#i miss the mountains and i love the forests but i really love living here

[yandere-writer-momo]

No one asked but I’ve decided to post one of my favorite original smut works!

Yandere Short Story: Insatiable

Yandere monster x Afab reader x Yandere ex fiancé

Minors DNI

8.4k words

 “Cedric?” A tall, dark haired man glanced up from his paper work to see his small wife at the door. His red eyes gazing at her coldly. “Oh, sorry… my lord. You didn’t reply to any of my letters so I decided to come see you myself. I was wondering if you had time to-“

    “I’m busy with work. How about you go take a walk or something seeing that you’re not busy with anything.” Cedric replied coldly, causing the young woman to glance sadly at her hands.

    “Oh… I’m sorry-“

    “Stop with your needless apologies and shut my door. You’re letting the cold air in.” Cedric hissed before returning to his mountain of paper work.

    “Good bye, my lord.” (Your name) softly whispered, a sad look in her eye. The young woman shutting the door before looking at the small, cloth bag beside her. Its contents being one change of clothes, a pouch of water, and some bread.

    (Your name) had finally decided to leave him. Her feelings for him had gradually disappeared over the years of being engaged to him seeing that he couldn’t even return a fraction of what she felt for him. It was time for her  to leave this loveless, joyless place and to go live as a commoner. Hopefully Cedric would eventually read the letter she had sent him a few days ago about annulling their marriage.

    The young woman pulled her tattered cloak over her head, making her way down the manor’s steps with ease.

   Not a single servant paying her any mind. A smile made its way to her lips at the thought of finally no longer having to sit in her cold room up in the tower. How she’d be able to travel wherever she wanted and maybe she’d even find someone to love her eventually. How she could finally have friends that didn’t need her husband to pay them to talk to her.

     (Your name) soon stood outside the gloomy palace, a smile on her lips. The young woman giving the palace one last look before she headed into the forest.

     “Good bye. I won’t miss you.”  She then headed into the dark silent forest. Set on leaving the Southern empire forever.

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    “This tea is bland and terrible.” Cedric complained to his maid who began to sweat nervously. “Why isn’t it here on its usual time and why isn’t it its normal flavor?”

    “Ah… the duchess usually takes care of that…” the maid replied before giving the lord a bow. “None of us have seen her in awhile so we had to brew some older leaves.”

    Cedric sighed before rising from his chair, causing the maid to gulp at how large he was.

    “That stupid woman. I’ll go see what she’s up to now then I guess.” Cedric made his way towards the east end of the manor, climbing up the flight of stairs to (your name)’s room. 

    A frown forming on his face when he didn’t see a single servant on this side of the manor. Where were all the servants? Shouldn’t she have some around here to clean it?

    Cedric stood before the door at the top of the tower. His hand pressing against the old wood. A frown on his face.

    “My lady. Can you open the door?” No response.

   “My lady?” Cedric pressed his knuckle against the door, causing the door to squeal open. Red eyes widening in shock at the tattered blanket that sat on top of a pile of hay. This couldn’t be her room…

   Where was her bed? Her dresses? Cedric burst into the room examining everything in disbelief. 

    “Can I lay with you, Cedric? It’s starting to get cold?” 

    Cedric frowned at the memory. (Your name) really was cold wasn’t she? And he always turned her away…

  A small desk with letters littering the top of it caught his attention. Was this the only thing she had in her room? As a duchess, she only had this small desk? 

    Red eyes narrowed at all the letters that were dated and addressed to him. Cedric quickly opened one of the older letters his eyes softening at its contents.

     ‘I finally was able to get the maids to teach me how to make that chamomile tea you like so much. I hope we’ll be able to drink it together someday. When you’re not busy of course. I love you, Cedric.’

    Cedric opened another letter, a dried sprig of baby’s breath falling out of the envelop. His pale fingers picking it up with utmost care. Red eyes scanning over the delicate hand writing.

    ‘Did you know baby’s breath means everlasting love? Isn’t that neat? I hope that our love is ever lasting as well. I’d like to go on a picnic with you while it’s still spring. If you’re not busy of course. I love you, Cedric.’

    ‘Today, I saw a pair of swans in the pond in the garden. Did you know swans stay together for life? I read that in a book in the library. I thought it was pretty neat. Maybe it’s childish of me to think that way, but I hope we’ll be like that. I love you, Cedric.’

    Cedric continued to tear apart the letters with fervor. Sweat dripping down his neck as his hands began to shake. All of these letters and he’s never read any of them from her… he always returned them back to her… always ignored her… he was starting to get scared…

     ‘It’s getting colder up in the tower but the maids took my bed. They said they’re freezing too. Is there anyway I could also have some new blankets. I hope that’s not too much of a bother for you. Thank you. I love you, Cedric.’

   ‘I’ve been sleeping in the library over the winter. I hope that doesn’t interfere with your work. I heard there’s a ball upcoming in the neighboring empire. I’ve never been to a ball before. Is there anyway we could go? I’d really like a new dress. The one I had all these years is starting to get a little loose since we’re so scarce on food. Thank you. I love you, Cedric.’

    There was no scarcity in food. Who on earth hadn’t the servants been feeding her? Who took her bed? Her blankets?

     Cedric sorted through the letters until the last one stuck out to him.

   His pale hand opened the letter, his eyes widening in shock. She had filled out divorce papers… why would she do that?

     ‘I don’t think you’re ever going to read this until you’ve realized I left. But I want a divorce. I can’t live like this. It’s so cold and miserable here. No one talks to me here. I found out that the only acquaintance I had here, you were paying to talk to me so I wouldn’t bother you… and I was really hurt by that. If I’m really that awful to be with, I’ll go. I just want you to be happy, Cedric. Even if it’s not with me. So good bye, Cedric. If you try to have a conversation with me in a few days I may reconsider but if not, you’ll find this then. I’ll probably be halfway through the forest by then. Good bye, Cedric.’

    Cedric began to shake. She had stopped by his office and he had turned her away… he unknowingly sent her away… he sent his loving wife away in the wild… wait.

     Didn’t she know the forest was infested with monsters?

     “Guards! Hurry. Send a search party to the forest, now!” Cedric threw the letter to the side, screaming on the top of his lungs. His legs running as fast as he could down the steps and through the palace.

     The guards rising up in shock before quickly springing into action.  

     “The duchess has gone missing! She could be in danger!” Cedric shouted, the Duke running to grab his sword and horse. “We have to find her by all means necessary!”

    Cedric frowned as he glanced at the dark forest. His eyebrows furrowed in worry. He prayed she was safe. He was so lucky he noticed her absence in just a day…

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    (Your name) hummed as she walked through the forest without a care in the world. So far, she’s been lucky and she hasn’t ran into a single monster.

    She knew there was a possibility she could run into danger but she truly believed the monsters wouldn’t bother her if she didn’t have a weapon on her. Plus, there wasn’t much meat on her bones since she wasn’t being fed at the palace.

     “Don’t you know there’s monsters in the woods?” A voice hissed at (your name), causing the girl to glance at a tall man wearing silver armor with an unfamiliar, blue crest on it. The silver helmet completely covering his face.

    Well at this point in her journey, she’s going to disregard the stranger danger rule.

    “Oh I know. I’m just passing through is all.”

    “Either you’re a very brave woman or a very stupid one.” A laugh left her throat as she smiled at the stranger.

    “A little of both. I’m just going anywhere to start a new.” The girl smiled at the knight before continuing her way.

    “Wait up!” The male trudged after her, standing above her. “You can’t just go walking in the forest by yourself. What if you get kidnapped or killed-“

    “Then I get kidnapped or killed.” The knight held in a laugh before offering her an arm.

    “I can lead you out of the forest if you’d like. My name is Etrian by the way.”

     “That’s a nice name.” (Your name) replied, taking the knights arm. “You can just call me (your first name).”

    “Hmm. You have a pretty name.” Etrian smiled at the girl, causing her to furrow her brow.

    “It’s a very basic name. It’s not even worth remembering so you can call me anything you’d like.” Etrian tilted his helmet down in worry at her words. Wherever she came from, she more than likely never was treated with kindness.

   “I like your name so I’ll call you, (your name).” Etrian replied, causing (your name) to giggle. 

    “It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed… thank you, Etrian.” Etrian gave (your name)’s hand a comforting squeeze.

     “I was on my way to the Lancaster Palace but I think a damsel in distress is much more important at the moment.” Etrian puffed his chest out, causing (your name) to erupt in giggles again.

    “Maybe I should call you the brave one then for traveling alone, Etrian.” (Your name) gave Etrian a smile, the male shaking his head in embarrassment.

    “It’s a knight’s duty.” 

   (Your name) laughed some more, allowing Etrian to lead her through the forest. Their playful banter continuing. 

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      Cedric searched the woods with fervor. Easily slaying any monster that crossed paths with them.

     “My lord. We found the body of the Northern empire’s diplomat and his party but…”

    “But what? Did you find the Duchess?!” Cedric hissed, his red eyes coldly looking at the corpses of the northern empire’s men. But one was missing their armor.

    “Where’s his armor?”

    “That’s what I’m afraid of. It appears a monster may be parading around as a knight.” Cedric sighed before glancing nervously in the forest. He really hoped (your name) didn’t run into that monster…

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    “Etrian. Do you like being a knight?” (Your name) asked her companion who hummed in response.

    “Not really. It’s kind of boring actually.” Etrian responded, his eyes glancing at (your name). “Especially listening to a lord’s orders all the time and standing guard? It sucks.”

    (Your name) laughed at his response. “At least you’re honest, Etrian.”

    “What about you, (your name)? What were you?”

    (Your name) smiled sadly as she glanced at the forest floor, causing Etrian to raise his hands up in alarm.

    “Oh I didn’t mean to upset you-“

    “I was nothing.” (Your name) replied with a solemn look in her eye. “Have you ever felt like that before? Like nothing? My existence didn’t matter where I came from before and after I ended up here.”

   Etrian placed a gentle, leather gloved hand on (your name)’s arm. “No I understand completely.”

    “Thanks, Etrian. You’re really nice even though I think you’re really strange.”

    “How am I strange?”

    “You abandoned the task at hand for me, which is very suspicious. But I appreciate you traveling and talking with me… I can’t remember the last time I actually had a conversation with someone.”

   Etrian gave her a nod, trying his best not to have his helmet fall off his head.

   “Isn’t that helmet uncomfortable? You could always take it off.” Etrian held up his hands as he began to laugh.

    “Maybe once we make it out of the forest.” 

    “Alright. Keep your secrets then.” (Your name) giggled, Etrian watched her walk a little further a head. A black tentacle creeping out from the helmet before quickly slipping back in.

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     Cedric continued searching, a smile on his face once he saw a pair of footprints.

    “She went this way!” Cedric shouted to his men. The men all nodding their heads before following the tracks. “She can’t be far-“

    Cedric’s red eyes widened when he saw a second pair of footprints beside hers. Their tracks barely as visible as hers.

    “The monster is with her!” Cedric began to breath heavily, his hands shaking as he held the reigns to his horse tightly. He was going to find her. Cedric just prayed nothing happened to her.

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    “Etrian. You’re really light on your toes.” (Your name) stated, causing Etrian to laugh. “Do you like sneaking around?” 

     “It’s just an unconscious habit of mine-“ an arrow whizzed by Etrian’s head, causing a scream to leave (your name)’s throat. 

    “Jesus-“

    “My lady, step away from the monster!” one of the knights from the southern empire shouted, pointing his bow and arrow at Etrian.

    “Monster? That’s Etrian-“ (your name) replied, only for more knights to show up.

    “One of the knight’s armor was missing at the carriage accident up ahead-“ 

    “I can actually explain that.” Etrian replied as he grasped the helmet of his armor before pulling it off. Revealing a handsome man with long silver hair and blue eyes to all the knights. “It’s me. Duke Graham.”

     “Duke Graham?! I can’t believe it’s you!” One of the knights laughed, the others all releasing their breath that they were unconsciously holding. “You were the only one missing from the carriage.”

    (Your name)’s eyes widened in horror. While everyone else saw a handsome man, she saw a giant black octopus like creature as the head of the knight. Her body started convulsing in shivers. 

     “Are you alright, (your name)?” Etrian asked with worry laced in his voice, reaching a hand out to her. The tentacles moving in every which way, causing (your name) to hyperventilate and take a step back in fear.

    “(Your name)!” Cedric rushed over to her, quickly separating her from the monstrous Duke. Cedric quickly dismounting his horse to hold (your name). “I’m so sorry. Please don’t run off again.”

    (Your name) didn’t return Cedric’s hug, her eyes focused on the black octopus monster that was known as Etrian. 

     “Let’s head back home, okay? And Duke Graham. You can ride on one of the other horses we have here with one of the knights. My wife will ride with me.” Cedric stated, hoisting (your name) up on his horse. 

   (Your name) cast one last look at Etrian, the tentacles waving at her which on caused her to tear up even more.

     While with the guards, they only saw Etrian give (your name) a warm smile and a wave. Why was she so scared of him? It wasn’t like she was seeing a monster.

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    “Why did you try to run off into the forest?” Cedric asked (your name) who sat in the sofa in his office with a blanket tightly wrapped around her. “You could’ve died-“

     “It would’ve been better than being here.” (Your name) muttered, pulling the soft blanket closer to herself. “Anything is better than here.”

    Cedric stood up from his desk, sitting himself beside (your name).

    “I’m going to start being a better husband. I moved your room to be next to mine now and you have a bed again. I also am currently working on investigating all of the staff that has mistreated you. They’re going to have their hands cut off for stealing and then exiled-“

     “That’s alright. You don’t have to do any of those things.” (Your name) sighed, wrapping the blanket around her even tighter. “I would like to head to my room. I’m quite tired.”

     Cedric held a hand out for (your name) to take, which she ignored. The young woman choosing to stand up with her blanket securely wrapped around her.

    “Would you like to have dinner together then?”

    “No. Just send it to my room please. It’s kind of late for all of those things, don’t you think?” (Your name) asked, avoiding eye contact with Cedric. 

     “I… I’ll try more. Just please don’t run off like that again.” 

   (Your name) opened the door to her room before shutting it quickly. The duchess laying down on the bed in defeat. She really was wishing she would’ve left this place.

     It was a shame Cedric had no intention of letting her go. Not to mention that Etrian was also staying with them for the time being.

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    Etrian sat in Cedric’s office sipping some hot tea. Blue eyes meeting red orbs.

      “Thanks for keeping my wife safe-“

    “Why did she run off?” Etrian hummed, causing  Cedric to glare at him.

    “It’s none of your concern, Duke Graham.” Cedric hissed, causing Etrian to smile. Cedric narrowed his eyes at the doll like man. 

    “She’s really pretty.” Etrian smiled at the peeved expression on Cedric’s face.

    “What brings you to the Southern Empire?” Cedric gritted his teeth at Etrian who only gave him a hum.

    “Mostly for trading business but seeing that my men were mauled to death and looted by your monster infested forest, I’ll have to wait awhile till we can proceed in business. I may have to stay here awhile as well.”

     Cedric sighed in defeat. His red eyes narrowing at Etrian. This was probably the most Etrian has spoken to Cedric in their entire life so far… and it irked Cedric.

    “Alright. I can let you stay for awhile. Just please don’t cause any trouble for me.”

    “I won’t.” Etrian smiled, causing  Cedric to place a hand on his temple. 

    “I’ll have the maids organize a room for you.”

    Etrian beamed at Cedric, his blue orbs shining mischievously. He couldn’t wait to see (your name) again.

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   Etrian wandered the halls, ignoring the excited whispers of the maids when he passed by. The silver haired man had adjusted well to the staff’s ramblings of his appearance.

    “Isn’t Duke Graham really handsome?” One of the maids asked another, causing the other maid to nod in agreement.

    “Just like a porcelain doll.” 

    “I heard he’s unmarried.”

    Etrian made his way over to the library, his blue eyes widening once he saw (your name) sitting in a chair in the far back corner. Her focus completely on the book in front of her.

    “Ah. (Your name).” Etrian smiled at the duchess, who gave him a nervous glance. Her eyes completely avoiding eye contact with him. “May I sit with you?”

    “S-sure.” Etrian pulled out the chair beside (your name), the wooden legs squealing across the floor. 

    “What are you reading?” Etrian asked, causing (your name) to nervously glance up from her book.

    “Oh it’s just a fairy tale story…” (your name) shyly replied causing Etrian to furrow his brow.

     “I’m quite fond of fairy tales. Which one is it?”

    “Beauty and the beast...” 

    “That’s my favorite one.” Etrian smiled, his tentacles flailing around excitedly, much to (your name)’s fear. “My mother used to read it to me all the time as a child.”

    “That’s really nice.” Etrian tentacles suddenly laid flat on the table, one of them laying on (your name)’s shoulder as if to show that he was concerned for her.

    “What’s wrong? You haven’t really looked at me since the forest.” (Your name) gulped, her hands trembling when the tentacles began to slowly caress her body. 

     “I… I’ve just never seen anyone that looks like you is all…” (your name) replied honestly. She wasn’t wrong. She’s never seen someone with a black octopus like head before and she was terrified. 

    “Oh… is my appearance not to your liking-“

   “My lady. The lord is looking for you.” The butler interrupted her and Etrian’s conversation, the young woman quickly rising up to her feet.

    “Ah. Sorry, Etrian. I have to get going.” 

    Etrian clutched his chest, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. Could she really see him for what he truly was? 

   Etrian glanced at the book she was reading in awe. Was their story going to be just like beauty and the beast? Pure ecstasy consuming him.

     She had to be just like his dad. His mom always told him his soul mate would be able to see his true form just like dad could see hers. 

    “(Your name)…” Etrian couldn’t wait to find out.

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    “You called for me, my lord?” (Your name) bowed her head to Etrian, who frowned at her formality.

    “I did call for you, (your name).” Cedric motioned for his butler to go bring some tea for the two of them. “I’d like to have some tea with you-“

    “I’m not very fond of tea.” (Your name) wrapped her arms around herself, ignoring the disappointed look on Cedric’s face. “But thank you for the invite.”

    “How about a walk in the garden? You love the garden.” Cedric asked, a hopeful tune in his voice. (Your name) frowned. Didn’t he acknowledge that she had sent him divorce papers? Why on earth was he trying to court her now, of all times? 

    “Alright…” Cedric held out an arm for her, which (your name) hesitantly took. The dark haired Duke leading her down the halls and towards the garden.

    A certain silver haired man watching them from the library’s window. His blue eyes studying the discomfort on (your name)’s face.

    “You’re not comfortable around that man are you, (your name)?” Etrian softly whispered to himself, his blue eyes memorizing her soft features on her pretty face. “I wonder if I can make you smile again…”

    Etrian’s shadow revealed his tentacles flailing about in excitement. The birds that sat near the window quickly flying away in fear of the monster that was in the palace.

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    It was a stiff silence between Cedric and (your name). The two walking side by side in the garden without muttering a word to each other.

    “There’s some swans in the pond, (your name)…” Cedric smiled, softly breaking the silence. His red eyes glancing at her face, his eyes lighting up when he saw her smile at the swan pair. 

    He had finally found something that seemed to make her smile… Cedric was starting to get really worried about saving their relationship, especially with someone like Etrian in their home. Cedric had to admit that he was jealous of how beautiful Etrian was but he felt that there was something incredibly off about the silver haired male. Even when they were children, he was almost completely emotionless but he wasn’t that way around (your name)… it was very unsettling to Cedric.

    “(Your name), do you like Etrian?” (Your name) froze, her eyes wide at Cedric’s question.

    “I wouldn’t say like or dislike… I’m…” Afraid. (Your name) thought to herself. I’m afraid of him. “Indifferent towards him. He’s a Duke from the northern empire so I have to be respectful to him is all.”

     Cedric hummed, the Duke satisfied with her answer. His wife was a very respectful young lady, he didn’t doubt her answer at all.

   (Your name) narrowed her eyes at Cedric. Cedric couldn’t be jealous, could he? It wasn’t his place after years of being together without him ever caring about her personal life or feelings. 

     “It’s cold. I’m ready to head back inside.” The couple made their way back in, unaware that Etrian had overheard their conversation. 

     The silver haired man determined to have (your name) change her mind about him.

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     Etrian had found out many things about (your name) over the last few weeks he’s been staying in the Lancaster’s palace. 

    (Your name) used to live in a tower here, she didn’t like tea, she liked to write and read, her favorite food was (favorite food), she liked to eat pudding sometimes as well, her favorite color was (favorite color), and she was almost always alone.  Just like Etrian usually was.

     Etrian was thrilled to be finding out all this information from the maids who were more than thrilled to talk to him. The Duke was especially happy that one of the maids had even slipped up and told him that (your name) was trying to divorce the Duke. It made Etrian’s heart soar at the thought of (your name) being on the market for marriage.

   It wasn’t very hard for him to bribe one of the maids into sending that paper work to the emperor either. Which would make his end goal even easier to achieve.

     Etrian peaked his head in the library, a smile on his face when he saw (your name) sitting in a chair, sketching some birds that sat in the window. He’d have to add drawing to his mental list of her hobbies.

     “Hello, (your name).” (Your name) nearly jumped out of her shoes when Etrian snuck up behind her. One of his tentacles affectionately caressing her cheeks, something she tried to ignore.

     “H-hi, Etrian.” (Your name) responded quietly. Placing her pencil down on the table.

     “I haven’t seen you in a minute. I missed seeing you around.” (Your name) tried to hold her tears in when his tentacles slowly began to wrap around her body, caressing her affectionately. 

     Over the course of Etrian’s stay, she’s noticed that his tentacles tend to tell his emotions. She could tell when he was excited, upset, annoyed, happy, or even sad. And the tentacles were especially fond of her, touching her any chance they got, much to her displeasure.

     “I’ve been around. I’ve just been spending a lot of time with my husband is all.” (Your name) tried not to flinch when she saw the tentacles suddenly point at her like swords. It’s seems she upset Etrian by mentioning Cedric. “I didn’t mean to neglect you.” 

     The tentacles instantly relaxed, going back to their idle position of affectionately caressing her.

    “How about you draw me?” Etrian asked, a soft smile on his lips. He really wanted to know how (your name) saw him. 

    (Your name) smiled, opening a new page to her sketchbook, her body shaking when Etrian took a seat in front of her. The black tentacles retracting into themselves, as if they too, were folding together like his black gloved hands on the table.

     (Your name) shakily got to work. Tears gathering in her eyes as she continued sketching the monster she saw in front of her.

     Etrian frowned at her nervous expression. Why was she so nervous? Didn’t she understand that they were soulmates because she could see him?

     (Your name) glanced up, her face going pale when she saw two tentacles directly pointed at her eyes. The tentacles opening up to reveal two icy blue eyes staring directly at her. 

    Etrian smiled brightly. She finally made eye contact with him-

     A lord thump was heard, (your name) had fallen out of her chair. Etrian quickly rose up, his hand grasping (your name)’s shoulders, helping her up. 

    “Are you alright, (your name)?” His eyes widened at the drawing that she had made so far. A dark octopus like head sat on top of his body, a deranged smile crawling on Etrian’s lips. He was so excited. She could see him.

     “I-I’m sorry, Etrian. I… I need to go.” (Your name) stuttered out before she grabbed her book. “I’ll see you around!”

     Etrian could only watch as she took off, his blue eyes glancing at the pencil she had dropped in excitement.

     She could see him… she could see him. The real him. The monstrous curse his mother and him both had. 

    Etrian picked up the discarded pencil, blue eyes glancing around the library, making sure no one was watching him. 

      Etrian then placed the pencil in his mouth, suckling on the wooden utensil as his eyes rolled back in his head. Etrian wondered how her fingers would taste in his mouth when he- 

     Oh he was getting a little too far ahead of himself. He needed to calm down a bit before revealing his insatiable lust for her.

      A very disturbed Cedric stood outside of the library. Why in the world was Etrian eating a pencil?

    The dark haired Duke now more determined than ever to keep Etrian away from his wife. By all means necessary. 

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     (Your name) laid in her bed. Her form covered in a lightweight, white gown.  It was a little chilly at night, but nothing she couldn’t manage. It was the feeling of eyes on her that she couldn’t shake off. 

    (Your name) slowly rose from the bed, shutting the curtain to her balcony. The feeling still not leaving her. Perhaps she was being paranoid after the library incident.

     (Your name) made her way back to bed, the duchess pulling as many blankets as she could on top of herself. Maybe if she went to sleep, she’d be able to relax? 

     As (your name) drifted off, she failed to notice a body laying under her bed. A certain silver haired man crawled out from underneath her bed before he stood over her, blue eyes greedily taking in the sight before him.

     Tentacles gently began to caress her body, a soft groan leaving her throat before she unconsciously cuddled into the warm appendages, causing a smile to crawl on Etrian’s face. 

    He knew she would grow used to him. Maybe if he started visiting her every night, she’d stop fearing him as much. Etrian reached a hand out to brush some of her hair out of her face. 

    His soulmate was so pretty and cute… he couldn’t wait to steal her away from here…

    Etrian hummed before walking over to her little desk in the corner. The male setting down a small (favorite flavor) pudding on her desk. 

     Hopefully she’d like his little surprise for her.

. 

. 

. 

     (Your name) had terrible nightmares last night about a certain tentacle man. Her body covered in a light sheen of sweat.

     “My lady, your husband would like to have breakfast with you.” One of the maids said at the door, the maid’s eyes widening at the helping of pudding on (your name)’s desk. “Did you order pudding last night?”

     “Pudding?” (Your name) furrowed her brow in confusion before her eyes widened in shock at the (favorite flavor) pudding that sat on her desk. “I didn’t ask for pudding…”

     (Your name) smiled softly. Maybe Cedric had gotten her some. He has been a lot more attentive lately. 

     “Tell him I’ll be there. I just have to clean up a bit.”

    The maid nodded before heading off, leaving (your name) to wonder who left her the mystery pudding.

. 

. 

. 

     “Thank you for the pudding, Cedric.” Cedric furrowed his brow in confusion at (your name)’s statement. “It was a nice sweet treat to have after a nightmare last night.”

     “Pudding? I never sent you pudding.” (Your name)’s face turned pale at Cedric’s words, a concerned look now on Cedric’s face as well. 

     “Then who knew I liked pudding and even my favorite flavor?” (Your name) nervously glanced over to the side. A certain man with a black octopus head, began to flail around excitedly before holding its tentacles like a shy school girl. And why were they slightly wet this time?

   Cedric followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing at the stoic Duke. There was no way Etrian was holding a torch for his wife right? Etrian wouldn’t sneak into her room to drop off pudding… no. Etrian was eating a pencil the other day. There was a chance Etrian was weird enough to break into a lady’s room.

    “Good morning, Duke and Duchess Lancaster.” Etrian bowed to the other dukes, his blue eyes studying Cedric face while his tentacles excitedly rubbed (your name) face. “I will be heading back to my empire in a week. I had a lovely stay here.”

    “I’m happy to hear that, Duke Graham.” Cedric gave Etrian a tight lipped smile, red eyes focused on the uncomfortable expression on (your name)’s face. 

   “I also heard a fun little rumor during my stay here.” Etrian placed a hand over his chin, an amused expression on his face. “I heard you two are getting a divorce.”

    “That isn’t going to happen now-“

   “Well you should’ve told that one little maid. Seems she sent the paperwork over to the emperor-“ Cedric quickly rose to his feet, his loud voice booming at the staff to quickly intercept the letter to the emperor.

    Etrian and (your name) now the only two left in the dining room. Etrian turned his head towards (your name), causing her to gulp in fear.

    “You’ll be single by the end of this week and I’ll be leaving home. When the emperor gets that letter, you’ll be demoted to a commoner.” Etrian cooed, his tentacles tightly wrapping around (your name), Etrian pulling her hand up to his face. Her body flinching when she felt his soft lips press against her hand. “So why don’t you become my wife? You won’t have to live as a commoner then and I’ll treat you well. Plus you can see what no one else can…”

    “What?”

   “Don’t play dumb. You can see me. The real me. And I can show you pleasure you’ve never felt before. Just think about it. I have 8 extra appendages compared to the average man.” Etrian whispered in her ear. “I’m also one of the richest men in the four empires. You’ll never have to struggle or starve again.”

    “Why me?” (Your name) whimpered, the tentacles slowly moving lower on her body, a few teasingly squeezing her legs and hips.

    “Because you can see me just like my dad can see my mom. Don’t you get it? We’re soulmates, baby.”

   (Your name) nearly cried when he pulled away. The tentacles smoothing out the wrinkles in her clothes.

    “Just think about it, okay?” Etrian smiled, the tentacles flailing around excitedly. “I promise you’ll be very happy.”

    “You bastard!” An angry Cedric hissed, a fist colliding into Etrian’s face, the silver haired man barely moving. The tentacles now pointing at Cedric like swords, causing (your name) to freeze in terror. “Why would you do that?! You sent that letter a week ago-“

    “You don’t appreciate your wife. I found all those letters, Cedric.” A taunting chuckle escaped Etrian’s throat, the tentacles sharpening as they prepared to strike Cedric at any moment. “You’ve probably never even touched her-“

    “Please stop!” (Your name) stood in between the two, tears cascading down her face. Cedric’s heart clenching at her terrified expression. It was just an argument, why was she so scared? “I’ll go with you. Just please don’t hurt Cedric. Please…”

     Cedric froze when he saw the thrilled smile on Etrian’s face. Leather gloves hands held (your name) face with such tenderness, it made Cedric sick to his stomach.  

     “I’ll make you so happy. You’ll never be sad again.” Etrian cooed, his blue eyes gleaming at Cedric. “You can stay in my room for the time being seeing to it that you’re now a single woman. I’ll get you a nice pretty ring when we reach my empire.”

     “What does he mean (your name)? You’re not going to marry him are you?” Cedric froze at the defeated look on (your name)’s face. Her (eye color) orbs tiredly glancing at Cedric. 

    “I’m sorry, Cedric.” Cedric could only hug himself as he watched his wife be dragged away by Etrian. The silver haired Duke excitedly droning on and on about how much she was going to love their new life together.

. 

. 

. 

     Cedric peaked through the doorway of (your name) and Etrian’s room. His heart clenching when he saw how he tenderly held her in his arms.

     It wasn’t fair… if Cedric never messed up, she would’ve never met Etrian… she would’ve never divorced him… they’d still be happy…

    But were they ever happy? No… Cedric couldn’t remember the last time they shared a smile together or even a dance. Cedric never really deserved her… but he didn’t think Etrian did either.

.

. 

. 

     Cedric could only watch as (your name) and Etrian headed off to the northern empire in a carriage together. The silver haired man fretting over her every need while Cedric could only watch from his study’s window in utter distaste and envy.

      “My lord, she left you a sketchbook.” Cedric glanced at the book, tears gather in his eyes as he looked at all the intricate drawings of birds. The swans being his favorite.

     The last drawing was what made Cedric’s blood run cold. A terrifying eldritch monster with a black octopus head over Etrian’s body stared back at him, a small note in the bottom of making a shiver run down Cedric’s spine.

     ‘I can see him, Cedric. He likes that I can see him. Help me.’

      Now Cedric knew why she was so terrified of Etrian… it was because he was a monster.

. 

. 

. 

    “I can’t wait for you to meet my mother.” Etrian cooed, his tentacles excitedly flailing around the carriage. One grasping (your name)’s chin. “You’ll like her.”

     “(Your name)… are you sad?” Etrian asked, the male grasping her hands in his gloved ones. “You won’t ever feel like nothing here. I’ll treat you to whatever you like.”

     (Your name) could only fully glance out the window. Her heart aching as she began to miss Cedric. She hoped he would at least be happy…

     A tentacle suddenly gave her a tight squeeze while another forced her head to look at Etrian. Smooth lips pressing against her own, her body shaking in fear as the tentacles began to grope her body.

    Etrian pulled away, her eyes widening when she finally got to see some semblance of a face on the man. A smile crawling on Etrian’s face.

    “There. Don’t think of other men around me. I don’t like it.”

     (Your name) could only silently cry as Etrian continued to press kisses on her face. His lips burning her with the  passion he held for her.

    “We’re going to have our wedding in a few days time once we arrive. Is there somewhere you’d like to go? Or something you’d like to do when we get there?”

     “I’m alright for now. Thank you, Etrian.” (Your name) politer responded, folding her hands in her lap nervously. 

     Etrian smiled before continued to excitedly chatter on about the wedding. His tentacles dancing around excitedly.

. 

. 

. 

      A regal woman with long silver hair and bright blue eyes stood outside of the Graham palace. Her cold gaze focusing on the carriage that had arrived. 

     Former Duchess Guinevere had gotten the news that her son had found a bride while he was in the southern empire. She just didn’t think her son would latch onto the other duke’s former wife so quickly.

     Her eyes glared at the pretty young woman who exited the carriage, her eyes widening when she saw her son’s tentacles all over the girl. The girl subtly trying to push them off. Her son had found his soulmate… Etrian had found his soulmate!

     A bright smile was on the former duchess’s lips, the servants immediately blushing and whispering to each other. Guinevere never smiled and here she was smiling at the fiancée her son had brought.

     “Welcome home, son. I see you brought me home a daughter as well.” Guinevere smiled, her blue eyes gazing intensely at the trembling woman who wouldn’t look her in the eye. Was it a possibility she could see Guinevere’s true form as well? How interesting…

     (Your name) tried her best not to cry at how much larger the octopus like creature that Etrian called his mother was. She was terrified at how the other woman’s tentacles were poking her face as well.

      “It’s very nice to make your acquaintance, duchess.”

     A hearty laugh let the woman’s throat, the regal woman gesturing for her servants to make her new family member feel welcome.

     “Please. Call me mother.”

.

. 

. 

    (Your name) tried her best not to cry at the feast Etrian’s family held for them. Etrian’s mother’s tentacles were all over the former Duke. Who didn’t seem to mind as much as (your name) did.

     “Welcome, my dear. I see you’re still getting used to Etrian’s… quirks.” The former Duke, Rolfe, smiled at the young couple. His eyes narrowing at his son intensely staring at (your name). “Etrian, I’d like for you to start a toast for your lovely fiancée here.”

     Etrian quickly sprang to his feet, one of his gloved hands holding (your name)’s. While to other held up a glass of Chardonnay.

    “I’d like to raise a toast to my lovely fiancée, (your name). I cannot wait to be wed to such a lovely girl who can stand to be around the real me.” No she could not. (Your name) was doing her best not to pass out at the table right then and there at all the eyes (and tentacles) that were on her. 

    “(Your name), my dear. I’m so happy my son seems so fond of you. He was such a lonely boy growing up…” Guinevere sighed, her tentacles cradling her body as she continued to talk about Etrian. “He loves reading all the time. I swear he loved books more than his own mother-“

    “Mother. Please. You’re embarrassing me.” (Your name) could only smile politely as Etrian’s tentacles pulled her closer to him. The male pressing a kiss to her head. 

    Guinevere only smiled all knowingly at her son and husband. Rolfe sighing before gazing at the young couple. “You both have our blessing. We can have the wedding as soon as you’d like-“

    “Tomorrow.” Etrian stated boldly, causing his father to laugh.

    “Impatient just like your mother was.” (Your name) could only watch as Rolfe tenderly caressed his wife’s affectionate tentacles. “I’ll send some dress makers down to your room tonight then.”

  “Dear, remember when we were young?” The older couple soon got into a private and affectionate banter. The two giggling and whispering to each other like a young couple in love. 

    “See? You’ll be happy here.” Etrian stated, the young Duke pulling out (your name)’s chair. “How about we go on a walk while those two continue to flirt?”

     (Your name) nodded, hesitantly taking Etrian’s hand as the much taller male lead her out of the dining room.

     Her octopus fiancé motioning to the portraits on the wall of the most beautiful family she’s ever seen. Rolfe being the only one she recognized in the portraits.

    “Who are they?”

    “You don’t recognize your own fiancé?” Etrian chuckled as he pointed to the tall handsome man with long silver hair in the portrait. “I’m right there or can you only see these?”

     (Your name) tried not to squeal when the tentacles starting tickling her, trying her best not to smile at how playful Etrian was being.

    “I… I can only see those.”

    Etrian suddenly pulled her to himself, pressing a long kiss to her left collarbone.

    “My mother said my father finally saw what she truly looked like on their wedding night. So maybe you’ll just have to wait till then to see me.”

     (Your name) smiled, casting one last look at the handsome man in the portrait. There was no way that person and this tentacle abomination were the same person.

    But then again, Rolfe seemed super into Guinevere with or without her tentacles…

. 

. 

. 

    (Your name) stood at the alter across from a more than eager Etrian. The tentacles on his head flailing around excitedly while also trying not to touch her until after the ceremony was over.

    “You may kiss the bride-“ the marriage officiant didn’t even get to finish his words before Etrian pulled (your name into a passionate kiss, (your name) shutting her eyes so she didn’t have to see how the tentacles were running themselves down every inch of her body.

    The crowd going wild at how happy Etrian seemed, much to the dismay of Duke Lancaster who sat the farthest away from the ceremony. The Duke fiddling with a dried sprig of baby’s breath. He was here for closure but he didn’t want to accept the fact that his wife had practically been forced to marry some sort of tentacle monster.

    Etrian pulled away before scooping (your name) up in his arms as the crowd cheered for their union. The silver haired Duke giving Cedric a victorious smirk.

     Etrian had won. (Your name) was his wife now. He even had something planned for Cedric as well. Something that would make sure that Duke get over (your name) for good.

. 

. 

.

    Cedric groaned, red eyes widening as he realized he was bound and gagged in a chair. The Duke of Lancaster nervously glancing around until he saw Etrian standing in front of him. The silver haired Duke giving Cedric a smirk.

    “I’m going to let you watch our wedding night.” Etrian smirked, causing Cedric to scream at him through the gag, only for no sound to come out. “And maybe if you’re good, I’ll even let you in. I feel kind of bad for stealing your wife but I’m not opposed to sharing her.”

   Cedric’s red eyes widened when Etrian pulled out a syringe. The dark haired Duke thrashing in his restraints, causing Etrian to shush him.

    “It’s just a very strong aphrodisiac. I want you to feel everything and I also gave some to (your name) as well. I want both of you to be as aroused as possible. Plus you’ll be able to see what she can see while you’re on these drugs.”

     No… he didn’t mean. Cedric gasped when Etrian stabbed the needle into his bare leg, pupils going wide at the true form of Etrian being revealed to him.

    “God. I’m going to love this.”

     Cedric could only slightly struggle, the friction from the rope turning him on. The male watching helplessly as (your name) stumbled into the room. The poor girl a panting mess as Etrian slowly began to toy with the lacy white undergarment that hid her body from Cedric’s eyes.

    “Look, (your name). I brought your ex-husband here to watch as I defile you.” A sharp gasp left (your name)’s throat when two of Etrian’s tentacles squeezes her chest, the poor girl panting as Etrian ran his hands down her hips and dipped by her privates. “We’re gonna give him a show, okay? And if you’re both good, I’ll let him fuck you too.”

    Cedric gasped when the tentacles suddenly ripped apart the lingerie on (your name)’s body his greedy eyes taking in the soft curves of her bare body. His head spinning with lust at the thought of being able to touch his wife.

   Etrian suddenly wrapped two tentacles around her wrists, holding them in place as he positioned himself behind her. (Your name) moaning loudly at how rough Etrian was being. 

    “What do you say, (your name)?”

    “Please.”

    “Please what?”

    “Please… take me, Etrian.” Etrian’s pink tongue darted out to lick her tears away, causing (your name) to blush. Right now she was able to see Etrian’s human face while under the influence of the aphrodisiac, much to Etrian’s joy. 

    “Good girl. You’re such a good girl, (your name).” Etrian sheathed himself in one thrust in (your name) a strangled cry escaping her throat as he started to pound into her like a madman. “Shit. Look at how well you take it.”

    “Ah! Ah! Ah!” (Your name) began to cry as she felt her body being pounded into and Cedric’s eyes on her. “It feels so good!”

    “Does it? How about this?” (Your name) began to cry as she felt Etrian’s tentacles rub against her clit, practically seeing stars at the intensity they were going.

    “Etrian! I’m going to-“ Etrian tightly grasped (your name) body. The white haired man releasing deep inside of her as (your name) rode out her orgasm. The Duke kissing her face as he turned to look at Cedric who had a mess between his legs as well.

  “You’re a sick freak, Cedric. Getting off watching another man fuck your wife.”

    Etrian cut Cedric’s binds with one of his tentacles before motioning over to the moaning mess that was (your name). “Have at it.”

    Cedric slowly rose up before greedily pressing kisses onto (your name)’s bare skin. The dark haired Duke slipping himself into her with ease. His pale hand grasping her hips tightly as he drilled into her doggy style.

    “Fuck. I love you, (your name).” Cedric cried as he started to go into a brutal pace. “We could make this work right? A throuple?”

    (Your name) cried and moaned as Cedric continued to pound into her poor abused body. Etrian placing his thumb in her mouth as he stroked his cock in another hand.

     “Shhh. How about you put me in your mouth while he has his fun. It’ll be nice to have something in your pretty mouth.” 

     (Your name) could only nod her head as Cedric continued to pound into her. His balls slapping roughly into her ass as she started choking on Etrian’s cock.

    “Look at that. Such a good girl taking two cocks. You’re gonna be both of our wife. It’ll be fun won’t it?” Etrian cooed as Cedric started to cry.

   “I’m gonna cum. Fuck. I’m gonna get you pregnant, (your name).” Cedric threw back his head as he came deep inside (your name) the other Duke panting as he collapsed beside (your name), who continued to suck off Etrian.

     “Look at us, (your name). All three of us are practically insatiable.” Etrian cooed as he watched Cedric start eating (your name) out. 

     “I told you I’d make you happy here.” Etrian cooed, (your name) pulling herself away from his cock to whisper.

    “Yes I love it here, Etrian. I love you and Cedric so much. Ah!” 

    “Such a good girl.” Etrian cooed, his tentacles wrapping around (your name) as he continued to play with her body. “You’re gonna be pregnant with twins by the time we’re finished with you.” 

    “Thank you… thank you…” (your name) cried as she felt her body be flipped over by Cedric who decided he was going to go for another round. 

    “Isn’t she such a good girl, Cedric.” Cedric nodded his head as he started pressing hot kisses on (your name)’s body.

    “You should be happy to know that you two never actually divorced and now the both of us are married to her. My empire just allows polyamory so it’s easier for us to have fun here.”

    “Isn’t that fun, Cedric? We’ll all be one big happy family.” Etrian soon pushed (your name) onto Cedric’s lap, who was still pounding into her like a madman.

    Etrian positioned himself behind (your name), a wicked smile on his beautiful face.

     “Now let’s see how well you can handle two cocks in one hole.”

[fqreverwinter]

“time-slipping”

— — — —

relationship: loki x fem!reader

summary: you were loki’s teenage love, but he lost you too soon. in his quest to save the sacred timeline, he time-slips to you, not knowing that you are the one thing that could help him.

warnings: none! :)

word count: 2.6k

notes: i guess i’m back in my loki era! this contains some spoilers for season two, so please read with caution if you have not seen it yet!

masterlist

The pain was like no other; time-slipping felt like Loki was being torn into a million pieces while being squished into a small box at the same time. Light flashed around him, making him feel dizzy whilst experiencing the excruciating pain. After the blinding few seconds that the phenomenon lasted, Loki finally landed in whatever spot the force thought he needed to be in next.

At first, he was confused. He was surrounded by trees and mountains—no where he had ever teleported to before. Once he got his bearings, he realized where he was.

Asgard.

It was strange. Each time Loki time-slipped, it was to a place that he had unfinished business in, whether it was the TVA in the past or the McDonald's in the way past that Sylvie worked in. He thought he had no unfinished business in Asgard.

He groaned. Unless it was to deal with his brother or his father.

As Loki began to curse whatever force was behind his teleportation for bringing him here to deal with his family drama, he heard a voice off in the distance. He paused, trying to determine where he knew this voice from. Then he heard it again and his heart skipped a beat.

"It can't be," he whispered under his breath, peeking around the tree that he spawned behind. But it was true. There, you sat, the first and greatest love he ever had.

You were on a stone bench in the middle of one of the many gardens of Asgard. Your hair was blowing in the soft summer breeze as you read aloud—your favorite way to read—a Midgardian book. Loki watched as you smiled or frowned with each line you read, taking in all of the features of your face that he missed so dearly.

You and Loki had met when you were teenagers. You lived in a cottage near the palace with your parents, both prominent jewelers in the realm. He came to their store one day with his brother to pick out a pair of earrings for the queen's birthday. You just happened to be sitting behind the counter talking with your mother when they arrived.

As soon as Loki laid eyes on you, he knew he wanted to marry you. You were the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. While Thor worked with your mother to find the gift for Frigga, he walked over to you and began a conversation.

Loki came to the shop almost every day for two weeks, asking about you every single time. You never really frequented the store, so most of the time, your parents would turn him away. After his thirteenth visit in fifteen days, your father had enough and finally took Loki back to your cottage, where you were baking, another favorite hobby of yours. Your father explained that this "obnoxious prince" had tormented the store for too long and just wanted the pain to be over, as Loki stood behind him with a sheepish grin. You laughed and invited Loki to sit with you.

The rest became history. You and Loki officially began dating after a few outings, mostly walks along the forest or snacking on fruit in the palace's courtyard. Loki was enamored with you, as you were enamored with him.

But the worst happened just seven months after your relationship began. Loki left the palace that morning with the intention of bringing you to the library within the palace, somewhere you had expressed interest in seeing but never had the chance to visit. He planned a whole day: explore the shelves, allow you to pick as many books as you wanted, then have dinner with him and his family so you could meet them properly.

As he approached your neighborhood, he noticed swarms of people standing outside the perimeters as guards blocked anyone from approaching. Curious, Loki walked up to one guard that he recognized and asked what had happened. The guard explained that last night, a group of bandits had broken into the home of a jeweler with the intent to steal some of the more precious jewelry that they kept there. The family woke up in the process and they slaughtered all three: a mother, a father, and a daughter.

The words struck Loki like a knife. His heart sank as he started to push past the guards, but they refused to budge.

"Your highness, we cannot let you through. They are removing the bodies."

"No! You must! That's my love!" he cried, still trying to push past. But it was no use. He peeked through the gaps between the guards to see if he could catch a glimpse of the scene. The only thing he was able to see was your hand, one that he recognized because of the gold ring you always wore. It was covered in blood.

Loki shook the flashbacks out of his head as he continued to watch you read on the bench. Quite honestly, he never got over that day. It sent him into a dark spiral, one that probably led him to making all the poor choices he did and landing in this godforsaken TVA in the first place. But then he wondered, why would the slipping bring him here?

He tried to move closer to you without being obvious, hoping that there was something in the surroundings that would explain his sudden landing here. As he tiptoed closer, however, he stepped on a branch, leading to a loud crack! Your head snapped up at the noise, and you made eye contact with him. Loki froze, unsure of what to do.

"Loki?" you asked. "Is that you?"

He hesitated before saying, "Uh—Yes. It's me."

You smiled softly. "What are you doing? Why are you hiding? Come here."

You shifted to the side as you closed your book and placed it on your lap. He took a breath before emerging from underneath the tree. He could see you clearly now, and your beautiful face made his heart began to race all over again

How could this be happening? he wondered. How could you be here?

"You look... different. What's with the outfit change? It's so strange," you said through a giggle.

Loki smiled at your laugh, something that he hadn't heard in so long but always brought him comfort. He cleared his throat and answered, "Um, I was trying something new. Do you not like it?"

You shrugged, "I wouldn't say it's my favorite look of yours, but I could get used to it. Come sit next to me. I missed you."

He took another deep breath before sitting beside you on the bench, moving so carefully in case you were to disappear at any sudden movement. You reached over and brushed a strand of his hair behind his ear, noticing a new scar on the side of his face.

"What happened, sweetheart?" you asked with a frown, tracing your finger over it. "How could this have happened since last night?"

"Uh, it didn't," he replied, panicking for a response.

You furrowed your brows. "Then how have I never noticed it before? And why do you look so... different?"

You leaned back and looked at him closely, noticing some key differences. He looked older than you were used to, so much taller and so much stronger. He looked exhausted and frustrated and anxious all at the same time. Something in you said that this was not the Loki you knew.

Loki sighed, deciding to come clean. He could tell you knew something was up. And of course you did; he was foolish to think that he could ever pull the wool over your eyes. You were never one to fall for his tricks.

"The truth is, I'm from the future. I'm stuck in this... bureaucracy that controls the timeline of the universe. Something happened and the timeline is falling apart, and I've been slipping in and out of different places in time as a consequence."

You looked shocked for a moment, then laughed. But when Loki's face didn't change, you stopped.

"You're serious?" you asked with a surprised expression.

"Unfortunately, I am," he replied, hanging his head. "For some reason, I spawned here. I have no idea why. You—You're dead. You died, darling. And I don't know if this is some sort of torture from the bastard at the end of time or if there is some other motive—but it's breaking my heart to see you."

You looked at Loki as he sat beside you, breathing heavily and shaking from the emotions coursing through him. His words sat in your thoughts—you die? Well, obviously, you die at some point, but you die young?

You had a million questions to ask him about this circumstance, but you knew that wasn't the reason he was here. You decided to focus on him instead.

"Loki," you began, placing your hand on his shoulder. He looked up at you with tears running down his face.

"Don't cry, my love. You were brought here for a reason, and I doubt it was torture. What are you trying to do with this timeline? Do you need to fix it?"

He nodded, "We have to stop it from branching or—or this dangerous man will escape and start a war."

"Right," you said with a nod, although the entire situation confused you. "So what is stopping you?"

Loki sighed and looked back down at his hands. "I—I keep doing this time-slipping, and I don't know why. I cannot figure out what I am supposed to do. I've been working at it for centuries at this point, and every time I get remotely close, something happens and it doesn't work. And there's one final option left—but I just can't bring myself to do it."

Your heart broke at his lament. You loved him so much, and you hated seeing him so beat down like this. Then, he froze before picking his head up and looking at you with that mischievous grin that you recognized.

"I know! I know why I was brought here! I'm meant to save you!" he claimed excitedly. "I-I can save you from your death, and that way none of this would have ever happened. I can correct the wrongs of the past and just be happy."

His smile dropped when he realized you didn't return his excitement. Instead, you placed your hand on his knee and gave him a sad smile.

"I don't think that's the solution, love."

"No! It is! It has to be! This is the only place that the time-slipping has taken me to that had nothing to do with the people I met at the TVA. Clearly, I'm meant to prevent your death so that we can live happily together and I never made the mistakes I did."

"Loki," you said with a sigh, taking both of his hands in yours. "You said you had a choice to make, that there was a final option. Why won't you do it?"

He looked at you right in your eyes, clearly confused as to why you wouldn't just accept the fact that he wanted to save you. "Um, well, it would mean I'd never get to see my friends again. Like, physically. I'd be able to see them but they'd never be able to see me. And ever since you have been gone, I have had the hardest time finding a group of people to accept me again. I am not willing to let that go quite yet."

"Love, have I ever told you the story about my old dog?" you asked.

Loki looked at you with a puzzled expression. "Uh, no, I don't think so."

"Well," you began with a smile. "Her name was Daisy. She was this gorgeous little retriever who could brighten anyone's day. I got her when I was just four years old, so we pretty much grew up together. She was my favorite thing in the whole wide world. Then, just a few years ago, Daisy started to slow down. She was tired all the time, and she wouldn't eat or play. So, we took her to the closest animal expert. He said that she was really sick. We had to make the decision to either try a medicine that might work but could leave her in pain for the rest of her life or let her go out on her own terms. Do you know what we did?"

He shook his head.

"My parents left the decision up to me because she was technically my dog. I decided to not try the medicine and let her die on her own. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I would have loved to have more years with my Daisy, but I knew that she would not be happy. In the end, I had to make the choice that I knew was right, even if it meant losing something I loved."

Loki looked at you with wide eyes, nearly on the verge of tears again. He leaned into your shoulder as you wrapped your arms around him. Somehow, you always knew just what to say to make him feel better.

"So, my love," you began again, holding him close to you. "Sometimes we have to make the hard choice. Sometimes you have to give up something you love. But in the end, it will be worth it."

You held him for a while, no words spoken between the two of you. You could tell that Loki needed this, he needed to just be around you for a little while longer.

Loki, now knowing what he had to do, just took in the moment for as long as he could. It had been years since he felt you. He memorized every curve of your body, every feeling he had touching you, the way you gently rubbed circles on his shoulder, the way you placed a soft kiss on his forehead every so often.

"Thank you," he finally muttered, sitting up and looking at your eyes again. "I just miss you so much."

"I know, sweetheart," you said. "But look at the life you have without me!"

Loki shook his head with a cynical laugh. "I tried to kill Thor, destroy Jotunheim, then take over Midgard until I was captured and forced into this bureaucracy. I have had no life without you, darling."

You looked at him in disbelief for a moment, trying to figure out what to say to all that. "Well, now you have the chance to make up for all that. Be a hero, my love. What's that thing you always say? Greater purpose?"

He laughed, "Glorious purpose, yes."

"Yeah, that! Do that, sweetheart. I'll love you forever, no matter what happens. You know that."

He nodded and stood up, finally feeling ready to take on his mission. As he rose, he noticed the world around you starting to turn into string. He could not bear seeing you disappear again like he saw all his friends. It would be too much, losing you twice. You looked around in confusion as well.

"What's going on?" you asked with a puzzled look.

"It's no matter. Just look at me," Loki replied. You turned to face him. He smiled, memorizing your face one last time.

"Thank you again, my darling. I love you more than you'll ever know."

You smiled at him one last time.

Somehow, Loki had figured out how to control his time-slipping. He felt it in his veins as he was able to spawn back in the TVA without any excruciating pain or blinding light. He looked around at all of his friends—all the people he met on this journey. He closed his eyes and pictured you, the beautiful you he saw sitting on the bench and reading your book. He took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and formulated his plan to save the world.

[solitudeintheheart]

I got this idea in my head and it's literally drowning me. It's a toxic thing with Konig, so if you don't wanna write that, I totally get it, just ignore it. (Your blog feeds my obsession 💀)

The team gets sent on a mission to debunk some cartel or smth and a long the way they run into a girl who was being held captive w the bad guys and since Konig finds her first, he saves her and since she has no one else, she clings to him and he is just obsessed with her. Like someone so innocent just attached herself to his hip and only trusts him and it makes him crazy for her because he's never had anyone like that. He tries hard in missions to get back to her, she waits up and keeps his bed warm so she knows he's okay. Anyone disrespects her? Dead. Talk about her in anyway but perfect? Dead. Touch her? Deader than dead. He's her savior and she's his girl. That's just how it is.

Perfect, perfect, perfect! A lovely request from your majesty. You really are a shining beacon to the kingdom, and I will happily accept!

I present to you…

STUCK LIKE GLUE

PART ONE | PART TWO HERE (2.0k words)

CW: guns, mentions of possible abuse, but other than that, just fluff

“These low-lives really like to run around and hide, don’t they Colonel?” Horangi speaks in a quiet tone as the Kortac team walks through a mountain-range forest. They were sent to catch a bunch of cartel-nobodies in the middle of a trade-off by surprise, but after the unit’s location was continuously found out, they had been on a wild goose-chase ever since.

“Ja, but we will get them this time. I feel it in my bones.” He had a confident tone, and his voice was raspy. “Let’s split up, we will find their transaction site faster that way.” König began to walk through the bushes, trying to make his steps as light as possible. His gun aimed and ready for anything that would pop out, he walked until he came across a small, worn-down shed. He hid behind a tree and saw a man sitting outside on his phone; he was probably supposed to guard the shed, but the lack of more security arose suspicions. He aimed his gun and fired, and the man fell to the ground. His eyes scanned the perimeter for any other enemies, and he determined everything was all clear. He walked to the side of the shed and peeked through the window, where he saw a woman with her hands and legs tied together. She lay on a tattered mattress, and it honestly seemed like she hadn’t had a bath in days, her only clothes were her undergarments. He looked inside the rest of the shed and saw no one else, so he walked back around to the door and opened it quietly. With the door now wide open, the woman backed away into the corner and trembled at the sight of such a large, hooded man before her.

“Please…please just leave me alone…” Her voice was shaky, and her eyes began to well up with tears. What had she really gone though?

“Do not worry, miss, I am not here to hurt you,” He stepped closer with as much gentleness as possible, trying his best to not scare her any further. He crouched low to the ground and laid his gun down, his hands in front of his chest with his palms facing her. “I am here to help you get out, if you will let me…?” He removed his glove and reached over to undo her restraints. She looked at his rough, coarse hands covered in calluses, and although it wasn’t the prettiest sight, she suddenly felt safe. Maybe this guy really could give her a home.

Once the ropes fell to the floor, she threw herself onto him in a tight hug. König couldn’t fathom the possible atrocities that were committed to this woman, and just thinking about them made him want to hug her back, but tighter.

“Colonel, we found the location. Where are you?” Horangi’s voice came through a radio on König’s chest, and he pressed a button on it to respond.

“I found one hostage in a shed. A woman,”

“They have hostages?” Horangi sighed quietly on the other end.

“I only saw one, but who knows if there will be more. Let’s just hope there aren’t.” König asked for the coordinates and looked down at the woman who was now staring at him.

“I need you to come with me so I can keep you safe, but we will be going near the bad men. Are you alright with that? You’ll have to obey my orders if you don’t want to get hurt.” His eyes softened for her, she looked around and bit her finger trying to make a decision.

“A-alright…” She said, and she was suddenly swept off her feet. König carried her bridal style so her bare feet wouldn’t scratch on the forest ground. To someone like her, he looked like a god; her savior in her darkest time. The entire time she was carried, she looked at him with awe.

“I need you to stay low and quiet, okay?” He placed her down a little far away and he patted her hair. He peeked up from the plants and regrouped with the rest, his hand gesturing forward for the entire unit to start moving towards the abandoned building where the trade-off was taking place. She looked through the shrubs and watched as they all surrounded the building and then bursted in. She cupped her hands over her ears when the sound of gunfire and yelling that seemed to last forever took place, and she worried if her savior wouldn’t make it out alive. What if he gets killed, or worse, what if he gets taken like she did? She waited until the gunfire stopped and she ran to the building, her feet getting scratched and cut by the sticks on the ground. She slammed the door open and looked inside, panting. Multiple guns were pointed at her out of caution.

“Warte, don’t hurt her!” König’s voice boomed through the building and everyone immediately put their guns down. Her eyes welled up with tears, and just as her knees were about to give in, he rushed to her side and held her up.

“I-I thought something bad happened to you…!” She clung to his shirt and cried into his chest; her sobs could break the hearts of people who didn’t even know what was going on. He wrapped his arms around her and let her cry all she wanted.

“Who is this?” They all began to walk closer, curious as to who had tamed the wild beast that was König.

“The single hostage,” He crouched down so they were now eye level and took off his gloves, his hands held her face. “Did you really think I’d let something bad happen to me? I’m tougher than I look, Liebling.”

What a spectacle it was to see König being gentle with someone, as the only side they’ve seen of him was one full of bloodshed and gore. Now it almost seemed as if flowers were growing around him.

“Do you have a home to go to?” He asked, and she shook her head.

“I had a father, but he was killed for not paying off his debts. It’s just me…” Her voice was still shaky, but she was no longer crying. He nodded and picked her up once again, he turned around to look at his team.

“She will come back to base with us, and I will take care of her. If any of you even try something, I’ll tear your limbs off one by one.” By his eyes alone, everyone could tell he wasn’t joking. This lost puppy has found its new owner, and he will make sure she never loses her way again.

————————

The ride back to base was silent, not because it was awkward, but because the team knew that if they even peeped a word and woke the girl, they’d regret it later. She was carried to König’s room and was sat down on a chair, König kneeled down in front of her as she rubbed her eyes.

“Do you think you have enough energy for a bath?” He asked while looking up at her. She nodded and stood up, he led her to the bathroom. He turned on the water and let the tub fill up before wondering how she was going to wash herself without getting hurt. It seems as though he really has taken her for a helpless animal that he came across, wounded and forlorn.

“I’ll look away while you undress and get in the tub. Make sure to sit with your back towards me so I can wash your hair.” He took off his gear and looked at the wall as he heard the sounds of clothes falling to the ground. There were small splashes of water when she stepped in, and it finally grew quiet.

“Alright, you can turn around now.” He turned around and sat on the floor of the bathroom so he wouldn’t accidentally see her naked body. He reached forward and splashed water on her hair before pumping shampoo in his hands and lathering it all over. He made sure to be gentle as his fingers massage her scalp, her head bounced backwards every so often from nearly falling asleep.

“Can you wash your body yourself?” He asked quietly and she nodded. She put body wash on her hands and foamed it up as she rubbed it on her upper body. Once he saw that she finished, he grabbed the shower head and rinsed her hair and body off.

“You can dry off now, I’ll wait outside.” He grabbed a towel and handed it to her, those small hands grabbing it with grace contrasting his rough hold. After König left the bathroom, he sat on the couch and leaned back, rubbing his eyes. This girl was now his responsibility, but he surprisingly wasn’t complaining. Normally he would prefer to not have to watch over someone twenty-four seven, but she was an exception.

She walked out of the bathroom with the towel on, but her hair dropped water on the floor. How could he forget to get her clothes? He rose up quickly and looked through his wardrobe, trying to find something for her to wear before she gets sick from the cold. He yanked out a large t-shirt and sweatpants and handed them to her.

“Are you alright with wearing this without undergarments? I’ll take you to buy some tomorrow after my mission, so don’t fret.” He gave her the clothes when she nodded, and he turned around, listening for the sound of fabric grazing against her skin. She tapped his shoulder and he shifted his body back towards her. His clothes fit very loosely on her, and the sweatpants were clearly big, but it would have to do for tonight.

“You can sleep on my bed for the night. I’ll set up some blankets down on the floor.” He looked under his bed and took out a box full of blankets, opening it and setting them down on the floor.

“No, I couldn’t…I’d feel bad,”

“And I’d feel worse if you don’t.” He looked up at her, he was kneeling on the floor trying to straighten out each of the blankets before she unsuccessfully tried to pick him up by the arm.

“Then let’s both sleep on the bed. Please?” She had those same eyes when he first found her, and as if some gravitational pull attracted him to her, he didn’t hesitate to move onto the bed and lay her down next to him. They were face to face when he laid down, taking in all of her facial features while the only thing the girl could look at were his eyes.

“I have to go wash up as well, so you should fall asleep first, alright?” He brushed the hair on her face behind her ear and sat up. “Oh, and don’t worry if you don’t see me next morning, my mission starts early. I’ll come back quickly, though.” He smiled and stood up, making his way to the bathroom.

————————

König stumbled to his quarters and opened the door, the girl lay on his bed sleeping peacefully. It had been around a month since she had come into his life, and he had already grown accustomed to her. He took a shower and walked back out to the bed, he lay himself in front of her and enveloped her in his arms. Her eyes fluttered open to see a maskless König, which she had the privilege of seeing weeks before, and she cuddled closer to him.

“When did you get back?” Her voice was quiet and muffled against his chest.

“Around thirty or forty minutes ago. You should go back to sleep.” He kissed her forehead and massaged her back, allowing her breathing to be his lullaby. She may have thought him her savior, but to him, this woman was his downfall. His only weakness was a girl who had looked to him for the comfort of a home.

[lolita-lollipop]

Ooooh I got an avatar request ;]

The reader has been friends with the sully kids for a while now but hasn't seen them ever since they moved to the metkayina clan. After hearing that kiri had fallen unconscious, she begs norm and max to accompany them to the islands, because she's worried about her friend. It pretty much follows the same as in the movie, they arrive, do a check up, find nothing and then get kicked out by neytiri. Reader is just chilling outside since she isn't allowed really allowed to be in the same room as kiri, but doesn't want to leave until she knows her firend is awake and healthy. The adults are talking with Jake, she's alone and that's where aonung and his gang arrive. Drama ensues. The conflict can be about literally anything and can end however you want, but there needs to be scene where the reader leaves a strong impression.

Sorry if the req I a bit long and thx <3

Protective

PROTECTIVE NETEYAM X HUMAN READER

When you had heard of kiri fainting underwater, it took you only a few seconds to grab your things and go beg norm to let you come with him. He was against it, of course, as he knew how the metkayinan people were with humans. But, you remained adamant, being that kiri was one of the best friends you'd ever had in your life, if she was hurt, you needed to be there. You wouldnt take no for an answer. Norm knew that.

so , you ended up sitting on a helicopter that was so old and beat up you thought it might fall out of the sky. Strapped down by a seatbelt, watching the waves pass by below. It made you nervous. The water, that is. Growing up in the forests with the sullys and norm, there was a lack of large bodies of water, the biggest was the falls under the hallelujah mountains, and even those were pretty little.

Also, on a more important note, you didn't know how to swim.

You don't know why, ever since you were little, water just freaked you out. Jake and neytiri saw that, and figured that you wouldn't need the skill of swimming, as you lived in the forest. Not out at sea. How ironic is that.

So, in your anxious state, you pulled at the wires of the mask, and tapped your nails at the metal of the chair. Staring down at how the waves washed over the ocean floor, unease slowly sunk into your mind, not only because kiri was sick, possibly dying, buut because you felt so out of your element. Norm noticed, but chose not to say anything, chalking it up to the fact that your best friend was in a coma.

When you landed, it only took a few moments to be surrounded with the natives, immediately lo-ak was on top of you in a bone crushing hug, you fell to the ground, and lo-ak proceeded to blow into your neck, tickling you like an older brother bullying his sister . Tuk then piled on top, then kiri, and then neteyam. THe metkayinas around stared at the odd display between human and na-vi. Strange. So strange.

But, a particular group of boys stood front and center, taking more notice than everybody else. They all snickered with eachother, staring at the alien freaks with an actual alien. They had all known of the sully families close association with humans, but bringing them here? And showing affection. Crazy.

“Lo-ak, tuk! Get off of her, now.” Neytiri hissed, pulling the four off of you, dropping them, and then giving you a small hug herself, her touch lingered for a little bit, but you chose not to say anything, neytiri was practically your mother. Hugging was A human tendency you liked, even though they very rarely did it.

Oh god how much you missed these people, you weren't allowed to come with them, mainly because it was dangerous for you to be far away from other humans, lest your mask break and you didnt have a backup, they didn’t want to risk it. But you still loved them so very much, and jumped at the chance to see them.

It didn't take very long for norm to be lead to where kiri was, and along with him, you. The sight of her alone brought so much happiness, you wanted to go up and tackle her, and scream to her about how much you missed her. To gossip about her brothers and others in this new place. THen you remembered she was unconscious, and that someone would probably pounce on you if you tried. A woman was huddled over her, crushing some form of healing herb.

You chose to stand by the doorway, making the active decision not to approach, you were one of the only people in human form here, also the only one without any medical experience, or anything that could help, other than that you were her friend. Norm sent a short glance your way, and then proceeded to approach kiri. You gathered by the door for a little while, then chose to sit outside and watch the water.

You were wary at first, staring at the little fish dancing about, but as norm took a painstakingly long time, it let you warm up to the flowing form of ey-wa. By the time an hour passed, you were lying chest down on the dock, both of your hands in the water, swirling figure eights into the foamy sea. The small sea creatures ebbed and flowed, following your hand , you watched the glittering little white squids play your fingers, they were almost cute.

You'd never seen such creatures before, they were different from any fish you’d ever seen at home, even in the biggest bodies of water. Your eyes followed them as they perked up and down in the water, putting on a show for you. The little squids held your attention so well that you barely even noticed the heavyset footsteps behind you. Not until it was too late.

A large hand hooked around your ankle, and with a swift motion, threw you off the peer, no warning, just a harsh splash as you plunged face first into the water. Shattering your mask along the way.

You hit the water heavy, diving in head first with a bent neck to the point of pain. All of a sudden, panic filled your lungs just as fast as water did, and you forgot all of the things anybody had ever told you about swimming, which already, was very little. You hadn't realized how deep the water really was, and before you knew it, you panicked more. Oh god.

your body Is sinking.

You flung your hands around, thrashing and splashing in the deep water, the fish around you swam around in a circle, seemingly trying to help. The glass that had broken upon impact found it's way into your eyes, and you let out a scream, continuing to thrash around.

Any efforts made to rise back to the surface were beaten by your lack of oxygen, and as the last bubbles of air left your mouth, you choked on your tongue, and began to fully drown. Black spots danced around in your peripheral vision, slowly closing in on you, your throat closed up, and your thrashing began to be much less violent, instead being replaced with small, weak movements.you heard yelling, but it was too far away to understand.

And then it all went blank.

---

“Tell them! Tell them what you told me!” A voice echoed around you. when you came to your senses, and were able to open your eyes, you were sitting in your own puddle of water, wet clothes and wet hair. A salty taste in your mouth. Your head was in Tuk’s lap, and she held an oxygen mask over your mouth and nose, smiling at you goofily when you met her eyes.

Your eyes burned, and you could feel how red and puffy they were without even touching them. You took deep breaths, remembering what it felt like to have all the air in your system sucked out of you, to slowly sink down with the increasing pressure of the water. So, instead of focusing on that, you sat up, locking eyes with neteyam, who was holding anoung by his ear, yelling at tonowari and ronal.

“It was supposed to be a joke- I didn’t think the human would drown!” The teal skinned na-vi slurred out, his mouth was bleeding, and a nasty blue bruise was already beginning to form on his temple. Jake and neytiri just stared at the scene, choosing not to speak, neither of them had ever seen neteyam so… unhinged.

Usually, he was the most perfect oldest child any parent could ask for, following rules, having a kind heart, listening like a puppy. But now. He had a look, more than a look really, his entire posture had changed, he looked uncontrolled, he looked like lo-ak . Neteyam punched that metkayina boy so fast it was uncanny. He looked feral, as the boy glanced between you and anoung, there was a deep ferocity in his gaze.

Even neteyam himself didn’t understand why he was acting like this, but seeing you underwater, and seeing the little pieces of glass from your mask float to the top, seeing you struggle so hard. It brought out something in him, something that made him want to bus anoungs face in. His dad even told him to calm down, but he still punched him in the face so hard it brought stars in his vision.

Nothing they say would change a damn thing. So they stayed quiet.

“The human has a name. What if she had died? What would you have done then? Would it still have been a joke?” Neteyam continued to scream, smashing the back of his head. The Navi boy just looked down in embarrassment, people were staring now. Including You, who was staring wide eyed at neteyam, not knowing wether to be mildly afraid at the sudden change in character for him, or to be happy that he’s so keen on defending you.

“Well, she didn’t, she’s fine.” Anoung replied, shoving off neteyam, who hissed at him in return, you wanted to laugh at how strange the boy you’d known since you were just a baby was acting. He was never so harsh, and he never got into conflict unless lo-ak started it. Was he really going this far for you?

Apparently, yes he was.

“Ill fucking kill you, you fish brained fu-“ neteyam puffed his chest out, curling up his fists and making the motion to run up and sock him in the face, again. Lo-ak, bring the chaotic instigator he is, was of course, cheering his brother on, neytiri hushed him.

This wasn’t good, they had clearly worked so hard to develop their relationship with these people, and you’d crushed it down in a few seconds. So, instead of letting things get worse and making the entire sully family get kicked out, you stood up from your spot, pulling your hand away from Tuk, and slowly walked to neteyam. You seperated the space between the two idiots, and eventually grabbed neteyams hand.

“Neteyam, Stop it. I’m fine.” He scowled at you, breathing heavily, barely able to contain his anger. But he still listened to you anyway, choosing to follow you away as you walked back to kiris hut. His hand found it’s way placed firmly on your shoulder on a protective stance, and he turned around one last time to meet anoungns gaze, smirking at the blood that left his nose and mouth, daring him to say anything. He didn’t.

“If anybody ever touches you again, I’ll shoot them. I love you too much to see you hurt” He squeezed your shoulder with a smile, sending death threats with such ease. You let out a short laugh, and let him walk you away, choosing to ignore how his “I love you” felt different all of a sudden.

“I probably won’t be taking you up on that offer.”

—-

*bonus*

“Someone’s got a boyfrieeendddd” kiri teased, wiggling her fingers at you and dragging out the word for way too long. This is how you were greeted when you walked into the hut. Tuk had been gossiping with her about it, and had filled her in completely.

“What?”

“Y/n and neteyam sittin in a tree k-i-s-s-i” tuk started, and kiri giggled at how red you automatically got at the mention of him. You didn’t know what to do, you couldn’t just leave because that would be even more embarrassing, but you also didn’t want to talk tot he. About it-

“Shut up- oh my god shut up- somebody will hear you”

“oHhHhHhHh somebody like neteyam?” Kiri kept going, practically yelling out the words for anybody who was even remotely close to hear. You covered your face with your hands in embarrassment and glared daggers at the two giggling toddlers.

“I will kill both of you right now.” Your threats only seemed to spark more enthusiasm from the both of them, and even though you tried your hardest to get them to shut up, nothing worked. They went through fit after fit of giggles, until eventually kiri paused from laughter.

“Ok ok fine- you just have to promise me one thing.” Sending one of her smiles to you, the one that makes you know

“…go on.”

“Promise that my brother won’t steal you from me forever. And I mean it- I want my designated hour a day-“ she joked, still very loud, still doing anything and everything to make you as embarrassed as she could.

“Jesus Christ. Yeah, I promise

Your brother won’t steal me forever”

———————————————————————-

Ngl I’ve been reading way too many father jake x daughter reader fics and it’s rotting my brain away. But if you want to request those I’m so down.

Anyways I completely misunderstood this as a neteyam x reader request and only saw it once I was finished. And there is no way I’m deleting an entire fic now. So I hope it’s good

Thanks for requesting anon! And thanks so much for reading my lovely readers!

[bookished]

( a collection of starters. adjust phrasing as necessary.) feel free to make edits to better suit your muse, but please don’t edit or add on to the original post 💛 if you like, please consider supporting me through tips

The old, leather-bound journal was found hidden under the floorboards of the abandoned mansion. Its pages contained cryptic messages and a map that seemed to lead to something of great value—or danger.

In a world where the stars can be plucked from the sky and turned into powerful talismans, a young orphan discovers a constellation that has never been seen before. It points to a destiny that could change the fate of the entire realm.

During the height of the Renaissance, a young artist discovers a hidden chamber in the heart of Florence. Inside, she finds sketches of inventions far beyond her time and a letter addressed to her, written centuries ago.

Two strangers meet on a delayed train during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. As they share stories to pass the time, they realize they have more in common than they ever imagined—and that fate might have brought them together for a reason.

In a small, isolated village, people start to vanish without a trace. The only clue left behind is a symbol carved into the doors of their homes, a mark that matches ancient legends of a vengeful spirit.

In a future where emotions are controlled by the government, a young woman discovers an underground movement that aims to restore true feelings to humanity. She must decide whether to join them or stay in the safety of her regulated life.

Every night, a small café in the city transforms into a magical place where time stands still and dreams come to life. Only a select few know about its existence, and one day, an ordinary person stumbles upon it by accident.

A high school student finds an old camera at a garage sale. When they develop the photos, they see glimpses of the future. Now, they must navigate high school life while trying to change events they know are coming.

"I don't believe in coincidences, especially not ones involving missing people."

"You mean to tell me you've never seen a dragon before? Where have you been living, under a rock?"

"The prophecy spoke of a hero, but I never imagined it would be someone like you."

"This isn't just a piece of space debris; it's a message."

"Our planet was destroyed. We're the last survivors, and we need your help."

"Do you really believe the king will pardon us if we find the lost treasure?"

"She's a woman in a man's world, but she'll change history, mark my words."

"I didn't come here to fall in love; I came to find myself."

"Every letter I wrote to you, I wrote with my heart in my hand."

"That house has been abandoned for years. Why would anyone go inside willingly?"

"The shadows in this place…they move when you're not looking."

"There's a map, but it's missing the most crucial part—the key to decoding it."

"I've been to the highest mountain and the deepest sea, but I've never seen anything like this."

"Freedom is an illusion they sold us to keep us compliant."

"We've been living in a lie. It's time we uncover the truth."

"Every night at midnight, the old clock shop comes alive. Haven't you ever noticed?"

"They say the forest spirits grant wishes, but only to those who ask with pure intentions."

"I found this old diary in the attic, and it’s like it’s talking directly to me."

[queen-of-deans-booty]

Love Story

Pairing: Sam Winchester x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.2k

Warnings: minor angst, mostly fluff

Request by @fuiabarcelos: I was thinking of a fluffy one-shot inspired by "Love Story". The reader is a kind and charming girl, but she was raised by Crowley. The reader falls in love with Sam, but Crowley does not approve of this relationship because he is a hunter. Oh, I really like the idea of having a ball, like in the video clip. But I want you to feel free to add whatever details you prefer🥰❤️

Summary: You and Sam have a very secret love. Your dad hates the Winchesters and hates that you're with them all the time. He tries to keep you in Hell but you always manage to find your way back to the youngest Winchester.

Square Filled: “where have you been? Do you know what time it is?” (2023) for @heavenandhellbingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

You peek into the main throne room where your adoptive dad is. He is sitting on his throne going through paperwork with a demon by his side. Maybe if you go the back way, your dad won’t see you sneaking out… again. It’s his own damn fault that he’s trapping you in Hell. You hate it here. You hate everything about it. You hate demons. You hate the King of Hell. You hate the torture. You want to live life on Earth but your dad doesn’t want you to get mixed up with humans.

After all, you’re only half-human.

There are many doors in and out of Hell, and some of them aren’t even guarded. You’ve been here long enough to know which ones are safe and which ones are heavily guarded. You’re out in record time and already on Earth, loving the feel of the sun on your skin. Everything about Earth is amazing; you’re not sure why people hate it so much. You love the waterfalls, babbling brooks, heavily guarded forests with tall trees, mountains that seem to reach the sky, gentle winds, and sandy beaches.

Why would anyone want to leave here?

There is only one person you came here to see, so you head over to the rendezvous point and wait for him. Ten minutes later, you hear the delicious rumble of the Impala pulling into the parking lot. Sam steps out and you go running into his arms.

“Sam!”

He catches you so you can wrap your legs and arms around his body, and you kiss him like you’ve been wanting to do since your last hook-up. It’s been so long since you’ve gotten to feel his touch and kiss his lips. Your dad likes to keep you locked up in Hell for as long as he can. He doesn’t like you embracing your human side.

“I’ve missed you,” you whisper against his lips. “It’s been hell waiting to see you again.”

“I’m here now. I got us a room.” He sets you back on your feet and guides you to the room he booked for the night. “It’s not luxury but—”

“It’s perfect. Trust me, I’ve lived worse. This is actually an upgrade. Where’s Dean?”

“Back home.”

“He was okay with you taking his precious car?” you grin.

“He might have been drunk when I asked him.” You giggle. “So, how’s Hell?”

“Hell. Crowley doesn’t see that I hate it there. I keep finding new ways to escape no matter how much security he has.”

Your dad doesn’t approve of your relationship with a human, especially a Winchester. Not like you care what he thinks. You are in love with Sam, and it’s because of your human side that you can feel things like love, pain, and happiness. Your biological dad was a demon who came to Earth and fucked a human woman. Crowley was the one who found you and took you under his wing. You’re not sure if he did that to have a daughter or to have a powerful Cambion on his side.

You gained the powers of a demon while still having your human soul in you. You’re very powerful but you don’t like using your powers. You didn’t ask to be born this way so you’re going to do everything you can to hold onto your humanity. Sam is that anchor. Without him, you’ll succumb to the dark side.

It’s rare to have an entire night with Sam so you two spend it talking, catching up, making out, and enjoying each other's company. By the morning, you two hadn’t gotten any sleep. He’ll probably rent this for another night and sleep before going back to Dean, but you have to get back to Hell before Crowley notices you’re gone… if he hasn’t already. He hasn’t sent a fleet of demons after you like last time, so you think you’re in the clear.

“I have to go,” you whisper.

“Stay one more hour.”

“If Crowley knows I’m gone, I’m in big trouble. That might mean trouble for you.”

“Eh, I can handle a few demons he sends my way.”

“Still. I love you but I have to go,” you say and kiss him quickly. “Until next time, my love.”

You use the same way you took when you escaped Hell in hopes your dad didn’t notice you were gone. He tends to leave you alone when you’re in one of your moods, so you made sure to act out right before leaving.

Hell seems quiet when you get back but you don’t let that fool you. Usually, that means your dad is out conducting business but that can also mean he’s set a trap for you knowing you were gone. You sneak past a few of the guards and get to your room but you’re not safe yet. You close the door as quietly as you can but jump when you notice a shadow in the corner of your room.

“Where have you been? Do you know what time it is?” Crowley scolds.

“You’re not my dad,” you roll your eyes and take off your jacket. “Stop acting like one.”

“I am the one who raised you!”

“Only because you had to, not because wanted to. You wanted a soldier on your side but I don’t want to embrace my demonic side! That just pissed you off!”

“Where have you been?” he asks again.

“Does it matter?”

Crowley gets up and walks over to you. He leans in and sniffs the air only to roll his eyes in annoyance.

“You’ve been with Moose.”

“If you knew then why did you ask?”

You push away from him and open the door to let him know that you don’t want him in your room anymore.

“You know I don’t want you seeing him.”

“Tell me why. What has he ever done to you?”

Your dad laughs as if you’re a fucking comedian.

“Squirrel and Moose are a pain in my ass ever since I became the King of Hell!”

“How is that my problem?”

“Watch your tone, young lady,” Crowley glares.

“I am going to bed. Please leave,” you sigh.

Despite still having this conversation, he walks to your door.

“You are not to see that man ever again. He is a hunter who hunts our kind.”

“Your kind. I am not a full demon! I still have my humanity left, and that’s something you’ll never have.”

“You are the child and I am the adult!” You’re not really a child, just much younger than he is. “You are not to see him again. In fact, I’ll have someone assigned to you to make sure you stay here. You have duties here you need to fulfill.”

“I hate you!” you scream and slam the door in his face.

“Kids,” Crowley rolls his eyes.

Crowley kept true to his word and kept you locked in Hell for the next couple of days. Thank God for wireless internet because that’s how you’re able to contact Sam from Hell.

I am going insane here. Crowley wants this perfect demon daughter. I just want to be with you.

Maybe you can. Dean and I are going on a hunt involving a shapeshifter who robs people and takes on their forms to steal whatever they have left. They “kill themselves” as soon as they’re done and move on to the next victim. We tracked him down to a ball of some kind. Want to join us?

Say less. Where is it?

As soon as you got the address from Sam, you concocted your plan of escaping again. This time, you’re going to use your powers to get what you want. If Crowley wants to send his minions after you to keep you here, you’re doing whatever it takes to escape their clutches.

You open your door and the guard standing there turns to face you.

“Are you really going to keep me locked in my room?”

“No. I’m here to escort you to wherever you want to go.”

“How charming. I’d like something to eat. Can I do that alone or do you need to be up my ass for it?” The guard shifts uncomfortably in his spot and you roll your eyes. “Come on.”

You leave your room but quickly turn and place your hand on his head. You pull him into you and use your powers on him. His entire body glows orange as you slowly kill him from the inside. He’s just following the King’s orders but he’s an unnecessary evil. You drag him into your room and throw him on your bed to make it look like you’re sleeping. If Crowley comes in, you might fool him long enough to meet up with Sam.

You don’t have clothes for a ball so you’ll have to get some when you get topside. You use the same way as you did last time to leave Earth and end up in the city that Sam and Dean are in. It’s easy to snag an outfit with your demonic powers in a city that has a bunch of rich people.

Once dressed in a beautiful golden dress with open sleeves, you head to the beautiful mansion that already is flowing with a bunch of people. Sam and Dean are at the front when Sam spots you. He looks so ravishing in his tuxedo but he has metaphorical stars in his eyes.

“Where did you get this?”

“Do you like it?” you grin and spin for him.

“I love it.”

“Damn, Y/N, you know how to clean up for a demon.”

Dean hasn’t yet come around to you dating his brother. He only tolerates it because you’re half-human.

“It’s always nice to see you, Dean.”

“Seriously, you look stunning,” Sam compliments.

“Thank you,” you grin and kiss him. The music is very elegant and slow-moving but the DJ puts on something that you can waltz to. “Let’s dance!”

“Let’s slow it down a bit. Grab a partner and join us on the dancefloor.”

Sam looks at his brother who nods.

“Go dance, Romeo. I’ll keep an eye out for our shifter.”

“Yay! Let’s go.”

You grab Sam’s hand and drag him to the dancefloor where there are other couples. The woman stands on one side of the dancefloor while the men stand across from you. They bow down and the ladies curtsy at the start of the dance, and you step toward Sam. You extend your hand to him and he goes to grab it but stops before he can make contact with your skin. You step in a small circle around him before suddenly switching positions.

You’ve never done the waltz before so you’re letting the music guide you. You’re not entirely sure you know what you’re doing but Sam takes over. He’s done a few of these dances in college so he knows some of what he’s doing. Meanwhile, Dean is scouting the area for the shapeshifter, content with doing this by himself. A shifter is nothing and he doesn't really need his brother.

At the end of the dance, you pull Sam close and kiss him lovingly. You pull away when you feel a shift in the air, and you look to the right to see demons standing at the entrance of the mansion. Shit, they found you. Crowley found you. If you split from Sam now, they’ll leave him alone and go after you. They won’t dare go after a Winchester. That’s like going into a gunfight with a knife.

“Meet me by the gazebo outside,” you whisper to him.

You’re gone before Sam has a chance to question you. You leave the room before the demons catch you. Maybe you can make it out of here without them knowing. However, you can’t leave without saying goodbye to Sam. You make it to the gazebo outside and wait for Sam to come. The gazebo is fitted with golden lights that make it look like it was torn right out of a fantasy book.

“Hey, what are we doing out here?” Sam whispers from behind you.

“Demons are here. They haven’t seen me yet but that means Crowley knows I’m gone. I killed the guard outside my room.”

“You’re quite the troublemaker, aren’t you?” Sam chuckles.

“Crowley thinks he can tell me who I can and cannot date. He hates you.”

“Yeah, he has good reason to.”

The feeling you got when you felt the demons in the room is getting stronger. They’re looking for you and will find you if you don’t move now.

“Shit, I have to go now. They’re coming for me. I wish I could stay here forever with you. Dean needs you and I need you to not get killed by my dad’s minions.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. When will I see you again?”

“Probably sooner than you think. I’m more powerful than Crowley realizes. He can’t hold me.”

You kiss Sam before parting ways with him. You hate the situation you’re in but you love sneaking around with Sam. It’s the thrill of the chase, and someone like Crowley isn’t going to keep you from being with your one true love.

x

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[siriuslychessi]

For the @jilychallenge a bit late since this was for July.

Partners: @tedwardremus and @thecasualauthor

AO3 | FF

Summer trip to (uninhabited, remote, idyllic holiday) island but by accident A & B are left behind alone (or they miss the boat back to main land or a shipwreck (boat wreck??) happens

James Potter could never stay still, it was a blessing and a curse. He could be bored to death in a class and he would always be restless somehow. He would either bounce his leg, write on the corner of his books and parchments, or play with a stolen Snitch when professors were not looking. 

It wasn’t James’ fault that he was so full of energy, he did try to stay still, he did try to seem like he was paying attention, but in reality he was bored in many of them. Having eidetic memory and an abundance of energy really played against him. 

However, when it came to classes outdoors James became much more serene. He loved Care of Magical creatures, going to the grounds exploring, or how he needed to get his hands dirty with Herboly, but what had gotten his attention lately was Astronomy. 

Professor Pruitt had a hands-on approach to teaching, he rarely liked the Tower for his teachings and was always testing their knowledge in the field (near the Forbidden Forest), which James was always excited for. And even if at first he took the class for an easy O, now it had become one of his favourite ones. 

For his 6th year students, Professor Pruitt had a surprise; they would travel to the coast to be able to watch a comet that passed near earth every 60 years, and this time around it would be visible in the southern part of the country. 

It meant a trip with the Astronomy class for two nights, maybe if the weather would allow it they might be able to enjoy a bit of the beach before returning to classes and tests, and all the things they needed to overcome before the end of the school year. One last trip of fun before going back to the responsibility of the upcoming reality that awaited them back home. 

James and his friends were beyond excited. Even if Sirius already knew the sky like the back of his hand, Remus was so determined to get as many O’s as possible that he learned everything he could from the book the Professor used for class. Peter was something to admire, he might not know every star, but knew every constellation name and their stories, and how they related to magical events. It was a thing of wonder.

All they could do was plan for the trip and hope that the usual group of bigoted students wouldn’t make things worse. 

Once they finally arrived at the Isles of Scilly the weather was amazing, it screamed to ditch the group and just got to the beach, however Professor Pruitt had other plans. 

“Before I lose you lads to the island, I must remind you that this is not a leisure trip, we are here with a purpose, and thus I must give you these.” The older man handled everyone a parchment with a copy of the assignment, “The comet will be visible around 4am, so we must get there before that and settle, some muggle bystanders might be around, so please refrain from using magic.” he explained, as he finished handling the paper, “You have been randomly paired, no you can not swap, and I expect a full report by the end of this trip. That is all.” 

James was sure that whomever he would be paired with it wouldn’t be too terrible. 

As he scanned the paper he heard a familiar voice exclaim: “Potter?!”

Lily had read the list of things they needed to measure and how to better calculate the trajectory of the comet to get accurate readings and optimal experience. She knew that celestial events affected living beings and that might affect the ingredients and steps in potion making, so she was taking this class fairly seriously, as she wanted to pursue a career in Potions. 

Everything seemed in order, instructions were straight forward, and she could actually picture herself relaxing before going to the top of the nearby mountain for a better view.

That was until she saw the name of the person she was paired with: James Potter.

The gods did not smile upon her, Lily had had a weird relationship with the fellow Gryffindor, they weren’t on bad terms at the moment, but she felt that they were not exactly friends. And in spite of him being a great student, and probably a great teammate, she just remembered how he could not stay put for more than 5 minutes. Which might infuriate her at the end of a long evening. 

After she, unintentionally, said his last name out loud, everyone in their group turned to her. The tone of her skin matching the one of her hair. 

“All right, Evans?” she heard James Potter asked.

Lily blushed harder. 

“Yes, just didn’t expect us to be paired.” she admitted, putting the parchment inside her back. 

James seemed like he was mulling over something, was she really that loud? Was her tone that annoyed? She didn’t want to go back to the awkward phase they were in after 5th year, once was enough. They have so many friends in common she did not want to go back to weather talk. 

“I thought somehow you would charm the papers to be with Sirius, we all know you two can not be apart.” she tried joking, making some eyes roll. 

“He knows he can’t have me forever, Red.” Sirius chipped in, “I should find McKinnon to sort the schedules.” he explained, patting James' shoulder, who looked disheartened, he was not looking at Lily, nor at Sirius leave. James was just nodding to his friend’s statement.

One by one they all went to their partners trying to come up with a plan where they could all enjoy and do the assignment. Leaving James and Lily alone to speak. 

James ran his hand through his hair, messing it more than it already was. Something she had noticed increased near herself. 

Did she make him nervous?

“We should also try to schedule our times.” she offered, hoping that it would be an olive branch more than anything. 

Every interaction with James and Lily seemed weird, they were not on bad terms, they were amicable towards each other, but it seemed that as much as they both changed (individually and as friends) things weren’t smooth. James was always afraid of saying the wrong thing, and Lily always believed she was too hard on her fellow classmate, when lately she could see more of his point than she cared to admit. 

After a lot of fidgeting from James, not knowing what to do with his pent up energy. And Lily’s rambling and blushing, they decided that they would each pack a bag with different things, a thermos of warm tea, and met in front of the hotel at 3am when the classroom decided to leave with the Professor. 

Both of them tried to enjoy their day with their friends and did a bit of exploring around, enjoying the different view from Scotland and Hogwarts grounds. And one would say that they would be exhausted after a day at the beach where they did anything but lay down and sunbathe. 

However, James’ restless energy was too much to be contained. He did try to get a few hours of sleep, tossed and turned in bed as his mind went over the things in his bag, making a mental list trying to not forget anything, if he did he was sure that the awkwardness between him and Lily would be more palpable. But in spite of double checking that everything was correct, he could not find rest. 

Checking the watch on his nightstand he saw that it was around 2am. He still had one hour to meet with Lily, and the rest of the class, and judging by how awake he really was it would be almost impossible to fall asleep.

Suddenly an idea formed, it wasn’t a particularly bold one, but it was better than staying in bed looking at the ceiling.

Gathering his things, leaving a note in the nightstand and trying not to wake his best mate sleeping in the bed next to his, he climbed down the room to the front of the little hotel and to the street. 

The night was chillier than he expected, the day was so warm that he forgot that they were still in the United Kingdom and not some tropical place. It was good that he decided to bring a jumper. 

During the day James and his friends went exploring around, they found the place where Professor Pruitt had decided to take his students to see the comet. It was a nice mountain that overviewed the island. He figured that he had enough time to go up there, set the equipment in the best spot; gain some points with Lily, and go back before they needed to meet. 

Some people might think he was crazy and he would be beyond exhausted when he would get back with the group. Hindering the project in the process. But James knew that it was the opposite, he would be the right kind of tired, where he would be useful instead of trying to stay still and failing in the process. 

That’s how his journey started, with a positive attitude and considering if he should get snacks after he got back. 

The moon was half full, making it ideal to see the sky but also to not trip over the walk, and the path to the viewing spot wasn’t steep, with a good pace anyone could make it up and back. 

Due to the hour James imagined the path to be deserted, he figured he could transform into Prongs once he was more hidden by the surrounding trees, enjoying the freedom of running around a new landscape. It would be a great way to go and come back, doing even better time; not wanting to be late in case Lily decided to be there earlier than what they had agreed upon. 

Closing his eyes he focused on the familiar shapes of Prongs; the long legs, the white fur, the itchy antlers that were about to shade. Everything to evoke the perfect transformation. 

Feeling the familiar pull in his gut he let every other thought out from his head…

“What are you doing here?” a familiar voice asked.

Of all the times that James expected to hear Lily Evans’ voice, in the middle of a transformation was not one of them. He knew things could go wrong if he did not focus and he tried his best to stop the spell as it were. It seemed that his body listened better than his brain.

“I couldn’t sleep.” he admitted, turning to look at her. 

Lily’s cheeks were sunkissed, James could see that she had spent a day at the beach. She would probably have a few more freckles after the trip. James found himself thinking. 

“So you decided to sneak out and go for a walk,” it wasn’t accusatory, it was matter-of-fact.

“If I stay in, I'll start waking everyone up, figured it would be best if I did something useful with my energy.” he shrugged, readjusting one of the straps of his backpack. 

“Seems we were both thinking the same thing.” 

Lily smiled at James, and it seemed all of the tension and worry from earlier had vanished; his shoulders relaxed, and he found himself smiling back at her. Maybe this wouldn’t be a disastrous pairing after all.

“Where were you planning on going?” Lily asked.

James blushed, he really didn’t want to be seen as the dork that wanted to be prepared, but it was true that was what he was thinking. “I thought maybe I could go and grab us a good spot to watch the comet.” he admitted, hoping she wouldn’t think he was the biggest dork in history. 

“Oh,” she sounded surprised, James was not sure how he felt about that. 

“That sounds like a great idea.” Lily added, as she was wondering why she didn’t think of that herself. She just wanted to get rid of some energy before the class gathered. 

They started walking in silence uphill, there was nothing much to distract them from the awkwardness. It was not that they didn’t have anything in common, just that Lily believed that everything she said sounded like a scolding, when she didn’t mean to. And James believed every word he uttered around Lily (unsupervised) was terrible or misconstructed. 

His body reacted oddly to that silence. He needed to say something, do something, other than just walk straight in that slow pace, so instead of following the boring old path he decided that he should skip along the logs that delimited the path from the woods. 

Lily looked at James as he balanced on each log precariously. “Don’t you ever do something normal?” she asked, genuinely curious, he never seemed to just follow a straight path or instructions, there was always a work around. Something that the other people would not do or think about. 

“What do you mean?” he asked, still walking, feeling his anxiety lower when he had to focus on balance.

Lily chuckled. He looked a bit childish, but in the best way, she didn’t remember the last time she played at anything like that. She had too many responsibilities and expectations in her to let go. 

“You never do what’s expected, if you go on a path instead of going through the designated area for walking you go on the sidelines. If a professor asks you for an assignment you always ask a million questions on the importance of said work, like you never do just what is expected of you, you are always too curious to just follow what has already been set up. It’s a bit unnerving.” She admitted, making James’ heart sink a little. “It is also refreshing.” she admitted finally, not really looking at him, she believed that even with the darkness of the night he would still see her blush.

James chuckled at her words, “Why don’t you try it?” he offered, “Who is to say that you are not supposed to walk on these if you want a less taciturn experience?” he continued, “There are a few things that can only be looked from one point of view, my parents taught me that, they always taught me to ask a lot of questions.” he admitted “Besides, if you don’t come up here, you wouldn’t notice there is a stream below that looks gorgeous under the dim moonlight.” 

Lily was surprised by that, it seemed great to ask a lot of questions when facing things that seemed a bit unfair and out of touch, but some things were too straight forward for you to be questioning them. However, at James’ mention of a different view she now was eager to see what was to look at things under his perspective. 

She climbed on the log as he did, looking at the creek below them, and as James said it was gorgeous, like something unperturbed by the humans that passed through that path every day. It made Lily wonder what else James saw that the rest of them did not. 

The walk got easier from them, at least in terms of conversation. It got easier to understand each other after that, setting aside past prejudices and trying to see things from each other’s perspective. 

Lily learned that James’ parents asked him as many questions as he asked everyone else, trying to have an open and interesting relationship with his son. James learned that Lily put a lot of other people’s expectations on her shoulder trying to be the perfect friend, sister and daughter, and understood a bit better why she always seemed to be so stern even when in reality she was funny and witty, and as curious as James.

They continued to chat amicably, conversation grew easily the more time it passed. James was glad for it, and Lily seemed to be relaxing a bit more now that there was nothing more than a walk. 

At some point Lily got distracted, she was not sure how he lost her footing, if it was a tricky log, slippery, or her body was too tired and she did not realise it. But all in all she knew she was falling to the creek and she could just hear herself scream and trying to hold on to something to stop it. 

“Lily!” James was heard yelling after her. And then she felt something warm and soft around her, making her fall soft as she rolled downhill. James had stopped it. 

“Are you okay?” Lily heard James ask, and she took account of her body. She was a bit sore, and she knew she would hurt more later on, but it all seemed okay at the moment. 

“Yes, I think so. Just a bit wet.” she admitted, as she knew they got to the creek by unconventional ways, all she wanted to do was get up and dry herself, get back to the path so they could get to see the comet. However, life had other plans.

As soon as Lily put weight on her foot, a searing pain went up her leg, making her scream at the top of her lungs and falling back down on her bum. 

James hurried to duck next to her and looked all over to see any injuries, “Where?” he was frantic as he saw the colour drained from Lily’s face. 

“Foot.” was all she could muster, as she breathed the pain away. Slowly managing to get the unbearable pain to a low throb.

“Okay, it’s going to be okay,” he moved his hand, a little wince as he pulled his wand and showed it was broken in half. “Fuck.” he muttered. Lily’s eyes went as wide as they could. 

“Oh no, James your wand, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He was panting as her, maybe he hit something as well, they took a pretty nasty fall, but he seemed okay in spite of not having his wand. “Maybe we can use yours? I know a few casting spells to keep that not moving until we get back.” he explained, but as Lily went to retrieve her wand she felt nothing in her pocket. 

“I think it might have fallen.” she said quietly, hating that she hadn’t learned yet how to accio it back, she had been trying but there was so much on her plate at the moment. 

“We can come back with light and try to find it. But first we need to get out of here.” He took off his backpack, wincing again, making Lily worry.

“Are you okay yourself?” Lily asked worriedly. 

“Brill, just sore.” he lied, but Lily did not have to know that on top of her nasty sprain, he had sprained his wrist as well. He could endure, he had had worse with Quidditch matches and Snape’s & Co. hexes. “You do know how to fall.” he tried teasing her worries away, instructing her to put the backpack herself. “You’ll carry it, I’ll carry you.” 

Instructions were easy enough, Lily just had to lay off her foot, and James was already turning around so Lily could climb onto his back, arms around his neck, legs around his waist. Making Lily feel a bit embarrassed. 

“Isn’t it too heavy? You could go up and get someone.” she offered, worried that he was doing too much. 

“I won’t leave you here all alone in the middle of the night.” James was not taking no for an answer, he was just waiting for Lily to feel secure to start climbing the steep hill himself. 

Lily could hear the grunts from pain and effort coming out of James, she was not sure why he was going above and beyond for someone that he wasn’t as close with, even though she was grateful that he didn’t leave her in the middle of nowhere with a swollen ankle. 

It took longer than if he had gone alone to climb back to the path. They almost slipped back a couple of times but James managed to get them up safely. 

“We are closer to the viewing point than the hotel.” he explained as he sat Lily on one of the logs for a moment while his breath evened out. “We should wait there for the others, not sure if they’ll take this path or the one that goes around the beach.” he said, looking down the path hoping to see or hear something, but he didn’t.

When he turned around he could see Lily was still a little pale and shivering from the soreness and dampness of her clothes. “Here,” he said, offering his jacket.

The redhead looked at him and shook her head, “You’ll need it, the temperature is lowering.”

James chuckled, a bit uneven, “I’m carrying you around, I’m actually a bit hot.” he admitted looking her in the eyes, something he didn’t dare to do often. “Take the jacket, Evans, I’ll be warm enough I didn’t fall in the water.” 

Lily didn’t need too much persuasion, soon she was putting the jacket and getting the backpack on once more, before they parted towards the comet viewing place. 

It didn’t take long for them to reach a spot. It was exactly what was marked on the map the Professor gave them. 

James had prepared some blankets for them to sit on, he put one below them so they would not sit on the cold hard floor, and grabbed the second one to replace his jacket. Noticing Lily still shivering he sat behind her, allowing her back to be up to his chest. 

“What are you doing?” she asked, not putting too much of a fight, she was exhausted, in pain but she needed to admit that James’ warmer body behind hers felt nice. Even if the position was a little odd for two friends to be in. 

“Relax, we just have one blanket left, and your back is all wet. Don’t want you to catch a cold, but don’t want to catch my death either.” he mumbled behind her, reaching out for his bag, wincing a bit as he got a hold of it. 

“You got yourself hurt too, why didn’t you say anything?” she said holding his hand, examining his wrist, that looked swollen from a sprain and the effort to carry her. 

James blushed knowing exactly why he didn’t say anything, she would argue with him that they could both wait by the creek, but that would mean she would be colder and it would be almost impossible for them to be seen by the others. She would insist that they should both rest, or that he would go without her, and he would not have that. 

“I’m used to it, I get injured in Quidditch all the time. Don’t worry about it.”

“Of course I worry! I care about you, you bloody idiot, we could have come up with a different plan!” she could not believe he had been that careless, he could endanger his Quidditch career because of it. It wasn’t like they were in mortal peril, they could wait for morning, their grades were not that important, his well being was more important than that.

“You were going to suggest to leave you there, or to wait there while you get even wetter, colder and with less and less chance of us getting found by the group. And I was not going to risk you for a sprain that I’m sure Sirius will heal as soon as he gets here." There was no discussion to be had, she was not going to convince him to have left her behind, no amount of Quidditch and future prospects he had, a human life was more important. 

Lily tried to argue as she saw him taking a thermos out of the bag, she helped him with it since she knew he would be hurting even if he did not show it. “I still deserved to be told, I’m not a damsel in distress, I can think for myself, even come up with something other than staying behind. I don’t appreciate not having a say.” She opened the thermos and poured what seemed to be hot tea. 

James felt embarrassed, of course she should have had a say in all, but he was thinking on his feet more than dismissing her ideas. “Drink, it’ll do you good.” he added softly. 

“It’ll do you good as well, you must also be cold.” She gave him the cup and waited for him to drink to pour herself a cup. 

After they drank the tea they just stay there, next to each other, keeping the warmth of their bodies by proximity and hoping that sooner rather than later they would be found. 

After a while Lily murmured “Thanks,” back to James, “for not leaving me behind.” she added, for good measure, to which he replied “No need.”

Their bodies’ tiredness won over after they made themselves as comfortable as possible, and soon enough slumber took over, each other enjoying the safe company of the other. That is how the class found them: sound asleep, dirty, and hugging each other.

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Yandere V+H: Inosuke Hashibara

“Prepare for the power of the god of the forest: INOSUKE!”

“Behold his glory and wonder. *Sigh* I don’t get paid enough for this”

He’s the boisterous and unpredictable villain

And your the exhausted level-headed henchman

Simply desiring his safety he really has to whine to get you to do more in his schemes

“Come onnn (Y/n) you have to move your arms when you say it!”

“Fine. Fine.”

“From the top!” 

As a villain, he’s destructive and performative

He wants the heroes to tremble when they see him come on the scene

And he’s wild. The will of the forest obeys him, he’s flexible, and his chiseled katanas slice through millions of properties with every attack

As his henchman, you’re usually forced to be the brains of the relationship filling in the holes of anywhere Inosuke misses

A glorified secretary that directs his attacks so that you can afford all his villainy

He doesn’t often thank you 

but usually, his pure joy is enough

And the fat stack he doesn’t mind you helping yourself to

But he does care about you 

A Lot Actually 

that doesn’t truly show until he doesn’t have you:

“Go! Get out of here!” 

Trapped in the bindings of a hero’s capture weapon he listens to you…like he always does; letting his army of mutated warthogs carry him back into the mountainous forests. In the mock silence that his forest-based lair has he can’t help but punch at the bicep in front of his heart. 

“There…There…there’s something wrong.”

He punches at the muscle but it doesn’t change the way his sky-blue eyes still water and his lips quiver. He misses you so dearly. If you were here you would have run your hands through his hair. Patted his back and made his favorite food. But you weren’t here. You were gone. Captured by those stupid worms that loved to challenge his authority. 

Sluggishly walking around the modernized kitchen he opened the freezing box to see your leftovers in there. In the reaches of his mind, he could see you smile before curling your lips around your food as you ate. Spotting the bulky chair you begged he retrieves during his attack on a ‘mall.’

“Ahh~This is the best massage chair ever!” He recalled you moaning after a mission; he remembered his jealousy.

And as he nestled into the spot with the dip of your butt he sorrowfully sniffed in the scent. He ate your leftovers still replaying you doing the same. And when the chair awoke he let his eyes leak as he felt the tension in his back begin to fade. 

Snapping up he threw the empty Tupperware into the wall

“I’m getting them back!” 

___________________________________________________________

“They haven’t spilled anything…but they don’t seem all that adverse to color therapy.”

“Well, I’m glad they’re having fun.”

The chief doctor spoke with the hero behind the one-way glass. Both watched as you so easily interacted with the other villains in the psychiatric ward. They had made the assumption that as Inosuke’s lackey, you would have been developmentally challenged but it seemed you were quite content. Deciding it was time to try interrogating again the hero nods to the doctor. 

“So, you seem quite comfortable here.”

“Well yeah! Toilets that flush, an actual mattress, and I get to color for hours on end! I never realized I’d miss modern amenities so much!”

“So you don’t live in the city.”

“I know what you’re trying to figure out but I’m not going to break.”

“Ah well, I should’ve known. You are the brains, aren’t you? It’d be a problem if you let anything slip.”

“Haha, I’m not the ‘brains’ if anything I’m the–”

A crash and an alarm began to sound 

Both you and the hero looked around confused

“Is this you?”

“Heck no!”

There were screams from the halls and distorted grunts. Standing protectively in front of your restrained figure the hero brandished their weapon.

“Stay with me, I won’t let anything, agh–”

Before the hero could finish a chiseled blade punctured through his chest to his back. Before painstakingly being pulled horizontally to tear through the hero’s body. Successfully slicing through it, the body falls with two thuds. Leaving you to stand at the boar-headed villain who’s come to retrieve you. 

“I-inosuke?”

“I can’t stand not hearing you for too long. And naturally, as your awesome and powerful boss, I’ve come to save you.”

“I-inosuke you’ve never actually…sliced a person before…Are you okay?”

“Heh?! I hardly noticed. Now watch as I mow down all the worms that continue to keep you away from me!”

[fallenclan]

"Is she okay?" Salmonskip whispers, slightly adjusting her stance. Her tail curls around Moosefall's.

(An admittedly bold gesture. But he hasn't shrugged her off yet, so she assumes it as a win.)

Fernslug has been staring at the wall since the sun was dipping into the valleys of the mountains, her green eyes furrowed at something that Salmonskip and Moosefall were oblivious to.

"She does that sometimes," Moosefall says. "She's probably just thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

Curse her inquisitive nature. The impulsive desire to immediately need to know everything everyone else knew was her downfall.

"The war?" Moosefall shrugs. "Maybe the slug that Mudsplash found the other day."

Ah, right. Mudsplash found a nicely colored slug, showed it to Fernslug, and the way that the black and white she-cat had visibly brightened at it was permanently engraved in her mind.

And also, the war. Supposedly the first in Fallenclan's history. Maplestar had ordered a permanent guard on every entrance and exit to the camp, and that's what She and Moosefall were watching the entrance at three in the morning for. Crowflame was (not very discreetly) eyeing the secret tunnel that everyone uses to sneak out.

The one that Moosefall used to sneak out.

The silence stretches between them. For all her loudmouthed tendencies, Salmonskip couldn't think of anything to say.

"I think it's stressing mom out," Moosefall quietly says. "She's nervous. I caught her biting her claws earlier."

Inwardly, Salmonskip knows what Moosefall tells her when the moon falls into the valleys and the sun rises from the flat plains beyond is never meant to be heard by anyone else.

Nobody else would hear of the sleepless nights he had as an apprentice, constantly waking up because it was cold and remembering that Shrewkit wasn't there curled into him anymore. That he kept a shiny pebble that Shrewkit once gifted him in his nest, tucked under moss where nobody would see it if they didn't look.

Nobody else knew of exactly what happened in those few days where he was missing. She doesn't think she knows the whole story either, but she knows when to drop a subject.

She's seen the longing glint in his eye when they go running in the early hours of dawn. When he stops at the same flat stretch of rock and stares at the horizon, looking for something he could never find.

"So," she says, clearing her throat. "Fernslug is still staring at the wall. Do we need to do something about that, or...?"

Moosefall sighs, then nods. "Fernslug! There's a banana slug over here!"

Low and behold, a tiny, gray slug was creeping up the smooth rock that Moosefall and her were definitely not leaning against, blinking sleep from their eyes.

Fernslug's attention instantly shifted. She bounded over like she hadn't been staring at the wall for 5 hours.

"That's a gray garden slug! It's a species of small air-breathing land slug, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc. It's super important in the forests. But banana slugs are usually bright yellow and you're really not supposed to touch them! They can be ..."

Fernslug trails off into barely coherent infodumping, and suddenly every species of slug that lives in the territories has taken up a large chunk of her brain.

Oh well, at least she's too distracted to see that Salmonskip has started leaning on Moosefall.

-🍭 (dear GOD this got long. erm anyway i don't play favorites. shoves moosefall and salmonskip and fernslug into a tree)

I LOVE THIS AUGHHHHH

[cinnamochis]

Girl's Night!

Baroness Von BonBon plans a girl's night with her best friends: Cala Maria, Sally Stageplay, and Hilda Berg. What could go wrong? Oneshot.

It was a wonderful summer evening in Sugarland, and Baroness Von BonBon was just finishing up the icing of the ruffles on her dress, humming to herself ever so sweetly.

She just couldn’t wait for her very good girlfriends to arrive, and to give them all a tour of her wonderful home!

Just as expected, in a few moments she heard the doorbell in the great hall of her candy castle, and she giggled and skipped out to host the sweetest, most delectable girl’s night ever! Oh, there would be a tour, and a big dinner, and then movies, and staying up late, and talking all night-!

“MUFFSKY! GUMBO! WHY AREN’T YOU OUT HERE GREETING MY GUESTS?!” Bonbon screeched. 

Bonbon’s attendants Muffsky Chernikov the muffin and Sargent Gumbo Gumball the gumball machine scattered across the hall in a panic. “Sorry, Miss Bonbon! Sorry!”

Muffsky finally heaved the heavy door open for the Baroness, and in walked Hilda Berg and Sally Stageplay. Behind them, Cala Maria was sitting in an enormous rolling bathtub, which was her go-to travel transportation. 

“Sally!” Bonbon squealed, waving her arms and pressing two quick kisses on either side of the older woman’s face. 

“You’re looking splendid, darling,” the actress said, smiling, “It was so nice of you to invite us all here! I notice my dear frienid Rumor didn't get an invitation.”

"Rumor Honeybottoms and I are no longer on speaking terms," Bonbon said with a dramatic sniff. "She's insulted me and written nasty, hurtful things about the delicious processing that goes into my candy too many times!"

Bonbon then went to embrace Hilda, but the zeppelin woman took a step back and gave her a discouraging look. “No thanks.”

“I heard you have quite a feast for us,” Cala said with a glint in her eye, smiling. “I’m famished!” 

“Yes, yes, of course, sweetie!” Bonbon giggled, squeezing Cala’s hand affectionately. She knew how her large friend had a rather large appetite, and enjoyed some of the same exotic cuisine she loved herself! “But first, a grand tour!”

She turned back to her attendants. “MUFFSKY! GUMBO! ROLL MS.MARIA AROUND THE GROUNDS!”

Bonbon then smiled and led her three friends around, first showing them a lovely view of the ice cream mountains just beyond the castle walls, and leading them forward and into the magical land of sugar she ruled over.  Meanwhile, her servants shoved and puffed trying to push Cala’s enormous bathtub to keep up with the group. 

“Why, it’s such a perfect place to live!” remarked Sally, gazing in awe at the forest of chocolate bars and rivers of soda. 

Hilda Berg looked somewhat amused as she tasted a low floating cloud of swirling cotton candy. “Logically it makes no sense,” she tutted. 

“When has anything ever had to make sense?” Bonbon laughed, grabbing a can of whipped cream and pouring it into her mouth. “And the best part is, the dirty little children love this place!”

Cala’s eyes brightened. “Yes, do tell us about the dirty little children.” 

Bonbon’s grin widened. “Oh, I’ll tell you. They come in here, sneaking little things! Hungry for my sweet treats, greedy, eating more and more! And once they’re all nice and plump…”

She stopped mid sentence, spit dripping down her chin and breathing hard.

Hilda and Sally were looking at her with confusion.

Bonbon cleared her throat. “Well, you’ll see for yourselves,” she said cheerfully. “It’s just about time for dinner!” 

Once back inside, Bonbon had her guests seated at a giant ornate table in the dining hall.  Cala’s bathtub was wheeled to one end while Bonbon sat at the head of the table, Hilda and Sally being seated on opposite sides. 

“Dinner should be ready in just a few,” Bonbon said excitedly, “so girls, dish! What’s going on with you all lately? What’s going on in the world? On account I can’t really leave Sugarland and all that, y’know?” She burst into maniacal giggles. "And it's been a few months since we all last hung out, ladies!"

“Same old, same old,” Cala Maria said, looking bored with the conversation and running her fingers through her tentacle hair. “Everyday, sailors come, everyday, sailors die. They stand no chance against the seabeast, Cala Maria.” 

“Haven’t you ever thought about settling down and finding someone?” questioned Sally, to which Cala shuddered with disgust. Sally frowned. “Well, the hubby and me are happy. Working and acting together has been so good for our marriage!”

Hilda scoffed, and Sally turned to her. “Well, what about you?”

Hilda crossed her arms. “I’m content just stargazing and reading my fortunes.” 

Bonbon began to giggle uncontrollably. “Not true! I know for a fact that you have a huge crush on Mr. Goopy Le Grande! The last time we were together you practically told me so yourself!”

Hilda’s entire face went as red as her dress. 

“So have you kissed him yet?” Bonbon teased.

“This is why I don’t hang out with you,” Hilda said, covering her face with embarrassment.  

“Dinner is served, Madame Bonbon,” spoke up Sir Wafflington from behind, and some of the other attendants came out from the kitchen wheeling a large trolley with steaming, covered dishes. 

“I hope you all enjoy what I prepared!” Bonbon said sweetly. “It’s my specialty!” 

“Finally!” Cala shouted, tearing off the lid of the dish, “I’ve been looking forward to some delicious, plump-”

She stopped right there. 

Hilda and Sally uncovered their plates too and looked down to see life-sized sweet treats of what looked like children to be on their plates. Two gigantic child-shaped cookies, one with blue and pink icing, the other with nuts, with frozen looks of horror on their faces.

“You like them?” Bonbon asked. “They’re nice and fresh.” 

Cala was furious. “You told me there would be juicy, plump, dirty, disgusting children to eat! Fresh meat! Alive! Not…this!” she fumed, throwing an enormous pink jellyfilled child donut to the floor. “What is this?! This isn’t food! This is…absolutely horrible! You’re a monster!” 

Bonbon gasped in shock.

“Let me get this straight, these are people?” Sally asked with a quivering voice. 

“They were,” Hilda answered, excusing herself from the table.

Sally fainted dramatically. 

“I thought as my bestie, best friends, you’d all like how much effort I put into all this!” cried Bonbon, her big eyes filling with water. “Well fine! Girl’s night is officially off!” 

“Help me,” whimpered one of the candified children weakly. 

Bonbon clapped her hands and made a high, piercing whistle. “Whippet! Whippet!!” 

There was a thunderous shaking, and suddenly the castle itself began to shake and groan. The candy castle was alive, and suddenly gigantic peppermint swirl arms crashed through the sugar crystal ceiling and descended down upon the group.

“That’s a good Whippy-poo,” praised Bonbon, stroking the arm of the horrible castle monster. She then pointed at her friends. “Will you show mumsy’s guests out, please?” 

“Your cupcake poodle is no match for the Cala Maria!” Cala growled, her eyes turning to slits and her tentacles forming into vicious snakes.  One of the giant arms launched at her and grabbed her from her bathtub, wrestling with her for a moment, before flinging her through the shattered ceiling and out of sight with a yell.

The castle made a victorious roaring sound.

“Who’s next?” squeaked Bonbon happily. 

“I’m good,” said Hilda flatly, snapping her fingers. A soft white cloud appeared at her feet, and she promptly used it to float herself up and out of there, and as far from Sugarland as she could get. 

“H-uhhh?” Quietly, Sally stirred, coming back to consciousness. The first thing she saw were the giant arms reaching out for her.

Sally fainted again.

“Well, I’ll say it went better than last time,” Bonbon sighed, tucking into her own plate and enjoying the delicious dinner she’d made for herself.

It would be a few weeks before she invited them over again, but one of these days they’d get girl’s night just right!

[spielcave]

God of War Valhalla DLC (Aka, 'Kratos and Mimir go on a bro trip that ends up being Therapy')

Just wanted to start by saying thank whatever is out there for Santa Monica Studios, for their phenomenal work into giving Kratos some much needed development and exploring his complexity. I'll explore this game in subsequent posts and maybe any suggestions you're welcome to shoot my way.

Spoilers ahead!

I think it's a testament to how beloved the Norse games have been through the amount of cheering the second Kratos came on the screen during the reveal trailer for Valhalla, Mimir in tow. After rewatching the "Raising Kratos" Documentary on YT, I know the team at Santa Monica Studios really feel the love from their fans. If they intend to make a game about Kratos going to another mythology, I really hope Mimir is with him. It's clear they've gotten very close between 2018 and Ragnarök with how at ease and personal they get, especially since I'm pretty sure if Kratos left him with Freya, she's likely to 'misplace' him in the Lake of Nine. I found the different difficulty settings interesting when you first chose Valhalla at the main menu. I started on the 3rd (the very middle) and am currently working my up when I feel it's getting to hard. Right now I'm at the one right before "Show Me Mastery" (the names escape me lol). I'm not expert at Rogue-Likes, but the consensus I seem to see is that the gameplay of God of War really lends itself well to the style of game. And what a genius way to utilize what was previously, I felt, an underused character, Tyr! Even when you free him in Niflheim, I feel I was waiting for him to do more outside the post-story interactions you get to get glimpses to his character (and potentially hint and later games). Him being Kratos' therapist is really demonstrates how similar they both are, how strong Tyr is, and what we can hopefully see Kratos grow into moving forward. As someone who recently started therapy around the same time as this DLC came out, I couldn't help but feel connected to Kratos myself. Especially Mimir. I, too, have been trying to improve from someone I wasn't proud of and as a result I'm too hard on myself sometimes. It limits me from achieving personal acceptance, like I don't deserve the good things in my life. What this game puts Kratos (and myself by proxy) through, is how to accept his actions, his mistakes. To acknowledge who we were and to not let it stop us from embracing the chances to do better. Now, you don't have to have killed entire pantheons, your family, and plunge a society into destruction with mountains of innocent lives at your feet... but I think we can agree that kind of message resonates. The scene where he sees his younger self in that throne just HITS. Kratos admonishes his past self for doing such awful things and being such an awful person... but also accepting him/himself to be more complex than that, he always has been. In a way, it sticks it to the people who said (prior to the 2018 game) that God of War is just about over the top violence, blood, tits, gore, more blood is missing the forest for the trees. They're big trees, sure, but not the whole forest. There was always more to Kratos that violence and the hack and slash genre, dude is a massive greek tragedy. And in Norse, he's putting Hero's Journeys like he was born for it.

The side conversations with Mimir hit me the hardest, grappling with your own self esteem when you feel you aren't enough for our loved ones, hearing about he and Sigrun first met, how utter in love he was with her throughout the last two games and here. It strikes a familiar cord... which is why I'm so glad he was able to let go so she can find herself in the end and the support he has from Kratos. We talk about all the time how the wise and loving decision is usually to let go (as it is!), but I think it must be said how hard it can be. It's the right choice, ultimately, but damn if isn't difficult to actually get there. I think my take away has been more of an affirmation that letting go is what I need to do, and the way to help ease the transition is to make sure I have a support system and learn to love time with myself in order to value my own merits, even if I have shortcomings. "Does she not deserve the smartest man alive?" CHILLS On a less serious note, it's good to see Freya out and about! Finding her freedom and stepping up as a leader for the 9 realms. It's good to see that post story, she does care about the both of them. Maybe they parted ways for a bit as Freya takes a more public role in organizing her council, but their journeys (which we can assume all side objectives you can do with her are canon) brought more than a professional connection. Like,

(sorry for shit quality) Totally gives off "Wife found Husband doing something reckless/stupid" vibes. And I'll admit, I am like... 85% if not 90% on the Kraya/Freytos/Warflower train. Baldur's death really does weigh on my mind when I think about Freya and Kratos as a pairing. And I do also like the idea of them being good friends as time goes on. Not to mention Kratos likely still holds Faye close and Freya's last marriage was fuckin bonkers. But I still do like to see these grieving parents, comrades at arms, finding a home in each other, a connection that makes each one feel safe, real, and loved. Not without bumps in the road, but they'd make an awesome power couple. And the shameless smut, but it goes without saying. Oh and whatever reaction it would get from Atreus would be hilarious.

In the end, this DLC really leaves me wanting more, theorizing where the story goes from here. I see a lot of people throwing out ideas on what mythologies they go to next, who's our next playable character. I feel it's still gonna be Kratos, but I also feel it has to make sense to his story. He's become very developed in this DLC, when you have a character who becomes so developed, there is little room/reason to really keep telling their story, at least in a way that can translate to an action pact video game epic. The only thing I can think of for Kratos, is we get to see him follow through with his development. And that, my friends, is another post. Until then! I hope enjoyed my ramblings!

[blue-disco-lights]

✨Two Tag Tuesdays✨

Thank you to everyone who tags me in Tag Tuesday games because I love them 💕💕💕

First up, finally got a chance to play doll dress up in this super cute picrew thanks to @look-i-love-u @xninetiestrendx @m4ndysk4nkovich @sweetbee78 @tanktopgallavich @sickness-health-all-that-shit @suzy-queued @celestialmickey @palepinkgoat @such-a-barbarian (and i now tag 🪄you all in part 2 of this post)

AND thank you for thinking of me for this one, dear @celestialmickey @deedala @creepkinginc @energievie @harrowhark-a-vagrant @mmmichyyy @suzy-queued @shinygalaxyperson @lingy910y

you can call me: julia

pronouns: she/her

sun sign + favorite flower: taurus + roses

what time did you wake up today? 4am (why???), then again at 5:30am (double why) - i usually wake up around 6:30am

what kind of phone do you have? iphone 12

pick one: beach, mountain, desert, or forest? I just finished reading “a witch in wicker park” this morning (at 5:30am) and now i want to go wander in a forest and be surrounded by greenery

favorite vegetable: brussel sprouts (when they’re prepared all crunchy and delicious)

last person you talked to on the phone: my mom, last night

last person you texted: my friend who distracts me with friend gossip during the work day

you're at the smoothie shop, what are you getting? There’s this one smoothie I used to get all the time that was SOOO good (and way too expensive so i stopped) - almond butter, bananas and coconut milk (and a hundred other potions mixed in)

you're at the zoo, which exhibit are you seeing first? We have this cassowary at our zoo, and I’ve been a bit obsessed with her for years 

last movie you saw in theaters: Barbie 

last movie you saw at home: Red, White & Royal Blue (and looks like I’m not alone!)

something that sparks joy: Tumblr community 💗 I love all the games, the writing challenges, @galladrabbles (which has become weekly joyful practice), opportunities to be creative thx to @gallacrafts & @gallavichthings - thanks all, i enjoy hanging out with all of you here!

and finally, what’s your current obsession? Weather is warming up where I live, so finally cleaning up my backyard (see “forest” answer above), pulling weeds, giving some tlc to existing plants, adding some new veggies… my track record with gardening is historically VERY hit or miss, but i really do keep trying 🤞🌱

****

Tagging everyone up top ⬆️ if you haven't already done this... plus @sleepyfacetoughguy @such-a-barbarian @transmickey @grossmickey @bawlbrayker @sisitrip @golden28s @thepupperino @mybrainismelted @silvanshadow @gembu-tortuesouscafeine @gillyp @jadepetals @michellemisfit @francesrose3 @lupeloto @rayrayor @depressedstressedlemonzest @deathclassic @callivich @ian-galagher @auds-and-evens and anyone else who'd like to play any and all of these 💫

[eternitywrites]

fantasy AU scenario (not an actual ending) (this series im made a mini scenario on is by YUZUYA on youtube and twitter!)

after a horrid experience in the Straihorn Mountains we finally made it to the top, it was kind of peaceful but none of us let our guard down. just as we were walking to the alter it was silent.

.

.

.

.

kirishima: bakugou what’s wrong? you seem.. off.

bakugou: eh? im fine shitty scales don’t worry about it.

kirishima: my prince, don’t lie to me please. i can tell something’s wrong, your facial expression is off too.

traveler: we can tell what’s wrong, please tell us bakugou! we’re your friends.

bakugou: (he lets out a deep sigh) i swear it’s nothing bad.. just feelings that’s all. forget about that i can see the alter ahead of us come on. (he picks up his pace)

kirishima: traveler theres definitely something wrong with him. i get your gonna.. well be gone soon (he takes a deep breath) but this feels like something else

traveler: yeah i agree (they fidget with their hands)

as i pick up my pace i can hear the two of you behind me, i wanted to get this thing over with. i’m not one to deal with this mushy goodbye shit. i will admit, it is kind of.. hard saying goodbye, after everything we’ve been through i can’t help but to feel a bit sad

bakugou: look we’re here, traveler get that gem out and be prepared to put it in

traveler: got it (sounds of shuffling as they take the gem out)

kirishima: ohh traveler i’m gonna miss you (he hugs them) i really don’t want you to go.. (sniffing noises) but you’ll be at home and that’s what matters

traveler: kirishima don’t cry (they hug him back)

kirishima: (sniffs as he lets go) katsuki i can see that look on your face. you don’t need to hide your feelings. after all this is the last we’ll see our traveler.

bakugou: (deep sigh as he walks over) i.. i’m not good with words. i don’t like being mushy either. you idiots better listen closely cause i’m not repeating anything.

kirishima: mhm

traveler: got it (they make eye contact with him)

bakugou: i.. well you know why i started calling you traveler, instead of outsider?

traveler: well actually not really, i’m just glad you don’t see me as one anymore (they smile lightly)

bakugou: (clears throat) the reason why i started calling you that is.. well because you’ve done a lot for me and eijiro. back in the Hadera Forest you saved kirishima, you’d given up sentimental items just to get me a new sword back in Milosen. hell you still even trusted me even after i attempted to sell that gem of yours. this opened up a bunch of.. feelings. dunce face came into the picture when he said i should get my head out of my ass and admit my feelings.

kirishima: bakugou.. (he says in shock)

bakugou: once i did take feelings into consideration it felt like a curse, it kept on growing and growing, my emotions felt like explosions and i didn’t like it. what i’m trying to tell you, is that i love you and eijiro, i know i suck at communicating but i can’t hold these thoughts in anymore, eijiro ever since i saved you from that.. camp, we traveled together. all the days we spent together to the time we played apart in each others lives, i fell in love with you. i just couldn’t realize it until sparky said something about feelings.

kirishima: (shocked noises) b-bakugou you HUH?

traveler: i-i’m speechless.. really.

kirishima: well.. uh if i’m being totally honest, i also.. love you katsuki. you too traveler! i fell inlove with katsuki after i got to travel with him more, and got to know him i could tell something changed how i looked at him, and Traveler… i’ve always been fond of you, ever since the beginning. but.. it wasn’t until the hadera forest that I realized…. that i loved you. i mean.. how could i not? You saved my life. i guess what I’m trying to say is ……. i love you both. so much.”

traveler: (shocked expression) you guys..

bakugou: eijiro.. you love us?

kirishima: (he nods his head staying silent)

traveler: wow.. i.. don’t know how to react.

bakugou: tch don’t let this stop you from going back home. the reason why we went through all of this was to get you here.

traveler: i.. i just need to say something.

kirishima: we’re listening, go ahead.

bakugou: (hums in agreement)

traveler: if i’m being perfectly honest.. i love you both too. i fell in love with both of you when we were under that cherry blossom tree, when we just well.. relaxed. when we were all play fighting, when we hugged. that just set of a bunch of emotions in me and i didn’t want to leave that moment behind. i don’t want to leave any of you behind.. (they start tearing up)

bakugou: (shocked expression) eh? you.. love us back?

traveler: y-yeah (they start crying)

kirishima: hey.. hey it’s okay traveler (he embraces them)

bakugou: (walks over to the both and joins in on the hug) don’t cry.. damn it

traveler: i wish i could give both of you my love, but time has its limits. (they end the hug) i should be ready to put the gem in the alter when the stars align

bakugou: y-yeah (he rubs his eyes for a second)

kirishima: of course

the three of us stood in silence, waiting for the right moment to put the gem into the alter. it had to be the longest silence of my life. i took a peek up at the sky and rushed you over to the alter

bakugou: traveler it’s almost time, you should go closer and get ready

as you look up the stars were aligned. it was beautiful, but a representation that this was our last time seeing each others. there was a shuffle as you put the gem in. it started glowing and a portal opened up. kirishima stared in wonder.

traveler: this is.. goodbye. goodbye eijiro and katsuki, please don’t forgive about me (noises as they hug them one last time)

kirishima: trust me (he sniffs) we can’t forget about you

bakugou: what the dragon said

traveler: good. i won’t forget about you guys either.

the last thing we saw was you smiling at us before you walked in, and the portal closed.

[theerrorofmylife]

Witch Queen Ch. 1

Thorin x Witch!Reader

hahaha no one asked for this but here’s my baby, my most precious, my favorite Thorin x reader. This will be a multi-part series with several chapters and I LOVE IT. Please enjoy :) -Error 

Warning: Death, destruction, general upheaval, a dragon, family death, etc., I’m sure I missed something but it’s fiiiiiiine I guess *sigh*

For as long as I could remember, the fire inside me was green. Like the eyes of the dead, I burned with knowledge and silence, glaring lovingly into the darkness, knowing it could do nothing against my light, not that it ever would. Magic is a precious thing, rare and wild and reaching out into the world. 

When I was born, my mother cradled me to her chest, weeping silvery tears from reddening eyes, and laughing heartily with joy. She made to hide me from my father, because I was like her, a witch. The light in her was orange, and strong, burning warm as summer winds and bright as the sun. Gold in the firelight could not compare to the magic of my mother and it was wonderful. But those born with magic are never safe, and while it is precious, it is coveted by those who would wish for things that should not be. She left him when I was still so small, hiding us in the greenwood, far away from man, and I grew up with her and the elves. King Thranduil welcomed my mother and I, and we lived close to the elves with many friends and a comfortable life. She aided them in trade and made a life for us. We were happy. Until I was sent to Dale, and for some reason fate decided a dragon would attack and kill everyone. Almost myself included. On that day, my life changed. Because I did survive, and so did the king under the mountain. 

~~

“Dale? Wouldn’t one of the elves be better suited for the trip?” I couldn’t believe it. In all my years, I’d never been sent farther than the Elven kingdom, but now not only a new city, a new kingdom entirely?! 

“You are old enough now, and it’s a dwarven city, filled with men and dwarves, and none of them like elves very much. It’s smarter for you to go.” While I couldn’t argue about the dwarves, I could argue my age. Or at least, the appearance of it. I was 23 now and still looked the grand age of 13, maybe with more assets if I truly wanted to display them but that was never smart in this day and age. I never grew past the 5-foot mark, so I really did look like an early blooming teenager.  

“But-”

“No. Now, put this on,” she placed her grey travel cloak on the dining chair as she walked past it, “and go. The list is in your basket as well as the money for everything. Go on, you’ll be fine!” She ushered me out the door and for the first time I remembered that I was in fact 23. Don’t normal people do these things by now, going out on their own and being adults? Huffing, I set the tall basket on the ground and flung the cloak around my shoulders, slipping my arms through the shoulder cut outs. I picked the list out of the basket before flinging it over my shoulders, the back straps digging into my arms as the large woven box covered the whole of my back. Looking ahead, the trees rustled their leaves as if telling me to get a move on. I sighed with my shoulders heaving and walked away from my front door to the east, where I would find the elves. 

The Greenwood was a beautiful place, full of grace and magic in this time of autumn. The morning mist had not yet lifted and would not for a while. The trees were just beginning to turn yellow and very few danced across my path as I made my way down the well-worn Witches Road. It’s not an official road to those outside of the Greenwood, however, since I travel it so often, along with my mother, the elves have deemed it as such, and I’ve grown quite fond of it. We shrouded it with enchantments and charms, little sigils carved into the trees to ward off those with malicious intent, and the forest grew in wild, untamed love.  

The elves, however pretentious at first, were learners at heart with a great love for all things ancient and elegant. Their halls were tall and spectacular in their designs, the summers coloring the white stone gold, the vines and green growing wild and happy in the kingdom. As I entered the kingdom, a blond man stood there to greet me happily. 

“Legolas! Nin mellon! Cin tiri- i doors hi?” I teased. There was never a time when I wasn’t close to the Elven prince, and there was never a time the gates were not open to my mother and me.

“I do as I please, Witch,” He smiled with a sweet familiarity I had known all my life. Something about today felt different however, and it wasn’t in his smile or the way he held his hand out for me to enter the kingdom with him, but it was in the air, the way it rushed over the trees; Today was different, and I couldn’t see why. “Where are you going? It is still so early in the day.”

Looking up at him, I remembered my real reason for passing through the city. “I am to cross the lake into Dale, Mother is in need of special supplies.” All at once I watched Legolas have a thousand thoughts. Elves are private creatures, and do not often emote so openly, however Legolas could never hide what he thought from me. 

“I shall go with you.” I smiled; I knew he would say that. My closest and oldest friend, of course he would not let me go alone. He began walking away with purpose and it nearly winded me to keep up.

“No, no, you stay here,” this stopped him. He turned to look at me with the greatest confusion. “You are royalty, Legolas, and the Dwarves do not take kindly to Elves. You would be at risk, and over something so little it hardly seems fair. I will only be gone for a few hours, wait for me on the edge of the river when the sun begins to set, and I will be there.” I wrapped my arms around his middle, my head resting against his side. My brother, whose blood was not like mine, conceded. He led me into the great halls, winding stairs rising high into the kingdom. After several flights of stairs that proved to be a greater pain than I remember, we reached the throne, where the King sat, discussing matters of the realm with several other people. Legolas pulled me aside and let me catch my breath. 

“Please reconsider, I would rather I go with you, and you be safe than you go alone, and something go wrong.” I sighed and smiled.

“Friend, brother, greatest kindness the gods could have given me, you must stay, and I must go. I only ask you look for my return and return I shall.” People began filing out of the throne room, passing us with little to no acknowledgment, and I got a proper look at his eyes. His bright blue eyes were filled with anxious upset, and I knew all he wanted was to keep me safe.

“My son, you lurk in the doorway. Come in.” Shaking his head, he led me through the archway, and My King spied me from behind. “You bring someone with you?” I stepped out from behind Legolas.  

“My King.” I smiled widely, my eyes squinting as my cheeks rose. He stood, stepping down the winding stairs carved from the tree which made the throne. I walked closer to the throne and met him halfway, his hand resting on the crown of my head in a loving gesture before coming to rest on my shoulder.  

“Daughter,” Thranduil was not my father, but he always treated me as if he were, and I could not be happier with any other father. He adores me as a parent would and has always taken care of me and guided me. “Why have you come to visit, carrying your pack and wearing your cloak?”

“I wish to cross the lake into Dale, my mother is in need of supplies and says I am old enough to go on my own.” He frowned but nodded, nonetheless.

“I see. And you shall be back before nightfall, yes?” He was concerned but was much better at hiding it than Legolas was. I nodded.

“Yes, I do not intend to spend a night.” He nodded once and a young red-headed elf stepped closer.

“Then you shall go, but you must be careful. We shall keep a steady eye out for your return this evening.” I nodded in thanks and chased after Tauriel, waving frantically at Legolas and I rushed down to the stables. After several sets of stairs, I finally caught up with her, and smiled brightly.  

“Tauriel!” I wrapped my arms around her waist.

“Mellon, if I trip, I’m taking you down with me.” This made me laugh loudly.

“If you trip nothing will happen because elves don’t trip.” She rolled her eyes with a smile, and led me farther into the kingdom, down father, until we reached the stables. Morning still hasn’t broken, and a fog drifted over the woods. For a moment, time stood still within the Greenwood, and the world, my little world, was at peace.

~~~

Riding on horseback when you’re built like a child is the most uncomfortable thing known to man. When I arrived in Dale the shops were only just beginning to open, so I stopped by the tavern near the east side of the city for breakfast. The tavern was mostly empty, so I sat at the bar and spoke with the barman at length about the city. He was quite chatty, and it was more than welcome given I had never been in the city, and he even gave my directions to the apothecary. The city was bustling by the time I left, and navigating became a mess of jabbing elbows, shuffling, and desperately trying not to get lost in the sea of people.

Tall buildings of beautifully carved stone rose above me, and archways looped overhead, strung with ribbons and flags. Morning sunlight danced across the cobbled pathways, shining into stained glass windows. Dwarves and man mingled like friends in the city streets, and it seemed almost surreal. Growing up so close, yet so secluded, I had never realized I had been so… sheltered. I was envious now, because minus the facial hair, I could have passed as an aesthetically ugly dwarf. I did not have a large nose or large ears befitting a proper dwarrowdam, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel amazing to be around people the same height as me.

Rounding a corner, I realized I saw no sign of the apothecary, just more endless streets with more and more people. I was completely lost, despite the very clear directions that the tavern barkeeper had given me. Slowly shuffling through the streets had gotten me disoriented. Finding no other option, I ducked into an alleyway, much less crowded, and tried to clear my head. I looked up from my thoughts and saw him staring at me from the alleyway across the street. A young dwarven man, taller than me, with dark hair. He wore a blue tunic with a dark belt, silver beads glinting in the light from his hair. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen, and all I could do was stare back. For some reason, unlike any other time someone had stared at me, I felt horribly exposed and embarrassed, as if my chest were caving in and death with him in my sights would be the happiest of deaths. The streets began to steadily clear, and he took this opportunity to survey the street before making a mad dash into the alleyway I inhabited. Now that he was closer, I got to look into his eyes and my chest collapsed all over again. His eyes were the most magnificent shade of blue, and the way they crease in the corners as he smiles. If the gods had given us soulmates, this must be what it feels like to meet yours.

“Hello.” His voice is deep, rumbling in my head and the way it overwhelms me nearly makes me forget to respond.

“Hello… Why are you in an alleyway?” I sound like a mouse compared to this god of a dwarf. He smiles again, and I’m blinded by the summer sun.

“I’m hiding. Why are you in an alleyway?”

“I got lost, I needed to clear my head. Why are you hiding?”

 “Because of whom I am. May I help you find your way?”

“You may. If you tell me your name.”

“I am Thorin. Where would you like to go? Name it and I will lead you anywhere.” The way he said ‘anywhere’ nearly made me lose my breath.

“The apothecary.” My heart wouldn’t stop drumming in my chest.

“Follow me.” He took my hand and very gently kissed my knuckles before leading me back into the streets with his head hung low to avoid people looking at him too much. We walked through the sea of people, my chest close to his back and I lost myself in nauseating wonder. He was strong, so very strong. We arrived at the apothecary, and he said he would wait for me outside. Only 20 minutes later I was walking back out again, my woven backpack full and my money nearly spent. Glancing around for my handsome new friend, I found him in the alley beside the store.

“Name where I can accompany you next, my lady.” His words made me blush. I had been called Lady before by the elves, but only because of my familial relation to Thranduil. This man could not know my imaginary title, so he was not addressing me by status. And he called me ‘his’ lady… this was flirtatious in nature.

“The tailor and the blacksmith, but you need not guide me anymore if it is not your wish.” He grinned at this, his eyes lighting in amusement.

“My Lady, if I did not want to continue in your company, I would have left after bringing you here.” He took my hand again, kissed my knuckles, and led me away with my hand still in his. We walked like that all day, and it was midafternoon when my list was complete. I had never been so unhappy to leave someone. He was charming, and so very sweet, and the way he spoke about the city and the mountain, he truly loved this place. I learned his name, Thorin, but he would not tell me his father’s name or the name of his lineage. He was walking me back to the tavern when things truly started going wrong.

“Will you be returning to the My Lady?” I had taken a liking to the name, and completely forgot to tell him my real one.

“I don’t know. I am only here today.” A sadness settled in my chest and my heart dropped when I realized I may never see him again.

“Then I shall be happy only today and I shall mourn all of eternity without you.” This brought another flush of heat to my face. He always said such sweet things, I truly began to think he just did it to make me embarrassed. I turned to face him, stopping in the street that was barely crowded. Facing him, I realized that I stopped very close to him, and my chest was close to pressing against his. His eyes, those beautiful grey-blue eyes, dart across my face from my eyes to my lips to my eyes again.

“Thorin I-”

“Prince!” A man with a shaved head and tattoos appeared, followed by several guards. They were all staring at Thorin, and I couldn’t mask the hilarious bout of shock I was feeling.

“Prince…?” His eyes had closed, and he looked so incredibly guilty.

 “Yes,” He turned to the man behind him, “Dwalin, what do you need?” 

“Your father is asking for you in the mountain.” Thorin sighed and I watched his shoulders drop. He had spoken about his family in little detail, but he loved them very much. If he didn’t want to go back, maybe it was more to do with being a prince than being a son. He turned to me, and he looked so sad. 

“I must go, My Lady.” My heart sped up and I felt sick at the thought. 

“I will come back tomorrow. Be here, please, My Prince?” His eyes lit up and he grabbed my hands, holding them together and kissing them before letting go reluctantly, walking back to where his friend Dwalin was. I stood still, watching him leave, and I caught his eye as he looked back just before Dwalin punched his shoulder. I felt lightheaded now that he was gone. I spent all day with a stranger, with the prince. If this is love, it’s addictive. I slowly made my way through the city, too busy in my thoughts of Thorin to realize that the unease I had felt this morning was worse. I was close to the western gate when I heard it. A horn, deep in the summer winds, and people began screaming. A shadow passed over the city with terrifying speed and suddenly there was a shriek, like the sharp whistling of wind, and there was fire. Blazing red and orange, it swept through the city. The very stone caught on fire and no one in its wake was left alive. As a bout of flames descended, I ducked into an archway, turning away as the force nearly knocked me down. Smoke piled into the streets, and it became so hard to breathe. The buildings were collapsing, and I was barely able to wade through the rubble and fire. I think I blocked out a lot of what I saw that day, because when I stumbled out of the city, I wasn’t alone. I was on my hands and knees, choking on the smoke, eyes watering as I tried to process everything that was happening. 

“Nethel! Breathe!” Legolas was at my side, wrapping his arms around me. As my breathing regulated sobs wracked my body. The mountain was destroyed. A great hole where the main gate once stood had people pouring out.

“Where is father? Please, we must help them. His people-” coughs wracked my body and I felt sharp pain in my muscles. Before I could say anything else he lifted me off the ground, running me over to a horse and saddling us both in. He sat behind me, holding me steady as he guided us back into the forest. The last thing I saw, as I looked over my brother’s shoulder, was my father pulling back his troops, leaving Thorin alone. 

~~~ 

In the morning, I was alone, and for the first time since I stepped foot in Dale everything registered at once. Thorin, prince of Erebor, had spent the day with me without telling me who he was. I may or may not have fallen in love with him. The whole city caught on fire. The whole city…. On fire… I began yelling at the guards, screaming for Legolas, for my mother, for Tauriel even. Just not Thranduil. Legolas was the only one who entered my room. 

“Nethel, please stop, you need rest-” He sat beside me on the bed. 

“Tell me what happened, hanar, what happened to the city!” Tears welled in my eyes as pictures of the fire came back. The mountain, Thorin, his people. Legolas sighed, turning away from me. 

“Smaug, the fire Drake. He went to Erebor to claim the gold inside. Dale was…. The city is gone, nethel.” I didn’t know what to say. A fire Drake, a dragon, had come in search of gold and killed thousands of people… 

“What about the royal family, the king, the prince?” He shook his head. 

“Nothing yet, but I’ll let you know what I hear if that would put you at ease.” I nodded and sat back quietly. I spent the next 3 days in bed before I was allowed to go home. I didn’t talk to Thranduil once. I don’t know what I would have said if I had, but I know it wouldn’t have been nice. 

4 years later, news came about the royal family. There was a battle at Moria, and the king and prince were lost. It broke my heart, and I spent a whole year alone in my house. My mother passed away shortly after, she got sick with something even our magic couldn't stop, and I refused to see any of the elves, save for my brother. Legolas visited me every day, but soon even that stopped. It became every week, then maybe every month, then only when necessary. 

60 years passed, and in my sorrow, I let the years go without care. I was still young, in my prime as a witch, and would continue to be young for a thousand years more if I so wanted. But, after 60 years, I can still be surprised. 

__

[immagoudaboi]

FOR THE ASK THING: 14, 22, 29

PLEASE AND THANK YOU (*・∀・*)ノ

OIII MOON!!! thanks for stopping by!!! I miss your typos and yelling 🌻🌻🌻

14. Talk about one of your most cherished childhood memories.

I have lots of great childhood memories, but the one that randomly came to mind was when I was around 9 or 10 years old.

I was close to this one family growing up, and they had been fostering three children they were looking to adopt. The family had 4 biological children, and they were fostering 3 more. They invited my mom and I to come with them to go to the courthouse with them to have them officially adopted! They had this large bus and all 11 of us rode together (2 parents, 7 children, my mom, and me), and we were laughing and talking the whole way there, excited that the kids were going to be an official part of the family. The judge was very kind, and all 7 kids and me received stuffed animals afterwards. We went back to hang out at their house. One of the kids even changed her name to include my sister's name as her middle name, (my sister was unable to attend because she had school).

Some of my golden memories from when I was a kid 💛💛💛

22. What do you like most about nature?

There are scary parts of nature, but also very beautiful things. The thing I value most about nature is how undemanding it is. Life is so busy and stressful; but, when you go out into a forest, or out in a field or meadow, or beach or mountain, you can stand in the midst of it all and not remember a thing. Taking a long, deep breath of fresh air is so unexplainably calming, and feeling grass or moss beneath your feet makes you want to roll around and never let that feeling escape. It can be as thrilling and interesting, or as tranquil and peaceful as you want it to be. You can down a trail, chasing birds and squirrels, or you can simply sit on the ground, close your eyes, and exist.

In much of the life we live, we miss the opportunity to simply exist.

29. Do you collect anything? And what are some hobbies you have?

I don't do this so much anymore, but I used to collect rocks and things from outside. I'd have sticks, and shells, and interesting leaves and flowers. Unfortunately, this isn't really viewed as "normal" so I had to "repurpose" much of the material I collected over the years, but I still have a rock collection hanging around with some small bits of amethyst, quartz, emeralds, sapphire, and other little things.

(Yeah, my mom made me get rid of things when bugs crawled out of my acorns 😬 sorry mama macadamia 😅)

On the hobbies side, you know I like photography and painting, but I also love poetry! Again, I don't have much time anymore these days, but I used to write poetry and read lots of it, including short stories! (Levihan takes up a lot of my reading time now, admittedly LOL)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BYYYYYY I HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME ANSWERING THESE!!!!!! LOT'S OF LOVE MOTHER MOON 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

simple and soft asks here:

[valiantarcher]

Some assorted and random thoughts on Dare by Tricia Mingerink.

I was far too slow on the uptake (I had the pieces but they didn't click together until idratherdreamofjune mentioned something about it), but I do like the western prairie setting of the world. It's a nice change from mountainous and forested fantasy worlds, and an even rarer aesthetic and costuming choice!

I was kinda 'eh' the first few pages, but near the end of chapter one, I started getting a little more interested and then chapter two started and Renna showed up and I was hooked.

Renna is great. She reminded me a bit of Blanche Brier in how she lives with both faith and fear, wishes to be braver/bolder while still wishing her younger sister would be a bit more cautious at times, and still does the right thing even if it's excruciatingly difficult. I was also really amused by her half-hoping Leith would die and recognising that while she might want to pray for that, it would be wrong.

I also love Brandi (though her name threw me for quite a bit), especially her sneakiness with the Daniel stories and her fearless faith.

THE DANIEL STORIES. I loved that that was how the gospel began to be presented - not with what people usually think of as the obvious point, with Jesus - but with the stories from Daniel that got Leith intrigued and recognising his sinfulness and that there was something different and desirable about the Christians caring for him. Also, how Leith went through Genesis and the first bit of the Pentateuch to have enough of a foundation to understand why Jesus came and THEN went to the Gospels - that's a reading order that is used with people curious about or searching for understanding, and it was neat to see.

I didn't like Shadrach's argument about how Leith's prayer for courage being answered and God answering the prayers of His people meant Leith was a child of God already. God uses both Christians and non-Christians to work out His will and the immediate answer or lack thereof of prayer isn't a proof-positive or negative of salvation (or predestination).

Which was another thing. I think it could've had a bit more nuance/slightly better explanation (and the whole thing with Leith's father didn't seem to quite hit right somehow?), but predestination in a fantasy novel??? It's more likely than you think!

ALSO! The life and importance of the body of Christ felt real! Renna and Brandi (and their aunt and uncle when they returned) having family devotions and Brandi whistling psalms tunes going to do chores! Abel as pastor and caring for his flock, specifically going out to minister and check on them when they had paused services! The church services and fellowship lunch in between!! Again, these sorts of things often seem to end up either missing or just a one-off scene in Christian fantasy, and I really appreciated how they were included here.

Oooh, one more: the variety and diversity of opinions on rebellion vs. resistance vs. submission (and I appreciate the distinction made between the first two especially) is also really rare and was neat to see. Somewhat irritating because not all the arguments were great and almost no one shared opinions, but really neat to see still.

Moving on to a different subject, I also appreciated the sidestepping of the love triangle(s). They can be well-done, but they weren't needed here by any means and would've made things messy on a lot of fronts, so very happy they didn't materialise. Even happier that they were sidestepped without making either Shadrach or Jolene mean, thoughtless, or unkind!

I really enjoyed that Shadrach and Leith got to build up a friendship. I liked that Leith had a friendship with Martyn already (or the very narrow and slender friendship they could have as Blades :( ) as well, even if Leith is aware he won't be able to keep both friendships the same as they have diametrically-opposed foundations. :(

I appreciated that Leith's and Renna's interest in each other really only started to show up by the end. Granted, I do think they could've waited longer - it really hasn't been THAT long :P - but I am glad it didn't show up faster/stronger.

I understood why Leith left Renna a knife and it was very sweet in intention and ended up being somewhat practical, but also: HOW DUMB CAN YOU BE??? IT'S A MONOGRAMMED KNIFE THAT'S PART OF A SET!! If no one notices that Leith is missing a knife, someone might eventually notice that Renna has a Blade's knife with Leith's initials on it. :| And because he left it with her at the end of the book and no one noticed before then, it's gonna come back to bite them in the future.