#easy fast wedding hairstyle | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

amberfaber40 · 2 years

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30 Updos For Thin Hair (and How to Achieve Them)

We've rounded up a list of updo inspiration for anyone with fine hair, plus a few style breakdowns and expert tips for recreating these looks at home.

This Season Wedding Hair Guide: 50+ Styles Easy to Master 2020 - Page 6 of 54 - hotcrochet .com

Would you like to try out your own wedding hair? Or maybe you are looking for ideas to show your stylists … Whatever you prefer, we have 55 simple wedding hairstyles to inspire you. Knowing how to use your hair on your wedding day can be very complicated. It is important to look for something …

Pearl Hair Pins-pearl Hair Accessories-wedding Hair Pin-bridal - Etsy

These gentle glass pearl bridal hair pins are truly stunning and would add a romantic touch to any brides hair! Something so simple, yet so lovely! These pins would go great with an updo or half up half down hairstyle the best. This pin set will look so beautiful in your hair on your special day in you forever pictures. Find the celestial star hair pins here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/746578494/shooting-star-hair-pins-celestial-hair Find the art deco star hair pins here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/798573123/star-hair-pin-celestial-hair-accessories ♥♥♥ Details ♥♥♥ - All pins measure 3" approx. - Please choose color, quantity and size variations from the drop down boxes. - Set of 3 hairpins including 1x 16mm, 1 x 14 mm & 1 x 10mm. - Set of 5 hairpins including 1x 16mm, 2 x 14 mm & 2 x 10mm. - Set of 7 hairpins including 1x 16mm, 3 x 14 mm & 3 x 10mm. - If you needed different variations send us a message and we can create a special listing just for you with the sizes you need. - White Glass Pearls. - Pins are made of zinc alloy with gold color metal coating. - Items bonded together with jewelry wire. - The jewelry wire allows you to move the hair pins head to fit your needs. Yet be careful item is delicate. - Choose quantity variation and finish color from drop down boxes. What our customers are saying about these hair pin sets: "Arrived quickly! They look nice, excited to use them." -nkwaln4 "So pretty, and fast delivery’s." -hdsiebert1320 "Arrived super quick and exactly what I was looking for, thank you!" -kelseyheiss "AWESOME product hugely personalized service!!" -khanijo "These hair pins are so pretty. Love them!" -v3vyx1wI83usbu9c "Very pretty and delicate. Exactly what I was expecting!" -katiedineen "Exactly what I wanted for my wedding! Even had enough for my MOH and mom to have one in their hair." -ph3lkshp "Beautifully designed. I can’t wait to wear them." -emileespeck "Pearl bobby pins were beautiful, can't wait to try them out with my wedding hairstyle!" -chwittenb "I ordered the yellow gold pins for an upcoming wedding and they came exactly as I expected! These pearl pins will be such a nice touch for a hairdo, I can't wait to wear them." -ellenaadia "Beautiful hair pins, very happy with them!" -itseleveneleven ♥ More of our hair pin creations: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ILiveYouLove?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=25381950 ♥ See more of our creations, click our shop link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ILiveYouLove If you have any other questions please fell free to contact us. As always everything for sale in our store has a percentage of the sale go towards the "Stuffed Animal Fund". ♥♥♥ SHIPPING / POLICIES ♥♥♥ We ship world-wide. * We ship out packages daily Monday - Friday. Once item(s) are shipped you will receive notification with tracking. * Time in the mail once shipped is based on where you are located. * USA estimated shipping times are between 3-16 days depending on shipping method chosen. * All International shipping times are between 2-4 weeks depending on shipping method chosen. * Customs has the right to hold packages up to 45 days, Expedited shipping is always recommended. * Please review our shop policies before committing to purchase: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ILiveYouLove/policy * By placing this order, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions listed in I Live You Love shop polices. --------- Come follow us on our social media for new and exciting updates: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/iliveyoulove/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILiveYouLove Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILiveYouLove1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iliveyoulove/ --------- Pearl Hair Pins-Pearl Hair Accessories-Wedding Hair Pin-Bridal Hair Pin-Pearl Headpiece-Gold Pearl Hair Pins-Pearl Hair Set-Pearl Jewelry.

Weekend Hair Goals: Topknots & Buns - Behindthechair.com

Weekend Hair Goals: Topknots & Buns - Behindthechair.com The best topknots, buns, and upstyles from your favorite Instagram stylists for your weekend hair inspo.

40 Wedding Hairstyles You'll Love for 2022

We asked the experts about what's trending, and how to find the right style for your aesthetic.

[1] 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭, josh richards - part three

*𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐬 "𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤"* 𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐀 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲. 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬,𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫,𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬...𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬,𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬,𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫,𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫,𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭

Half Up Hairstyles for Brides and Weddings Parties by Reveal

Half updos are our favorite go-to look for a wedding or bridal party. Check out our favorite half up hairstyles with braids, twists, & more.

58 stunning bridesmaid hairstyles for all of your squad

Pretty styles to suit every ceremony.

EASY UPDO WEDDING HAIRSTYLE FOR LONG HAIR - Alex Gaboury

Today’s how to hair tutorial is a messy easy updo wedding hairstyle, wedding guest, bridal, bridesmaids, or prom that you can do yourself. This is a perfect updo for long hair, and medium hair lengths including shoulder length hair. My favourite part about this hairstyle is that this updo is easier than it looks.

Bridesmaids' Hairstyle Ideas | Complete Weddings in South Florida

You finally got your wedding colors nailed down. Yay! Now it's time to figure out your bridesmaid's hairstyle. Here are a few Bridesmaids' hairstyle ideas.

Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyles: 23 Inspirational Ideas & Tips

Half up half down hair is a gorgeous wedding look that can work for every bride! Find your inspiration here

60 Updos for Thin Hair That Score Maximum Style Point

#27: Half Mohawk Knot Get creative with this interpretation of a half Mohawk knot on your long hair. It might take time to get used to creating hairstyles like this, but it’s definitely worth it. They create more hair texture than classic chignons.

@taylor_hill / Design by Camden Dechert Crafting an updo when you don't have thick texture to begin with can be a challenging feat. But here at Byrdie, we're not afraid of a good beauty challenge. There are plenty of tricks that can help finer strands pull off the illusion of volume, texture, and movement rather than channeling a disappearing act. The next time you want to dress up your strands, you can turn to this list for ideas and tips to help guide you on that journey.Keep reading for 30 of our favorite updo ideas for thin hair.01 of 30Playfully Parted Ponytail GETTY Here's an easy hair style that's been nabbed straight from the runway—a playfully parted ponytail. Your best tool to achieving this look is going to be your rat tail comb for nailing those precise lines.Use hair powder or eyeshadow that matches your hair color to fill in any areas where the scalp is peeking through other than the partings. This will give the illusion of fullness and help define those strong, clean partings.02 of 30Ditch the Parting GETTY Eliminating your usual parting and bringing the hair fully back can help your 'do appear fuller by avoiding any peaks of the scalp and potentially exposing just how close it might be to the surface.03 of 30Create Contrast GETTY Allowing for some contrast in the hair will provide a guide for the eyes to follow. This half-up style's overdirected side parting gives volume up top in contrast to its sleeked back sides and stick straight ends below.04 of 30Origami Buns GETTY Creating shape(s) in the hair is a beautiful way to add dimension to finer strands. This is especially fun when creating an updo with the help of hair extensions. You can tape or clip a small weft of extra length around any ponytail and scrunch it up into a figure 8 to create similar origami style buns, like the ones seen here. Secure your buns in the center with a hair elastic, but don't forget to add a fun accent to cover that elastic up, like some gold or silver cord.05 of 30Added Texture GETTY When you have thin strands, you always want to begin by prepping the hair with added texture before crafting your updo. Blow-dry an even layer of volumizing mousse or primer into dry or wet hair from roots to ends, over directing your hair from side to side and flipping your head upside down to help create lift at the roots while you dry.Once the product is fully dry, turn to Bumble & Bumble's Dry Spun Thickening Spray—this is a must-have product that will plump up fine strands and give them texture. This prep work will not only thicken up your fishtail or any other braid you create to then swirl up into a low bun, but it's also guaranteed to give you transformative results.06 of 30Hair Freckles GETTY Add some bling to your pulled back 'do by adhering stick-on pearls or gemstones scattered throughout the hair. This freckled look adds a hint of decadence, but still plays it cool.07 of 30Messy Movement GETTY To add that perfectly messy movement to your updo, spray an even layer of BedHead by Tigi's Queen For A Day throughout the hair while damp or dry, and blow dry the product in well. You'll notice an immediate shift in those fine strands, with more grit and hold for styling and a plumper, fuller all-around look. Finish the hair off with a little Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and flip your hair around to get that imperfect parting to match.08 of 30Adorn Your 'Do GETTY If your updo is taking you somewhere, give it a little extra something special. A flurry of florals—fresh or faux—is an excellent addition to your average chignon. And the best part is, there's truly no learning curve or specialty to the way you bring your hair up and back. Let the adornments take center stage while you cruise through the lack of styling effort.09 of 30Front Pouf GETTY Front poufs, or "bumps," may have had their moment in time circa the early 2000s, but for finer strands, this look never really leaves the repertoire. A little backcombing secured with bobby pins is too easy a fix to toss to the curb. Whip this fad out to help frame your updo with a little extra "oomph."10 of 30Wrap Around Pony GETTY This is a classic bubble ponytail without the bubbles, and it's a great updo option for fine hair at medium to long lengths. Ditch the teased up sections for a clean, chic take on this fashion-forward ponytail. The trick to wearing this look on fine hair is adding a point of interest over your elastics. Instead of sparing those thin, precious strands to wrap around each base, bring in some reinforcements like the gold cord seen here.11 of 30Fluffy Volume GETTY To get that effortlessly airy texture into your updos, distribute a soft hold volumizing mousse and place flat duck bill clips or no-crease clips vertically around the hairline to hold the hair up as you diffuse. The clips will help keep those roots lifted while the heat alters your hair into the desired form, creating a voluminous base for your updo.12 of 30Sculpted High Bun GETTY Tight and sleek high buns are a great updo option for thin hair. Wrap your hair into a few different twists using a styling cream to help it stay smooth and tame. These twists will give your topknot a sculpted, dimensional look.13 of 30Consider Your Cut GETTY When you have fine hair, the haircut you have is of the utmost importance. Blunt ends, layers, and even bangs can be of huge assistance in keeping your hair lively and looking its best, no matter how you style it.14 of 30Space Buns GETTY You may not have a ton of hair for two thick, braided space buns, but these little guys seen here prove a ton of hair isn't needed to look super cute. When all else fails, don't hesitate to braid a weft of hair in! It's an easy option with no strings (or clips) attached.15 of 30Pompadours GETTY A pompadour is such a fun style to play around with, and works especially well on shorter lengths. Use some thickening spray and a brush or comb to lift the roots up and away from the scalp. If you want more of a curled and controlled look like the one seen here, turn to your round brush to direct your desired movement. Finalize the look by bringing the sides back for contrast and securing with a strong hold hairspray.16 of 30Wispy Waves GETTY Did you know that a flat iron could give you those hints of imperfect bends in the hair? Pinch a section of your hair and gently push it up to create a "C" shape, then tap it with the flat iron. Alternate the direction of your "C" as you move down the section. This is a simple, foolproof way to lock in a subtle wave.17 of 30Braided Details GETTY Add a face-framing braid along the hairline before throwing your hair into a casual low ponytail or bun, and you have yourself an event-worthy updo.18 of 30Woven Head Scarf GETTY We know naturally curly texture doesn't always fall into the category of thin hair, but here's a great style tip that does apply: Styling your updo with a woven-in head scarf will add some density to your 'do, helping the overall style appear a little bit thicker.19 of 30Sleek and Simple GETTY Keep your updo sleek and simple with a clean parting and zero flyaways in sight. A little pomade around the edges and some hairspray all around, when laid down with a small toothbrush (for hair only, of course), will give you those smooth, flyaway-free updos.20 of 30Detailed Hairline GETTY Detailing your hairline with clips, barrettes, or even a micro braid is a simple effort that goes a long way and sophisticates any stylized updo, while still being fun and playful.21 of 30Sexy Silhouettes GETTY You don't always need a ton of hair to be pulled back to create a great updo with fine strands. This modernized beehive offers a sexy silhouette with the perfect amount of volume and gritty texture.22 of 30Romantic Curls GETTY Fine hair often doesn't have a lot of natural movement, but that doesn't make curls and waves impossible to achieve. By using a small barrel curling iron that's roughly 3/8"-3/4" in size, carefully wrap small sections of hair around the barrel from roots to ends.When you finish with a full head of ringlets, use your brush to separate and loosen the coils. This will give your hair full, fluffy movement all over. You can even back-brush the curls for more body, and twist it loosely into a thickened top knot for a romantic look like the one seen here.Back-brushing your curls will create more body and texture in the hair, creating a perfect foundation for any updo.23 of 30Statement Piece GETTY Statement pieces will always dress up an effortless updo, even on the thinnest of hair. A headband, a ribbon, a huge clip, a barrette, or a hairpin: All of these options are easy standouts that make your styling efforts minimal without compromising a finished look.24 of 30Position Your Ponytail GETTY Now, don't take this image literally—we realize braided locks are not a go-to style for fine haired strands. Instead, note the positioning of the ponytail. Creating a high ponytail with thin hair—and I'm talking high, as seen here, between the hairline and crown of the head—is a playful illusion that will only do you favors.25 of 30Hidden Bases GETTY When creating an updo on thinner hair, it can be helpful to create a base for your 'do. By bringing up the bottom half of your strands into a small, barely there bun, you then give the top half something to pin into. Use that top half section to make twists and knots: Get creative in hiding that bun below and you'll have a style that looks full of interest (and full of hair) in no time.26 of 30Front and Center GETTY Similar to pompadours and poufs, this sectioned style brings our attention front and center. Braiding or knotting a center section is an easy way to provide lift where fine hair is normally lacking.27 of 30Stacked Buns GETTY Stacking two buns together will make it appear like there's more hair to spare. Line each side with small accents like these velvet ribbons to help hide your parting.28 of 30'90s Sprouts @bellahadid This '90s style throwback of sleek roots and spiky ends is sure to add interest to your fine-haired updo. Use a water based pomade and flat brush to slick the hair back nice and tight, adding a pinch of pomade between your fingers to help give your ends that piece-y, spiky finish.29 of 30Tiny Tendrils GETTY When you have fine strands, they often come with a lack of texture and body. If you lust over this tiny tendril updo on hair idol Zazie Beetz, try this on for size: Place your hair in a high, tight ponytail. Then, use a very small curling iron—a 9 mm or 10 mm barrel size—and carefully wrap thin sections of your ponytail around the barrel. Once you have a full ponytail of tiny tendrils, use a wide tooth comb to rake out the curls and pin them artfully, bringing all that new movement forward.30 of 30Flipped Out GETTY Trying to add volume all the time can get tiring. Instead, opt to make your ends the showstopper of your updo by flipping them out of your pigtails, buns, or ponytails.15 Low-Maintenance Hairstyles to Wear Through Winter

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neiptune · 2 years

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if i get burned, at least we were electrified

(sanemi x female reader)

warnings: mentions of abuse, wounds, mild sexual harassment, cursing, one small reference to alcohol

a/n: am i still taking a break from writing for kny? yes. did this sanemi piece have to come out anyway? also yes. is the title a taylor swift reference? hell to the fucking yes.

"Can you slow down?", you hiss, feeling the fabric of your traditional wedding kimono stick to your sweaty back because, apparently, it's three thousand degrees outside and neither of you had any say in the clothes you were told to wear.

"No", he replies dryly, not even sparing you a glance.

"Fuck you, then", you mutter between gritted teeth, doing your best to keep up with his annoyingly fast and steady pace.

"If you're this slow in battle as well, we're both fucked".

"Your clothing isn't as uncomfortable as mine, Shinazugawa", you do your best not to sound desperate, feet hurting in those damn high heeled wooden geta, strands of hair escaped from the elaborated hairstyle Mitsuri has helped you improvise and sticking to your forehead, the knives hidden under your kimono painfully poking your thighs.

"Get rid of the shoes", he does nothing to hide his irritation, which has the pleasant effect of enhancing yours.

"The road is muddy".

"Do you want me to carry you or something?"

"Thanks, I'd rather cut my arm off".

Sanemi is still not looking at you, which is why you fail to notice the little smile he tries so hard not to crack.

Truth is, he's grateful. Honestly, thank fuck for your endless complaining, your frown, the edginess of your voice, the distance he can keep between you two. All of that is essential to keep things normal. As normal as they can be anyway, considering the ridiculous situation master Oyakata has forced you two into.

Some rumors came from quite a few villages of the Kento region, fear spreads like a wildfire and soon enough the corps came to know about something allegedly attacking civilians. Wed or newly wed civilians. It all sounded ridiculous, but demon slayers were never in the position to doubt or stall, so you two got ready the second your master asked you to. Mitsuri and Shinobu were busy and there was no other girl in your group, obviously. Oyakata-sama could've picked someone else to accompany you as your husband, anyone, but for some reason, Sanemi's dumb ass volunteered. Sure, he did before the master got to specify the whole fake wedding situation, but still, he did.

You wanted to ask him why he saw fit to send two hashiras on an apparently easy, regular inspection, but you knew better than to question his judgement. So you kept your mouth shut, let Amane-sama and Mitsuri fix your clothes and hair, resisted the urge to compliment the appearence of one of your most irritating comrades when you met him outside your master's mansion. You clean up well, you wanted to say. He looked nice in traditional, civilian clothes, with his hair fairly tamed and a frown less deep than usual. For a second, you thought he was going to say something to you as well, and you could've sworn that something was not going to be one of his usual barked insults. But he said nothing, he just turned around and started walking in the direction of the village you were supposed to patrol, faded green travel bag bouncing on his shoulder at every step.

It's sundown when you arrive at the village. You have a chance to take a look around and take note of the incredibly low number of people you encounter along the way. When registering at the family owned inn you're supposed to stay at for the night, the old lady behind the counter smiles kindly and explains that the locals prefer not to be outside when it gets dark, as quite a few people have been disappearing lately.

"How many?", you ask, trying to sound as worried as possible.

"Oh, I think it was at least three. Or was it four? People say they've been kidnapped, but maybe they simply decided to leave. There's nothing to be afraid of, this is quite a boring village my dear".

"We're gonna need a room", Sanemi's tone is hasty and it's hard to resist the urge to step on his foot. You wonder if he's gonna be able to pause the absolute aversion he has for you and actually commit to the mission enough to pretend you're his wife. But when you reach over to take the keys from the old lady, he's quicker. Not only he grabs them, he's also incredibly swift and graceful as he balances them in his left hand along with both of your travel bags, while the fingers of his right hand easily slip in between yours.

"Thank you", he bows and leaves you zero time to react as he practically drags you away from the counter, and you really have nothing much to focus on except for how big and solid and warm and nice his hand feels.

He doesn't let go until you're inside your room, travel bags sbruptly dropped on the floor as he moves over to the dresser to look inside and snorts.

"Should've guessed it", he grumbles and you peek over his shoulder to see the single, neatly folded futon.

"I hope the floor is comfortable", you smile sweetly.

He just grunts in response, leaving the room without saying a single word to take a bath before dinner is delivered. You have to wait until everyone's asleep to go out and actually start doing your job: a job he really cares about doing well, it seems. Definitely more than what you had anticipated.

Nothing. Not a single clue, a scream, a scent, some loose soil, a noise. Hours spent wandering around the village, jumping from tree to tree, exploring roofs, listening intently for any change in the cool air of the night. Nothing.

The sun is basically about to come up when you surrender and head back to the inn, grumpy and tired and honestly hoping no one will catch you sneaking back in your room with leaves in your hair and clothes so different from the ones you were wearing a few hours prior.

You make a stop to the restroom to freshen up and get into your nightwear, leaving him some time to do the same. You've never been on a mission together, the vast majority of the information you have gathered about Sanemi comes from a few sparring sessions, some meetings, the comments of your other companions. He dislikes you, although you doubt it's personal, as he seems to dislike everybody equally. Well, maybe he hates Kyojuro a little less, and Tomioka a little more, but his standards are frankly beyond your understanding. It's just weird, the thought of having to be alone with him for a few days. Sleeping in the same room, pretending to be his spouse. He's someone you've never really talked to, it just was automatic, the way you responded to his aggressive behavior with equal hostility. But was there a point in being hostile, anyway? Maybe you could smooth things over, at least for a couple of days. If he's willing to take your hand, from time to time, maybe he's also willing to get along.

When you close the shoji doors behind you, he's already in a dark blu jinbei, busy drawing the thick, dark curtains to protect the room from even the slightest hint of sunshine. He's also already laid out the futon for you. A nice gesture, just what you need to reciprocate.

"Hey", you approach in the friendliest way possible. His eyes are on you in an instant. Is he nervous?

"We can share it", you declare as you sit down, cross legged on the soft sheets. He sits on the tatami floor, right in front of you.

"Thanks, I'd rather cut my arm off", he retorts mockingly. It's a second, a fraction of a second, but you see it as he sits. A flinch, the slight spasm of lips.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?", you ask, confused. How is it possible? You haven't faced anything. Yet.

"My ears are hurting, so shut the fuck up and go to sleep", he grumbles. You don't buy it and, on all fours, you're quick enough to reach him and lift the corner of his shirt. His hand is quick as well, as it violently slaps yours away. Not quick enough for you to miss them, though. Stitches, probably a courtesy of Shinobu.

"What the fuck?!", he snarls, eyes burning with something similar to both anger and embarrassment.

"That's it, you're taking the futon", your tone is firm, and you hope to the gods he's tired enough not to indulge in further debate. Wishful thinking, of course.

"Get fucked".

"What are you being so stubborn about? Just take it!"

"I don't need your pitiful sympathy".

Jesus, getting along might be harder than you had imagined. But the beauty of obstinacy is that, usually, it's a game two can play. And you take pride in being one hell of a player.

You absolutely ignore his fiery gaze as you crawl on the tatami floor and casually lie down right next to him with a content sigh that has an infuriating effect.

"What are you doing?", he asks between gritted teeth, frown so deep you would find it funny hadn't it been for your eyes being already shut.

"Going to sleep. Can you be quiet?"

"I'm too tired for this bullshit, get in the damn futon".

"I think the floor is a nice change, I like experimenting".

He lets out a guttural growl.

"Do you have to experiment right next to me?"

If you had known Sanemi Shinazugawa a tiny bit better than you did, you would've sensed the absolute tension and nervousness coating his angered tone. But you don't know him well enough, so you simply can't tell that he is embarrassed, and overly self-conscious, and absolutely fuming at the fact that your proximity is making him so tense. Why aren't you nervous? How can you be that relaxed, lying on the floor, eyes shut, absolutely vulnerable and exposed and feeling so normal about it?

You turn your back to him and curl up in a fetal position, which allows you to hide a smile.

"I'm scared of demons", is your blunt reply.

Sanemi snorts, body still completely frozen. God, you're such an infuriating idiot. So, what now? Does he actually lie next to you on the stupid floor just to prove his stupid point? Does he drag you inside the stupid futon? Does he crawl inside the stupid thing himself because those stitches are, indeed, giving him hell?

"Fine, dumbass. We'll sleep together", he snaps, with a wording so inappropriate you can't stop yourself from peeking at him from over your shoulder with an amused grin.

"Not even buying me dinner first?"

In disbelief, he stares at you, and hadn't the room been almost completely dark, you wouldn't have missed the pink suddenly coating his cheeks.

"Kidding, joking, please don't go apeshit", you're quick to avoid his gaze and crawl back into the futon before he gets the chance to explode in another one of his fits. But, much to your surprise, he's quiet as he tucks himself in, filling the empty spot right next to you.

Despite his roughness, you really want him to be as comfortable as possible, and that simply won't happen if your awfully close bodies touch more than an appropriate amount which, according to him, is probably none. No appropriate amount to justify your leg or arm brushing against his, no appropriate amount would excuse your breath reaching his shoulder or your hair tickling his neck.

So you turn your back to him once again, doing your best to curl up into yourself as much as possible, not even caring about being slightly off the edge of the futon as you whisper a cautious good night.

Sanemi is conscious of the annoyingly narrow space you're sharing, but he's not overly conscious of it. How could he, when you quietly went out of your way to rest as far away from him as possible? He's not offended, it's obvious that the whole thing is about his comfort rather than yours. You weren't just being nice or sympathetic, you genuinely wanted to give up the futon because you're considerate like that. Of course you are, and of course he knows. He's aware of the qualities of each hashira he's met. Just as Gyomei is wise and sharp, or Kyojuro is strong and selfless, you're considerate. And smart, and strong. And stupidly charming, with your witty jokes and sharp replies that can sting just as much as his.

Apparently, you also adapt easily, a quality that explains how you're able to fall asleep in the most uncomfortable position known to mankind, within just a couple of minutes. You don't care that someone as aggressive and unpleasant as him is laying right next to you, someone who's practically a stranger, someone who finds himself listening to your quiet, heavy breaths, focused on how your shoulders lift ever so slightly with each one. Someone who discovers that your peacefulness has a calming effect on him, and is actually able to shut his eyes and relax his muscles and let his breath grow heavier in turn.

It's a smaller village, the one you're strolling across this time. You had left the previous one after rumors came about another married couple having been attacked in the middle of the night: the husband is still missing, the wife is still in shock and wasn't able to provide any useful information. She had just mentioned a woman, a beautiful woman with red hair and green eyes. Everything else was drowned in tears and shaky sobs. When you offered to take care of her wounds and bruises, she had started screaming so violently your body froze in shock and Sanemi had to drag you out of the house, hands on your shoulders and jaw painfully clenched.

Now his right hand is holding yours again, something you've grown used to with surprising quickness. Whenever you're in public, he becomes someone completely different from the person you've always known him as. Sanemi takes his missions seriously, he's focused and absolutely committed to his job, especially if there have already been casualties. However, with each passing day, you can tell that he's growing increasingly restless. You have yet to encounter a single clue and people keep disappearing and, you suspect, he's also tired of keeping up the dumb marriage act your master has forced the both of you into.

You know he's sick of you, but that doesn't stop you from trying to ease his suffering by trying to make some conversation and indulging in some innocent teasing.

"Your palm feels clammy", you whisper. He tenses up right away, making you chuckle.

"Shut the fuck up", he whispers back, eyeing a street vendor who's shouting something about the quality of his tea leaves.

"Ask nicely, dear husband", you reproach, giving his hand a light, playful squeeze.

Sanemi huffs in response, much less annoyed than you would guess. Your presence is easy to get accustomed to and, truth is, he doesn't really mind it anymore. Pretending to be your husband while in public? Easier than he had anticipated. Sleeping in the same futon? Weirdly comfortable, given that he actually sleeps. He had been so ready to feel itchy and tense and stiff, that your ease had taken him by surprise. Gave him no choice but to adapt in turn. And he's now so adjusted, he can't bring himself to tell you that your composure is absolutely useless, because each morning, without fail, he wakes up with your head on his shoulder, your feet poking at his legs and your arm thrown across his chest. And it's interesting that he doesn't mind, that he doesn't feel embarrassed. He just feels peaceful. Your breath is quiet and sweet as it tickles his cheek, the way you hum in your sleep and your soft snores are amusing. It's kinda... cute? The way your hair's all over the place. You're so different when you're unconscious, so much easier to get along with, he finds.

"Stay here", he orders as he lets go of your hand to head towards the stand of another street vendor, probably to gather some more information.

You smooth out your yukata as you look around as well, silently memorizing how the houses are positioned, which stores you can distinguish from there, searching for someone you can approach as well. You spot a young woman, arm in arm with a man that looks just one or two years older than her. Praying to the gods that they're married, you decide to try your luck.

"Good evening! I'm so sorry to bother you", your tone is friendly as ever while you bow, "I was wondering if you heard something about the disappearences going on around here? It's just... I'm having so much trouble sleeping at night", an apologetic smile finds its way to your lips.

The man untangles his arm from the woman's grip and, somehow, his arm is suddenly around your waist as he pulls you shockingly close.

"I can keep you company at night", he grins, and you can tell that tea is not exactly what he's been drinking throughout the day.

Keep it professional. Don't sprain his arm. Dont break his nose.

"Brother!", the woman reproaches, outraged and embarrassed at the same time. You gently remove his arm from around your waist, taking a step back.

"That's not what I asked. Regardless, I wish you a pleasant evening", you bow again, gaze intentionally fixed on the woman, who bows as well with a desolated look on her face. The man grabs your wrist just as Sanemi is by your side again, but he has no chance to open his mouth or intervene in any way because you pull the dickhead closer, step one leg beside him, easily free your wrist to grab him by his shoulders and push him backwards while swiftly sweeping your leg around and behind his ankles to take him down.

The woman gasps as his brother groans, muttering something under his breath. Sanemi is startled, probably annoyed to some degree, but he doesn't say anything. As you search for his gaze and take note of his clenched jaw, he simply takes your hand again and silently urges you to walk away with him with a pace the tiniest bit faster than usual.

He doesn't ask if you're okay, he knows that you are. Perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, as any other hashira. But still.

"You could've told him you're married", he makes it sound like he's thinking out loud, but you don't miss the slight tension in his voice.

"I hold the authority over my choices. He shouldn't respect my husband, he should respect me", you're casual about your reply but Sanemi feels the way your grip on his hand gets a little tighter. You're upset, angry even. Yet, what comfort can he offer? Tell you that you're right, go back and crush that asshole's face under his shoe?

He settles for saying nothing, as his grip grows a little tighter as well.

It's unsettling, the way he wakes up. So bizarre that, for a split second, Sanemi thinks there's a threat in the bedroom. But there's not, the only unsettling thing is the empty and cold spot next to him, the absence of any weight on his leg or chest, no one quietly sleeping on his shoulder. As he sits up and the room becomes purple for a second, he spots you sitting on the floor in the opposite corner of the room, back pressed against the dresser.

"What's wrong?", he rasps, then clears his throat cause his voice sounds terrible right after he wakes up.

"Nothing. Did I wake you?", your tone is considerate but there's also a weird vibration to it, something similar to... unease? Alarm?

"Why are you awake?", he ignores your question. The sudden, loud crack of a thunder makes you flinch, any possible reply caught in your throat as your back hits the dresser with a loud thud.

If Sanemi could be bold enough, he'd simply say something along the lines of come back to bed. Or I'm here, no need to be afraid. But he isn't, so the only thing left to do is try to be smart about it.

"I've been thinking", he begins, legs crossed as he gets comfortable. Your gaze flickers from the floor to his eyes.

"There's something we're not getting. The bitch doesn't show up, she doesn't seem to care that we're married. We're stuck".

You let out a shaky breath as you hug your knees, grateful to have a distraction.

"Yeah. Should we send a crow to master Ubuyashiki?"

"No, we have to figure it out. He trusted us to fix this, so we'll fix it".

So you were right, he is sick of you and of your silly little act. Even if you do your absolute best not to bother him. Even if you'd rather sit on the floor during a thunderstorm, than to stay in the futon and risk waking him up. He's tired and wants to go home. Which is fair, obviously. You had just hoped that he'd find the whole thing at least a little more... bearable.

"There's only two villages left, we'll check one tonight. We'll draw her out of her hole", you promise, wincing again as another thunder echoes violently throughout the room.

"Do we have to keep talking like this? Come here, you look like a cornered rat", words come out the wrong way but he honestly has no idea how to make it sound better, less intimidating or mocking. Thankfully, you just roll your eyes and carefully crawl back to your empty spot next to him.

"You wouldn't last three days as an actual husband", you grumble, pulling the covers over your legs as you carefully lie down. He soon follows, but he lies on his back, in contrast with the position he usually sleeps in.

"I don't plan on becoming one", Sanemi replies. You squint your eyes as the ceiling is illuminated once again.

"Scared of commitment?"

"Yeah. It's definitely that and not that I'm probably gonna end up dead in a ditch soon enough".

You slightly turn your head to look at him, surprised.

"Don't get all pessimistic on me, you're a pillar!"

He looks at you as well, a single brow skeptically raised.

"Pillars can't die?"

"Not the ones who have someone they'd leave behind".

"I swear if this is a marriage joke–"

"I meant your brother, idiot ".

Sanemi grows quiet as his eyes are focused on the ceiling once again. I hope to die before him, is what he's thinking. I pray that I won't be here to watch it happen.

"He's not my brother", is what he says, and you snort loudly.

Privileged asshole.

"You know, you could cut the bullshit and actually cherish whatever time you have left with him. I wish I still had a brother to argue with", your reproach comes out much more bitter than you mean it to. It's none of your business, his personal life. But you have met Genya, multiple times actually, and the admiration he has for his older brother breaks your heart every time. You don't have someone loving you like that anymore. You probably won't live long enough to have someone like that ever again.

He stays silent longer than you expect him to, so much that you think he's fallen asleep. But Sanemi's eyes are still scanning the ceiling.

"You've been unlucky", he eventually mutters, voice so low you wonder if he's actually talking to you.

"With luckier lives, we wouldn't have been here".

He scoffs.

"No, I mean this mission. You could've been here with someone like Rengoku or Himejima. For some reason you even like Uzui and Tomioka". They'd say the right thing.

You gently nudge his calf with your toe, chuckle at his flinching cause you're well aware of how cold your feet are.

"Well, you could've been here with Mitsuri or Shinobu. You've known them longer".

The rain is heavy as it beats on the windows, but you can tell the storm is moving farther away, perhaps over the same village you're going to patrol after a few hours. Just a few hours before you're hashira on their duty again. But right now, you're just two normal people comfortable enough to be lying beside each other, some sort of hushed intimacy having settled over any usual miscommunication or banter.

I don't mind this, he'd like to say.

"Would've found them annoying as well", is what he says.

You roll your eyes again, but Sanemi can practically feel your smile as you speak again.

"Well, I don't mind this".

As you leave the house of yet another traumatized and shocked woman covered in bruises, realization dawns on you. It's sudden, and as painful as it is unexpected. Sanemi is cursing under his breath because you still have no leads but you stop in your tracks a few feet behind him, frozen. He turns around, a questioning expression taking over his features as he notices your horrified one.

"We got it all wrong", you mutter as you move closer to him.

"She's not targeting married couples. She's targeting husbands".

Sanemi's frown deepens as every piece finally falls into place. His jaw is clenched once again.

"So what do we do?"

You guide him towards an empty spot right behind what looks like the empty shop of a carpenter.

"Punch me".

Sanemi opens his mouth, then closes it. Opens it again, almost starts gasping like a fish.

"What? ", he hisses.

"Yeah, give me a black eye. Or slap me, I don't care, just do it".

His heart drops to his stomach when he realizes you're being serious. Horrified, he doesn't know what to say for a solid minute while your eyes silently encourage him. When they squint in preparation as he slightly bends forward, he breaks.

"No", he slowly lets out, tongue suddenly heavy in his mouth.

"Come on, you can't stand me anyway, should be easy!"

"That's not–", he interrupts you so sharply you jump a little.

Sanemi is not dumb, by any means. He's perfectly aware of the vibe he gives off and, as long as he's a slayer, he intends to maintain it. People can get cuts and bruises from how sharp his edges are, but he has some ground rules and boundaries and, he discovers, the sole idea of beating a woman up just for the sake of it is enough to make his head spin and his stomach churn with nausea. His sparring sessions with other slayers are brutal, but what you're asking is different. Especially because you think it would be easy, for him to hit a woman just because he doesn't get along with her. It's mortifying.

"I won't. I'm not that kind of man". I hope to the gods I'm not, he thinks, as memories of his father flash before his eyes and he has to clench both his fists not to punch a whole in the tree you're resting your back against.

Shame blossoms in your chest, threatening to become a storm powerful enough to drown you.

"I didn't mean–", you murmur, shocked at your own insensitivity, "I would never imply that. I was just trying to make it sound like less of a big deal", you're almost begging at this point, searching for a gaze that still doesn't meet yours. There's nothing left to do but to push it and as you lean forward as well, forehead incredibly close to his, you feel so small and stupid there's nothing you'd want more than to hide in a hole.

"Sanemi", his name sounds weird when you say it for the first time and he must think the same thing as his eyes finally meet yours. It's heartbreaking, that look. It's a look you'd never think you'd see from someone like him.

"I'm sorry. I would never think you'd actually do it, I was just trying to think of a strategy. Please believe me?"

"What if others think I'd actually do it?", his voice comes out in heated whispers, "What if other women think I'd–"

"You're unpleasant to be around but that's simply not enough for anyone to think you'd hurt women. You wouldn't be a hashira and neither our master nor Genya would love you as much if you were someone capable of doing that".

You hope you sounded convincing enough as he pulls back slightly, gaze still clouded by doubt.

"We can fake it", you cautiously suggest, "or come up with something else. Now that we know what's going on, we'll find her".

He takes a deep breath, spares you a glance, distractedly remembers how different his name sounded rolling off your tongue.

"We can fake it", he decides.

You're not gonna think of this as one of the worst missions you've been on, you decide. How could you? When the usually insufferable prick walking back to Oyakata-sama's mansion right next to you is now someone you'll look at so differently.

You're sure he hopes to leave this whole mess of a week behind, forget about it as soon as possible. Never mention how you two have slept wrapped up in the same sheets, held hands for a time that occasionally seemed to unnecessarily stretch. Tomorrow he probably won't even remember the way he had insisted on carefully smearing the mixture of oils and crushed verbena flowers on the side of your face, frown so deep it almost felt like he was giving you real bruises. You never thought his, of all hands, could feel so gentle. You never thought he'd get distracted and direct his worried gaze towards you in battle, even if for just a barely noticeable second.

"Why the fuck are you still so slow? We're wearing our clothes", Sanemi hisses, and he's surprised to find out he has to make an effort to actually sound annoyed. It's not really infuriating, your slower pace. Especially because he's practically sure your usual, considerate ass, is doing it on purpose. So that he stays off his right leg as much as possible, the leg he had allowed the demon bitch to basically rip apart to let her close enough for you to slice her head off. The leg you had insisted on bandaging as tightly as possible, because he had barked insults at each kakushi who had tried to treat his wounds, ripped stitches and everything.

You, however, had been adamant. "Treatment for fake wounds demands treatment for real wounds", had been your dumb principle, with reference to him carefully wiping your face to get rid of those horribly realistic, fake bruises.

The time spent together had teached Sanemi to just let you. Let you decide to share a futon with him, let you dig your cold feet into his calves each night, let you win the eating just steamed rice means you're not having a balanced breakfast argument, letting you laugh at your own, stupid jokes, while aggressively pretending not to be fighting back a smile whenever you cracked one all of a sudden.

Sanemi finds comfort in you not rolling your eyes or retorting with a sour comeback to his irritated tone. It means that something has shifted and that he's not the only one who has noticed. Luckily, the leg hurts badly enough for him to be unable to focus on what that shifting actually means: the urgent need to find a new balance, the burning hope not to miss your presence in his futon at night, once he's back to his estate.

The wish for there to be stormless nights only, from now on.

#sanemi x reader #sanemi shinazugawa x reader #sanemi #sanemi shinazugawa #kny fanfic

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subbe93 · 3 years

Text

The Roulette of Destiny part 2

A/N: There it is, the second part! It was nice to see that some of you were interested to read more ❤ Without longer explanations: I hope you like this :)

Chapter 1

Chapter 2:

Ran knew she should be terrified and go back home. She knew that she shouldn't trust someone she didn't know. She had read and heard all those horror stories where young girls are doomed way or another because they left with a stranger. Those stories never had happy endings. Her parents had warned her about these kinds of scenarios, reminded her that she shouldn’t trust anyone who she didn’t know… She knew all those things, and she should be scared, she should leave and save herself.

Yet she wasn’t scared at all. If something, she felt comfortable with him. Well, nervous too, but more likely in a good way. She didn’t know why, but somehow she felt like she didn’t have to be worried when she was with him. God, she really hoped that her instinct was right and she wouldn’t regret this later.

Though her instinct didn’t warn her what Shinichi said when they started to walk towards the train station.

“What?!” Ran almost shouted and stopped to look at a man who didn’t seem to be bothered by what he said. He just continued walking hands in his pockets, so Ran needed to run a little to catch him. “But… We can’t go like this, you know. We need some clothes and toiletries and… and…”

Shinichi laughed. “But we don’t need anything that we can’t buy on the way”, he answered. “And I’m pretty sure that visiting at home now would make everything only more complicated. So it’s easier just jump on the train and go.”

Well, Ran admitted that he wasn’t wrong. Actually, she was pretty sure that if she would have gone home and told her parents that she is going on the trip with a stranger, they wouldn’t have let her. Though what she would say them now? Send a message and told them that she had run away with a stranger? Ran didn’t like to lie, yet she knew what would happen if she told the truth. Maybe this was the sign to leave?

But she still felt like she needed to go with him.

So they jumped on the first train and decided that their stop would be Yokohama. It was fine for Ran. It wasn’t too far from Tokyo, so if something would go wrong with Shinichi, it wouldn’t be a big problem to get back home.

The second surprise hit Ran when they reserved a hotel room. Well, Ran knew that since Shinichi was the one who would pay for this trip, she didn’t have any right to complain, but it didn’t wipe out the fact that they would share a room. Shinichi apologized about it, since they did reservations out of blue, they didn’t have many choices. Of course, Ran answered that it would be okay, since at least they didn’t share the bed, but still… Sharing a room with a random man? Why didn’t she thought about that before she followed him on this train?

Though as soon as they get to Yokohama and did some shopping before they get to their hotel room, Ran realised that she made it a much bigger problem than it should have been. Shinichi was gentlemen enough to give all the space she needed, and when she told him that she would like to change clothes before they would go out, he just told her that he would be waiting in the lobby and left the room. Even though Ran was relieved and happy to have personal space to change, she still felt a little bad to made Shinichi leave. But she told herself that he understood.

Those three days went so fast, and Ran didn’t even remember when was the last time when she had this much fun. They visited Yokohama Chinatown, the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, walked through Yamashita Park, adored Sankeied Garden, and visited Ramen Museum. As much as Ran had tried to tell herself to be wary of Shinichi, she had forgotten the whole thing. He was so easy to be with, it even felt like they would have known each other for a long time. Well, they didn't, but somehow they were comfortable enough to joke, mock, and laugh at each other. At least Shinichi got that irritating smile on his face when he third time found Ran wandering around after she had lost while visiting the toilet. Ran knew that she had a very poor instinct of directions, but when she saw that smile... She glared at him with a murderous gaze.

"Don't. You. Even. Dare."

He didn't say anything, but Ran knew that she is going to hear about it, and she wasn't wrong. She took her mission to make fun of him every time she got a chance.

And even though they didn't share many same interests, it was so natural to talk to him. Ran told him about her school, friends, habits, her karate skills, which he was pretty impressed with, and that she loved cooking. And she liked how interested Shinichi was. He always asked more questions and if there was anything that Ran was even a little unsure of, he knew what to ask to make Ran realise how she really felt about it. She wondered if Shinichi was a psychologist.

It seemed that he didn’t. And as much as Ran had talked about herself to him, he didn’t seem to have much to tell about himself. Ran learned that Shinichi was a big Sherlock Holmes fan, loved mystery novels and probably everything which had something to do with mysteries, and he loved challenging puzzles and riddles. He also seemed to know pretty much about everything, and if he didn’t, he was pretty quickly searching for answers from the internet. If someone would have asked for Ran, it was pretty impressive. He also told that he liked football, though he hadn’t played it since high school. It was a pity for Ran because somehow, she found herself wondering if the man in a suit was really good at it. But since she wouldn’t get the evidence from anywhere, she needed to believe him.

There were only two topics which they didn’t touch, not even jokingly: their family and arranged marriage. Even though Ran was so curious to hear about Shinichi’s parents, what they did to living, and about their family life, she didn’t dare to ask. She was sure that if she would ask, she should tell him about hers, and only thinking her parents reminded her about arranged marriage, which she didn’t want to think about. And Ran believed that the same goes with Shinichi. In the end, the meaning of this trip was to make them forget that problem for a while. So, it was an unspoken agreement that they didn’t bring those subjects up.

So the third day turned to night and Ran found herself just staring out of the window.

Maybe day or two, he had suggested. On that day it seemed that those days would be enough, but now Ran felt like they went too fast for her. They hadn’t talked about it, but she had the feeling that this trip was coming to end, and it made her sad. These days, they were amazing. She had so much fun, so carefree time and she really wasn’t ready to give up on it yet. She could already feel that heaviness on her shoulders when she even thought about Tokyo, about going back home. She knew that she should go back, but at the same time, it meant that she needed to face reality. The reality that she didn’t like.

The door slammed and made Ran wake up from her thoughts. She stopped herself from turning around to look in the direction of the voice because she knew that it was Shinichi who had come out from the shower.

“Must be my lucky day”, she heard him said. “Today even I got a warm water…”

Ran rolled her eyes even though a smile raised on her lips. Of course he would say something like that. It wasn’t Ran's fault that this hotel wasn’t the best of them all, it wasn’t her fault that the first day they came back to the room so late, and it wasn’t her fault that he let her took the shower first. Yeah, maybe she could have been dreamed lesser than she did, but… well, he should have gone first.

“Didn’t want to hear your complaining rest of the evening”, she answered jokingly.

“I didn’t complain rest of the evening last time”, he defended himself. “I just informed you that it would be nice if next time I got warm water too.”

Ran laughed and turned enough to look at him. Shinichi was already there and sat down next to her on the couch. Like Ran, he had already dressed in pyjamas, though he still had his towel around his neck. His hair was slightly wet.

“So”, he started and took the towel to dry his hair, “what happens tomorrow?”

Ran felt her smile melt and she turned her gaze back to the window. Yeah, what’s going to happen tomorrow?

“I don’t know”, Ran answered quietly. She knew what should happen, yet she didn’t want to say it out loud. Actually, she kind of wished that it wouldn’t happen… She still wanted to stay here, ignore her situation a little longer, enjoy her time, laugh and joke with this man, and see more about Yokohama. But…

“Probably we need to go back.” It was harder to say than she thought. Ran lowered her gaze to her hands which had been laid on her lap.

“Probably”, he answered. “But is that what you want?”

Ran smiled sadly. “What does this have anything to do with what I want and what not?” she asked and looked at him.

“When is your wedding day?”

“I don’t remember the day”, she answered and shrugged. “Something like... After two months?”

“So, we have plenty of time to stay here and do something fun”, he answered cheerfully. Ran laughed.

“Come on, there is so much to do, like… wedding dress, make up, hairstyle, flowers…”

“Isn’t a month enough for all of that?”

Ran smiled mockingly. “Men. They never understand how much time all those things take.”

Shinichi shrugged. “Probably not”, he agreed. “To me, it’s easy enough: got a suit and make sure I’m in front of the altar on that day.”

“Really?” Ran asked with surprise. “Don’t you have anything else to prepare?”

“Like what?”

Ran kept her silence, trying to think of something, but it was fruitless. Men didn’t have hair to do or if they did, it wasn't probably as big a thing as a women's hair, men didn't need time for make-up… Well, probably suit was a simple thing too, and they didn’t need any kind of bouquet. Why men had it so easily?

“Well, probably I should do something for the rings, but…” he shrugged. “I don’t know, not feeling inspired enough to load of them.”

“You still should”, Ran said and smiled sadly when she took her gaze back to her hands. “I… Don’t get me wrong, I get that. But in the end, you’re going to be with her your whole life, and maybe you got to like her and start to regret that you didn’t take enough time and money to find perfect ones.”

There was a silence before he answered. “Still not sure if I want to. With my luck, she is just someone who only sees my money and nothing more.”

Ran raised her gaze to him. “But she can also be someone nice and kind who would like to learn to love you”, she defended. Well, she knew that she would try to.

Shinichi laughed dryly. “Really?” he asked and look at her. “Is that how you’re going to be? Trying to give him everything even if he wouldn’t give you anything?”

“How can you know that?” she asked angrily. “Have you met my future husband? Do you know who he is?”

“I don’t”, he answered honestly. “But you can’t assume he is a nice guy, Ran, for your own sake...”

“Why? Should I just sit here and scare for the worst?” She stood up, feeling pretty much ready to do anything else than just cry. Oh God, she didn’t want to cry in front of him – again… “I’m willing to try my best to be worthy of him, the wife he needs. I want to learn to love him, and…”

“Ran…”

“And try to have a happy life. You get it?” she continued with a raised voice, trying her hardest to look strong and determined even though she felt tears on her cheeks. Why? Why did he need to bring up all those things that Ran was so scared of? Why he needed to remind her that there were those marriages where both sides hated each other or lived like the other half was nothing, or… or…

“Ran, I…”

“No”, she interrupted and took a deep breath. “That’s all that is left from my dreams”, she whispered. “There… there can be a nice guy who wants to know me, love me… They can’t… they can’t…”

Shinichi stood up. “Ran, you are kind… Actually, kindest who I have ever met”, he said and raised his hands on Ran’s shoulders. She glanced at those hands. “And I find it unbearably wrong that you have to marry someone who you don’t even know, who can be anything… I just…” He took a little break like trying to organize his next words. “I have seen many unions which haven’t been happy. And the worst what can happen is that…”

“Don’t! Just… please, don’t… Let me have it…”

“I don’t say that because I want to be mean, I just don’t want you to give everything to someone who won't give anything to you…”

“But that’s the only way I can handle this”, Ran cried out and closed her eyes letting tears do whatever they wanted. She couldn’t keep herself together anymore. Though she shouldn’t be surprised: This was the topic which both of them had avoided. The reason for their trip, the reason why they even met in the first place. And she was the one who brought it up, took out the time bomb, which just waited to explode. “This is how I can handle it, how I can somehow manage to accept this… I just… I just want to believe there still can be my… my… happy… ending…” She couldn’t hold herself anymore. She just let herself lose everything, letting all those hopeless tears come out, and pressing herself against him, hiding her face on his shoulder. “What else can I do?”

He didn’t answer. He didn’t push her away. He just let her cry.

The next morning felt heavy for Ran. All she could remember from the last night was their conversation and that she was crying in Shinichi’s arms until she fell asleep. Well, her eyes felt pretty swollen, and it made her smile dryly. Shinichi had already seen her on her worst, so maybe there was nothing she needs to hide anymore. It probably wouldn’t matter if she met him like this.

She dressed up and left to the restaurant where Shinichi already was. He watched his phone until Ran got closer. Only then he raised his gaze and smiled at her like nothing had happened. To be honest, she was thankful for that side of him.

“Good morning.”

“Morning”, Ran wished and sat down on the other side of the table. Then she looked at how Shinichi turned his attention back to the phone. She kind of wanted to just eat breakfast and pretend that this was like yesterday morning, but she knew that at some point they have to talk about it, so she decided to bring it up now. Ran took a deep breath. “We still don’t have any plans what we are going to do today?”

“Nope”, he answered. “Or actually”, he fixed and leaned against the table closer to Ran, still those blue eyes clued on the phone. “I have been thinking what you said last night.”

Oh, they were moving on the dangerous topic already.

“Trying to find a new husband for me?” she decided to joke.

He looked at her with a surprise before a smile came to his lips. He seemed to think before he opened his mouth. “Weeeeell, maybe there is no need for that”, he answered and winked. “If you accept me to take that job.”

Ran smiled though still rolled her eyes. “In your dreams”, she answered. “If you really want that, my condition is to have perfect engagement and wedding rings, just so you know.”

“Gee, you are demanding.”

“What can I say”, Ran laughed. “Someone told me last night that I shouldn’t give more than my future husband is giving me.”

“Aww, my own words destroy everything”, he answered with a smile on his face when his eyes went back to the phone. “But seriously, I thought what you said and you’re probably right. That I should find rings which would be… well, good enough that I’m not going to regret it if my future wife is really nice and deserves everything.” Then he put down his phone on the table that Ran could also see what he was looking for. “I was just watching this map and wondering where I would find good places to search them. What do you think?”

He had a map, which showed some jewelry stores. Though Ran notices that the map wasn’t Tokyo’s. She recognized Yokohama, and when he moved it, it just went further from Tokyo. Why though? Wouldn’t it be easier just to look at what Tokyo has an offer? At least he lived there. If it were for Ran's wedding preparations, she would just stay in Tokyo, and…

Or maybe it was his way to say he wasn’t ready to go home yet?

Ran looked at him. His eyes were so focused on a map, and she couldn’t read anything from his face.

“Well”, she said slowly getting his attention. “I believe you can find rings in every city.”

Shinichi sighed. “But I asked your opinion.”

“Why?”

He smiled. “You’re a woman who is in the same situation as my future wife”, he answered. “So, I thought maybe I could use you before we go back to our homes, and take you with me to buy rings, so I got your opinion which ones was good enough to someone who I don’t know…”

So it was her decision to make. She could say that those “best stores”, like he said, would be in Tokyo, which would mean that they would go back to Tokyo, and after looking at those rings, they would go back to their own ways like nothing ever happened. Yet only thought of that made Ran a little sad. And truth to be told, it was weird because, in the end, they have known each other for three whole days. Why in the first place she chose to go with him? With a stranger?

Because that morning they got along well. They understood each other's situation, it was so natural between them. He was nice and funny, Ran enjoyed his company, and after he was leaving, the feeling of refusing that offer felt like a big mistake. She left with him because her heart told her to do it.

And the fun part was that she didn’t regret any of it. They had so much fun together, got to know each other, and she even got so far that cried out of her heart to him, and he wasn’t even bothered by it. Ran trusted him, and she was sure that if that man would have wanted to do something to her, he would have done it already. He was so easy to be with like they were pieces of a puzzle that happened to match. He was like a best friend, like… Sonoko… But still in a different way. And probably only because he was in the same situation as Ran, so he would understand. He really would.

She wasn’t ready to let him go. Would they ever meet again if they now go back? Ran feared that they wouldn’t. And maybe a few more days away from home wouldn’t have any bad consequences? She would still have time to prepare for the wedding. And maybe she could somehow try to prepare for it with Shinichi? At least he was going to buy rings, so maybe Ran could already check on the internet some dresses, hairstyles, maybe make-ups? By the time she would go back, she would have something on her mind and maybe her mother wouldn’t be so mad at her for staying away from home. And if she would be too productive, she could always try to plan some decorations and tell her mom what she had planned…

And in the end, she can always blame her and her future husband’s parents. Why had they planned to have a wedding so soon and without asking her opinion?

She smiled. “Well, can’t say I’m expert with jewels, but”, she said slowly and hoping that she wouldn’t go too far with him, she leaned forward to see the map better and pointed one place with her finger, “but I remember that one of my friends talked that Shizuoka had some good jewelry stores…”

Chapter 3

#ShinRan #Arranged Marriage AU #The Roulette of Destiny #Part 2 #Detective Conan #Shinichi Kudo #Ran Mouri #Fanfiction

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jekde04 · 4 years

Text

A Glimpse of the Future

Pairing: Gruvia (Gray Fullbuster & Juvia Lockser)

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Genre: Romance

Word Count: 3,253 words

Summary: Juvia had always wondered where exactly she stood with Gray. She finally got her answer when Gray came back from Edolas and saw someone he never expected. [Based on Chapter 66 of Fairy Tail 100 Years Quest.]

You may also read it on FanFiction.net or AO3!

Juvia ran to the guild as fast as her feet could take her. If she only knew they'd be back this morning, she wouldn't have taken that three-day job outside Magnolia that prevented her from taking her usual station at the table nearest the guild doors – the one she claimed for herself every time Gray would come back from a mission.

She barged right into Fairy Tail and shouted, "Gray-sama!" attracting the attention of a few guild members. Everyone was so used to her Gray-related antics by now that they no longer pay much attention to it. Max simply pointed to the direction of the infirmary with a kind smile and told her, "He's over there, Juvia."

"Thank you, Max-san!" Juvia gave him a clumsy bow before she dashed off to the infirmary, as if Gray might disappear any moment.

After all, it wasn't like her fear was unfounded. The last time they were together, Gray's body suddenly glowed and disappeared to God-knows-where for days. Only the thought of the rest of Team Natsu being with him made Juvia calm down.

And now they were back, she could hardly wait to see her Gray-sama.

Slowing down as she approached the infirmary, Juvia pushed the door gently and peeked. Lucy, Natsu, Erza, Wendy, and Gray lay on each bed, all sound asleep. Quietly, she made her way towards Gray's bed, the one farthest from the door and nearest the window. She sat beside him on the mattress, the bed creaking a little.

Though Gray looked a little roughed up – bandages wrapped around his naked torso and left arm, another bandage around his forehead, and a small gauze on his cheek – Juvia was glad his injuries were far from serious. It would take a lot for Gray-sama to become worse for wear, she thought with a smile.

Juvia gently clasped Gray's warm hand nearest to her. The action made him stir, and in a couple of seconds, Juvia found her eyes locking with Gray's still sleepy ones. "Juvia?"

"Gray-sama! Juvia's sorry to wake you up like that!" She immediately let go of his hand and cupped her reddening cheeks. "Juvia was worried, so she just wanted to check up on you. She's just glad to see you're safe. She will let you rest now." Juvia started to stand up but Gray grabbed her wrist, causing her to fall back onto the mattress.

"It's okay, Juvia," Gray said, giving her a small smile. "I was actually looking for you when I got back."

It never ceased to amaze Juvia just how much more vocal Gray had been these days. After years of pining for him and barely receiving a response, Gray being more open and receptive to her was something she still had to get used to. She didn't mind it in the least, but she still couldn't control the blush blooming on her cheeks whenever he said something remotely sweet.

"Oh, Juvia went on a solo job while you were gone," she told him. When Gray's eyes narrowed at her, she quickly added, "But it wasn't anything dangerous, Gray-sama! Juvia just had to conjure rain for this small town. It was an easy one, really. And it was something only Juvia can do." She winked at him for good measure – after all, Gray liked it when she acted cute sometimes.

During the past year, Gray had become increasingly reluctant to let her go on solo jobs, always insisting to come with her even if it was just a simple three-hour job. When his team wasn't around, he would ask her to tag along with Gajeel, Levy, and Lily. Though Juvia cherished his newfound protectiveness, she wasn't too keen on following him because she was perfectly capable of defending herself. Suffice it to say it had been the subject of a number of their disagreements.

This time though, she wasn't in the mood to argue with Gray, so she quickly changed the subject. "But where did you go, Gray-sama? What happened to all of you?"

With one last glare at her, Gray let it slide and sighed. Juvia pursed her lips to suppress the smirk forming on her lips. She knew full well that Gray would bring it up the next chance he got, but it was still a victory for her, no matter how short-lived.

Propping himself up on the bed so he was sitting against the headboard facing her, he answered, "We were transported to Edolas."

"Edolas! You mean, the world without magic? How?"

"Apparently, the White Mage brought us there because she needed our help, but I can't really go into details. You know we can't divulge anything about the 100 Years Quest."

Juvia nodded. "Oh, so it was part of the quest. Juvia understands and won't pry anymore." She patted his leg and added, "Juvia's just really glad that Gray-sama's back in one piece."

Gray grinned. "Of course. And we got a lot of help too from the Edolas Fairy Tail."

Juvia's eyes lit up. "Really? So you got to meet our counterparts there!" she said, clapping her hands together. She heard so many tales about their Edolas doppelgangers, especially about Edo-Gray pining for Edo-Juvia. She got so jealous about it that she even reverted to her old hairstyle just to try to get Gray to notice her. Sadly, it didn't make a difference.

"Uhh... yes," Gray replied sheepishly, cheeks reddening as he did so.

She waited for Gray to continue, but when he didn't, she prodded him. "So, how was it? Did Edo-Gray finally get Edo-Juvia to love him back?"

Gray simply nodded, not looking Juvia in the eye. Is Gray-sama embarrassed?

Wanting to learn more, Juvia continued to question him. "That's great! So, they're now a couple?"

"Y-yeah. Well, kind of."

Juvia's brows furrowed. "What do you mean? Is it like... ours?"

It was now Gray's turn to be confused. He looked at her, raising a brow as he asked, "Ours?"

Juvia blushed as she looked away. Truth be told, she and Gray never sat down to have "the talk" before, as she always felt that Gray wasn't the type to put labels in a relationship – or even get into a relationship, for that matter. But the shift in their... whatever they had going on right now was apparent ever since their war with the Alvarez army.

For one, Gray had become more protective of her, not allowing her to go on solo missions he deemed dangerous (As if he had a say in that, Juvia thought smugly, though she appreciated the concern). Gray would also immediately cover her up or drag her somewhere private every time he realized she had once again stripped alongside him during their battles.

And she couldn't deny that Gray had been spending a lot of time with her, whether on missions, in the guild, or even just some random day strolling at the park – eating caramade franks, laughing at each other's stories about their guild mates, with Gray insisting that "this is not a date" even as he walked her back home, his scowl getting bigger and bigger as they neared the doorstep of Fairy Hills.

And then there were those subtle touches and gestures, too small to notice if you weren't paying attention. But Juvia was Juvia, and she always paid attention to everything her Gray-sama did.

So she always felt those lingering touches on her elbow, her shoulders, and at the small of her back whenever they were walking together. She noticed those smirks that turned into smiles that he tried to hide whenever she said something amusing or did something cute. She basked at how he always sat a little too close to her even if there was still plenty of space on his other side, their elbows and knees touching. And there had been one too many times when she caught him gazing at her, eyes suddenly traveling somewhere else as his crimson cheeks betrayed him.

Juvia saw and loved all those changes. She couldn't deny how Gray made her feel special.

But if she was being completely honest, she wanted more.

She wanted him to talk to her more openly, so she didn't have to rack her brain just over analyzing his words. She wanted him to feel free to hold her hand whenever he wanted to, not just brush them against hers and get extra sulky when she wouldn't latch onto his arm like he was used to. She wanted to let everyone know that Gray was hers, erasing the fear that one day, he would just wake up and find a love rival who's a lot better than her.

Juvia wanted to know if they were on the same page. She wanted to know if they have a future together.

But she also knew that she couldn't force Gray to take a step forward if he wasn't ready. So, Juvia did what she knew she did best for Gray – wait for him. Patiently.

"Umm, nothing, Gray-sama. Juvia just wanted to know what you meant when you said they were kind of a couple," Juvia stammered, internally chastising herself for almost forcing Gray to put a label on their relationship.

Gray just stared at her, as if debating in his mind what to say next. When he spoke again, it was in a low voice. "They're not like us... Actually, they're already married."

"Juveen!" Juvia shrieked and immediately covered her mouth, remembering that their friends are sleeping. She could feel her blood boil and all of a sudden, her face felt extremely hot. Against her will, her mind launched into an all-too-familiar scenario of the two of them exiting the church after their wedding, all their friends cheering at the lovely newlyweds. Gray would sweep her into his arms, lean her backwards, inch his face closer as she closed her eyes...

"Juvia? You there?"

Juvia's eyes snapped open – she drifted off to dreamland again with just the mention of marriage! Gray's hands were waving in front of her, his face a mix of concern and amusement.

"Juvia's s-sorry! It's just that... m-married..." Juvia stuttered, fidgeting on her seat. If the couples in Edolas are the same in Earthland, then does that mean that Juvia and Gray-sama would... She shook her head as her imagination threatened to run amok again.

But instead of giving him his usual scowl, Gray's lips curved into a small smile.

"That's not the best part."

Juvia just stared blankly at him. Is Gray-sama insane?! What else could be better than getting married to him?

"They... they have a son."

Juvia's jaw dropped as she felt more blood rush to her cheeks, and she fought the urge to squeal again. A son?! For Gray-sama and Juvia???

But instead of an equally embarrassed Gray, she was surprised to see him staring outside the window, a contented smile playing on his lips and a hint of pink on his cheeks. It was a completely new expression she hadn't seen in Gray before.

"You know... he has your eyes. Huge, dark blue ones, like you can just get lost in them. And your lashes, too. They frame his eyes so perfectly," Gray said as his eyes crinkled a little in remembrance. "His hair's like mine, though. Dark, but I think it had a tiny bit of blue in it. But a messy mop of hair like mine all the same." He ran his hand through his hair, letting out a small laugh.

He finally returned his gaze on Juvia. "At first, I really freaked out. I mean, that's a kid right there – five, maybe six – who looks like you and me at the same time. It's so uncanny. He even acts all quiet and cool, it's like looking in the mirror.

"But then he blushed, and he... he's just so cute. Too cute for his own good," Gray said with a soft smile on his face. Juvia was so fixated on what Gray was saying that she didn't notice his hand intertwining with hers.

"He... he looks so much like you when he blushes. All shy and cute, like I just want to squish his tiny cheeks and kiss them." He was smiling widely now, his other hand rubbing the back of his neck – a habit Juvia knew he does when he was feeling shy.

"I can't believe we could make something as precious as that, you know?" Gray locked eyes with her, and Juvia felt like a thousand butterflies were fluttering in her stomach for a thousand different reasons.

Maybe it was the fact that their Edolas counterparts were now married and had a family together. Maybe it was because she had never seen Gray like that before, so happy and at ease.

Or maybe it was the possibility that this was the same future laid out for them: a happy marriage and an adorable son who was the perfect mix of both of them, in looks and personality. 'I can't believe we could make something as precious as that, you know?'

Could Gray-sama be thinking that far ahead... with Juvia?

She knew she could spend an eternity just watching Gray like that, but she had to remind herself that this was not actually their life. It was Edo-Gray and Edo-Juvia's, not theirs. Right now, she wasn't even in a formal relationship with Gray. Her heart sank a little.

Forcing to tear her gaze away, she shook her head and brought herself back to reality. "That's... that's nice, Gray-sama."

Gray frowned at Juvia's sudden change of demeanor. He squeezed her hand and asked, "Is there something wrong?"

"Well, it's just that... it's Edo-Gray and Edo-Juvia. It's not really us."

It took a few moments for Gray to respond.

"Yeah, you're right."

They stayed silent for some time, Gray once again pensively gazing outside the window and Juvia looking down on her lap, busily fidgeting with her skirt. When he finally spoke, she could hear the uncertainty in his voice. "Juvia... don't you want something like that?"

A mix of emotions rushed straight into Juvia's heart like a raging river. Shouldn't Gray-sama know by now that there's nothing else in the world that Juvia wants than to get married and build a family with him?

"Of course Juvia wants it!" she answered, a little too loudly. Checking herself, she added in a whisper, "It's just that she's not sure if that's what Gray-sama wants, too."

Gray looked at her as if she'd grown another head. "W-what? But I thought all these will eventually lead to that!"

"E-eh? Wha... What does Gray-sama mean?"

Gray drew a deep breath. "Juvia, I know I'm slow at these... things, but I'm sure."

When she didn't react, he continued. "It may have taken me a while to get here, but I'm here with you. I'm here for the long haul. And seeing that boy Greige, well, it gave me a glimpse of what our long haul looks like." He took her other hand in his. "I mean, I've always known and felt that it's going to be with you, but seeing it, in the flesh, it... it made me more excited about what the future has in store for us."

Juvia couldn't believe her ears as her heart pounded mercilessly in her chest. Just a few moments ago, she was questioning herself whether this was what Gray really wanted, and now, here he was, telling her that they have a future together. Her eyes filled with tears as she grasped Gray's hands tighter.

"Gray-sama wants... a future with Juvia?"

Gray averted his eyes and scratched his cheek with a finger, looking a little bashful. "Of course. Who else would it be?" he mumbled. Then he looked back at her, his eyes softening. "And frankly, I kind of want to start that future as soon as possible."

Steam shot out from Juvia's ears. She snatched her hands away from him and covered her chest.

"E-eh?! Gray-sama wants to make a baby right now?" Juvia exclaimed, face as red as a tomato.

Gray flailed his hands in front of him, just as flustered as Juvia was. "N-no! Not right now, of course!"

She threw herself in his arms as he squirmed. "Juvia would love to! Juvia and Gray-sama better start right now if they want 32 babies!"

"32?! What the hell, Juvia!"

Juvia pretended to be hurt as she looked him in the eye. "Gray-sama does not want to have babies with Juvia, then?" She pouted and gave him her best puppy dog eyes, tears threatening to fall on her cheeks.

"No! I mean, yes! No! Juvia!" Gray ran a hand on his face, then sighed. He grabbed her shoulders and stared right back at her.

"Look, I want babies. With you. But not right now. And not 32, for God's sake! Just please, don't cry." With that, he pulled her into his arms and Juvia couldn't help the warm feeling spreading throughout her whole body. Gray-sama really sees a future with Juvia!

Deciding to stop tormenting Gray, Juvia wiggled out of his grasp as she smiled and cupped his face in her hands. "Juvia's just teasing you, Gray-sama. But... she wants you to know how happy you made her just by hearing that Juvia is part of your future."

Gray's face softened, his hands cupping her cheeks as well. "I honestly don't know how you could think otherwise." Gray's face inched closer to hers, his breath fanning her lips, and Juvia closed her eyes.

"Get a room, you two," Lucy's voice broke the moment, making both jump away from each other, red cheeks and all. They were so wrapped up in their conversation that they forgot they weren't alone in the room.

"How many eggs would you like Juvia to lay, Ice Pants?" Natsu asked as he tried to control his laughter.

"Shut up, Flame Brain!" Gray retorted. "At least I'm not stupid enough to believe that babies come from eggs!"

Natsu crinkled his brows in confusion while Lucy facepalmed and Wendy giggled. Erza mumbled something about Natsu's need for further education.

"Moron! They totally do! Happy came from an egg!"

"Natsu-san, I don't think it's the same..."

"Idiot! How did you grow up and not know where babies come from!"

"Natsu! Gray!"

As the petty exchange escalated to a full-on brawl, Juvia cheered her Gray-sama, heart fluttering with the promise that someday, a beautiful boy with her deep ocean eyes and his unruly dark locks would be jumping and shouting beside her, cheering his Daddy on.

A/N: I couldn’t resist writing this even though I was in the middle of working on another fic. I just can’t wait for Gray to tell Juvia about Greige!

#gruvia #gray x juvia #gray fullbuster #juvia lockser #fairy tail #gruvia fanfic #gruvia fanfiction #greige surge

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beautifulterriblequeen · 3 years

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Not-so-long white elf hair?

Am I on again about Runaan’s hair? Yes, yes I am! *finger guns*

Runaan’s worked really hard on his appearance. He wants it to say everything he wishes and nothing he doesn’t. And his look does have a lot to say:

But @hoothalcyon got me thinking about one particular bit of Runaan’s look that seems to only be visible here in this one image:

Is this a short lock of hair? It could just be an artistic take on the fact that Runaan has a ridiculous amount of long white elf hair, which he does. Just oodles and armfuls of it, it’s everywhere, RIP the Ruthari household shower drain.

Or, it could be a fun detail with a specific bit of character development behind it. Hair cutting can be a highly symbolic act, especially for a character with distinct long hair.

It’s interesting that this apparently cut lock has been deliberately hidden beneath Runaan’s voluminous hairstyle, as if its visibility might expose some kind of secret or weakness.. but what? Is Runaan just Moonshadowing things again, or is there something he’s shy or even embarrassed about regarding his potentially missing hair?

Hair can be cut in mourning--see Amaya, who may have chopped her hair in mourning for Sarai, and the gay icon Achilles, who cut a lock of his hair in mourning over Patroclus.

It can also be cut for failure or defeat. A recent fictional example is the long-haired and undefeated Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, whose people would cut their hair when they lost a battle--and he never had.

Hair is also given as a sign of deep affection, in curls and locks, and kept by friends and lovers as a remembrance token, especially when they must be apart. There are few gifts as intimate as literally giving a piece of yourself to another.

And then there’s the angsty possibility that Runaan didn’t cut it himself. Ethari might have taken it for a spell Runaan willingly agreed to, and that’s very soft and fluffy. But perhaps Avizandum had it taken, maybe as part of a blood promise that bound Runaan to his assassin leader duty or somesuch. Or Runaan had a close call when he got those scars on his chest, and he also lost a lock of hair during the same incident, for magic either primal or dark. We saw Rayla’s braid getting burned for magic, and it seems that much of dark magic has a primal magic inspiration, so I suppose it’s possible that a Moonshadow braid could be consumed during a Moon spell too.

If I were to take a guess--which I’m super gonna do--I’d guess Runaan’s hair was given as a gift. It’s got to be ridiculously hard to get up close behind an accomplished assassin long enough to cut his hair and then survive long enough to get back out of range!

Ethari makes gifts all the time. He is a crafter, a creator. He brings new things into the world. It’s easy for him to imagine and make things that didn’t exist before. Runaan is a taker, though. He doesn’t create, he destroys. And he’s super focused on that, so he probably doesn’t have a lot of soft hobbies in which he makes stuff. Alas.

But you know what he does have? His beautiful long hair. It’s unique to him. No one else has that hair. Runaan likes to give his husband things, he likes to speak Ethari’s love language to him. But perhaps early in their relationship (how fast does elf hair grow, anyway?) he impulsively sliced off a lock and handed it over so Ethari could remember him while he was away on a mission. Or perhaps it was part of their wedding ritual to braid and cut a long lock of hair and then hold its ends and dance, Prince-of-Egypt style.

The more important Runaan’s hair is to him, the more significant it is if this is a chopped lock. Did he cut it recently, or has it grown out from being chopped much closer to his head? Did he give it out of affection, dedication? In apology, out of guilt? As a promise? Is it involved in a magic spell? Was it taken from him? Where is it now?

I’ll tell you where I want it to be. I want it to be braided and looped over a little mushroom light next to Ethari’s side of the bathroom mirror, where it catches all the prettiest light glimmers, and he can look at it anytime he wants to, and it never fails to make him smile, because he put that braid in Runaan’s hair, and when Runaan gave him that braided lock, it was the first time anyone had ever given Ethari swirlies.

Do I have a fic in which Runaan braids and cuts a lock of his own hair for a magic spell with Ethari? Yes, I do. Did I know about this apparent short lock in Runaan’s hair when I wrote it? Nope!

#tdp headcanons #tdp speculation #runaan #long white elf hair #ruthari #tdp angst #part angst and part fluff hi it's me #tdp

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wewillwriteyou · 4 years

Text

Crazy Little Thing Called Love || Chapter 10

A few elements from the main plot: A fine line falls between fiction and reality: what starts as a musical slowly becomes a game-changer. Tables will turn and it will get clear as the sun that the only unstoppable power in life … is love.

Summary Chapter 10: Christmas is coming and some people go, others stay at the campus. But what if, as it always happens, plans will change last minute? And what if ‘these plans’ are none other than Ben’s plans?

Word count: 5.2K+

Warnings: Language here and there, but this chapter is mainly fluff / descriptions, so safe territory everyone

A/N: This chapter is indeed one of our favourites, folks! We loved writing it, so we do hope you’ll like as much as we do! 💛 xx

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

The Sorceress was right: he had leaped without looking. Leaped into something that was bigger than him and any of us mortals. Suddenly, a plan unravelled before his eyes. To fix everything. To make amends. This time he knew he couldn’t do it by himself. He needed help.

The alarm going off made him jump off the bed. He turned it off fast but not fast enough to prevent Rami from waking up.

“Sorry mate,” Ben apologised to his roommate as he pulled a suitcase from under his bed.

“It’s Christmas Eve – Rami mumbled, rolling on the other side of his bed – did you need to set a goddamn alarm today?”

“It’s almost twelve…” Ben observed, chuckling.

“Yeah, but still… Christmas Eve…” Rami complained, using his pillow to cover his ears.

“My dad’s picking me up in an hour – Ben shook his head chuckling and threw him a cushion – we’re going to Italy on the annual ski trip”

“Right, - Rami threw the pillow back and got up, stretching his spine – how did he convince Miss New Americana?”

Ben rolled his eyes, chuckling lightly. Miss New Americana was his dad’s fiancée and she was… not easy, to be nice. Something of a bitch, to be honest.

When his parents were still together, the Hardy’s would always go to Italy in the winter break and Ben only had happy memories of that time.

After Ben’s mom died just as he was starting college, he and his dad went on the ski trip on their own for a couple of years. And then he met Linda, a sparkling pink American who inexplicably made his dad happy but who was clearly more interested in his dad’s money than she was in his actual happiness.

That would have been the first year someone outside the family had joined their trip and Linda didn’t seem like the type of person who liked to… mess up her hairstyle with sky goggles.

“I suppose he’s gonna tell her we’re gonna go to Milan to go shopping and then listen to her complaints during the whole trip once she realises he lied to her” Ben answered, making Rami chuckle from the bathroom.

Rami closed the water and emerged from the bathroom with the towel around his neck, “Are you gonna survive with her there?”

“No Rami, - Ben stopped and pointed a finger at him – the question is: is she gonna survive with me there?”

Rami laughed, “Oh God, you’re gonna be your own first client, Mr lawyer…”

They were both laughing when Ben’s phone rang and his dad’s number appeared on the screen.

“Yeah dad, I’m almost ready, what time are you gonna be here?”

Rami got out of his pijama and went through his drawers to find a shirt, he could tell something had happened by Ben’s facial expression. He watched him slowly put the wool socks back on the bed, out of the suitcase, and sit on the mattress.

“You must be joking. Tell me you’re joking.” Ben harshly said on the phone and Rami mouthed him a ‘what’ but Ben just shook his head.

“Dad, you know she’s just playing you, right? Are you still falling for her crap?” Ben rubbed a hand on the back of his neck and let it fall on his side.

“I cannot believe you’re taking her side…”

Rami walked up to him and sat on his bed while buttoning up his shirt.

Ben was defeated. His dad was one of the best lawyers in the UK, after all. He let his head fall forward and hid his face in the palm of the hand that wasn’t holding the phone.

“Fine – he blurted out, interrupting his dad on the other side – Do whatever she says. I don’t care. I hope you two are gonna be happy.”

He was about to hang up when, “Oh, and I’m glad to hear I’m the only one of us to still give a shit about mom.”

Hitting the red button, he ended the call and threw the phone into the suitcase. He brought his hands to his face and rested his elbows on the knees, exhaling frustrated.

“I can’t believe her – he began – when he told her about the trip she flipped out and caused a scene in the middle of his Christmas dinner party and threatened to leave him and go back to her parents and my dad, being the dumbass that he is, told her they didn’t have to go if she didn’t want to…”

Ben exhaled tiredly, even if he’d just woken up.

“What a manipulative bitch… - Rami commented – I’m sorry, man”

Ben got up again and began unpacking, “Yeah, I know”

“You can come with me and my folks… I can try booking you a last-minute ticket to Egypt”

“Thanks, Rami, but I don’t think it’s possible… and in any case, I’d feel like an outsider with you and your family”

“You know my parents love you,” Rami patted on his shoulder before going to the wardrobe again to pick out his trousers.

Ben half smiled, “Thanks, man”

An effusive knock on the door interrupted them.

Rami opened the door and an impeccably dressed Lucy made her entrance.

“Happy Christmas Eve boys,” she kissed him on the cheek and went up to Ben to place a kiss on his lips.

She noticed Ben was unpacking and frowned, “Aren’t you supposed to be already packed? – she shot a look at Rami and he shook his head while looking down – What happened?”

Ben exhaled and threw his last T-shirt on the duvet, “Linda. That’s what happened…”

Lucy placed a hand on his back and brushed it soothingly, “I’m sorry, babe… you can always come at my parents’ if you want”

“Thanks, Luce, but I think I’m not in the mood…” Ben walked away to put his clothes back in his drawers, letting Lucy’s hand fall back to her side.

She furrowed her eyebrows, “So where ‘re you gonna go?”

Ben closed the wardrobe and put his hands in his pockets, “I think I’ll stay here…”

“Here? – Lucy shrieked – You wanna be alone at Christmas?”

Ben huffed, “I’m not gonna be alone, Luce. There’s a lot of people who don’t go home for Christmas and I know they’re throwing a small party tonight at the cafeteria… more like a Christmas dinner for the ones who cannot have one with their families and-”

“It’s because of her, isn’t it?” Lucy cut him off. Steam was already bowling up in her head and she had to force herself to listen to what he had to say instead of storming out of the room.

“What? No, Lucy I-”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Ben, I know you’re not telling me something and I plead you tell me before I walk out of that door or I won’t be coming back”

“Alex’s gonna be at her parents for the holidays… – Rami jumped in – She was telling Elizabeth the other day at rehearsal. She’s leaving tonight…”

Lucy moved her eyes from Rami to Ben, “That doesn’t answer my question, though”

She knew Ben better than she knew herself and he was hiding something. Since the beginning of the month, she had noticed that something was off with him. He talked less and missed a couple of rehearsals. He hung out more with his canoeing team than with the cast of the musical. And more importantly, he’d been avoiding physical contact as much as he could.

Lucy knew something had happened with Alex, she just knew.

Since that kiss on stage, she hadn’t believed a word he had told her. He swore it didn’t mean anything and he was just acting but she smelled the lie from miles away.

Lucy distinctly remembered Ben kissing her like that, with that passion… but it had stopped ages ago. And she had been fine with it because she had always been told that after the excitement of the beginning, it was normal to lose the spark in a relationship and ‘get used’ to the routine.

Seeing him having the same spark they had with another woman had nearly driven her crazy.

She refused to believe they were done. She couldn’t accept the idea she was losing him. Ben. They had been through so much together and she knew for sure her parents were already looking into wedding halls for when they’d graduate. They had not-so-discretely told her they needed to be together because ‘it was good to the families’ on countless occasions.

And even though all of the above was true, she still needed to know what had happened so she could dump his ass before he could do it with her. She refused to be the cheated loser who got dumped by Ben Hardy. God, my parents are gonna kill me, was the only thought that circled inside her head.

She struggled in keeping up her stone-cold bitch façade, but she felt like she was crumbling to pieces and she knew she couldn’t have held it much longer.

Ben almost involuntarily glanced at the dresser by the door and Lucy followed his gaze.

The picture of them at the first canoeing race he ever won was sitting in its frame, the glass completely shattered.

“What happened to that picture?” she asked, her voice squeaky.

“Crap,” Rami muttered under his breath and walked away from the couple, closing the bathroom door behind him.

Lucy stared at the broken glass, her mouth agape, “Did she do this?” her voice feeble.

Ben looked at his feet, running miles in his head to find a plausible answer that wouldn’t completely shatter their relationship.

“Fucking say something, Ben!” Lucy shouted.

“It was an accident! – Ben shouted back, still averting her eyes – Alex had come by and-”

“That’s all I needed,” Lucy cut him off and aimed to the door, but Ben blocked her arm.

“Let go of me,” she wriggled her arm away.

“I’m sorry, Lucy, I really am-”

“For what Ben, uh? For wrecking our first memory as boyfriend and girlfriend? For cheating on me? Or for me founding out about you two? Uh?”

Ben didn’t know what to say.

“You bastard,” Lucy’s voice broke as she completed those last words and while Ben stood there she opened the door.

She walked out, but before shutting the door behind her she turned one more time, “Rot in hell, Ben Hardy”.

With that said Lucy slammed shut the door on their relationship.

It was over.

Ben walked back to his bed and sat there staring at the floor.

“Jeez mate,” Rami emerged from the bathroom.

Ben looked up to him, “You heard everything I suppose…”. Rami nodded.

Ben scoffed, “What have I done, man?”

“Well, to be honest… a fucking mess” Rami sat in front of him and Ben emitted a bittersweet chuckle.

“Thanks… – Ben brushed a hand in his hair – What do I do now?”

Rami exhaled, “How much do you need me to be honest?”

Ben looked at him and realised Rami was probably the only person who knew him well enough to give him advice on this, “100%. Shoot.”

Rami nodded, “Listen, Ben, you’re my best mate and you choose complete honesty so I have to tell you… You acted like a dick.”

Ben sarcastically chuckled, “Well thanks, man, I needed that…”

“Let me talk…” Rami shushed him, “You acted like a dick with both Lucy and Alex. You cheated on Lucy, knowing all the shit you two had been through and you lied to her about the kiss with Alex on stage. You deluded Alex you two could be together without telling her that you still hadn’t talked to Lucy and you had no intention of doing it soon…”

Ben was staring at the floor, feeling all the horrible things he’d done stabbing his back like daggers.

“So now you have to do only one thing and you have two ways to do it… - Rami continued – You have to make things right with both of them and you can either choose to run after Lucy or go talk to Alex. Your choice.”

Ben finally looked up at him and saw a half-smile on Rami’s face, meaning that he’d support either of his choices. Like he had always done.

He smiled, “Thanks, Rami”. They both got up and Ben hugged him, suddenly knowing what to do.

He walked away from his friend, picked up his phone, jacket and keys and headed to the door.

“I’ll probably be gone by the time you’re back, – Rami said, making Ben turn to look at him – so don’t do anything stupid. And keep out of trouble.”

Ben smiled, “Merry Christmas, mate”

As he closed the door behind him he heard Rami shouting Merry Christmas asshole back to him. He chuckled to himself and let his feet walk him in the only direction he wanted to go.

***

“So you’re telling me you’ll spend New Year’s Eve here?”, Denise tucked her phone between her head and shoulder and picked up her books, then headed towards the library’s exit.

“Apparently so,” Gwilym was cheerier than she’d expected and it made her smile to herself.

“That’s cool… – she tried to keep a straight tone while dodging the people in the corridor and finally stepping outside the building – Well, let me know when you’re gonna be here. We could… grab a bite… and maybe wait for New Years in the main hall with the others…”

Gwilym smiled widely, “I would love that”

Denise was able to contain her joy only because of the books she was holding. She was actually jumping around inside her head.

As she proceeded on the sidewalk of the 9th dormitory, she noticed a familiar puff of blond hair waving at her from the distance.

“Listen, Gwil, I’ll call you back.” She hung up the phone and fished it not without some struggle in her pocket.

“Hi, Ben… What are you doing here?”

“Hey Denise, – he sounded nervous and after everything Alex had told her, she didn’t know how what to think of him – I was looking for Alex and I know she lives here, but I don’t know her room… Is there any chance you could tell me?”

Denise furrowed her eyebrows and narrowed her eyes, “And why should I tell you that?”

Ben was confused at first, but then he realised Alex had probably told her what had happened between them.

“Listen, Denise – he started, brushing his hair nervously – I need to speak to her as soon as possible. She hasn’t picked up my calls in weeks and, besides that, I need to do this in person… I wanna make things right, trust me. I’m here to make things right.”

Denise stared at him and he did look desperate. She knew Alex would have killed her, but she decided to trust her instinct, “The room is 986. Second floor, west end of the corridor.”

Ben let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, “Thank you”.

He patted her on the shoulder and smiled, before climbing the steps to the building.

“Don’t make me regret this, Hardy” she shouted before he could enter and he turned to wave as if to say ‘promise’.

Ben eluded security and ran towards the stairs, jumping two steps at a time. He was so focused on arriving in time that he couldn’t think of anything to say to her face.

When he got to the door, he almost hesitated to knock.

Suck it up Hardy, he said to himself and rapidly knocked on the wooden surface, eagerly waiting for an answer.

“Who is it?” Elizabeth asked.

“It’s Ben,” he cleared his voice.

The door opened and Elizabeth emerged with only her head from behind it, a nervous smile on her face, “Hey Ben, what are you doing here?”

Ben looked her up and down and hesitated for a second, wondering who was she waiting for that made her so nervous.

“Uhm, I was looking for Alex… I need to talk to her urgently”

Elizabeth’s expression changed, “Oh, ehm… she left last night to go to her parents… I’m sorry”

“Oh,” he lowered his gaze as to think about a backup plan. He had not seen that coming. He looked up to Elizabeth again, “They live in town right? Do you know the address?”

“Wow, well Ben you’re asking me a lot…” Elizabeth inadvertently opened the door more and he took it as an invitation to walk inside.

He looked around and noticed that only one bed was undone, sign that at least one of the roommates had probably not slept there that night.

The girl closed the door with a scoff and he squared her up and down. She was wearing a large t-shirt that was most certainly not hers and that only barely covered her super short shorts.

Elizabeth scoffed again and crossed her arms on her chest, “Eyes up here, Hardy… - he recomposed himself but couldn’t hide a smirk. She was evidently waiting for someone – What you’re asking me is betraying a friend. A friend that clearly doesn’t want to hear from you… or she would have picked up at least one of your calls, wouldn’t she?”

Ben looked at his feet and brought a hand on the back of his neck, looking for a good excuse as to why Elizabeth should have trusted him.

When he was about to speak, the noise of water starting and stopping right after interrupted the silence.

Ben looked at the girl with a confused and way too amused face, “If Alex’s not here… who’s in there?”

He watched her gasping for words and then hiding her face behind her palms when the bathroom door opened.

Joe emerged from the door frame in pijama pants, with no t-shirt on and a towel around his neck. He widened his eyes as soon as he registered what was going on.

Ben’s eyes widened as well and he brought a hand to his mouth in disbelief. He darted his look between the two of them and a smirk gleamed on his lips, as he did the math: Joe’s pants and Elizabeth’s t-shirt were undoubtedly two pieces of a whole pijama.

“Oh shit,” was the only thing Joe could say.

“Oh my God… – Ben snickered – what the fuck’s going on here?”

Joe glanced at Elizabeth but she was still hiding behind her hands. She peeked from between her fingers and she could see the two boys staring at her. She let her hands fall and huffed.

“We are both staying here for Christmas and both roommate-less… - Liz hoped the phrase would complete itself, but when she saw Ben nodding in her direction, asking to continue, she rolled her eyes – Joe moved in here for the holidays”

Ben laughed out loud, earning a punch on the arm from the girl, “Cut it out, Hardy.”

She knew she should have been more worried about someone knowing that a guy was sleeping in the female dormitory, but when she caught Joe who had started breaking as well, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Fine, - she conceded recomposing herself – but you can’t tell anyone about this, okay?”

Ben tried pushing down the laughter and nodded forcefully, clearing his throat, “Don’t worry… Your little secret is safe with me…”. He winked at Elizabeth, unable to hide his wily smirk.

“There’s no secret – Joe blurted out, his face more nervous than he cared to admit – Nothing happened here…”

“Right, – Ben nodded condescendingly – and she’s wearing your tee because she doesn’t have any clothes?”

He raised an eyebrow and chuckled at the redness that was spreading on both their faces. They were so cute, both embarrassed and awkward every time he suggested there was something between them.

It was crystal clear to his eyes that there was something there and he smiled to himself, wishing he and Alex had taken things as slowly as they had. Because it was evident to him now that there had always been something else besides friendship between Joe and Elizabeth. All those stolen glances he had caught during rehearsal and the way Joe had reacted when he’d seen Elizabeth kissing Gwilym. It was not casual.

Only after a few seconds, he realised that whatever had happened in that room, they probably hadn’t talked about it yet.

“Listen, guys, - he started, - I’m not here to mess around… I have to talk to Alex. I screwed things up and I want to make them right, now that I have the chance. I need to make things right.”

Joe and Elizabeth shared a glance.

“Can you please help me? – Ben continued – I’ll keep your secret, I swear. Just please, will you help me?”

Elizabeth glanced at Joe again and he nodded as to say ‘it’s your call’.

She exhaled, “I’ll write it down for you – Ben let out a breath of relief, but Elizabeth continued – but you have to swear on everything you’ve got that you will not make me regret helping you.”

Ben forcefully nodded, “Sure, I swear. I do”

“And you have to shut your mouth about what you just saw,” Joe jumped in.

Again, Ben nodded and watched as Elizabeth picked up her phone and texted him the address.

“Thank you. For real,” he said to both of them.

Elizabeth half-smiled, “You’re welcome, Hardy. Now get out of here before I change my mind…”

“Merry Christmas, guys,” Ben said with a chuckle, before patting Joe on the shoulder and sprinting towards the door.

As it closed behind him, Joe turned to Elizabeth, “You know you sent Alex a ticking time bomb right?”

She sat down on the bed, thinking that Joe was probably right and that Alex would have killed her for what she’d done. But she also knew Ben and Alex were both secretive, big-headed people that lived in the fear of letting someone close.

Well, sometimes people like them needed a small push to take the leap.

Elizabeth chuckled to herself, “Yeah, that’s my Christmas present.”

***

“I told you, it’s not just another musical. It will be very important for my extra credits and, besides, I get to play the piano in front of the whole campus which is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a concert” Alex replied, shrugging her shoulders and placing the carrots on the cutting board.

“Thank you, dear,” her mom said and Alex smiled, kissing her on the temple. It was Christmas Eve’s afternoon, but Christmas dinner was already taking its form on the stove.

“Still find it useless, you could be studying other stuff instead of wasting your time playing a witch” her brother Jason commented.

“Oh, like economy? Like you, Jay? ‘m sorry to disappoint you, but my place will never be behind a computer typing on the board all day” Alex sassily replied, raising her left eyebrow.

“And where’s your place, Alex?” Jason used his smart-ass tone, that knew would have bothered his sister for days.

Alex inhaled sharply and walked towards the table where Jason was sat at. She put her hands on the marble surface and leaned down until her eyes were looking straight into his.

“In front of thousands of people, that cheer my name”

“Like mother like daughter – their father appeared in the kitchen, still wearing the gloves he had used to collect the firewood – she always used to say she would have sold theatres and would have danced for the Queen,” he proudly continued, hugging his wife from behind.

“And that’s exactly what I did. Apart from the exhibition in front of the Queen”, the woman chuckled, turning her head to place a brief kiss on her husband’s lips.

Alex looked at them and sincerely smiled, before turning in her brother’s direction.

“You see: a dancer, a conductor – she started, indicating their parents – a wanna-be musician – she went on indicating herself – and then there’s you, an accountant” she ended her sentence indicating Jason.

They all started to giggle.

“How many times will I have to hear this story?” Jason asked, defeated.

“Until mom and dad admit you’ve been adopted, there’s no other explanation to me” Alex joked, messing his hair up. He pushed her away and they cackled again.

“It would be weird to discover that at thirty years old, don’t you think so?”

“There’s always time for new discoveries. Am I wrong dad?” Alex said, walking closer to her mom and stealing a carrot to munch it.

“You’re absolutely right, my dear” the man answered, winking at his daughter and walking out of the kitchen to go and light the fire up inside the fireplace.

The two women started to laugh, while Jason rolled his eyes getting up to help his dad with the wood. Alex’s mom scrolled her head and kissed her daughter’s forehead.

“Let me help you,” Alex said, taking the knife from her hand.

All of a sudden, while the two men were struggling with the fire in the living room and Alex was cutting vegetables for her mother, the doorbell rang.

“George, are you expecting someone?” Alex’s mom shouted from the kitchen.

“No, Eveline, I’m not. Christ, why won’t it light up?” her husband answered in a rush, before starting to insult the wood that did not want to burn.

“I’ll go and see who’s it,” Alex promptly said, and her mother thanked her before going back to cook.

She cast a glance at the salon and could not contain a hushed chuckle that escaped her lips in seeing her dad so pissed kneeling in front of the fireplace and an even more pissed Jason standing behind him.

She scrolled her head and toddled towards the door.

Alex did not know whom she was expecting to find; maybe a family’s friend, or the postman, or even one of their relatives that had decided to surprise them. She was sure of only one thing: she surely would’ve not expected to find him.

“Ben! – her welcoming smile fading away from her lips in the exact moment she opened the door and saw him, standing there – how … what ar-”

“It’s over. Between me and Lucy, it’s over” he cut her off and let out in a rush.

He seemed out of breath as if he had run a marathon to get there in time. His coat was unbuttoned and his scarf was carelessly entangled around his neck, while the keys of his car were dangling from his index finger.

Alex opened her mouth and, looking behind her back, she took a step outside to have some ‘privacy’.

“Ben, I … that’s … I mean, I don’t think it’s the right time to have this conversation” Alex stuttered and had to cough halfway into the sentence to recompose her tone.

Her heart was jumping at the sight of him, but her brain was sending thousands of warning signs. She had to think about the way she had felt when she left his room that day, the way she had felt every other day at rehearsals when she had to pretend nothing had happened.

Ben slightly nodded and looked down to the ground for a brief instant, while a few snowflakes graciously fell on his blonde hair.

“It’s just, that… ‘ve missed you, Alex. And I know I screwed everything up, but … you know, when this morning Lucy walked out of my bedroom I felt I finally had a choice,”

He paused again, finding the strength to look into Alex’s eyes.

“And I choose you” he then confessed.

A long stripe of frozen breath flew out from the corner of his mouth and, while he was breathing, free from the burden he had carried on his chest, Alex, at those words, felt as if her lungs had stopped functioning.

“Ben – she started, unsure on what saying after – I think it’s better if we talk about all of this after the holidays” her tone was cold. Glacial.

Panic had taken over her body and her insecurities had immediately built a barrier to shield her, cutting Ben out once again.

“There’s my whole family inside, it’s not the right time for this. You understand that right?” she proceeded when she noticed Ben had not dared to speak a word yet.

“I understand – he echoed her, nodding – Merry Christmas, then” and saying that, he turned on his heels and walked towards his car.

Alex felt tears reaching her eyes and had to look up to push them away. When she decided to reserve one last gaze at Ben, she noticed he was struggling with the car’s ignition.

He punched the steering wheel and exited the car.

“It doesn't start-up,” he said, letting his arms fall loose by his sides.

“Are you joking?! – Alex shouted, feeling her heart pumping harder inside her chest; when he scrolled his head, she knew she didn’t have any choice – come inside” she surrendered.

Ben’s chin touched the ground as he tried, and failed, to hide the big smile that was now adorning his face. Alex opened the door for him and let him step inside first.

“I talk, you keep your mouth shut!” she threatened him and, as an answer, Ben pretended to zip his lips.

“Alex, who was at the … oh, hi” Jason appeared from the living room and grinned at the scene in front of his eyes. Soon, their parents too emerged from the salon and the kitchen and Alex felt as if she was under the spotlight.

“Ehm, this is Ben, a friend from college – she cleared her throat and felt her mouth go drier – his car broke down”

“Oh, that’s terrible!” Alex’s mom immediately commented.

“One of my friends is a mechanic! I’ll call him and tell him to come here and have a look” Alex’s dad, promptly suggested.

“No need to rush, sir. Really. No one is expecting me at home, so I’m in no hurry” Ben almost innocently replied in front of all that kindness, not thinking about how terrible his situation sounded from outside.

Alex had snapped her head in his direction, not sure she had heard correctly. When Ben met her worried gaze, he immediately said:

“Not a big deal, no need to be preoccupied. Everything is… fine”

“Don’t be ridiculous, no one should be alone on Christmas! You can stay here with us. Alex what do you think?” her mom kindly offered and Alex could not stop the redness that spread all over her cheeks.

Jason smirked when she saw her blushing.

Alex looked up at Ben, who shrugged his shoulder and she found herself sighing in defeat.

Her heart had won another match.

“You can stay. If you want”

On Ben’s lips crept a smile so big, that he thought he would have burst of happiness in a couple of seconds.

“I can’t even find the words to thank you right now,” he then said, diverting his eyes from Alex to her family.

“Oh don’t worry, dear. It’s a pleasure – Alex’s mum said walking closer to hug him – George, Jason, ask him if he needs help with the luggage and Alex, come in the kitchen and add one more seat for tonight’s dinner” she added, plucking Ben’s cheek.

“At your orders” Jason answered and took his coat. Once he was close enough, he elbowed Alex who reserved him an immediate middle finger.

Ben laughed under his breath and it was in that moment that Alex thought about one thing. She took him by the sleeve of the jacket and, as he was about to step out and guide Alex’s brother and dad to his car, she pulled him down and whispered:

“How did you know my address?”

Ben flushed and, nervously adjusting his scarf, he caressed the back of his neck and replied:

“That’s actually a pretty funny story”

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sohnijunejamakeup · 4 years

Text

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mystic-sky · 5 years

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ahhhh! your hcs and writing is so good!! that one hc about yuliy maybe living with reader and mikhail was so cute to imagine, i was wondering if you had any more thoughts about yuliy and mikhail being the reader's bro-in-law? and maybe how theyd introduce their s/o to each other? thanks so much for taking these requests and good luck with your finals, youre great!!

This was so cute omfg, thank you so much! I hope you like it!

Yuliy

After you guys get married you opt to have Mikhail move in with you both.

You never got the chance to officially meet him until all the vampire stuff was over and done with.

Mikhail was sort of aware of your existence prior depending on how you met Yuliy. If you’re a Jaeger he probably saw you fighting alongside Yuliy when you both were younger.

Mikhail might even be the one who helped Yuliy realize he had feelings for you. So you both meet after the vampire war or whatever, and he can see the body language between you and Yuliy. He knows there’s something there and he starts subtly mentioning the idea of courting you to him.

If you’re not a Jaeger, he’d still manage to find out about you on his own during one of his somewhat stalkish brotherly pursuits.

Mikhail would probably help Yuliy learn what jealousy actually is. He would start to compliment you just to spite Yuliy to make a move.

When the spark between you and Yuliy finally happens he’s more than excited for you both and helps with the wedding. He probably helps you guys build that house in their home country I mentioned before too.

Having him around is really cool, especially because he brings out a kiddish side in Yuliy you’ve never seen before.

Mikhail’s constantly teasing him, making fun of him when he blushes at you and things like that.

He’s a big help around the house, being the best at cleaning out of the three of you.

Mikhail does a lot of cooking, and teaches you some dishes that Yuliy really liked as a kid to surprise him with.

If you both have kids, I wouldn’t be surprised if they called Mikhail papa from time to time as well because he’d be Dad-ing it up harder than Yuliy would. He’s a third parent, but doesn’t over step!! He’s extremely helpful when you and Yuliy get busy.

Mikhail

Mikhail introduces you to Yuliy long before you both get married, so you’re very acquainted and become super close to him.

If you’re a girl you’re like the older sister he never had. If you’re not, he becomes very accustomed to having two brothers around.

It helps a lot that you’re so understanding as a person and so easy to talk to, which is everything he needs in a family.

Yuliy is always absent mindedly doing things to please you, like taking on extra chores and cooking.

You’re the one who helps get Yuliy out of that lone wolf introvert persona because you’re always talking to him. You’re always telling him stories: it could be things about your family and home life, all the way down to something dumb happening when you went to the market. He loves to listen to you talk, and this opts him to have more social behavior.

Mikhail notices this and is thankful for it. When Yuliy’s asleep you both talk about trying to make life better for him now because you both know he had to grow up a little too fast.

You’re the first person Yuliy goes to as well when he develops a crush on someone. He doesn’t know how to go about it and finds the most confidence confiding in you. He later tells you that you give the best advice, to which you might find a bit surprising because you’re just looking out for your new younger brother-in-law.

Yuliy’s also pretty helpful, always running errands and things for you when you insist you can do them yourself.

One day, because he’s more social now, he compliments you- maybe because you tried a new hairstyle or something, and Mikhail butts in, telling him not to ogle at you.

You become a figure for an ideal s/o for him, but not in the way you think. When he’s looking for his s/o he’ll want someone just as understanding as you because lord knows he didn’t exactly have a personal template for an ideal lover before hand.

He’s so good with kids! So if you have them, he’s more than happy to look after them for you and Mikhail.

He’s surprisingly good at keeping them entertained and he teaches them good values when you and Mikhail aren’t around.

#yuliy x reader #yuliy jirov #mikhail x reader #mikhail jirov #sirius the jaeger #tenrou: sirius the jaeger

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livingwithkami · 6 years

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Shinto and LGBT+ culture: Connected from the ancient to modern era

Throughout the years and even now, I have often been asked the view Shinto holds in regard to LGBT+ people and culture. As someone who is both nonbinary feminine and pansexual, with most of my loved ones being apart of the LGBT+ community, and some who practice Shinto as well, this is a topic that is very close to home and personal for me. I wanted to write about this for a very long time, and talk about this in my last article about Shinto and sexuality, as they are related. However as this is such an important topic to me, I felt it deserved it's own article. There are so many things I want to express in regard to this topic so this won't be the only article about it!

Historically speaking in Japan, there are many examples of LGBT+ people and practices that were present, a prominent and most-cited example being that it was commonplace and even a part of samurai culture to be in gay relationships. It wasn't until the Meiji era in 1868, and the influence of Western culture, that it began to be viewed as uncivilized and wrong. As a result, a stigma began to rear it's ugly head, and many important LGBT+ rights began to be lost. Under pressure, openly gay and lesbian relationships; writings and art of them too - began to disappear. Trans and gender nonconforming people began to be pressured to conform to their assigned gender at birth, instead of being able to be who they are freely. In addition, stricter gender roles and heavier patriarchal ideals were enforced even further. While it wasn't absolutely perfect or progressive and there were still plenty of issues, with the advent of the Meiji reformations, any sort of openness and potentiality for progression was completely shattered.

However, much time has passed since 1868, and in the current era in Japan, thanks to the enduring influence of the past despite the Meiji reformations, and the present influences of Buddhism, and especially Shinto itself - the hostility towards LGBT+ people is not as severe when comparing with other countries. Despite the old Western influence remaining in that we still lack full legal equality in Japan, progressions and reforms are happening fast and in great number, despite the current political party's objections - and for that I am very grateful.

Thankfully, there are lots of excellent resources about the LGBT+ history as well as the present situation in Japan and Japanese culture in English, in published books and online - so I won't get too far into it for this article since I want to focus on the Shinto side in particular which isn't as often talked about.

The answer to the question on everyone's mind of this topic - "What is Shinto's view on LGBT+ people?" isn't an easy answer. Shinto is the farthest thing from a monolith. There is no dogma, and no unified organizational structure overseeing all of Shinto in itself. Jinja Honcho comes close to a sort of unifying organizational force, but there are still the 12 government registered sects of Shinto, hundreds of individual shrine faiths that while not officially registered as sects, are essentially as such in that they don't align with Jinja Shinto's common views - such as the focus on Amaterasu Omikami - for example. Shinto also encompasses the thousands of varied folk practices in rural areas; and holds a very long and complicated history.

In other words, to put it simply, there is no true existence of an authority to speak for all of Shinto in and of itself as a whole practice. There are authorities in each tradition, such as the Head Shrines where the faith and worship of a kami began, that maintain the general beliefs, history, myths, stories, and rituals. But as Shinto in it's very essence is not dogmatic - every tradition, shrine, and each individual priest can and will have differing views and opinions about the various different aspects. It can even be as split down to two priests working at the same shrine having completely different interpretations on beliefs.

While Shinto is a practice that has a lot of freedom in interpretation and encouraging individual thinking, I strongly feel, personally speaking, this is not a "free card" excuse to dishonor the core values that makes Shinto, well, Shinto - the Way of Kami. Respecting and honoring nature, supporting each other, caring for each other, respect to our ancestors, working to be good people, taking care of the community, and so forth. This is the common thread that unites all of Shinto - the different traditions, the shrines, and the practices.

That being said, while there isn't a simple and direct answer to Shinto's view on LGBT+ people as a whole - I can say one tradition at the moment has made a groundbreaking announcement on matters for the LGBT+ community. This year the Head Shrine of the tradition I follow, Konkokyo Shinto, openly, officially announced and confirmed support of the LGBT+ community. This makes it the first Shinto tradition to do so. The Head shrine is also supporting the Konkokyo LGBT Kai (Group), run by LGBT+ clergy, with other clergy and laypeople members who work to support the activities of our group - myself and my partner included.

Many of our Konkokyo shrines had been holding same-sex marriages for many years, but with this decision, we now are also actively supporting the community as a whole, with our shrines being safe spaces for LGBT+ folks. Having the official approval from the Head Shrine is so validating and I feel so proud and happy to be a priestess of Tenchi Kane no Kami and of Konkokyo. I wrote a full article about the announcement here: http://witchesandpagans.com/pagan-paths-blogs/living-with-kami/konkokyo-lgbt-kai.html

I can only hope other traditions follow suit, and have their support be clearly defined.

Informational pamphlet from the Konkokyo LGBT Kai, about clergy and laypeople, as well as terminology

While there may not be an official support from Jinja Honcho, other Head Shrines, or traditions (yet!). I still know of there being a lot of openness and acceptance. For example, Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America has also been holding same-sex marriages for over 20 years, and welcoming of LGBT+ parishioners and worshipers. In Japan, many other shrines have been holding marriage ceremonies for same-sex coupes too. Within the Jinja Shinto sphere, I know an ordained priestess who is a trans woman, and openly bi and gay priests too. Generally speaking in the Shinto community as a whole, it is very open and accepting. I have only encountered a few people who have not been accepting, but thankfully they are not the majority.

This makes sense as well, as historically Shinto has generally had LGBT+ friendly views - being LGBT+ was not seen as tsumi, or a "wrong deed that went against nature - a crime". There are records of ancient miko of the Izu Islands, who were said to be "men who lived and thought of themselves as women", but it was very clear in the ancient era only women had the power to be miko - female mediums, spiritworkers, and priestesses in the ancient era - so the miko of the Izu Islands were truthfully trans women. There are other examples of miko not from the islands who fell in the same definition in ancient times. In addition, even some of the nature-spirit and ancestral kami themselves were viewed and are still viewed as being gay. For example, an excerpt from "Male Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan" by Gary Leupp writes,

"During the Tokugawa period, some of the Shinto gods, especially Hachiman, Myoshin, Shinmei and Tenjin, "came to be seen as guardian deities of nanshoku" (male–male love). Tokugawa-era writer Ihara Saikaku joked that since there are no women for the first three generations in the genealogy of the gods found in the Nihon Shoki, the gods must have enjoyed homosexual relationships"

In addition, one could understand quite a few nature-spirit kami as transgender, genderfluid, nonbinary, and agender too. For example, the first three kami, Ame no Minakanushi no Kami, Takamimusubi no Kami, and Kamimusubi no Kami could be interpreted as agender, as they are said to be genderless in their myth. The next example would be Tenchi Kane no Kami, who is said to be a kami who is encompassing of all genders, but also genderless too. One could interpret them as nonbinary or genderfluid.

Then we have Amaterasu Omikami herself as well. In one myth, she dressed in masculine warrior clothing and hairstyle when she confronted her brother, Susanoo no Mikoto. One could interpret this in many ways in regard to how she expresses her gender as a kami that is not always fully feminine. In addition with regard to her sexuality, depending on one's interpretation of the cave myth and Ame no Uzume no Mikoto's exposure of her breasts, one could see her as having either lesbian, bisexual, or pansexual attraction. This interpretation can be further supported in the ancient practices of the miko priestesses of Amaterasu Omikami. In some of these practices, the priestesses would ritually be wed to Amaterasu Omikami, and also share of an intimate bond with her in sacred ceremonies.

This practice was not only limited to Amaterasu Omikami, but many other female kami as well, such as Ame no Uzume no Mikoto herself, and Konohanasakuya Hime no Mikoto. Since both Ame no Uzume no Mikoto and Konohanasakuya Hime no Mikoto also have husbands, Sarutahiko Okami and Ninigi no Mikoto respectively, this also can be interpreted in a lot of different ways that is not particularly heteronormative.

Inari Okami is one of the most prominent examples, and often seen as a LGBT+ icon - sometimes they are a man, sometimes they are a beautiful woman, and sometimes they are androgynous, sometimes they are no gender at all, and sometimes they encompass many or all genders. One can interpret this as Inari Okami being known as a shapeshifter, or some may see Inari Okami being multiple kami as one - I feel the interpretation of Inari Okami as genderfluid, or nonbinary, or any other expression, is also just as valid.

People may not agree with these interpretations or even see the concept of kami having gender like people is incorrect, or foolish to believe. However, if the kami mythologicaly and traditionally are said to have genders, have sex, attractions, and marriage - I believe it is not out of place as an interpretation. Someone personally seeing some kami as a part of the LGBT+ community for their own personal belief harms no one. On the contrary, it can help to develop a deeper bond, trust, and understanding between us and the kami. Which that sincerity is key and most important.

Now, I say this in regard to nature-spirit kami in particular, but in Shinto, once-living humans are also worshiped and respected as ancestral kami, often referred to as "mitama-no-kami". Someone who is a part of the LGBT+ community and has passed away is worshiped and enshrined as a mitama-no-kami just the same as anyone else, and to be properly respectful, they would still be honored as who they were when they still had a physical body - that does not change.

In addition, as I mentioned earlier, samurai had various romantic gay relationships. They too are enshrined as mitama no kami. One may know famously about Oda Nobunaga, who is enshrined as a mitama no kami, and Ranmaru's romantic relationship. As well, there is one such famous example of a mitama no kami who was most likely a trans man - Uesugi Kenshin. Many have said he could have been a woman in disguise - but - he had various medical checks and observations of his body by professionals at the time, and was still referred to as a man and could act as leader of the Uesugi clan without falter.

It is even recorded he experienced illnesses pertaining to his abdominal area every month around the same time of the week, but this did not change any existing records in regard to his gender. It is also extremely odd that for a daimyo (samurai warlord) at that era, where it was common to have multiple concubines to secure a successor, he did not have any biological children and even faced a succession crisis that led to adoption. Of course, there is no way we can confirm historically of whether he was a woman in disguise or a trans man, but there is a lot of evidence historically pointing to him being trans. He is now enshrined as a mitama no kami at Uesugi Jinja in Yamagata Prefecture.

While there is still so much I want to talk about on this topic, and I could most likely write a book! I want to mention something perhaps not directly related as much but a fun mention: the rainbow's colours are sacred in Shinto, as seen in the 5 sacred colours used for many different sacred items in Shinto. Red, Yellow, Green, White, Violet. The colours are said to represent the 4 directions around the world, and our own soul.

I hope then, that in all 4 directions around the world, people can come to realize that LGBT+ rights are also human rights, and we aren't odd, strange, nor dangerous. We are all apart of nature, all apart of this universe together. Let's respect the various colours of everyone's own souls, and work to uphold and support each other as a whole, unified community with love.

#lgbt+#lgbt community #lgbtq #LGBTQA #konkokyo #konko shinto #konko religion #japan #japanese culture #japanese religion #shinto #shintoism #shinto lgbt #shinto faith

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daraanna · 5 years

Text

“Arranged Love”- Part One „Porcelain doll”

Rating: T

It’s my first fic which I translated to english so please be gentle to me >.<

The life of the successor to the imperial throne has never been easy. Every day he was awakened before twelve and dressed by his servants. Then he had to go to the audience with the father-emperor and drink tea with the mother-empress. A conversation with his sister and boring meeting with advisers. While he have to make decisions which he didn’t understand. Then he has training and finally free time. In the evening he would normally go on a sparring with Mitsuki but since his friend got married two months ago, he rarely visited the castle. In addition, he was preparing to take over the title of Lord Otokagure after his father. Still he didn’t miss him very much... His friend was very eccentric and now since he get married he always talk about his very intimate experiences with his wife and Kami both of them had really sick ideas ... Now he spent time with Shikadai-the son of the emperor's adviser and Inojin- son of the Lord from the east who was practice to become court painter. Unfortunately, both the beloved by Nara clan shogi game and drawing didn’t interest him very much. And now he couldn’t even afford to see the dance show of beautiful dancers because the entire country was mourning after the death of the Great Shogun from the Uchiha clan - a longtime friend of the emperor. Boruto have seen him several times in his life but the man made a great impression on him. It's hard to believe that someone like him died in battle. However, the month of national mourning is a huge exaggeration! He was bored with flirting with servants. They were pretty but ordinary also they often wanted something more than have a little bit fun He couldn’t afford to have an illegitimate child. His mother would be devastated . He didn’t want to get married so early too... No matter what Mitsuki said about pleasures of love making. The whole concept of marriage seemed to him very troublesome. Maybe he started to talk like Shikadai, but he really don’t want to change his life. Unfortunately, fate have completely different plans for him.

Next morning at audience with his father, he heard something terrible.

“I found a wife for you “the Emperor's words were as warm as always, but it did not make him feel any better” your wedding will be held in a castle temple in two weeks.”

"What?!" - after a long moment of shock, he said, " With who? I don’t even know her!”

"Your wife will be the daughter of the last Shogun. You know her. You spent a lot of time together as a children, when that bastard still visited me with the whole family ..."

At these words he recalled a silhouette of a little girl with short hair, dressed in a simple Yukata and pants, who for some reason chasing him with a stick everywhere... He still remembered his shock, when his mother told him that this strange boy is a girl and shouldn’t beat her. The vision of spending the rest of his life with this freak was too tragic. However, despite his insistent requests, his father didn’t change his mind. Furious, he left the emperor's chamber without waiting for permission.

...........................................

Two weeks passed too fast and there was no hope that he would be rescued from this situation. Mitsuki's advice for the wedding night definitely didn’t help. He had no intention to touch this ugly samurai-wannabe woman. The constant reminders of Shikadai how troublesome will be his duty as a married successor to the throne, they pissed him off even more. When his mother came to wake him instead of the servants on the wedding day, he began to consider whether there will be more honorable to finish himself. Despite it, he allowed for all the preparations. Both the empress and his sister supervised his dressing from time to time discussing whether the given part of the outfit fits or they can improve something. To his surprise at the end of all this, even his father came to visit him. After a moment of silence, he uttered one sentence.

“Boruto ... Please, be good to her, she has really gone through a lot lately.”

And as if nothing happened, he come out.

Shortly after, he was in front of the temple door, moments later his bride joined him. She was dressed in multi-layered richly decorated kimono and her hair was carefully collected in a complicated hairstyle. He began to wonder how long it took to prepare all this, since he was dressed for three hours. Then his eyes fell on her face and for a moment he ran out of breath. Despite all his prejudices and childhood memories, he undoubtedly had a young woman in front of him and she was extremely beautiful. She has black shiny hair and onyx eyes, gentle facial features. Her skin was covered with white paint and lips with dark red lipstick. It makes her looks like porcelain doll not living human. Her face showed no emotion, and her movements were stiff and slow. When she was at his height, she bowed and greeted him with some polite phrase, but her voice was too quiet to understand the meaning of her words. In addition, the noises coming from the temple made it even more difficult.

The ceremony seemed to last indefinitely. His thoughts rattled like crazy. Twice he forgot what he should say and almost choked with ritual sake. He had thousands of questions that could not be answered, and worse, his eyes were not able to peel off from her, but she never looked at him. Her attention was always blinded before her, which increasingly convinced him that he was not dealing with a human being. All the time the expression on her face remained unchanged until they were alone in his bedroom, when at the sight of a single futon, for a moment he could see something between disgust and fear on her face. She went to sit on the edge of the bed and her movements became even stiffer if it possible. When he approached her, he could see her hands shaking as she tried to solve her obi.

“You don’t have to ... “ he finally said to her and she froze” I mean ... We do not have to do it. We barely got to know each other.”

For the first time, he felt her eyes on her and immediately fear to look her way.

“That is tradition.” It was hard to tell if her voice was calm or sad.

“Yes, but you know, nobody can check it out ... They can’t make us to do it too... So maybe let's talk instead? "he looked in her direction, meeting with her curious look.

“You know, find out something about each other and stuff'tebassa...”

“What would you like to know? Dear husband...?” she replied but her voice collapsed at the end.

“I do not know ... Maybe what is your hobby”

Silence.

The situation got embarrassing, but it’s not like he ask about anything difficult ...

“Embroider?” why it sounded like she was not sure?

“Sounds terribly boring. “ He looked at her to meet only the back of her head. So he avoids him again. “I like horse riding and fighting with swords ... And Geisha's performances and flirt with the servan...” Before he could bite his tongue, he felt her angry look. Well, it is not wise to tell his wife about others girls. Her eyes filled with a strong disgust for a moment, but then she looked away again. It's amazing how many emotions can be expressed through the look itself. He felt shivers on his back.

“Excuse me, but I'm tired ... Can I go to get ready to sleep ...?”

“Yes ... The bath should be ready” he answered, getting up from the floor.

He turned to the food table next the door. He realized that he hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, so he quickly absorbed the treats prepared by the service. When he ate, he began to consider the strange situation in which he was. Once again, recalling childhood memories, he came to the conclusion that maybe they had swapped his fiancée? After all, people don’t change that much. Although this woman wasn’t at all the perfect plan to spend the rest of his life. He didn’t know how to get along with her, and her aura reminded him about her father. He was shivering again ... At least she was pretty ... When he finished eating dessert, he went to the lower floor to take a bath in hot springs.

.........................................

After returning to the room, he found his wife sleeping on the left bedside and for a moment remembered the of Inojins’ story about time, when he saw how his mother could change nasty women to beauty one with make-up. As quietly as he could, he slipped into his place and laid on his back, feeling some fear to look left. Maybe it was the answer to all of this? Perhaps the beauty of his bride was made by careful make-up artist's work? Turning to his wife, he closed one eye as if it would protect it from something. However, the picture in front of him surprised him again. Of course her skin was not porcelain-white, but it was very pale, certainly brighter than his. The shape of the face did not change, however, after removing many layers of wedding clothes, it seemed more slender. Her ebony hair, now bound together in a loose ponytail, wrapped her figure. Few strands shaded her forehead. Her eyelashes were long and thick and her lips, without red lipstick was pastel pink and full. They looked very kissable...

He swallowed.

"I will get crazy with her," he sighed, extending his hand toward her. Gently, he brushed her hair back behind her ear, looking at her again. Her body language was completely different than it was when she was awake. Her muscles were relaxed. He could even see the shadow of a smile on her lips. She looked charming and innocent, so much younger than in make-up... Now he remembered that in fact, he was a year older than her. Talking to her earlier had the impression of dealing with someone from the generation his parents. He felt a strange feeling in his chest. He didn’t know what she was dreaming about at the moment, but she certainly took it better than reality.

The reality she will spend by his side. Wanting to free himself from these thoughts, he turned to the other side and try to fall asleep.

When he woke up the next morning, he found only an empty space next to him...

So.... Uh.... I hope I translate it a little bit better than google tlanslator... or at least not worse than it...

These fic was inspired by great fanfic Sunrise written by Amraklove

prequel next part>

#borusara #boruto uzumaki #sarada uchiha #Naruto #historical au #Isillcantspeakenglishforgaveme #sasusaku #naruhina

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bethanthrax · 5 years

Text

Elizabeth Nora Jones

VERY LONG POST about my OC, Beth Jones.

I found this question list here: https://www.deviantart.com/catastrotaffy/art/Blank-Character-Bio-Sheet-90733420

BASIC INFORMATION Full name: Elizabeth Nora Jones Pronunciation: Pretty self-explanatory Nickname(s) or Alias: Beth or Betty (Only Nate called her Betty, though). Gender: Cis female Species: Human Age: 34 (or 244, taking vault time into account) Birthday: 2nd September 2043 Sexuality: Pansexual Nationality: American Religion: None, though she celebrates Christmas City or town of birth: Providence, RI Currently lives: Boston, MA Languages spoken: English Native language: English Relationship Status: Married/Widowed PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Height: 5′5″

Weight: She prefers not to know… Figure/build: Full hourglass. Big up top, slender waist, shapely hips and butt, soft post-partum belly. Average-sized arms, long legs (She’d say her legs are her best feature if you asked). Hair colour: Light brown Hairstyle: Long and curly, nearly always frizzy. Usually wears it tied up with a headscarf. Facial Hairstyle: N/A Eye colour: Gray Skin/fur/etc colour: Super pale, freckly. Tattoos: None. Piercings: Just her earlobes. Scars/distinguishing marks: None really, though she broke her nose in 4th grade falling off the top of a jungle gym, and she’s been self-conscious about the little bump there since High School. Preferred style of clothing: Classic 2070′s flared dresses; she feels they flatter her figure. Frequently worn jewellery/accessories: Her engagement ring, wedding band, and simple diamond stud earrings that Nate got her when she had Shaun. HEALTH Smoker? Occasionally Drinker? Yes Recreational Drug User? Which? No Addictions: None…though she does enjoy a drink. Allergies: None Any physical ailments/illnesses/disabilities: She’s struggled with her mental health, as she and Nate had been told that she couldn’t have children. Any medication regularly taken: None PERSONALITY Personality: If you asked her, she’d say she was an introvert. She prefers quiet nights in with a select few people, rather than big events with crowds. Tends to get suspicious when she receives attention, suspects that they have an agenda. Others find her very difficult to read - she doesn’t give much away about herself until she really trusts someone. Incredible poker face. Beth was never a ‘popular’ person; she chooses her friends very carefully, and can come off as stand-offish. However, she is very kind, almost to a fault, and sees the good in everyone; this has lead to people taking advantage of her in the past, resulting in her closed-off demeanour as she got older. Likes: Literature, poetry, art, theatre, riddles, sunny days (as long as there is shade), heavy rain (as long as there is shelter), animals, nature, food. Loves when people are polite and kind. Dislikes: Mathematics, physical exertion, people who lie, large crowds, arrogance, violence. Hates people being unnecessarily cruel and closed-minded. Fears/phobias: It happened the day the bombs fell - losing everyone she loved. The fear that she still may lose her son is what is keeping her alive. Favourite colour: Light blue Hobbies: Cooking. Beth absolutely adores making large meals, and bakes almost every day. Nate used to tell her that she was the reason he couldn’t fit into his formal jacket since they got married. One of the little things she really misses post-Vault. Taste in music: Generally prefers upbeat songs, but is pretty easy. SKILLS Talents/skills: She’s good at knowing what to say, and can fly on the seat of her pants in almost any situation. She’s a very fast learner, and will not stop practising something until she is at least capable. She’s convinced this started with the multitude of burnt/soggy/collapsed cakes she had to endure before she got good. Can figure out how things work simply by studying them (both objects and people). Intuitive and good at blending into the background when needed. Ability to drive a car? Operate any other vehicles? Beth misses her old powder-blue Corvega convertible so much. She used to take any opportunity to cruise around Boston with her big sunglasses and headscarf on, the radio chattering happily and the trees flitting past. EATING HABITS Omnivore/Carnivore/Herbivore (Vegetarian): Just…loves food. Will eat (almost) anything. Favourite food(s): Liquorice. Holy shit, the woman could decimate a bag of the stuff easily. She has to settle for Gum Drops post-vault, which don’t compare, but needs must. Favourite drink(s): Can’t function in the morning without two large, strong cups of coffee. Enjoys a beer. Disliked food(s): She hasn’t found anything she doesn’t like yet (lucky, since she never thought she’d be eating Iguana On A Stick). Disliked drink(s): Can’t stand whiskey - she get very sick one night as a teenager after drinking nearly a full bottle to herself. Just the smell turns her stomach. HOUSE AND HOME Describe the character’s house/home: Beth’s a homebody, so the house is nearly always immaculate and beautifully decorated. This is something she takes with her into the wasteland, and spends days meticulously constructing pleasant living quarters for her settlers. Do they share their home with anyone? Who? Nobody, any more. Her German Shepherd, if that counts. Significant/special belongings: Her rings and earrings; they were all picked for her by Nate and she would never part from them. She wears Nate’s wedding band on a silver chain around her neck, tucked underneath her clothes. CAREER Level of education: College graduate.

Qualifications: Law degree Current job title and description: Homemaker - she quit her job as a legal secretary after having Shaun, and surprisingly had never been happier. Name of employer: N/A COMBAT Peaceful or aggressive attitude? Peaceful. Will always attempt to diffuse a situation rather than engage in violence. Fighting skills/techniques: Honestly, she’s pretty terrible. She has bad short-range aim, and isn’t particularly strong or resilient. However, if she can find a vantage point where she’s not likely to be seen, she can pick enemies off one by one with proficiency. Tries to avoid close combat, preferring to lure enemies into a trap or snipe them at long-range. She spends a lot of time and energy modding her weapons and armour, because for her, they’re the best chance she has at survival. Special skills/magical powers/etc: n/a Weapon of choice (if any): Long-range, high-spec guns. Weaknesses in combat: Anything close-combat or requiring a lot of strength. Strengths in combat: Like a freakin’ ninja. You won’t know she’s there until she wants you to. FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FOES Parents names: Ryan and Mary Williams. Are parents alive or dead? Dead Is the character still in contact with their parents? n/a Siblings? Relationship with siblings? An older brother, Tobias, and a younger sister, Amelia. Not particularly close with Tobias but would speak to Amelia every day. Other Important Relatives: Was very close with her grandmother, who passed away when Beth was in her early 20s. She features regularly in her dreams, over ten years later. Partner/Spouse: Nathaniel Jonathan Jones (deceased) Children: One - Shaun. Best Friend: She would probably consider her sister Amelia her best friend. Other Important Friends: She had a small group of very close friends - Jennifer, who she’s known since High School; Moira, who she met in college, and Marcus, who she worked with at the law firm. She prefers not to know what happened to them on the day the bombs fell. Acquaintances: None - she would be polite with the neighbours, but generally preferred the company of her three friends, sister, and husband.

Pets: None before the war. Dogmeat post-Vault. Enemies? Why are they enemies? That bald, scarred bastard that killed Nate and stole her baby. She has vowed that she would do unspeakably violent things to him if she ever got her hands on him. She was not prepared for the searing hatred she felt towards him, or her intense desire to inflict pain on him. She didn’t realise she was capable of such emotion. BACKSTORY Describe their childhood (newborn - age 10): Elizabeth Nora Williams was born in Providence, RI on September 2nd, 2043. She was the middle child of Ryan Williams, a College professor, and Mary Williams (nee O’Shea), a biologist. Her family lived in Pawtucket, RI, where she grew up and went to school. Beth was a quiet and solitary child; though she wasn’t particularly shy, she preferred drawing and playing alone in the garden to engaging with the other kids on her street. Beth had no desire to be part of the group at school (’Why would I want to play house? I’m going to do that for real when I grow up. It’s boring.’), and was pegged as being ‘bright’ at a young age. Describe their teenage years (11 - 19): Teenage Beth was, she would say, unremarkable. She achieved very good grades, but was not top of any class. She was neither particularly popular, nor a loner. She spent her free time hanging around with her friend Jennifer at each other’s houses. In her later teens, she started to get romantic attention from others, which she had no idea how to react to. She brushed off most of the advances she received, suspecting they were insincere, or only after one thing. Her first love was Nate, whom she met the summer after she finished High School. Nate was in the military and they met by chance at a party for Jennifer’s 18th birthday. They spoke as friends for a few months, keeping in touch when Beth went to study Law at Northeastern University, and met up back in Pawtucket that Christmas, where Nate confessed his feelings for her. By this point, Beth had fallen hard for him, too, and the rest is history. Describe their adult years (20+): Beth and Nate got married in 2066, when she was 22. Nate was away on tour a lot, so Beth lived with Nate’s parents until he unfortunately lost his right foot in action in 2068. Nate subsequently left the military and became a mentor for young people who wished to join the armed forces, giving talks and running courses. He was very active in veteran events, and accepted an offer to become involved full-time in charity fundraising in Boston in 2069, which is when they moved to Sanctuary Hills.

Beth worked as a legal secretary after leaving college; she used to say that she had ‘lost her passion’ for Law, and had no desire to enter into the competitive and cutthroat career following the near loss of her husband. Nate wore a below-the-knee prosthetic after losing his foot, though around the house he preferred crutches.

Beth and Nate wanted a big family; they started trying for a baby in 2070, and carried on trying for six years. They went for tests and were told Beth was unable to have children. Beth was crushed, but tried to see the bright side of the situation, planning vacations and making the most of the time she spent with Nate by doing fun things together. They had just gotten their heads around the idea that they may never be parents, when Beth fell pregnant by complete surprise. Nate was over the moon, and spent every spare moment fixing things up for the nursery, and reading up on parenting. Beth was…terrified. They’d waited so long, and she’d convinced herself that it wasn’t meant to be - now the enormous weight of what was happening had fallen on her from nowhere, and she worried that she wouldn’t be a good mother, after it all.

The biggest shock for her was how easily she fell into motherhood. She had never been more happy; she didn’t resent the night feeds, or the dirty diapers, or the changes in her body. In complete contrast to what she thought she wanted in childhood, Beth quit her job at the firm and became a full-time homemaker. She loved showering Shaun with love; she loved baking pies and making meals for her family. She loved the scent of her baby’s head, the feeling of making up the bed in the morning, the casual strolls around the quiet neighbourhood just outside Boston where they lived. She reignited her loves of reading, the theatre, and art; she spoke to her sister daily and her mother weekly. Beth would spend one day every week with Jennifer and her two daughters, catching up and relaxing in each other’s company. Beth convinced Nate to invest in a Mr Handy to help her around the house, meaning that Nate wouldn’t have to feel that he ‘wasn’t pulling his weight’ due to the restrictions in his mobility.

Everything felt perfect.

Until October 23rd, 2077.

#elizabeth nora jones #fallout 4 oc #long post #anything but moderate

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areyounotthrowingawaymysocks · 5 years

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Back to Work (Daveed x Emmy)

Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4 Pt. 5 Pt. 6 Pt. 7 Pt. 8

Pairing: Daveed Diggs x Emmy Raver-Lampman

Word Count: 748

Warnings: None

*4 Years Later*

The past few years seemed to go by in a blur. Suddenly, Daniele was four and would be starting preschool in the fall. Daveed and Emmy had been hesitant to start sending her to school and debated waiting another year, but ultimately settled on sending her for just the mornings. She would be in the same class as Jasmine and Anthony’s twins, Michael and Callie. Lin and Vanessa had sent the boys to the same school, and were planning to send their daughter, Anabella, in the spring.

For the first few years of Daniele’s life, Emmy had taken some time off from work, doing a reading here and there but mostly dedicating her time to being a mother. Their days revolved around trips to the park with Moose, playdates with the twins, and weekly trips to the local library where Dani always took out about 50 books. Daveed would read her four or five books every night that he was home. He had gotten quite good at reading stories to her, coming up with different voices for each character. On a few occasions, he even sang the books to her, making up the melody as he went along.

Now that Daniele was getting older, Emmy had decided it was time for her to start auditioning again. She was shocked when she was offered the part of Jenna in Waitress after only 3 auditions. She knew it wouldn’t be easy balancing a Broadway schedule with taking care of a 4 year old, but Daveed promised they would make it work because this was one of her dream roles. He pointed out that he would be able to get Dani off to school in the morning so that Emmy could sleep, and then she would be able to spend the afternoon with her before leaving for the theater. By the end of their chat, Emmy was feeling confident about her decision to accept the role. She would be starting rehearsals in mid-September, so she would be able to be there for Daniele’s first day of school, and her first show would be at the end of October.

Daveed knew that if he was going to be in charge of getting Daniele to school every morning, he was going to need to learn how to style her hair the way she liked it. Emmy did cute braids and twists for her, and he knew it wouldn’t go over well if he told her he didn’t know how. He was explaining this dilemma to Rafa during their weekly lunch date when Rafa offered the perfect solution.

“Come with me to the ‘Hairstyling for Dads’ class I’m taking next week. I need to learn how to do something with this one’s hair because my neighbors are getting sick of me bringing her over there to get her hair braided,” he chuckled, gesturing to his one year old daughter, Amari, who was fast asleep in her stroller.

Shortly after Daniele was born, Rafa had started dating a woman he met at the gym. Her name was Kayla and he fell hard for her. He proposed as soon as he found out she was pregnant and was excitedly planning the wedding. When Amari was 2 weeks old, Kayla left in the middle of the night, leaving a note in the kitchen saying she wanted nothing to do with either of them and that she was leaving the country. Rafa had been heartbroken, but now his entire world revolves around his daughter and he’s determined to give her the best life possible. He had recently started dating again, but it wasn’t anything serious. He wasn’t sure if he ever wanted anything serious again. His daughter came first now and anyone who wanted to be in his life would have to accept that.

Daveed agreed to check out the class with him, and texted Emmy to make sure it was okay for him to bring Dani. She thought it was adorable that he was putting so much effort into making this transition easier for Daniele. She also made him promise that Rafa would come over for dinner with Amari. Emmy had bad baby fever again, but for now she was getting her fill with watching her friends’ kids since it wasn’t a good time for them to have another. Rafa agreed to come by that night as long as Emmy would help him trim Amari’s nails. Raising these kids truly was a team effort.

#Daveed Diggs #emmy raver lampman #daveed x emmy #Rafael Casal #javi writes #family drabbles

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bertchulze-blog · 5 years

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School Hairstyles Step By Step, Braiding Hairstyle

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polar-stars · 5 years

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👰/🤵

I hope I did okay ;w;

Moe/Yuriko - for your muse to see my muse on their wedding day

For the sixth time today, Moe checked the hand mirror Kiyoko had hand her. She had to make sure that her make up was still flawless and that her hairdo was still firm.After all she had to look good for this occasion, not perfect but good. No guest should outshine the bride in the end.But when it was her friend’s wedding she still had to look as good as possible. And one look into the hand mirror showed that her hair and make up was still well causing her to give an approving nod to her own reflection and stick the mirror back in her purse.Soon it would be time, the guests had already all arrived. The brown-haired groom was already standing at the altar. Moe scanned him from head to toe. She knew from Shigeo what a good suit had to look like and she noted that the groom was indeed wearing one. Good. From the moment she saw the couple that would be married today interact for the first time, she of course had known that they were meant for each other. And she had been extra critical considering how close she was to one of the two. But she really could find no fault in the groom and it made her happy. She had envision today’s day plenty of times. Moe looked away from the groom to rather turn her head behind her, in anticipation for the bride to arrive. And luckily for her, the music started just a second after she did so and immediately all other guests turned their heads as well. A few moments later, the bride showed up at the side of her father. A lot of “aws” and ohs” went through the crowd and Moe saw many eyes widening at the sight of the sheer beauty. But who could blame them? The dress was simply astonishing and very well-picked. And Moe could already tell that the hairstyle underneath the veil was perfectly done as well. She also noted a beautifully matched necklace and expensive bracelets. But what truly completely the gorgeous assemble was the bright smile of the bride that was still visible despite the refined vail covering her face.It was then that Moe felt something happening that truly wasn’t happening very often. Slowly but surely she felt how both ends of her mouth lifted and soon a smile graced her usually so stoic face. As the bride passed her, she gave a nod and got an excited nod back.She watched how Yuriko left her father’s arm and took her place next to the groom and Moe knew that the smile would remain until the ceremony was over.Suzume/Takashi - to be trapped in an explosion and my muse is looking for yours

(Star Wars AU, because I am a nerd)Infiltrating the quarters of the Empire always was a risk, that goes without question. And people who were doing it always had to keep in mind that there was a high chance that they would take their last breath when going on such missions.But that was the price many were willing to pay if it meant the Empire’s downfall and therefore also the end of all the tyranny that was reigning alongside it. This was after all the goal of the rebellion and sacrifices were inevitable with this sort of goal, as the Empire was not a force easy to take down.Suzume knew all of this but her desire to stop the Empire in all of it’s cruelty kept her signing up for mission after mission. So far, she always got out mostly unharmed but today she had not been fast enough as the explosion was set off.Her leg had been damaged in a fight so she could not run. She found shelter as she fell behind a box full of weapons as glass, smoke and parts of damaged ships flew around. She was far, far away from the exit and all she could do was covering her ears from the sheer tumult.In desperation she looked around for a chance of escape. But hopeless. With her leg taken into consideration, there was no way for her to get out of this situation. Her colleagues surely must have left already. But who could blame them?She sighed as she leaned against the box. So that really was it huh? At the moment when the tumult of the explosion would fade she would be found by the soldiers sooner or later. And only the force knew what would happen to her then. A small smile appeared on her face.Surely, the moment they found out about her identity, she would be brought in front of that one slick, high-ranking Imperial Officer that she couldn’t stand. “Suzume? SUZUME!” She suddenly heard her name being called over the roar of the explosion. Suzume teared up her eyes as she heard the call.There was someone who had stayed back?“SUZUME WHERE ARE YOU?” She heard once again. She collected all her remaining power to yell back. “I AM HERE! BEHIND THE BOXES OF WEAPONS!” Immediately she inhaled smoke and began coughing.But right in her coughing fit, she heard quick steps approaching and soon after a pair of shoes walked around the boxes and she saw a hand appear in her vision. She lifted her head and looked into the smiling face of Takashi. With a relieved sigh, he whispered. “There you are! Thank the force.” Weakly Suzume shook her head. “You shouldn’t have come back. It makes your chances for escape harder.” Takashi only grinned. “No way, I leave one of our best fighters behind! We’re out to win this war, we can’t loose you if we want to. Now come on!”“I can’t walk.” Suzume answered and looked at her leg. “This way we’re going to loose two great fighters if you stay back.”But Takashi was persistent. He grabbed her hand and pulled her on her feet. As she was about to fall, he immediately supported her and began walking hurriedly. “No way, I will leave you behind.” Now Suzume couldn’t help but grin. “You truly are a rebel.”And while they stumbled into his ship last minute, she knew that she would have done the same.Kimiko/Toshio - to clash swords with my muse

(Random af medieval AU)As far as he could remember it was always Toshio’s dream to become a knight just like his father. From the moment he could walk on, he had started to try to indicate the sword movements of his father that he watched ever so often. As he grew older he started to train. First with a stick, then with a sword out of wood and most recently with a real one.Soon a letter of the castle arrived, inviting him to the yearly test for young boys aspiring to become knights. It was to determine the worthy ones, so they could go under training and realise their dreams.And from the day the letter arrived on, he began training more intensely. At his side was his sister, Kimiko who always offered herself as a partner to wield swords with him.As the day of the test finally arrived, Kimiko and Toshio already began clashing their swords in the morning. The moment the sun had come up, the two were outside on the field and danced their perfect chronography while metal hit metal. Toshio was able to let all of his experience show. But as they fought he couldn’t help but notice how skilfully Kimiko dodged his attacks and how firmly she held the sword. As their fight ended, Kimiko grinned. “Toshio, you’ll make the test for sure. There is no way they won’t notice your talents.” Toshio lowered his sword and smiled back. “Thank you.“Kimiko only nodded and sat down in the grass. “Well you should get going then. Or else you’ll miss the test.”Toshio watched as he look trailed elsewhere to inspect the wide fields in front of her. But instead of going back to the house he suddenly found himself saying: “You should join me.”Kimiko turned her head back to him with surprised eyes. “What?”Toshio took a step closer and with urgency he started to explain. “Kimiko, I watched you fighting! You’re more skilled than most men I know! You would defiantly make a great knight!”Kimiko giggled at that. “Thank you so much but you forget a major thing, I am a girl after all.” It was then that she looked back to the fields. She was right. In the world they lived in, girls were not allowed to be wielding swords and loose blood on the battlefield. “Screw that.” Toshio suddenly said. “You would be a great fortune as knight, that just can’t go to waste!” Kimiko turned back to him. “Toshio, that’s impossible.” But she was met with a grin and a held out hand. “Believe me, we’ll make it possible.” She stared at him for a long time, then she suddenly took the sword next to her into her hands and in the very next moment, Toshio watched with wide eyes how a majority of her blonde hair fell into the grass as she cut it off. The now short-haired girl looked back up at him. “This is insane.” And then she took her hand. “But it’s tempting.”

#Lea is writing #Moe Saito #Suzume Hojo #Kimiko Yukihira #Other's OCs

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