#heart of my own heart whatever befall

[exercise-of-trust]

🌌.

[alexiroflife]

Hello! May I request an angsty toji fic where reader finds out she's pregnant (post megumi) and she knows toji doesn't want anymore children so she just kinda leaves with little to no explanation? Maybe just a small note saying things aren't working out. It's up to you if it will be a hurt/comfort. Idk you don't have to do this request I don't want to overload you! I seriously love your writing. The way you right the character just warms my heart. I especially love ur hiding an Injury fic it was SO SO SO GOOD. 🩶🤍🖤

“promise”

toji fushiguro x reader

Synopsis: see above

to sum it up: you think it’s better to run away than to be the one to get hurt

WC: 5,668

Warning(s): angst, suggestive themes, yelling, pregnancy, mentions of abortion

You stare down at the plastic tube clutched in your trembling hands in awe, eyes blown with shocked grief as you peer closer to get a better look, as though those two bright pink lines could have been a trick of your vision.

Unfortunately, however, your vision remains just as crystal clear as it always has been. As you stand in your cramped apartment bathroom, illuminated by a flickering fluorescent gaze shining down from above, horror befalls you.

You’re pregnant.

You should have known sooner when you began feeling queasy every morning, taking trips to either your or Toji’s toilet to hurl out the contents of whatever swam inside your stomach. You always tried to be silent if Toji was around, for he slept like a dog that could not be woken even if a meteor struck earth, and you had been remarkably exhausted. You aren’t even sure if there is a word to describe how sluggish your entire mind and body had been feeling, but you wanted to rule out the very obvious answer to your problems before exploring it.

You begin to panic, your heart pounding in your ears and throat and every inch of your body you could feel the pulse, eyes blurry over the positive test. You’re conflicted. You don’t know how to feel. On the one hand, you would have been jumping for joy to learn that you are starting a new life with your boyfriend, to step into a new chapter of your lives and to provide his children with another sibling.

But hell, the celebration is far too naive and implausible to be had. The sage eyed man has told you time and time again that he does not wish to have anymore kids, that the ones he has are enough and he is not equipped financially or mentally to care for another brat. In honor of those wishes, you’re on the pill, and consequently, Toji has taken the opportunity to plow his load inside of you time after time after time.

And you really, truly should have known that with Toji’s uniquely abled body, what was meant to serve as a barrier and a means of contraception did not work.

You feel like throwing up. What would Toji say? What would he do? What are you supposed to do? Should you tell him, fill him in on what’s going on to risk rejection and abandonment, a nasty habit that Toji had to work to rid himself of when he met you? Would he even care? Would he listen?

You know Toji to be a very tough man, despite the softened interior he attempts to hide in others’ company that is only displayed for you and for his kids. If he has always been adamant about one thing, it’s been to never have kids again, to focus on where he fucked up before and to pour his attention into the little family he’s grown, the one that he has now.

His voice echoes through your head like the gong of a church bell striking upon the ear’s of a sinner.

“Hell, I already got my hands full tryna get Megumi through his teenage years. What the hell is another child gonna do for us?”

“That shit’s fuckin’ expensive. Not to mention, I’d have to baby proof the house again. That’s another expense.”

“If I was capable of givin’ you y’er own, I would, doll. But I ain’t cut out for it. You know that.”

You don’t even know why he would stress the matter so often. You suppose he’s caught the way your eyes linger on a mother tossing their giggling baby up and down into the air, innocent pools of joy beaming down at her each time it reaches the air and lands in her secure hold. Or maybe he’s seen the way you care so deeply for Toji’s kids as though they are your own, despite telling you when you first got involved with each other that he did not expect you to step into their lives in anyway - and yet, you have done that and more. You know how the kids must struggle each day with the trauma of losing their mother so early on, and you never wanted them to think that you were trying to step in as her replacement, but you love them so clearly, as much as you love the man who created them.

Which leads you to your next concern. How would the kids react?

It’s one thing for you, as their father’s girlfriend, to wander into their lives and help navigate them their teenage hood alongside the dark haired man, but to introduce an entire other child only leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

They may be crushed. They me turn to hate you, to despise how you have contaminated the life they have worked so hard to rebuild after numerous tragedies. And would Toji agree with them? Would he turn his nose up to you, that scowl of his melting over his harsh features as he shuns you just as he shunned every other woman who came after his wife and before you. Would he leave you? Would he kick you out of the world that has become your own because you failed to live up to your promise, though it technically isn’t your fault that you are pregnant now but it feels as though it is?

You can not stand the thought, of the man you love turning his once loving gaze stone upon the sight of you, of him pushing you further away, permanently, in the same manner that he tried to when he realized that he was falling in love with you, of watching Megumi and Tsumiki turn their backs to you as though the past four years of your lives had never happened, banning you from their acceptance forever more.

Tears well in your gaze, interfering with your vision. This can not be happening, you think to yourself, everything has been going so well, and now this? This is going to ruin your relationship with Toji for good. Even if you were not in a committed relationship with him, you assume that the idea of any woman getting impregnated by Toji would have been thrown away. You would be thrown away, just like all the others who gave Toji their bodies but not their hearts.

Not the way you have.

Your heart clenches thinking of just how much you love Toji and the kids, of how you would be willing to lay down your own life for the sake of them as Toji swears that he would for you all in return. Even so, despite the commitment to you that a man who swore never to be committed to accustomed, this would be going too far.

…You’re not even sure if he would love you anymore.

Now that you’re pregnant with his child, a child he never meant to have with you, you assume you will mean nothing to him any longer. In his eyes, you will simply become the slut that he took a chance on by a whim, carrying something he would never call his own. You believe the old Toji will resurface, the one who claimed not to care, the one who shoved women out of his bedroom before the sun rose in the sky, the one who often failed to remember to pick his kids up from school, the one who would no longer meet you at eye level but look down upon you, frown upon you for being so clumsy.

You know Toji is the one who did this, but this still feels like it is your doing. Like somehow, you trapped him and he now has no choice but to break free from the steel cage you have barred around him with your conception.

Your fingers clutch over the plastic, your eyes scrunching closed to release a fresh set of tears that cascade over your cheeks and onto the test. You can feel yourself mourning your relationship already, you can feel it slipping through your fingers, see it fading in the distance until it becomes nothing but a bittersweet memory that you can not determine as reality or a figment of your imagination any longer.

You tilt your head, bringing the test to your forehead as you think, grieve, cry. You mull over your options; you could hide this from Toji, get an abortion and never think of it again or you could tell Toji and lose him forever.

You open your bleary eyes, lashes decked with dewy tears, as another idea dawns upon you. You could leave, leave before Toji and the kids have a chance to leave you.

It’s a cruel thought, you think, especially abandoning those children without any proper explanation for them, but what else are you meant to do? You’d be doing them all a favor if anything by taking your leave without them having to be plagued by the knowledge of your unplanned pregnancy, of what they may view as a scheme to destroy their family in your new baby’s wake.

The thought kills you to even entertain. You had promised those kids that you weren’t going anywhere, that you’d stay with them for as long as they allowed you… but this is different. This is not what any of you had in your cards, how you believed your futures to go. Toji wants simplicity at home while he works through chaos through his occupation. He wants security, warmth, safety for you, Megumi, Tsumiki, and no one else. He would never welcome another child. You believe he’d be caught dead before approving of your pregnancy.

And therefore, you know what you have to do.

After taking a few more tests to ensure that the readings are accurate, which they are, you pledge to walk away. You pledge to leave the only man you’ve ever truly loved, the strongest family you’ve known, and the slim possibility that despite Toji’s wishes, he may accept you.

But you don’t want to take that chance and risk the humiliation and unplanned heartbreak. You’d much rather take matters into your own hands, and plan the shattering of your soul yourself.

You don’t sleep all night, for you’re too busy drafting about twenty different letters to Toji. Crumpled loosleaf paper litters the floor beside your bed as you try to think of how to best write down everything you want to say. You go through pages and pages until you are finally satisfied with the result, and the next morning, you slip the envelope into his mail slot and prepare to pack your life away.

It is late Sunday morning when Toji rises from his slumber. The first thing he does is lean over the sheets and drape his arm toward his nightstand to read your daily good morning text - only he finds there isn’t one. With pinched brows, he takes his phone to unlock it and visit your contact. Nothing.

The time reads 12:35 pm. Normally, you’re up and at it or even banging down his door by then to wake him. Maybe you’re just sleeping in?

He goes to give your cell a call, but nothing. Not only that, but your phone is also on do not disturb mode. His gut immediately swells with the suspicion that something is wrong. The dark haired assassin supposes he’s going to pay you a visit this afternoon as soon as he checks on the kids to ensure that they are alright.

His bedroom door opens with a creak, and he calls out to the teens gruffly through a yawn. When they don’t respond, he’s truly growing concerned.

He rounds the corner to prepare to head for their rooms when he finds Tsumiki and Megumi at the dining table. His brows furrow, his pace slowing as he takes in their faces. Tsumiki’s lips are pressed together tightly and the muscles in her face are scrunched as though she is about to cry, while Megumi stares ahead with empty eyes and a hardened exterior.

Toji frowns with quirked brows, approaching his kids. “What’s wrong with you two?”

His brunette daughter looks up at him with glassy eyes and wrinkled chin, lashes fluttering while Megumi does not bother to look at his father. Instead, he brings Toji’s attention to a torn envelope and a thick packet of papers pressed beneath the sixteen year old’s palm. Wordlessly, Megumi slides it toward him, brows slanting.

Toji, perplexed, looks between the papers and his children’s troubled faces. What is this letter? Overdue taxes? An eviction notice? That can’t be possible, because you had ensured that Toji and the kids’ place was secure long ago.

He crunches the papers in his hands and picks them up to read. The first thing that catches his eye is your scribbling handwriting, and the following words that send his heart plummeting to his ass:

This isn’t working out.

Toji whips his head up, baffled, and when he meets Megumi’s gaze again, his eyes are ablaze with resentment.

“What the hell did you do?” he growls.

The green eyed man is not even thinking before he’s dialing Shiu’s number, asking him to watch the kids for the next hour or so, and running out of the apartment after throwing rather unconvincing words of assurance over his shoulder to his kids, who are still with disbelief - Tsumiki with devastation and Megumi with rage, for surely his father pushed you away.

Toji does not bother finding a ride, electing to run to your place which is only a few blocks away. You two were just discussing moving in with one another, combining households, and this is what you spring onto him? Not even for him to stumble across first, but his kids who look up to you and love you like their own mother?

Oh, he’s fuming, a rush of emotions taking over his mind as it fuels his speed. The letter you wrote is still crunched in his fist, whipping through the air as he makes his way to you.

Dear Toji,

This is not working out.

But before you rampage and get angry with me, please let me explain. Let me explain how much I love you, how much those kids mean to me, and how every day I wake up I want to be greeted by all of your smiling faces. For the rest of time, forever. You are undoubtedly the only man for me, and I truly believe that. I know you may think I’m bullshitting because of how the beginning of this letter contradicts what im saying now, but it’s true. I have never loved another person the way I love you, and while it scared me at first when you were so stubborn and full of anger that you misdirected onto me, I stayed and I waited and I helped you and I’ve loved you through every single moment, ever week, every month, and every year. You brought purpose back into my life, and I can picture you scoffing because you’d say the same, but I mean it. You, Tsumiki, and Megumi are the best things that have ever happened to me. I love you all so much.

But in this case, that love is not enough.

I hate to be doing this to you, to the kids, but I have no other choice. Things aren’t going the way they used to, and it’s not your fault but mine. I’m the reason. And it is tearing me apart to know that and simultaneously know what I have to do in order to keep you and the kids happy. Stable. I wish I could explain to you more why I am doing this, but I can’t. Not just because I am dying to picture you reading this, but because I truly can not say. I do not want to ruin you guys’ image of me. While I think that’s a selfish thing to say because who knows how me leaving is going to hurt you all, you would not understand even if you knew the reason behind this.

By the time you are done reading this, I will be gone. I’m going away because as long as I am not with you all, I can’t stay here anymore. I am staying with my mother while I get my travel plans arranged, because I know how you worry when you do not know where I am or if im safe. I should be gone by Friday.

Please do not come see me. I have made my decision, and you will only be hurting us more by trying to stop me. I won’t be stopped.

Kiss and hug and apologize to Megumi and Tsumiki for me. I hope you find someone who fills the role of their mother, someone who knows how Megumi likes to do his homework in the silence of his room with no music or anything, completely isolated so he can focus. Someone who knows how to fix Tsumiki’s eggs properly - to add extra butter to the sides when you fry them so the edges get crispier. Someone who won’t try to feed Gumi’a demidogs because he hates when people assume they can coddle up to them upon first introduction. Someone who cares for the wholly the way I do and always will.

And you. I know how stubborn you are. I know how angry you probably are at me right now, and I will miss that about you, but please do not let that interfere with the possibility of falling in love again. Beneath the layers of grit, standoffishness, and indifference, you are a man with a big heart. For me. For your kids. For those you love and seek to protect.

You say you aren’t a good man, and while that may be true to you, you are an amazing partner and you’ve already become an amazing parent. I’ve seen you grow, and I am so in love with you and so proud of you. I know you’ll be okay without me. It maybe take some time, but you’ll adjust to what’s best. I promise.

With all the love that could possibly be harbored in this world, you are everything to me and that is why I have to go. I wish you every happiness this planet can offer you, and I know that without me, you can begin to find joy again.

Love,

Your doll

You had believed to time this perfectly, for you know that Toji usually does not wake until one, so soon as you are finishing up packing, you are trudging down the stairs to the leasing office to inform them that you will be moving.

You push open the door to the first floor, the breeze hitting you gently, and you round the corner only to be blocked by the last person you wanted to run into during this time.

Your eyes widen as you look up, the burly figure you have grown oh so familiar with over the years heaving as though enraged, ivy eyes crowding over slim pupils as Toji glares down at you, an image of indescribable fury.

Your heart drops and your words die in your throat. “T-Toji?” you whisper, horrified of an outburst. You are rattled by fear, having been so unprepared to walk into this. You did not put it past him to chase you down. But you figured that you’d be at your parents by the time he woke. Then, you could have at least told them to tell him off at the door.

But no. Instead, here he is, six feet and then some of bulking mass as he takes quick, deep breaths that expand the entirety of his chest.

You shift. “What are you doing here-“

“What the fuck is this?”

Toji swiftly, yet aggressively, lifts the papers in his hands, now damaged by his travels and his grip, shaking it firmly with the question. You gulp, lowering your eyes.

“Toji, I told you not to come…”

“Don’t you fucking dare,” he swears firmly, and you jump, looking to see if anyone is around to hear you, as the two of you are standing outside your complex.

“We shouldn’t be- let’s just go inside,” you go to grab his arm, but he tears it away. He stares at you as though you have burned him, singed the heart in his chest from the inside out, and he is so unforgiving. So unforgiving before he hears directly from your mouth what this is about.

“I’m not doin’ shit until you tell me what the fuck this is, (Y/n),” he demands, his hand moving the papers about passionately with his speech, and you feel your heart hammering again. This is not how things were supposed to go. You are not supposed to be seeing him right now. “Cause I refuse- I fuckin’ refuse to believe that you’re breaking up with me.”

Your eyes gloss over as you look down at your feet, unsure of what to do or how to handle this confrontation. You can’t do this. You can’t, it’s too much. It’s too hard.

“…I am,” you mumble.

Toji steps forward, leaning down to get a peek of your face, his expression so angry that it worries you. “What?”

“I said… I am.”

“Uh uh, you better say that shit with your chest if you can write a whole damn letter about it,” he growls, fucking further as you continue to turn away. “Look at me,” he barks, and you cringe.

“Toji, don’t yell at me!” you shout back.

“What else do’ya want me to do, huh?” he throws his hands up. “How else do you expect me to react to this bullshit?! You’re leavin’ me? After everythin’ we been through, after everythin’ you and the kids’ve been through, you’re leavin? Are you fuckin’ serious?”

He takes a swift glance at the papers, the very sight sending him into a spiral, before he’s heatedly looking back down at you.

“I don’t buy this shit for one second. No. You’re not leavin’. Not in this world, or the next.”

“I am, Toji, the quicker you accept that, the easier it’ll be for everyone!”

“Easy?” he winces as though the prospect pains him. “You call this shit easy? You call up and tryin’ to abandon me easy? You call the kids waking up to your letter and reading it at the table before I saw it easy?”

Your face falls. “…what?”

“Yeah. You fuckin’ heard me,” he sneers. “Megumi and Tsumiki read this shit first. First thing in the morning, they see a letter about how the woman they love is leavin’ ‘em, just like their mom did, and for what?”

You close your eyes, his words stinging you as they cut through. “Don’t say that.”

“Why not? It’s true, ain’t it? Y’er leavin’ us, (Y/n), and you didn’t even have the decency to say why!”

Guilt crowds you, like a blanket of darkness consuming you from overhead, and as Toji stands before you completely torn apart by your letter, you see the fear in his eyes, the sadness, the unspoken plea for you not to go.

You try your best to keep your composure as you turn away again. “I told you, I can’t tell you.”

“Fuck that,” he lifts the letter and tosses it to the ground with a thud. You gasp, watching it slam to the concrete pavement.

“Toji!” you exclaim.

“You think you can just leave without me comin’ to hunt you down and see your face so I can figure out what the hell is goin’ on? You must not know me at all.”

“Why do you always have to be so aggressive about everything?!”

“Of all fuckin’ things, (Y/n), I think I got a right to be aggressive about this. You were gonna leave without sayin’ goodbye!” he tosses his arm out to the side with the exclamation, brows twisting and teeth bearing. “Is that what our relationship means t’ya? You think you can just toss us aside?”

“That’s not what I’m doing,” you beg, a lump forming in your throat as the two of you stand face to face, arguing without a car about who will see you.

“Then tell me,” he shouts. “Cause you’re not givin’ me shit to go off of!”

“I told you already, I can’t,” your lips quiver.

“Then our relationship is nothing to you.”

“No, Toji.”

“Clearly it ain’t, cause I’d think it’d be worth an explanation if you’re runnin’ away!” you frown and shake your head, turning to walk back into the complex when Toji cuts you off, moving in your way. “You don’t think I know you? You don’t think I see it all over your face that somethin’s got you scared, and y’re takin’ off because of it? You think I don’t know what that looks like, (Y/n)? I did that shit. I did it all the damn time before I met you, and hell, I tried to run then but you wouldn’t let me, so what the hell makes you think I’m gonna let you now?”

“This is different,” you say shortly, afraid to reveal the tremble of your voice to the man before you. You keep your gaze down as you try to go around him again, but to no avail. He steps in your path. “Stop!”

“I ain’t stoppin’,” he says gravely, keeping his eyes to yours though you try to avoid contact with them. “Not until you spit it out. I’ll be damned if I got another broken home cause y’re fuckin’ scared.”

“I said stop!” you try to find some bass in your voice, but against your will, it falters when you yell. Toji eyes you carefully, reaching his hand out to grip your shoulder and steady you into place.

You scoff, attempting to pull away, but it’s no use. The dark haired man is everywhere, keeping you from walking away.

“You talk to me like the grown ass woman you are,” he tells you sternly, stepping in. “You use that voice I know you have, and don’t you ever let me catch you writin’ a letter to me about how you wanna break up instead of comin’ to talk to me. Y’understand?”

You exhale shakily, lips pressing together and brows curling. “I can’t.”

“Y’re still not tellin’ me why you think that.”

“Because I can’t, Toji. I can’t tell you. It’ll- it’ll fuck up everything!” you break, and Toji feels the pit in his stomach shift as he looks over your aggrieved expression, depicting the same exact things he feels.

“(Y/n),” he calls your name firmly, the sound of it on his tongue only inspiring the urge to cry more. You continue to shake your head though Toji isn’t exactly speaking, and his green eyes wander you with frustrated concern. “Y’scared of what I’ll do if you tell me?”

You freeze, slowly peeling your eyes to look at his, his face tense with grief. You stare at him for a moment, mouth gaping like a fish as all of your insecurities that talked you toward this ledge run through your mind once more.

“Don’t look surprised,” he says. “I know you like the back of my hand, and I know that you knew I’d be over here to stop ya.”

Your frown deepens, and this time as you look at him, you see every second of your future that you were quick to stomp dow. You see the unbridled, unfiltered love he holds for you as well as the blood curdling fear of letting you go.

“You have to understand,” you whimper. “I know how you’ll react, I- I can’t do this to you. You have to let me go.”

“What the hell could be so horrifyin’ in that head of yours to make you think that I won’t stick with ya through hell and high water?” he grits out, searching your swollen hues of (e/c) hesitation. “You’d do the same for me.”

“I know, but-“

“There’s nothin’ else to say. I ain’t leavin’ until you spill, and when you do, y’re comin’ with me.”

You look at him, pained. It’s a trap, you think. If Toji only knew, he’d be running for the hills instead of trying to track you down.

“Out with it, now.”

You can’t. You can’t tell him. He’ll leave you, he’ll reject you, he’ll turn you away, he’ll never let you see the kids again.

“(Y/n)!”

“I’m pregnant!”

The earth seems to freeze and time seems to slow. You scrunch your eyes, anticipating the worst to come as Toji takes in your words, his tensed expression melting slowly.

You don’t open your eyes to see his reaction. You keep your head ducked and your fists closed as the white noise of nature flutters into relevance. You’re trembling, terrified, and Toji can not move but instead proceeds to stare at you, stunned.

His words about not wanting any more kids run through your mind again as you await his response, and the suspense kills you as you do. You can feel his grip on your shoulder slacken before tightening again, and you are terrified.

He’s going to leave you.

You are quick to step away when the sentiment arises once more, Toji’s hand falling from you arm. “I’m sorry,” you whisper, still unable to look at him. “I’m sorry, I know that you don’t want any more kids. I know, an I thought we were being careful, but- I took five tests. They’re all positive.”

“You’re pregnant?” he echoes, and you still. You knew it. You knew this would happen.

“I told you, Toji,” you exhale. “I told you that I couldn’t tell you, and now everything’s a mess.”

He twitches. “Hold on-“

“Don’t tell me all of a sudden you want kids,” you snap. “I know how strongly you feel about it.”

“So instead of talkin’ to me, you were gonna leave? Knocked up? That doesn’t make any sense.”

“What other choice do I have?!” you cry. “You don’t want more kids, and if I kept it, it would only be a nuisance to you. And Megumi and Tsumiki?”

He scrunches his face. “What about ‘em?”

“How do you think they’d feel if the woman you’re dating after their mother died surprised them with a new baby? They’d be crushed!” you say shakily as salty tears well in your eyes again. “I can’t overstep your boundaries. I just can’t. It’s easier for me to go.”

“And do what, (Y/n)? Raise a kid on your own without any help?”

“I can’t bare you leaving me!” you suddenly confess, tear striking past your cheek.

Toji examines you and frowns. “What are y’talkin’ about? You’re tryin’ to leave me!”

“So I can prevent the inevitable from happening,” you huff. “I’m okay with it. I’ve made peace with everything. That’s why you need to just let me go-“

“After everythin’, you think I’d throw you away because you’re pregnant with my kid?” Toji says incredulously. You falter, for you had been so sure of his reaction before. “You think that low of me?”

“No, but I want you to have what you want.”

“What I want is you, you fuckin’ idiot,” he hisses. “All I ever wanted was you, and I can’t fuckin’ believe you’re tryin’ to take that away from me.”

You furrow your brows, confused. “…You’re not mad?”

“Girl, I’m livid,” he scowls. “Not about the damn kid, but because you assumed what I would say before comin’ to me.”

“Toji, you have to understand that I was trying to look out for you.”

“There’s not lookin’ out for me or those kids or makin’ them happy if you’re gone, (Y/n),” he bites. “Who th’fuck put that idea in your head?”

You stammer, tears proceeding to flow down your face as you reel in the reality of the situation. “I… I just thought-“

“I don’t wanna hear it.”

Before you can respond, his hand is gripping your wrist and he’s tugging you toward him into his chest. You shake when you fall into him, listening to the pace of his heart rapidly beating against your ear as he breaths quickly against you. Large palms smooth over your head and down to your waist as he holds you tightly, and you notice how desperate his grip is. He’s holding you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear, as though you’ll fly away if his hold is not tight enough.

He tucks his head into your neck, fingers grasping into your shirt, and suddenly the animosity of the moment prior is gone. You’re still trembling, leading Toji to hold you tighter to him.

“Can’t believe you tried to leave,” he murmurs into your hair. “Christ, (Y/n) you’re tryin’ to gimme a heart attack. The fuck is goin’ on with you.”

“I’m sorry,” you mumble into his chest, looking off sadly. “I thought you’d be upset about it. I didn’t want you to know.”

“I should know about any and every single thing that’s goin’ on with you, y’hear me? This ain’t no exception.”

A weight flutters from your shoulders as you sink into Toji’s head, silent tears streaming for the life you almost sacrificed. “What are we gonna do?”

“I dunno,” he mumbles. “But we’ll figure it out. As a team. Alright?”

You nod meekly. “Okay.”

He groans, pressing himself impossibly further to you. “That letter… fuck, don’t do that shit. Don’t fuckin’ scare me like that. Without you, I ain’t shit- pregnant or not. And those kids would adore another sibling if you were bringing it into this world. Don’t say that shit about them again either. They need ya. We need ya.”

“I’m sorry,” you whine again, Toji’s hand stroking over your back soothingly.

“It’s okay,” he grumbles. “We’ll figure it out.”

[i-cant-sing]

Thinking about my own grandpa and how he'd comfort me with sweets/icecream whenever i had the slightest inconvenience and i just dream of whether he'd still do it to me as a 23 year old, ruffling my hair, letting me cut his birthday cake, scolding my parents when they got mad at me (yes i snitched on my parents), wiping my fat tears with his handkerchief, showing me his drawings of airplane engines as cold air blasted through the ac, letting me eat food from his plate that my mom made me bring him lol.

and like it grandparents are sooo sweet man. they couldve been okay-ish parents to their own kids, but then they get grandkids and they're like a whole different species *sniffle* theyre so precious.

and now my mind goes to that yandere todoroki clan au (i think it was the bullied series) where at the end, reader dies because of rei, and the whole fam loses their sanity. then one day, reader is reincarnated (its her quirk) as dabi's baby and dabi shares the news with his siblings because he needs to restore their sanity too (cause he feels responsible for them too, the "eldest kid" syndrome).

anyways, after you, his daughter had died, enji lost it and killed rei and then just vanished into the mountains to mourn his loss. years later, for whatever reason, he finds out about you. he's standing there, watching toddler you looking at him with curiosity. you stumble towards him, and Enji's on his knees at this point, he's in shock. your scars, your marks from your previous life dont even register to him until later on, all he can focus is you- its you, his baby. his daugher. his child that he swore to protect and failed.

your legs give out when you reach him but your hands reach for him and enji's already lifting you up, bringing you to his chest. his eyes are filled with tears as u look at him and babble, your hands grabbing onto his shirt, touching his face, big doe eyes staring at him.

he hugs you, silent sobs wrecking his body as he gets a whiff of your head. you- you smell just like her- like his daughter.

It really is you.

he doesn't let go of you, even when you eventually fall asleep in his arms, rocking you gently as he stares down at you in awe and disbelief. he doesn't let you go even when dabi tries to take you back, even when dabi insists that he won't keep you two apart, that you need to rest in your bed as he explains everything.

he finally let's you go when you wake up and reach for your dad (dabi), crying when enji doesn't let you leave his arms. but he relents, enji relents when you cry- it hurts him so bad, he's reminded of all the times how you used to cry before, how you used to beg him for help, beg him to save you. his heart breaks to see you like this, in tears.

enji's only partially conscious of what dabi is saying to him, explaining to him that you're now "his" daughter and enji's "granddaughter" and that's how things will be if they need to work. But enji doesn't care whether you're his daughter or not, all he cares about is that he's in your life because he needs to- he will keep you safe. He won't make the same mistakes again. Never.

i can just imagine the siblings and enji all sitting down together to make decisions about your life in extreme detail so that they ensure that no harm befalls you ever again, and if by some extreme badluck you die, they need to make sure that you reincarnate back to them.

they plan your every day, they make sure that at least one of them is with you at all times, and most importantly, they make sure youre safe and happy. when you start going to school, you're taken to school by Shotou because Dabi (who went back to working as a chef) has to go to work early. then at school, your teacher is more than likely Fuyumi (and if she's not your teacher, then she still works at your school). then after school, you're picked up by Enji who takes you out for ice cream (always, he doesnt care if its before u have had lunch. he needs to make up for all the times he couldnt give u ice cream because of rei) and also buy you any toys u want. enji is just enjoying you padding away and pointing at things that catch your eye. at home, natsuo has returned from his shift at the hospital and then starts heating up the food dabi had already made for you, before letting enji put you down for nap time. when you wake up, natsuo takes your vitals and a basic medical check. by dinner, dabi is home and you welcome him by launching yourself at his legs with a thud. he laughs, picks you up and pecks your cheek before taking you into the kitchen with him to make dinner while you tell him all about your day.

[the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf]

You're waiting for a train...(11)

Go to sleep, Miss Y/n

Robert Fischer x reader

description - Robert learns the truth of the plot to infiltrate his dreams...well...Cobb's version of the truth.

word count - 1.6k

warnings - betrayal, shitty fathers

a/n - I've realised the chapters are getting shorter and I think it's because when I'm writing I'm finding natural stopping points and I find I get more productive if I'm writing small chapters frequently than stressing about getting a large chapter finished.

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We arrived on the fifth floor, exiting out of the elevator, Robert first with a gesture from Cobb in faux attentiveness. I lagged behind, the tremendous terror I felt in combination from my last encounter and whatever was about to befall us buzzed within me. Even as the two men entered before me, my stride was shyer than theirs. Every so often Robert would chance a peak behind him at my frame. So I was ready at a moment to right myself once again.

With only his back to look at, I still managed to discern the shudders that racked Robert’s body. As I saw one sliver down his spine, the same feeling was repeated on my own. As if our hearts were actually the same, being passed back and forth between the two.

Silhouettes appeared out from the end of the hallway and Robert stumbled at another presence, the memory of our previous encounter merely one picture away.

“They’re with me.” My dad assured with a hand on Robert’s back. Offering a comfort I had yet to know. “Go on.” With this confirmation Robert’s eyes darted around the room numbers in search of any sense of familiarity. His body moved faster than his mind could comprehend. His eyes ended up bearing the brunt, shooting back and forth to catch what his mind had missed the first time.  

Feeling dismissed in my current position I found my feet shuffling towards Arthur. I clasped his arm in mine, leaning into his body to inhale his scent. The embrace I’d shared with Robert had cured my aching heart but to truly be healed I needed the feel of something I’d known before. In Arthur’s arms I could feel safe, whilst being undoubtedly assured no harm could come. He raised his arms so he could meet my hand with his. He clasped them together and brought them back down, my two fitting in his one. He looked at me, and I willed myself to meet his eyes. I gave a gentle nod. No more words were required before he met my hairline and christened it in his kiss. Unfortunately, I was unable to convey the platonic nature of this interaction before I saw Robert’s head fall low upon witnessing the two of us. I so badly wanted to jump back out into his arms but my sense of duty to the team and to my own promise held me still. Upon pondering this I also failed to catch the steel glare that landed on my father and the fist clenched close to where my own were being comforted.

The door labelled 528 stood before us. Robert’s panic grew as the familiar numbers jumped out to him. His head flicked back and forth from the door to my father in a silent agreement of what they both knew. Cobb gestured for Robert to stand with Ariadne and I as him and Arthur brandished their guns. They kicked the door down in perfect choreography for the scene they were trying to convince. They were led in by their weapons and they scoured the room in search for imagined intruders. Arthur paced towards the bathroom in perfect timing to ‘discover’ the briefcase.

“Mr Charles,” He announced. I did wonder if Arthur was going to do a different voice, remembering fondly when he would try different accents to make the jobs more fun.

“Do you know what that is Mr Fischer?” Dad asked.

“Yeah I—I think so, yeah.” Robert stuttered out and I sensed how close he was as he had gravitated towards my frame. My pinkie extended in search of something to hold. It was rewarded as I felt his own curl around it.

“They were trying to put you under.” Dad hurriedly uttered out.

“But I’m already under.” Roberts confusion spread through his adrenaline, linking the two.

“Under again.”

“What do you mean, a dream within a dream?”

An intruding sound alerted the room and we became aware of the fact we were no longer alone. For Robert he feared the oncoming consequences. The rest prepared for the next arrival.

“Shh.”

Cobb was aimed at the door as Arthur approached from the side. The door was unlocked, and Browning entered with his own key card. Arthur swiftly grabbed his arm in order to subdue him into compliance.

“Uncle Peter?” Robert appeared desperate to go to his godfathers aid, but I held him back with a slight tug on his sleeve. He responded to my action and remained still.

“You said you were kidnapped together?” My father asked.

“Well not – exactly – they –they already had him.” Roberts stutter was starting to become more prominent in the high-pressure environment and I had to wonder whether this was something he had been prone to before. Returning when he is placed in an environment which strains his heart. “They were tor—torturing him.”

“You saw this happen?” He breathed heavily when the question of sincerity was placed on the table. His eyes flitted to his godfather and seemed to truly focus for the first time. His conclusions became fully formed in the slight slouch of his godfather.

“The kidnappers are working for you?” Robert managed to push out in a whisper of disbelief.

“Oh Robert.” Browning sighed out as if in shame of the boy before him. The situation may have been an allusion but in Robert’s fallen expression I sensed that a scene like the one before was not unusual in his memories.

“You’re trying to get the safe open?” Robert’s voice shook. “To get the alternate will?”

“Fischer Morrow has been my whole life.” Browning said. “I can’t let you destroy it.” I had never had more of an urge to punch a projection in my whole life. And Robert knew it through the hand he gently placed over my newly clenched fist.

“I’m not gonna throw away my inheritance!” Robert shouted. “Why would I?”

“I couldn’t let you rise to your father’s last taunt.”

“What taunt?”

“The will Robert. That will? That’s his last insult. A challenge for you to build something for yourself. By telling you you’re not worthy of his accomplishments.” Browning hit the final nail.

Robert faced away and brought his hands up as if he could wipe away all the unpleasant feelings which were being forced upon him. I followed where his body paced, hoping any semblance of my presence would make him hurt a little less. He returned incredulously asking Browning to continue.

“What, but that – that he was, um, disappointed?” His words were intertwined with self-effacing laughs.

“I’m sorry.” Browning had the decency to refuse to meet Robert’s eyes in light of what he was revealing. “But he’s wrong. You can build a better company than he ever did.”

“Mr Fischer? He’s lying.” My dad approached to whisper to Robert.

“How do you know?”

“Trust me, it’s what I do, he’s hiding something, and we need to find out what that is.” Eames stalked into the room with Saito tailing behind. His weak frame confirmed my worry that the temporary heal of the deeper dream was starting to peel off to awaken a new countdown to the end. “I need you to do the same thing to him, that he was going to do to you.”

Eames and Arthur both held Browning down to "prepare him" for the next level. Ariadne and I did the same thing but in preparation for the others.

“We’re going to go into his subconscious and find out what he doesn’t want you to know.” My father continued to explain.

“All right.” Robert agreed determinedly. He approached where Arthur had his IV prepared but he faltered and angled himself towards where I stood. I was busy arranging for Ariadne and failed to notice him until he tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and was taken aback at his choice to converse with me. “Will you do it? For me?” He softly spoke and offered me the IV he had taken off Arthur. His eyes pierced down to capture just the two of us and they spoke to me to convey that I was the only one he could trust. I felt the burning glare of my father at the deviation from the scene. It had startled me as well but I was nothing if not an improviser.

“Of course.” I soothed, and gently clasped his bare arm in my hand to lightly insert the needle. I guided him to sit down on the bed. As the sedative seeped through my hand glided towards his neck. His weight fell onto it and I laid him down offering as much care as I could to ease him into this change. Once his head met the soft mattress, my fingers dragged back to the front. They lingered on his soft cheek and danced their way to his full pink lips. I was overcome seeing true peace line his features. But I was shot back to the situation at hand once Eames clapped my back in a warning.

“He’s out.” I announced.

“Wait whose subconscious are we going into exactly?” Ariadne questioned.

“We’re going into Fischer’s.” Cobb answered. “But I told him it was Brownings so he’d come be part of our team.”

“He’s gonna help us break into his own subconscious?” Arthur looked towards my father with doubt in his brow.

“That’s right.”

I laid down on the floor as Arthur kneeled over me, helping to prepare the IV.

“Security’s gonna run you hard.” I warned understanding the danger of leaving the dreamer at the whim of the projections and feeling genuine fear for Arthur up here on his own.

“Then I will lead them on a merry chase.” He teased as he smirked down at me knowing to reassure me in this moment, so my head would be clear of frivolous worries for his safety.

I giggled at his choice of words. “Just be back before the kick.” I relaxed my head back in wait of my slumber.

He lowered his voice to a soothing whisper. “Go to sleep, y/n.” he hushed.

LAYER THREE: THE SNOW

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Because y/n will have experienced stuff like the previous chapter before, it makes sense she would want to go to Arthur for comfort as it's her tried and tested way

Also like I said at the start, I know its a short chapter but I felt like it was a natural stopping point and it means I'm not trying to cram loads of plot at once.

taglist: @jonsncws @h-l-vlovesvintage @theethy @fashionki11a @felicity1994 @bearchermer @idkyoutellmesmh @mimimarvelingmarvel @butterfly-lies-chase-them-away @neotanpopper @deliriouslybi @folklorde24 @thefandomdiaries07 @viarosemcmissile @noirrose21-blog @thepoeticfirefly @xoxo-gothic-girl @skeletonwrite @jellyzelek @kaylamarie306-blog

[gottawritesomething]

Treat the bite

Small scene I wish was in the game while romancing Gale. Treating an owlbear nip to Tav's hand.

_______________________________________

Gale had tried to warn Tav of the dangers of picking up stray furry menaces, especially ones that grew to be great, terrible beasts. But she'd smiled her biggest cheekiest smile and he'd been unable to continue the argument. In fairness, they got along famously; it followed her around camp, cooing like a baby bird. He could hear her chatting away with both the cub and Scratch from his position by the tents. When last he’d seen, she was feeding them both scraps from dinner.

"Please be polite... see how polite Scratch is when he takes a treat? Yes, exactly, he's letting me keep all my fingers... just..." He heard a small yelp and low hiss of pain. He shook his head; he’d tried to warn her...but Shadowheart had turned in for the night, and it was hardly gentlemanly to leave a lady in pain. He carefully closed his book and strolled over to where he knew she'd be. She was looking with great interest at the tree above her, with her hands clasped behind her back.

"Evening..." He attempted nonchalance.

She pursed her lips. "Oh, hello, excellent night for a walk." a fine attempt at subtlety. He smiled, hoping to come across as charmingly chastizing rather than patronizing. 

"If perhaps, someone had been injured in a manner I had suggested was a potential danger... Would someone like assistance with that hypothetical injury?"

She smiled and then winced.

"Hypothetically, that'd be appreciated."

He reached out his hand. "May I?"

She carefully revealed her hand; a nasty gash ran across her palm. The cub seemed to have nipped her near the thumb. She gently placed her hand in his. He brought it up to his face to examine it closely, conveniently blocking his own rapidly heating face from view. Still, he caught her eyes as she watched him with interest; they gleamed.

“So what's the prognosis? Will I live?” With the slightest smile dancing across her mouth.

“I'm aghast you think I'd let any lasting harm befall you. You'll live, at least while in my company.”

“I'll have to keep your company then.”

He cleared his throat, ignoring the rumbling in his chest. He mumbled a healing spell, watching the skin knit itself back together. He absentmindedly ran a thumb down the site where the cut had been, Feeling for any disturbances in her skin the spell might have missed. His thumb slid over old scars, products of misaimed spells or an errant magic surge, so many hidden stories. He wished they had time for her to tell him each of them.

He released her hand, taking a moment to collect himself before meeting her eyes again. 

“There, barring any unexpected run-ins with whatever mysterious culprit was the source of this bite, you should be good as new.” He makes a sweeping bow, “Now, if there are any other services a wizard such as myself could provide for a lady such as yourself, don’t hesitate to ask.”

She softly chuckled. 

“For your sake, you may want to be mindful of your phrasing. It is why our companions have taken to calling you ‘My wizard’.”

“There are worse fates…” 

Gale suddenly felt he’d very much overstepped as Tav’s eyebrows shot up. He was considering his best option of escape when she smiled at him.

“I’d hope so.” She said softly. Gale’s heart leaped in his chest. He instinctively covered the orb with his hand. Quickly, he nodded and bid her goodnight as he retired to his tent, attempting to soothe the growing light from his chest.

[letters-from-dekarios]

Following up from this letter. A short insight into Ollie is here.

[Two missives are handed to Gale during a lecture at Blackstaff Academy by his wife's imp familiar, called Dreth... who cares not a whit at the interruption he has caused. (Dreth and Gale are... antagonistic allies).]

Missive # 1

For the eyes of Professor Gale Dekarios School of Illusion Blackstaff Academy On behalf of Oleandra Dekarios

Ser Dekarios,

I am writing this letter on behalf of my adventuring companion, who has mentioned several times that you are to be informed if anything should befall her during our adventures.

Before you begin to worry overmuch, she says that she is, and I quote, "fine, and anyone who tells him differently will be sent to their gods with all haste".

In the interest of truthfulness, and at the risk of my person, I must inform you that Lady Dekarios was gravely injured in our latest delve into the bowels of the glaciers north of the Spine of the World. She served her role admirably, taking several blows meant for our divine healer, who by your wife's grace was able to survive and keep the rest of us on our feet and fighting to ultimately overcome the latest danger that permeates this forbidden space. It is by Lathander's light that your wife was returned to us, although she remains in a fragile physical state.

I assume you know that if she were to read the above sentence, that she would inform me that I "know not the meaning of fragile" and she would be ultimately too happy to "demonstrate on my femurs". Nevertheless, it is the truth, as spells as complex as Raise Dead do tend to require physical rehabilitation in the days afterwards.

As for our quest, Lady Dekarios continues to remind us that we have not yet accomplished our tasks for this delve, and she refuses to rest topside despite her injuries. We have persuaded her to rest at least long enough for her energy to be recovered. Brother Cedric has assured me that the ritual was performed without a hitch, which means we have less than a ten-day before she compels us back towards whatever lies in store.

If I may be frank, Ser Dekarios, I fear you of all people best understand her tendency to overextend herself, and I beg that you send word to any allies you may have in the region to come to our aid --- not for the sake of the mission, you understand, I believe that we have that well in hand. Instead I implore you for the sake of my companion's own well being. I will never forgive myself if her actions to protect my beloved Cedric cost you your wife.

With the utmost gratitude, Lord Petris Blackway of Luskan Servant of Umberlee

Missive # 2

Beloved, My moon and stars, Love and light of my life, My best friend through this life and the next, Wizard not only of Waterdeep but also of my heart, My reason for being and everything that is good and beautiful in this world,

I am fine.

Dreth wouldn't give me Lord Busy-body's letter so I am sending my own. Please feel free to deal with the impish little shit as you see fit.

I. Am. Fine.

Your dearest Ollie, who is very much fine and who is very much looking forward to never hearing the name "Petris Blackway of Luskan" ever again.

Sweet Ollie,

I do sincerely doubt that you are “fine”. If you were fine, these letters would not have been delivered in such haste in the mid-portion of a lecture. Nevermind, I believe my students found the delivery entertaining despite their harrowing contents.

I have arranged some time with my higher-ups. I shall be heading north to you within the day you receive this letter. Worry naught, my love, I shall not make the journey alone! Tara has elected to join me, for the sake of making sure I do not find any mysterious tomes or get abducted again. With a few spells and the help of travel sigils, it won’t take me long to find you.

Rest assured, I won’t stay for long. If I continued with you on your journey I fear you’d put my head on a stick! I am just arriving with some medicinal items and my love for a few days, then I shall return home.

You worry me at times with your everlasting adventurous spirit. You’d believe saving the world once would quench your thirst for investigation for lifetimes to come, but your physical adventure is akin to my literary indulgences and I cannot fault you for that. That does not prevent the gray hairs from growing whenever I think too hard of whatever you may be facing.

Aside from myself, I have sent word to some companions in the area you are in. They shall arrive to check on you much sooner than I, and provide a sufficient solution to any magical needs you or your allies may have. You can call me whatever names you deem fit for my precautions when you see me in a few days.

And, by the gods my dear, do stop threatening the imp. You’ve lost enough allies in this world, and I do not think punishment suffices for the creature that was only following your instruction. Perhaps you hit your head and forgot that you told him to notify me if you befall some sort of sickness or injury? I adore you, my love, I truly do, but try to not break the bones of your familiar.

My sweetest Ollie… you know I rarely have the words for your bravery. Every day, you amaze me with your self-sacrificing spirit. Without your acknowledgement of this fact of your life, you would not be so ready to help others. It is a point I have always admired of you. Let the others care for you, for once. You need not always be a provider, you can be provided for, if you let them. If you let me.

I adore you to the ends of this world and back through the Nine Hells. Do not overextend yourself too much, my dear. I shall arrive soon to tend to you. In the meantime, let the others help you. Or so help me gods I’ll incapacitate you myself and force you to return to Waterdeep before you can finish your journey.

With all the love a man can have,

𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒌𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒔

text reads: gale dekarios

[importantchaosgiver]

The Griffin And The Dragon:

Targaryen Problems

Summary: Now that (Y/N) had married and was quite happy, she thought she wouldn't have to deal with anymore shenanigans, but Daemon once again causes issues... within the family...

Warnings: Canonical Targcest, Daemon x Rhaenyra, slightly mentions of Daemon x reader

******

No One's POV

(Y/N) rubbed her baby bump through her dress as she got ready for the day, dismissing the slight twinge of pain within her body. The nightmares hadn't let up and she still dreamt of horrors of what may befall Concordia. She could only hope it wasn't true. But, a part of her wasn't convinced. She had these dreams for a reason. And for what reason, she feared and dared not to try and find out.

Anyways. She had woken up to Viserys looking as stressed as ever, as Otto had visited to give him some news. Whatever it was, it wasn't good. So, Viserys got ready, cursing Daemon in High Valyrian quietly throughout. (Y/N) naturally expected Daemon to have caused a fight or something of the latter. She slipped into the throne room where she saw Daemon on the floor, laid down after being dragged in by guards with Viserys standing over him, anger burning in his eyes. "My daughter," he said quietly, slowly walking around Daemon who let out a quiet grunt. "Won't you try and deny it?" the king asked. "I need to understand the charge before I attempt to discredit it," Daemon muttered, his voice tired and muffled. But (Y/N) heard clearly and was getting confused. What had happened between Rhaenyra and Daemon? "You defiled her," Viserys said before delivering a kick to Daemon's side. The Rogue Prince let out a heavy groan, turning onto his back. (Y/N) stifled a gasp. Daemon did what with Rhaenyra?! "Still you say nothing," the king said lowly, looking down at his younger brother.

"Perhaps I wouldn't have to if your loins weren't so eager for the Concordian princess," Daemon said back. That made a chill run down her spine. Daemon defiled Rhaenyra out of spite for her marriage?! (Y/N) bit back another hiss of pain at a shot of pain through her body, making her massaging her round stomach. "(Y/N) is an honourable woman and a loving wife and mother. I weep for whatever fate she could have suffered should you have been given a chance. I know of what you did after you saved her and her griffin. She consoled me. Must you always be so forceful upon a woman. But, (Y/N) is not why you are here now, Daemon. You have ruined my daughter! What lord will wed her now in this condition?!" Viserys spat. (Y/N) has heard enough and managed to leave without anyone spotting her. She needed to have a 'chat' with her step-daughter.

******

Rhaenyra gulped as she entered (Y/N)'s chambers; the queen stood before the fire, looking into the fires. "I heard the most tasteless words from your uncles lips today. And I think now is the time for truth, Rhaenyra," she said without turning around. "Might I ask what, my queen?" Rhaenyra whispered, her hands linked behind her, her voice quiet now that she was being confronted for her actions. (Y/N) turned around. "I will give you one opportunity to speak plainly. Did Daemon fuck you and did you do so willingly and aware of these consequences?" (Y/N) asked sternly. Rhaenyra's heart pounded. Could she lie to the queen? Her own step-mother?

"I speak truthfully... I did not. I would never dare to do so. This is a vile accusation," Rhaenyra said, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "I am well aware of Targaryen customs, child. And I am not one to judge, but I need to know you are not lying to me," she said firmly. Rhaenyra stepped forward. "Please, I swear... I didn't do it. My uncle spoke of how he desired you. But he didn't touch me. Please, believe me, mother," Rhaenyra begged. (Y/N) looked into Rhaenyra's eyes deeply, searching for any evidence it was a lie. But, she sighed eventually. "Very well. I shall take your word for it. I will speak with your father on this matter. But, this is my only warning. Do not do such a thing like this should the need arise. You are aware of what could happen should you mother bastards. Your father loves you, but others will not be so blind. We are surrounded by vultures. Remember that, Rhaenyra," (Y/N) explained. Rhaenyra nodded frantically. "Of course. Thank you," the young Targaryen said with a thankful sigh. (Y/N) smiled softly, but grunted as yet another twinge of pain shot through her stomach. This time, stronger. "My queen?" Rhaenyra asked with worry.

(Y/N) doubled over, the pain growing intense. Rhaenyra quickly grasped her step-mother's arms. The feeling of fluid dribbling down her thighs made (Y/N) stop as she realised. "The babe is coming," she whispered. Rhaenyra's eyes widened. "Here, let me help you," she said and helped her walk, alerting the handmaidens that the queen had gone into labour.

******

Viserys beamed down at the swaddled child in his arms. The newborn babe was fast asleep as (Y/N) was now completely cleaned and was resting in their bed. "Another son. Prince Aemond. My love, you have done exceptionally well," Viserys whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. (Y/N) smiled tiredly as the early morning rays of sunlight peaked over the horizon. The labour and birth had lasted all night. It was a particularly lengthy process bringing the second child into the world. Viserys had grown very anxious when it drew on longer than Aegon's birth, but all was well now. Both mother and child were alive and well.

"A fine lad he will become," (Y/N) whispered as she smiled at Viserys and his second son. But then, she remembered. "My love, I talked with Rhaenyra yesterday," she began. "No, no, my darling. Rest. Worry not," Viserys said. "I must speak. She swore to me she remains pure and untainted. And I believe her. But, I believe marrying her to Daemon is a good decision rather than the lords whom come for her hand," (Y/N) explain. "You just birthed a son, my dear. Do not worry yourself with politics. I shall deal with this," Viserys said gently, rocking Aemond in his arms. "Please, just take my words into consideration. With Daemon and Rhaenyra wed, any rumours of scandal would be dropped and if Lord Corlys has any qualms with that, he can take it up with me," (Y/N) said firmly. Viserys thought for a moment and then smiled at his wife. "Even after going through the tribulations of childbirth, you are stubborn, my love. Very well, I shall discuss this with Daemon and Rhaenyra. I'm sure Lady Royce will be thrilled about this," Viserys sighed, looking down at Aemond with a soft smile and giving the boy a small kiss on his tiny head. "But, for now, we can rejoice in another child for our family," he whispered. And so, maybe all things didn't have to be as dark as they initially appeared...

******

I am so sorry for the lack of updates. I had really bad writers block and then I had an emergency. But, I am back! I hope you enjoy this little piece. In all honesty, I think it would've saved so much drama if Daemon and Rhaenyra married before everything with Laenor and stuff like that. But, hey, that's my opinion. Enjoy and hopefully see you soon.

[howtomuslim]

Emphasis of Good Character and Manners in Islam

Islam is not just a set of rituals or beliefs; it is a comprehensive way of life that emphasises the importance of good character and manners. The teachings of Islam, as conveyed through the Quran and Hadith collections, provide invaluable guidance on how to conduct oneself with integrity, kindness, and compassion.

The Prophet Muhammed said: “Nothing is heavier upon the scale of good deeds on the day or judgement than Good character, truly Allah hates the vulgar and the obscene.”

Good character and manners hold a central place in Islam, reflecting the inner beauty of a person’s heart. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the significance of good character, stating, 

“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character” (Sahih Bukhari).

Islam encourages its followers to be kind and compassionate towards all beings, whether human or animal. 

There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it except that it is regarded as a charity for him. “ — Sahih Bukhari

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith” (Sahih Muslim). 

This teaching showcases the importance of showing mercy and empathy in all interactions as well as being a good caretaker of our earth we share with other creatures of God. 

Respect for Others

Respect for others, regardless of their background or beliefs, is a fundamental principle in Islam. The Quran instructs Muslims to “speak to people kindly” (Quran 2:83) and to “repel evil with that which is better” (Quran 41:34), promoting an understanding and harmonious society.

“You have your way, and I have my Way.” Quran 109:6

Honesty and Integrity

Honesty and integrity are highly valued virtues in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise” (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 79). Muslims are encouraged to be truthful in their words and actions, even when faced with challenges or difficulties.

“The honest and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1209

Prophet Muhammed (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah, 2340)

He also said: “By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, no one of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of good.”

Patience and Forbearance

Patience and forbearance are qualities that Islam encourages its followers to cultivate. The Quran describes the believers as those who “restrain anger and pardon people” (Quran 3:134) and advises, “Be patient over what befalls you” (Quran 31:17). Through patience, Muslims learn to navigate life’s trials with grace and resilience, having faith and certainty that whatever bad befalls a believer, through patience and perseverence, good will come out of that test.

“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure..” Quran 2:155

Humility and Modesty

Humility and modesty are characteristics that Islam promotes as essential for spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him” (Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6264). Humility allows individuals to recognise their own shortcomings and seek improvement with sincerity.

The emphasis on good character and manners in Islam, as reflected in the Hadith collections and Quranic verses, serves as a beacon of guidance for Muslims seeking to embody the teachings of their faith and emulating the character of the best man to walk the Earth. By practicing kindness, compassion, respect, honesty, patience, and humility, Muslims strive to fulfil their role as ambassadors of Islam, contributing to a more harmonious and strong community with good family and societal ties.

[theship-thewalrus]

the third time's the charm {1/3}

ser harwin strong x fem!reader

twice you have tried to confess your love to ser harwin, you could only hope the third time's the charm

word count: 853 reading time: around 5 minutes warnings: mentions near-death experience part 2 part 3

1st attempt

Moving through the rushing bodies of the many knights and squires that have gathered on the ground near the tournament. The dress you had decided to wear flows just above the grassy ground that many erected their tents upon. Clutching the leather-bound book close to your chest, you tried to weave through the people without bringing too much attention to yourself. Rhaenyra asked you to bring her a certain book as she awaited the jousting to begin. The young princess's mind was hard to keep on track of at times, always needing something to stimulate her brain. As her handmaiden, it was your duty and honour to aid in her every whim and want.

As you move around you began praying a horse does not crush you or a stray swing of the sword cuts you, knowing how dangerous such a large mass of people can be. The sound of clunking armour and the horses was overpowering. Many squires run back and forth from various tents and weapon racks, just like you addressing their knight's every need. Head cast downwards and eyes trained to the ground you moved swiftly hoping to get back in one peace. Yet in this position, you could not see everything nearby, but you were able to study each blade of grass you passed. You failed to notice the cries of worry and anger, the loud neighs of a horse and its hooves bounding across the ground. Only registering something was wrong, until it was far too late to do anything about it, only being able to pray your impending death was swift and the Gods show you a sliver or mercy. But a hand reached out from the crowd, pulling your body into them and away from the charging horse. Your heart was pounding in your throat and everything sounded so far away yet so close, body shaking uncontrollably from all the adrenaline in your system.

"Are you alright, my lady?" The voice of Ser Harwin Strong filled your ears, a man you found yourself talking with often. The man was always kind to you, at times even going as far as helping obtain whatever Rhaenyra may desire at that moment. Despite trying your best to hide the clear bias you had towards the man, it was clear as day to many people. "...y-yes, thank you." came your shaky reply and small but fake smile, something he had seen right through. Though it was clear to even a blind man that you were not fine, the exact opposite instead. Your mind was still racing at a million miles an hour at what could have happened if Harwin had not been there. Would anyone care that a simple handmaiden lost her life due to a rogue horse? Would people weep for your death or simply move on. Would Rhaenyra even care or would she recruit another handmaiden before your body was even cold?

"You must keep your head up when walking around. Why are you walking around here anyhow?" His soft, but firm voice pulled you from your thoughts and back into reality. Only now did you notice how close the pair of you were, his hands trapping you close to him, keeping you both out of the way of the various other people moving around the area. The book still clutched tightly in your hands was the only barrier between both of you, something you were almost upset about. "Rhaenyra wanted this book, you know how easily she bores" At your words, you tap the top of the book against his broad chest softly and a much more natural smile appears on your face, a similar one mirroring his own face.

"I see, well it seems you need an escort. To ensure no other near-death experiences befall you." Despite rolling your eyes at his words you nod your head, wanting to spend just a few more moments with him. Linking his arm with yours Harwin leads the way, effortlessly walking through the groups of people. People seemed to even move out of the way of the large man, knowing if they did not they would simply be shoved aside. A part of you wanted to speak, to thank him once again for helping you and confessing your feelings for him. Clearly, he felt the same, why would he rush to save you if he didn't? But as a knight, it is his sworn duty to protect those who can not protect themselves. He would have saved anyone, not just you. What a foolish idea thinking it was all about you.

But it seemed just as quickly as your walk began it had ended, not leaving you enough time to make up your mind on what to do before the small trip ended. "I thank you, Ser Harwin. I doubt I would've been able to make it back without some help." You bow your head slightly, a smile on your face and a light pink dusted on your cheeks. In return, he bowed slightly to you as well, a grin on his face "It was my pleasure, my lady."

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 26

Previous Chapter

Hwylryn: …Balthazar…Balthazar…!

Mithra: … Is there a point in continuing our fight if that person has turned to stone?

Hwylryn: …

Mithra: Let's be done. This is enough for tonight…

Hwylryn: Mithra…

Mithra: …Hey, Hwylryn. Isn't this enough?

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: We need to stop that light, or something terrible is going to befall Borda Island!

Murr: We need to get back to the island to intercept it! Oz…!

Oz: Wait.

Oz was staring at the ends of the sky, and then turned his gaze to Mithra.

Oz: Mithra!

For a moment I'd wondered if he'd heard him, but then Mithra looked down at Oz. He was so far off, I couldn't tell what expression he was making.

Oz: I will kill him.

Mithra: …

Oz: We do not have enough time to wait until dawn.

Mithra: …What are you talking about?

Oz: You need not do it with your own hands!

Mithra: …

Mithra silently looked back at Hwylryn. I couldn't see his face, but I could still tell he was bewildered. Hwylryn's huge mouth moved a bit, as if trying to tell Mithra something. Whatever it was Mithra heard, his head fell heavily for a moment, until he looked up again. A strange light began to gather in his crystal skull, though he didn't take his gaze off Hwylryn even for a moment. And Hwylryn flexed his claws and bared his fangs. A blizzard kicked up around them. It was the same snow that fell upon their homeland.

Mithra: Oz. Don't start saying things as stupid as that. I know where my prey is.

Mithra laughed. For a moment, Oz's expression turned bitter. He gripped my hand and examined my face, trying to ascertain what was in my heart.

Oz: I will stop Balthazar's attack. We will depart from here and return to the island. …Is that alright?

But before I could respond, Hwylryn and Mithra, clad in light so harsh it hurt to look at, dove down into my line of sight. I didn't think I'd be able to forget that sight for as long as I lived.

Akira: Yes.

Oz squeezed my hand tightly. I kept my grip on his hand firm, too. I needed to make sure he knew what was in my heart.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

✦✧☾✧✦

Nero: …! Hey, somethin's comin' this way outta the ocean!

Bradley: That ain't good… We need t' intercept it!

Mitile: Okay!

Riquet: Look! There's a dragon in the sky…!

Mitile: I see Mithra, too…!

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Riquet: …! Oz…!

Arthur: Riquet!

Riquet: Prince Arthur! And Shylock's here and okay, too!

Shylock: Yes, I am. My apologies for worrying you.

Mitile: My brother and Cain are okay, too! And Lord Snow, and Chloe and Rustica, and all of the other Eastern wizards, too!

Arthur: Thank goodness!

Murr: We can get all emotional later! It's almost here…! <Eanul Lambru>!

Shylock: <Inviebelle>!

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Nero: <Adnodis Omnis>!

Riquet: <Sunrotea Edif>!

Mitile: <Scintilla>!

Arthur: <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Oz: <Vox Nox>!

Everyone brandished their magical focuses, chanting their spells in unison. A swell of pale light burst forth, wrapping itself around us in an effort to stop the red light from the sea. Its force dwindled, just a bit. But not enough to stop it. Mermaids and dolphins poked their faces out from the waves, having noticed the path the red light was taking. Vivid blue lightning arced across the sky, silhouetting Hwylryn and Mithra's fight in black-and-white snapshots.

Akira: (At this rate, Borda Island will…!)

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: …! Mr. Faust, look!

Faust: What is it?

Heathcliff: There's something that looks like a dragon in the distance, that way!

Shino: I can feel something dangerous approaching us, too…

Figaro: …

Snow: …Fear not… We will have everything under control…

Faust: "We"…?

Figaro: Then, Lord Snow…?

Snow: …Hoho… I found him… Come back to me, White. <Noscomnia>

Figaro: …! Lord White…!

Snow: Let us speak as one. One, two…

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>

Heathcliff: Lord White!

Shino: Thank goodness! I'm happy for you, Snow!

Snow: You came back, dearest White.

White: You brought me back, dearest Snow.

Snow & White: We are one. In life, in death, and forever after--we are one.

Figaro: …Whew… Things are finally back to what I'm used to…

White: Is that Hwylryn?

Snow: Yes, it is. But he's not what we need to be worrying about right now. Spirits from the bottom of the sea are on their way to sink this island.

White: We'll stop them.

Snow: Oh yes, we'll stop them.

Figaro: Thank you, you two!

White: Hoho. All of you can wait right here. Let's be off, my dearest Snow!

Snow: Let's be off, my dearest White!

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: …ghh… It's too strong, we can't…!

Oz: …If only the sun would rise…

Oz took a long look at the sky--still dark and full of stars. The red light was carving its way towards Borda Island, slowly but very, very surely.

Akira: (Was I not focused enough?!) (I need to stop thinking about Hwylryn…) (…I can't. I can't do that.) (Not when he's right there in front of me.)

Shylock: Master Sage! Look…!

Akira: Huh…? Ah…! Snow! White!

Sacrificium: …!

Akira: You brought Saku-chan, too…!

Snow: Ohoho! Sorry for making you wait!

White: Ohoho! Sorry for making you worry!

Oz: White…

Arthur: Lord White! I'm so glad you're okay…!

Bradley: Heh. Cheatin' death again, huh? We need you to get to work, so don't get too comfortable!

White: I'm well aware! Now, dear Snow…

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>!

Mitile: …! The red light is getting smaller…!

Arthur: We only need a little more! Let's do this!

A small fleck of light joined with the wave of magic pushing back the relentless red onslaught. More little sparks joined the first, their number increasing bit by bit. I thought that seemed strange, so I looked back over my shoulder. And there they were: the wizards that we'd met in the island market.

Market Wizard: We're here to help.

Market Wizard: We heard the details from the little miss, the new lord. She said they might try sinking the island!

Market Wizard: This island's our livelihood.

Market Wizard: We've gotta put in the effort to protect our home ourselves!

Akira: Thank you, all of you…

Market Wizard: And it's not just us wizards showing up, either! The humans are putting their boats to sea, getting ready for whatever happens!

Market Wizard: Master Sage! Let's all put our backs into it and protect this island together!

Nero: You guys…

Bradley: We've got some serious backbone on display here. Alright, then I'll step up, too. Time to get ourselves in sync!

Owen: Oh, you think you get to take charge?

Bradley: Man, don't argue! Let's do this! Three, two, one…!

At Bradley's command, the wizards in attendance all strengthened their spells. The sparks from the market wizards, the mere flickers of light, turned the wave of my wizards' magic into something bigger, something brighter--something that could gently embrace the spirits that threatened to destroy their home. Embraced by light, the spirits' dreadful red glow slowly weakened, losing force as it faded away. Soon, there was nothing left on the other side but the clear sky, awaiting dawn. And then… The red light that Balthazar had called from the depths of the ocean glittered and vanished into the blue waves.

Mitile: Yes…!

Riquet: We've protected the island…!

All the wizards in attendance, both Sage's wizards and those from the market, started shouting and cheering happily. And then… I thought I heard someone say my name.

—Akira.

Akira: …

I turned and looked up at the sky. I heard Mithra's voice on this aerial stage, backed by the gentle glow of dawn's first light.

Mithra: <Arthim>

It was such a beautiful morning. Blue and red extended off into infinity, past the gentle curve of the horizon, a sash tied neatly around the circumference of the world. Under that beautiful sky, a gem resplendent with all the colors of the rainbow shattered, its crystals raining down upon the sea. They fell into the water, plip, plop, the inauspicious sound of rain heralding those rainbow gems' descent into the depths of the sea. It was a beautiful sight. One better suited for a dream. The mermaids and dolphins watched the crystal rain with a solemnity typically reserved for prayers. And I…knew that I'd just lost a friend.

✦✧☾✧✦

Borda Island Resident: What just happened…?! Did the wizards over the ocean save us…?

Borda Island Resident: Ah… Look… There's gemstones falling into the water…

Borda Island Resident: You're right… …It's so pretty… It's the kind of thing they write songs about… Like the one about the lost prince's legacy… The rain of jewels…

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …

Arthur: Master Sage…

Oz: …

Arthur was looking at me, worry clear on his face. I knew that he was worried and yet, I couldn't get my tears to stop falling. All I could think about was my beloved Hwylryn's innocent smile. The way he spoke so cheerfully.

—Do you want some too, Akira? —It's a promise. —I'm glad we met.

Mithra: …

Mithra was staring at something in the palm of his hand. Hwylryn's stone. He turned and looked at me and then, saying nothing, stepped through one of his doors through space and vanished. I didn't know where he went. And, just like that, the strange incidents plaguing Borda Island were over.

✦✧☾✧✦

Dianne: Master Sage, I sincerely apologize for all the trouble I have caused. And I must thank you as well for saving Borda Island from its imminent catastrophe.

Dianne was very grateful once we returned to the castle. It felt a little bit like the air around her had changed somehow. Before, she'd had a powerful and commanding presence, if an overly rigid one, but now her smiles felt…genuine.

Dianne: I deeply troubled everyone in the castle, and the townspeople as well… I plan on restarting my studies from the beginning to try and avoid doing this again.

Castle Butler: Lord Dianne, are you certain about reinstalling the magical technological oven in the kitchen?

Dianne: Yes. Yes, it's just fine. It's something that needs to be done if I ever want the former head chef to return to his position here.

Castle Butler: I'm sure he will, your Lordship.

Dianne: Thank you… When that time comes, Master Sage, please come visit Borda Island again. We will be eagerly awaiting you!

Dianne smiled a bright and carefree smile. The expressions of all the castle servants seemed more at ease now, too.

Claudia: Master Sage, I'd be delighted if you could return to be Dianne's companion again.

And Claudia was also kind and friendly with us to the very end of our visit. She'd said she'd known Vincent a long time ago, but hearing her stories would have to wait until next time, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: Goodbye, Vespa. Thank you so much for everything.

Vespa: …

Shino: Hey, she's holding something. Put your hand out for her, Heath.

Heathcliff: What is it? Woah, what pretty shells… You're giving all of these to me?

Vespa: ……

Shino: That's a lot of nodding. Yep, they're all yours.

Heathcliff: Thank you. Let's see, which one should I give to Shino…

Shino: Are you stupid? You don't know the first thing about a girl's heart.

Heathcliff: I…don't think that's true.

Shino: Are you for real? Man, I just know blood's gonna get spilled over you in the human part of the world.

Heathcliff: Don't say scary things like that! Thank you so much, Vespa. I'm pretty good at detailed craftwork, so I'll make you a new accessory for the next time we meet. Like that barrette you're wearing.

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: Ahaha! Look how happy she is! If she keeps smacking the water with her tail like that, she's gonna splash us.

Heathcliff: Ahaha. I'm just happy she's happy. Well then, I'll see you again sometime, Vespa.

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: I'm sorry for troubling you, Lord Faust…

Faust: No, you didn't do anything of the sort. If you want to say thanks to someone, you should be thanking the others…

Lennox: …

Faust: … This incident has made me reflect on a few things. You have a very strong heart. The fact that you could get possessed like that despite that strength must mean that my…halfhearted demeanor towards you made you falter.

Lennox: …

Faust: So I want to say it again. I have no intention of being happy, and because of that, there isn't a place for you at my side. But…if I were to want something similar to happiness, even just a little bit… I'd want to be able to watch over you being happy. That's all I'd want.

Lennox: Lord Faust… … My happiness is…

Faust: Yes…?

Lennox: My happiness is your happiness.

Faust: …

Lennox: If you can't be happy, Lord Faust, then I can't be happy, either.

Faust: But… You… I…

Lennox: Never.

Figaro: Both of you are so stubborn…

✦✧☾✧✦

Riquet: I learned a lot from this incident. In particular, I now understand just how difficult it is to act as a guide to the people.

Mitile: Yeah.

Rutile: I've learned the same thing from teaching. Trying to gather all my students and their different views and lead all of them is a really difficult thing to do.

Riquet: Yes. For instance, Mitile.

Mitile: Huh, what?

Riquet: If the path that I wanted to lead you down and the path that Rutile wanted to lead you down were different, whose guidance would you follow?

Mitile: Wh--what?!

Riquet: Incidentally, I'd want you to pick my side.

Mitile: That's… Um, well, I… I-I'd want to make my decision based off what you both want from me, instead of just picking you or Rutile.

Rutile: Wonderful. That's a good path for you to take, Mitile.

Mitile: Riquet, would you listen to me if I was the one guiding you?

Riquet: The other way around…?

Mitile: Hehe… Watch out, I might get strict with you.

Riquet: That's kind of exciting, actually.

Mitile: Exciting…?

Riquet: Please let me follow your guidance when we have the chance.

Mitile: I'll do my best!

Rutile: Ahaha! The two of you get along so well. You know, it's almost time for us to go back to the manor, but I haven't seen Mithra anywhere.

Riquet: I wonder if he already returned to the manor without us.

Rutile: Maybe… I hope he's doing okay…

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: The Sage doesn't seem to be doing very well right now…

Oz: …This is true…

Arthur: I'm worried about you too, Lord Oz…

Oz: … I want to see…you talking, eating, sleeping, laughing… For another thousand days.

Arthur: … We do still have to contend with <the Great Calamity>, Lord Oz.

Oz: I suppose we do…

Arthur: I'm very happy to have you watching over me. But I'd like to have the chance to watch over you, too. I recently asked Lords Snow and White if they know if you've been getting enough sleep these days.

Oz: So that was your doing…

Arthur: It's quite nice here in the sunlight. Why don't you lay down and take a nap? I'll be right here to protect you.

Oz: Haha… So the opposite of how it has been until now.

Arthur: Ahaha! Yeah, I suppose it is.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Arthur: Woah, a bed.

Oz: It is daytime. Such a triviality is of no consequence.

Arthur: Alright, time to lay down… Rolling around on a fluffy bed surrounded by sand and sea, listening to the sound of the ocean breeze, feels awfully decadent…

Oz: It does…

Arthur: The sun feels so nice…

Oz: It does…

Arthur: … …zzz…zzz…

Oz: … You must have been exhausted… … I never tire of seeing you so at ease.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: You did soooo much this time, Rustica! It was rough, but I wanna say job well done!

Rustica: Why thank you, Chloe.

Chloe: But I think you should learn how to swim just in case we have to fight underwater again.

Rustica: You have a point. However, I am already fond of myself, unable to swim though I am.

Chloe: I'm already fond of you, too! And so… Tada! I found something just for this.

Rustica: And what would that be?

Chloe: Leather boots that'll keep you super buoyant! I even altered them to fit your legs better. Come on, try them on!

Rustica: Why thank you again, Chloe. Let's see… Like this?

Chloe: They suit you perfectly! Okay, now try walking on top of the water!

Rustica: Alright. I'll give it my best shot. Without further ado… …glub blub blub…!

Chloe: Wahh! The boots are floating, but Rustica's sinking!

Rustica: <Amores Viesse>

Chloe: Rustica, are you okay?!

Rustica: …gasp… Yes, I'm fine. These boots are a bit frightening, however.

Chloe: They areeee! I'll come up with something else!

Rustica: I shall eagerly await your next idea.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: How about you be done here?

Owen: Excuse me? I can eat however much I want to.

Cain: Well, I guess so, but… Either way, you really are strong, huh. I was really impressed by how fast you can think on your feet while watching you fight that dragon.

Owen: You do the same when you have a sword in your hands, Sir Knight. But you did only just start using magic, so it's only natural you'd think that.

Cain: I guess so… By the way, why did you turn yourself into Natalie?

Owen: Who?

Cain: The lady you turned yourself into. With the black hair and kind of sexy vibes? Sounds like she was scamming rich folks. They said it was a good thing you identified her.

Owen: Hmph.

Cain: Oh, you've got some coconut on your face. Let me get that.

Owen: Hah?

Cain: I think I'll get a refill on my coffee. Do you want anything to drink? I wonder if there's anything like drinking sweet cream?

Owen: Hah?

Cain: Excuse me. Can I add to our order?

Owen: Don't treat me like you would Riquet.

Cain: Riquet eats way more neatly than you do. Let's see, can we get a coffee, and… What did you want?

Owen: Hot chocolate.

Cain: Won't torta di cocco plus hot chocolate be kind of overwhelming?

Owen: I'm the type to open my trunk when overwhelmed.

Cain: Hmm, well, I guess I'm the type to push my body to the limit, too.

Owen: What? What does that mean?

Cain: A coffee and a hot chocolate, please.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Good grief. They really made me work this time.

Nero: Hey, Brad… I've got somethin' I wanna talk to you about.

Bradley: Nn?

Nero: 'Bout Figaro and the twins.

Bradley: Oh, yeah…

Nero: You wanna take care of 'em yourself, right? Or should I take the honors if I get the chance?

Bradley: You can't do it on your own. So obviously I'm gonna be doin' it. If you're alone, don't lay a hand on 'em.

Nero: Izzat right…

Bradley: But hey, we're only gonna be goin' after 'em once we beat <the Great Calamity>, yeah?

Nero: …! Damn, I almost forgot…

Bradley: Are you kiddin' me… Can't believe this is the kinda thing you get hasty about…

Nero: Th…that ain't true!

Bradley: Sure it is. But that's why you're my number two. You can be pretty damn scary when you want, Nero. You had the new recruits tremblin' like a leaf. Well, y'sure made me popular with them instead. Heh.

Nero: Now that ain't true. Sorry, but I was way more popular with the new meat than you were.

Bradley: No, I was.

Nero: I'm tellin' ya, it was me.

Bradley: Me.

Nero: It was me.

✦✧☾✧✦

Sacrificium: …

Shylock: …I see… So that's what happened between you and that sea dragon, Master Sage…

Akira: …Yeah… I… …I'm sorry, I'm still… I can't really get the words out…

Shylock: You don't need to force yourself to say anything. Simply being at your side like this lets me know what you're thinking. I've spent quite a long time doing just that… I'm quite proud of that ability.

Akira: …Thank you… …I think…I hurt Hwylryn…

Shylock: Why's that?

Akira: …I had Mithra bring torta di cocco for him. I thought he'd be happy to get it and want to listen to what we had to say, but… …But yesterday, we promised we'd go get some together… I broke our promise… Instead, I took advantage of it to try and negotiate with him… I thought giving him cake would make him happy, I thought I could talk to him, I thought he'd understand where we were coming from…I was being so shallow… …I feel like I…walked all over Hwylryn's feelings, even though I was trying to treasure them…

Shylock: That's not true. I'm sure he understood that you were thinking of him, and that your actions were the result of careful consideration on your part, even if you lacked the words for it. He was a very clever dragon, after all.

Akira: …sniff… If you say so…

Shylock: I am sure that he was grateful that you never gave up on being his friend… I am sure you made him happy.

Akira: …sniffle… …Thank you…

Shylock: I have also…found myself wishing I could have spoken with Balthazar under better circumstances.

Akira: Why did he kidnap you like that?

Shylock: Perhaps it sounds a bit presumptuous given I'm the one saying it, but he was attracted to me.

Akira: Attracted?

Shylock: Yes. I, who could do what he hadn't been able to, sparkled in his eyes the way a hero does. To be attracted to someone in such a way puts the idea that you're "lesser" than them into your head. But that adoration mixes poorly with Northern pride. He couldn't separate it from his envy, his hatred, his possessiveness, or his desire to "conquer" me. Northern wizards aren't the only ones who go through these sorts of things. It can happen to the rest of us, and even humans as well. When one's emotions get all mixed up like that, it can be difficult to make out what is what, like a half-finished painting…

Akira: …Losing track of your feelings…

Shylock: It's very important to keep things neat and tidy in one's own heart, just as in one's own room, so that you do not lose track of such important things. We are just as liable to have our souls shatter to pieces as a certain someone was.

Akira: That's right… How did Murr help you, Shylock? I mean, back when Adams Island sank…

Shylock: Why, he didn't. He was so wrapped up in his research he didn't notice the huge mess I'd gotten wrapped up in at all.

Akira: R…really? Then how did you escape the island?

Shylock: Balthazar simply released me. He didn't kill me. I was what he wanted so badly, after all. I imagine he didn't want to see the world with that desire of his shattered to pieces.

Akira: … That makes sense…

Chloe: Master Saaaage! We're gonna go home soooon!

Akira: Okay…! (Mithra…never came back…) (When we get the time, I want to…) (I want to talk to Mithra about Hwylryn a bit more.)

The sound of the waves drew my eyes back to the sea. I thought about the world of endless blue that surrounded that undersea city. The place that had once been Adams Island. I imagined Hwylryn, Mithra, and myself walking down its stone steps. In a world where Adams Island had never been destroyed. In a world where we were just…people, walking down its streets and waiting to meet up with each other. In that world, I'm sure I would've kept my promise. And we'd be chatting and laughing happily. Beneath the endless blue sky.

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: … Welco…

Murr: Shylock!

Shylock: …

Murr: Wheeze…wheeze… …cough…! …Huh?

Shylock: …What's wrong? Did you catch a cold?

Murr: No, I flew here on my broom… Cough…wheeze…! …Adams Island…

Shylock: Oh, yes. You finally heard about that? All of that went down a month ago. And Professor Murr Hart was wrapped up in his work the whole time. Even the City of Nectar itself feels awfully neglected.

Murr: … Are you…

Shylock: Are you asking about how I fared with Balthazar? Don't tell me you came all the way here just because you were worried about me?

Murr: Haha. Of course not.

Shylock: Of course not. Was it because you were worried about your laboratory on Adams Island, then? Unfortunately, it's at the bottom of the sea now. I certainly hope you had notes on all your research materials.

Murr: Well, I have enough. I've still almost certainly lost some things, though.

Shylock: That's good to hear. Now, what would you like to drink?

Murr: …Just water, for now…

Shylock: Water? You?

Murr: No, give me my usual. …cough, cough… …I changed my mind…water…

Shylock: What a strange person you are…

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

Snow: We love you! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play again sometime!

Snow & White: Waaahhh! We loooost!

Snow: We hate you! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

White: We're never playing with you again! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

Snow & White: Yaaaay! We woooon!

Snow: We love you! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play again sometime!

Snow: Gwawlyn…?

White: Gwawlyn, dear?

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: …Hey, Hwylryn. Isn't this enough?

Hwylryn: Mithra. Just because I left the North doesn't change the fact that I was born there. There's nothing more humiliating than being told I'm not worth killing by someone who's acknowledged my strength.

Mithra: …

Hwylryn: Akira decided they're the Sage. Because they treasure all of you.

Mithra: …

Hwylryn: So, what will you do?

✦✧☾✧✦

Dianne: Master Sage, and all the Sage's wizards! Please take care…!

Claudia: Come visit us again sometime!

Akira: Yes! We will!

People waved at us from the ground as we sat astride our brooms--well, I sat astride one of the wizards' brooms. Even the Borda Island townspeople looked up and waved at us as we passed them by. The dazzlingly blue sky and glittering silver clouds reminded me of his white scales. The sound of the ocean breeze suited the sight of white-tipped waves on the horizon. And in the interstice of sea and sky hung the moon--big, white, radiant. <The Great Calamity>. That which had woven the first link in our bonds. The day of our fight against it, one with the fate of the world lying in the balance… Was coming ever closer.

[yangsgirlfriend69]

I made it onto the Indie Bestseller list by posting on TikTok. Don’t do what I did.

IDK how to use tumblr but here are some thoughts

Maybe I should wait to write this, to have a little distance from publishing my book. When I see authors who are at the same place I am — a week and a day out from publication — their captions often sing the praises of their publishers. They’ll mention how grateful they are that all their hard work paid off, that the years of writing and editing and blood, sweat, tears, or whatever other bodily fluids they put into their manuscript were worth it for the moment the book came out.

For me, it wasn’t.

#

The writing process for How to Excavate a Heart was liberating. I came up with the idea while driving to a Long Island Panera (where all good ideas are formed), and started outlining it while eating their dubiously-sourced mac-and-cheese.

I then proceeded to, as I texted verbatim to at least three close friends, “fart out the novel.” I wrote it in about six weeks while on a train trip visiting family and friends, and I cherished every moment of the process.

That was in late 2019/early 2020, and it was the last time my feelings about the book were purely positive.

How to Excavate a Heart (HTEAH) sold in the late summer of 2020, to be published in Fall 2022. I was more focused on my debut novel, Almost Flying, that was slated to come out in the summer of 2021. Which it did, though if you didn’t know it existed you certainly wouldn’t be alone. It earned a Stonewall Honor from the American Library Association, and I think the week that happened it crested to a new high of 20 copies nation-wide or something depressing like that.

Needless to say, I was frustrated by what I saw as lack of support from my publisher, and was determined to not let the same fate befall HTEAH. I was already fairly active on TikTok after originating the Laura Dern Sitting Challenge (my one true claim to fame), but I had heard that TikTok was generally not a fruitful platform for authors, or that, even if authors were popular, it didn’t translate to book sales.

So of course my first thought was, “Why don’t I push this boulder uphill and see what happens?”

So I posted my first TikTok about HTEAH in February of 2022. It flopped in an expected way, but I continued to post about it consistently, and, over time, amassed a small following. The HTEAH hashtag grew (almost all the videos on it were are still are my own), and I was thrilled that people were hearing about my book.

At the time of writing this, the hashtag has over two million views, and I can directly trace over 1,000 individual sales/preorders of my book to TikTok and TikTok alone.

Here’s the price I paid: My girlfriend has watched my mental health slowly deteriorate over this time. She’s seen me quit writing to focus on promoting this book, for the small chance that, I don’t know, someone might care. And now some people do! Hooray.

I spent nine months promoting a book to get it to the sales that it might’ve gotten if my publisher had supported it. Or maybe not — I have no way of knowing. All I know is that if I hadn’t posted about the book on TikTok, you wouldn’t be reading this. It wouldn’t have gotten on the Indie Bestseller list. It wouldn’t have made the Indie Next list. It wouldn’t be a book box pick.

And I wouldn’t be so burnt out I can barely get up from the couch. I wouldn’t be depressed from staring at my phone all day.

Maybe if I hadn’t done all this, I’d be able to write again, to turn in work on time. To live each day without the fear that I’m not doing enough because if I don’t post a TikTok my book will sell horribly like my last one and then that’s it, I’ll be a failed author before my 25th birthday.

What a healthy mindset, huh?

So sure, if you post consistently on TikTok for nine months before your book comes out, enough people will buy your book that you might make it onto a list. But please, I beg of you, don’t. If your publisher doesn’t support you enough to give you marketing, don’t do it yourself. You cannot be an entire team. You cannot be your own publicist.

I am one person. And now I’m done.

Anyway, you can buy my book at excavateyourheart.com and you cannot find me on social media anymore (except maybe tumblr apparently). Stream Loneliest Time by CRJ.

[exercise-of-trust]

hey so uh. new year’s resolution for 2024 is to stop slicing off bits of myself to fit. that’s mostly for interpersonal stuff but also going forward i am gonna be way less circumspect about christianityposting on main; getting all in my own head about whether something can go on main or if it’s too religious and needs to be quarantined to a sideblog or drafts is just not a worthwhile use of my energy anymore. if anyone wants something to blacklist give me a holler but probably i’m just gonna develop a couple pretentious category tags over time and not think too hard about it; i am specifically making a neurotic psa post about this because i’m already overthinking it way too much and i want to stop.

(tbc not much is actually gonna change, it’s still gonna mostly be general art/aesthetics and tolkien around here. just. idk. this is a central thing about me now and it feels dumb to keep trying to carve it away just to try to maintain continuity with my self of 3 or 4 years ago? whatever i’m gonna shut up now)

[focsle]

Since I've spent the entirety of my day with whaler Marshall Keith, here's what I've learned about him across records, newspapers, and his own diary. I like learning the backgrounds of the fellows whose journals I end up reading. - Marshall was a career whaleman from Mattapoisett Massachusetts. He first went to sea at the age of 15 on the whaleship Sun, 1853-55. He seemed to take to the work well, jumping rank to become an 18-year-old boatsteerer on the Afton 1856-59. 1859-62 he set sail again on the Ocean Rover, likely again as a boatsteerer. - In the last leg of its journey, the Ocean Rover was captured and burned by Confederate raider CSS Alabama. As a POW Marshall was paroled by the captain of the Alabama--meaning that he would be able to return home under the condition that takes an oath not to take up arms in the war. When the draft is instated for the American Civil War in the summer of 1863, as such, Marshall is exempted from it. - Over that summer he either makes the acquaintance of or deepens an existing relationship with a woman named Sarah Pope Taber, four years his junior. They spend 4 months in each other's company in Mattapoisett, and then by 1863-65 he's off again on the Brewster as 3rd mate. He seems to think of her often during the voyage however, documenting his dreams of which she is the object of many. They range from the erotic to the joyful to the anxious, often filled with concerns of some harm befalling her, her snubbing him at a social event ashore, or someone else marrying her or getting her pregnant. She's also the recipient of most of his letters. His writing is marked with the particular social self consciousness so many whalemen seemed to have, doubting his worthiness to her, but also carrying the hope that if they both survive the years of the voyage he'll return home to her. There's a curious relationship to gender that seems to be implied throughout his writing as well, as he refers to her in both his dreams and letters not only as Sarah but as James and Jimmy in equal measure. He expresses clear physical attraction to her as a woman, while also having dreams in which she cuts off all her hair and tries to hide it from him beneath a handkerchief, which he removes and remarks that he never saw her look so well. - Whatever anxiety he has about worthiness is for naught, because come 1866, Sarah marries him at the beginning of the year. By May, however, as a whaler does, he's gone to sea again, this time as first mate on the Cape Horn Pigeon, 66-69. While he's gone, Sarah gives birth to a daughter, Susy, in 1867. - Marshall returns home in May of 1869. Unfortunately he dies next May, 1870, of heart disease at the age of 32. In 1863, in one letter Marshall wrote to his 'angel mother' while he was sick with some ailment, he expressed great distress about dying at sea far from loved ones between the rotting decks of a ship where his body would be tossed into the ocean. He contrasted it with what he imagined Sarah's shore death would be, peaceful and surrounded by the affection of people who cared for her. I like to think that, while he died terribly young, he got a little bit of what he hoped for, being surrounded by family at home rather than saltwater and casks of oil and having a marked grave beneath the grass. - After his death Sarah and her daughter move in with Sarah's mother, and Sarah takes up work as a dressmaker. Sarah unfortunately also dies a mere 2 years later at age 30 of a bowel hemorrhage. Her daughter, then 5, is adopted by one of Sarah's sisters. I always like getting parts of the histories of these folks, as it helps build out the personal world of their diaries. Marshall was a bit of a watercolorist as well. Here are two paintings he made of his ship, in his journal.

[potionpeddlerpatchy]

Patchy my love! I am in need of one of your potions for Katsuki Bakugou if you please.

Oh darling Meg, I do hope you did not travel far! I know visiting me is quite the chore all on its own - and I certainly appreciate you taking the do all of this for me.

Please stay awhile, I would love to hear all about what is new and happening with you. And, do not fret, afterwards I can help you deal with your little problem. Now, what kind of tea would you like?

Infatuation had nothing to do with.

At least not at first; that was what you kept telling yourself ever single time your mind started to wander, startled to slip into thinking about the village baker.

It was purely because he was the best around, the best you have ever found; is what you would argue with yourself as you would buy yet another loaf of bread from him; needing it to get through the week. It was purely because you wanted to know the shop was doing well, is what you would reason as you walked along the cobblestone path every morning to purposefully pass his shop. It was because you had a long day and needed some respite, is what your rationale would be whenever you would indulge in some of the rolls and stew he had available for your aching body was too tired to make your own dinner.

It had nothing to do with attraction. Just simply you being provided a service you needed and that was all.

But soon even you couldn’t deny how ridiculous it all was. How many coins you were spending simply due to an infatuation you had over the baker. Though gruff and almost unapproachable, could tell Bakugou had a passion for what he did; never turned a customer away over anything trivial - if they needed bread, he would provide them with it.

And he was handsome, one of the most beautiful men you had ever laid eyes on. And perhaps maybe, possibly, that was the reason you kept coming back over and over again; for you just wanted another peak at him. Wanted another chance to see his smirk, or to hear him thank you for your purchase, or slyly watch him as he kneaded dough

Whatever the case may be, you knew you couldn’t do it forever. Not only was it behaviour that skirted the line of appropriate, you knew one day he would catch on and confront you of it.  And rather waiting for that inevitability to come beating you down, you would rather beat it, and him, to the punch. 

You asked around, to trusted shopkeeps, to see if they had any advice or knew of someone, to help you with your slight predicament and they all pointed you in the direction of a small, almost rundown, little cabin that sat just outside of town; surrounded by overgrown bush.

Though the exterior seemed to waver your confidence, you knew that to judge sole on appearance would be a mistake; and with your resolved renewed you marched over to the little shop ready for a cure to your ‘ailment’

You didn’t even need to knock, the door opening on it’s own when you approached, as if already waiting for you; yet no one was inside. Instead you were greeted with a note, on a large table that sat right in front of you; attached was a vial, of intricate and beautiful design, that contained a dark liquid

Dear Traveler,

I do apologize for not being there to provide you with the proper aide you desire in your time of need; for other matters required my presence promptly - and I could not find it in my heart to say no.

Attached to my note it a potion you can use to help with your predicament; I suggest you mix it into whatever tea, or bake into whatever dessert, you wish to give to the man of your desires. 

You should not worry of any horrid effects befalling onto him or you.

The Peddler.

You read the note again, and then a third time, all while thumbing the vial you were presented; contemplating her words and the subsequent actions that would unfold should you decide to use her potion.

It was a long trek back to your home, followed by a sleepless night, as your mind raced with all the possibilities that could unfold. Fighting between your moralities about whether or not you should trick him into ingesting a potion you yourself have no clue about; the note claims no horrible thing would befall either of you, but what effects did it have?

Though you were only human, and temptation was a mistress that could persuade even the strongest of minds; including your own. And so, you spent the next day within your kitchen, carefully crafting small heart shaped chocolates you would present to him; the best use of the potion that you could come up with - for he only ate one he would not be as effected as if he drank it all within a tea.

You wrapped each one carefully, placing them in a beautifully crafted box, one you meticulously decorated in the colours that adorned his shop, and tied it all together with a bow. The perfect little present, on you, hoped Bakugou would accept.

With unsure steps you made your way down that same cobble stone path, almost as if you had never walked it before, as you slowly made your way to that familiar bakery. The door was open when you arrived, a kind patron holding it open for you with a smile, leaving you no choice to back down and turn away as you took a deep breathe and stepped forward into the shop.

You were the only one there, you could thank the gods for that, as you heard his gruff voice asking you want you wanted; watching dumbfoundedly for a moment as he started to prepare and gather for you the items you normally got.

“A-actually, I didn’t want anything.” You stumbled out, voice a little rushed as you approached the receiving counter “I wanted to give you this instead.”

You carefully placed you present upon the counter, sliding it towards him every so slightly, before taking a step back; hands fidgeting as you waited for him to take it; legs twitching as your tired desperately not to run away.

You could tell he wanted to ask you what it was, the expression on his face clear he was confused by your action, but nonetheless he carefully opened you present; not wanting to tear or break it. Those little gestures made your heart flutter in hope as you anxiously waited for his reaction. His quiet ‘oh’ made you anxiety grow as he started down at your gift; not sure whether or not he liked it

“Can I have one?” He finally mumbled out after the a few agonizing moments of silence; fingers reaching out for a small pink heart that sat in the middle of the box.

“Y-yes of course!” You chimed, a smile small gracing your face “They are yours after all, I just hope you like them.”

You waited with baited breathe as he slowly brought the chocolate to his lips, watching as he chewed on it with a furrowed brows as he assessed your creation; licking his lips once he had finished.

And for a moment you didn’t know what to expect. You weren’t sure if the potion would work, and if so how, or if he would just shrug his shoulders and send you on your merry way. Whatever it was, you were not expecting the small smile to stretch across his face.

“These are really good, thank you” His smile widened at your surprise stare as he popped another chocolate into his mouth. “Uh, wait here, I have something for you too.”

You merely nodded, still stunned in place at the fact he finally smiled at you; and so brightly too. Your own incredulous smile graced your lips as you breathed out an airy laugh, waiting for his return.

“Here.” He mumbled handing you a small booklet for you to take, as blush dusted his face and eyes adverted yours.

“Is this….” You began, eying the contents of the paper, noting it was an invitation to a grand celebration within a weeks time “Are you asking me to go with you to this?”

“Yeah…” he shrugged, doing his best to not seem nervous “Been wanting to for a while now. You don’t have to though, I know these things are lame and whatever, but if you do wan-!”

“I’d love to!’ You interrupted, a giant smile plastered on your face, one he mirrored, as you held the invitation to your chest

“Then it’s a date.”

I should probably let you know now, I think I might have gotten my vials switched up and accidentally gave you merely a small sample of vanilla extract.

Though, lucky for you, things seemed to work out fine ;)

[awideplace]

i. The Lord is My Portion/Tend + Gather + Carry + Gently Lead (based on Isaiah 40:11, a verse close to my heart since being a single mum in my early 20's, "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms; He will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.")

ii. Heart of My Own Heart Whatever Befall

iii. Beach creatures/beauties

iv. My papa wearing this shirt in 1976, me wearing it 48 years later still

v. Green

[dc-and-arfrona]

Don't cry. I had to leave this life.

Based off this prompt

"If I die tonight, wear something nice and bright. Don't cry. I had to leave this life. There was nothing you could do to help that night. I know, I tried." The haunting words echoed in the reader's mind, each syllable etching itself into their heart. They stared at the letter left behind by Dick Grayson, their love, their hero. A sense of foreboding washed over them, as if the weight of tragedy loomed just beyond the horizon.

With a trembling hand, the reader clutched the letter tightly, struggling to contain the swell of emotions threatening to spill over. The thought of a life without Dick, without his infectious laughter and unwavering support, felt like a gaping void.

But amidst the fear and uncertainty, the reader refused to succumb to despair. They chose to cherish the time they had, to hold onto the moments of love and joy that intertwined their lives. It was in those vibrant fragments that they found solace, a bittersweet reminder of the beauty that life held.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, as the reader and Dick clung to each other, their love a beacon in the face of darkness. They reveled in the simple joys—a shared sunrise, stolen kisses under the moonlight, and laughter that echoed through the hallways of their sanctuary.

The reader had become their own hero, fiercely determined to make every moment count. They crafted memories like precious gems, stringing them together as a testament to their resilience. Each day was a defiance against the shadow of the unknown, a proclamation that their love would not be diminished.

In the midst of their shared adventures, they fought side by side, relying on their unwavering trust and unbreakable bond. They wove stories of triumph and courage, painting the world with the hues of hope and resilience.

But always, beneath the surface, the reader carried the weight of Dick's ominous words. They could never escape the thought that tragedy might befall them, that the fragile threads of their existence could be severed. And yet, they refused to allow fear to rule their hearts.

One moonlit evening, as they stood on a rooftop overlooking the city, the reader's voice broke the silence. "Dick, I can't ignore the words you left behind. The fear of losing you hangs heavy on my heart. But I refuse to let it consume us. We can't control the circumstances, but we can choose how we face them."

Dick turned to face the reader, his eyes filled with love and a hint of sorrow. "I never wanted to burden you with those words. They were my own demons, my own fears. But you're right. We can't let fear dictate our lives. We have each other, and that's worth fighting for."

Their lips met in a tender kiss, a mingling of love and determination. In that embrace, they made a silent promise to face whatever may come with unwavering strength and indomitable spirit.

Days turned into years, and years into a lifetime of shared moments. Together, they navigated the uncertainties of life, embracing the ever-present shadow of mortality. And in their love, they found the courage to embrace the fleeting beauty of existence.

For, in the end, it wasn't the fear of what might be that defined them. It was the vibrant tapestry of their love, woven with threads of resilience and hope. They refused to be shackled by the darkness, choosing instead to ignite the world with the light they carried within.

And if the night of tragedy ever arrived, they would face it together, their love a beacon of defiance against the forces that sought to tear them apart.

Masterlist