts.”

Your nausea came back in full force, but you managed to swallow it down, replacing it with guilt. You did this. You allowed something to shift. And now, you weren’t ever sure if things would return to normal.

Jeonghan stirred, groaning as he shielded his face from the sunlight, shielded his face from you. Is it a sign? Does he regret it too? Does he even remember? You stayed quiet, as quiet as you could, in the hopes that he wouldn’t even notice you. Although that was tough, especially when he was in your room, in your bed, and oh god was that his leg tangled between yours? You were so fucked.

“My head is going to kill me.” He whispered, and you didn’t miss how husky his voice was. Would yours sound the same? “How are you feeling?”

“Shit.” Yep, husky, dry, and scratchy. “Last night was so dumb, we should not have drank that much.”

Jeonghan took a quick look at you, one you would have missed had you not been staring right at you, before tearing his eyes away. God, things were so strange now. Was it just you who felt strange? He was acting weird too, did you cause that?

“Look, Hannie,” You started, cringing as you spoke with thorns in your throat. “I’m sorry about last night. I was being dumb.”

“No, Y/N, I-”

“It feels weird now, right? I just feel like... things are so strange now, like everything is different now.” “Yeah. It feels different.”

He wouldn’t look at you. God, why did you let him kiss you? Why did you kiss him back?

“Let’s just forget about it, yeah? Pretend it never happened. I don’t want things to change.” You begged. 

Jeonghan didn’t answer you, and you wanted to cry, thinking of all the ways you had already messed up. You should have never kissed him. Eventually, he turned to you, with a loopy smile on his lips.

“Forget about what?”

You grinned, leaning over to hug him, and after a few seconds he complied, wrapping his bare arms around you. You wished you hadn’t, but you couldn’t deny that you blushed at the sensation of his skin on yours. It felt so intimate.

But it would end. You refused to let things change. You would be damned if you were the reason you stopped being friends with Jeonghan. So you wouldn’t let it. 

(You missed the way Jeonghan slumped against you in disappointment. You would miss it for years to come.)

[emetogirl]

I thought I’d do a throwback to what was, to this day, probably the worst throwing up experience I’ve ever had. I was a freshman in college and had just gotten back to the dorms after thanksgiving break. My family had celebrated the day before, and I made the drive home the next afternoon to get back to school in the early evening. I was hungry after the drive, so I stopped by the dining hall for dinner. Afterwards I settled back into my dorm with a bowl of my favorite ice cream and was watching some Netflix. It was after finishing my ice cream that my stomach suddenly shifted. I went from feeling fine to sick in a matter of seconds. I thought that maybe the ice cream upset my belly and hoped it would go away soon, but over the course of the next few hours the nausea just kept mounting. It was miserable. The nausea slowly shifted from an uncomfortably full feeling in my belly, to a sick twisting feeling, to the full blown I need to puke to feel better.

I grabbed my tiny trash can and lined it with a new bag. The first gags came pretty easily, but my belly wasn’t bringing anything up. I stuck my fingers down my throat, hoping to get my stomach contents coming up quicker so I could have some relief in my belly. I gagged hard, but still nothing. I started panting and my belly was churning hard. After taking in a sudden deep breath, my stomach suddenly squeezed and a thick wave of puke rushed out of my mouth and into the trash can with a splash. I immediately felt better and thought it was a once off thing. Like, all the pressure in my stomach was suddenly gone and the nausea went away, so I was fine, right?

Boy was I wrong

Half an hour later and my tummy is hurting again. It was the same familiar belly ache that told me I needed to throw up. I had gotten a new bag put in the trash can and thrown the bag full of puke away in the dumpster outside my dorm, so I set the bucket between my legs as I sat on the floor of my dorm room. It happened quicker this time. Another rush of puke came up and splattered into the bag, which was quickly followed by a deep, wet burp and another wave. It was super thick and chunky and burned my throat coming up. I remember barely getting any breaths in between these waves of gagging and throwing up. Once again, I tied up the plastic bag full of puke and threw it away. At this point I knew I was super super fucked. I had thrown up a lot at this point and was feeling feverish and dehydrated. My head hurt and the room was spinning. I decided to move to the communal girls bathroom for the rest of the night to be able to be close to the toilet when I had to puke and so I didn’t have to keep throwing up into he bag in my room.

About an hour after moving in there some girls who had definitely been partying came in to redo their makeup. I heard one of them say, “who’s that? Do you think she’s okay?” To which I replied “i’m alright, but I think I got dining hall food poisoning.” They told me I should sue and get free tuition, and I laughed a little before my stomach slammed into my ribs again and I was gagging up another mouthful of dinner. They told me to feel better soon and left the bathroom to go back to whatever room they came from. The rest of the night is a blur. I started to realize that I was getting really dehydrated, but at the same point realized that I was too weak to get up and get water from my room (and too sick to be able to keep it down). I texted my roommate, who was at work, letting her know I was sick. She replied that she got off at 1am but would get to me as soon as she could. At this point everything is starting to blur together. My heart is pounding constantly, my ears ringing, and everything is spinning. I don’t recall ever feeling so sick in my entire life. I’m sitting up only when I have to puke and then immediately slumping back down. I started fading in an out of consciousness and barely register anything around me. It was probably around 12:30 at night when the RA’s were doing their nightly rounds, and had they not thought to check the bathrooms, I might not have been found by someone until the morning. As I’m laying curled up on the bathroom floor, I hear the doors creak open and two male voices talking to each other, but it sounds like I’m underwater. I immediately hear one of them say, “oh, SHIT!” I was trying to open my eyes but I felt so weak that they were just fluttering, and when one of the boys asks me what happened, all I can get out is “call an ambulance.” I hear one of them leave to make the call and the other kneels down beside me and puts his hand on my forehead. He asks if I’ve been drinking, and I shake my head no. I then hear the other RA come back inside the girls bathroom and announce that EMS is on their way. I feel the familiar sensation of my belly twisting again, and say, “I’m gonna throw up again,” which probably came out more like “m’gonna throw up ‘gain” to which the boy closest to me responded, “do you need me to help prop you up?” Which in hindsight is very caring and responsible but in the moment all I could think of was “if anyone touches me right now I will die” and so I somehow mustered the last ounce of strength my body possessed to sit up and hunch back over the toilet for a final couple mouthfuls to come up. I spit a few times and start to slip back down, but find myself suddenly being held up by two strong arms. The room is quickly filled with the voices of several more people and I realize thank fuck, actual medical professionals have finally arrived and I’m no longer in the hands of two very terrified college boys. I feel someone slip a thermometer in my mouth and I gag around it but they keep it in my mouth until it beeps. And then I am being lifted up and onto a gurney which brings me to an ambulance that arrives at the hospital a few short minutes later.

At the hospital, I get some fluids and antiemetics and get all fixed up. I remember there being a point at one time that I literally pass out on the hospital bathroom floor after puking and they have to find another nurse to lift me up off the ground and carry me back to my hospital bed. It was a terrible time and, apart from the doctors and nurses there to help me, I was mostly alone. But I got through it, Norovirus be damned! Later in college my friends gave me a stuffed animal norovirus plush to reminisce on those lovely, lovely times.

Anyways, this post was inspired by a convo I had with a friend who reminded me that IT IS NOROVIRUS SEASON. Fun fact! Hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus so you HAVE to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands before meals, before and after touching your mouth or face, and after having contact with others!! This has been a PSA from Ro, who threw up in her dorm bathroom so many times she should have gotten a reward for it💕✨

[resurrection-of-soul]

Flashback | BIOHAZARD 5

Writer: Akira (日日日)

Characters: Rei, Koga, Kaoru, Adonis

Koga: Quit messin' around, "Vampire Bastard~!" The hell d'ya mean, pajama party, huh? Rei: My, what a nostalgic form of address. It has been quite a while since I last referred to you as "Puppy," did you miss it terribly?

[ For the best viewing experience, please read directly on my blog! ♪ ]

Time: That night.

Location: The accommodations provided at the AIIE Experimental Facility.

Rei: Yaaay, it's a sleepover with everyone from UNDEAD~ ♪ Fufu. We would have had a magnificent opportunity to host a pajama party during the SS preliminaries, but alas, Kaoru-kun was torn from our midst and cast into the desert. He alone had to suffer undue hardship. I am elated that the four of us can now enjoy a slumber party toge- woah?!

Koga: ......

Rei: Koga? It is impolite to suddenly throw steamed buns at people, yes? Or do you mean to say you wish to play ball with these?

Koga: Quit messin' around, "Vampire Bastard~!" The hell d'ya mean, pajama party, huh?

Rei: My, what a nostalgic form of address. It has been quite a while since I last referred to you as "Puppy," did you miss it terribly?

Koga: It ain't meant to be nostalgic! I'm insultin' ya, you asshole!

Rei: I would truthfully be quite troubled if thou were to abruptly begin disparaging me, so kindly refrain from venting thy frustrations on me. All four of us agreed to participate in this experiment together. What merit is there in complaining about the matter at this juncture?

Koga: I didn't agree to shit! We were basically coerced into it. If we'd refused to be used as guinea pigs, then those innocent Ra*bits would've gotten dragged in instead. Rather than havin' to sit around worryin' over whether someone out there is sufferin' some unknown fate cause a' me, it's way better for my mental health if I just run into the flames myself. Don't forget, I'm not actually on board with this shit at all.

Kaoru: Ah ha ha. This whole experiment thing is definitely a bit shady and off-putting, but don't you think it also sounds kind of interesting? When you hear about "AI Idols" and stuff — it really makes it feel like science has come as far as it can, doesn't it? Like those old sci-fi movies!

Kaoru: If this really had just been a movie— no, even if it had just had nothing to do with me personally, I might have really enjoyed hearing about it.

Adonis: Though I also find this all slightly uncomfortable, I do think it is interesting from a science and technology standpoint. The future which people envisioned when they came up with things like V*caloid and AI art programs is now unfolding before our eyes. When people in the past dreamed of the future for sci-fi stories, this is the world they imagined. For better or for worse, it's like living in a dream. It makes my heart pound.

Kaoru: Ahaha. It's like, totally a boy's romance, isn't it? I don't dislike that kind of thing. After all, I'm the son of a scholar who reached out to the sea in search of romance and mystery.

Adonis: I also do not dislike the idea of venturing out into the unknown.

Rei: Realistically speaking, had we spurned this request, there existed the possibility that our agency would have given up on us. Rhythm Link adheres rather strictly to the dictates of the corporate hierarchy, after all. To not be thrown by the wayside, our participation 'twas a necessary evil. Moreover, should the project prove triumphant, the prospect of substantial reward awaits us. Simply put, we stand to profit. 'Tis true that we still boast a surplus of funds, having garnered quite a considerable sum during SS, so the monetary reward is not so alluring. Yet, if the "artificial idol" experiment is successfully realized and publicized, the spotlight will fall on us as its primary test subjects. Such a scenario would prove quite advantageous for us, yes?

Koga: None a' that has a~anythin' to do with the real problem. They're just tryin' t'buy time cause they dunno how to deal with us. We'd better not end up lookin' like idiots who wasted all our time on this wild goose chase.

Rei: A most salient point. As Koga says, let us all carefully consider how we might solve our fundamental problem. Fortunately, we have plenty of time available to do so.

Kaoru: Yeah… I felt a bit nervous since they called it an experiment, but we, like, basically just have to spend the night here, right?

Rei: Indeed. We have been supplied medicine capable of inducing sleep for around half a day. During that time, data shall be collected through the devices affixed to our heads. While not sleeping, we are permitted to engage in exercise to prevent our bodies from suffering physical deterioration, as well as eat to maintain our vigor. We four shall live together harmoniously. The experiment shall last for approximately one week's time. For the duration of the testing period, all other engagements hath been prohibited to us, for extraneous stimuli may taint the data. Thus, our smartphones and other such devices have been seized, and we shall remain isolated from the outside world.

Kaoru: Kinda feels like we're hospital inpatients, or maybe prisoners… Oh well, it's an easy job where all we have to do is slack off.

Rei: Mm. There would be no harm in taking this chance to relax. 'Tis not a complete waste of time, as we shall receive our due pay regardless of whether the experiment succeeds or fails. Fortunately, the environment we are to live in is far preferable to that of a hospital or prison. Look here, we have been provided with cards and board games to while away the time. Until the time comes for us to work— Or rather, before we must answer sleep's call, let us play together.

Koga: Ain't you actin' waaaay too chill about this?

Rei: 'Tis good if you see it thus. As a child, I always behaved unnervingly like an adult. Thus I lacked experiences such as this, wherein one might have a sleepover with their peers. And so… Though the future remains uncertain, in this moment, I can confidently state that I am utterly delighted ♪

[ ☆ ]

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[yostresswritinggirl]

Ooo, I love the thought of Tighnari and Cyno throwing flowers and petals to the Reader after a performance!! I can see the Reader blowing a kiss towards them both in response if they manage to see them in the crowd.

I’ve been thinking about some more Ballet/Tap dancer Reader from Fontaine with Cynonari scenarios I’d like to share again, I hope you don’t mind me talking about it some more, fgkjh-

So, I’m going to lean into the ballet dancer side for the next few thoughts/scenarios. I can’t help but imagine the Reader telling Cyno and Tighnari about their experiences in ballet; bad instructors, funny and happy moments, ballets they’ve been in, and opening up about any body image issues they dealt with along the way (more on this in a moment). In the world of ballet, there is a lot of pressure put onto you, both by instructors and yourself. Instructors correct you constantly (“Your footing is wrong, you need to do this…” “Your position is wrong, you need to that…” etc.) and you’re pretty hard on yourself as well. Linking back to the body image issue, in ballet, there is pressure to look a certain way, to attain bodily perfection. At first, the Reader really did struggle with this pressure, but has gradually built up their confidence in themselves over time. Although, if they do still deal with some body issues and insecurities, then Tighnari and Cyno will shoot down any negative thoughts and reassure/comfort them.

Reader: Imagine being required to show up for work each day dressed in a skin-tight leotard and leggings, where every perceived flaw is visible. Now imagine you spend most of your work-day surrounded by wall-to-wall mirrors, and you’re asked to constantly monitor your own appearance. That’s what it is like for ballet dancers. Overcoming the pressure to look a certain way was a pretty big challenge for me. 

Reader: “Will the crowd notice me if I am more attractive? Would they like me more if I was ten pounds lighter?” Those sort of thoughts ran through my head. I only saw what my instructors saw in myself - something that needed improvement.

Despite all the stress and hardship the Reader has endured, they still retain a love and passion for ballet.

On a more lighter note, I’ve been thinking more about the statement that Fontaine “revers true beauty and elegance” and trying to incorporate that into different displays of affection. One ‘elegant’ way I thought of was the Reader kissing their lovers’ hands. The thought of the Reader gently taking up their lovers’ hands and pressing their lips on their knuckles makes me so soft,,, And love letters!! Another way could be the Reader writing love letters to both Cyno and Tighnari. Also, I have this weird headcanon that courting in Fontaine is more ‘polite,’ if that makes sense?? (it’s mainly because Fontaine’s based off of 1910 France-) Like, opening doors for the person you like, offering an arm when you walk together, that sort of thing.

And the Reader learning more about Sumeru! The wildlife, the people, and everything else about it. They always have a wonder and curiosity about their surroundings.

Reader: Oh, wow! Tighnari, what’s this?

Tighnari: *looks over his shoulder*

Reader: *pointing to a pretty, but incredibly poisonous mushroom* :D ?

Tighnari: Okay first off-

I’ll give one more scenario with ballet dancer Reader- Parts of ballet dancers’ bodies can just crack at any time and they usually feel really sore. So when Reader cracks one part of their body Tighnari and Cyno just cringe at the sound-

Reader: (Ugh, my whole body aches…) *they flex their toes and the loudest cracking noise just,, goes off*

Cyno: *stops what he’s doing* *turns around*

Reader’s hip: *c ra ck*

Cyno:

Cyno: (Name),

Jackdaw Anon 🐦

I love it, I love it, gosh darn all of it

I can definitely see Cyno and Tighnari kind of paralleled their lives in the Akademiya with ballet reader's in the sense of their critic struggles. How despite art and academics are in the other end of the spectrum, the hardships weigh just the same in what they had to deal with

Hearing about the body issues and pretty much just knowing how important physique is (which is also kind of a weird thing for them both seeing as Cyno and Tighnari most definitely do not worry about looking good, not their priority pretty much, despite slaying so much), they do their best to assist in a more practical/applied way. Tighnari definitely would act like a dietician in keeping watch of their nutrient intake and suggesting meals

All a balanced diet, after all he's not a believer of cutting back in food, he knows that the best way to get in shape is to make sure that your food is carefully picked out in terms of the nutrients. Cyno in the other hand would help with exercise by either training (usually in the guise of combat) or just his daily routine of workouts, they like to do it near an oasis or any body of water so it would be refreshing.

Ballet reader does give me a regal vibe of like - a princess acting princely, elegant and androgynous somehow! Like in their tip toes, arm behind their back as they bow and take the hand of their lovers to kiss, a wink thrown in too as they do it. Cyno and Tighnari feel like princesses being charmed by their ballet prince haha

Oh oh and can't forget, I can definitely see them dancing on top of the huuuge mushrooms in Mawtiyima Forest after Tighnari showed them there accompanied by fireflies and the blue glows of the plants! It's so beautiful there for a ballet routine, Cyno and Tighnari always sneaks over to watch

And they also can make a popping sound on their knee when they move their leg a certain way too haha man, I wanna see how Cyno reacts when he sees how they break in their ballet shoes (bonus points if it was his gift to them too hahaha)

[wondrousmay]

Character Discussion Series: Toyama Kasumi (BanG Dream!)

In honour of Kasumi’s birthday (14th July), here’s my tribute to her!

Toyama Kasumi is a character that has a special place in my heart. She may seem like the usual “genki protagonist” at first glance but Kasumi is a fascinating character once you take a deeper look into her story.

Kasumi’s search for “the heartbeat of the stars”

To understand Kasumi, I think we need to understand the beginning of her journey: everything began one night when young Kasumi heard the heartbeat of the stars. This kirakiradokidoki feeling (sparkling and heart-pounding) was her “sound of beginning” (Searching For Stars event). When she heard/felt this, she got the feeling that something was going to happen. She kept searching and searching for this feeling again but was unable to find it. Until she came upon a trail of star stickers that led to Ryuuseidou (shooting star) and Random Star. Kasumi’s declaration of “This is it!” when she watched Glitter*Green performance is something I can relate to. That feeling when I’m watching a really good performance that made my heart pound with excitement. Kasumi wants to share this feeling with other people. This led her to finding the most important STAR: Saaya, Tae, Arisa, Rimirin.

In the last ep of S03, Kasumi tells Asuka that the beat of the stars were everyone she met along the way. In her special episode from her Sound Of The Beginning card (Searching For Stars), Kasumi tells us that she wanted to go back to tell her young self that the beating sound of the stars that night wasn’t just a dream. In her search, she found the members of Poppin’Party and all her friends from the other bands.

And because of this, the heartbeat of the stars is not only the guide for Kasumi but for all of PoPiPa too. It is the reason why they came together to play music and it represents the bonds that they share together (STAR BEAT! –Hoshi no Kudou-).

Kasumi’s LIGHT DELIGHT

Kasumi is not always the happy-go-lucky and genki character. She has her moments of doubts and failure too. The SPACE audition arc is important to Kasumi’s character. After hearing from Owner that she was the worst performer out of PoPiPa, she took this failure incredibly hard. She practiced alone in the dark, ruining several picks and cutting her fingers. She became isolated from the rest of band, fixated on improve her skills and losing the reason why she wanted to perform at SPACE in the first place. Kasumi overreacted when Arisa confronted her about it: Why is Kasumi working so hard to perform at SPACE? Was all the pain and hurt from failing worth it? Was it really fun? Kasumi thought that her friends weren’t having fun with her anymore because she was the least skilled. Ultimately, she lost her voice because of this paralyzing fear. However, this was not why any of the members join the band in the first place and Kasumi will finally be on the same page with the rest of PoPiPa when they all share their feelings in park (which led to one of my favourite scenes: them splitting up the lyrics of Mae e Susume and singing the new arrangement together).

There are other instances where Kasumi faced problems that she couldn’t solve with her “pushing forward and hope things work out” attitude: in S02, Tae’s involvement with RAS and her denial that everything would be okay led to their disastrous cultural festival. Of course, this isn’t her fault alone but this was an issue that every member of PoPiPa was in denial about until it was too late. It was something that the whole band needed to overcome together.

Kasumi’s leadership style

Kasumi is a “doer” type of person and her leadership style reflects this. She is the one who pulled the members of PoPiPa together and the one who brought the girls of the Girls Band Party together. As CHU2 said, she is the initiator.

She can be pushy, blind to the feelings of others and too enthusiastic especially at the beginning of the series but she has her friends’ interest at heart. She genuinely wanted to be friends with Arisa despite Arisa’s resistance at first. She listened to Rimirin and respected her decision to not join the band. She pulled Tae into the band with her passion for music and her determination to perform at SPACE despite her skill levels. Kasumi’s fight with Saaya made Saaya realized that she doesn’t have to bear the burden alone. She should be true to her feelings and talk about them with her family and friends.

Yes, her reckless optimism can backfire on her. In Double Rainbow, Kasumi continued to push forward and tried to get Arisa to practice with them as normal, hoping things would work out. Her actions hurt Arisa but Kasumi recognized her mistake and how she crossed a line. However, Saaya told her that Kasumi’s ability to take action, whether it was the right or wrong one, was admirable. Like Tae said, Kasumi was the only one who could pull the band back together.

In S03, Arisa was the one who came up with the plans about how to maximized their votes for Girls Band Challenge but she was hesitant about performing at CiRCLE and DUB out of fear. Kasumi was the one who pull them forward, encouraging PoPiPa to try out new things. The results are not the only important thing but it’s also the memories of the things that they experienced together on the journey.

In Live Beyond!!, we see how Kasumi's actions and attitude influenced those around her. However, this is not a one-way relationship because Kasumi is also influenced by the people around her as well. With the encouragement and support of her friends, she was able to move forward and do her best to help live performances grow alongside the performers. I'd like to describe Kasumi as a sensitive soul. Her interpretation of "lives are like living creatures" took me and even the Owner by surprise. I think the common interpretation of this phrase is that no single live performances are the same even with the same setlist. Each performances will be different and that's how people should experience live performances. So for Kasumi to say that lives are like living creatures and we have to help them grow and change into something better really emphasized how creative and thoughtful she is.

Kasumi’s song writing skills

Kasumi is PoPiPa’s lyricist and we can understand more about her through her songwriting and lyrics. In ‘Someday, A Poem for You’ event, we got to know more about Kasumi’s lyrics-writing process when Lisa asked for advice. Kasumi writes about things that gives her “sparkling and heart-pounding” emotions. She explained that there are a lot of sparkling and heart-pounding things in places that seem completely ordinary. She wants to share these emotions with everyone so they can feel them too. Lisa puts it into simple words: Kasumi changes the way she looks at things to make them shine. We can see a lot of ordinary and mundane things in PoPiPa’s lyrics, for example, in Girl’s Code, Home Street, Kizuna Music, Photograph, etc. Their normal everyday routines are precious for Kasumi and she puts these feelings into her lyrics. “Kasumi is a genius.” – Nakamura-sensei

In ‘Message For You event’, we got another wonderful example of Kasumi’s writing skills in her end of year speech as the representative of the First Years. Kasumi’s usual approach to writing lyrics, capturing the sparkling and heart-pounding feelings from her memories, helped with her speech writing. She went around talking to the friends she made, remembering how she felt during various events and took inspirations from other people’s words. Her speech was the best example of how Kasumi’s mind works. I highly recommend watching/reading Message For You event!

Another example that I want to talk about is Mae e Susume’s lyrics and how it reflects Kasumi’s relationships with other members of PoPiPa. During their first SPACE audition, Kasumi was the sole singer of Mae e Susume. After a discussion with friends, the general consensus was Kasumi wrote the majority of the lyrics. Here we can see how Kasumi viewed her friends and how they inspired her to keep on moving and never give up on reaching their dream of performing at SPACE.

Each of the member’s solo lines in the current version of the song can say a lot about Kasumi’s feelings. She likes Rimirin a lot but she doesn’t push her to do something she’s not ready for (to initially join the band). Her after-school guitar sessions with Tae were the start of their friendship. They bonded through the three chords and Kasumi understands Tae’s passion for music. Her conversation with Saaya under the starry night sky and their promise to sing together someday were important moments for the both of them. And Kasumi’s interactions with Arisa have always made her more honest about herself. Kasumi will realize that while being in a band and playing music can make her feel sparkling and heart-pounding, they are not the only things that make her feel this ways. It’s being with Saaya, Rimirin, Tae and Arisa and doing these things together that makes her even more sparkling and heart-pounding!

Meeting Kasumi has changed my life for the better and I owe her a lot.

[three-headed-monster]

the most important sabres videos from the 2022-23 season so i can cheer sabresblr up

because it is vital that we remember this year!!!!! this is the team that made us love sabres hockey again, no matter how far they didn't go.

now, in no particular order:

exclusive day with rasmus dahlin

what a GREAT way to start the season, truly!!!!! one of the first embeddeds we got featuring multiple members of the team, and UGH it gave us so many iconic moments. krebsy telling dylan he'll work him all day and that he's a fucker (muted for the children's sake). the chirps from everyone!!!! dylan and peyton literally encouraging each other to cheat just to try to beat ras. gave us some great character moments and really just gave us a good inside look into what the team dynamic is like and how much the guys love each other.

2. what a great day to be mic'd up | best of sabres mic'd up from december 2022 (actually from like february lmao)

lots of good moments from this one!!!!!! maybe not a fave for everyone, but certainly for me. lots of skinny and sammy in this one, and again it's just the daily interactions for me! i love to hear them talking about stupid things like gum and "too strong" is a classic dylan moment. it's just some silly good practice fun that makes me smile :)))

3. between 2 stalls

you all know and love it, i've included the whole playlist because every single one hits in a good and different way. it's absolutely the funniest thing the sabres have done media wise this year. it deserves an emmy and jeff skinner best leading actor or smth. i will pay good good money for more of these next season because they are hilarious. give me owen power squirminng while being questioned by jeff please and thank you.

4. hit the boards | owen power and ukko pekka luukonen

two soft and gentle giants not understanding that this is supposed to be a competitive series!!!!!!! you are not supposed to work together, you are supposed to compete!!!!!!! highlight of this one is owen getting "explosive diarrhea" way too fast and not being able to speak spanish. all with a small little laugh and smile along the way!

5. can't keep the beast in the cage

the fact that this is just a run of the mill presser that ended up creating a nickname, chirps in ANOTHER unrelated presser, just proves how good this video is. i mean what more can you want, it's just an excited kid ready to get out there! and we all need more devon levi in our lives if we are being truly honest.

6. sabres react to meme tweets

an ICONIC piece of media right here, i swear!!!!!!! "can you send me that?" so sammy can use this against them in the gc. jack quinn not knowing how to read allegations. tyson jost being so wholesome and hyping up his buddies. tommy dangles if you know you know. AND OF COURSE "daddy tuch".

7. jack and jj give the sabres holiday gifts

part 1 of this series is also a GEM, but unfortunately due to the 10 video attachment limit, i can only include part 2. highlights from part 1 include them buying owen a million gifts, dylan cozens' anger issues, them breaking a poster display because they don't know how posters work, and deciding to get gifts just to piss people off. part 2 however is this and MORE!!!!!! we get to see mostly EVERYONE get their gift! tage's this is slay moment was memed so many times, owen was overjoyed with his gifts, and let's not forget that "this is what the holidays are all about!" not to mention, sammy being the only one to get a fucked up gift made him so mad he decided he wanted the three pound gym weight

8. at home with casey mittelstadt, rasmus dahlin, dylan cozens, and jacob bryson

i'm honestly just here for dylan trying to hide from the camera and having to show up to "pay his rent" via being on camera. he also brings like a shit ton of water with him?????? AND "juicy lips" is a top 10 dylan cozens quote of all time. "they gave you pimples" too.

very much just. dylan cozens in this.

9. owen succumbs to peer pressure

aka the boys tell owen to take his hat off and let the flow go, and in true ferda fashion he does. of course, OF COURSE, the resounding cheer after is deafening and this is one of the best actual pressers from this season because of it

10. what's in the box

the first truly viral sabres moment from this season !!! ending it kinda where we started tbh. i STILL laugh about this moment, from the "i think it likes me" to the TENDER dylan/tage hand hold to peyton proudly pronouncing he knows his poops...this is just perfect. it set out all the narratives for the season and gives us an amazing glimpse into the boys. sabres socials set the bar high with this one and continued to meet it for the rest of the year

other honourable mentions include: tyson jost + others doing community work (highlights include tyson being wholesome and owen's awful rat photo being called unrecognizable), the la entourage trip (jack quinn speaking. that's it, that's the tweet.), sabres choose owen power's goal song (jack's loud proclamation of fearless and kyle's singing), how well do the sabres know their moms (owen being a momma's boy stands out here), matt savoie mic'd up (this one is self-indulgent and just for me), and owen and ras' podcast interview (shocked owen can speak for an hour straight without literally curling up into a ball and hiding; and also bagged milk)

so there you go!!!! hope this cheered you up like it did me. i love our boys as always and can't wait to see what they do next year!

[snowbellewells]

Self Promo Sunday: "We Gather Together (Glad for the Blessings)"

This week's rerun is another little Thanksgiving one shot, meant to be taking place somewhere at the end of Season 6. I realize that Thanksgiving was over on Thursday, but I still wanted to share the little offerings I had for this sometimes overlooked holiday. I feel like it would be a very special and important holiday for both Emma and Killian - seeing as it's so much about family and togetherness with those you love, and both of them lived without that for so long.

Anyway, this is divergent from canon due to Robin's being alive and Belle not taking Rumple back, but otherwise I think it pretty much could have happened. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday yourselves, and that you enjoy this small story to celebrate the occasion!

** Also available on AO3 or ff.net (if that's your preference)***

Summary: A bit of Thanksgiving fluff - and a lovely, quiet moment for the whole Charming-Jones-Mills family count their blessings and rejoice in how far they've come

by: @snowbellewells

Barreling into the kitchen calling out "Henry?! Killian?!", Emma Swan was already well into panic mode due to the charred, burning smell that had reached her nostrils as soon as she'd mounted the steps to the front porch and the plumes of gray smoke wafting into her vision in the entryway once she opened the door. She was skidding to a stop at the kitchen table before she realized that, though the fire alarm had been bleating raucously, there were no sounds of panic or yells of dismay. Instead, both of her True Loves were now frozen, looking to her guiltily like they’d been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Killian was bent over the open stove, and Henry had his arm outstretched, fanning the air with a hot pad. They appeared to have been happy as clams until her sudden entrance..

Clearly they weren't in any immediate danger, and Emma's posture relaxed upon seeing that the house wasn't burning down and neither her son nor her pirate was blackened to a crisp. Shaking her head at them both, she genuinely tried to look stern instead of relieved and ready to burst out laughing. Crossing her arms, she mused aloud, "Do I even want to know what the two of you are doing?"

Sighing in defeat, Killian stood to his full height, letting the oven door bang closed and not quite meeting her reproving gaze as he raked a hand through his hair. He darted a quick glance at Henry, then finally answered her question. "We were trying to help you, Swan. It seemed prudent to get started with the main course before hosting your entire family tomorrow, and the lad felt sure he could offer guidance on the proceedings."

Henry flushed as Killian gestured toward him, and shrugged sheepishly, looking up at her with big brown eyes that, though in an older face, still proved as irresistible to her as when he'd showed up on her doorstep as a ten-year-old. "I may have overestimated how closely I was watching my other mom the last time she did this."

Emma couldn't help it; her metabolism did tick up a few notches and her eyes widened in shocked dismay. "Oh no, don't tell me… Do you mean to say you guys ruined that 19 pound Butterball I had all ready in the freezer?"

Killian winced a bit at her reaction. "Come now, Lass, it isn't as if we did it on purpose. You were just saying last night how you wanted everything to be perfect, you've never been able to celebrate a real family Thanksgiving with all the trimmings before, and everything should be just right. We only wished to help you along."

Emma gave an exaggerated nod as she responded, "Ah, I see," before a knowing light slipped into her eyes while studying one and then the other to see who would crack first. "Just selfless action from the good of your hearts, was it?"

Henry nodded, pulling off a ridiculously innocent look, but Killian couldn't quite meet her gaze, peeking up at her from beneath the fringe of his dark hair and eyelashes like a poor, repentant rascal. "Well, Swan, if the truth be told, we might have become a bit distracted…"

"I thought so," she affirmed with one last quick, triumphant dip of the head.

"Yes, well," Killian hemmed and hawed adorably, and Emma was almost afraid she might bite through her lip trying not to laugh out loud. The whole kitchen mishap was already long forgiven, but watching him stutter in embarrassment like he often caused her to do was too priceless to end just yet. "Love, your boy's moving picture box sucks a man in with its programs. Are you sure it doesn't possess some sort of hypnotic magic of its own? Perhaps we should not let Henry…"

"Okay, okay, hold up," Henry broke in anxiously, not about to see his stepdad - much as he might love him - relegate him back to the Stone Age with concern over modern technology.

Emma couldn't hold back her dissolution into helpless giggles any longer, and Killian stopped short with an affronted look at the noisy interruption from both of them at once. After a few moments, Emma reined in her laughter, assured Henry he wouldn't be losing all television privileges, and turned with the both of them to survey the wreck that had been her nice, clean kitchen when she'd left that morning. "Well boys, let's see what we can salvage," she said at last.

OoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO

In the end, the turkey is magicked to golden brown perfection for the holiday meal. Emma had hoped to succeed at doing it the old fashioned way, but after seeing the damage Killian and Henry had wrought with their attempt – and though she only admitted it to herself, knowing either one of them was better in the kitchen than she was, when not unfortunately sidetracked – she decided there was no sense in further risking the main course she intended to serve to company.

She, Killian, and Henry did spend a warm, domestic, evening making the accompanying side dishes together. After placing a tray of butterhorn rolls in the oven to cook, Emma turned to see Henry flip a spoonful of cranberry sauce at Killian, hitting him square on the nose and making him jerk back in surprise at the splat of impact.

"Hey now," her pirate warned, glowering as he raised a spoonful of stuffing for a counterattack.

Emma thought idly that she should be warning them not to waste food, not to destroy their kitchen for a second time in one day, and basically chide them both to behave themselves, but instead she could merely watch as author and pirate mounted a giddy food fight she eventually joined, hugging herself tightly so she didn't simply burst with the joy swelling up inside her, so full of gratitude for both of them, for a home and family at last, and for this moment in which to enjoy it all. Thanksgiving, indeed.

That night when Henry had settled into his own room and the house had grown quiet, Emma stopped Killian as he left the bathroom after brushing his teeth, biting her lip at the all-too-inviting sight of him in dark blue lounge pants with little white anchors printed on them that he wore for sleep and all that dark hair on his toned and scarred chest. He looked upon her with a curious quirk to his brow, but didn't question her, only wrapped his arms around her waist and brought his forehead to rest against her own.

Enveloped in his warmth, Emma grew almost dizzy at the minty fresh breath he exhaled against her neck and nearly lost her train of thought altogether, but she pulled out the item she had intended to show him. It was the wishbone from their turkey, and she held it out for him to see. "Do you know what this is?"

"Aye," Killian answered, though she could tell by his expression he had no clue why she would draw his attention to it. "It's some part of that fowl we prepared for tomorrow's feast, but why…"

He trailed off when she twined the fingers of her free hand with his and brought his hand up to grip the opposite end of the wishbone from the one she held. "They're for wishing on," she explained briefly, playful mirth in her eyes. "People pull them apart and whoever gets the larger piece makes a wish that is then supposed to come true."

"Alright Lass, if you say so," he agreed gamely, a bit of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth now as well.

Holding her breath, Emma thought of all the times she had wanted to do this as a kid and had never been the one who got the wishbone. Or all the times as an adult that she'd had it, but no one in her empty apartment to hold the other end, or to appreciate the wish she'd made, nor share in her joy if it did come to fruition. As the fragile bone snapped and they looked down to the pieces in their hands, Emma and Killian found it had broken almost evenly, and so she whispered, not wanting to break the calm stillness in the room, "Let's say we both wish…together."

Killian merely nodded and closed his eyes as she did. When she opened them again, it was to meet his blue, blue gaze shining back at her. She had the feeling they'd wished for the exact same thing…many more years of holidays like this.

OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO

The blessed feeling carried over to the family dinner the next day. Sitting at the head of the long table in the dining room of a home of her very own – hers, Henry's and Killian's – the first time she'd ever had such a thing, Emma felt as though the whole scene was bathed in some sort of golden light, like she was living inside a perfect Norman Rockwell painting. The table surface was packed, crammed, overloaded with food – from the golden brown, crisp-skinned, turkey and their perfectly toasted, flaky butterhorns to Regina's apple dumplings, green beans, noodles, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The ten-year-old foster child inside her nearly drools at the bounty, never quite able to banish the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners missed, the times she had sat alone in some cafeteria, eyes fixed on the food other students carelessly tossed in the bins which she would have loved to have while she had been packed nothing to eat and had no money to buy even a carton of milk, of the times she had gone to bed in a rickety bunk, stomach growling and unable to stop fixating on those cabinets full of snacks that were off limits. Seeing Henry to her right, Emma ruffled his hair affectionately for just a second before he turned to grin at her proudly. He was clearly as pleased as she was that their time spent cooking the previous evening had given them this much to show for it. Moreover, she could only rejoice that he had never known the lonely, starving days she had, and the fact that neither she nor Killian ever would again.

She gave her father a nod of confirmation where he sat at the other end of the table, leading him to grin widely, the warm look of love and happiness on his face making her feel even more that this moment really was all she had been missing – all she had ever wanted – all those years she spent alone. As David stood to carve the turkey and Snow alternated between beaming up at her husband proudly and passing the plates now loaded up with juicy slices of turkey down the table, Emma squeezed Killian's hand with her left, and he cut a knowing glance at her, showing clearly that he understood and felt it too.

Beside Henry sat Belle, then Snow, and across from Henry were Regina, Robin, and Roland. It would seem that their family continued to grow and warmly open to welcome into its circle anyone with nowhere else to belong on this day meant to be spent with loved ones. As she had wished for that very thing each holiday season for 28 years, Emma could think of no better nor more heroic thing for her family to do.

Once everyone had been served – both turkey and all the other dishes filling the long table – Killian stood with raised glass, even as Emma tapped her spoon against her own to garner everyone's attention for him. "A toast, mates, if I may," Killian announced jovially in that rich, enticing voice. Emma shivered slightly at the way its tones thrilled through her, though trying to give no outward sign; she would gladly listen to him read the ingredients of the box for the stuffing, but she knew everyone else was hungry and ready to dig in, so her heart swelled just that much more when the others around their table dutifully paused and turned to listen to him with genuine interest and agreement.

"I daresay I shan't keep us from this delectable feast for long," her pirate intoned, "but I have more to be grateful for this year than I have ever possessed in my ridiculously long life, and my thanks must be offered…"

He paused, meeting the eyes of each of those gathered around the table briefly, and then continued with a fervent tone which came out sounding a bit choked with emotion. "When I first arrived in this realm, still lost in my bitterness, anger, and thirst for revenge, I could not have imagined a day like this, full of peace, love, and gratitude. Emma, Love, when you offered me the chance to join you and be a part of something, and we undertook that desperate quest to Neverland, the idea that we could come to belong to each other as we do now, that you would hold my heart in your very palm, or that I would find myself with a true family again, seemed inconceivable. Yet, I am so glad you gave me that last chance, like a line thrown in the drink to a drowning man. It saved my life, turned me back around to the man I once meant to be. My thankfulness to be here with all of you today cannot be adequately expressed." He swallowed hard, dipped his head, and then took his seat again. "You have all blessed us with your presence at our table."

"Cheers!" everyone else agreed, raising their glasses to clink with each other around the table, several other eyes misty and voices husky with feeling besides their captain's. Emma blinked quite a bit herself, glancing around at their motley crew.

Her fingers reached across to trail lightly over Killian's shoulder, stroking his back soothingly for a few moments and then rising to delve playfully into the dark hair at the nape of his neck. Brushing gently through the soft strands, Emma smiled affectionately as his head inclined slightly toward her, thinking humorously that if he were a cat, her sailor would be nearly purring in contentment right now. This moment deserved to be captured – preserved – in her mind forever; she couldn't feel any more stuffed with grateful satisfaction.

OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO

It was nearly midnight when the last of their guests had been seen to the door and out into the chilly dark of Storybrooke's nighttime streets. Henry had gone with Regina; they had a tradition of shopping, followed by decorating the mayor's mansion for Christmas, and then capping the evening off with homemade apple turnovers running over with icing on their day after Thanksgiving. Emma marveled at Henry's blithely forgiving ability to still eat the things with relish after nearly dying from one bit of just such a poisoned pastry also made by Regina long ago. Still, she couldn't deny she was also glad to have her pirate to herself this night – a true quiet moment for the two of them.

They were curled around each other on the couch in the living room, watching flames crackle merrily in the fireplace, feet up on the coffee table, each of them enjoying a sweet taste of leftover pumpkin pie.

"Open up, Darling," Killian urged, fork upraised to her lips with a piece of sticky filling and flaky crust adorned with the sweet white topping she loved. Emma really didn't need him to feed her, but she playfully went along with his gesture and hummed in pleasure when the flavors exploded on her tongue.

"Mhmm, really good," she mumbled, her mouth still full, but nodding her head and moving to get a piece on her own fork and return the favor for him.

Killian's deep, reverberating chuckle stopped her though, and he leaned forward just enough to wrap his lips around the tip of her nose, licking off the bit of whipped cream he'd gotten on her moments before. It was a mostly innocent gesture, but his proximity, the warmth of the near kiss, and the fact that they were truly – finally – alone, relaxed, and had nowhere else to be, had her heart hammering triple time as she sat up quickly, unfolded her legs and pulled him up with her.

"Come on, Pirate," she spoke a little breathlessly, a devilish gleam in her eyes, "we can finish this later."

It didn't take him long to catch on and follow her eagerly, still chuckling with his hand in hers, as she picked up the can of whipped cream from the coffee table where she'd placed it earlier and hurriedly pulled him upstairs.

Tagging a few who may enjoy: @kmomof4 @searchingwardrobes @jennjenn615 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @laschatzi @jrob64 @apiratewhopines @stahlop @teamhook @revanmeetra87 @xsajx @gingerchangeling @gingerpolyglot @kazoosandfannypacks @booksteaandtoomuchtv @anmylica @bdevereaux @motherkatereloyshipper @tiganasummertree @optomisticgirl @spartanguard @elizabeethan @the-darkdragonfly @donteattheappleshook @winterbaby89 @jonesfandomfanatic @lfh1226-linda @bluewildcatfanatic

[oathofpromises]

Starter for: @diademreigned

In a mesmerizing display akin to the celestial starshower, heroes hailing from distant shards materialized upon the first.Normally, this wouldn't have been an issue considering Stella and the Scions were summoned here but it was clear the ghostly heores purpose was singularly foucsed on one indiviudal-her.

Each one that they were able to bring down was more like slicing through the air. After considering it, Stella realized that these heroes were not fully summoned. Not even their souls, either; the only thing they craved was snuffing out darkness. Stella was all too aware at this point that the white-cloaked Ascian was intent on removing her from the picture. It was the only way to ensure that this shard would rejoin with the first and bring about the eighty umbral calmity. Elidibus had gained access to the crystal tower, using it to perform constant summonings. Who else could it have been? If it had been G'raha, he would not have used the tower in such a careless manner.

There they stood so close to the tower, yet more ghostly heroes stood in their way. There was no other choice but for the others to remain behind and hold them off while Au Ra made her way to the tower. If this kept up, how would that affect G'raha's body? His connection to the tower had prolonged his life. He had mentioned that when the tower bore too much burden, it would take a greater toll on his own body. Cleaning her first, she felt that familiar ache in her chest. These people had been through enough. Elidibus had twisted their pure intentions to help save this world into something twisted.

'Please save them...' echoed a voice deep within her heart. The words reverberated through her being, resonating with a haunting urgency. She could feel the weight of the plea, as if it carried the hopes and dreams of countless souls. It was a voice she had heard so often in her dreams, at least ever since arriving on the first. Reaching up, Au Ra pressed a hand to her chest. There was something stirring inside her, yearning to break free, yet a part of her felt like accepting it would only lead to further hurt. Shaking her head, she ran down the pathway towards the tower. She had no intention of stopping until she heard a familiar voice grunting in pain.

Stopping, she noticed both G'raha and Beq Lugg, who were lying on the ground. It didn't take her too long to piece together that the two had fled the tower. They didn't have much of a choice considering who they were up against. Aside from that, G'raha had been extending a lot of energy and time into finishing the soul crystals.

'It was all we could do—to raise a ward to hinder his steps... And so we fled... But he took it... The vessel with the Exarch's memories... Forgive me. Forgive me.' cried Beq Lugg. Stella's eyes were saddened, as that was the reason why the Asician was able to summon so many heroes here. She had already figured it out, but the pain in their voices was evident. They were clearly blaming themselves for this, when the person Elidibus wanted to hear was her. She was the problem, first with the radiating light, and now with this. It felt like she was creating more problems than she was solving here, but a part of her couldn't voice that. At least not right now; they needed her.

"Beq Lugg, it's not your fault. You both are okay; that's what is more important. I promise I will get the Exarch soul crystal back and return peace to this land, even if it kills me. You all have suffered enough for years."

Why did this feel so familiar—the way her heart pounded against her rib cage? Blurry images from the past flowed into her mind. For nights, the Au Ra struggled to make sense of them, but they all connected to one person—the Exarch. She could see an image of someone in his arms whispering words as rain poured down around them. Some light transferred from her body into his own.

"I'm just glad you're both alive. Make sure you stay that way. Lyna and the others are close by; I will send someone to come help you both."

Stella slowly started to stand and turned to make her way towards the gates, but froze as she felt the Exarch arm reach out and grab for her wrist. There was such a sad look in his red eyes, as the crystals on his body seemed even brighter than before. His pain intensified with each passing moment, bringing his body closer to complete consumption.

'If you mean to go alone, I won't let you. Not this time.''

Was he saying that to her or the Lady Exarch? Lyna had told her the story about the night the mother of the crystarium had died. For months, the Exarch locked himself in his tower, hiding any traces of her from plain sight. It was too painful to remember her, and if she looked so much like the Lady Exarch, did that mean that it caused G'raha pain to see her? He had mentioned that recalling past memories did bring agony, but maybe that was in part due to all that he had seen and lost.

"Why do you care if I go alone? I have fought by myself plenty of times. This is no different."Stella whispered, as her eyes looked up at the sky as the starshower. It was hard now that she knew the exarch was G'raha. Ever since that day on Mt. Gulg, she has been trying to find the words to tell him. For awhile, she had suspected that he was G'raha, but he had managed to convince her otherwise at every turn.Ever since that day, the two haven't talked as much to each other, only when they needed to. This situation had been equally difficult for Stella and G'raha. He had expected to sacrifice himself, and for a time, she thought maybe he needed time to think about things. There were moments when their hands would briefly touch, and they would both turn to the side. Being in the same area with him did nothing to calm the storm of emotions inside her chest.

'Do you love him?' Those were the words Thancred had asked her the night all of them had returned. It was pretty obvious she did, but G'raha's heart was with the Lady Exarch.

'I can't be her, even if part of me so badly wishes I was... I wish I could stop caring so much, but I never stopped loving him. Not once.' 

Then there was that tiny part of her heart that yearned to say so much to him. She always felt the words she couldn't say that day stuck in her throat. He loved someone else, and that was just a fact she would have to accept.

I want to love you, even if I can't be her. It's selfish, I know that but my tears haven't stopped falling since the day you sealed yourself inside the tower. I can't say that..not now. No matter how much my heart yearns to lay my feelings bare.

[etherealvoidechoes]

Darkest Dungeon - Blood, Tears, & Candles - Pt. 1 of 4

A brush with death in the Cove injures Dismas badly and brings forth memories he would rather throw away and forget. Yet, that twisted strangeness of the Hamlet will have him face those painful memories whether he wants to or not.

An idea that's been floating in my head for a while. Toying with some of my own fan ideas concerning things. And will slowly add more tags.

Also, Heirs is not a spelling mistake. I am toying with the idea of it being a trio. They are lovingly nicknamed the "triplets" though only two are twins and the third(non-twin) is the eldest by some years.

Pt 1 (You are here) || Pt 2 || Pt 3 || Pt 4

Ao3 Link

Edit: Forget to add the community tag for it being mature. Now added.

-----

“Rah, raaah rargh…” 

Eyes closed tight, already pale knuckles growing paler by the second as their death grip on the table increased, Dismas bit down hard on the hastily bundled up bitter herb-soaked cloth that was shoved into his moments before when he finally regained consciousness.

He was doing his best to stay still, but another deep prick through his skin, followed by a slightly rough thread running through it, and the ensuing snug pull made him squirm. What wasn’t helping him in the slightest was how uncomfortable and freezing the table he was lying stomach down on was; barely had a place for him to have a proper grip. But since when was a visit to the Sanitarium ever comfortable? Comfort was a luxury.

His teeth clenched down, gritting harder as he felt waves of pain ripple through ribs and surrounded muscle. Another source of pain. Vestal Gael and that hallowed Light. She had her hands on his back assisting the Head Nurse, whilst channeling the holy power into his near-fatal wounds. And another Vestal, Sam’arus, poured holy water across the wounds, whilst chanting several prayers. It all burned. 

“Ra-AH!” It felt like his jaw was moments from splintering into many pieces as he clamped down again as the holy energy grew stronger and traversed his body. Piecing bone and sinew back together. Purging whatever evil that could have infested it from the Occultist’s powers. Powers that saved his life.

“Escaped one hell and into another.” He thought. A fist pounded against the table in a sluggish, disjointed manner. Damn Pelagic Champion nearly did him in. Or actually did him in from what the others told him. He wasn’t fully sure.

“Nearly done, Dismas. Just a few more stitches, blessings, and holy water.” Head Nurse Merrill spoke. There was little softness in her voice. Just a stern indifference “Gael, steady your hands.”

Music to his ears, but it still felt like a distant dream.

But another sound greeted his ears. One his mind refocused on despite how much he wanted to ignore it. Sniffles. 

Oh, not again. Ignore it. Ignore it. But he couldn’t. He knew who it was. And why. Somewhat. The memories were hazy.

“I’m so sorry, Dismas.” Choked words came from Gael.

Another apology from the anguished Vestal. One of hundreds if not thousands since they came back from their near pyrrhic expedition. She blamed herself.

“If only my faith and convictions were stronger. I’m so sorry.”

Dismas huffed. He was growing tired of hearing that, but he couldn’t say or do much at the moment. She wasn’t responsible for his near-death or full death. He was… or was he? Ever since arriving back at the Hamlet, it felt like his memories were more distant than ever from the lingering fog caused by the blood loss and pain. Time and space just felt off. Well, it was always off thinking of the backgrounds of his fellow heroes, but this felt more than normal. As if it was both stretched out, folding in, and layering upon itself. It all felt like that Homestead. That farm. Poor workers. Poor Farmer. He didn’t want to go back there. Everything felt so wrong.

The Ancestor played that farmer like a fiddle. Another mess for the Heirs and all employed to clean up. At least attempt so.

“This place is such a madhouse. Somehow, the Heirs keep everything together.” It was a continual miracle, in his opinion.

There was a soft jingle from the doorbell. Swift shuffling of feet crossed the floor. 

“Ms. Merrill!” A girl’s voice exclaimed. “I’ve come with the candles you requested.” It was Sherry, one of the many children of the Hamlet. She fancied herself an errand girl for several of the establishments in the Hamlet.

In her hands was a basket full of candles of varying heights, medicinal herbs, and various flasks with viscous, sickly looking liquids. 

“Where would like them?” She asked as raised the basket and came in. Curious eyes drifted over to the delicate work being done. She seemed rather undisturbed by the operation going on.

“Young lady! ”The door again opened with a hard slam, rattling the bell, as an exasperated nurse rushed her way over to the intruder. “You’re not supposed to be in here!” A firm hand quickly grabbed the girl’s arm, but soon froze as she felt a chill run up her spine. Head hesitantly looking up, her eyes met the frigid gaze of the Head Nurse. ”I-I-I’m so sorry! I tried to—“

“It’s fine. The girl’s got a strong spirit.” Merril’s voice was stringent, but calm. As she turned her attention back to her take, it soon shifted over to a softer one. “Sherry, be a dear and put the candles there,” she pointed to a nearby stool, its top laden with old, melted wax, “and please light them. You can hand the basket to Nurse Marie when you are done.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Sherry grinned, giving the nurse a mean side-eye. Nurse Maria only glared back.

Quick feet shuffled over to the stool and she quickly got the candles placed. There was some arguing between Sherry and the nurse about who would light the matches, but a gruff “ahem” from the Merril quieted the two.

A few rough strikes and swoosh. Sulfur permitted the room. Then a more fragrant and calming smell overtook it.

“Now, out, out, out!” The nurse hastily ushered the girl out when she started asking if ‘Mr. Dismas would be okay and what happened.’

“Youth. Too curious for her own good.” Dismas couldn’t help but snort.

For a moment, his nerves seemed to give him some reprieve. Or was that Light being merciful? It didn’t matter. He didn’t care. He was just happy it didn’t feel like he was going to crack his teeth and jaw the next second.

As those tense fingers relaxed from the edges of the table and his shoulders began to droop down to rest, it all tensed once more. He sniffed several times. His lips twitched, corners curled into a frown.

“No.”

The fragrance from the candles had finally wafted over to him. Pushing away the pungent smell of the antiseptics and ever-so lingering smell of copper that was a part of the Sanitarium.  

“Home…”

Memories of the past rushed to the forefront of his mind. Somewhat more pleasant times. A quaint little town that had no right to be so welcoming to him. A ruffian. But it only took one person’s word for them to let him in and rebuild himself. He could never repay that kindness.

“The candle shop… the bakery… the foods… ”

Lavender, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices. The candles smelled just like life back then. Back in that house daily. That fragrant aroma of fresh baked goods he looked forward to after a hard day’s work running errands for the various town folk or after fulfilling quotas in the candle shop. Those moist, succulent pies were just the sunshine to a gloomy day.

“No, no, no…”

But now, he despised those scents. Tears welled at the corners of his eyes.

“Hold it in. Hold it in. Don’t think about it. Don’t think.”

Fingers gripped tightly the sides of the table once more, as tears ran down his face. Every fiber of his being detested the miasma filling his nose and lungs. How he wished he could puke out the retched stench, sear it clean from his mind. Blot out all memories associated with those once-welcoming aromas. He didn’t deserve to remember them anymore. Especially after…

“No. Don’t think about them. Don’t think about that night.”

That night. That job. He shouldn’t have taken it. Life was going so well, it was so good! With new debts paid, he was about to be the co-owner of the local candle shop. Heh. He never thought he would take up the profession again with how he slipped into the criminal underworld. His thuggish youth was a mere distant relic of the past — he was all too happy to forget, to never live again. 

But then they showed up. Ones who knew he never truly paid for his crimes. He was an escaped fugitive. Murderer. There was still a bounty on his head. But they could clear all of that ‘misunderstandings’ and keep silent if he did them a favor. Just one job that would make everything a thing of the past. One simple job. 

Hah! It was a setup. He should have called their bluff. Or discreetly eliminated them. Yeah. He should have done that. Those he cared for would still be alive if he acted so differently.

“No. No. No. Think. Think! Back to the Hamlet… its strangeness. Yes. It’s strangeness.”

For a moment, his mind started to slip away, slipping away to dwell on how strange, no, stranger the Hamlet had become over the year. As the Estate was purged of trouble and otherworldly trickery, and the Hamlet was rebuilt to its former glory, more “heroes” joined their cause. Familiar faces, familiar roles like his own, but backgrounds were ever so slightly different. Truthfully, he felt like he had seen himself, met himself a few times. Just something was slightly different with each. Older. Younger. Shorter. Taller. Had a distinct accent. Dressed slightly differently. Mannerisms were just like him or were strange. And he could list countless other things that made everything oh so peculiar. Especially his darkest secret. How did they share that?

“No. None of that bull right now. Think. How did the expedition go again?”

He didn’t need his mind dwelling on that conspiracy. Nothing stranger, well, stranger than normal was going on. He was just a little tired and overworked. Yes, that was it. 

Back to more important things.

Snorted huffs slipped out as he searched his memories. He went back to the beginning of the expedition. Pieces slowly came back together. Nearly all the details of the trip.