#feeling nostalgic for dreams in gold

[im-derty-dan]

the CRIMES I would commit to witness Age of Machine live one more time !!!

[binarysunset17]

Im packing up my room and im putting away my art pieces this one is easily my favorite painting ive done so far..

Its called "Not All that Glitters is Gold"

I used only silver gold and black to paint it so its kinda holographic and shimmery

[humanthatexistsrn]

no you don’t understand. x and y were the first pokémon games i, and a significant number of gen z, ever played. my bonds with my two best friends when i was little were almost entirely formed through bonding over these games. we didn’t notice how unfinished it was and loved every second of it. we didn’t notice how unfinished it was until we encountered zygarde, and went online to see if there was more to it and found out there wasn’t. i waited and waited for a pokémon z announcement - i played black and white 2 and heart gold while waiting, and would watch theory videos about what would be in it, or when they would announce it. i’d go to bed at night dreaming of playing it, and talking to my friends about it, and i’d dream of being in the pokémon world and befriending zygarde, and fighting xerneas and yveltal alongside it because it was just such a cool pokémon. and then they never announced it. oras are my favourite pokémon games but they didn’t fill the z shaped hole in my kid heart. by ultra sun and moon times, i gave up and forgot about it, besides feeling nostalgic whenever i heard about the leaked documents proving there was a plan for it. the shoe-horned in zygarde in sun and moon did nothing to help.

and now they announce a legends z game. no doubt a prequel to x and y. the amount of lore in x and y that didn’t get explored is mind boggling, and now we have a chance to finally see it. the king? the pokémon war? volcanion and magearna? diancie? zygarde’s battles with xerneas and yveltal? i’m sure there’s even more i don’t remember. and they even put the mega evolution symbol at the end - everyone’s favourite gimmick, the first to ever exist.

they’re finally going to give x and y a proper ending, a proper goodbye. and i couldn’t be happier.

[bumblebeesfromvenus]

Brick by Brick 🎄

Leon S. Kennedy x reader

A/N: The holiday season is upon us!!! This is the first fic for my Christmas event, Fi's Christmas Market ☃️ <3 feel free to check that out if you're curious who and what's to come 🤭

~ Fi 🐝

Warnings: pure, whole hearted X-mas fluff, Mentions of readers mom, healing Leon's inner child <3

Word count: 2.2k

Please don't copy my work! I put a lot of effort and heart into the things I write.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。..・。.・゜✭・.・✫

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。..・。.・゜✭・.・✫

December was finally here. The most wonderful time of the year, undoubtedly. You'd been waiting all year for this. The lights, the beautiful tunes, and the atmosphere full of love and warmth. To say you were ecstatic was an understatement, the excitement had been burning in your veins since Halloween ended.

You were itching to pull out every box filled with Christmas decorations and absolutely drown your apartment in red, green and gold. Your Christmas PJs were already laid out, same as Leon's, and you'd jump him with holiday cheer the second he came home. You'd already prepared some apple cider and a few cookies. It would be such a nice evening, you knew it in your heart.

The Christmas songs would fill your apartment, the spicy apple cider and cookies would drench the room in nostalgic aromas. You'd decorate all the cabinets and tables while Leon would hang up the garlands around the living room. It was always a dream you had, decorating your little home with Leon. And since it was you we're talking about, you also got him a little something. An early present, if you will.

There was this tradition in your home, your Mother had started it one year and from then on it was something you'd enjoyed greatly. It might not be the most festive of activities but it reminded you of home, and you desperately wanted to share it with Leon. Your Mom made a habit of building Lego sets together as a family. Sitting around the table with a cup of cider, yuletide tunes playing in the background whil you were constructing your little plastic house brick by brick.

You were a little hesitant to share it with your lover since the anxiety of it being seen as childish always gnawed at your heart. But you knew him, he wouldn't judge you for something like that. He would appreciate that you wanted to share a part of your childhood with him, you were sure of it. You had gotten yourself a gingerbread house set, it was better than a real one in many ways; more fun to make, sturdier and there was no mess after.

But what you were really excited about was for Leon to see the set you had gotten him. It was a police station. As soon as your eyes landed on the set while you were scrolling through the internet, you knew it was perfect. You had warned him about a surprise so he wouldn't be caught off guard.

Your mother had an entire village of Lego houses that she'd rebuilt every year, and you couldn't wait to start your own little village with Leon. He was actually quite impressed when your mom proudly showed him last Christmas. He didn't stop talking about it for weeks after, it was quite endearing. If you could heal his inner child at least a little with this, it would be worth it.

You'd already changed into your PJs. You would've exploded if you hadn't gotten something plaid on your body. It was a long sleeve shirt with gingerbread men and women doing holiday activities. Ice skating, shopping, building a snowman. Your name was embroided in gold on the front.

The pants were a red and gold plaid, matching the embroided. It was a gift from your grandmother. She adored Leon and said that when she saw the matching sleep attire, she just had to get it. It was him who made sure they were always ready when Decemeber was around the corner.

Even if he wouldn't admit it, there was something about the holidays that made him lower his guard and just be himself. Not a rookie, not agent Kennedy, just Leon.

The jingling of keys made you jump up from your place at the table where you had been waiting patiently. Leon stepped inside with a huff, closing the door behind him. His cheeks and nose were red from the cold as he dropped his bag on the floor.

"Hi, Baby-" he was cut off by a grunt when you smashed into him, squeezing him in a bone crushing hug. "I missed you." Your words were muffled into his chest. He chuckled before leaning down to press a kiss to your head. "I missed you too, but I was only gone for 3 days." He stroked his hands down your back. "I know, I know, but it's extra special this time! We have lots to do, come on." You beamed, making him stumble as you dragged him behind you.

"Slow down, we've got all evening." He chuckled, still letting himself be pulled along by you.

You and Leon stood in the middle of the living room, admiring your work. The space was much cozier now, decked with and lights and ornaments. "We really outdid ourselves this year, huh?"

"But we need to decorate, and we have to make a shopping list for presents too, and then I have a surprise for you, and-" You stopped yourself. Leon had just come home, and you were already bombarding him with all the things you wanted to do. You cleared your throat, a little embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, I've just been waiting all year for this." You gave him a bashful smile. Leon cupped your cheeks and pulled you in for a kiss. All of your worries faded away. The chains of anxiety and embarrassment shattered the second you felt his touch.

"Don't be sorry. You're cute when you're all excited, you know." He teased, taking off his jacket and shoes. A blush settled on your cheeks. "Your PJs are on the bed, I'll heat up the apple cider, okay?" He nodded with a soft hum and you pressed a kiss to his still cold cheek.

You squealed in excitement when you thought Leon was out of reach to hear you, but you were wrong. He smiled to himself when he saw you being so happy over something so simple. He loved you so much, you made his life brighter.

The Christmas songs were already on, and you were stirring the apple cider while humming to the melody. "What's this surprise I've been hearing about, hm?" Two big arms engulfed you, wrapping themselves around your waist. You swayed from side to side, pulling him with you. You poured the cider into some very cheesy Christmas mugs and set them down on the coffee table.

"Decorating first, then you'll get your surprise, Baby." You smiled, kneeling on the floor to start unpacking the boxes. "I can't believe you're making me wait. You've been excited about this surprise for months!" He argued playfully, of course. "Shut it and come help me with the garlands, big guy!" You huffed. You weren't tall enough to hang them up yourself, but you had your tall and strong boyfriend who would do anything for you.

And the little perk of watching his shirt ride up and his biceps flex definitely didn't go unappreciated. "S'not my fault you came out so small." He grinned, ruffling your hair as he passed you. You pouted and continued getting out all of your decor from the boxes while quietly grumbling. Maybe he's just unnaturally tall?! You're not small, you're perfectly average height! Okay, maybe you were on the low end of the spectrum, but still. To be fair, those garlands have never been up faster.

Not to shabby, having a tree for a boyfriend.

"Time for the present!" You exclaimed, already dragging him back to the table. You were quiet strong for your height, you've almost knocked him off of his feet once or twice.

You glanced over to Leon who had you pressed against his side. "Yeah, but's gonna be a pain to take down.." he sighed.

"Let me enjoy my Christmas craze, will ya?" You huffed. Leon put his hands up defensively and laughed.

"Alright, alright."

You refilled the apple cider and then went to grab the surprise. You brought out the big box and Leon's brows raised both in shock and curiosity. You heaved it onto the table before taking a seat next to him.

"Christ, Honey, what's in that thing? You do know it's not Christmas yet, right?" Leon chuckled, turning the box in all directions. "Obviously. But I really wanted to get you this. Besides, can't I get my boyfriend presents regardless of the time of year?" You smiled, leaning over to kiss his cheek. He looked over at you with a buttery soft expression.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"Once or twice." You grinned, before returning a soft smile. "Go ahead, open it." You encouraged him. Your heart was pounding against your ribcage. You really hoped he liked it. It was a bit of a risky situation since you were worried it might open an old wound. He tore into the festive wrapping paper, revealing the gift inch by inch.

You were slightly squirming in your seat, both from anxiety and excitement. He examined the now revealed surprise. His brows furrowed but you saw the exact moment it clicked in his brain when he realized what it was. His eyes lit up like the ones of a little boy on Christmas morning, and a smile tugged at his lips.

Leon looked over to you and you caught the smallest glimpse of a shimmer of tears in his beautiful blue eyes. "Baby, I.. Thank you. Thank you for sharing this with me- you have no idea how much that means to me." He said it with so much vulnerability and love that you felt like your heart was about to give out.

"Why wouldn't I share it with you? You're my favorite person. Let me tell you, my mom was thrilled when she heard about this." You chuckled, making him snort in response. His expression softened slightly, taking your hands and guiding you from your chair into his lap.

His hands wrapped around you tightly as his head fell to the crook of your neck. "I love you. You're truly something special and I don't intend of ever letting you go." His heartfelt confession sent shivers up your spine, yet your heart has never felt warmer. Your grip around his neck tightened as you pulled him closer to your chest.

"Oh, Leon.." there was a slight crack in your voice that you had tried so hard to suppress but failed. "I love you so much. You deserve the world and so much more." You whispered into his ear lovingly, you could feel him smile against your skin. You held eachother, wrapped in a warm and loving embrace a hallmark movie could only wish of replicating.

He felt safe with you. You were his great love, his home, the keeper of his heart. He meant every word when he said he won't ever let you go.

"Please don't say that."

You could feel yourself drifting off to sleep in his comforting embrace, so you decided that now was the perfect time to pull yourself from his arms. You were dead set on putting some plastic bricks together today, and if you regrettably had to leave your lovers embrace for it, so be it.

"You wanna get started on building that thing?" You grinned, leaning back so you could see his face. "Hell yeah, I do. Let's get bricking."

You were impressed with him, though. He had never done it before but it came to him so easily. "Well, I'm very good with my hands, as you know." He smirked, giving you wink before continuing to attach the blocks to eachother. "Can't argue with the truth, I suppose." You mumbled, setting a brick on top of another.

Leon had gotten the hang of it pretty quickly. Although it might be a rather simple concept, you've seen great men fall to the tiny plastic pieces (your dad). Leon was quite the natural. It felt like in the blink of an eye, he had constructed half of the building.

"How are you so fast?! That's like half of it done!" You were sitting there with your sad little gingerbread foundation done, and he was putting up walls and furniture already.

Leon didn't know how he ended up in this situation. He had just placed the last block on his very own Lego police station. He looked over his work triumphantly, but when his gaze fell on you, he made an effort to look outside the window.

You were knocked out cold, softly snoring by his side. Your brick gingerbread house wasn't finished, the blocks were thrown across the table, and you were in the middle of it, looking as beautiful as ever to him.

But what scared him, though, was that the sun was starting to come up. He hadn't noticed how late, or early, it had gotten. He had gotten so lost in this simple pleasure it made him smile a bit. Leon couldn't help but think as he carried you to bed, to finally snuggle up and let his body rest.

You had stayed with him. The whole night you had stayed. You didn't leave when your eyelids got heavy or the intervals between your yawns got shorter. You stayed, and watched him with a smile. He realized that he wanted this with you. A life with you, one that he would spend with you until the very end.

You were definitely getting promoted from girlfriend to wife next year. It made him realize what love could and should be like. He never thought it was in the cards for him, truly. But he couldn't be more grateful to and for you. He wanted to build a future with you.

And he would, brick by brick.

[ghostofhyuck]

Nct Dream as Taylor Swift songs

AN: As a swiftie, this is the best!! I did made a series but instead of songs, it's Taylor Swift's albums. This is hard tbh TT TT and all of these are based on my opinion. TT TT

Mark Lee ; Everything has changed

And all I feel In my stomach is butterflies The beautiful kind, makin' up for lost time

Yes, as cliche as it may sounds but Mark Lee is Everything has changed. The guitar? the lyrics? yes, that's Mark Lee. EHC feels like a right person, wrong timing type of love, and it suits Mark you know??? Because this feels like meeting them again after years of separating and realizing how much you two had grown!!! that's why second chances exist and Mark will do anything for second chances!!

Huang Renjun ; Gold rush

What must it be like To grow up that beautiful? With your hair falling into place like dominoes

Renjun is evermore-coded even though he's a summer boy. I just think that Renjun suits Gold Rush so much. He's everything and everyone loves loves him so much! There's so much delicateness in Gold Rush that it feels like falling in love for the first time, and Renjun is such a first love-coded that's why he suits Gold Rush. 

Lee Jeno ; Call it what you want

I recall late November, holding my breath Slowly I said, "You don't need to save me But would you run away with me?"

I was torn between end game or call it what you want. End game because you know, big reputations LOL but I chose Call it what you want because it feels like a quiet type of romance. Something serene and tranquil in the midst of the noise. Something about finding the right person when the world is against you is just the type of romance Jeno would have!! TT TT Especially the bridge part?? It's just so Jeno-coded, he'll run away with you instead of saving you. 

Lee Donghyuck ; Afterglow

Tell me that you're still mine Tell me that we'll be just fine Even when I lose my mind

Haechan is so Afterglow. It's beautiful yet heartbreaking. I don't know how to explain it but I think  that Haechan's type of love is like the lyrics of Afterglow. TT TT Especially the bridge!! It's so Haechan-coded!!! It's like a word of affirmation type of love even though it hurts but hey, Haechan will assure you that everything will be fine. 

Na Jaemin ; "Slut!"

The wrong place at the right time And I break down, then he's pullin' me in In a world of boys, he's a gentleman

"Everyone wants him, that was my crime." that's it. that's the line. JK. I mean Jaemin is so 1989-coded and it was HARD to choose a song for him. But I think "Slut!" suits him so much because come on now, you're willing to throw yourself on Jaemin and wouldn't care about the people around. He's just so "Slut!"-coded especially how love struck the lyrics can be!!! It's just feels like you're so drunk in love with Jaemin. 

Zhong Chenle ; Long Live

Long live the walls we crashed through I had the time of my life, with you

Chenle's is just that mixture of fun, youthful, and reminiscing, that's why he's so Long Live-coded!!! I think that Chenle will like Long Live and he's the type to love every moment of his life. Like, he's just there having fun and everything's going on his way. He's energetic too!! The song is very sentimental despite the upbeat instrumental that's why I think it suits Chenle the most. 

Park Jisung ; Forever & Always

And then you feel so low you can't feel nothing at all And you flashback to when we said forever and always

Jisung is just so fearless-coded! He's very first love-coded with the hint of high school love and domesticity!! that's why forever & always suit him so much. Nostalgic, lively, and one of Taylor Swift's old albums! That's why I feel like loving Jisung is like listening to forever & always. The lyrics feels like a love story of young love which suits Jisung so so much. Clumsy, forgetful, and full of promises. 

[storyshark2005]

Carraville Rec List !

See below, self-explanatory!! I'm sure I missed some bangers, so feel free to reblog and add more, or comment. I pulled all these straight off my AO3 bookmarks list. They are ALL COMPLETE, so I didn't add any WIPSs! Please note I separated "older/classic" recs from the amazing fountain of NEW works we've been blessed with in the past 3-4 months or so. Note: IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER!

Enjoy you little dancers!!

⚽️❤️ MY CLASSIC CARRAVILLE PICKS ❤️⚽️

Lockjaw by anonymous - Workplace blowjob fic that grows into a much deeper story. Sexy-with-feels MNF era Carraville. Amazing ‘show don’t tell’ characterization, top top dialogue.  Gary hiding past trauma and Jamie finding out. A crime this is anonymous, I want to read more from this author!! 

the ghosts of you and me by @blindbatalex - ahhhmazingly written, MNF-era Carraville. Uses ‘snowed in’ trope to delve greater depths of a break up; old wounds, things unspoken, beautiful writing and a really pulled-back tone that aches. 

the ocean and the coast by @carraville - Valencia!Gary. Jamie POV. Jamie pining. Lovely poetic style. “I have a separate plate for you.” <3 <3 <3 

In Your Boots by @thesecretdetectivecollection- funny, sweet, MNF-era. SO CUTE Gary jumping to conclusions and panicking over Jamie leaving. Lots of Jamie-scenery descriptions of pretty eyes and "absurd cheekbones" and "Jamie's reliable heart" <3 

keep your silver, give me that gold by @blindbatalex - MNF-era Carraville. Jamie decides to box Rio Ferdinand. Gary has SERIOUS RESERVATIONS about his beefy colleague (just colleague, no feelings, cough cough) putting himself in harms way for a stupid charity wager. Thing come to a head in a good way. Lots of verbal eye candy Carra. <3 

Loss / loss / win by milleseptcent guuuuh the SCALE! The FEELS! Soulmates Carraville. Takes place from playing days to MNF-era. Gary and Carra, both without soul marks, fuck around in a casual relationship... for about twenty years. The ending is SO SWEET!

Anything That Isn’t This by @kloppend the sleeping death apocalypse fic, read if you want to ruin yourself for two or three days but ALSO the beauty of the writing is 100% worth the devastation, one of the finest written pieces in the fandom imho. HAUNTING, gorgeous, aching, amazing. 

Play the Whistle by @zevons - Referee!AU Carraville!! What more do you need to know?! Gary and Jamie’s football dreams never came true, so they do the next best thing. Lovely Jamie&Stevie friendship. Enemies to lovers. So much snippy banter before they realize they are actually besties who want to smootch. FEEL GOOD but with tons of depth as well. 

amunt by @carraville short, punchy, poetic = classic redandgold! Valencia!Gary, pining!Jamie. Also incredible that this was written only two weeks into Gary’s appointment, BEFORE the Barcelona loss, before things unravelled, so it’s an amazing time-capsule into the fandom in late 2015 (when they didn’t know if Gary would ever come back!) 

Through fresh eyes by @aramblingjay - Jamie comes to MNF. Gary deals. Truly top-notch writing, amazing language, deft characterization. It never overindulges while remaining poignant throughout. Can be read as pre-Carraville or platonic-soulmates type friendship. It’s tagged as incomplete but it is finished. Essential reading, a classic!

Advantages of Playing Away by @zevons MNF-era testimonial blowjob in Old Trafford dressing room Carraville!! Sooo sweet, soooo hot, dialogue is sharp and funny. Just perfect <3 

Remedial Exercises in Teamwork by @zevons - more saltstreets!!! HOGWARTS AU, both of them are Gryffindor beaters (so in character for them), both obsessed with quidditch. Background!gerlonso. Implied Professor Pep/Mou !!! Detention!flirting!! I mean!!! Sir Alex the owl!!! Checks all the boxes, nostalgic, sweet, enemies to boyfriends. <3 

⚽️❤️RECENT AMAZING 2023/2024 CARRAVILLE WE ARE BLESSED WITH ❤️⚽️

Tasting Syrup on My Tongue by @heyyjulien - PLAYERS ERA!!! Jamie and Gary have a casual relationship that gets put to the test after Jamie’s injured in a derby game. Great banter-to-feels ratio, you will want to put Julien’s sweet Jamie in your pocket and give their Gary a big hug. Great romantic closing scene where they negotiate the implications of Jamie’s injury scare. Also SCHOLESY!! <3

It’s just not what’s done by @player1064 truly a Carraville writer that ‘burst onto the scene’ as fast and furious as Micah Richards! My fave of theirs. A truly hysterical premise on the surface that they plumb deep to turn up real emotion. I love the time-jump style. Wonderful David&Gary friendship, as well as all of the Co92 rallying around Gary. Covers all eras up until today, with a January 2024 Carraville in Courcheval scene!! <3 

Package Deal (It’s Valentine’s Day, ye dimwit) by @kloppinthekop My fave of their “Holiday Husbands” series. So cute and sweet and the love scene is sooooo (SOOO) hot and poignant !! Jamie taking care of Gary in every way on Valentine’s Day. Domestic feels. 

Love You More by @effervescentdragon outstanding emotional excavation, Jamie POV Carraville. Uses a slightly disorienting (in a good way) jump around style that isn’t time stamped, but if you know your Carraville, you get your footing in a sentence or two. It’s a bookended journey between ‘fuck you too’ (visceral hatred) to ‘fuck you too’ (affectionate). 

Gary Neville is Still a Red, Just a Different Shade by @fanficburner - your ultimate ABO Carraville! This isn’t for the faint-of-heart, angst abounds, I would not call this a romance! But a great character piece. Gary gets unwillingly bonded with Jamie, while still in love with Beckham. The standout part of this fic is the world-building and social implications of what an ABO society might actually look like; separate Omega changing rooms, registration offices for Omega registration, the harsh realities of an owned class of people.

[hpalways]

jelou <3 this is a request that can be a bit sad :')) for trey clover, vil schoenheit, rook hunt and jamil viper when their fem mc, with a melancholy smile, tells them that since she was very little she had to become "the mother" and take care of all the children in her orphanage, due to the absence of responsible adults, so now that she is in nrc so she is trying to recover a little of her lost childhood and do what she likes for the first time ^°^, sjsj Thanks and have a good day /ᐠ. .ᐟ\ฅ

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland

Character(s): Trey Clover, Vil Schoenheit, Rook Hunt, Jamil Viper x Fem!Reader (separate)

Summary: They knew how responsible you were -- how much of your childhood was used up on duties that a mere child should never have to do. So now, to see you smile, that was all they could ever wish for.

A/N: You as well! Also mb I wasn't sure whether you wanted hcs or drabbles, so I'm just gonna write drabbles for them.

Trey Clover

Trey thought you were quite alike to him. He sometimes caught himself thinking that you were... mature... thoughtful... resilient. It was strange. He had never thought of someone in that way, but the way you spoke of things, it would always strike a chord in him.

So when he saw you there on the balcony, gazing upon the views of Night Raven College, he knew. He knew he wanted to speak to you.

Your [h/c] hair furled along the slight breeze, and your eyes were distant, in a world unimaginable from here. As he approached you, he stared upon you with a soften gaze, never before seen with anyone else. He wondered why he held such a soft spot when it came to you.

You finally noticed his presence, glancing over to see his familiar dark green hair and gold-hazel eyes behind those rims.

"Trey," you said with a gentle smile. He found it very nurturing somehow. Really, a simple smile from you was nurturing.

"What are you doing here all alone?" he asked you, coming up right beside you.

"Been thinking of some stuff..." you trailed off. It left him intrigued, it really did. Oftentimes, it seemed you had much more to say, but you would not elaborate, as if you didn't wish to burden anyone else. But he wanted to hear it. He wanted you to know that he did.

"What's on your mind?"

You blinked at him, somehow surprised by his response. And for whatever reason, whether it was just the two of you, or you were feeling nostalgic in this moment, or he was watching you with such patience, you wanted to tell him of the weights on your shoulders. You gave him a smile in return, a mixture of slightly sad and content. "I was from an orphanage and back then, I had to take care of the little ones. They were practically my brothers and sisters, to which I love them. But... it's changed so much. Being here at Night Raven College, I finally figured something out."

He stayed there, listening, being the perfect one to bear your problems.

You took a deep breath. "I missed out on a lot as a kid. I was a kid raising other kids, so I never had the chance to live as a kid myself. So I'm realizing I need to start living for my past self, starting now. There's so much I wish to experience, so much that could fulfill my child self's dreams."

He believed you beautiful. So beautiful and strong as you spoke of your hardships and regret. But there was no regret. Just a determination to redeem to yourself. He now knew why he saw so much of himself in you.

"I'll help you with this."

"You don't have to do anything!" you said, shocked by his offer. "I'm already so grateful that you're hearing me out."

"I want to," he stated, leaving no room for protest. "What do you wish to experience first? I will do anything to make it possible."

You cracked a grin, this time not as melancholy and bittersweet. "Can we prank Riddle?"

He pushed his rims up his nose bridge and looked down seriously. "I said 'everything'... but, this... this... absolutely not."

Truly, the two of you were like the parents of the dorm of Heartslabyl.

Vil Schoenheit

You had this presence that Vil could never put a finger on. Quite different from the rest of the student population at Night Raven College. Was it because you came from this... other world?

Today, he had the honor of putting on makeup to your face. He had always wanted to; the structure of your face and your features was his perfect canvas. He could see much potential within you, a whole vision. By the end of it, he expected you to be glowing.

His face neared yours, his attention focused on his job at hand. He could see your blemishes, your flaws, your pores, but he loved it. He loved it when it came to you, because it made you feel more human -- more connected to him. "This will come together, I know it," he whispered to you.

And to those words, for some reason, it made you burst into tears.

Vil had never been so disrupted.

"What's wrong?!" he said, frantically grabbing tissues to blot the tears before they ruin your makeup.

"Sorry..." you murmured. "I'm just really happy."

He raised his brows, his light purple eyes shadowed in confusion. "Whatever do you mean by that?"

"I've never had a makeover like this before and I just remember wanting one so bad. Here I am now, thanks to you, Vil."

He crouched down to meet your sitting level, his warm hand grabbing onto yours. "Explain to me."

"I grew up in an orphanage and because I was older than most, I took care of the others. I didn't have the time to dress myself up or have friends who would do makeovers with me. And there was a time when I saw this most stunning lady from the street. I was amazed by her makeup and outfit, but overall, the aura she carried. You're like her too, Vil. You carry a confidence that I aspire to be."

His fingers came up to wipe at your tears, so tender and caring. "You will be, [Name]. So don't cry anymore. I will turn you the fairest of them all. You will live your dreams, no matter what. I can guarantee that."

Your tears stopped and you started to laugh. He watched you, astonished, feeling his heart racing at the sight. Indeed, you really were glowing... and it was not just the makeup.

Rook Hunt

He watched you for a while now, sensing the troubles that had been bothering you. But Rook couldn't seem to figure out what the troubles were. It certainly didn't seem like it came from school, the other students, or the blotting situations occurring here at Night Raven College. Rather, it was something else.

A hat was plopped over your head, blocking your vision. You tilted your head back to finally see a blonde bob and a grin. "Mademoiselle, you are looking radiant today!"

"Rook," you said in surprise. "How are you today?"

"Kindhearted as always, I see," he responded, smiling. "But I'm worried, my dear."

"Of what? What's wrong?" You furrowed your brows.

"Of you, of course. Are you alright?"

You blinked in surprise. "You noticed?"

"I notice everything when it comes to you."

A small chuckle left your lips, followed by a sad smile. "I guess you do. Sorry, yeah, I just... I've been feeling weird lately. Like I'm missing out on a lot. My childhood experience was not... the best, to say the least. I had to help out the orphanage and take care of the kids. Being here at Night Raven College might be the first chance for me to live out my childhood dreams. Is this silly? It is, isn't it?"

He shook his head immediately, his heart squeezing in pain at your truth. Was this why he kept such a close eye on you? There was so much more he wished to learn from you. Indeed, you were the enigma to the enigma himself, Vil. "Non. Not at all silly. In fact, come with me! Why don't we live out your dreams together?"

His outreached hand was in front of you, waiting.

You grinned, pushing the burn of oncoming tears down. "Okay."

Jamil Viper

"Can I braid your hair?" you asked Jamil one day. There was something so eager to you today that it nearly tempted him to say yes.

Instead, he made a face. "What? No."

Your face was immediately down casted, more disappointed than he expected to see. He was shocked as guilt flooded his system. Why did you want to do this so badly? Was braiding someone's hair that big of a deal?

"Okay, fine," he sighed, turning his back against you.

"I didn't mean to pressure you!" you said, holding your hands up. "I wanted to try braiding someone else's hair for once."

"You've never braided hair?"

You took in the gorgeous, brown strands that Jamil honed. They were so healthy and long, accentuating his darker skin and figure. You knew he took great care of his hair.

"No... my orphanage was pretty strict when it came to how us girls styled our hair." Your fingers slipped through them, soft to the touch. Something about holding his hair was so vulnerable; it was like a strong piece of him. "So I've always wanted to braid someone's hair. Thank you for letting me do this."

"Orphanage?"

"Yes. I was kind of like the mother to the other kids. I didn't have the time to do anything for myself. Am I doing this right?"

He swept his braided hair over his shoulder to look at it, only to burst out laughing. Your cheeks warmed in embarrassment, though smiling slightly at his amusement.

"Come here," he said eventually. There was no way around it. Hearing your story made him want to do so much for you. He was sincerely ready to give it all to this person, you, and he couldn't understand why. He grabbed at your shoulders and turned you around this time. "I'll braid your hair."

Your eyes started to mist, and you looked over your shoulder. "Thank you. Seriously."

Flustered, he nodded and diverted his attention to your hair. "Of course."

[csphire]

Updated Dammon Build Guide!

Sad because you need more Dammon? Here is an updated guide on how to make him into your player character or dream guardian.

First, let's discuss the mods you'll need if you want to get your player character as close as possible to Dammon's long-lost twin or evil clone. Are you on a console or don't want to mod? No worries, alternative suggestions will be provided in this guide too.

Clothing:

This is only needed if you wish for him to wear the same outfit and for it to be the right color. If you want to keep the number of mods on the low side, you can use Basket Full of Equipment instead. It does have a blacksmith outfit, scarf and his boots too. (The boots are called: Black Leather Footwear D, just dye them brown. The scarf dye Swamp Green.)

Just know as of posting this, there is no dye in the game to match Dammon's existing choice of colors on his blacksmithing outfit perfectly. I would recommend when using Basket Full of Equipment to go with the scarf-free version and dye it Faewild Green and Dun Dye. Then you'll find his scarf in the cloak bag and dye that Swamp Green. If you can't get your hands on that rare dye Swamp Green works great too.

Eyes (and a jump start with the dream guardian):

What do I mean by jumpstart? Well... the modder here made a great start of what Dammon looks like. But I suspect the way the mod and/or game functions, some of Dammon's coloring is a little off. His horns are nearly white, and his eyes are brown, that is if you're trying to make the dream guardian look like him. This might be corrected in the future.

What's important about this mod is that it unlocks Dammon's unique eye color for not only the Guardian but also the Player Character. It's the only one I've found so far that does this. If there are other mods that come along that just unlock his eyes, I'll be happy to include them here too.

Don't want to install mods or can't? Try the Blue 3 or Sapphire 4 eyes. Or if you want them to glow more then have central heterochromia Elf Blue 1 and 2 are nice options as well.

Fun fact: Dammon's eyes are blue with central heterochromia.

Oh, and there is also the option to go with his Early-Access eye color Elf-Gold 3 if you're feeling particularly nostalgic.

The Quick and Easy Way:

Want to make the player character and every companion in your party look like Dammon? Well, this is the mod for you. There is however a caveat. He's stuck in that blacksmith outfit. As in not even for love scenes will he get naked. Alas, the real Dammon model doesn't have a nude character model option-at least not yet. Any who...

Onwards to the rest of character creation!

But first, a few quick side-by-side final comparisons to confirm the appearance you should get when following this guide.

Head, Skintone, and Horn Color:

Head 4

Blush Tone 5

Malbolge Spires with Dusty 6 for both base and tip color.

Hair:

Style - Arabel Ribbon Hair Color - Blonde 3 Highlight - Red 6 Intensity 70.

Makeup (optional):

Eye Makeup - Butterscotch (Intensity 40, Metallic Tint 10, and Glossy 10) Limp Tint - Red 1 (Intensity 10, Metallic Tint 10, and Glossy 10) For makeup, I'm unsure if Dammon wears any but in all the images here I did add a subtle amount to try to make his eyes stand out a little. This might be helpful if you're stuck using Blue 3 or Sapphire 4. I thought to also add a tiny bit of gloss to his lips since he's not hanging out by his forge so much. This is just a personal preference.

In fact, Makeup 12 comes in handy for guys or gals in general at a 10 to 50 tint level to make their eyes look a little deeper set, tired even and um... more broody? Play around with this and other make-ups and have fun.

Scar (optional):

Dammon does have a scar over the bridge of his nose, under his right eye, and on his lower left lip. But on him, as seen below, it's faded. Scar 3 comes sorta close but it's rather distracting. Until we can get a scar depth or age slidder from Larian (or a mod) I would skip it entirely for now.

Class, Race, Voice, and Stats (optional):

According to the Wiki Dammon is an Asmodeus Tiefling but you could subrace him into Mephistopheles or Zariel as head 4 is available to all subraces. Changing his subrace might prove advantageous depending upon what class you wish to play.

For voice, nothing can replace Frazer Blaxland's, but... I found Voice 3, out of all of them, is similar in depth and warmth.

If playing as Dammon and you want to get as close to his abilities, and fighting style as possible, it's all an educated guess. This is only mine on one class example: Druid.

To start, I made sure that all his stats were at least 10 in everything just like his original. For the extra points left over, I put them into upping his Dexterity as it helps with dodging damage. After all, you don't need a lot of hp if you can dodge damage. I also put a few extra points into the main stat for his class and a bit in Charisma just to make conversation rolls easier. For background, I went with Guild Artisan to further help him with persuasion, give him some insight, and for roleplaying purposes since he was a blacksmith. For cantrips, I would highly recommend picking Guidance if available to further aid all conversation rolls.

I went with Druid because it lets him wield a scimitar right at the start. On the Nautolid you can usually find two of these weapons. "Who uses wooden tools!" Dammon shouts as he throws that ugly staff overboard into the fires of Avernus. The second reason is perhaps while he was in the grove he learned a thing or two. He did after all pick up a few skills while in Avernus, why not at the Druid Grove too? It's just one level and you could multi-class him into anything later on.

The third reason I went with Druid for class is your doppelganger gets a discount from Arron, the other merchant to be found there.

But of course, you can make him any other class you wish or multi-class him. I did so myself by adding dragon sorcerer and bard to him later on. This is just an idea, but one could use his playthrough to try and get the Jack-of-all-Trades achievement.

If I had to go with an official class for him, my money would be on Artificer with a subclass of a Battle Smith, to be precise. The video down below explains what they are, and as early as Act II Dammon can literally craft us some bombs and free armor if you bring him the right things. He would be the perfect Artificer companion if we in the future get that class in a DLC. (And romance option-yes while keeping most of his mystery too, Frazer. This will explain just one example of how it's possible.)

Sadly, no official Artificer class yet but there are a few mods you can try out by just searching the term Artificer on the Nexus. But this mod looks so far the most polished and fleshed out called:

Hope all this info helps you have some fun. Please feel free to tag and share with me your Dammon creations! Need any help feel free to reach out, I'd be happy to help. Looking for my old guide? It's here.

*Full Disclosure: In the previous versions of my guide, I was mistaken about his skin tone being Blush 4. After a near-unhealthy amount of scrutiny of Dammon's model, I apologize for this mistake. It's Blush 5, and the majority of the screenshots, ones that focus on his appearance, have been corrected accordingly. I apologize for this mistake and any inconvenience it has caused.

[omegalomania]

okay, couple things i haven't seen people comment on yet! bolded emphasis is mine and is not present in the original text.

Buzzed off of the alpenglow.

so "alpenglow" is a specific phenomenon when the setting sun lights up the horizon in deep rose hues and soft shadows. as you can see on the article images, this can often result in pink and purple visuals.

You never think you’d look back and be nostalgic for right now - For car rides that never seemed to end, the way the world used to look in 90s newscasts, or cloroxing your groceries before you bring them in from the garage…. To all the animals you see in the clouds and the faces you memorized in the tile of the shower in your childhood home- the pareidolla-n prince.

themes of nostalgia vs. reality are definitely present in all the teasing they've done for this album thus far. "field of dreams" addresses it directly. "dark city" is about memories of a place that never existed (the beach was never real). the bit in "reality bites" about the pink seashell addresses how we assign meaning to things that ultimately don't mean very much at all.

all of that also ties into the overall idea of searching out codes and meaning in things that might not have anything of the sort. more on that later.

Placing items in my cart and continuing shopping- but emotionally. You start to wonder if you have more good road being you than ahead. Shake it off. [...] Still trying to get free of everything we’re supposed to be.

this doesn't have any special meaning or context i just like the message. maybe just being your own silly weird self is worth more than looking ahead. when they made you they broke the mold. don't let expectation pigeonhole you in. just makes me fond!

Sometimes I feel like detective working a bad beat for too many years, chasing old leads- not ready to quit but unable to solve the case- just hoping I get more than a gold watch on my retirement day

[...]

PS (thanks for always sticking around. Thanks for working the beat. Spoiler alert: we got more than a gold watch coming for you next year).

this is the part that gets to me. this is an explicit comparison between US and the detective. sometimes pete feels like the detective...but at the postscript, the comparison is made explicit. we're the detectives, to him. we've been chasing leads - websites, postcards, whatever scraps we can find. we've been working the bad beat, and all the while they've been cooking up something special for us, and now that's about to pay off.

i will say for my part...i don't think there's any secret code here. the weird formatting, the punctuation, the inconsistent capitalization - aside from the wink-wink nudging at us ("pareidolia" refers to the inclination to look for patterns where none exist) - frankly, this is just how pete types! a lot of his old blogs and livejournals were peppered with grammar errors and misspelled words, because that's just how he wrote them out. and it takes me back some...there's that nostalgia again. how about that?

[alexanderlightweight]

Wednesday Prompt: timetravel with both Alec and Magnus returning to the start of their journey. By this time however Alec has been married to Magnus for years, and led the Clave for years. Meaning he no longer defines his worth through his family and he demands the respect he deserves. His „they cannot have been that bad“ nostalgic view on the terrible three and reality clash quite badly, resulting in quite a lot of change to the timeline and a lot of forced growing up for the trio.

here we go! i hope you enjoy this! thank you for the lovely prompt!

lumine

-

Perhaps, if they weren’t soul bonded, Alec could have been convinced it was a dream.

That’s what everyone else thinks.

That he reacted violently when he woke up from his fever because of a dream and the medics say it’s natural. That his temperature was dangerously high for a nephilim and that they weren’t sure he’d make it.

If it weren’t for Magnus, Alec might believe them, but no one and nothing can convince him that what he has with Magnus doesn’t still exist.

He’s seen stranger things than the tantrums of time and while it’s strange to walk the Institute’s halls in a body so much different from the one he’s used to; he knows it’s real.

Alec sees a young, alive Izzy and Jace and while his heart leaps to see them again and so youthful, there is something far more important.

So, he nods and keeps his face blank and gets rid of them as fast as he can, pleasantly surprised at how easily they back off and let him rest.

The moment they’re gone, Alec is using his stele to carve a series of secret runes. The Commander of an Institute is privileged to know the secrets of their home and Alec isn’t surprised when the passage opens up.

Finding Magnus loft should be difficult, but Alec’s never found an easier path to walk. His feet lead him past wards that sing when they touch him and a door that opens before he raises his hand to knock.

A shockwave of magic knocks him back but the wards catch him. Alec stares because Cat and who he recognizes must be Ragnor are both violently struggling to contain Magnus.

The shockwave wasn’t an attack or defense, but a backlash of their magic against Magnus. The three of their magics are struggling not to hurt each other and Magnus’ magic seems torn.

As if Magnus can’t bring himself to hurt his friends, but that letting them keep him contained is torturing him.

Cat is crying and so is Ragnor and Alec knows instantly that Magnus must have also had a fever. If Cat and Ragnor were healing him and here when he woke, they would have been compelled to stop him.

Because Alec knows that Magnus would have said fuck to the timeline, to the clave, to the world and come to him.

Which would mean they’re stopping Magnus from what they probably assume is a fever-induced attack on the clave.

—

Magnus is ready to do very stupid things if it means breaking free from the hold Cat and Ragnor have on him until a fourth energy presses against the barrier.

Magnus’ magic croons, delight in every particle of it as it presses harder, a possessive need fueling it.

“Alexander—” Magnus demands quietly because his vice his hoarse from screaming and his boy comes to him. Not even Cat and Ragnor’s combined magic can compare to the desire that Magnus magic has to be reunited with Alec.

The minute he has his beloved, his darling Alexander back in his arms, everything goes still.

Magnus isn’t aware of the flashes of blue and gold that dance between them, only that he has Alexander pressed against him and can feel him again.

“Alexander, you must never leave my side again,” Magnus orders him because he can’t bear it. From the way Alexander’s arms tighten like bands of platinum around him at the thought, his boy agrees.

As their bond settles back into place, Magnus sighs in contentment as his control returns back, his magic, — all of it that he gained as sole sovereign of Edom — returns to him.

With their magic slowly dissipating, Cat and Ragnor hover around him and Magnus loves them, but he doesn’t trust these versions of his dear family with Alexander just yet.

So, he wraps ward after ward around his boy as Alexander presses close and breathes him in.

[ariesmusingz]

૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა ╱    MANIC DREAM PIXIE SENTENCE STARTERS ( created using lyrics from peach prc's manic dream pixie ep. feel free to adjust to fit your muse. )

"i know your favourite pair of jeans"

"i'll lay them out when you leave"

"i'll make you breakfast, coffee black"

"receipts told me that you like that"

"i was thinking spring, silver wedding rings"

"i've picked out all our baby names"

"i'm kind of obsessed"

"you're kinda famous"

"don't wanna be friends"

"you're not a phase"

"i know you don't know me yet"

"my obsession know you well"

"take me out backstage"

"i know all the names of every song you played"

"one day you'll write about us too"

"i can be your muse when we say i do"

"you might love me if you knew me"

"you're gonna love me soon enough"

"you're gonna love me"

"i'm your biggest fan"

"can we go outside for a walk?"

"they told me you guys were hitting it off"

"she kissed me in the bathroom"

"it's just for attention"

"i'm making her jealous"

"you guessed it"

"i'm not a good friend but she doesn't know that"

"she's gonna hate me but i want you so bad"

"kiss me"

"i'm not scared if she's gone"

"i'm done tryna play it fair"

"i don't care"

"touch me"

"i'm alone"

"i want you on your own"

"she might want you but i do too"

"baby i'm perfect for you"

"harley had a party you were at"

"you were in boots and a cowboy hat"

"jenna said you knew my music"

"now i can't betray her"

"i'm in your sweater"

"don't wanna upset her"

"i can do what she can do so much better"

"i know it's been a while since you've seen me"

"i heard you're doing well now with your comedy"

"i reminisce nostalgic bits of 90s hits"

"we listened, do you miss it?"

"have you thought of it since?"

"if you still think of me, i'd love to meet for coffee"

"if i could just see your face, i'd look into your eyes"

"i hate your jokes and don't think you're funny"

"i hope you choke, go broke, lose your money"

"know that you were the worst forty five seconds i had in my life"

"i hope your conscious haunts you at night"

"fuck you and goodbye"

"a couple therapists are now familiar"

"by the way, i caught up with your ex"

"we shared regrets and most of them were sex with you"

"i'd sit down at your table and scream if i was able"

"thanks to you, gentle hands still resemble demands"

"loving lips on my mouth feel like currency now"

"thanks to you i fear kind"

"now i can't spend the night"

"i bet we were a couple bugs just living in the mud, happily in love doing bug stuff"

"i think i met you in a store in 1944"

"i probably wrote you letters while you went off to the war"

"we could have been two birds"

"now wouldn't that be so absurd?

"maybe just lost lovers that keep getting rediscovered"

"i think i loved you before back when we were dinosaurs"

"i wanna stay in love in this life and the next one"

"i think we've already met somewhere on another planet"

"i wanna stay in love in this life and the next one"

"i loved you before"

"i loved you"

"maybe you loved me on a trip, two pirates on a ship"

"counting all our gold as the boat tipped"

"could we have been there drinking win in medieval times?"

"forever just lost lovers that keep getting rediscovered"

"if i'm the sun and you're the moon"

"if it's over soon we'll go back through"

"i try not to compare a teenage love cause i know that isn't fair"

"why can't i just shut up?"

"i'm always going on about you when i'm drunk"

"i see your name in every numberplate"

"i tried to erase your fave but you're there everyday"

"you're my favourite person"

"i have created a version that hurts less"

"I had to tell myself you're toxic"

"better off cause you're the problem"

"really, i just couldn't take it"

"being hated by my favourite person"

"i tried to fall but i can't cause they're not you"

"i hate that i'll never stop thinking that we're not still home growing up"

"i hear your tropes in all my stupid jokes"

"i'm starting to lose all hope of ever letting go"

"if the world was ending i know i'd be spending my last day pretending we were fine"

"when we both grow old with families of our own"

"i'll probably always go back in my mind"

"someone kissed my closing eyelinds"

"i made it mean more than it did"

"someone put a plate down a little too loud"

"now i still flinch whenever i hear the sound"

"as i'm getting older, i learned my mumma was just trying her best"

"not that i owe her forgiveness but i'm sorry to that girl in a dress"

"if you wanna wear pink, i'll wear it for you"

"if you wanna dance then i'll strap up my shoes"

"if you wanna sing then consider it sung"

"i'm sorry that you had to grown up this young"

"forget that love is earned cause it was always deserved"

"i know you had to work hard just to show them your worth"

"remember that a plate is nothing but a plate"

"even if it breaks, we can throw it away"

"i learned that i was only trying my best"

"i think i owe her a deep breath"

"she was the strongest little girl in a dress"

"you were the strongest little fighter who carried me here"

"i know that you're tired from surviving in fear"

"now i got us for the rest of our life"

[creatingnikki]

things I am grateful for: November '23

people who put up lights on their homes during Diwali no matter how basic in colour and shape/design. just looking out my window and looking at all those twinkling lights or when I walk down the street in the evening, it makes my heart smile.

the band cigarettes after sex. I know they have been around forever, but I only started listening to their music a few weeks ago and their "ethereal" and "dream like" music as Wikipedia describes is exactly aligned with what my soul wants to feel like when I am sitting to write after dinner in yellow lights or when I am lying down under the sky feeling the breeze on me or when I am riding back home after a socially charged evening at a house party.

the "archive" chat feature on WhatsApp because I cannot look at their face or re-hear their voice notes every time I have to open that app. so, yes, out of sight out of mind helps.

the idea that it's okay to accept things you earlier rejected as a child. you wanted to believe that the world was a better place and that humans were more tender. and it's not like you don't think that they are not now. you just know better, you are getting to know better and that is that humans are not consistent and when you need kindness the most, tragically, you may not find it. so, the quote you read as an eight year-old child (laugh and the whole world laughs with you. cry and you cry alone) turned out to be more true than the one you wanted to believe in (Promise me not to hide yourself when you’re in pain. It’s unfair that we laughed together but you cried alone.)

uncles who are cool. not creepy, not close-minded, not with big egos and wanting to always give you a "lecture" and show that they know better. but the ones who drink with you on dinners and celebrations without judging and the ones who give you your space and the ones who share stories from their youth without being preachy, only nostalgic and the ones who buy you good food.

silver. it's a precious metal alright but it's nowhere nearly as expensive as gold. so you can buy yourself a pearl + silver ring as a Diwali present. it may be a humble start but baby, it's your first precious jewelry that you bought for yourself and you know how cool that is? this is only the beginning.

rich people who bought mad big villas on the outskirts of the city right in the middle of nature and now put it up on Airbnb so that for two days once every quarter you can get out of the city and remember that you are an earth child and when you exist as one, you can sit in silence, lie under the sky, let the breeze trace your body and not have to verbalize any part of your existence — you can simply be.

[lilacliquors]

pairing: soap mactavish x reader

word count: 821

notes: on the tenth day of ficmas, lilacliquors gave to me ... tree decorating and dancing with soap mactavish!

it was soap’s first holiday back home after having been deployed for some time, and he didn’t want to waste a single second. nothing made him happier than helping you decorate the house from top to bottom, bake cookies, shop for your families, it was all worth it. he just wanted to spend as much time with you as possible.

as it got closer to the holiday, you two had finally brought down the boxes of ornaments from up in the attic, and it was time to decorate the tree. and that had always been your favorite part of the holiday merriment. there was something so nostalgic about hanging the ornaments, getting to take a walk down memory lane as you admired every one you pulled from the box.

“oh, look at this one!” you said, holding up a glittering blue glass ornament. and inside was a picture of you two from your first christmas together.

“oh, wow. forgot my hair used to be that short,” he said, chuckling quietly.

“you know what? me, too. i’m so used to how it looks now, it suits you,” you replied, kissing his cheek before walking to the tree. you hung it on a branch close to the center, and you heard jingling behind you.

“now this one … it could replace the star on top, if you ask me.”

you turned, and soap was holding up a similar ornament, this one gold glass with a picture of you two from your wedding day inside.

“feels like just yesterday,” you said as you walked over.

“really does. god, i cried like a baby when i saw you. promised myself i wouldn’t then broke it in the same five seconds.”

“stop, i think that’s adorable!”

he laughed as he hung it on the tree, then joined you back by the boxes to go through a few more. you had several other photo ornaments to hang, from your first new year’s kiss to your first married christmas. a few from birthdays over the years, and just a family portrait of you two and your dogs. soap hung one that had a photo of him and the other members of the task force, and when he did, you came up behind him and hugged him gently.

“you give any of them a call yet? see how they’re settling in?” you asked, resting your hands on his abdomen.

“just price. need to ring gaz soon, and l.t needs a bit more time to settle down. but i will, i promise,” he said, settling his hands over yours.

“good. hopefully you’ll get to see each other again for non work related issues soon.”

“here’s hoping.”

you smiled as you hugged him, and you both basked in the comfortable silence, listening to the christmas music playing on the stereo nearby. soap began to hum along, and then he turned in your arms, looking at you with a smile. then, he shifted your arms so he could hold your hips, and he began to sway with you to the beat.

‘what a bright time, it’s the right time, to rock the night away. jingle bell time is a swell time to go ridin’ in a one horse sleigh,’ the song went, and soon, you two were dancing around the living room, laughing and spinning around. you hadn’t felt joy like this in such a long time, and it was a gentle reminder just how much you’d been missing your husband. it felt like a dream, just being there with him, dancing and swaying in his arms, and you couldn’t have been more grateful.

“you all right there?” he asked you softly, pulling you close to his chest.

“mhm, just … thinking. about how happy i am that you’re home for the holidays this year. there’ll be no rushed ten minute phone call, or a choppy video chat. i get to actually wake up on christmas morning with both you and the dogs all snuggled up with me, and that’s the best possible christmas gift i could have ever gotten this year,” you said, holding his arms gently.

“funny, i was thinking the exact same thing. been waiting ages to have you in my arms again, and the fact that it’s during this time of year … feels like a real christmas miracle to me,” he whispered back, and you leaned up to press a soft kiss to his lips. he returned it, and it was like you were in your own little world. when you pulled away from one another, he gave you a gentle squeeze, then kissed your forehead.

“so … does this mean i can return the other things i got you?’ he teased, and you laughed.

“not a chance. you have a lot of making up to do,” you teased back, and he kissed your cheek with a smirk.

“then i suppose i should get started, hm?”

[collegetennisoriginstory]

i just want you to know that I just started playing and I'm already SO down bad for sam 😭💜 people can say what they want about the best friends to lovers trope but it's just too adorable to pass up!!! I've just been listening to Niki's "Take a chance with me" and Dayglow's "Can I call you tonight?" on repeat thinking about them 😭😭💜💜💜 thank you so much for sharing your lovely work with us!!!

Ok, am I showing how dated I am that when I read "take a chance on me" I immediately thought of the ABBA song? But OK, this is "with me" and not "on me".

I freakin' love the songs though!!! They're so Sam x MC, and pure GOLD! Thank you so much for the recommendations. Definitely part of my Sam playlist for when I write their scenes now!

I especially like the lyrics in Take a chance with me, because it feels so.. idyllic and also... nostalgic, wistful, elusive, and really does invoke the sense of childhood best friends who are struggling to tell each other how they feel. Leaving some snippets here for everyone. The lines "His laugh you'd die for / the kind that colors the sky" and "doesn't know that I'd stop time and space / just to make him smile" kill meeeee.

His laugh you'd die for, his laugh you'd die for The kind that colors the sky Heart intangible, slips away faster Than dandelion fluff in the sunlight And he's got swirls of passion in his eyes Uncovering the dreams he dreams at night As much and hard as he tries to hide I can see right through See right through

His voice you'd melt for, he says my name like I'd fade away somehow if he's too loud What I would give for me to get my feet Back on the ground, head off the clouds I laugh at how we're polar opposites I read him like a book and he's a clueless little kid Doesn't know that I'd stop time and space Just to make him smile Make him smile

Oh, why can't we for once Say what we want, say what we feel? Oh, why can't you for once Disregard the world and run to what you know is real? Take a chance with me

[xdepthsofwinterx]

Pulled by Fate: In which Dhana is finally reunited with Elithrar (@waterdeephero @pyritea) and Deekin in Cania. {{A couple years after I promised I would write this, Baka comes back swinging with fluffy angst. Hope Dhana is as good as she used to be!}}

-

Frigid cold arched across her skin, burning bone deep. But beyond that, to a point that her very soul ached. Booted feet trudged through the snow, crunching and crimping in the deeper drifts. Cheeks burned red, and even her furs couldn't keep the cold at bay. Days, she guessed, had passed, but it could be an eternity for all she knew.

One thing was for certain. Dhana wasn't in the overworld anymore.

The Reaper had confirmed that. Sucked through to their pocket plane, face first into cool obsidian tiles, Dhana had awoken with a start. Last she knew, a denizen of Mephistopheles had thrust a greatsword through her chest. Panicking, scrambling to het feet, the meticulous monotone of the ethereal presence filled her mind.

"What is your will, sojourner?"

Now she was cast out into the baltic, infernal infested hellscape, awaiting what, she knew not. Crouched down by a measley fire, those berries filling a hole and heat in her belly for a short time. Once vibrant sepia eyes look on vacantly into the space before her.

"Deekin isn't sure, but perhaps Boss might find out?"

Those words rip her heart wide open, until she bleeds salty tears in its wake. Soft pattering, clawed feet, hopping through the snow after their leader. Her tongue feels like cotton in her mouth, her head too full of both painful and familiar memories that she feels like she might faint.

Deekin. Of course, the lovable scaley kobold hopped along beside a taller, willowy cloaked figure, with an equally familiar and graceful gait.

Hunting for recognisable features beneath the tanned, furlined cloak, Dhana spies the gorgeous shock of gingery gold hair, angular features, soft lips. Another painful clench of her heart, and her feet are stumbling after the pair in the snow.

How can she not?! Like a string of fate, her soul and being was bound to those walking only a couple feet ahead. But her throat is clenched shut with unspoken grief and need for them both. Her hand outstretched, all long, slender fingers, tattooed and calloused. Her lips part, eyes filling with tears as she wills this not to be another fever dream.

"E-Eli...thrar-"

Emotion cracks her voice, turning it gravelly as it echoes out in the space between them. The reaction is instant, as if both figures before her are struck with an arrow, the taller of the two freezing in place.

Deekin is the first to turn. And when his beady eyes lock onto Dhana's form, a shrill cry of anguish and disbelief emits the kobold.

"B-Boss?!"

He doesn't wait on ceremony, doesn't care for her apologies or excuses. No, Deekin charges towards the sorceress and latches onto her leg as tightly as he can. From the wetting of her leggings, it is clear the proof reptilian is equally moved.

Instinct has her bending down to him, bundling the little fella in her arms and letting out a mournful sound as she buries her head into his scaley shoulder. She rocks him for a moment, unleashing their shared grief. When at last Dhana pulls back, warpaint smudged, eyes red and nose snuffly, her eyes catch on the sight of leather boots in her periphery.

A quiver of pure, unadulterated joy and happiness washes over her as Elithrar's face comes into full view. Golden eyes are round, tears wavering as he barely holds himself back. Straightening, the blackette barely gets a breath in before the elf is engulfing her in a tight squeeze, mouth uttering words of shaky disbelief.

"D-Dhana...God's be good."

His warmth filled her nostrils; that familiar scent of incense, musky amd slight sweat, it was all so nostalgic. Dhana let herself settle into Elithrar's tight embrace, relishing in his soft caresses to her back.

"I-I n-never thought I would

get the c-chance to see you again," The cleric squeezed her tighter, and sliding up her back as that soft, tanned nose is pressed into her shoulder. Tears trickle silently down her cheeks, pressing herself firmly against his warm form. Heart clenching, arms tightning about him, Dhana manages out words that Elithrar is also trying to communicate.

"Gods I have missed you, so much."

Fingers delve into fabric, desperately seeking more contact, the need to be closer almost all consuming.

But here, in Elithrar's arms is exactly where her heart belongs, with Deekin at their side. Just...just like old times...like it should be...

And this time, Dhana would fight tooth and nail to remain there. Even the Archdevil himself.

[baki-tiene-un-simp]

Hi,i know that i literlly made an ask minutes ago but i also wanted to request some other hc involving the prior hc that i just made, those hc where the S/O doesn't make it and dies with musashi and mumon but instead of coming back as a spirit they reicarnate in another realm for example like retsu did in his isekai but they reicarnate in another being that isn't human like a fairy or an angel or even some sort of paranormal entety in that realm and they have some foggy memories of musashi/mumon but they try to and they end up starting to have flashbacks of themselfs with them and they go on a journey to go back to the human realm and do it but they fear that musashi/mumon would find them disgusting or have moved on so they kind of like protect/haunt them to make sure they are ok and slowly reintroduce themselfs, i also wanted to know how they would react with their return (by the way this is all after like 2 years on the human realm wich equats to like 20 years on the other realm but the S/O is imortal and has cool powers) and if they would accepr them back as their companion and would start over or continue and what would change.

Sorry that this ask is so long but i had some sort of creativity boost at liek 5:00 A.M and i can't sleep so... sorry if i told any spoiler about retsu's isekai but that is the best example i can get.

I hope that everything is ok with you and that you have a good day and sleep well, because i can't sleep.

Here are some kisses and bear hugs

I'm not really sure how to develop this without having to properly personify and describe the S/O when we want to know what Mumon and Musashi think, but I tried my best to keep it neutral.

Situation: S/O's Isekai? / Isakai del S/O.

Characters: Mumon Katsuragi and Musashi Miyamoto.

Mumon Katsuragi.

He is restless, that feeling of being watched persists even when he is in the company of others. At first he thought it was his brain's way of processing his grief; he thought that feeling a little paranoid was typical for people who were grieving.

But he just didn't feel human the way he was watching, he wasn't watched by a normal person. It was a heavy and embracing feeling, like a person with overwhelming power.

He is more likely to use amulets to ward off spirits or ghosts, he is exactly that kind of person. He feels a little calmer, but it doesn't last too long.

At first he assumed he was dreaming, it was simply the smartest thing to do in his situation, in the middle of the night a creature materialized next to his bed. His body was bathed in an ethereal light that glowed a luminous gold, giving them an angelic and inhuman appearance that captivated him. Their features were simply familiar, but the sleepy haze that filled his senses made it impossible to recognize that face.

It wasn't until you smiled and leaned in to whisper soft words in his ear that he was able to recognize you, he didn't consider that it was your new identity as an elf, but that you were still just as beautiful as when you left his side.

He wasn't sure if you were a dream or not, but he didn't want to bother corroborating that, he had missed you so much and he would finally be able to see you once again.

The next morning he woke up and almost had a heart attack when he saw you sitting on his couch. Before getting out of bed, he was convinced that it had been a dream.

He is very curious, he wants to know how, why and when you were able to return. He's asking a lot of questions as he holds your hand, he just wants to make sure you're not going anywhere.

I miss you so much, he'll probably be stuck with you for a while, he needs to catch up with your presence again. He's happy.

He likes your new form, it's interesting and very cute, but he still feels a little nostalgic for the person you were before. Technically, the person in front of him is you, and you still have recognizable characteristics, but he still misses seeing your previous version.

He's just in love with you, a lot.

Musashi Miyamoto.

Musashi is strangely distraught lately, something really strange. He felt watched all the time. He could sense something non-human following him everywhere, a dangerously powerful entity that wouldn't leave him alone, but they wouldn't reveal themselves either.

His constant state of wakefulness made him hyperaware of everything around him, he hated the idea of not knowing where the threat was coming from, because it seemed to come from everywhere. All the time.

His desperation reached the point of making him enter a forest in the middle of the night, 3 am, exactly.

He is summoning this mysterious entity to fight him, to come get what they wants and to stop chasing him. His katana drawn and ready to attack whatever moved.

The breeze blows coldly over his skin, Musashi could attribute the shiver that ran through him to the cold of the early morning and not to the figure that materialized in front of his eyes when he decided to blink. It was a figure dressed in a black kimono with gold details, elegant over the zori, offsetting the misaligned obi that camouflaged itself with the anthropomorphic parts that grew from its lower back, two types of fluffy tails that almost looked like a fan from its position.

Miyamoto's hands tightened on the handle of his weapon as the masked creature moved their hand to stop any of his actions, silently asking him not to rush to attack them, he obeyed their request. Mysteriously.

It was not until the entity removed the mask from their face that he was able to observe a more human and comfortable feature for him. His S/O. His posture remained even when his S/O approached, Kitsunes are famous for being mischievous and somewhat malicious, wouldn't this be some kind of joke? That thought faltered in his mind when he saw your smile, it was definitely the same as before.

He's surprised, plus he's overly respectful of you, something about honoring who you are now. He still hesitates a little when you ask him to sit next to you.

He's happy to see you again and doesn't really want an explanation, I mean, he doesn't ask for one. You are a powerful spirit now, plus you make a feeling of respect and admiration grow in him, typical of Japanese folklore and those who know. That's all for him.

He uses very big terms and honorifics on you, it will take him a while to erase the image of mythical respect he has of who you are now.

But you are here, after all, with him. That's more than enough now.

Versión en Español.

Mumon Katsuragi.

Él está inquieto, esa sensación de ser observado persiste aun cuando está en compañía de otros. Al principio pensó que era la forma en que su cerebro procesaba su luto, creyó que sentirse un poco paranoico era algo típico para las personas que guardaban luto.

Pero simplemente no se sentía humana la forma en que era observado, no era observado por una persona normal. Era un sentimiento pesado y abrazador, como de una persona con un poder abrumador.

Es más propenso a usar amuletos para ahuyentar espíritus o fantasmas, él es exactamente esa clase de persona. Se siente un poco más tranquilo, pero no dura demasiado tiempo.

Al principio supuso que estaba soñando, era simplemente lo más inteligente en su situación, en mitad de la noche una criatura se materializó junto a su cama. Su cuerpo estaba bañada de una luz etérea que resplandecía en un dorado luminoso, dándole una apariencia angelical e inhumana que lo cautivo. Sus facciones eran simplemente familiares, pero la bruma soñolienta que inundaba sus sentidos hacía que fuera imposible reconocer aquel rostro.

No fue hasta que sonreíste y te inclinaste para susurrar suaves palabras en su oído que pudo reconocerte, no consideraba que se trataba de tu nueva identidad como elfo, sino que seguías siendo igual de hermoso que cuando te fuiste de su lado.

No estaba seguro de si eras un sueño o no, pero no quiso molestarse en corroborar eso, te había extrañado tanto y por fin podría verte una vez más.

A la mañana siguiente despertó y casi se infarta cuando te vio sentado en su sofá, antes de levantarse de la cama se convenció de que habías sido un sueño.

Es muy curioso, quiere saber como, por qué y cuando pudiste regresar. Está haciendo muchas preguntas mientras toma tu mano, solo quiere asegurarse de que no iras a ningún lado.

Te extraño mucho, probablemente se quede pegado a ti durante un buen rato, necesita ponerse al día con tu presencia otra vez. Está feliz.

Tu nueva forma le gusta, es interesante y muy linda, pero aún se siente un poco nostálgico por la persona que eras antes. Técnicamente, quien está frente a él eres tú y aun conservas características reconocibles, pero aún extraña ver a tu versión anterior.

Él simplemente está enamorado de ti, mucho.

Musashi Miyamoto.

Musashi está extrañamente angustiado, últimamente, algo realmente extraño. Se sentía observado todo el tiempo. Podía sentir algo no humano siguiéndolo a todas partes, una entidad peligrosamente poderosa que no le dejaba solo, pero tampoco se revelaba.

Su estado de vigilia constante lo hizo hiperconsciente de todo su alrededor, odiaba la idea de no saber de donde venía la amenaza, porque parecía venir de todos lados. Todo el tiempo.

Su desesperación llegó hasta el punto de hacerlo adentrarse en un bosque a mitad de la noche, 3 am, exactamente.

Está convocando a esta misteriosa entidad para que pelee contra él, que venga a buscar lo que quiere y que deje de perseguirle. Su catana desenvainada y preparada para atacar a lo que sea que se moviera.

"La brisa sopla fríamente sobre su piel, Musashi podría atribuir el escalofrío que le recorrió al frío de la madrugada y no a la figura que se materializó frente a sus ojos cuando decidió parpadear. Era una figura vestida con un kimono negro con detalles dorados, elegante sobre las zori, contrarrestando el obi desalineado que se camuflajea con las partes antropomórficas que nacían de su espalda baja, dos pareces de colas de esponjosas que casi lucían como un abanico desde su posición.

Las manos de Miyamoto se apretaron sobre el mango de su arma cuando la criatura enmascarada movió su mano para detener cualquiera de sus acciones, pidiéndole silenciosamente que no se apresurara a atacarle, él obedeció su petición. Misteriosamente.

No fue hasta que la entidad retiro la máscara de su rostro que pudo observar un rasgo más humano y más confortable para él. Su difunto S/O. Su postura se mantuvo aun cuando su S/O se acercó, los Kitsunes son famosos por ser traviesos y algo maliciosos, ¿no sería esta alguna broma? Ese pensamiento flaqueó en su mente cuando vio tu sonrisa, definitivamente, era la misma de antes."

Está sorprendido, además de que se muestra demasiado respetuosos contigo, algo sobre honrar lo que eres ahora. Aún duda un poco cuando le pides que se siente a tu lado.

Está feliz de volver a verte y realmente no quiere una explicación, digo, no pregunta por una. Eres un espíritu poderoso ahora, además de que haces que un sentimiento de respeto y admiración crezca en él, propio del folclor japonés y del que sabe. Eso es todo para él.

Usa términos y honoríficos muy grandes contigo, le tomará un tiempo borrar la imagen de respeto mítico que tiene de lo que eres ahora.

Pero estás aquí, a fin de cuentas, con él. Eso es más que suficiente ahora.