#beloved evergreens how i miss you

[actualalligator]

Moodboard tag game

rules: post a picture of a place, animal, plant, season, character, hobby, color, gemstone, and food that reminds you of yourself/represents you

Puget Sound, Dog, Evergreens, Fall, Buck, Writing, Teal, Snowflake Agate, Sugar Cookies

Tagged by: @malewifediaz

No pressure tagging: @im-overstimulated-and-im-sad @lochnesswriter @friendly-chaos @snowviolettwhite @anewkindofme

[shegatsby]

Love Thy Enemy

Summary; Y/N Atreides had always been a stranger to the entire galaxy, her bed wasn’t her bed, her home wasn’t her home due to the fact that she was sent to accompany and be sisters with Irulan. She had limited access to her actual family and over the years they grew distant. She thought she would be like Reverend Mother, alone, yet powerful, and soon she would realize that there was no need of being alone when a wild creature had his eyes on her for a long time.

A/N; HI!!! Its been a long time since I wrote a series but i cannot resist Feyd. English isn''t my first language so go easy on me. There will be smut in the future chapters. TAG LIST IS OPEN!!!!!! (Reader has a lover and Feyd's going to find out lol 😉😉😉)

Warnings; None. Female Bene Gesserit Reader x Feyd-Rautha, enemies to lovers! reader is reffered to as she/her.

Words; 1.520K

Chapter 2

Chapter One – ‘’Meeting in flesh and blood’’

‘’Right behind you!’’ Irulan screamed as she was riding her horse to match Y/N’s. Y/N was a skilled rider, the wind in her long hair, she laughed at Irulan’s attempt of winning the race and focused on the finish line. Planet Kaitian which was the second Capital of the Corrino Empire had so many opportunities for Padishah Emperor Shaddam’s daughter Irulan and his beloved Y/N. The planet had forests, lakes and rivers so Y/N didn’t miss much of her home planet Caladan, she sometimes tossed and turned in her bed thinking of her family members but she was taken to Kaitain years ago. Irulan and Y/N were the same age and when Shaddam couldn’t have more children he asked Duke Leto Atreides to bring his first born daughter to be sisters with Irulan. Leto tried to find so many ways to refuse Padishah Emperor yet he was the ultimate power in the entire galaxy and Leto had no choice but to give his daughter Y/N. She was one years old when the arrangements were made. She could see her family at political events or celebrations, she had been in Caladan few times yet she felt stranger to the planet and she felt stranger to Kaitain as well. She has always wondered if, by any chance one day she would feel the sensation of ‘’being at home’’ nowhere and no one was her home. Maybe this was her fate.

When she finished the race her horse calmed down, Irulan followed behind. ‘’I swear you’re cheating and I am going to find out.’’ She was joking of course, Irulan and Y/N had a close relationship yet Y/N never forgot that she was a princess and there for needed to be treated more cautiously than the other lords and ladies of the galaxy. Together they hopped off of their horses, ‘’Walk with me.’’ Irulan’s  voice was soft yet direct. Her short blonde hair got messy, hem of her white long dress covered in mud, she was carefree when she was with Y/N.

Y/N had the color of her house Atreides. Green. Her green dress felt so light, they were walking on the grass for few minutes in silence., Y/N knew that Irulan wanted to say something.

Palace’s gardens were evergreen, gardeners achieved perfection. Gardens smelled of flowers at any time of the year. Irulan stopped in her tracks, they turned to soak in the scenery before their eyes, the entire planet was under their feet. Servants’ chatters could be heard, no matter what they were never alone. ‘’Soon my father will throw a ball for me.’’ She looked distant, Padishah Emperor Shaddam never had parties without a solid reason, it must be political. Before Y/N could ask Irulan explained simply, ‘’I will meet the man I have to marry.’’ Y/N knew one day that she had to marry someone in order to protect the power they had over the galaxy but she never thought the date would come this quick. Y/N had already a lover, only Irulan knew because he was from a lower house. She had a childish hope that one day she would marry him.

Irulan laughed in sarcasm, ‘’How I wish to be you, sister!’’ it was obvious that Irulan dreaded the situation.

There were no arrangements for Y/N and she was free for a long time or so she thought.

‘’I trust in Emperor’s decision. He won’t wed you to someone unworthy.’’ She tried to encourage her dear friend but Irulan stood there like a stone. ‘’Let’s head back.’’ Y/N said. A hollow silence followed them to the dining hall. Emperor couldn’t attend because he was dealing with preparations of the ball. The white marble fire place was lit and orange colors danced in the room, the dining hall was adorned with lavish furniture and a long wooden table. The wood came from Giedi Prime, it was called Pilingitam.

 Irulan seemed troubled, ‘’What’s on your mind sister?’’ Y/N asked. She was concerned for her, if she knew that she had to be concerned for herself…

She watched Irulan’s palm slithering on the Pilingitam table,’’ Majority of the houses will be at the ball,’’ she looked up to meet Y/N’s curious eyes, ‘’The Harkonnens will be too.’’ Y/N’s blood ran cold, she remembered the times where Emperor used to take them to Giedi Prime for political reasons. They had to sit and watch the games in the black and white arena. Gladiators killing each other…

She remembered a boy with pure blue eyes and full lips, ‘’I will fight there too when I’m old enogh.’’ He was sitting next to Y/N in his black outfit. He closed the tiny gap between him and Y/N, and he spoke quietly, ‘’Will you come and watch me?’’ he was speaking as if killing was a normal act. His knee touching Y/N’s, she remembered distinctly that the boy interlaced his little finger with hers. They were ten and yet Y/N could see Baron Vladimir’s influence on his poor nephew.

Y/N didn’t need to go back in her memories to detest the Harkonnens. Their families were in and out of war for centuries. Thankfully for a long time peace was kept. ‘’I will manage.’’ She insured Irulan with a genuine smile yet it wasn’t enough. Y/N brushed it off, after dinner she had mental training anyways.

Until the day of the ball she corresponded with her lover, Pyramus

He was a tall man with dark curls and jet black eyes. His beard always tickled her face.

She spent her days training and accompanying Irulan. Irulan grew restless as the they approached.

One by one the ships started to arrive, one could look up to the busy blue sky and see. Y/N’s family arrived early to see her and spend time with her. Lady Jessica, her mother, immediately questioned her about Y/N’s Bene Gesserit training, Duke Leto was happy to see her daughter once again. Paul, her one year younger brother gave her a tight hug.

They were united once more, she escorted them to their quarters in the palace and retrieved to get ready for the event. She wore a green dress with emeralds on her chest and waist, her maid braided her hair in Atreides style. She also wore an emerald tiara. Paul Atreides knocked on her door to escort her to the ball room, he looked sharp in his dark green suit. ‘’You seem nervous.’’ He questioned, -Y/N knew that her mother was teaching Bene Gesserit ways to her brother,- yes she was nervous because she was going to be reunited with her lover. ‘’Too many people.’’ She responded. Servants were running with food and wine on the corridors, music could be heard from a distance. Members of houses were having conversations about spice, politics, etc.

The doors of the room were open, inside was lit by the yellow warm lights coming from glowglobes, guests laughing and drinking. Tallest member was Baron Vladimir due to hanging in the air, eating like a mad man but she ignored him.

Her eyes searching for her lover, so blind to an outsider who got her under his radar.

Paul and Y/N walked to the table of their house, ‘’You look lovely my girl.’’ Duke Leto kissed her daughter’s forehead, it didn’t go unnoticed by a certain someone. He was a snake, silently slithering close to his prey.

Padishah Emperor Shaddam and his daughter Princess Irulan were announced and slowly entered the room, everyone bowed. They took their seats and Emperor greeted everyone, thanked them for coming to his feast and he also announced that he would choose the life partner of his daughter among his unmarried male guests. Duke Leto found himself watching his daughter with sad eyes, he wondered if he could see her wedding one day. Would she be happy and fortunate like him? Only time would tell but he prayed quietly.

It was time to dance, couples held each others’ hands and marched to the dance floor, Paul excused himself and went to ask the princess to dance with him. Leto happily asked Jessica to dance with him, Y/N wished that they were officially married but to keep his position as a powerful bachelor, other houses worked for him hoping that one day Duke Leto would marry one of their daughters. It was a well played game of chess on Atreides’s part. Y/N watched Irulan and Paul talking silently and dancing.

Soon Pyramus came with a huge smile. He kissed her hand and winked at her, ‘’My beautiful lady, would you be so kind and accompany me on the dance floor?’’ she tried so hard not to grin, ‘’Of course my lord.’’ He was in his house’s color, yellow. Hand in hand they mingled among the other couples, ‘’I’ve missed you.’’ He whispered. ‘’Not here.’’ She used the voice on him and his mouth closed in a second. Only their eyes talked.

They heard a rough cough and turned to face the intruder, Y/N had no idea that she would meet him in flesh and blood, ‘’Feyd…’’

[rated-s-for-shenanigans]

band of brothers characters as taylor swift lyrics

dick winters- marjorie. ‘never be so polite, you forget your power/never wield such power you forget to be polite’

lewis nixon- fortnight. ‘i was a functioning alcoholic till nobody noticed my new aesthetic’

carwood lipton- nothing new. ‘how can a person know everything at eighteen and nothing at twenty-two?’

ronald spiers- vigilante shit. ‘they say looks can kill and i might try’

david webster- the lakes. ‘take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die/i don’t belong here and my beloved neither do you.’

joeseph liebgott- mr. perfectly fine. ‘hello, mr. perfectly fine/how’s your heart after breaking mine’

eugene roe- epiphany. ‘crawling up the beaches now/sir i think he’s bleeding out/and some things you just can’t speak about.’

babe heffron- would’ve, could’ve, should’ve- ‘god rest my soul, i miss who i used to be/the tomb won’t close, stained glass windows in my mind/i regret you all the time’

george luz- i can do it with a broken heart. ‘i was grinning like i’m winning/i was hitting my marks/cause i can do it with a broken heart’

joe toye- mastermind. ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail/strategy sets the scene for the tale/i’m the wind in our free-flowing sails/and the liquor in our cocktails’

wild bill guarnere- new romantics. ‘we are too busy dancing to get knocked off our feet/baby, we’re the new romantics, the best people in life are free’

donald malarkey- death by a thousand cuts. ‘saying goodbye is death by a thousand cuts/flashbacks waking me up/i get drunk but it’s not enough’

skip muck and alex penkala- champagne problems. ‘how evergreen our group of friends/don’t think we’ll say that word again’

drop any suggestions in the comments! or if you'd like to see some other characters

[moonlit-midnight]

Coming Home to the Warmest Embrace

Characters: Jade Leech.

Genre: Romantic fluff, Mild angst.

Summary: In which your world felt strange when your beloved boyfriend went missing for a few days. Or in which being held in his arms is like coming home to the warmest embrace.

Warnings: GN!Reader. I got carried away with this fic, so kindly excuse the dramatic writing.

—

You thought the skies had tumbled down, and the world had fallen apart.

Then you realized that you were just missing Jade, your darling partner and dearest best friend.

You missed him like the evergreen trees miss their leaves in the cold winter. 

You missed him like the ocean waves miss running back to the shoreline. 

You missed him like the sky misses the shine of the golden sun when the day fades to black.

You weren’t a clingy person. So to witness yourself yearning for your lover’s presence and missing him to this extent blew your mind.

Well, you couldn’t blame yourself when Jade had been missing for the past four days.

You searched for him in every sunrise, in every nook and cranny of NRC, in your usual hangout places, but he was nowhere to be found. 

You didn’t have any shared classes with him, and much to your chagrin, not even Azul and Floyd had a clue about his whereabouts. 

Was it even possible for someone to disappear without anyone getting a slight glimpse of them?

★ —

As you ran through the vast hallway of the school, you felt your lungs burning and your legs weakening, but you kept going like the wind despite the exhaustion gnawing at you.

It was the only way to clear your mind since the person who always put you at ease wasn’t here with you.

While running aimlessly, you almost tripped and fell face down when a pair of strong hands which belonged to no other than your boyfriend caught you in time.

Jade dropped on his knees on the hard ground, breaking your fall. He bundled you in his arms, and gently cradled your slightly trembling body against his chest.

“J-jade?” you gasped. Your expression was a mixture of shock and relief. “Where on earth have you been?”

“Did you miss me so much? It’s just been four days since I was gone.” A teasing smile graced his face as he leaned in to give you a quick, sweet kiss.

“I missed you. You know that my heart is less lonely when we’re together.” you murmured softly, burying your fingers in his hair and kissed him back.

“Then look at me now, my love. As much as you want.”

He was here, and dear god, you missed him so much.

You missed Jade’s warm laugh. You missed his serene smile and how it qualifies as the most beautiful sight to see. 

You missed the little ordinary things that you do together on a daily basis. You missed him checking on your wellbeing, his constant teasing and his friendly bantering. 

You missed listening to him talk about his day and holding heart-to-heart conversations at night.

Above all, you missed his presence the most, his presence that simply radiates warmth and brings you sheer delight and happiness. 

“You’re my quiet home, Jade. Where everything is calm and I feel safe.” you cradled his face, gazing at him with a loving look glinting in your kind eyes. “Don’t disappear like that again.” 

“You’re my haven too, my dear heart. Where I feel happy and at peace.” Jade kissed you again, nudging a soft smile against your lips. 

Forgive me for causing you worry. I promise you my dearest, I won’t go missing again.

NOTE: It’s up to you to imagine the reason behind Jade’s disappearance. My own reasoning is a bit funny, but I didn’t want to ruin the story so I didn’t include it.

[lostfirefly]

Masterlist

(just not to lose my stories on the page, coz I don't know how it all started :))

One Piece - Buggy x OC, Buggy x Reader (placed on a separate link)

ᐢᗜᐢ Buggy x Reader Masterlist ᐢᗜᐢ

Buggy x Catherine (OC from You've Got the Same Dream as Me series)

(AU: No ships, no marines, Buggy lives in Cairo and runs a circus, periodically goes in search of gold with his girlfriend)

A brilliant art by UlfJack

• You've Got the Same Dream as Me

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10 (the final)

Catherine, a librarian who is searching for the trail of her sister who went missing on an expedition. Notes in books and diaries lead her to Cairo. There she finds a retailer from an artifact shop who, in exchange for selling her a map and equipment, insists that Catherine take her along. They get into a little (or maybe a big) adventure..  (based on my dream with Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill, but they have been replaced). Main characters: Sir Crocodile x OC, Buggy x OC. The Mummy and Indiana Jones vibes.

• Life Must Have It's Mysteries Cathie-pie and Buggy are going to their new adventure to find the blue diamond.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 (nsfw part is included), Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12 (the epilogue)

• You are what my sins enclosed, lust as not as creative as its discovery (nsfw!) Buggy and Catherine live happily together in Cairo and they return home from the walk. Catherine made one mistake :)

• With each word your tenderness grows, tearing my fear apart, and that laugh that wrinkles your nose, it touches my foolish heart Buggy and Catherine were spending their evening at a bar. He was busy all week with his circus, so they hardly saw each other (yes, this happens too). A simple game leads to their first fight. 

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 (nsfw!)

• 'Cause honey your soul can never grow old, it's evergreen, baby your smile's forever in my mind and memory Catherine's birthday. Buggy wants to give her a fun day.

• Let's stay together lovin' you whether, whether times are good or bad, happy or sad Buggy had a rough day, he came home upset and got a share of comfort from his Cathie-pie :) • Tell me what you want to hear, something that will light those ears I'm sick of all the insincere, so I'm gonna give all my secrets away Catherine came back home and found Buggy lying on the couch with the headphones. • If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see, I'll be the light to guide you Buggy and Catherine have been living together for about a month one and a half to two months. Catherine sees him without his clown makeup for the first time (for a completely stupid reason, because these two couldn’t have it any other way) • Cooking in the kitchen now that's what we do, there's something cooking in the kitchen just for you Cathie-pie is making breakfast for her beloved clown.

• What do you do? What do you do in the bath? (NSFW part is included) Buggy came home from a short tour. He and Catherine are taking a bath. Something gets out of control :) • Just a second, we're not broken, just bent and we can learn to love again Buggy asks Catherine out on a date, and they accidentally run into an old friend of hers. • The score will show we're pretty bad, but look at all the fun we've had Buggy screwed up (as always) and Catherine made him take her to the bowling club. • Desire, I'm hungry, and I hope you feed me. How do you want me, how do you want me? (nsfw is included!) Events take place after chapter 10 of "You've got the same dream as me". Catherine decides to stay in Cairo. Buggy brings her home. • Dust the shelves and polish the glass-ware, the housework makes you happy Catherine once again pulls out the trio Buggy, Cabaji and Mohji from the prison's point of view and forces them to clean the apartment. • Sharing horizons that are new to us, watchin' the signs along the way, talkin' it over, just the two of us, workin' together day to day Catherine and Buggy are celebrating six months since they first met. • I stand in fear as she gets near, then everything's okay I hope this feeling never goes away (flashback) Catherine and Buggy are going on their first date. Buggy sometimes reacts to simple little things in a very strange way. • I'm still learning about life, my woman brought children for me, so I can sing them all my songs, and I can tell them stories One morning if Buggy and Catherine had kids. • Well, I don't know why I came here tonight, I've got the feeling that something ain't right Neighbor asks Catherine and Buggy to look after the kids at their birthday party while she goes to get the cake. • In my midnight confessions, when I say all the things that I want to (Bedtime Story Series) Catherine's backstory in the format of fairy tales. Chapter 1 • Today, my love, all I want, I wanna sing for you, yeah, I'll sing for you, baby! Happy birthday to you! (sfw + nsfw) Buggy's bday! Catherine throws a party!

• Your nose is runnin', and your eyes are red, your head is achin', you'd be better in bed

Catherine caught a cold. Buggy takes care of her.

ᐢᗜᐢ Buggy and Catherine's Lifetime Sketches ᐢᗜᐢ

Bugust (lifetime sketches, stories)

OC: Day 1, Day 2, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 12, Day 14, Day 15, Day 16 (nsfw), Day 19, Day 20, Day 21, Day 22, Day 24 (nsfw), Day 25, Day 27, Day 28. Day 30 (nsfw), Day 31

Reader: Day 1, Day 12, Day 16 (NSFW), Day 23 (NSFW), Day 26, Day 29

Sir Crocodile x OC

• Trembling, crawling across my skin, feeling your cold dead eyes, stealing the life of mine (a bday present for my @yujo-nishimura)

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5 (The Finale, NSFW part is included)

Yujo is a young girl whom her father has betrothed to Mr. 3. She and her sister come to the ball, where she meets one of the members of the Cross Guild Corporation Sir Crocodile.

[queerprayers]

do you have any tips for protestant christians who want to practice advent in a more ritualistic way?

Happy Advent, beloved! I love this question!

Hopefully this isn't too obvious but just in case: Advent wreaths were originally a Lutheran tradition and they're my favorite holiday ritual! I'm in the minority in that my church's Advent color is blue, but many people's are purple and pink. The Wikipedia page lists some different traditions—some people give a meaning to each candle. Generally people will have five and light one for each week of Advent and then one for Christmas. Advent is cut short this year (Advent 4 and Christmas Eve are the same day) but it's still never too late to start participating in a season! One day of mindful Advent is more precious than weeks of half-hearted Advent.

I have blue and gold candle holders, but many places sell Advent-specific candles and holders, or you can just get four or five candles (real or fake) from around the house and arrange them! I haven't gotten around to it yet this year but I like gathering evergreen branches from outside and arranging them in more of a proper wreath, but a fake wreath would work too, or just candles on a cloth or table.

I also saw this 20-minute Advent candle set, where you can light a candle each day and let it burn down while praying/meditating/writing. You could set a timer and do something similar with any type of candle. Candles are a staple of winter holidays for a reason—light and warmth, obviously, and there's something about having a natural source of those things existing in your house when so much of the rest of your life may be artificial. I thank God my house has heating, but I also seek out the ways this earth provides what we need, if we only know where to look.

Some form of counting down to Christmas is a main theme of Advent traditions, and I don't think this is a bad thing at all, although I do see my Advent wreath as more of a fulfillment than a countdown. I always encourage people to take at least a moment for just Advent. We could look at Lent as a countdown to Easter, but we might miss the journey. And after all, Holy Week and Easter is the culmination of our calendar, not Christmas. We are still in the beginning.

My family doesn't usually put up a Christmas tree until around the 23rd, and I don't listen to Christmas carols until Christmas Eve. I don't refuse to participate in secular/cultural Christmas events/traditions before then, but Christmas as religious practice is twelve days for us, starting the 25th. I have time to make room, to prepare. I'm listening to Advent music now, to ground myself in time. I don't say this because I think everyone should necessarily do this (by all means, find room for joy wherever you can), but because an Advent value that I find meaning in is patience. Christmas exists, joy exists, salvation exists—but what happens in the time before those things? What happens if we're not there yet, if we perhaps have to wait our whole lives? We do not know the future, but there are things we can see, and even more things we can trust in. How can we practice hoping for it all?

This year I'm reading Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (the last gift my grandfather gave me), and it's marking my days in a similar way candles do—connecting me with the world, setting aside time, bringing me back to why I exist the way that I do. There are countless devotional/topical books out there—as well as Watch for the Light, I would recommend Preparing for Christmas by Richard Rohr and Accompanied by Angels: Poems of the Incarnation by Luci Shaw (which can double as a Lenten/Easter book as well). I'm also looking forward to reading in future years Celtic Advent by David Cole and WinterSong by Madeleine L'Engle & Luci Shaw.

If you don't usually attend worship services, Advent is a lovely time to start—it's the new year, after all! My city has a caroling night downtown, and you could look for similar events in your community. You could also start new worship traditions—my uncle hosts a Christmas carol singing circle every year, and his apartment is squished full of happy people, some Christian and some not, singing until the neighbors complain.

Speaking of the new year, that's what this is for many of us, and one way we can acknowledge that is by thinking about the past year and/or the year to come. What was last Advent like for you? Where are you now? Why are you seeking out more ritual this year? Are there future seasons in the church year that you want to further observe? What joy and grief and community do you see on the road ahead of you? What can you not even begin to imagine? Advent can be a beginning for all of it, if you let it. And Advent is the ultimate time to contemplate the past and the future—as we remember Jesus coming two thousand years ago, as we experience him every day, and as we look to a second coming that none of us understand but can occasionally stand to ponder.

There are the little things, too—writing Christmas cards is very ritualistic for me, as well as making gifts, and preparing for Christmas in a material way, especially if it's for others, can be a lovely ritual! Volunteering, preparing a home, creating, writing, taking a walk--anything, really, can be a ritual if we do it purposely. We don't always have to add something to our life—we can live something we already live in a new way.

And then there's the other kind of practice: emptying. We talk about this most when we encounter Lent, but I think there's a place for it here, too (and always). I don't mean abandon our responsibilities/hobbies/relationships, but most of us have too much. It is a blessing to have, but it can also be a blessing to let go. Many of us overwork ourselves during December, at work, at school, financially, socially, around the house. I've learned to look at busy-ness as a gift, but I also work to not fill up my life until there's no room for the season. There are people who fast during Advent, but there are other ways to make space in our lives to fill up with God, and Advent encourages us to spend time in that space. God is coming, a thief in the night, a late guest, an overlooked baby. Do you have room? Do you still have the attention span and energy? Will you even notice?

Christmas is many things to many people, and preparing for it is similarly diverse. I'm carrying a lot of grief with me this year, from both family and world tragedy. I know a lot of people who feel pressured to be happy during the holidays, and that breaks my heart—and it also makes me wonder how much having a ritualistic Advent since I was a kid has helped me avoid that. Happiness was never a value my family held—it was beautiful, but not inherently holy. Emotions come and go. Love exists infinitely, and patience and hope can be practiced and lived out regardless.

There are so many traditions, especially in the US, that leave people hungering for ritual and material practice—I've found a lot of physicality in Lutheranism, similar to my Catholic family, but I know there are those who have never really had that. When we seek ritual, it's often because there's something (or many things) in our practice either growing up or currently that we don't have and seek—whether that's the sensory experiences of incense and stained glass, the daily habits of rosary or novena, the liturgical practice of seasons and services, choral and hymn-singing, contemporary music, contemplation, academia, casualness, relatability, mystery, social justice, huge gatherings, tiny meetings, or any of the other Christian experiences that usually traditions don't or can't have all at once. When we seek ritual, we seek what we don't have, but often find what we already have as well. So many things are rituals that we take for granted because we've always had them or gotten used them. Seek new rituals, and seek what is already in your life that you can decide to do. Take your traditions, and find the traditions you didn't receive but hunger for, and make a life. You have time—Advent happens every year, and as far as we know and can hope, we will have many more Advents.

Ultimately, ritual is doing it all on purpose. It's finding rhythm. So much of our lives are accidental, and this can be beautiful and holy, but you have come seeking the things we invite. And yet even things that happen to us can become purposeful, as Mary teaches us: "Let it be with me according to your word." Whether she had a choice is sometimes discussed, but to me often the more relevant question is how she dealt with what came her way. Ritual is taking what we are given and doing it on purpose, and Advent gives us a long tradition, passed down through generations, of active waiting. We have no choice but to wait for the future, but today we will do it with our eyes open. Act as if the world is going to turn upside down—and you will notice it is, all the time.

In Watch for the Light, Henri Nouwen writes, "A waiting person is a patient person. The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us. Impatient people are always expecting the real thing to happen somewhere else and therefore want to go elsewhere. The moment is empty. But patient people dare to stay where they are. Patient living means to live actively in the present and wait there. Waiting, then, is not passive. It involves nurturing the moment, as a mother nurtures the child that is growing in her."

Whatever rituals you invite in or find that you already have, however you nurture the moments that make up this season, I pray they make room in your heart for what God can bring. As Rilke tells us (in teaching how to approach art, but what else are the mysteries of this season?), "Everything is gestation and then bringing forth. To let each impression and each germ of a feeling come to completion wholly in itself, in the dark, in the inexpressible, the unconscious, beyond the reach of one's own intelligence, and await with deep humility and patience the birth-hour of a new clarity."

<3 Johanna

[ariellewm]

Summertime With the OC's: A Special Summer Headcanon Extended Content

It was the end of a perfect day along the palace's beach shore. You spent a good amount of it lounging in the shade, watching as the waves gently caressed the golden sand.

Of course, it's not every day you get a chance to dip into the crystal-cool waters of the Lapis Sea. It was a hot summer day. However, after being out in the sun for too long, you decide to return to the large tent to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

Leaning against the tent pole, the sun slowly descended.

You feel something snaking around your bare ankle. It was silky, cool to the touch to your warmed body. A whispery hiss in your ear slightly startled you, "Surprissse, darling. I hope you didn't miss me too much while I was gone."

Turning around, why, it was your lovely naga prince Czar. He looked stunning as always, with his loose clothing, golden upper arm bands, and that sweet cologne of his. Coconut sandalwood. It smelled pleasantly calming.

"I found you sssomething while slithering about the beach while you were asleep." In the palm of his hand, a pearl conch with ripples of teal, "For you, my love."

Both of you watched the yellow glow of the sun cast across the azure sea. Embraced in each other, Czar behind you with those strong arms of his wrapped around you. He rests his head gently on your shoulder, careful not to hurt you from the sunburn you received.

The final glimmer of the summer sun dipped beneath the ocean. Stars were awakening across the clear darkening blue sky.

"Darling," Czar deeply whispered, sending chills along your spine, "the day isssn't over quite yet." The tail of the naga twists around your leg, "The night isss still young. We have an evening feassst waiting for us back at the palace."

Racing through the evergreen forest, Edlin was ahead of you. Not to your surprise, though. Not only was Edlin's majestic albino elk Cloud swift, but he also knew how to navigate through the forest with ease. Your golden mare that you owned was about the average size of a horse compared to Cloud.

Your beloved moon prince laughed, calling for you to keep up the pace. No, you wouldn't let this elf beat you. Not this time. You urged your mare to keep up the pace. Its powerful legs began to move faster, hooves pounding into the grassy terrain.

The golden mare was gaining momentum as she navigated the unwinding, uneven forest landscape. Small hills, over bushes, and fallen logs. You almost ran over a squirrel that dropped all his acorns. After storming past the creature, you could've sworn you heard it squeak angrily at you. But, of course, you ignored it.

If only you could see your love's astonished face (and the expressive Cloud) as you swiftly surged past them. With a powerful snort and call, Cloud quickened its pace from behind. But it would be of no use. Cloud felt lighter, and as he turned his head, he realized his rider was gone. One of the low-hanging branches, which the prince mistakenly believed he could avoid, was what knocked down Edlin. That clumsy, poor elf.

You looked back, seeing that Cloud had stopped running and begun to loudly bugle. He was calling for you to return: your prince had fallen. Pulling the reins, you slowed down your golden mare and trotted back toward Cloud and his rider companion.

Edlin was laughing to himself, lying on the grass with dirt over his purple royal clothing. Not in pain you hope.

"I'm alright," Edlin reassured, "I'm alright, my star. I've had greater falls before." Cloud gently tapped his nose against the prince's arm, Edlin smiled and rubbed the elk's head, "I'm fine buddy. Don't you worry." The both of you decided that it would be best to travel "slow and easy." You weren't too far from the riverbank that separated the two kingdoms.

"Wait until you see what I spoiled for you, princess." Edlin smiled, kissing your cheek before jumping up on the elk. You and your beloved prince continued your journey.

The picnic spread surprised you once you made it to your destination. Under the blanket of tree foliage, you enjoy each other's company, along with a special treat you knew you loved the most: chocolate truffles.

The colorful coral reefs were bustling with sea life. A vibrant variety of fish, scales dappling in the sunlight from above the surface.

As a mermaid, you swim through the underwater maze-like garden. You've unfortunately lost Adonis. One moment, the both of you were amongst a pod of dolphins, to suddenly, once arriving at another coral reef to find ingredients, you lost him.

Frightened by what may have happened to him, you call out his name. You're aware of the dark sea creatures that lurk about in the wild open sea. Adonis, however, has dealt with such darkling's, especially sirens. Sirens had two scaly tails, slitted eyes, and hauntingly tempting vocals.

You swim past a large rock, covered in algae and barnacles as you searched for your octopian warlock. Suddenly, something caught onto your mermaid tail.

Looking down, you notice a large dark teal tentacle covered in blue and light blue spots. It coiled around your tail, smooth and cool to the touch.

"Boo!" Camouflaged Adonis quickly revealed himself off the rocky surface. He chuckled at your startlement once as his tentacles quickly grasped you and dragged you close before releasing you.

This man, this crazy octopian merman. You playfully punch his arm, and he laughed in response. He cooed, "Oh darling I'm so, so sorry I frightened you." Adonis inched closer to your ear, "But it's always fun to see your adorable reactions though." You push him away as you try to hide your blush.

You asked Adonis if he had found what he was looking for, and within one of his tentacles was a vile of pink liquid. What he had planned for the ingredients he found, you may never know. He was a master at alchemy, and as his adorable apprentice, you just followed wherever he went or did what he asked.

Now that was out of the way, Adonis led the way home. Swiftly, he pushes himself out toward the open ocean, back towards his underwater lair.

[blues824]

could you do the obey me brothers with a mc who hasnt celebrated christmas for a long time so they completely brushed it off, but end up really excited and kind of teary eyed at seeing all the brothers celebrating with them?

sorry if this is worded in a confusing way, my brain is scrambled rn💀

Don’t even worry, fam. We all got those days. If I don’t get another request from you, then I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Lucifer

He knows all about Christmas and how it’s a big deal  in the human world. He’s seen the huge Christmas Tree in Time Square (bro I wish). He’s witnessed all the traditions for it as well. What he’s surprised about is that you don’t give it any thought.

So what does he do? He asks you about it, of course! You explain that you haven’t really celebrated it in a while, so you just treated it like any other winter day. You didn’t give it much thought, but Lucifer was scheming and planning.

He got Diavolo, Barbatos, Solomon, Simeon, Luke, Mephistopheles, Thirteen, Raphael, and his brothers on board. They were all going to surprise you with a Christmas party. They all agreed that you deserved it with all your hard work, after all.

So they all got to work. The oldest brother was impressed with everyone’s cooperation on this project, but he wasn’t gonna question or complain. He was the one that kept you out of the house all day as the others set the surprise up. He treated you to a nice lunch

When you came back, he opened the door for you. Upon that happening, you were attacked with the smell of gingerbread and peppermint. The house was completely decked out in decorations. Lucifer could feel his heart swell with pride as he heard you gasp out of pure shock and amazement, tears of joy leaking from your gorgeous eyes.

You went to hug the living daylights out of everyone. When everyone explained that it was your beloved Avatar of Pride’s idea to surprise you, you ran into his arms and pulled him into a kiss. Solomon used some magic to levitate some mistletoe over the both of you, and Asmo got the money shot. It would be a Christmas you could never forget.

Mammon

He has seen it all over Devilgram. Everyone was getting holiday pictures of their significant other or their families, and he can’t say that he wasn’t at least a tad bit jealous. Then he realized: you didn’t show any hype towards the holiday.

As a result, he decides that he’s gonna go out and buy you a bunch of presents. Whether you aren’t as enthusiastic or just had a bad experience, he’s gonna try and make this Christmas one you will remember forever.

He asks all of his brothers to get you to partake in typical Christmas activities. Sure, he wishes he was the one to build the gingerbread houses or help decorate the tree, but he put in the special request that he be the one to pick you up so you could put the star on the tree.

He had Asmo sending him half-hour updates on how you were doing. He grew a bit worried when he was receiving the messages that you looked a bit more downcast than usual. He knew that he had to hurry to get back to you.

Once he gets back to the HoL, he texts you and tells you to come outside. Once you open the door, you are met with your Avatar of Greed. He has the smuggest grin as he gives you some bags from a variety of different stores. You set them down and jumped into his arms, giving him a kiss.

While still carrying you, he marches you over to the tree, where he has to put you down and turn you around so that you are also facing the evergreen fir. He hands you the star, and he picks you up. You hold the tree in place as you put the star on the tree, where he looks up and sees that tears are streaming down your face and you are smiling.

Leviathan

Devilgram, Deviltube, even his freaking Email was flooded with Christmas deals on anime merchandise. He already bought the both of you a bunch of gifts, but he still felt as if something was missing. He realized that while he did buy you stuff, nothing was unique.

So he got to work. Night and day, he was working on his most precious and valuable present for you. You see, it was a romance simulator where you and he were the main love interests. There was only one ending, the ending where you both get so far in the relationship that he gets down on one knee on Christmas.

However, he knew that it would take you a while to get to that point. What he forgot about was that while he was working on this, he was neglecting you. You, as a result, grew sadder and sadder.

Once he deems it finished, he texts you to come to his room. When he sees that you were upset because of him, he feels horrible. On the plus side, he got you merch and made you a game that you should play… like right now.

He will have you sitting on his lap while you play. Please don’t look at his face, otherwise his already red face will become even redder. He loves seeing your surprise at the insane graphics and the great storyline.

He gets worried when tears start to fall out of your eyes. He asks you if you don’t like the gifts, but then you wrap your arms around his neck and give him a very long kiss. It took him a few minutes to actually reciprocate, but he was happy with this unexpected outcome.

Satan

Has most definitely read classic novels that detail family holiday celebrations, and most definitely wants to recreate the most romantic ones with you. He most definitely takes you out and gets a scope of the area.

He took you ice skating, which was quite the experience. You see, depending on your level of experience you both either danced on the rink with each other or he had your hands in his, leading you while also keeping you stable.

At one book store you both entered, the owner had put a branch of mistletoe over the door post. You and Satan both looked up and you gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He made sure to close the door behind you. 

What you didn’t know is that he knew what he was doing. Asmodeus was following you both, making sure to get the best pictures he could of the two of you in the moment rather than pausing it to preserve a smiling picture.

His plan was to get the film developed and make you a picture book that he has written, where under each picture, there was a reason why he loved you. 31 reasons, to be exact. For each of the days of December.

When he gave it to you at the end of the day on a bench, he grew a bit worried when he saw tears falling from your eyes. Then you grabbed him by his collar and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He was more than willing to continue, but considering you were out in public, he pulled away after a few seconds. You laid your head on his shoulder and you both just basked in each other’s company.

Asmodeus

He would take you to those places that have the Christmas themed photo backgrounds and take a whole bunch of pictures to post on his Devilgram. He even just sneaks some in-the-moment pictures to keep for himself. His camera roll is filled with photos of you.

Then he took you on a shopping spree. A lot of the shelves were empty because of other demons taking advantage of the Christmas discounts, but Asmo had already purchased all of your Christmas gifts. One of the cashiers had told you that you both make a cute couple.

You both made many memories that day. You spent it laughing and loving, and that’s how Asmo prefers it. So when you say that you haven’t celebrated Christmas in a long time, he was astonished. He’s a party animal, so he had the Shocked Pickachu face.

Once you both went back to the House of Lamentation, he sat you down in the living room and went to his room to retrieve your gifts from under his bed. He got you a lot of stuff that he wrapped in very fancy and elegant wrapping paper. But he knew which one he would give you first.

Going back to the living room, he placed the item in your lap. It was a teddy bear that was holding a heart, with ‘I love you, Y/N’ stitched into it. It was a simple gift, but to know that he went through the trouble of stitching the message…

He grew panicked when he saw the tears falling. However, every ounce of fear that he felt was washed away when you pulled him into a big hug. You uttered a small thank you through sniffles and he understood that they were tears of joy.

Beelzebub

Would love to spend the day in the kitchen with you. Have you ever heard the phrase, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, this is proved true with this guy. He would watch you bake cookies and would help you decorate them.

Whenever he looks at you, he has hearts in his eyes. He’s just so down bad for you. He also loves when you smile, so he’ll swipe some icing on your nose. That starts an icing war between the two of you, which ends up in the two of you spending 30 minutes cleaning.

When you both went to the living room to relax, he pulled you close to him and started cuddling the heck out of you. As you were cuddling, you both conversed about how you both celebrated the holidays in years past. 

He was a bit shocked when you say you didn’t really celebrate for a long time. He then remembered that you said it in passing a little bit ago. He also remembered that he got you a couple of gifts while he was out eating, so he carried you to his room.

There, he handed you your presents one by one. They weren’t anything big, but they were sentimentally valuable. First was a pair of matching bracelets so that you’re always connected somehow. Next was a bunch of snacks he purchased. As he handed you the presents, he noticed that your hand started to shake.

He looked into your face and saw that you were on the verge of crying. He was about to ask what was wrong before you placed your hands on the sides of his face and pulled him into a kiss. He was taken by surprise, to say the least, but melted into it after a second.

Belphegor

Doesn’t want to go anywhere. He would rather sleep the day away with you. However, humans need food so he walks to the kitchen with you. Like Beel, he would watch as you made some Christmas themed meal for the both of you.

Before, he never knew how Lilith could love such a weak being. However, he changed. Now he’s staring at you with a lovesick gaze and grin, thanking the stars for letting him be this lucky. He walked up behind you and wrapped his arms around your torso, grateful to have you in his life.

You lean back in his grasp, and you both are just talking about anything and everything that came to mind in the moment. Every few seconds, you turn your head and give him a kiss. If anyone walked in, they would walk out so as to not disturb this moment.

When you say that it’s been a while since you’ve celebrated the holiday season, he has a subtle smirk. You see, he already knows because he’s heard you say it before. He’s prepared for this months in advance. 

He had a little space on a hill all set up for a picnic under the stars. He had little fairy lights wrapped around the trees to give off a fair amount of light. But he grew panicked when you started crying but you just pulled him into a tight embrace, whispering a small thank you.

[acespaceacepilot]

wyll ravengard, my beloved

♘⚔♡ a wyll playlist on spotify with themes on leaving/going home, the weight of sacrifice, and atonement

(song list + lyrics that made me chose them below the cut)

don’t let them see you cry - manchester orchestra

so breathe while you're alive / let the big band play as you tap leather with your fingers / and i tried to write in style / but the words just come and i write them as soon as i see 'em

passenger seat - death cab for cutie

i roll the window down / and then begin to breathe in / the darkest country road / and the strong scent of evergreen / from the passenger seat as / you are driving me home

open arms - november ultra

love with open hands / love the fool who smiles / the wisdom of the damned / love with open heart / let it burn you, consume you / take over who you are

meet you at the gate - jayne trimble

there was a field, and at the brow of a hill / i had a vision, time stood still, you were holding / the world in your hands, you said / "come on up what are you waiting for? / you are willing, and i am able / to take your load, your heavy load— / i am stronger, than the beasts of this land / i have a softer touch than any human hand."

(no one knows me) like the piano - sampha

you know i left, i flew the nest / and you know i won't be long / and in my chest you know me best / and you know i'll be back home

love love love - the mountain goats

king saul fell on his sword when it all went wrong / and joseph's brothers sold him down the river for a song / and sonny liston rubbed some tiger balm into his glove / some things you do for money and some you do for love, love, love

17 - youth lagoon

surrounded by nothing / but the nothing's surrounded by us / but it's just me in my room / with my eyes shut / oh, when i was seventeen / my mother said to me / "don't stop imagining. the day that you do is the day that you die."

wheels roll home - the antlers

don't go before you leave / every second we got, we gotta make believe / that you'll be right back like you never left / like you mailed yourself to your return address / in a self-stamped envelope / you'll revolve 'round the globe / but / when your wheels roll home (x3) / no more you roam

don’t haunt this place - yellow ostrich

don't haunt this heart, don't haunt this place / your heart beating slow as it beats out of pace / … / this was hard, it was fun, we should do it again / give ourselves some time, ten years from the day / i need you now, i need you then / i never want to feel this again

only the young die good - saintseneca

if only the good ones die young / i'd pray your corruption come / swift like a thief in the night / right i pluck my right eye right out / yanked from your slumber / what ominous portent / dangles in your face / rife with sprites falling on knives / crowd into your gaze

the boy who blocked his own shot - the thoughtlife

i'll grow old, start acting my age / be a brand new day in a life that you hate / a crown of gold, a heart that's harder than stone / and it hurts a whole lot but it's missed when it's gone / … / and if it makes you less sad, i'll move out of the state / you can keep to yourself, i'll keep out of your way / and if it makes you less sad, i'll take your pictures all down / every picture you paint, i will paint myself out

salt circle - eliza mclamb

i'm tender as a soft warm palm / and i don't know how to deal with my anger yet / when i was younger i'd curse the thought / of thinking all of them / and i'm afraid of losing my mind / cause then i'd lose my place / oh, nothing keeps me here as much as / the sight of my own face

dyin day - anaïs mitchell

be it work or be it rite? / father, tell me / brings us to the mountainside / every day a dying day / be it work or be it rite / oh my sweet babe / we come to make a sacrifice / every day a dying day

welcome home, son - radical face

ships are launching from my chest / some have names but most do not / if you find one, please let me know what piece i've lost / peel the scars from off my back / i don't need them anymore / you can throw them out or keep them in your mason jars

believe me - james and the shame

i think you want an answer / i'm not prepared to give / 'cause the one i gave you said that, that ain't it / must be something that i want / … / i don't think it's true / i'm not asking you to agree / i'm just asking you to believe me / you say my heart was never true / that might say more 'bout you

boy with a coin - iron & wine

a boy with a coin he crammed in his jeans / then making a wish he tossed in the sea / walked to a town that all of us burn / when god left the ground to circle the world

devil’s resting place - laura marling

i woke up one morning to know that i had gone / finally taken the step and jumped right off the wall / when you come to call on me that's why my eyes are glazed / i've been with the devil in the devil's resting place / i am loathe to say that i have been to stay / i've been with the devil in the devil's resting place

little soldiers - the crane wives

now the aftermath will ring with songs you've sung / all of our words sent home in boxes / i fought with tooth and nail before the flag had flown / but you were already gone

c’mon baby, cry - orville peck

i can see the sadness in your eyes / you've been tryna hide what you left behind / they say it's darkest before the dawn / but you've been smiling for so long / a thousand teardrops can't be wrong, no

another travelin’ song - bright eyes

well i'm changing all my strings / i'm gonna write another traveling song / about all the billion highways and the cities at the break of dawn / well i guess the best that i can do now is pretend that i've done nothing wrong / and to dream about a train that's gonna take me back where i belong

[liminalpebble]

Violet: Chapter 18, The Nativity

Masterlist link

The holiday season descended upon their little London social circle in a great wave of mirth and relief. It glowed like a luminous hearth against the heavy cold and darkness of deep winter. Even Will, generally adverse to parties and social graces was feeling the festive spirit and enjoying the company of the few people he liked. Not to mention that the relief of Violetta no longer being his student was nearly palpable for the both of them.

The Reverend had shaken each student's hand as they filed out after receiving their final grades for the semester. Violetta was the last in line.

“Miss Vespero,” he said with a sly grin, “Thank you for an enlightening and challenging semester. I foresee you doing quite well in the world and wish you all the best.”

As she shook his hand, his thumb stroked a delicate little circle on her wrist which shot a spark through her.

“Thank you, Reverend. I hope I wasn't too disruptive.”

He smiled and looked to the floor, tucking his hands in his pockets. “Sometimes a little disruption is a good and necessary thing. It's been quite enriching for me. In any case, shall we declare our contest a draw and leave it at that?”

He looked up to meet her eyes inquisitively, and she raised her eyebrow in that impudent expression that drove him to animal madness. “No, Father. It's fairly clear that I've won. And I'm not a victor who is generous with sharing her laurels.”

He gave a crooked grin, a wink, and whispered under his breath, “That a girl.”

----

The Ambrose abode flared into rowdy life. The maids decorated and prepared for the upcoming parties, swaddling the mansion in red and green garlands while day after day callers came to greet the beloved couple and welcome them back. Violet was startled by all the commotion after having the grand home mostly to herself for so long, but the colorful decorations, laughter, smells of find food, mulled wine, and fresh evergreen were, she had to admit, a welcome intrusion. I think I needed a bit of this. I just didn't realize it, she thought to herself.

The first gathering was casual and intimate, comprised of those the Ambroses' considered their chosen family. They had invited Will's adult children and their families to the house for several cozy days with their father. Violetta was afraid it might feel a bit awkward, seeing this side of his life, especially considering that his oldest daughter was rather close to her age, but it all felt surprisingly natural. She caught herself gazing with warm admiration from the door frame as he sat cross-legged on the floor, making silly faces and cuddling his first grandchild (a baby boy who had just begun to crawl). Although the sight didn't tempt her in the least to have children of her own, it melted her heart with a new and unexpected wave affection for him. She had never seen this soft playful and completely unguarded aspect of him, overjoyed to be in his element, surrounded by his family.

The little group sat in a circle on the floor as the baby crawled around in the middle. They chatted over his coos and giggles while Jo spoke quietly to her father. “Papa, I worry about you out here in London. Are you sure you won't come back to Essex? I know you tend to be lonesome.”

Will finished making his comical expressions at his grandson then answered her. He was still gently holding his pudgy little hand as he gave Violetta the slightest knowing smile. “Jo, darling, I'm doing just fine here. Really,” he assured her, patting her shoulder. “I'm finding so much joy in teaching. I was a bit sad at first but it's turned out the be the breath of fresh air I needed. Oh! And the college has the most exquisite library!” Violet smiled to herself at that, but didn't dare to meet his eye. Jo nodded and grinned in tacit surrender, just glad to see her father uncharacteristically content. As she did, Violetta was stunned to realize how much she looked like Will, with her curious aquatic eyes and shy smile.

Jo noticed her curious look and asked sweetly, “Violet, what are you thinking, love?”

“Pardon me. I was just taken aback by how very much you resemble each other.”

The father and daughter looked to each other and chuckled. Will said, “you're not the first to see it. We hear it often.”

Violetta felt a tug and looked down to see the baby wrapping his little fist around the fabric of her apron. Giggling at her, he started to climb. Will and Jo smiled their matching smiles as she exclaimed, “Aww Violet, darling, little Emil seems to like you!”

“That's...that's sweet,” she said. The tiny human made her nervous. She had never been around children, especially not babies. Her aristocratic family was more in the habit of delegating the care of their offspring to hired help, and seeing them as rarely as possible.

“You're welcome to hold him,” Jo said.

“Umm...I've never tried that before. I don't know.”

Will scooted over to her, lifting his tiny grandson easily in his large hands, arranging her arms around him to support his head and body. “There,” he said kindly, “that's not so scary, is it?”

Violet looked to both of them, equally proud that she was doing it and red-faced with embarrassment that she was afraid to. “He has your eyes,” she said, looking first to Will and then to his daughter.

Will tilted his head in consideration, “Well, all babies have blue eyes for a time. They change after awhile.”

“I...uh...I'm ashamed to say with all the scientific curriculum I've studied, I never knew that. “

Jo laughed. “Papa tells me you were very studious and fearless in your classes, and yet little Emil here makes you nervous? I promise you, being around him is significantly easier than enduring my father's lectures.”

Will rolled his eyes at her playful jab.

Violet laughed. “Oh no. I see my reputation precedes me.”

Will elaborated, “Just a bit, I'm afraid. But not to worry. I've mostly said nice things about you behind your back, Miss Vespero. It was very satisfying to be challenged.”

“Mostly?” Violet said, and they all chuckled.

It was just half a second of a friendly glance, but Jo (just as emotionally perceptive as her mother always was) noticed something in it. It was so quick, so subtle. She wasn't sure if she had imagined it, but she thought she saw something between them. Jo initially felt a little jolt of surprise at the idea. It would be an unusual pair, certainly, she thought. But soon a feeling of contentment settled over her. She had only recently met Violetta, but she liked her immensely; a modern and progressive young woman like herself, sharing the same struggles for equality. She smiled with quiet thought as her father often did, satisfied that he might not be so alone after all. Jo decided he was in good hands if he was indeed in Violet's. And judging by that tiny glance, he was very much in the palm of her hand and probably head over heels.

All of their eyes suddenly followed the sound of the door bell, and a new guest being greeted. Violetta's enjoyment was abruptly snuffed out as Luke Garrett swung into the room. Had he even been invited today? She suspected not.

Luke crowed, “Hello, Violet, Ransomes. Aww...look at that. How natural you seem with a baby! It's a regular nativity scene in here,” then laughed at his own cleverness. (No one else did). Violetta gave him a glare that said, in no uncertain terms, that she would be throttling him if not for the infant currently occupying her arms. She stayed calm and simply greeted him politely, then excused herself to help in the sanctuary of the kitchen. Emil gave one last determined tug to her skirt hem, trying not to let her go, but Will scooped him away from her in that practiced graceful way all parents seem have a knack for.

As she came into the kitchen, Greta rolled her eyes in solidarity, handing Violetta a nearly empty wine bottle, encouraging her to finish it off right from the spout. She gladly obliged and then said, “thanks” wiping her chin irreverently. “I needed that.”

Greta winked. “I know.”

---

Charles Ambrose eyed his pocket watch with a scowl as they all milled about the large parlor sipping drinks. He had hoped that the act would hint to Dr. Garrett that it was well past time for his departure (from a gathering he hadn't been invited to in the first place). Katherine and Charles sighed to each other, communicating about it in that wordless way that long-married couples are capable of. Realizing they weren't getting anywhere with subtle manners, they simply tried to ignore him as much as possible and enjoy the other guests on this otherwise pleasant afternoon. Eventually a socially-exhausted Violetta escaped to the library, rubbing her temples and trying to breathe deeply, but the cause of her headache followed closely on her heels.

Garret swaggered in saying, “Fancy a chat, Violet?”

How she hated the way his grating voice wrapped around her name.

“I'd rather not, Luke,” she sighed out, exasperated.

“Oh, but I think we might have a good deal to talk about.”

“Such as?” she snapped, raising her voice slightly.

“We might want to lower our voices, darling. I'd rather not announce your secrets to the whole house.”

Violetta felt her red-hot blood drain from her face as it blanched to a nauseous sallow hue. He smiled like a snake.

“So who is she, Violet?,” he asked, swirling his drink with unbothered ease.

She?, Violetta thought, Thank god he thinks that. I guess he doesn't know everything.

“I have no idea what you're talking about Garrett.”

“Oh, but I think you do. Which lovely little London lady gave you all those pretty bruises. If that's what you like, you should have just said so. I could have happily given you some myself.”

Her eyes went wide. “Garrett! That was a private medical exam! Did you force poor Spencer to break confidentiality? You should lose your license for this.”

“Oh come on, Violet. Spencer and I share a practice. He didn't tell me and I didn't ask, but I happened to hear. Now tell me, who's the lucky lady keeping you from marrying me? Maybe that sweet little cook I saw you swigging from the bottle with, like a sailor? Maybe Martha, that little communist bother? She seems your type...troublesome.”

“You are not entitled to know my personal business, and I will not tell you.”

He shrugged, “Well that's your choice of course, but your family thinks rather highly of me. If I were to tell them about your little indiscretions I'm sure they would believe me. Not just that, but oh dear, they would be terribly disappointed! They might just beg me to marry to you to save your poor soul and save face. But don't worry, I'm no prude. If your girlfriend happens to be an attractive one, we might as well have a guest in the bedroom.”

She came closer and growled out, “You're disgusting. And don't you think my family would expect such threats of blackmail just to get my dowry? It wouldn't be the first time they'd heard unfounded rumors to those ends.”

He stood a hair's breadth from her face and grabbed her chin. “And what exactly do you think you could do about any of this, hmm? I guess there's always the convent since you don't need men anyway.”

“Why are you doing this?” She asked, voice sounding more shaky and weak than she intended. “My family would give you a grant on your own merits. They do it all the time. Why are you so intent on ruining my life!”

He tutted, giving an exaggerated sad face. “Oh poor princess, a grant is one thing but a lifetime of funding is quite another. Oh, and I've changed my mind since my last offer. I was going to give you a life free of children, dedicated to whatever pursuits you desire, but you look soooo sweet with a baby in your arms. It melted my heart a bit to think how cute you'd be when properly domesticated. Also, it would be terribly unfair to deny the world the gift of a Garrett heir.” He tugged her chin roughly toward him and kissed her cheek. His breath had the rotten-fruit stench of too much brandy and she recoiled violently, backing up into the book-shelved walls.

“But most of all, Violetta. I'm encouraging you because I really am growing to like you, like this game...this little back and forth we have.” He came closer until she was cornered, pressed into the leather and paper spines, and said, “I know it's all a bit much to take in. I'll give you two weeks to mull it over while you enjoy reading all those rejection letters. Maybe then you'll consider your options with a bit more realistic clarity. Farewell, dear girl. See you soon.”

And then the beady-eyed imp was gone, swinging out of the house as abruptly and ungraciously as he had entered it. Violetta wasn't sure how long she stood there with her back against the books, staring blankly, with her mouth open. She could still smell his sour brandy breath on her cheek and dove into her pocket for a handkerchief. Scrubbing furiously until her cheek was raw, she still couldn't clear the reek him, the touch of him, from her consciousness. Finally she dropped the cloth and simply began to weep, the dark orbs of her eyes misting over as tears streamed down her face. She tried to stop and tried to keep her hiccuping gasps quiet. She could only be grateful that the hubbub of the little afternoon party drowned out her pathetic whimpers.

Before she knew it she looked up and there was Will in the door frame smile dropping into an expression of horror as he said, “Violetta, we're about start with....Oh god! Darling, what's wrong? Was it Garrett?? What has he done to you!”

She nodded, but was too distraught to answer completely so Will simply held her as she cried into the placid softness of his blue sweater. She forced herself to take deep breaths, filling her nostrils with the smell of Will's lavender laundry soap to replace Garrett's odor. Violetta composed herself enough to quickly explain everything that had just happened in a frantic whisper, knowing their private moment would be limited. When she finished, she still couldn't pull away from Will's sturdy chest as the tears fell. She took solace in the fact that if anyone saw them, they would simply see a vicar comforting a young friend who had just received some kind of terrible news.

Will growled out in a low but furious voice...one she had never heard from him before, “There's a special place in hell for that awful man.”

Taglist: @coldnique @muddyorbs @goblingirlsarah @acidcasualties @jennyggggrrr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @icytrickster17 @pati52 @marcotheflychair @ladyofthestayingpower @gigglingtiggerv2 @alexakeyloveloki @letsg00000honey @bitchyexpertprincess @lokisgoodgirl @sweetsigyn @lovelysizzlingbluebird @talklokitome @dragonmurray @peaches1958

[ankhegs-in-my-salad]

9 People You Want to Know Better Tag

Tagged by @redroomroaving, thank you!!!!

Three ships: This is the moment I realise that I'm not actually a massive shipper unless it's OCxOC. I could cheat and do three Abdirak ships but I'll refrain. I'll go with the categories Taken Over My Life, New Ship, and Evergreen Ship.

Abdirak x Elorin (BG3, Elorin is the one OC I will allow here, this pair has taken over my life), Morrigan x Alistair (DAO, I'm still on my first playthrough and I know Alistair probably wouldn't survive this ship but I am FEELING it), Roslin x Adama (BSG, an obvious one I know but your honour I love them)

First ship: Oh this is tough. The very young monsterfucker in me was extremely happy when Goliath and Elisa (Gargoyles) hooked up though. It's probably them. Xena and Gabrielle probably were a close second

Last Song: TRUCKS IN PLACE by Ludwig Goransson

Last Movie: The Meg lmao. I'd never seen it before and I needed something ridiculous to captivate me while on an exercise bike

Currently Reading: Your Mind Is A Terrible Thing by Hailey Piper

Currently Watching: Finally braving Good Omens 2, only one episode in though.

Currently Eating: Shin Noodle cup

Currently Craving: A larger Shin Noodle cup

Favourite colour: Black. Don't come at me with your "it's not a colour." I'm not a physicist, I don't care

Favourite flavour: Shin Nood- JOKING. How can one pick a single favourite flavour?? Impossible.

Current obsession: Baldur's Gate my beloved

Last thing I googled: China Mieville (somehow I missed he was released a novel today!!! - a collaboration with KEANU REEVES?? ?)

Favourite season: Hard to pick between winter and autumn. If forced to choose I'd go with autumn. Ask me tomorrow and it might be different

Skill I’d like to learn: I'd like to actually git gud at art but I can kinda draw so let's assume it means from scratch. Programming probably, I'd love to play around with making games

Best Advice: Don't stress about aging. I'm a lot happier at 35 than I was at 25. Don't be afraid of it and don't let anyone tell you that you can't Stay Silly.

No pressure tags for @insanefan @gothic-ivory @sweetmage @tavyliasin @cedar-phoenix and anyone else who'd like to play!!

[ladysternchen]

okay okay I recently re-read the relevant part of the appendices and have an interesting thought on Arwen's fate:

"Lady Undómiel," said Aragorn, "the hour is indeed hard, yet it was made even in that day when we met under the white birches in the garden of Elrond, where none now walk. And on the hill of Cerin Amroth when we forsook both the Shadow and the Twilight this doom we accepted. Take counsel with yourself, beloved, and ask whether you would indeed have me wait until I wither and fall from my high seat unmanned and witless. Nay, lady, I am the last of the Númenoreans and the latest King of the Elder Days; and to me has been given not only a span thrice that of Men of Middle-earth, but also the grace to go at my will, and give back the gift. Now, therefore, I will sleep. "I speak no comfort to you, for there is no comfort for such pain within the circles of the world. The uttermost choice is before you: to repent and go to the Havens and bear away into the West the memory of our days together that shall there be evergreen but never more than a memory; or else to abide the Doom of Men." "Nay, dear lord," she said, "that choice is long over. There is now no ship to bear me hence, and I must indeed abide the Doom of Men, whether I will or nill: the loss and the silence.

So this is Aragorn at the end of his life telling Arwen to sail, and her famous reply "there is now no ship to bear me hence..."

I don't think she's saying she is prevented from sailing for her choice - I think it's far more literal than that, the ships are gone. They've sailed. There is literally no ship *left* to take. She is stuck in Middle-earth and is going to fade or willingly let her spirit go, but she literally missed the last boat.

I know it's not the common reading of the text but we know Cirdan took the last ship west, and I think he did so before this moment and the havens are empty.

That's a very interesting take! I totally agree that Círdan left before Aragorn's death and that there was no ship to carry her West. Legolas did succeed in building a ship (how is still a total mystery to me), but she could not know that then, and I also wonder if it had made any difference? Because she already chose mortality, didn't she? So in Aman or Middle-Earth, she would die and her spirit pass beyond Arda, whilst the other elves that do not sail and are left to fade will then be summoned by Námo- whether they answer the call or not?

[scarlet-rj]

tw//Semi-High Stakes, implied domestic abuse, implied murder, intense rumours, harassment, and Stalking. Reader discretion is advised.

RJ's POV:

"Don't worry RJ, I'll be out in a jiff!" Nemona smiled at her, her smile as relaxed and as carefree as it always was, and RJ didn't have the heart to make her worry.

"I don't doubt it, Nema." RJ could only give her a half-hearted attempt at a smile as Nemona walked into the daycare.

RJ sighed heavily as she began to play with the black-and-white tendrils of her hair. She hated keeping this all from Nemona, she wanted nothing more than to vent all this stuff to her and receive the love and attention she could see Nema dying to give her. But she just couldn't. No... She can't. That would cause her to get herself tangled up in a struggle that RJ didn't want either of them to be a part of. RJ would rather die than allow Nema than put her in the position to let RJ's family give Nema their "gifts."

RJ looks around. She had just narrowly avoided letting Nema see her being harassed by some woman from Postwhick, so she couldn't...

She could feel her heart stop in tandem with the flash of black and red she saw in the distance. How? HOW?! HOW THE HELL DID THAT BITCH FIND HER THIS QUICKLY?! Sweat seeped from her face as RJ ran through the possibilities of how the fuck she managed to find her. Then she realised: that doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that she gets the hell out of here before she puts her and Nema's lives in any more danger. She clutches the singular non-handcrafted Pokéball in her possession.

'I'm sorry, Nemona...'

Nemona's POV:

Nemona hummed happily to herself as she left the daycare, adding Miku the Sawblu's Pokéball to her belt. She was expecting to see RJ waiting for her, excited to see a new friend. However, she instead saw no RJ and the sickly feeling that she was being watched.

"RJ? Where did you go?" She shouted, but she received no response... from RJ.

"Huh? You know big sis?! No way! I thought she'd never make any friends with that bitchy attitude of hers!~" Nemona physically jumped back at hearing this. She whipped around to see a girl with long, black, curly hair and eyes as red as blood. She was standing at height even taller than Nemona.

Now, as much as Nemona hates to admit it, she knows she doesn't have the greatest sense of danger and can often be rather naive when it comes to trusting others. However, this was different. The pings that warned her that someone was watching her started screaming to run away from the seemingly normal girl in front of her.

"Big sister...?" Nemona questioned as she tried to steady her now shaky voice.

"On top of not talking to me in forever, she doesn't even tell her friend about me," She whines in exasperation so palpably fake, you are almost forced to believe it was real, "Arceus, she can be so cruel to me!"

The girl almost immediately drops the act, like she never actually cared in the first place and creepily curtsied to Nemona, "Anyways, I'm Evergreen Babydoll, big sis RJ's beloved little sister and heir to Silph Co.! It's been so long and I didn't get to give RJ her birthday gift! If you help, I'll give you a gift too!"

Nemona's mind thought for a long while, at first, extremely confused. Then, her thoughts finally caught up to Evergreen's words. Her mind went blank as she ran into the daycare and leaned up against the door to keep her from coming. She frantically attempted to call RJ but then felt a buzz against her own leg. She still had RJ's phone. Nemona slid down to the floor in abject horror.

RJ was completely missing.

[isabellafoster13]

This was requested on AO3 by Andromeda_Isan.

The names of Leo Minor and Phoenix as well as their magic were given by the requestor. According to them, Asphard is the second brightest star in Leo, and Ankaa (aka Alpha Phoenix) is the brightest star in Phoenix.

This oneshot is meant to take place a year after Fairy Tail's end.

I hope you enjoy!

Golden Key to Your Heart (Laxus x Lucy)

Laxus and the Thunder Legion walked to the mayor's office. They had just completed an S-Class job and were on their way to collect their reward. The Lightning Dragon Slayer couldn't help but smile a little at the thought of the plan that he had concocted the moment he saw the reward for this job.

Back at the guild, just a couple of days ago, Evergreen had brought to him a job request and directed him to look at the listed reward. When Laxus saw that three celestial spirit keys were a part of the reward, he knew that he had to take it, especially since one of the keys was a golden key.

He knew from Lucy that while she now had only nine of the Zodiac keys, some celestial wizard from Sabertooth had two. From that information, he knew that this golden key, a member of the Zodiac, was Aquarius, the celestial spirit that Lucy had sacrificed and was missing greatly.

Laxus hated seeing Lucy so sad whenever she remembered what had happened to her beloved spirit. It's not a surprise that he would hate seeing Lucy express any emotion other than happiness considering he had been in love with her for who knows how long. He wanted to not only cheer her up, but also finally confess his love for her, and giving her these three keys would certainly help.

Evergreen noticed the smile on the man's face and remarked, "I know that you would be excited about these keys, but I didn't expect them to make you smile."

Laxus glanced down at her. Still smiling, he shrugged. "why would I be smiling. I'm going to use these keys, Aquarius' in particular, to tell Blondie how I feel about her."

Bixlow chuckled at that, sticking his guild marked tongue out per usual, before he spoke, "what if Cosplayer doesn't feel the same way, Boss Man?" His babies repeated the words "Boss Man" as they floated around his head.

Laxus' smile dropped as he gave the seith mage a side-glance. He had thought about that several times during these past few days. He knew that even though he had grown considerably close with the blonde, even having gone on many jobs with her and been invited into her home for dinner, that doesn't mean she sees him the same way that he sees her. He had already resolved that even though it would hurt like a bitch, he would accept her rejection and try to maintain the friendship he had developed with her.

The blonde man finally answered his friend, "I can't force her to love me the way that I love her. If she rejects me, I'll just keep being her friend."

Evergreen gave him a pat on the back as she exclaimed, "now that is the proper reaction."

Laxus chuckled lightly. Freed soon pipped up, "I'm sure that the gift of Aquarius' key along with the two silver keys will put you into a new light. Even if she doesn't return your feelings now, she may develop romantic feelings for you after your romantic gesture and confession." Laxus nodded at his best friend with a smile, acknowledging the possibility of such a thing happening.

The group of four soon arrived at their destination and hurriedly collected their reward so Laxus could get back to the guild as soon as possible to confess his love to Lucy.

Lucy sat at the bar, sipping on her strawberry milkshake while a metaphorical dark cloud hung over her head. Today was one of those days that she missed Aquarius greatly and all she could do was mop around. Her friends had tried everything they could think of to cheer her up before deciding to leave her alone and let her bring herself out of her depressed state, like she usually did.

She had finished her cold beverage and turned around on her stool to watch her guildmates when the guild doors opening got her attention. She looked over to see Laxus and the Thunder Legion walked into the guildhall before making their way to the second floor.

The celestial wizard's eyes were glued to the Lightning Dragon Slayer as he walked through the raucous crowd. She couldn't help but blush at the sight of his handsome face. She and Laxus had grown close since he returned to the guild. They've gone on jobs together more times than she could count and have even dinner together several times. Over time, she's developed romantic feelings for the man, but she never dared to confess her love to him.

She was both worried and scared. Worried because he might not feel the same way. Scared because what if something like Tartaros happened again? What something happened that led to her losing Laxus? If losing a friend hurt more than she could ever imagine, then surely losing a lover would hurt even worse. She didn't want to risk going through that pain, no matter how low the risk was.

Lucy hopped off of her stool and headed for the doors. She had just laid her hand on the handle of one of the doors when a familiar, deep voice called out to her, "Blondie, wait!"

She froze. There was only one person that called her "Blondie" and that was the last person she wanted to interact with at the moment. A large hand gently took hold of her shoulder and turned her around. The female mage sucked in a breath when she looked up and her chocolate brown eyes met stormy blue ones.

She could feel her cheeks begin to warm, not just at Laxus gently gripping her shoulder while he tenderly looked into her eyes, but also at the fact that the entire guild was watching with fascination. The blonde young woman managed to stutter out, "L-Laxus...what is it?"

The blonde man smiled down at her. Lucy couldn't be quite sure, but it appeared as though he was looking down at her in a loving way. As if she was the only woman he loved. As if she was his whole world. Hope began to grow in her chest, but she squashed it down. No, she internally screamed at herself, I can't allow myself to hope for something that could lead to more heartbreak.

After what seemed to be hours of suffocating silence, Laxus finally spoke, "here, Blondie." He then reached his hand towards her. Lucy looked down to see that he was handing her a small wooden box that appeared to be a jewelry box.

She hesitantly took it into her hands. With bated breath, she slowly opened the lid. She gasped upon seeing what was inside. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes and continued to hold the box with one hand while her other hand came up to place itself over her mouth. She tried to fight the tears, but they soon began to fall.

After a few minutes, Lucy was able to wipe away her tears and reached into the wooden box. With a trembling hand, she pulled out three keys. Dropping the box and letting it crash onto the floor, the celestial wizard held the keys in both of her hands, but she was only tearfully staring at one.

Aquarius' key.

It was here. It was in her hands. At last, after so long, her first friend was back. Lucy looked up at Laxus. The man leaned down slightly and wiped her tears away. He then slowly took the two silver keys out of her hands and whispered to her, "there is a glass of water in the library. Go on, Blondie. I'll be waiting right here for you."

Lucy could only nod her head before running towards the library as fast as she possibly could. Once inside the Fairy Tail library, she closed and locked the door. Upon turning toward the interior of the book-filled room, she spotted a glass of water on the nearest table. The blonde rushed to the table with her returned key clutched to her chest.

She stuck the key into the water and tearfully called, "I connect to the world of celestial spirits! Head my all and open your gate! Open! Gate of the Water Bearer: Aquarius!"

A flash of golden light appeared, causing Lucy to waste no time in flinging herself at the celestial spirit. She wrapped her arms around the spirit as she cried into the crook of Aquarius' neck. The mermaid spirit wrapped her arms around Lucy, holding her with a mother's care. A peaceful smile was on her face as she held her sobbing wizard, willing herself to not cry, but failed as a few stray tears streaked down her cheeks.

They had both missed each other greatly and cried hundreds of tears as they wished with all their hearts and prayed to be reunited with each other. Now, their prayers had been granted, and they could now hold each other again.

They continued their tearful embrace until both were out of tears to cry. Lucy pulled away and looked up at her friend, a smile on her tear-streaked face and happiness in her eyes. Aquarius smiled down at her, her eyes still tear-filled.

Lucy finally managed to speak, "I've missed." Though her raspy voice was but a whisper, the mermaid spirit was still able to hear her.

"I've missed you too, brat."

Lucy chuckled at that. She wiped her tears from her eyes and asked, "same contract as before?"

Aquarius answered softly, "change my summoning days from Wednesdays to any day." Lucy nodded and her friend kissed the top of her head. The spirit then asked her own question, "who found my key?"

Lucy blushed. She shifted her gaze from her spirit's face to the table that they were standing in front of. "Laxus" came the meek answer.

She didn't need to look at Aquarius to know that mermaid spirit was no longer tearfully smiling. The blonde could hear the smirk in the spirit's voice when she spoke, "Laxus? The meathead that you are crazy about?"

Lucy's blush darkened. She whipped her head back to Aquarius as she sputtered, "w-what? N-No! I-I...um...I don't like h-him in that way...I-I..." She then lowered her head, muttering, "don't call him a meathead. He's actually quite smart."

Aquarius chuckled. "I was hoping that you and he would already be a couple by the time that you got my key back. Did he reject you?"

Lucy shook her head. Keeping her head lowered in a failed attempt to hide her blush. "I haven't told him...and I don't plan to."

Aquarius exclaimed, "what?! Why?!"

Lucy brushed a lock of blonde hair over her shoulder before she answered, "what if something happens and I end up losing him? I lost you and it was the worst pain I've ever felt. If I lose him, then I'll be feeling that pain again, maybe the pain will be worse." There was silence before she added, "I can't go through that kind of pain again."

Aquarius hugged the young woman. "Lucy, if you continue to avoid what you truly want out of fear, then you wouldn't be living a happy life. If you love this dragon slayer, then you should go for him. I won't tell you that you will never lose him, I can't know that, but what if nothing like that happens? If you go for him and he feels the same way, then you will be happy with someone that will love and protect you for the rest of your lives together. If you don't go for him and he yet he does feel the same way, then think about what you will be missing out on."

Aquarius pulled away and looked Lucy in the eye before adding, "you should take a chance and go for him. If you don't, then I promise, you will regret it."

After a few moments of silence, Lucy asked, "Was that a threat?"

Aquarius gave her a humorous smile. "Don't confess to Laxus and you will find out if that was a threat."

The two women chuckled. With a surge of confidence, Lucy nodded and hugged her spirit again before she walked out of the library. She hooked Aquarius' key back onto her key ring. Upon entering the guildhall, she found all of her guildmates staring intently at her. Her eyes went to the guild doors, finding Laxus still standing there.

She strode up to the S-Class mage and looked up at him with a smile. Her smile was returned. Just as she was about to speak, Laxus held out his hand, saying, "you don't mind creating contracts with these two, do you? I've always wanted to see you make a contract with a celestial spirit."

Lucy looked down at his hand, seeing the two silver keys. She nodded and took the new keys from him. Picking one up, she examined it. The entire key was, of course, silver. The bow was circular and in the middle of it was an orange silhouette of a maned lion. The silver tip was identical to the tip of Loke's key. Lucy knew that this was Leo Minor.

She smile as Laxus took a few steps back, allowing Lucy room to meet her new spirit. The celestial wizard pointed the tip of the key out in front of her, calling confidently, "I connect to the world of celestial spirits! Head my all and open your gate! Open! Gate of the Little Lion: Leo Minor!"

A flash of silver light appeared, soon fading away to reveal a boy that appeared to be fifteen years old. His tawny-colored hair was similar to Loke's, unruly with two tufts of hair that resembled a pair of cat ears, except it was a bit longer and pulled into a low ponytail. He wore dark sunglasses and was clothed in a white t-shirt, black leather jacket, and black pants. He moved his sunglasses to the top of his head, allowing Lucy to better see his face. He looked like a younger Loke with a slimmer face. His eyes were a forest green.

He looked Lucy up and down before taking off his sunglasses and tucking them into the front pocket of his leather jacket. He then stepped closer to his summoner, took her hand into his, and kissed the back of it. He then smiled at her, still holding her hand in his, and greeted her, "hello. You must be my brother's Princess. He told me that your beauty was unparalleled, and I must say, he was right." His voice was deeper than anybody expected but still young-sounding.

Lucy slumped slightly, muttering, "why do I always get the perverted spirits?" She then took her hand back and responded pleasantly, "I'm happy to meet you. As you probably know, I'm Lucy. Would you like to make a contract with me?"

The lion spirit smoothly answered, "I would be honored to make a contract with someone as kind and beautiful as you, Princess."

Lucy shook her head with a small chuckle. Oh boy, two Lokes, she thought sarcastically. She pulled out a pen and pad of paper. She began asking her questions and writing down his answers, "what days can I summon you?"

"Any day that you desire, Princess."

"What is your magic?"

"It's called Praecipua: The Darkness of The Kings. It's a counterpart of my brother's Regulus."

"Is there anything I should know?"

"Well, I would greatly appreciate it if you would call me Asphard. The name Leo Minor is a bit demeaning in my opinion."

Lucy nodded. She and Asphard said their goodbyes, with the lion spirit flirting some more, before she hooked the key to her key ring. She examined her other new silver key. The bow was also circular. On its front was the silhouette of a red bird, its wings spread outwards. The tip of the key resembled silver flames. Lucy pointed her key outwards in front of her. "I connect to the world of celestial spirits! Head my all and open your gate! Open! Gate of the Blazing Bird! Phoenix!"

Another flash of silver light signaled the arrival of a new spirit. Standing in front of Lucy was a beautiful young woman. She had long red hair, the same shade as Erza's, that reached her lower back and was pulled into a high ponytail. Locks of her hair framed her face. She had icy blue eyes that sent a slight chill down Lucy's back. The celestial spirit wore a fiery red, strapless ball gown. A design of orange flames adorned her skirt and bodice while small, real flames sat at the hem of her dress. A pair of flaming wings could be seen folded behind her back.

The lovely woman curtsied as she spoke, her voice like a soft melody, "Greetings, My Lady."

Lucy nodded, watching the celestial spirit straighten from her curtsy. The blonde then spoke, "hello. I'm Lucy. Would you like to make a contract with me?"

Phoenix blinked a few times at her summoner in curiosity before asking, "Lucy? As in Lucy Heartfilia?"Lucy nodded, causing her spirit to exclaim, "It would be an honor to make a contract with you, My Lady. I have heard much about you. Your spirits quite enjoy bragging about their kind and beautiful princess."

Lucy blushed a little at that, not knowing how to respond. She coughed before taking back out her pen and pad of paper. She repeated the process of asking her new spirit questions and writing down the answers.

"What days can I summon you?"

"Any day as long as the sun is out and you summon me outside."

"What is your magic?"

"Fire magic and Life magic."

"Life magic?" Lucy looked at Phoenix in confusion.

The spirit nodded. "I can detect the energy and presence of the living, even through inanimate objects and from far distances."

Lucy nodded, writing that down. She then asked another question, "Is there anything I should know?"

"If it is that too much to ask, My Lady, I would like for you to call me Ankaa. This a nickname I have in the Celestial Spirit World and have grown quite attached to it."

Lucy smiled at that request. "Of course it's not too much to ask, Ankaa."

The two bid each other farewell for now, and Ankaa went back to the Celestial Spirit World. Lucy clipped her key onto her key ring. She then smiled up at Laxus who stepped closer to her. "Laxus, I can't thank you enough for reuniting me with Aquarius."

The Lightning Dragon Slayer smiled, replying, "you don't need to thank me. Just please listen to what I have to say."

Lucy nodded, curious as to what he wanted to tell her. She hoped that it wouldn't be anything that would ruin her chance to confess her love to him.

Laxus reached toward her and took her hands into his. This action caused the two blondes to blush, the entire guild to lean forward in interest at what was happening, and Lisanna to clamp her hands over Mira's mouth to prevent her overly excited sister from ruining the moment by squealing.

Laxus began to speak, "Blon-I mean, Lucy, I have been wanting to tell you this for a while. I haven't been able to work up the courage until my team and I took a job that was offering those three keys as a reward." He paused before continuing nervously, "I'm not entirely sure how to say this, so I'm just going to do this." He placed a bit of emphasis on the last word.

Before Lucy could ask what he was going to do, Laxus leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. Lucy's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly melted into the kiss, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around Laxus' neck while he wrapped his arms around her waist.

The two soon pulled away, their faces remaining mere inches apart. Laxus murmured, "I love you."

Lucy smiled brightly, murmuring back, "I love you too."

At that, the entire guild erupted into cheers. Master Makarov stood upon the bar and yelled, "my grandson and Lucy have finally confessed their feelings for each other! Let's party!" The Fairy Tail mages shouted their agreement and began celebrating the way Fairy Tail way. Lucy and Laxus were soon enveloped with "congratulations" and "it's about times."

Meanwhile, Mira had fainted onto the floor, muttering something about mini Lucys and Laxuses running around the guild soon. Lisanna and Elfman kneeled next to their sister, trying to walk her up.

[jackiebuttcakes]

How I Imagined Recent Gruvia Chapter Pt. 1

Juvia was sulking by the Fairy Tail bar, resting her sleepless head on the table, arms stretched in front of her with her hands dangling at the edge. Macao was sitting adjacent from her, sipping his beer, watching her with his eyebrow raised.

"Missing him a lot, aren't ya Juvia?" He teased, taking another huge gulp. He almost choked halfway through when he heard the enticing moan of the half-awaken bluenette.

"Juvia always feels uneasy whenever Gray-sama is out. Anything could happen to him out there," She whimpered, staring at her reflection in a empty wine glass. Macao laughed uncontrollably. If she wasn't as exhausted worrying about her beloved, she would've socked the shit out of him.

"He'll be alright. This is Gray we're talking about," He reassured.

"Macao's right," Mira interjected, taking the wine glass to clean it. "I understand that you're worried because he's Gray... but now, he has a reason to be careful," She grinned. Juvia flushed when she stared at her. "Although it's nice to know that you always want what's best for him"

Juvia adjusted her posture and smiled back at her. "Thank you Mira-san, Macao-kun. Juvia has a lot of faith in him, I'm sure he'll come back soon with everyone," As if the universe answered her, Natsu's powerful kick blasted through the double doors at the entrance of the guild hall. With the iconic grin of his, Juvia had never felt more relieved to see the love of her life beside him.

"WE'RE HOOOMMMEEE!" Natsu hollered. The guild was lively once again, especially when Juvia reached for her beloved. Gray saw her at the corner of his eye, already accustomed to his Juvia-radar.

"GRAY-SAMA!" She squealed with her goofy heart-shaped eyes and outstretched arms ready to embrace him.

"Juvia!" He said excitedly responded with no intention of resisting her hug attack. This time, her embrace was a bit stronger than he had anticipated. "Woah there," he chuckled.

"You aren't injured in any way, are you? Juvia will examine you thoroughly! Come now, get undressed!" She teased, leaving no wiggle room to move around.

"I'm fine," He simply responded, staring at her lovingly. He recalled the many Juvia's he encountered in his recent adventures, and in Hakune's illusions and although each of one them was unique and very Juvia, he knew in his heart that there was only one he wanted to fight for. Getting to feel her warmth again washed away all of his worries. He was consumed by his overwhelming thoughts that he didn't realize he was being dragged to one of the nearby tables. He noticed that Juvia had prepared something for him. "Have you been doing good?"

Juvia quickly spun around showing her handmade bouquet of mini Grays. "Juvia was oh, so very worried, so she made all of these Gray-sama dolls!" She answered cheerfully.

"R-Right..."

She switched to overdrive once again, showering him with all of her love since they haven't seen each other for a while. As much as Juvia did not want him to leave, it has become routine. Gray would leave with the team without a word about who they were fighting and what they were up against, and then arrive back home with bandages, smiling brightly because Fairy Tail prevailed once again. Because she only had rare moments with him, she decided to optimize every encounter before he left once again.

"Juvia had anticipated your arrival ever since you vanished to Edolas! So, I planned an intricate date plan for the week!" She pulled out a big poster out of nowhere and slammed in on the table to get his attention. "Juvia knows how picky Gray-sama can be, so I made sure that we have a lot of options! We can go to the water park, have dinner on a balcony, go on a picnic-" Her enthuasiasm was put to a halt, when she glanced at him. Her body froze and her heart fell when she saw her beloved, resting his chin on his hand, looking at her with endearing eyes and a smile that was so rare to be seen on his stern face. She felt anxious and confused. Usually, she expected him to look irritated, finding any way to digress. But the way he acted at this moment, it caught her off guard.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

"J-Juvia is um...." She stuttered, trying to process this sudden change. "Gray-sama... the way you're looking at Juvia... why are you so-"

"Happy to see you?" He finished. Her eyes widened, face flushed. He chuckled at her reaction. "And what if I am?" He asked in a softer tone, his eyes still locked on hers. She bit her lip, trembling at how straight forward he was. Eventually, she averted his gaze, staring at her hands fumbling with her dress.

"T-Then.... that makes Juvia very happy too.." She muttered, too embarrassed to look at him again. His hand came into view, gently bringing her hands to the table, rubbing his thumb softly on her palms.

"Let's have that dinner on the balcony tonight," She immediately looked at him again, competely shocked.

"R-Really? T-Tonight?" He nodded, getting up and lightly patting her hat.

"I have to tell you something important. Something I wanted to tell you for a very long time," He tried so hard to contain himself as she looked at him in awe. "How does 8pm sound?"

Juvia stood up, second guessing why she did it so affirmatively. "8pm is perfect Gray-sama!" She shouted unintentionally which she immediately regreted when she felt everyone's gaze. Gray blushed in embarrassment clearing his throat.

"I'll see you tonight then," He muttered, walking out of the guild to prep himself. Juvia on the other hand, sat back down staring at her poster on the table. Suddenly, Lucy, Wendy, Evergreen, and Levy appeared hovering over her.

"Oh my god Juvia, did I overhear you guys correctly?" Lucy began.

"I can't believe that he agreed to go on a date with you! It's about time," Levy said, nudging Juvia's arm who was still processing everything.

"You were so head on before he dropped that on you huh, Juvs? You really do love him," She lightly teased.

"Gray-sama really does mean a lot to me...." She answered, clutching her heart.

"It sounds like you're unsure about going with him tonight, Juvia-san..." Wendy said.

"Juvia is scared... I don't know what he's going to say... and how Juvia is going to handle it-"

"If Gray wants to spend time with you privately, it sounds like he wants to tell you something important " Lucy interrupted before she continued down the rabbit hole of her whirring thoughts.

"He did say that..."

"Then don't worry too much. Embrace it! We're right here with you," The girls cheered. Juvia felt more at ease now, and gave them a smile.

Gray took a breather outside, surprised that he just asked her out on a date. He leaned his back against outside walls of the guild, feeling his his heart throbbing. He didn't know how he was going to tell her everything, how to pour out his feelings towards her, and how much he was holding back. But, he knew that deep down in his soul, he loved her so much, and he would do anything and everything for her. So, if he was going to confess, underneath the starry night sky, with her and her alone, then that is what he will do.

*************************************************************************************

Anyone want a part 2? XDD

[annovastellar]

Ice skating with Xiao!

Over 1k words I haven’t wrote anything in so long LMAO sorry if it’s bad + not proofread at all

❁ || note: xiao is kind of a tsundere?? idk, fic is fluff, gn! reader

It was cold and frosty, the sun had just gone up, but that didn’t stop the snow from falling to the ground. It was a normal morning for the green haired boy, in his small apartment he could barely afford anymore. Recently, rent had gone up and paying his college tuition was not an easy task either.

He stood up from his bed, heading to his kitchen, where he made himself a quick coffee to wake him up a bit.

As soon as he took his first sip, he heard a notification coming from his phone. He grabbed it, and there it stood, a notification that made his heart stop. It was from a person he deeply cared for...actually, he was smitten by them, but he’d never admit it.

He tapped on it.

❤️

Xiao, are you awake yet?

X.

Yeah, why?

❤️

well, i have a question to ask!

do you want to go ice skating with me today? :)

my friend cancelled at the last minute so there’s a spot open for you!

As he read your messages, his heart skipped a beat. You, his most beloved, the love of his life, wants to go out with him? Is he dreaming? He has to be. Thoughts overflowed in his head, all about the same thing. You.

X.

Sure.

That’s all he could say, he still couldn’t believe it. It must be nothing special, afterall you did say you only invited him after your friend cancelled. He was your last option. Yeah, that must be it. 

❤️

okay, it’s a date then! meet me at the evergreen café in 20

As he read the last message, he felt his face go hot. His ears and face gaining a pink hue. He was still processing what you had said as his coffee fell out of his hands and into the floor, making a mess. He groaned as he realized he would have to clean this up before getting ready.

[TIME SKIP]

As he locked the door to his apartment, he checked the clock on his phone. He had 5 minutes left to meet you at your agreed spot. He took off immediately without a second thought, and he arrived just in time to see you at the front entrance of the café.

Y/N: “There you are, Xiao! How are you this morning?”

Xiao: “I’m fine. How has your day been?”

Y/N: “It’s been going well! Come on, let’s go now!”

You dragged him along the bustling streets, with all kinds of people with all sorts of different events going on. That was normal around this time of year, though. Xiao didn’t care much for holidays, he’d rather spend his free time studying and finishing up his missing college work. That was what he thought he would be doing today, too. However you, and only you, were capable of breaking that routine of his.

You walked and along the way Xiao sneaked some glances at you. You were just so pretty to him, there was no one out there who could rival you in your kindness, but he snapped out of his thoughts as he noticed you finally arrived at your destination, the ice skating rink.

You held his hand as you made your way into the building, seeing many other people having fun and conversing made you feel so happy. People were having a good time here, so you will as well! 

Y/N: “Come on, we can put on our skates over there.”

You let his hand go once you both sat down and put on the skates you had brought for both of you. Xiao let out a small whimper at the loss of contact, but put on the skates anyway.

Once you two were inside the ice rink, he immediately latched onto you, losing his balance already. Luckily you managed to catch him.

Y/N: “Hey there, easy. Have you never ice skated before?” Xiao: “No, I haven’t.”

Y/N: “That’s alright! I can teach you how to.”

Once he FINALLY caught a grasp of the basics, you noticed he still refused to let his hand leave yours.

Y/N: “Afraid of falling? Or perhaps you can’t handle losing me.” you teased.

Xiao: “Shut...Shut up.”

You let out a small laugh at his answer, happy to continue holding hands with him. In the freezing cold, his hands were warm. It felt...nice. You looked away, embarrassed at your thoughts of him.

You stayed there for hours. Both of you immensely enjoyed yourselves, but you still had something to say to him. You felt your body shaking a bit from the nervousness, but today was the day. This was the real reason you invited him out.  You gathered your remaining courage.

You both hesitantly left the ice rink, changing back into your original shoes. You saw how Xiao was about to open his mouth, but you interrupted him.

Y/N: ”Wait! I...I actually have to tell you...something. I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now.” You stopped before you saw he nudged you to continue on.

Y/N: “Xiao, I…” 

You took a large breath. The world seemed to slow down. Your nerves were starting to catch up to you.

You noticed how he focused entirely on you and your words. You opened your mouth to speak again.

Y/N: “I have feelings for you, Xiao. I...I love you. I really do. And it’s okay if you don’t have any for me though, I understand. I just can’t keep hiding it from you, I-”

Xiao: “Y/N. Look at me.”

You turned your head back towards him, not realizing you had stopped facing him when you started your love confession. You noticed how some tears had started to fall from your eyes, but Xiao gently placed his hand on your face and wiped them off.

Xiao: “Y/N...I love you too. More than you could ever imagine.”

You saw how his lips curved into a smile. That rare and genuine smile of his that you absolutely adored. Both of you were blushing intense shades of pink at your confessions, but you didn’t care as you embraced him. Your feelings were reciprocated, and that’s all it took to make you happy.