#it really says a lot about him that he woke up with a mystery girl in his lap and then said dont touch me and then said sorry

[dirt-str1der]

Another really great kazumaji fic (again one of the top two roommate ones) was when kiryu got kidnapped and then groped by this girl (big bad) who proceeded to have a breakdown in front of him and he , still tied up , almost apologised To Her

[m1ckeyb3rry]

── THE GLASS PRINCESS // ONE

Series Synopsis: You wake up in a strange room with no memories, broken glass at your bedside, and a prince named Zuko as your only chance at figuring out who you really are.

Chapter Synopsis: You meet Mai, Ty Lee, and Prince Zuko.

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Zuko x Reader

Chapter Word Count: 5.6k

Content Warnings: complicated relationships (strangers to friends to lovers to enemies to strangers to lovers to enemies to lovers), amnesia, alternate universe, lots of secrets and lying and mystery

A/N: this is my first ever attempt at writing for atla despite how long ago i watched it and how much i’ve written since then HAHAH. tbh i don’t expect much to come of it but oh well we’ll see how it goes!! also this is an alternate universe — the extent of which things have been changed will become more apparent as we go along. also apologies in advance if anyone is ooc, i haven’t watched atla in forever so idk if i’ll get it right!

There was a pile of glass on the nightstand when you woke up. It glimmered in the light, the fire refracting on the shards and forming tiny little rainbows on the wooden floor. Rusty streaks stained the faceted tips, though, and you winced as you tried to imagine how that quantity of blood could’ve made its way there.

“It’s yours,” a girl said. You startled, for you hadn’t noticed her presence, but it seemed like that had been her plan. She stood in the corner, her clothes a dull maroon, her hair glossy black and eyes a sharp, dark shade. Her lips were pressed into a thin line as she regarded you, but her face was otherwise smooth, betraying nothing.

“Mine?” you said, voice cracking from disuse. “What do you mean? The — the blood?”

“And the glass,” she affirmed. “In some sense, anyways. Some of the pieces, we had to pull out of you, and others were apparently just lying around where you were found. At least, that’s what Zuko said. I’m still not quite sure why he went and collected it all to bring back, though…”

You squinted at the glass, trying to find some familiarity in it, but there was none. You had no idea why you would be surrounded by it, nor why it would be embedded in you. The girl waited for a second, but when you did not speak, she scoffed.

“Sorry,” you said automatically.

“We’ve been waiting for you to wake up for so long,” she said, an accusatory note entering her voice. “Zuko refuses to say anything, and it’s not like we can bully the crown prince himself into telling us what happened, so you’ve been our only chance at figuring everything out.”

“Oh,” you said, a migraine building behind your forehead as you tried to go through the events that had led to your presence here, in this austere room, on this plush mattress. “I — I don’t know.”

“You don’t know,” she repeated drearily. “Wow.”

“I’m sorry,” you said again. “I really don’t. I’m telling the truth.”

In fact, you were rapidly coming to the conclusion that you didn’t know anything. Your childhood, your family, your home…there was nothing. Where your memories ought to be was a bleak stretch like night, barely interrupted by flashes of blue. You reached for that blue, for that lovely shade like sapphire, but it was always just out of your grasp, something you could never quite touch no matter how much you wanted to.

“How about I tell you what I know, and we go from there?” she said. You nodded, though you were only half paying attention to her. The rest of you was fighting back a panic that threatened to twist your insides, a dread that was rotting through you, both sensations borne from the fear that you would never remember anything again.

“Prince Zuko was banished from the Fire Nation and told only to return once he found the Avatar,” she said. “He found him eventually, found him many times in fact, but he wasn’t able to capture him. It’s irrelevant, though — he did do something just as impossible. That is to say, he infiltrated Ba Sing Se.”

You thought that you were probably supposed to be awed by this, but considering you had zero idea what any of it meant, you just felt further confused. Still, you smiled at her, hoping she would keep talking until something or another made sense.

“Fire Lord Ozai couldn’t ignore the opportunity. He sent an army to the prince’s aid, and under his command, they managed to destroy the Earth Palace and depose the royal family. The Earth Kingdom’s in shambles, and all but the most secretive resistance efforts have vanished,” the girl, who had still not introduced herself, continued.

“I don’t see what this has to do with me,” you said, ducking your head.

“Neither do the rest of us,” she said. “That’s what you were supposed to know. For some reason, the fact is that upon returning from Ba Sing Se, the prince had your body in tow. You were wrapped in so many bandages we couldn’t tell what you were at first, and then we thought you must be closer to a corpse than anything, but he insisted you were alive, and that we had to heal you.”

“The prince himself did such a thing?” you said. Even you understood what the magnitude of that title meant, what kind of person a prince was bound to be. And if that was the case, if this mysterious Zuko really was the prince of an entire nation, then why would he have sullied his victory with care for the brutalized body of a random girl?

“He did,” the girl said. “It was the first thing he saw to. Not the reclamation of his crown, but that you were being treated with the best technologies the Fire Nation has to offer. Don’t you think it’s strange? Worthy of investigation? Don’t you agree that we should be curious about what significance you have?”

“Yes, um, naturally,” you said, taken aback by the rapid-fire line of questioning. Despite her initially bland facade, she was surprisingly intense, relentless, even, the stark contrast between the two personalities enough to make you curl inwards.

“Maybe he loves you,” she said, narrowing her eyes at you, inspecting you critically. “I suppose it’d certainly be an explanation, though it wouldn’t give us any clues about who you are or why he might love you in the first place.”

“I wouldn’t know,” you said, shifting in your seat uncomfortably. “I don’t even know my own name, let alone whether I was in love with someone.”

“Don’t even know your own name?” the girl said, raising her eyebrows. “You really are pathetic. I’m impressed.”

“I can’t remember anything specific about my life. I know general things, of course. The color of the sky. The way the moon looks. But the history of the world, my own existence…these are things I cannot recall,” you said.

She appraised you with the beginnings of something like sympathy flickering in her irises. Clenching her jaw and deciding upon something, she straightened her back and turned to the door.

“I should tell Zuko you’re awake,” she said. “That’s what he told us to do, the instant you regained consciousness. I’ve put it off long enough.”

“Wait!” you said. “What’s your name?”

She glanced at you over her shoulder. You blinked at her, willing her to understand — that before you could meet this prince, you had to know something. Even if it was only as small as this girl’s name, you wanted to have at least one thing in your head, a word or other such piece of knowledge that you could cling to, that you could form a barrier around your mind with.

“Mai,” she said. She did not elaborate before slamming the door shut behind her, but it was enough for you. There was this one constant now — you knew a girl, and her name was Mai.

As you waited for Mai to return with the prince, you busied yourself with inspecting the room you were quartered in. You had mistakenly called it austere due to the lack of decorations hung up, but now that you had the chance to look closely, you noticed that the wall itself was covered with intricate, swirling designs engraved by a firm, steady hand. The blanket that had been drawn up around your shoulders and was now puddled around your hips was made of silk and stuffed with feathers, and its quality was such that it all but shimmered. This was not the kind of room that just anybody stayed in; it was a room fit for someone of high rank. A lady. And a lady you were not, yet here you sat, in this room that made you feel entirely out of place.

Only a few minutes had passed before the door slammed open, but it was not Mai nor any sort of prince who entered. It was another girl, as bubbly and cheery as Mai had been cool and collected. She beamed when she saw you sitting up and looking around, bounding over to place her hands on your shoulders.

“Hi! Hi, hi, I’m so glad you’re awake!” she said. You tried to smile back at her, but the exuberance was so jarring that you could not do anything but brace yourself against it.

“Thank you,” you managed to say as she shook you. “Who are you?”

“Ty Lee!” she said. You noticed that she had a habit of ending every sentence with her voice ticking up in delight, like she was perpetually thrilled with the world. It was even more of a contrast to Mai than you had anticipated, and you felt your head spinning as you tried to keep up with the differences.

“Did I know you before?” you said. She cocked her head.

“Huh? No, I have no idea who you are, just like you have no idea who I am. You sure are pretty, though! Even prettier when you’re not all passed out,” she said, miming fainting before beaming at you expectantly. You tried to laugh, but it was an awkward sound, clearly unconvincing.

“The same to you,” you said. “Er. Obviously, aside from the part about passing out.”

“Obviously!” she said. “Now, just stay very still, okay?”

You froze in place immediately, wondering what she was going to do but trusting that it would not be anything harmful. Or, perhaps trusting wasn’t quite the right word for it — you just had no choice but to obey, because you had no other metric for what was correct. Whether Ty Lee wanted to help or harm you, you couldn’t know for sure, but either way she would do something, and since she was only the second person whose face you had seen, you had to let her do it.

She jabbed her pointer fingers into your neck, side, and wrists, all in a quick, precise succession. You waited for something to happen, but there was nothing, and when she raised her eyebrows at you, you could only furrow your own in a non-answer.

“Felt nothing?” she said. You nodded in the affirmative. “Interesting.”

“Was I supposed to?” you said.

“I dunno!” she said. “I guess we’ll see once the others get here.”

“What do the others have to do with it?” you said. At this, she winked and raised her fingers to her lips, as if you two were sharing some silly secret.

“If I tell you, then that’ll ruin things! We can discuss it later, but for now, you have to keep it to yourself, okay?” she said.

“Why?” you said. It wasn’t accusatory; you were genuinely curious.

“Let’s just say that certain parties would not be pleased if they found out what I was doing,” she said, giggling nervously and glancing at the door. “And those parties aren’t the kind you really want to offend, so please just keep your mouth shut!”

“Don’t want to offend? Who, like Prince Zuko?” you said.

Before Ty Lee could respond, there was a knock at the door. She scrambled away from you, so that she was standing in the same corner Mai had been in, looking demure and respectful. It was like she had never spoken to you in the first place, and when she had arranged herself suitably, she motioned towards the door.

“Me?” you said.

“Yes, you!” she said. “It’s your room, isn’t it?”

“I would hardly know,” you reminded her. She considered this before making a face in agreement.

“Right, there is that fact. Anyways, yes. This isn’t a hospital wing or anything, it’s your room, which means that when someone knocks, it’s up to you to tell them if they can come in or not,” she said.

“You didn’t knock,” you said. Ty Lee cleared her throat.

“Ah, well, I’m from a Fire Nation family! People of higher rank are allowed to do things like barging in on others,” she said. “I can’t tell you the amount of times Princess Azula has stormed into my room without warning.”

“I see,” you said, mostly because you didn’t know who Princess Azula was or why she merited mention. “This must be a servant or something, then, considering they’re knocking on even my door.”

“Probably,” Ty Lee said. There was another knock, louder this time, and you swore under your breath as you realized you had forgotten to answer them.

“Come in!” you said, folding your hands in your lap and looking over at the doorway, wondering who it could possibly be.

To your surprise, it was a boy. He was dressed in fine armor, his dark hair tied back in a regal topknot, his features angular and his eyes a sharp gold. His face was set in a frown, but when he saw you, you thought you picked up on the faintest trace of happiness. Almost immediately, though, it was quashed by a scowl, so that you could not be quite sure if you had actually seen it or if you had just been imagining things.

Behind him was Mai, looking as bored as she had earlier, though she seemed marginally more excited to see Ty Lee than she had been when you had woken up. You supposed they must’ve been friends or something.

“You should bow,” Mai said, directing the statement at you.

“No way!” the boy said immediately, waving his hands in dissent before you could even move. “I mean, ah, she doesn’t have to do that. It’s fine.”

“Woah! That’s crazy, Zuko, normally you’re all about honor and tradition and whatnot!” Ty Lee said. “It’s strange to hear something like that coming from you.”

So this was Prince Zuko, the boy who had, for some reason, saved your life. He was the only one who knew anything about your past. Your name, your identity, your origin…if you wanted to know any of these things, then your best chance at finding them stood before you, gazing at you with an inscrutable expression.

“Your royal highness,” you said, not bothering to get out of bed but dipping your head in what you hoped was a sign of respect anyways. He coughed awkwardly.

“Um. Yes,” he said.

“So,” Mai observed from the spot she had taken beside Ty Lee, “she’s awake now.”

“I see that,” Prince Zuko said. Mai rolled her eyes.

“Will you tell us who she is? Or why you insisted on saving her, maybe?” she said.

“Why don’t you ask her?” he said. “She’d know as well as I would. Maybe better.”

“I already tried,” Mai said. The prince’s scowl deepened, the corners of his mouth tugging further downwards at the offhand statement, his eyes flicking to you before returning to Mai.

“Of course you did,” he said. “And what did she say?”

“Nothing,” Mai said.

“She doesn’t remember anything,” Ty Lee said. “Not even her own name. You’re the only one left who can tell us anything about her.”

Something in Prince Zuko’s demeanor shifted at that moment. A despairing anger warred with resignation and defeat, but below the surface, some other emotion was hidden, kept locked tightly away, something that he was suppressing, so that no one could dare to even attempt to comprehend it.

“I see,” he said. “Is that the case?”

He was asking you. You did not look at him when you responded, focusing on the pile of glass still stacked on the nightstand.

“Yes,” you said. “Your royal highness. It’s the case.”

Prince Zuko considered this, and for a moment, there was an eerie silence in the room, as you all waited to hear what he would say. Who were you? Would he finally disclose it, or would you be further stranded in the darkness?

“Ursa,” he said finally.

“Your mother?” Mai said. He shook his head.

“No, not her. It’s — um, it’s her. Her name,” he said, jutting his chin in your direction.

“She has the same name as your mother,” Mai said flatly.

“Yes,” he said.

Ursa. That was your name. You didn’t feel some great reclamation of your identity upon hearing it; in fact, it meant nothing to you, except that at some point, people must have called you that.

“Is that why you saved her?” Ty Lee said. “Because she has the same name as your mother?”

“Yeah,” he muttered under his breath. “That’s exactly why.”

“Really? We thought you might’ve been in love with her or something,” Mai said. “I guess this is in character enough, though.”

“How’d you find someone with a Fire Nation name in Ba Sing Se, though?” Ty Lee said. Prince Zuko gave her an irritated look; she only gazed at him innocently until he sighed and looked away.

“She had been taken prisoner on the front lines and brought to Ba Sing Se to be, er…tortured. For — for Fire Nation secrets,” he said.

“Why would they think an ordinary girl would have Fire Nation secrets?” Mai said.

“It’s not like Fire Nation citizens are easy to kidnap!” he snapped. “She might not know any vital information about the nation, but it was probably better than nothing!”

“Well, sorry for asking,” Mai said, rolling her eyes at him once again. It seemed her fuse was particularly shorter when it came to him, not that it had ever appeared to be particularly long to begin with.

“Do you think they got anything out of her?” Ty Lee said, in a not-so-subtle attempt to change the subject and break the tension. Prince Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose.

“It doesn’t matter, does it?” he said.

“I guess not. Not now that Ba Sing Se is ours and the rest of the Earth Kingdom has all but fallen,” Ty Lee said.

“Right. Even if they found out anything from her, it didn’t help them in the end,” he said.

“What should we do with her?” Ty Lee said. “Poor girl, she doesn’t even know her lefts from her rights!”

“Uh, I do know that much…” you interjected. Ty Lee paid you no mind, continuing to speak to Prince Zuko like you weren’t there.

“She can’t live in the palace like this forever!” she said. “But she’s like a blind little child, alone in the world. Where can she even go?”

Prince Zuko looked at you, and then he exhaled heavily. You swallowed, waiting for his judgment, knowing that he now held your life in his hands, wondering what he would decide, wondering what fate was in store for you. For Ursa. Since you both were one and the same, after all.

“Send her to the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. They’ll teach her what she needs to know to be a proper Fire Nation girl,” he said.

“She’s not a noblewoman, though,” Mai said.

“Do you think the headmistress will argue with me if I say I want her admitted?” Prince Zuko shot back, though there was a tinge of insecurity, a questioning undercurrent, like he really wasn’t sure if he would get away with it or not.

“Nope,” Ty Lee said. “But do you think she — Ursa — can handle it? I mean, we were there, right, Mai? You remember how it was.”

“It’s a tough environment,” Mai agreed. You could tell what she was thinking: what place did a girl who came to the palace covered in bandages and glass, in the arms of a once-banished prince, have in a royal academy? “She’ll be eaten alive there.”

“And what if someone challenges her to an Agni Kai?” Ty Lee said. “Do you think she could win that? Is she that good at bending?”

“She’s not a Firebender,” Prince Zuko said.

“Why was she on the front lines if she’s not even a Firebender?” Mai said before pausing. “Never mind. I don’t feel like listening to your dramatics when you explain. But, you know, she’ll struggle that much more without bending to protect her.”

Prince Zuko’s face settled into a pensive mask of thought before he lit up, brandishing his pointer finger as if he’d come up with the idea of the century. Mai did not look amused, though Ty Lee seemed fascinated by what he might say.

“Ty Lee! You ran away from school to join the circus, right?” he said. Ty Lee went from looking fascinated to nervous, but she nodded.

“Yes, but I’m back now, so I don’t know why you’re bringing that up,” she said.

“My sister doesn’t have any immediate need for you,” he said, eyes gleaming. “Maybe it’s time you finally finish your education for good.”

“You want me to go back to the Royal Fire Academy?” Ty Lee repeated. Prince Zuko nodded.

“Yes, that’s right. You can watch out for her,” he said, jabbing his pointer finger at you.

“What will Azula say?” Ty Lee said.

“It’ll be fine,” Mai said. “If she needs you, you can just take a vacation from school or something. It’s better that you do this than laze around the palace.”

“I don’t want to be a burden,” you said quietly, speaking up of your own volition for the first time. “To anyone. I’m just grateful that you saved me, Prince Zuko. The rest of it is unnecessary. You don’t need to force the royal academy to accept me, and you don’t need to make Ty Lee come just to watch out for me. It’s enough that I’m alive. I can make my own life from here.”

“You don’t know anything. How can you expect to make a new life when you don’t even remember the one you’ve had until this point?” he said.

“I suppose there might be some benefit to Ursa going to school,” Mai added. “As long as she can survive the academy, it’ll be good for her. She can get caught up on everything she doesn’t remember, and it’ll be in an environment where her classmates are the children of the Fire Nation elite, so she can make further connections with people in high places.”

“Maybe she can find someone who has a brother she can date!” Ty Lee said, swooning.

“No!” Prince Zuko said. You all gave him strange looks; when he noticed, he turned a red as bright as his garb. “It wouldn’t be proper. You know, since you’ll be attending in my name and all; if you date anyone, it’ll reflect on me. So you can only date the people I approve of.”

“Alright. If that’s what you think is best,” you said. The last thing you wanted was to make things difficult for the boy who had, by all accounts, saved your life.

“I do,” he said.

“Uh-huh,” Mai said from the corner. “You know, Ty Lee, this reminds me of when Azula took us to the zoo that one time.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess it does!” Ty Lee said, covering her mouth with her hand as she giggled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Prince Zuko said.

“Is there a zoo nearby?” you said. “I don’t remember ever going to one. I’d like to visit, if it’s possible.”

“I’ll take you!” Ty Lee said. “When we have a break from school and classes and all.”

“So you’ll go with her?” Prince Zuko said. Ty Lee huffed.

“I don’t really have much of a choice, do I? Besides, I’m sure Azula will be happy to hear I’m pursuing my education in my downtime instead of just doing nothing. And you know I’d do anything to make her happy!” she said before cartwheeling over to where you were still situated in your bed, throwing her arms around you affectionately. “We’re going to be classmates, Ursa!”

“I look forward to it,” you said genuinely. Ty Lee tapped you on the forehead.

“Me too!” she said.

“You are?” Mai said. “I don’t remember you ever liking the school, Ty Lee.”

“I don’t,” she said, abruptly wilting. “Everyone was so mean there. But my parents will probably be happy, and at least I’ll get to spend more time with Ursa! Maybe I’ll be the only one around when she regains her memories, and I’ll get to hear her story in her own words first.”

“For the sake of the prince’s mental wellbeing, let’s hope that’s not the case,” Mai said. Prince Zuko did not even respond, too busy inspecting the glass on your bedside to rise to the barb.

“Fine, then,” he said. “Make sure she’ll have everything she needs to attend the academy.”

“Which one of us was that pleasantly worded command directed towards?” Mai said.

“Whichever one of you has the time to do it, I guess,” he said. “This is the glass that came with her?”

“Yes. On the subject, why’d you go and collect so much of it? What a waste of time that must’ve been,” Mai said.

“I don’t know,” Prince Zuko said, sweeping the glass into the small bag lying on the ground by the nightstand. “I thought it might be important in healing her or something. I mean, you know, how could the healers understand what they were pulling out of her unless they saw it?”

Mai did not seem to believe him, but to your surprise, she did not question him further on the topic, only nodding. Maybe she respected him just a bit more than you had thought, though considering your original hypothesis had not exactly been favorable for the prince, this didn’t mean much.

“Where are you taking that?” she said instead, motioning towards the bag. “To dispose of it?”

“Yeah,” Prince Zuko said. “I’ll have it taken to the incinerator.”

You felt a twinge in your stomach. “Do you have to?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” he said.

“That glass is my only link to who I was before. Even if it was a bad memory, at least that memory was mine,” you explained. “I — I know it’s strange, but I feel like if you destroy it, you’ll destroy me, in some sense.”

“Ursa…” Ty Lee said, helplessly sympathetic, grasping your hands in her own. “It’s just glass. It can’t tell you anything about yourself, besides the fact that you were hurt during the fall of Ba Sing Se.”

“Your royal highness,” you beseeched Prince Zuko, who shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably at the title. “I know you have already done so much for me, so it is in bad taste for me to ask you for another favor, but please do not send that glass to be burnt away. Please save it. At least until I remember why it was there in the first place.”

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “It’s waste material. Nothing good will come of you keeping it. Nothing at all will.”

“I just—” you began before breaking off. “Never mind. I’m sorry for asking.”

“Zuko, maybe you should just do it,” Mai said.

“Leave it, Mai,” Ty Lee said. “He’s made up his mind. Even we can’t change it once he’s like this.”

Both of them looked at him, but he only picked up the bag and tucked it under his arm.

“I’m leaving now,” he said. “Don’t come after me.”

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving you alone in the room with Mai and Ty Lee. Both of them seemed sorry, and actually, unlike what you had expected, Mai was the first to speak up.

“I’m sorry, Ursa,” she said. “He’s always been the temperamental sort.”

“It’s okay,” you said, still unused to being referred to as Ursa, even if it was the name you had supposedly bore for your entire life. “He and Ty Lee are right, after all. It’s just glass. Trash. What use could I really derive from something like that? If that’s all that’s left of my old life, then maybe I’m better off not remembering at all.”

“You don’t really believe that,” Mai said. “But if it makes you feel better, we won’t argue, right, Ty Lee?”

“Hm? No, we won’t,” Ty Lee said.

“What’s gotten you all distracted?” Mai said. Ty Lee shook her head.

“It’s nothing. By the way, can you help me pack for the academy? I’m worried I’ll forget something,” she said.

“That, or you want me to do it all for you,” Mai said.

“I wouldn’t ask you to do that!” Ty Lee said.

“I’m just joking,” Mai said, but since her voice remained that same steady deadpan, it was hard to tell. “Yes, I’ll help you, and I’ll get things ready for Ursa, too. That way she can leave as soon as Zuko gets her admitted into the academy. Let’s be honest — the sooner she can get out of here, the better.”

“That’s true,” Ty Lee said, though when she noticed your downcast expression, she rushed to reassure you. “Don’t feel bad!”

“It’s not a problem. I understand; you’ve already wasted so much time and so many resources on taking care of me. It’s only logical that you’d want me gone,” you said.

“It’s not like that,” Mai said. “There’s just people in this palace that you’d be better off never meeting. It’ll be good if you can get out before you have that displeasure. That’s all.”

“I see,” you said. “Then thank you once again for doing your best to look out for me.”

“We’ll leave you alone for a bit,” she said. “I’m sure this has all been a lot to process, so it’ll be good for you to come to terms with it on your own time.”

“Bye, Ursa! See you soon!” Ty Lee said.

“Bye,” you said, though your farewell was lacking much of her cheer. Even if Mai was right, you didn’t really want to sit alone. You had nothing to think about or do in the solitude, so what good would you gain from it? But you could hardly beg them to stay, not when you did not know them and they did not know you, so you only watched as they left you sitting by yourself in silence.

It was only when the moon was high in the sky that your door creaked open once more. You were still awake — you had been having trouble getting to sleep, so you had tentatively begun to walk around your room, testing your legs, familiarizing yourself with the motions of walking once more. When you heard footsteps, though, you immediately grew still, hoping that the visitor would be someone you recognized and not someone with more nefarious intentions.

You had been expecting, or perhaps hoping, that it would be Mai or Ty Lee, but to your surprise, it was Prince Zuko. He was not wearing armor, and his hair was loose and messy around his face, but there was no doubt that it was him.

“How much do you really remember?” he said without formality or even a greeting. “Hey. Tell me the truth, at least.”

“What do you mean?” you said. He crossed his arms over his chest.

“I mean, have you really forgotten everything?” he said.

“Yes,” you said. “There’s nothing but a vast darkness whenever I try to look back at the time before I woke up here. I don’t remember a single thing about myself. I didn’t even know my name until you said it.”

He cocked his head at you, trying to discern if you were being truthful, and eventually he must’ve come to some conclusion, because he just buried his face in his hands.

“Okay,” he said.

“Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?” you said.

“It depends on who you’re asking,” he said. “And if you’re telling the truth.”

“I am!” you said.

“I believe you,” he said.

“Well…” you said. “There is one thing. Sometimes, in between the darkness, I’ll see something blue. I don’t know what it might represent, but I know that it’s there. It’s the only other thing I can recall — that precise shade like jewel-paint.”

“That could be anything,” he said.

“Yes, I know that,” you said. “That’s why I wouldn’t have even mentioned it ordinarily. Maybe something important to me was that color, or maybe there was just a blue tapestry on the wall where I was injured. There’s no concrete explanation, but I wanted you to know the full truth.”

“So that’s it, then,” he said.

“I suppose it is. On another subject, do you really mean to have me attend the Royal Fire Academy for Girls?” you said.

“You’ve already been accepted,” he said. “You’ll go. It’ll be alright.”

“Mai and Ty Lee didn’t seem to think so,” you said.

“You’re stronger than both of them, by far,” he said. “If they survived, you will, too.”

“Yet I’m the one that was captured,” you reminded him. “I don’t see how that makes me the stronger between us.”

A ghost of a smile flashed over his face. “You may not believe it, but at least to me, you are.”

“Did you know me very well, then, to be saying that with such confidence?” you said. “Before you found me that day? Were — were we friends?”

You didn’t want to say anything else, for it seemed presumptuous, but friends was close enough to what you were really asking that you figured the prince would understand.

It seemed that he did, but he did not appreciate the implication, for his face closed off and his posture grew withdrawn. Turning away from you, he pursed his lips.

“No,” he said. “We weren’t anything. You didn’t know me, and I didn’t know you. I only saved you because — because you and my mother share a name. That’s all.”

“It’s strange,” you said. “That name doesn’t even feel like it’s my own. Is it the amnesia that causes such a phenomenon?”

“I don’t know,” he said. “But you shouldn’t overthink it. Have fun at the Royal Fire Academy, Ursa. I’ll give you a messenger hawk; write to me frequently. And — and if you remember anything…”

“If I remember anything?” you prodded.

“Tell me first,” he said. “Not Ty Lee. Not anyone else. Me.”

[kismets-barista]

Hold onto your Stetson, @ohposhers; have I got some personal HickDory lore for you 😎💜🌟🫧

Excuse the insanity for those who don't feel compelled towards these two

SO!

Hickory and JD met a few good years before the events of the World Tour when Dory was traveling to find Lonesome Flats, got heatstroke and passed out in the desert. Wakes up to Hickory shadowed in the flickering light of a campfire beneath a canopy of the brightest stars he'd seen since the Neverglades, but it wouldn't be until QUITE a few months later until they really started developing crushes against each other. (Cowboy under the stars, you'd think he'd fall right then and there, right? 🌟)

Why was Hickory already in Lonesome Flats, you might ask? Where was Dickory?

In a glue trap, I say in response. Hickory came from Yodelsberg (is there a canonical name for this?) for international study and to learn about new music. He fell in love with country because yodeling and country music are actually quite gorgeous together. She Taught Me to Yodel, anyone?

Delta Dawn obviously didn't take to Dory showing up and around the town, but after some convincing by Hickory and lots of proving himself (plus a vulture attack that resulted in John Dory saving the very young niece of Delta Dawn- Clampers-) he 'earned' a place there and began to work around town.

It was weird for him.

He'd never quite settled down, until then.

(Now, the specific timeline, yearly I mean is a little muddled because I'm still crafting this, but I'll put them out about three years, now.)

John Dory was still living in Lonesome Flats, and he'd started a relationship with Hickory. They loved each other, as my cohort in crime @protagonist-art (CHECK OUT THEIR ART I LOVE THEM SM MUAH) has Hickory tell John when we get write them, "More than the moon loves the ocean." As surely as the tide pulls in and out, so the lovers return to each other.

So Via, what does Hickory think about BroZone?

Oh, my sweet star.

He doesn't know.

After returning to the devastated Troll Tree, John Dory lost a piece of his heart in the damaged pod they used to live in. It was the first time he went grey, and the memories of his brothers started shifting from what was, to what would never be again. He couldn't find it within himself to talk about them, and has his secrets.

But so does Hickory.

Girl wdym stop being so mysterious.

Heh. I know. It's just a glimpse into my dark mind /ref. Anyways, Hickory never told John Dory he was a Yodeler troll. (Another piece of lore that Quizzy and I worked on together and I think it's brilliant.)

Huh? Aren't they in a long-term relationship? Won't this cause issues later on if they don't share these things with each other?

Oh, they love every aspect of each other too much for their bond to truly be broken.

And yet.

One morning, years after just living and loving, John Dory wakes up with a massive headache and nausea.

"Maybe it's that horse that kicked me yesterday, could've gotten me harder than we both thought."

"Lemme check for a knot, Darlin'."

No knots, but there was an egg.

🌟 (Here I'll say that I'm massively in love with the headcanon that trolls conceive through true love- it isn't quite necessary for them to physically do anything unless they want to. Just them, wholeheartedly trusting and putting everything into their relationship and pouring their heart out to their partner.)

They were absolutely ECSTATIC, and rightfully terrified in their own ways. Neither of them were looking for children but not against it, and after resting for a few days they began to plan. A nursery in the house, baby books with millions of names scattered on the coffee table, toys and cute little baby clothes for when the little one hatched.

Wanna know two of the names John Dory had in mind? Rhonda and Dolly.

They were ecstatic until the night John Dory woke up absolutely ill and with a pit in his stomach.

They lost the egg, and it was the second time John Dory went grey in his life.

A week after this had happened, John Dory left a bundled lock of his hair at Hickory's nightstand and did what he knows how to do all too well. He ran.

Hickory never went too far out of Lonesome Flats in the hopes that John Dory would come back. He couldn't imagine what would happen if his love came back and didn't find him there.

The events of World Tour come about, Hickory meets Branch, and travels for the first time since John Dory left.

John Dory continued to travel, until the events of Band Together.

But don't worry, dear readers, for as surely as the tides come in, so will the lovers meet again. 🌟

Aaaand BOOM! That's it! 💜 I've got lore behind the names Rhonda and Dolly as well, and am SO down to answer any questions about them that anyone has. For you, Posh, thank you for asking and helping me to share a story I've been working on, and for everyone else that read this, thank you kindly! I hope that everyone who made it this far has quite a lovely day, or if you didn't, have a lovely day anyways!

Remember to take your meds, drink water, eat something, and stretch!

💜🌟🫧

[user2772636]

Douzième Fille

12th Girl

××《☆》××

××《☆》××

Some chances are taken too late. You only realise what you've lost when you're starting to lose them. Goodbyes are hard, especially when you've just started.

===

Joseph Descamps x Reader

Warnings: ANGST ANGST ANGST, turn back now I'm warning you, goodbyes, intimate scenes, MAJOR heartbreak, swearing

References to Call Me By Your Name

===

===

Chapter eight: Joseph, Joseph, Joseph

===

It was hot that morning. I woke up in a layer of sweat, windows exuding heat, hair clinging on my neck, my blanket on the hardwood floor.

George sits on the window frame, taking the heat opposite of how I was.

I get up, groaning with a slight headache. I place my feet on the floor, keeping my eyes closed for the time being, trying to relax and gain back my senses.

There'd been a feeling in me this whole time, but as I woke up, it felt so much more evident. A clench in my chest.

I don't know where it came from or when it started, but I felt it there. It never really took my attention. Maybe it was from whatever position I was in. Or if I hadn't eaten or drank enough.

Summer is just around the corner, but I don't want it to start. It was always something I looked forward to.

Dipping into cold waters under the heat of the afternoon sun, eating fruits with their juices spilling over countertops and silverware. Tanning, sunburns, dry mouths from salt water. Then winter comes and you wait for summer again.

It's probably because I'm expecting something I know won't be there. But what is it? I have a summer job now, and I'm headed to Paris. What else could I possibly want?

I know exactly what. It's not that I'm afraid of it. It's because I can't change it. And it hurts.

Summer is when I'm supposed to be happy. He's ruined all of that now. I've got to get a grip, too. He won't care, so I shouldn't. But I care. I care a lot.

This isn't something I should think about. I'll forget him as soon as I get to Paris. I'll forget anything that's happened between us, even if nothing really did. I'll forget, and I'll forever have that feeling that I felt now. That something's there, and I'm not giving it attention.

Because deep down, I know what it is. And, it hurts.

××《☆》××

The walk to school was short-lived and ordinary. Nothing special happened. It was just brighter; which didn't really match my mood.

I was also a bit late. Most of the students were already heading in, and the bell rang as soon as I stepped through the gate.

I make my way up the staircase, keeping my head downcast and not paying anyone any mind.

All throught class it wasn't special. We did assignments, lectures, and all common school things. But the sound of pages being flipped, ink on paper, pattering of floorboards, it comforted me. I knew those sounds would stay with me throughout my life. People don't.

When class was dismissed, I took my time. I might not see this school again. I might move back to Paris. I might not see Michèle or Simone as much. And I won't, more so refuse to see Joseph ever.

It was afternoon now, so everything's brighter than this morning. And everything's hotter, too. I shade my face with my hands, squinting to see Callum's well-known car on the side of the road.

He's outside leaning on the door, smoking. I'm guessing his third cigarette today. He still has his wide smile on, and I wonder if his cheeks ever hurt.

"Good afternoon, pretty girl." He says as he patches his cigarette out. "How are you?"

"Hot." I shrug, going around the car with Callum as he opens the passenger door for me. I get inside, him as well after doing another roundabout the car.

"Well, love how you state what I already know." I think about that sentence for a while, sensing it was off. I realise what he meant, and I smack his arm.

"Oh, what now? Let me be funny!" I roll my eyes as he starts the car, a faint smile on my face. One thing I know for sure is that Callum is one of the people who would stay with me throughout my life. He was the reason I'm going back to Paris, the reason I have somewhat of a career. And I'm glad I met him, even with the circumstances of difficult feelings.

Whilst I talked about my day to him, I had realised nothing special happened because I didn't interact with Joseph. The day felt gloomy. It felt so underwhelming, so boring, because he wasn't involved.

"And it's so weird because we hadn't talked since that dinner." I tell Callum, who's been listening to me this whole time. We decided to go to a lake to cool off. It was a bit well known, but not too crowded since the school season isn’t off yet.

I made a quick pick up in my house, including a goodbye to George.

Going back, Callum nods. His hand flexes on the steering wheel.

"So, let me round this up. Joseph's mother invited you to dinner, then teased both you and him, then when he walks you out to their place, some girl-"

"The girl from the alley."

"The girl from the alley pops up from nowhere, fully dressed up."

"Exactly."

"But, why?"

"What do you mean why?"

"I mean, sure, I've never met her, but who could compete against you?"

"Okay, Callum, whatever-"

"No, I mean, how stupid can Joseph be to pick anyone but you?" This makes my breath catch on my throat.

"Don't call him stupid, Callum. He's fucking brilliant."

He quiets down, smile fading just a bit from my serious tone.

"Sorry." I had apologised.

"No need. It's fine. I just... you know what I meant."

"Yeah, I knew what you meant. Just... instict, you know?"

"I get that. You're in love, so you're defensive." He shrugs and starts to smile again. He's holding in a laugh.

"Shut up." I glare.

"Not gonna happen." I don't want it to happen.

××《☆》××

The next morning was the same. It was hot, I took a longer shower, got dressed, said goodbye to George, and headed to school.

This time, I met with Simone. I ask her about Michèle, getting worried that she hasn't come to school for two days straight. Before she could respond, she stopped in her tracks, seeing Jean Pierre across the hall.

"I- I'm sorry, Y/N, but I really need to talk to Jean Pierre. Stay here, please?" She scrunches up her face in guilt, but I simply shrug it off, knowing that if she wants to talk to someone, I shouldn't stop her. Especially if that someone is her boyfriend. Or whatever he is.

They go ahead to talk, me staying at the same place she left me, keeping a close eye on them. I lean against the wall, the hallway now a lot more quiet than when the bell rang a few minutes ago.

Their conversation lasted for only a bit because I saw Jean Pierre walking away. I head to Simone's side.

"So, what did you talk about?" She's still, and there's no emotion on her face. I worry.

"He just broke up with me." Oh. I pull her into a side hug, not knowing whether she was devastated with the news or if she was okay with it. She looked like both but neither at the same time.

I nod towards the stairwell, deciding for the both of us we should head to the courtyard to have our break. Or the bathroom for a quick cry.

We pass by a group of boys, and one of them keeps his eyes on me. Then, when I turned to glance at who it was, I realised it was just an eye.

In that moment, everything in me faded away. All the hate towards him, all the sadness, all the misunderstanding. I just wanted to talk to him again. For one last time. So I did.

"Joseph," I stop in my tracks. I tell Simone to keep going, that I'm fine left alone. She nods in acknowledgement and walks down the staircase.

I turn around to meet his stare. My breath catches in my throat, not having this kind of interaction in a while.

I walk towards him, a bit slow. "Can I talk to you?" I pause. "Alone?"

His friends tease him and push him around lightly, but his eyes are still as well as his whole body. I fear his heart might be, too.

He simply nods and silently eyes his friends to go. We're left alone near the window and take a seat in the space.

"You must be wondering why I'm talking to you again so suddenly." He stays quiet, looking down.

"Joseph..." I scoot closer. I bring both my hands up to his cheeks, only hovering above them.

He stays silent. I bring my hands back until he leans forward and into them, gently grabbing my wrists and holding them still. I feel the air come out of his nose as he exhales, body slumping down.

"I'm sorry. For everything. Ignoring you was one of the most stupid things I've done. Being angry was second." I tilt my head to see if he's opened his eye, but he keeps them closed. His thumb rubs one of my wrists.

"You should be with anyone you want to be with. It shouldn't matter to me. But, it did." He lifts his head, peering an eye. His mouth opens, then closes again. I keep going.

"I missed you. I've been missing you. I miss all the times we weren't mad at each other." I caress his cheeks, and he leans into my touch.

"I was never mad at you." Joseph says, but I shake my head.

"You were. And that's fine. It's okay to be mad at me. I get it." He furrows his brows at me.

"Don't say that. I was never mad at you. I've never been mad at you."

"But what about all those times you shouted at me? Those times in the streets?" He sighs deeply, not as relaxed as before.

"I was mad at myself, but I was letting it out on you. And I'm sorry about that. But trust me, I could never be mad at you."

We just stare at each other after. The silence fills the air, and it's the first time it was like this in a while. I had to tell him.

"I'm leaving." I feel his breath stop, and it's so nauseating.

"What?" He mumbles out.

"I'm leaving." I repeat.

"For the summer?" He squints, the gears turning in his head. I wish it was only for the summer.

"No," I look down. "For good."

He pulls away from my hands, sitting straight again.

"No..." He shakes his head. "Don't lie to me."

"I would never." I look him dead in the eye, not wanting him to think that I would ever do.

"Exactly. I know you'd never. So why are you lying to me now? This is some joke, right? Like a cliffhanger for next year. Right?" I simply stare at him.

"Y/N, please tell me you're lying. I'll let it slide. Tell me you're lying." He begs, grabbing a hold of my dropped hands.

I don't move. I don't look at him. I don't say anything. That was enough of an answer.

"No..." He whispers. He does it all over again as he gets up and paces. He rubs at his eye, and I get up and say "Stop."

He stills. I see the tear stains reflect off his cheeks from the sunlight outside coming in. His head is down as it was before. I sigh deeply, placing my hands on his shoulders.

"Come here." I pull him in, and he immediately engulfs me in an embrace. He sobs desperately, and I try my hardest not to join him.

A series of "please don't go"s spill out of his quivering mouth, and my brain goes numb. He's shaking. His heart is pounding. His mind's all over the place.

I hush him, rubbing his back like I do with a baby, whispering nothings into his ear. When he stops, his body is still slumped down to hold mine.

"We wasted so many days. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" He asks once we're sat back down the window.

"I tried. I promise. We were still mad." He laughs, and it's been such a long time that my brain got nostalgia.

"Fuck. I'm gonna miss you all over again." He bites his lip as he looks down, fiddling with the inseam of his pants. I purse my lips together.

"We'll keep in touch." He shakes his head.

"You'd be everywhere."

"I'll call your home phone."

"I'm not gonna be home in the summer."

"I'll call wherever you are."

"Thank god you thought of something for that because I was ready to start sobbing again." He laughs again, and the suns back in his eyes. Like it left and came back.

I grab a hold of his hands, stopping him from fidgeting. I make him look back up at me.

"I promise I'll phone you every day. I'll send you letters, postcards, and pictures. I'll even send you some magazines I'm in." I shrug, and he smiles.

"I don't think you have to do that last one. I'm keeping my eye on every magazine booth here on out." We chuckle together. We stay quiet again, then Joseph tucks my hair behind my ear.

"You're beautiful, Y/N Pardine. You'll do great out there. I'm only a phone call or a pen away." I flush at his bluntness and smile sweetly. He does, too.

××《☆》××

The party happened. We spent almost the whole time together. We had even danced.

An American song called "At Last" plays in the background as Joseph holds me, dancing slowly.

His hands cup my waist, my arms wrapped around his neck, his forehead against mine. I play with the ends of his hair as he caresses my body.

We laugh, we drink, we talk, and we glance. We do what we missed. We held each other. We absorbed one another.

There was a time in that party that happened between Simone and Jean Pierre. Thank god he finally said something of the truth, because that breakup was a straight lie.

Anyways, the night ended, but nothing happened. I don't know what I was expecting, but there was a feeling something special could've happened to me. Like a string tugging on my insides.

Something to do with pretty pink lips.

××《☆》××

The next morning, I woke up with his arms around me.

He smelt of fading whiskey, cigarette smoke, and expensive cologne. Just as he always did.

His eye patch was off, his hair a mess, and his jacket's on the floor. His shirt is wrinkled, he's breathing evenly as one does in their sleep, and there's a small snore coming from him. It's adorable.

When I get up, or at least try to, his grip on me tightens. Not in a way that hurts, but it's strong enough for me to come collapsing on his chest. He's warm again.

"Five more minutes." He groans, and I sigh deeply. Five more minutes will be alright.

Ten minutes pass, and only then do we get up. I hand him a towel and some clothes, my father's again, then one of my own, then usher him to the bathroom. I fix our bed, pick his jacket up off the floor, and fold it neatly.

Once I hear the shower turn off and the door creak, I try my best not to turn and just... stare. It's creepy, I know. But, who could blame me? I mean, I was leaving for good.

Right. Leaving for good.

I feel his arms wrap around my waist, his head tucking into my neck, his nose poking at some sensitive spots. I squeal silently, and he chuckles to himself, the vibration of his chest spreading around my back.

"Want some breakfast?" He whispers. George lies by the windowsill, watching the both of us in embrace. His tail moves around, eyes blinking slowly. He's glowing from the sunlight hitting him.

"If you don't mind. Please, and thank you." I turn my head a bit towards him. He nods, pressing a kiss to my hair. I smile to myself whilst I check things off my list last minute.

He's done with breakfast by the time I finish my quick shower. I'm fully dressed now. The only things missing are my coat and my suitcases.

Joseph sits across from me. We were in this position before.

"So, how's Callum? Still a prick?" He says as he stabs on some of the eggs he made. I finish my bite before answering.

"Callum's doing fine. I don't know why you've always been so off about him. He's a good guy." I shrug, tilting my head for an answer. "What's got you like that?"

He sighs, dropping his utensils gently on the table top. I place a hand over his, and he turns it to hold mine.

"Felt like he stole you from me." He mumbles, but it was clear enough for me to hear.

I purse my lips at this remark. "No one's gonna keep me away from you. Except that girl that actually did." I laugh as Joseph groans.

"I already told you, I didn't even know her." From this, I kept going.

"Well, then why did you basically call me a slut?" I raise my eyebrows in amusement, as to show that I moved on from it. Still, I was curious.

He pauses. For a long time. I begin to worry, thinking he actually meant it. I try to pull my hand away, but his grip turns firm.

"No." Joseph whispers out of desperation. He's taking deep breaths. I can tell he's overthinking. But I need to know the truth.

"You've got to tell me, Joseph. Otherwise, we'll shrug each other off again. Do you want that?" I push on him. He needs to tell me. I need to know.

"No. I don't want that. Just..." He closes his eyes, readying himself.

"The boys wanted to talk to you. I couldn't let them. I knew how they meant. And I'll just put it simply that they meant badly. So I had to tell them things about you that weren't true so they could get pushed away from the idea of you." He cups my cheeks from across the table. I lean into his touch.

"I don't want anyone to take advantage of you. Thank whatever god is up there that I found out because if I hadn't..." He breathes in deeply, caressing my face with his thumb. "I don't even want to think about that. Okay?"

I nod. I get up from my seat to give him a hug. He remains seated, his face pressed up on my stomach. I rub his back and comb fingers through his hair.

He stands up slowly, hands still attached to my hips. They roam up to my wait as he hovers over me, and I feel my breath hitch in my throat. He's so close. His nose just bumps into mine. He's looking down at me. At my eyes. At my lips. His breath is haggard.

"Callum's probably waiting." I whisper, my breath fanning over both our lips. Our lips only an inch away from eachother.

"Let him wait." His voice is low. He's starting to make my knees buckle.

A loud crash is heard throughout the flat. I yelp away from him. Now we're feet away from each other, cheeks flushed and hair tousled. As if we did something. And we didn't even.

George meows on the kitchen counter, staring at us innocently with the keys now on the floor. I sigh deeply, walking towards him and picking him up.

"Oh, I hope you don't mind, but," I hand George to Joseph. "My baby's yours."

His eye widens in surprise, then he switches his gaze from me to the cat, then back to me, then back to the cat.

"I can't..." I shake my head, smiling.

"He's yours, Joseph. That's final. He already loves you more than me. It's alright. Plus everytime you see him, you think of me."

He flushes, demeanour relaxing. "I already think of you too much."

It's my turn to flush now. But I respond. "Good."

××《☆》××

We arrive at the train station. I bid a thank you and goodbye to Joseph's mother, hugging her for a short while. Joseph carries all my belongings.

I spot Callum at a bench.

"Callum, you remember Joseph." I nod to Joseph. He drops my things next to Callum's.

"Of course I do. The infamous lover boy. It was nice meeting you, man." Callum shakes Joseph's hand. Joseph purses his lips tightly, gripping on Callum's hand.

"I'm still not sure about you... but she trusts you, so I should, too." Callum nods firmly. They let go of their handshake.

"Well, I better get our things in. Say your final goodbyes." He moves to go in the train. Me and Joseph are alone again.

"Got your pretty things intact?" Joseph teases, and I simply laugh.

"Yes, I do." I look up at him. He moves closer, hands on his hips.

"One day, I'll hear those words again." There's a feeling in me. Like dejavu, but a feeling from the future. I couldn't explain it, but what he said made sense. Like I knew, I would say those words again, too.

We stand in silence. I walked closer, embracing him for one last time. He leans down, his hands tight around me, his head over mine. I feel a lump in my throat.

We held each other for one last time. We smelt each other for one last time. We absorbed each other one last time.

I try to pull away, but he pulls me back in. The lump grows bigger.

When we finally pull away, my eyes start to sting. I palm my throat, trying to push that growing lump down. His hands are on my shoulders. He lets go.

"Goodbye, Y/N Pardine." He mutters, his voice breaking.

"Goodbye, Joseph Descamps." I mock him with a smile on my face.

I turn around and walk on the train. Joseph follows me, guiding me up the steps. His hand holds onto mine. I hang on the pole.

The train blares its horns, and it starts to move very slowly. The tears escape my eyes. He wipes it away.

"Y/N," he says. "I love you."

I sob. I laugh. It's a bit ugly.

"I love you, too. So much."

He stands on his toes and kisses me. His pretty pink lips are finally on mine. I grip the trains pole harder.

The trains blares again, and my kisses become more desperate. The train moves faster and faster, and Joseph starts to run. His lips start parting from mine, tears dropping even more.

"Come back to me, Y/N!" He shouts. He's still running. He's laughing now. And he's crying. He's beautiful. He gets farther, farther, and farther.

Then he's gone.

××《☆》××

End- Chapter eight: Joseph, Joseph, Joseph

Next- Chapter nine: ______

××《☆》××

I'm actually crying omfg. This hits so diff w the song in the background. Its short but omfg the angst. Help me. Hahhahahahaha.

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - The Houseguest (Part 2)

Summary - A three part series where the reader and family goes on a chaotic holiday with Ruben as their guests.

Enjoy

Yeah, last night was most definitely a dream. You woke up the next day and Ruben was nowhere to be find and no one in your family had even heard of him.

"He's like 6 feet, braud shoulders."

"Sounds like you dreamt that shit."

"Anita." Your mother slapped your sisters hands.

"Ouch Mamãe. Whatchu do that for?"

"Don't make your sister feel bad for having wet dreams."

"It wasn't a wet dream." You groaned.

"Wet dream? Who's having wet dreams?" Tomas overheard your conversation upon entering the kitchen. He was shirtless and you would be impressed by the fact that he has been working out, if it wasn't for Ruben. Last night wasn't a dream, there was a six foot man making laps in the pool. He was as tall as a tree and had the most handsome eyes/abs.

"Y/N. She says Bernardo's friend woke her up last night swimming around the pool."

"Bernardo's friend?" Tomas frowned. "Wasn't he supposed to arrive later today?"

"Exactly. Bernardo is probaly picking him up as we speak. Stop watching wierd movies before bed Y/N. You'll have less wet dreams, trust me. "

"I give up." You sighed. "No one believes me anyway."

"There there, let's not argue about who is right or wrong." Your mom said. "Your father wants us to meet him at the yacht festival down by the marina."

"Don't tell me he's buying a boat?" You said.

"No, your father just likes to dream. We will be joining him for lunch."

It was the perfect day for it. The sun was out and a lot of people roamed the Portimão marina. You couldn't help feeling like a third wheel though. Your mother and father walked ahead, arm and arm, whilst your sister and Tomas went off to have their pictures taken in front of a giant yacht. What's so impressive about a boat the same size as a house?

"Psst... Y/N." Somone hissed.

"Huh?" You shifted your head but to no use.

"Overhere."

"Where?"

You were talking to a ghost. It almost sounded like the voice was coming from above you.

"Look up!"

You raised your head to see "Ruben?" hanging off the railings of one of the boats.

"Care to join me?" He smiled.

"You're real!" You wanted to exclaim. "What are you doing here, on this boat? Is it yours?"

You came around the large fleet. Ruben waited to assist you to hop on.

"My uncles actually." He said, stretching out a hand, helping you cross the bridge from the docks.

"Why is it here, parked on the docks? Is it appart of the festival?"

"No, actually it's kind of my way of helping your brother out."

"Help Bernardo? How?"

"Well..." Ruben's smile looked devious. "Turns out this mystery girl of his has expensive taste in men and...."

"Let's me guess." You interrupted. "Bernardo is pretending to be the owner of this boat."

"Oh, he's told you of his plan?"

"No, but I know my brother." You sighed.

"Good, then you know that..."

Emerging, voices interrupted.

"But Pãi, wouldn't you rather enjoy lunch in a nice restaurant than on a boat?"

"No."

"But Pãi."

It sounded like your dad and...

"Bernardo?"

"Y/N?"

"Ruben?"

"Mr Silva."

It was a bit of a mess, with your dad pushing past you to get to Ruben, greeting him like an old friend.And then there was Bernardo, looking a bit stressed to see you on the boat.

"What are you doing here?" He hissed.

"I'm..." You didn't get to finish your sentence until more voices emerged on the boat. This time it was your mother, Anita and Tomas.

"Where did you go Pãi?" Your mother said, breathless from climbing the stairs onto the top deck.

"I told you I spotted Bernie by the docks and look, it was him." Your dad said.

"What's going on and who's he?" Said Anita, pointing to Ruben.

The top deck of the boat was getting really crowded now, something that made your brother more and more anxious.

"Okay, everyone listen up!" He shouted. "I'm suppose to meet a friend for lunch in about five minutes, so can all of you please get off this boat, like now?"

"Friend? What friend?" Your family exchange confused looks.

"I thought you were having lunch with us?" You mother looked quite hurt by the betrayal.

"No, Mamãe. I told you and dad to meet me at the restaurant, after lunch."

"After lunch?" Your dad snorted. "I'm staying, I wanna have lunch on a boat."

"Then I'm staying too." Your mother said, locking arms with your father.

"Me too." Said Anita, which didn't give Tomas much of a choice.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Bernardo looked to want to pull out his hair. "You can all stay. But when my friend, who also happens to be the love of my life..."

"What!" Your family gasped in unison. Ruben however, turned his head for us not to see him chuckle.

Bernardo rolled his eyes. "When she gets here you all have to play along and say that this boat belongs to me and not Ruben's uncle."

"That's Ruben?" Your sister said, her eyes gazing him up and down. She then looked to you.

"Told you." You grimaced.

"Yes. That's Ruben. Ruben meet my family. My parents, two sisters and their boyfriend Tomas."

"Ex!" You hissed

"Right, right. My sisters boyfriend and my other sisters ex boyfriend. We're a fucked up family, I know. Either way. Five minutes guys. Mamãe, Anita, help me set the table. Y/N, help dad bring the food out and Ruben tell the captain to prepare to get this boat off shore."

It was bizarre, Bernardo bossing everyone around for the sake of sceaming some poor woman. But what didn't you do for your family?

Once his mystery woman arrived you were all off to an exclusive trip on Ruben's uncles luxurious yacht.

"I didn't know you had such a big family Bernie." Bernardo's woman said. Upon meeting her you took back the thought of her being poor in any kind of way, because this woman wore designer from top to bottom. Even her red toe nails were painted with Dior nailpolish. No wonder Bernardo felt the need to lie about his middle class upbringing.

"You okay? You look nauseous?"

The only good thing about this unscheduled boat trip is that you got to sit next to Ruben. He often leaned in to whisper funny comments about this whole situation. Somthing that made Anita but specially Tomas, throw irritating glances your way.

"I'm fine. It must be Bernardo and his lies that's got me feeling bubbly."

You thought that would make Ruben laugh, however he kept looking at you with a serious expression.

"Or you could be getting sea sick." He said. The way his eyes held yours made you blush.

"Pass the chicken, will you?"

Somone kicked your foot underneath the table. Anita. "Ouch." You wheezed. "Whachu do that for?"

"Pass me the salt, will you?"

She was too short to reach it and so you passed it to Tomas instead. For some reason he avoided your gaze, looking over your shoulder to where Ruben sat. Perhaps it was because his arm rested around your chair, making it  look like you two were a couple in front of Bernardo's woman She even made a comment about it.

"So cute. How long have you two been together?"

Perhaps Ruben had caught on the dirty looks thrown your way because he was more than happy to play along.

"Two years." He said, moving his arm to really rest around your shoulder. "I was planning on buying her a ring by the end of this month."

"What?" Your sister gasped.

"Honey?" Your mother said concerned, thinking you had been hiding things from her. Your dad however just found it very amusing. Apparently he knew Ruben and his family very well, something that felt really reassuring to you.

"Some more wine meu amor?" Bernardo said, afraid that his cover would be ruined if we all got to comfortable about things.

"No, wine. I wanna hear more about this not so unexpected proposal." His woman, which name was a Russian one that you couldn't quite pronounce, said. "I love weddings."

"Um...well." She really put you on the spot. Good thing Ruben was a better lier than you.

"We're crazy about each other. No point in beating around the bush. I want to merry her."

"But..." Anita cried, however, sudden movment underneath the table indicated that Bernado gave her leg a kick. To your amusement of course.

"A man that knows what he wants. I like it." The woman said.

"I know what I want." Bernardo said, raising his hand.

Once the conversation switched to dogs and golden beaches Ruben leaned in to whisper again. "You sure you're alright, you look really pale."

Maybe he was right. The air around you seemed to get a bit heated. And so both you ad Ruben excused yourself so that you could get to the leeward side of the ship, where the wind blew less. You leaned your body over the railing incase you'd throw up. Ruben however made sure to keep you steady I'm his arms, preventing you from falling over board.

"What's going on here?"

At one point Anita came looking for you. It wouldn't surprise you if she thought you and Ruben had snuck off to get a quicky in somewhere.

"I think she's sea sick." He said.

"Sea sick?" Your sister frowned but took over Ruben's position of holding you steady.

"I'll go talk to the captain, see if he can turn us back around." Ruben said, disappearing somewhere around the corner.

"You good?" Your sister said, patting your back.

"No." You said, spitting out the bad taste in your mouth.

"You know, if this is your plan to make Tomas jealous or something, it is not working."

"What?" You looked up from the railing and couldn't believe what you were hearing.

"Oh please, I see the way you try to flirt with Ruben in front of him. It's pathetic."

"I don't know what your talking about." You muttered.

"No? Either way he is so out of your leauge."

"Excuse me."

"Y/N?" Said Bernardo. If he, Ruben and the rest of your family hadn't come around deck, you might have thrown Anita to the sharks.

"You okay sis?" He said, finally dropping the rich kid act, to be the brother that you knew and loved.

"Do I look okay?" You sighed. The sea sickness was getting worser and worser with the wind that was picking up. Grey clouds roamed the skies, perhaps there was a storm coming?

"Ruben said that the captain wants us to dock at the next Island, stay there til the storm blows over."

"And when is that?" Anita said, folding her arms with the cold breeze.

"Could be later tonight. But Ruben guesses that it won't ware off until morning."

"Morning?" She frowned. "So we're staying overnight on this boat?"

"There is room for everybody." Ruben assured.

"Yay, a sleepover. I love sleep overs. " Bernardo's woman cheered. "Show me to our room baby."

Bernardo was more than happy to.

"But where are we sleeping?" Anita asked.

"What do you mean." Bernardo frowned. He spoke between clenched teeth. " Do I need to remind you about you position in this?" By position he meant his little lie. "Devide the rooms by couples. Pãi and Mamãe. You and Tomas and Y/N and Ruben."

"Y/N can't stay with Ruben." Anita frowned, behind her Tomas looked to want to utter the same thing.

Bernardo however was being torn by his womans eagerness to get to her room and his baggage of a family. "Of course she can, their about to be engaged." He winked and off he went with his girlfriend, leaving you in a very awkward position with your family.

"Mr Silva I...."

Your dad just shook his head when Ruben spoke, silencing him. "The walls are thin on this boat, rember that son."

"Yes, sir."

"Dad." You groaned. It couldn't get anymore disturbing.

"Pãi." Anita spoke up. "You can't seriously let her share rooms with this man. I mean she barely knows him."

"Nitty, your sister is sick, let her rest." He said, to everyone's surprise.

"Mamãe?" Anita turned to your mother, desperate for her to do something about this.

"Your father is right. Y/N needs to rest." She said.

"But...she's...and he's...

You felt a warm hand caress your back. It was Ruben, helping you up to get you inside. This day really took a turn for the worst, even for your family.

[lutawolf]

The Sign Commentary Review Ep 3

I'm saying fuck it and doing this commentary anyways, even though it's way late. (my kid got into a car accident. Fuck this year.) Anyways I think I'm hilarious so here we go.

Home dude really just let Tharn get kidnapped and looks so lost about it. Hahah! The friend group drinking at the idea of Phaya and Tharn having sex. So dead.

The way these coconuts are stirring up Phaya. And why did his brain go straight to shower. He is so obvious and doesn't even care. Then races out to call the man. Like, are you just now realizing what is going on. This is real life drunkenness, I swear. When Chalothon shows up in the camera feed, it's a total audacity of this bitch moment.

Good news, Chalothon is not having any luck controlling Tharn either. The faces Phaya makes at his phone.

HAHAHA! Phaya's face when he gets back to the table and sees all the guys. He went from being on top of the world to a no good, shitty day real fast. Poor baby, lol.

Phaya's book collection has me jealous. The music playing while he is visualizing the girl. Especially with those subs (mysterious music playing). 🤣🤣🤣 The whole scene with the sister, omg. (mysterious music) (footstep sounds) (footstep sounds) (mysterious music) Phaya's eyes shifting as if in panic. All very dramatic.

Grandma is so pretty!!! She's hilarious too.

Somebody got romance on the brain! I mean, I'm only guessing, between the closeness and the subtitles telling me that romantic music is playing. Then dreams of cuddling Tharn. Cute! I like how the lighting makes them look like they are underwater.

Boy woke up so confused. "I must have thought about him too much." Ya think?!?

Phaya is a talented artist. He has a lot of art of a boy also a side profile of a female. The one we can't see clearly makes me think of the dragon from the water. Is the cat a Cha Kla? Cha Kla is a mythological cat from Thailand.  Legend says that the Ch Kla are terrified of humans and will hide from them, but if they are seen or touched, that person will eventually die. However, they are usually black, where this is white with black surrounding it.

Grandma, "Are they twins?" Then Phaya goes on to fill her in on everything. These two have a very close relationship.

"Did I do anything weird last night?" Boy, that is a loaded question. Ya'll Yai is adorable. He is for sure one of my favorite side characters.

Doc... I'm having doubts that I'm gonna like you. You've barely talked, but you have slime ball written all over you. And what is up with Tharn saying that him and Phaya aren't that close??? Clearly he isn't that close to the Doc if he is hiding stuff.

Nong Khai!!! Nong (low area like a swamp) Khai (lost) is situated on the banks of the majestic Mekong River, one of the world’s longest and most iconic rivers. It's also a very important pilgrimage for Buddhist because of a revered Buddhist stupa that dates back to the 16th century and is believed to contain relics of the Lord Buddha. You know what else it's known for?? Nagas. These mythical creatures are semidivine beings that are serpent shape-shifters. Whether it is a human form, full serpent, or half serpent, half-human form, the Nagas can take up whatever shape they prefer. They are a strong and attractive species, who are regarded as guardians of treasure which resides in the underwater kingdom of Patala-Loka or Naga-Loka, a stunning place decorated in gems.

Now I'm really excited!

💜💜💜 I'm dying. "She's gorgeous." "I know that, but she's also very scary. I'm afraid of her." This honestly makes me like him even more. NGL. They are pretty close with the Abbott. Aww, poor Yai getting ganged up on. *Snickers*

Clues! "While you’re staying here. Let me warn you about something. Make sure you often meditate and dedicate the merits to those whom you have wronged in the past. So that it would help lighten the consequences of your karma. Got it?"

"Is he still not free from them? They’ve been after him since when he was born. That’s why he had to live at the temple. What do they want from him? Why are they so vengeful?"

Shot to sad Abbott and sad Tharn.

Phaya asking the Abbott if he remembers him. Give me answers! Give me! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, Finally!!! It's come out that he is the boy that was saved by him!

And we crash again. That's so fucking sad, is this why he thinks the people he loves dies??? "Everything has already been destined. His life is written by the karma he did in his past life." This is so fucking sad. But wait! There is hope! "His destiny has been entwined with someone since his past life. That person will lead him to experience bad things. But it is also that person who would be able to free him from his karma."

Okay, so the Rocket Festival they are talking about and why the date is significant. The Rocket Festival is usually celebrated on the weekends in the middle of May, just before the start of the crop plantation period (the rainy season). This ancient festival is a merit-making ceremony which involves firing home-made rockets towards the heavens to captivate the rain gods and hope for a good monsoon season before the crop plantations take place.

"Whether you’d be free from those whom you have wronged in the past... depends on whether you’d be able to find the owner of this amulet tonight." Damn, that's not ominous. Poor fucking kid.

Ahhhhh, this is when his visions started! No thoughts, he just dives in. This boy does not deserve to have to pay for his past life! I absolve him! You live by a river, and you're just shaking him? Fucking turn him over and smack his back!

Past, Phaya is so puppy dog.

Wait! You forgot to give him the amulet!!! Dumbass kids. Always forget the important part. I mean... Well, I guess saving a person from drowning is the important part, but you know what I mean! Oh good, Phaya found him.

"So, he would probably live for a very long time. But you have to be careful though. If both of your destiny are entwined like what I think... You would eventually find each other again."

And clearly, Yai has always been the way he has been since forever.

Naga! He dreams of Nagas! Usually the festival associated with Naga is the Naga Fireball Festival. Which is celebrated in the fall or Buddhist Lent period. In this festival, people gather along a certain stretch of the Mekong River, to witness glowing red 'fireballs' shoot up into the sky. The number of fireballs sighted can range from hundreds to thousands. The local people attribute this phenomenon to the mythical 'Phaya Nak', a giant serpent that they believe resides within the river.

Okay, I'll shut up now and get back to the show.

"He doesn’t know how to swim. But he still wants to go and play near the riverbank."

"Grandma, I really heard someone calling me there last night."

That's just a great kid. We almost saw the Darwin Theory in action. The stupid shall not inherit the earth. Gee wiz, I hear disembodied voices, let's go investigate near water where I can not swim. This is like me hearing a gun shot and going to check it out. No, I don't want to die, I'm not that noisy. The unknown can stay unknown. Phaya as a kid was so soft and shy. Boy has he changed!

WTF is not wanting to take the amulet. Don't be an ungrateful asshole, kid. Tharn takes no shit, even as a kid.

"What you saw wasn’t a dream. It was your karma." "Are you saying that... they are those whom I have wronged in my past life?"

We're getting closer to answers! Ahhh, we're talking more about the Naga!!! So Tharn was a Naga in a past life??

"You both are destined to help each other Trust each other. Only then, you would be able to free yourself from your karma. Your kind hearts are your best weapon. And remember to always trust each other. Help each other. And you both would live a happy life, like you’ve always dreamt of." Sounds simple enough... (dumdumdum aka thunder sounds)

Oh snap! We got some bad weather! Okay, so Naga have different classes. From the general Nagas who have large bodies like great serpents with a crest on the head and strong poison to the celestial ones who have several heads with lethal poison and supernatural power such as disguising themselves more than just as a human being. Furthermore, certain ones can effect rain. The power to bring rain or cause drought by stop giving it. Some beliefs say they can disguise themselves as rain clouds and/or rainbows. That is why the quote for the Rocket Festival is "How much water will the Naga give this year."

Ohhh, who could this be? The king of Naga? There are a few options, so I won't hazard a guess just yet.

Can I just say that I'm loving that Phaya is chasing after scared Tharn. Yai and Phaya hugging like they didn't just get drunk together the night before. 🤣🤣🤣

"It was quite dark, so I didn't know he actually looks like this." OMG, I'm Dead. Hahaha Yai... I can see why you and your gf fit together.

Ahhhh I'm loving this so much!! You see the Naga decorations on the bridge?? This is in association with their connection to rainbows. The rainbow signifies the bridge between earth and the underworld. Sorry if this shit is boring, you guys! Like I said earlier, I'm way late, and so I'm just writing about what I find interesting. Because I refuse to force beliefs on my children, I give them books on world religions and beliefs. I read it so that I can help them as they read what they are interested in. I find all this stuff so captivating.

The way Yai looks at his girl. So sweet.

Okay, I see what they are doing here with the dream, but I'm dead. That hair and his facial expression. Like he is seconds away from laughing at himself. I would love to see BTS of this part right here.

Look at Phaya just calling Tharn out. Like Bitch, try and run from me. "Why didn't you want to tag along with us."

Isn't that where he was sitting when he had the vision? Phaya, you wish he was hitting on you, lol.

Not matching clothes!!! Tharn bitching all the time but damned if he didn't put on the matching clothes.

He left her cause she was naga! What!

Yes, he is telling you that you are the cause of his bad dreams. But he still wants you to stick around so nevermind.

I love these fools. I love grandma. Now everyone knows that Phaya is the boy that was saved.

I like Sand.

"If what you said is true, Yai and I both love you like our own brother... but we’re still safe and sound."

"Don’t let what the Abbot has predicted come true." Grandma come back! Explain this to me...

Hahah! Tharn is so sassy. "Did you use this kind of story to hit on the girls in France?"

See, no hiding for Phaya. He just straight up tells Tharn that he likes him. I think evil jellyfish is a new favorite nickname for me. I really want to read this book but it's like 15 bucks. Crazy!

AHHH! They finally kiss!!! "And this is called a goodnight kiss."

Tharn's face when Phaya says goodnight. Bless the poor boy. Well fuck, we getting stormy weather over a kiss? What the hell is gonna happen when they do more!?! I think I liked it better when the sex just woke up the evil twin, not cause destruction of humanity. Tharn is cute but I don't know that he is Noah Arc worth it kind of cute. Just saying.

Running scared! But that's okay cause Phaya is very willing to chase. Even tackle.

"Do you want to get hurt?" Phaya over here like, yes please. With a cherry on top. I love the cockiness of both of them. I adore when Phaya puts his tongue in his cheek. These two! Thank you Saint! You are a blessing amongst men. I really enjoy this kind of foreplay. No punches were pulled. Noticed Phaya is wearing the talisman.

Ahhh, it's the forcing him to submit and then telling him he is a good boy for me.

I’m Police Major Akkanee Assawawaisoon, your team leader. Yay! He is back!

I love these coconuts. Tharn going and sitting by your brother, Phaya is going to kick your ass again.

Ahhhhhh. I'm so excited for this saturday!

[sarah-yyy]

what: modern cdrama // completed // 38 eps, roughly 35 mins each where: wetv (also on the app) // viki why: desert supernatural adventure with ni ni and bai yu, this had "sarah is going to lose it over this show" written all over it right from the start tbh, zero percent of people are surprised i enjoyed it. the characters are all well done and ni ni and bygg were great in their roles, the worldbuilding for the society inside yumen was interesting, and the cgi is well done for the genre (i mean...this is basing it off cdrama cgi standards okay!!)

meet my girl ye liuxi:

GOD... xi-jie... 😘 where do we even start

brains: 10 brawns: 100 memory: -300

xi-jie woke up in the middle of the desert, hung on a tree, with no idea who she is, v fragmented memories of the past, and a satchel with some v vague clues. she spends about a year working odd jobs in a town nearby to survive and to work out a plan to find out about her past.

her investigations lead her to chang dong:

dong-ge!! 😍🤤

brains: 10 brawns: 10 memory: 10 (but like 95% of it is tragic)

dong-ge is a desert guide, used to be one of the best (and certainly one of the most famous) in the region until he led an expedition (which consisted of his fiancée and their friends) into the desert and all eighteen of them except him died during a freak sandstorm. major survivor guilt on this boy. ultimate goal is to find the remains of his friends so that their families can move on in peace.

anyway, xi-jie ropes dong-ge into taking her into the desert. it's heavily implied that pre-memory lost her knows where the remains of his dead fiancée is, so the deal is: help me find my memory, and i'll help you find your friends.

they travel to the Yumen Pass together with three others - fei tang (who tags along for an opportunity to steal this priceless artefact he saw on xi-jie), and xiaoliu & gao shen (xiaoliu's godfather is sponsoring the trip for ~reasons, gao shen is her bodyguard with a crush on her), but soon realise that the pass leads to a parallel world where xi-jie is originally from.

in that world, there are spiritual beasts and monsters and all that jazz. the parallel world is governed by three ruling families who fight against a rebel organisation the Scorpion Eye. the gang navigates through the parallel world trying to solve the mystery behind xi-jie's past and the Yumen Pass prophecy. that's p much the gist of it.

the cons: this show moves a little slowly at times, but once you get invested, everything is all good. i'd say the first 2-4 eps needed a bit of getting into, but it does pick up. meng ziyi is in this as well, but i was a bit :/ about her performance - her character needed a bit more nuance and would've benefitted from a better portrayal than what mzy delivered. not something that really put me off the show, tho!!

the pros: ye liuxi is such an excellent character!! she is super fight fight fight and has Minimal impulse control. if a fight can solve problems, that's the way she's going. she starts off a bit "stick close, because if y'all die in the desert i'm not going to care" but just...grows so invested in everyone's wellbeing. chang dong is a nice contrast to ye liuxi - he's level-headed and is more focused on plans and trying to get everyone in and out of the Pass alive. the chemistry between them is great, like i didn't think i would be into this for the romance but GOD DAMN look at my dongxi couple

ni ni and bai yu aside, the rest of the gang were great also - they provided a lot of laughs to cut through the seriousness of the show, and the growing friendship between them was really fun to watch.

the plot was decent!! you can sort of guess the direction it's going, but it doesn't stop it from being a super fun show to watch. i binged like the last 10 eps in one sitting. i also really did appreciate the show giving me the finale i wanted: everything wraps up nicely (*stares at mlc*), there're no loose ends for me to lose my shit over (*stares at my journey to you*).

all in all, a p strong 9/10 for me!! would enjoy if y'all are into those desert adventure cdramas. would enjoy if y'all are bygg fans.

[bluebeary-jay]

hiii ves! congrats on 1000! 💗

how about a joel miller fluffy piece with

how is it you always know what i need, huh? for the prompt? 🫶🏽

Hiiiii my lovely Mari!!! 🥰💗 Thank you so so much for your words but thank you even more for being a ray of sunshine in my life 🥺🫶 istg i wanna give you a thousand kisses

Aaaand here you go! I spent much more time on this lil fic than I should but I really like how it turned out and I hope you will too!! Thank you LOTS for requesting, love you!! 💕

You haven’t been feeling well since the morning.

Joel knew it must’ve been because of the rain which caught the two of you during the patrol the day before, leaving you completely drenched despite his efforts. How was it possible that he gave you his jacket and you still catched a cold while he didn’t even have a runny nose, was a mystery to him. But it didn’t really matter since here you were, unwell and not even able to leave the bed.

Good thing Joel knew how to take care of his girl.

He passed by Tommy’s early in the morning to pick up some medicine for you and went to the market to buy that citrus tea he knew you liked. When he got back you were still asleep but woke up several hours later with a headache and a runny nose. Joel stayed with you, catering to your every need and only leaving to prepare you breakfast. A sweet little thing you were, you didn’t want to let him do everything by himself, but he managed to convince you it’s no problem at all.

You were so difficult sometimes, though.

“There you go, babygirl,” he crooned, helping you sit up and propping up the pillow for you some time after you finished eating. “Easy now. Don’t rush yourself.”

“Joel, I’m fine,” you rasped with a sore throat, but he sent you a doubtful look and you groaned in defeat. “Okay, that was a lie. I feel terrible. But it’s not a reason for you to baby me.”

“M’not babyin’ you.” It was your turn to lift your eyebrows at him, unconvinced, and the corner of his lips twitched in a soft smile before he leaned in and planted a lingering kiss on your warm forehead. “‘Kay, maybe I am. But ya like it.”

“You wish.”

“And you don’t give me many chances to really coddle you,” he continued in a murmur, slowly brushing the hair away from your face. You closed your eyes and let out a weak moan, and Joel smiled with compassion. “So honestly, you can look at it as a favor t’me. Can you do that, babygirl? Let me take care of you and make me happy?”

“Always the caretaker,” you laughed breathlessly and peered up at him through your eyelashes. Even though your nose was red, your eyes swollen and your complexion had that sick look to it, you still were the most beautiful sight Joel has ever beheld. “You don’t need to stay with me, though. I can manage by myself.”

“I know. But I want to.”

“Stubborn man.”

Joel opened his mouth to tease you back, but then he saw you shivering and furrowed his brow.

“Are you cold?” he asked, though he was already sure that was the case. You nodded.

“A little. Can you grab me…”

“...that blanket with little ducks on it?” he finished for you, causing you to giggle and gaze at him with affection. “I know ya like it ‘cause it’s the fluffiest.”

“The softest,” you said at exactly the same time. “Yeah.”

Your eyes were filled with so much love that Joel felt weak in his knees. He tore his eyes away from you and turned around to the closet to grab your blanket from the highest shelf. You shifted to one side of the bed, probably so that Joel could lie down by your side, but before he did that he tucked you in carefully, making sure you were warm and comfortable. Then he dashed to the kitchen, bringing back a glass of water and another pill for you to take.

Only then he laid down behind you, enfolding your cocooned form and pulling you closer to his chest. You closed your eyes with a blissful smile and sighed deeply.

“Don’t even say anythin’ about infectin’ me with it,” Joel murmured, knowing that you’re probably already worrying about him in that pretty little head of yours. He wrapped his arms tighter around you through the many blankets. “I’ll be fine. And you’re still cold.”

“Wasn’t gonna say anythin’,” you answered softly with your eyes still closed. “Joel?”

“Yeah, darlin’?”

“How is it you always know what I need, huh?”

He chuckled and adjusted the duvet by your neck, making sure that no cold air could sneak its way under the covers.

“My psychic abilities,” he whispered in response and his smile grew when he felt your torso shake with laughter under his arm. Joel kissed the back of your head and then went lower to press his lips to your neck, causing you to squirm slightly. “But truthfully, it’s ‘cause I love ya so much.”

You snorted. “Such a romantic.”

“S’true.”

“Well, I love you more.” He hummed in a ‘you don’t know what you’re talking about’ fashion, and you groaned in weariness. Joel felt your body relaxing in his hold. “You’re so warm, baby. And so good to me.”

“Anythin’ for you, love.” He wanted to kiss your head once more but suddenly you started to wiggle, forcing him to move back a little to give you room to maneuver. “What’re doin’ now?”

“Shh.” You made a couple more adorable grunts before you finally stopped, now facing Joel and beaming proudly. “Ta-da!”

“You’re silly.” Joel shook his head, but internally he was spellbound by the significance of your action. You wanted to be face to face with him and he was glad for the opportunity to kiss your forehead now. “My sweet babygirl. You should rest, not wiggle ‘round.”

“Tsk!” you silenced him again and kicked his leg, though because of how many covers you were under, it felt more like a gentle nudge. “Gimme your leg.”

“Give ya it where?” he asked in response with a faint smile, and you huffed impatiently, your head hitting the pillow again when you grew tired of keeping it up in the air.

“Throw it over me. Please?” you added when he initially didn’t move. Joel indulged you, though not without hesitation.

“You sure? I don’t wanna crush you…”

“You won’t.” You assured him and snuggled your face into his chest, causing butterflies to flutter around in Joel’s belly. “I like feelin’ your weight on me.”

“Like an extra blanket?” he joked, to which you snorted as well.

“Yeah. Exactly.”

“Better than the one with ducks?”

“The best one.”

He smiled with adoration and pulled you in closer, caging you in his arms. You didn’t seem to mind, though, and freed your hand from the blankets to wrap one arm around his stomach, keeping the other one between your chests. The heat from under the duvet instantly started to become too much for Joel, but he tried to disregard the uncomfortable feeling for now.

“Stay for a while, darling,” you asked suddenly, your voice muffled from the way you had your cheek pressed against his chest. Joel looked down and saw your eyes closed and a serene smile on your face, the sight of which made him swoon. “I feel so warm like this with you. And safe.”

“You are,” Joel assured you softly and put his palm on the back of your head. “I’ll keep ya safe, sweetheart, I promise. You can sleep soundly.”

You sniffed and whined weakly. “M’not sleepy. Let’s just stay like that.”

“You need to get your strength back.” Joel moved his head to kiss your hot forehead again and smiled faintly against your skin. You opened your mouth to retort, but he cut you off before you could even start. “And no buts. You said it yourself, after all…”

You grumbled quietly, but Joel could see you were tired, your eyes already closing again. He took a deep breath, not caring about the risk of catching the cold from you and followed suit, deciding to stay with you for a nap as well.

“I always know what my baby needs.”

[mioyeo]

Watch your back : chapter 5

Once you don’t value what you have someone else learns how to take care of what used to be yours

Synopsis : 8 men supposed to give her all the love they promised end up leaving her behind without a valid reason

Pairing : girlfriend Reader x PolyAteez !

Warnings : this chapter contains mentions of, arguing with Yunho , slut shaming , lots of crying , blood , being shoved , Rin provoking reader , assault , miscarriage , panic attacks , bruises, mutism , superficial sympathy , fake tears , flashbacks etc Please reminding me if I forgot something

Superficial sympathy: is a false, insincere display of emotion such as a hypocrite crying fake tears of grief

Tag list : @legbouk , @scarfac3 , @m4rsluv , @hcyaa , @jackinmyarea , @layzfeelit , @loverlele , @mulletjoonsupremacy , @veneziamadness , @belle643 , @gugggu6gvai , @atinytinaa , @voidcupidz , @atinyreads , @baguette-atiny , @parkthothwa8 , @hwadump ,

This series is going to be posted together with the Psychiatric series, which means one chapter after another

Word count : 3,6k

She ran down the hall in a hurry after realizing at home that she was late to school by forty minutes because her alarm didn't ring neither did everyone else care to wake her up , it was a mystery since she always woke up before anyone else

" Excuse me for being late I overslept "

She panted trying to stay calm as she apologized for being late as the teacher just signaled for her to go and sit down on her assigned seat

Y/n went and sat down as everyone looked at her confused to why she was sitting on that place

"You don't sit there someone else sits there "

A classmate said looking at her

" What do you mean I don't sit here ? "

" Yunho requested for someone else to sit beside him , so you sit at that table alone "

She looked at Yunho before sitting down at the far back , she didn't know why he would request for someone else to sit there ,they were on good terms actually so what happened?

" Ok , there will be a project coming up so I want you guys to pick your partners "

Everyone went around the class to ask for someone to team up , Y/n stood up and went towards her boyfriend that was currently taking notes silently

" Yunho ? Do you want to work together ? I mean it would be a lot easier since we liv- "

" No thank you I already have a partner "

He continued to take notes ignoring her presence making her frown

" Is everything alright ? You'd usually say yes "

" Can you please go back to your seat ? I can't concentrate with you here "

She looked at him confused with his sudden behavior  and sat back on her place without a partner since everyone already had one

" Y/n don't you have a partner ? "

" N-No sir , but could I perhaps do it alone ?"

The teacher sighed before nodding his head

The girl sat back down with a frown pulling out her head phones and putting them on as she stared at her blank desk

What happened for him to behave this way ?

—-

"Make sure to finish the project till next week, and don't forget about the school trip to Paris "

Their teacher said before the bell rang signaling everyone that it was lunch time

Y/n ran up to Yunho , she really wanted to know why he was acting that way towards her

" Yunho , what is going on with you?"

She held his arm as everyone else went out leaving them alone inside the class room

" I have lunch let go "

" Yunho no , why are you mad at me ? Did I do something wrong ? can you also please tell me why nobody woke me up today knowing that I would probably be late ? "

He brushed her hand off him and rolled his eyes as he approached her

" Your not a kindergartener that needs their parents to wake them up , you have a phone to put on your reminder not anyone else "

" But you could've just woke me up this one time it's not that hard "

She held him again but got pushed off

" You must be really deaf when I just told that you can put on a reminder so that doesn't happen "

" But I did put a reminder on! "

The girl frowned extremely confused with his statement that didn't really make sense to her

" Did I do something to you ? why are you guys all mad at me , did I hurt you ? "

Y/n looked at him with her doe eyes , the same look she always did when she was extremely overwhelmed and didn't know what to do

" You piss me off really , why can't you be like Rin ? She's sweet and knows when to not bother us at all , why are you the opposite? "

" Why do you keep comparing me to her ? And I don't want to be somewhat I'm not "

She fiddled with her sweater as tears started building up

" Your just being a nuisance honestly lately, sometimes I think if what Seonghwa said is true , your er just being a big headache "

"Stop with the excuses ! Do you guys actually love me at all ? Did you guys just get another girlfriend because I didn't satisfy you a enough tell me because I can't just watch you guys disrespect me while I do everything to make you guys happy despite being pushed away all the time and  be compared to her ! "

She pushed him back as he looked at her with widened eyes, she had never pushed him

" Am I some joke to you ? "

" Don't push me , your going to regret it "

He hissed at her as she wiped her tears

" I'll push you because I'm tired of this behavior your acting out towards me ! "

She pushed him back making him back against the table, so he shoved her also

" Listen ! You are the one going out with other guys while you have us ! , you barely even spent time with me these past months do you know how I felt ? Do you even love me ?! "

He yelled at her

" So it's about that ? , why would you hurt me by saying other things than the truth! he's just a friend of mine I am literally dating you "

She shed tears again approaching him

" Your the one at fault ! your hanging to much around him , who knows you don't go around already spreading your legs for him ! "

Yunho was extremely mad his chest was rising up and down in a uncontrollable way not even realizing his choice of words towards his lover

" You think I'm that low of a person? Is that what you guys think about me ?! "

She chuckled sniffing 

" I really thought you'd at least change the most , but yet your still the same asshole  "

" N-No that's not what I meant "

Y/n took her stuff and went out the classroom, she couldn't even stay longer at school so she called herself sick and went home

Why where they always against her for no valid reasons ? , it's just something she couldn't understand

Is this called love ? Or was it torture at this point , the love is still there but the pain is sometimes  bigger

__

The house was quiet the only thing heard were the kitchen tolls , she was currently baking something to lift up her mood that died down after the argument she had with Yunho

He had spammed her phone with multiple messages and voicemails making her ignore her phone since she needed some time alone

She knew he was sorry but preferred him to come to her when she was ready to talk

The time was passing quickly as she looked out the window, the way the tree leaves danced with the wind made her feel at ease

One of the reasons she adored spending time in the kitchen , it was calm and her safe place other than her room

It had a nice view to the outside world , the sweet park were people enjoyed sitting to read their books as the kids played around

She wished to be like that one day , able to enjoy sitting at the park carefree with a cup of tea in her hand just like these parents that sat at the park

It brought a smile to her face as she heard the kids scream in joy , she envied them for not having to care about anything else

The timer dinged making her hurry and take out the red cake setting it on the counter to cool off as she prepared the icing

" I don't have any sugar "

She sighed and cleaned her hands on her apron before going out to ask her neighbor

" Hello ? Who's there ? "

" It's me Y/n "

She played with her ring nervously as the door opened revealing the middle aged woman smiling as she opened her arms for a hug

" If it's not my sweet girl I missed "

Y/n smiled feeling the motherly love through the hug making her bury her face onto the woman's shoulder for comfort

" I haven't seen you for weeks now , you must have been so busy with school my poor girl "

Her hair was caressed softly making her shed tears

" I've missed your hugs Miss Cha , I'm sorry if I didn't visit you like I usually do "

" Don't worry studies come first darling , so what does my pretty girl need ? "

Miss Cha pulled back and wiped away her tears smiling

" I-I wanted to ask for some sugar "

" Are you baking again? "

The girl nodded chuckling as her neighbor went into her kitchen to lend her some sugar

" I hope this is enough, make sure to spare me a slice from that cake of yours "

Both smiled before Y/n bowed thanking her

" I will for sure bring some of the cake to you "

" If you need anything I'm just one knock away and you know that right ? "

Y/n nodded with a smile and made her way back home after bidding goodbye

She couldn't stop her tears from falling as she got back inside

The way she craved for the comfort of someone and the way they acknowledged her made her cry from relief

Her phone started ringing and the caller ID showed “Yuyu💕”

She cleaned off her tears and cleared her throat  ignoring  the call before continuing what she was doing in the kitchen

But to her surprise the door opened revealing a blonde Rin entering with her two friends but stopped on their tracks as they made eye contact with Y/n

" I didn't know you were home "

" I didn't feel well at school so I just called in sick and went home "

Both looked at each other awkwardly

" Is this her ? the one that cried over shoes ?"

The shorter girl beside Rin chuckled in disbelief nudging her other friend

" Well what do we have here "

The girl approached Y/n and slid her finger across the icing on the cake and brought it closer to her mouth tasting it

" Woah tastes so good , girls come and have a taste of my besties cake "

The other two girls rushed over and dug into the cake with the spoons on the table

" She really knows how to bake "

" Are you gonna eat this ? "

One of the girls spoke mouth full of soggy cake eyeing Y/n that stared at them in disbelief

" Look she's even crying from joy since we like the cake , don't worry the cake is good "

The girl teased making the other two laugh as Y/n she'd tears of frustration and anger

" I'm so tired of you ! "

She screamed slamming Rin's face harshly onto the cake making the blonde scream in pain

" Are you crazy ?! "

" She's bleeding from her nose! "

Y/n breathed harshly as tears fell, it was the first time in her life she ever put her hands on someone

" Your so done for this you fucking bitch "

Rin wiped her face angrily holding her nose and signaled for the girls to grab Y/n

" Your gonna regret touching me , girls do what you have to do "

" Don't touch me ! "

She screamed curling into a ball as the two girls started kicking and punching her violently

" You should've thought twice before touching her you piece of shit "

A harsh kick was send right towards her stomach making her wince in pain for air

" Your so petty it was just cake  "

The other girl kicked her face as if it was a soccer ball , Y/n's eye twitched from the pain of how hard they kicked her

" Do you fucking know how much my parents payed for me to get this perfect nose ! You wouldn't even be able to afford it! "

Rin scoffed as she watched her friends beat the poor girl to the point she weakly tried to reach for a way to get out their assault

" Wait until I tell the boys about this you fucking slut "

" She only thinks about herself what a fucking bitch , why are they even dating her "

Y/n felt blood leaving her mouth and her face burning for the skin that tore up on her cheek making Rin laugh and squat down to her

" I can't believe this fucker peed herself "

The two girls eyed Y/n's jeans as they watched more liquid spread around her private area

" A grown up girl pissing herself ? Iseul film this it's so funny hurry ! "

The taller girl from them all started recording as she kicked Y/n's face one more time busting her lip

" Wh-hat did I-I-I e-ver do t-to you "

She cried out as her voice was raspy from all the begging and screaming looking up with her left eye swollen shut

" Just looking at you makes me ill and the way they'll always prefer me over you is amusing "

" Mhm Yeon-ngja I-I don't think it's pee "

Iseul spoke concerned as the liquid continued to spread

" What do you mean it's not pee ? "

“ It’s not pee fuck ! ”

The girl approached Y/n's pants and slightly touched it screaming after she saw crimson colored liquid cover her fingers

" She's bleeding ! guys w-what do we do "

" Relax guys she's probably on her period "

Rin laughed it off but Iseul panicked more

" This is not period blood Rin ! This is heavy blood and it's reddish brown! Rin she had a fucking miscarriage! ”

" H-How do you know she had a miscarriage? "

" Because my mom works at the hospital and told me about a patient ! "

Iseul teared up and pulled out her phone to call for help

" Iseul ! If you call them your gonna get locke-"

" And what if I get locked up in prison you both will go with me you took part in this ! "

She yelled at everyone as she ran a hand through her hair in frustration waiting for the ambulance to pick up

" Wait what if we tell them that we came to hang out and saw the door open and her like this in the kitchen? "

Yeongja stuttered trying to calm both down as Y/n whimpered in pain

" I think we should do this "

" She wouldn't dare tell anyone, she can get charged for assault because of my nose "

Iseul checked the girls pulse to make sure she was alive because she looked nothing like herself , bruises on her face , eye swollen shut and a busted lip not to forget the purple blue bruises that started to form

" It's on the second floor, yes number 369 "

Everyone looked worried for themselves other than the girl that tried to breath properly

" They are on their way he-"

Y/n's phone started ringing uncontrollably

" Who is it ? "

Rin checked the phone on the counter and cursed seeing San's number calling her so she just ignored it not answering

" You should probably clean your nose to look decent or they're going to question you "

Rin nodded and went to her room to fix herself before coming back

" I think we went overboard "

" Girls relax I have it under control "

The door rang and she went to open immediately taking a minute to fake her cry

" Pleas-se this way hurry "

She sniffed leading the paramedics to the kitchen that hurried towards the direction taking in quick action

" What happened? "

" Me and my two friends came home to work on a project and we found the door open and than we went inside hearing whimpers , and than saw her laying there "

Rin teared up as they carried Y/n out on a stretcher hurrying to their ambulance

"I heard you guys may suspect the girl having a miscarriage ? Do you know how far she was ? "

" W-We didn't know she was pregnant "

Yeongja said wiping her face

" I ask for someone or all three to follow us quickly to the hospital as her witnesses "

Everyone went out closing the door and going inside the ambulance towards the hospital

The girls kept giving each other discreet looks as they grew anxious

Iseul therefore was sweating bullets from the amount of guilty that filled her mind and chest

"Don't worry girls everything is going to be ok "

Was it really?

__

Machines beeped as she laid there peacefully breathing with the help of the mechanical ventilator

The two other girls had already gone home leaving Rin all to herself in a room with Y/n

" You wouldn't have ended this way if you didn't touch me now see what you’ve done"

She sighed looking at the other girl scoffing

The door opened revealing the boys that rushed as fast as possible towards the hospital after being informed

" What happened to her "

San was the first to rush towards her bed panicking as the others waited for an explanation from their other girlfriend

" She w-was assaulted at home "

" What do you mean she was assaulted "

Seonghwa raised his voice that got shaky with tears threatening to fall

" Yeongja , me and Iseul found her bleeding in the kitchen all beaten up "

Rin fake cried as Yeosang hugged her for  comfort

" Bleeding ? Did they stab her or something? "

It got silent suddenly as the room grew uncomfortable

" Rin speak up , did they stab her ? "

The girl shook her head gulping as she had all eyes on her

" Than why was she bleeding ?! "

Hongjoong grew mad at the lack off response

" Nobody stabbed her s-she "

More tears fell but this time from minimal regret she felt

" Rin just say it nobody is holding you at a gun point, your worrying us "

The girl looked back towards the bed where San caressed Y/n's bruised face with tears

" Y/n h-had a miscarriage "

" What do you mean miscarriage ?! "

This time Yeosang spoke eyes widening

" They said she was four weeks almost at her fifth pregnancy week "

Everyone looked towards Y/n with tears

" Sh-he was pregnant and didn't tell us ? "

" Calm down Jongho , we'll hear from her when she wakes up to tell us "

"One of us was the dad and lost their first child how am I supposed to stay calm ? "

He teared up approaching his girlfriend that slept peacefully

" I'll find that bastard that did this and fucking kill them for this "

Wooyoung bawled his fist with angry tears making Rin gulp

" I-I even fought today with her and she didn't answer my calls it probably already happened by then so she wasn't able to p-pick up "

Yunho teared up hysterically as Mingi embraced him crying as well

" G-Guys she's waking up "

Seonghwa immediately went towards Y/n upon  hearing San's words

" Baby , what happened to you ? "

He caressed her face but the girl started shaking her head in denial after looking to the side as tears buildup in her eyes

" Why is she shaking ? "

Everyone looked concerned as she kept shaking her head lips wobbling as she opened her mouth but no words came out

" Get t-the doctor Hongjoong "

She fought off Seonghwa's hands as he tried to keep her calm

Loud whimpering where heard as she cried clutching her stomach and kicking her feet

" Baby it's ok I'm here and so are the others "

Seonghwa teared up seeing his lover in a unpleasant situation unable to calm her down

" I think she's having a panic attack "

Mingi came forward and held her softly as she continued kicking and squealing instead of screams leaving her mouth

" Please step aside and let the nurse take care of this situation don't worry "

The nurses helped her calm down by injecting her with tranquilizers

" Is she going to be ok ? "

Yunho looked concerned with his nose running and puffy eyes

" She must have been in a shock moment where the body reacts after remembering something that caused them distress "

" She also couldn't talk she kept squealing and humming but nothing came out "

" When someone is experiencing traumatic stress and their body goes into fight or freeze mode, blood is diverted away from the parts of the brain responsible for language and speech production , and consequently their capacity to formulate language and to initiate speech is reduced , so she's basically mute now I don't know how long it will last b-"

" She will stay that way forever ?! "

San yelled in disbelief with tears streaming down his eyes

" No that's not the case , it's probably temporary depending on how big the process is of her recovery so please don't stress her out "

Everyone looked at her falling back into slumber with fresh tears streaming down

" Are you her boyfriend or ? "

The doctor looked at San who was stroking her face crying

" We all eight are h-her boyfriends "

" My condolences to you guys , stay strong "

The medical staff bowed to them and left

" I can't believe thi-is "

Hongjoong broke down as Wooyoung hugged him  while  tears also left his eyes

All of them had tears in their eyes, not only because one of them possibly lost their first child but also because someone they loved laid on a hospital bed unable to do anything

" I think some of us should go home and freshen up than come back "

" I-I'll stay here with her "

Yunho said tearing up but Mingi held him

" Yunho your in no condition to stay , Seonghwa will stay with her now let's go "

They kissed her cheek one last time leaving Seonghwa alone with Y/n who sat beside her bed caressing her hand

" I'm sorry I couldn't protect you "

He shed tears lowering his head , it hurt him the most seeing her this way since he couldn't do anything else other than remain by her side for now and make sure she was doing well

[butterflydm]

wot deeper dive 2x4: daughter of the night

This specific post I am going to avoid any spoilers from the books! I will be doing another post later today that includes those spoilers and related thoughts.

I feel like I can safely call him 'Ishamael' now. The information is all there in the episodes.

I do like this initial 'calling' scene, though we got a lot of it teased to us before the season aired, so I've talked about it before. But we hear the word 'Lanfear' here, though it's followed by a lot of Old Tongue, so it might not have stood out too much to people who didn't already know that it's someone's name.

Given what we saw of the flashback last season "3000 years ago", I feel safe in saying... yeah, looks like Ishamael is among the ruins of that older civilization. Probably brings back some memories. Also, time-stamp note: it looks like he's wearing the black buttoned outfit that he wore last season, not the blue with the gold tie-clip-like design that he's been wearing this season.

3. The bloody woman! I wonder if she's bloody (and naked) because that's what she looked like when she got sealed up or if it's something that happened due to the process of unsealing. It looks like the seal was already partially damaged, so maybe that's why Lanfear was bloody when she woke up.

4. I loved Anveare's plotline through this episode. I really enjoy what the show is doing in showing us the downside of being a channeler -- outliving your friends and family, watching them grow old and die. Having children is a crapshoot -- if they're a girl, and they can channel, then it's a relatively normal parental relationship. But if they're a boy or if they're a girl who can't channel, then they will inevitably die before you. We're introduced to Anveare again by showing us her signs of aging -- she looks at the lines on her face and puts on an elaborately-styled wig to cover how white her real hair is.

5. Here's a question: given the age of her butler and how she talks later about needing to ask friends for food (and the general vibe of the manor house itself); it sounds like their house truly is fallen, as Moiraine mentioned in s1, and is having serious money issues (though in the way that nobility has money issues rather than the way that the people in the Foregate do -- she's not poor, she lacks funds) and Anveare seeks to fix the problems both of money and of her house's image by marrying her (unnamed for now) son to the Cairhienin queen (also unnamed for now). The interesting thing to me about this is that it means that her conversation with Rand in the last episode probably did have an element of genuine sympathy for the Foregaters in it -- it sounds like she's also felt like she could lose her home and her place in society. And it's implied that she's an artist! I really loved seeing the sketches and paintings in her study.

6. The conversation between Lady Anveare and Moiraine is so painful! Moiraine is NOT here to engage emotionally with her younger sister -- she is here to find Rand and to try to keep Lanfear away from him, and she has no time or patience for anything else (as we saw with her behavior with Lan as well). It's clear how frustrated Anveare is with Moiraine's behavior. I'm assuming that she guessed straight-away that Moiraine's appearance here had to do with the mysterious redheaded boy who visited Logain and made an appearance at a party (because it's also made clear in this episode that Logain being sent to Cairhien was not 'business as usual' with male channelers but an oddity, which means that Anveare has probably been keeping an eye on the sanatorium ever since he arrived) -- if Moiraine actually had been willing to slow down and take tea with her here, I wonder if Lady Anveare would have just told her about Rand. But Moiraine "my loyalty is to the Dragon Reborn and him alone" Sedai does not have the patience for such things. I like that we're really seeing the damage that Moiraine's singlemindedness has been doing to her relationships with the people around her. It's not targeted at Lan! It's everyone who gets in the way of what she thinks she must do! The way Moiraine sweeps back into the house and just immediately starts giving orders!

7. Guilty Rand and Selene ready to take advantage of it (twisting the knife by blaming herself for the fire when of course she knows how it really started). She's so manipulative! I love how effective she is as a villain here. She's good at finding weak spots and exploiting them without giving away that she's aware of what she's poking at. And the facial expressions are just... on point, always. But Rand is worried that he'll hurt anyone if he's around them, and the more he cares, the more he worries.

8. Poor Nynaeve. The Accepted testing really put her through the wringer. I like that we only hear the flashback here and that we don't actually flash back to the test. It just happened last episode! We can remember it fine. They did a good job of showing why Nynaeve is currently feeling more emotionally connected to Liandrin (who also has a child, like Nynaeve has the memory of having a child) than to Egwene, who has not experienced anything like what Nynaeve has gone through. And Nynaeve needing to take that moment to remember and go back to put her ring on. Egwene is trying to hard to connect with Nynaeve but Nynaeve just... she was essentially 'trained' by her time as a Wisdom not to want to burden 'the kids' with her troubles (we see that in the very first episode when she launches her Bel Tine lantern separate from the rest of the village, not letting them see her mourn the people she's lost).

Also: the Accepted rooms are a big upgrade from the novice rooms!

9. We transition from Nynaeve feeling out of place to Lan feeling out of place. He has his hair down, similarly to how he had it in her vision of her AU future, but the quiet happiness that was on his face in that future isn't here now. This is a slower-paced episode for Lan and he doesn't get a big reveal at the end of the episode like we get in most of the other plotlines but if I think of it as an Alanna-focused plotline rather than a Lan-focused plotline, there is a reveal -- the poem and, potentially, the worry that Lan and/or Moiraine might be Darkfriends (we'll maybe find out next week if that's where her thoughts went or if she instead assumes that Moiraine is hunting Darkfriends or something similar).

I mean, thinking about the information that Alanna has:

a. discovers this poem which references the Daughter of the Night -- she doesn't even want to believe that Lan knows who it's referring to! Because of the Implications.

b. talks about how Moiraine changed twenty years ago, very abruptly (this is also likely when Moiraine and Siuan had their very public falling-out) and became colder "like ice".

c. Moiraine was willing to use Alanna to threaten Lan with a forced bonding, which Alanna went along with because Moiraine is her friend, but she may now be thinking about that in a different way -- why would Moiraine want to push Lan away that hard? (this would be leaning into the idea that Moiraine is a Darkfriend and Lan isn't)

It's pretty suspicious, when you think about it! So... if I think of this plotline as less about the show trying to tell us about Lan and more about Alanna: Investigator (mirroring Moiraine: Investigator in Cairhien) in Cairhien, then I feel more patient about the slower pace. And Alanna: Investigator has two co-conspirators that she trusts absolutely, which is a big contrast to Moiraine, as is her relationship with her family! Where Moiraine is cold and pushes away her only relative that we meet, Alanna is warm and teasing and clearly has maintained strong bonds with her large and loving family.

We get three very distinct and different types of ways that Aes Sedai deal with being Aes Sedai and how that affects their family: you can be the cheerful guardian angel of your extended family, like Alanna is (and Maksim and Ihvon are clearly fully part of the family as well, and adored by the children); you can cut them off entirely, like Moiraine has; or you can keep them a secret so that your enemies can't use them against you, like Liandrin has.

10. Alanna always being hungry is such a great character choice. I think I may have read that it was initially the actress's idea? But they are definitely playing into it this season and it works so well, on so many levels. She is a woman of strong appetites, who isn't ashamed to show it. And, like she did with Egwene and sex in 2x1, she's assuming here that Lan also has large appetites (for food, in this case).

11. This scene with Alanna does feel like it gives us a lot of information -- Maksim and Ihvon are on suicide watch for Lan (suicide is a big theme in this episode, actually), but Alanna doesn't think that's the issue here. We learn that Alanna plans to return to the Tower the next day, and we get the info drop about Moiraine's abrupt change twenty years ago. We also have Alanna feeling Lan out about his current plans. Despite what other characters say, Alanna herself doesn't much behave like she's planning to bond Lan imo. She mentions Nynaeve to him here and presents Nynaeve as the potential new option for him. But Lan was just told in 2x2 by Moiraine that he failed her as a Warder and he felt that too -- he wasn't able to protect her just by himself and so he's doubting himself.

In... certain ways, what Moiraine did to Lan over the last few months is not dissimilar to what Liandrin did to Mat, in terms of making them doubt themselves as a person. Their motivations were different but the results appear somewhat similar -- both Lan and Mat are adrift and not certain which direction to turn. "Where would I go?" seems to be the question on both their minds. Lan doesn't feel he would be any use to Nynaeve, just as Mat doesn't feel he would be any use to Egwene.

12. Moiraine looking at all the little pieces of her youth -- the dollhouse, the mirror, the books, the music box, the... cigars? And I love her silhouette her in Cairhienin dress. It's so distinctive. She allows herself some softness here, when she's alone, that she doesn't allow when she's around Anveare. Moiraine: Investigator is now out on the town! This scene is even more interesting knowing that Celestin (head of the sanatorium) sends reports to Lady Anveare. I wonder if Lady Anveare has already guessed that the redheaded boy is a man who can channel, given who he was interested in meeting and that Moiraine went to speak with him too.

13. Loved Moiraine and Logain's scene but, wow, very sharp and intense. She tries to bribe him with the wine and fails, but she does successfully bribe him with the promise of being allowed to kill himself if he does want she asks (which really puts it into perspective how terrible it is to lose the One Power). We get our explanation here of why the gentled false dragon was in Cairhien instead of Tar Valon (bait for Rand) and it's so good! Definitely a joint venture between Siuan and Moiraine -- I imagine that Moiraine penned her a desperate message as soon as she was able to, after realizing at the Eye that she'd screwed up by letting Rand leave. I imagine they also probably made it very public gossip that the false dragon was in Cairhien, explaining how Rand found out about it in the first place.

14. It does sound here like Moiraine's current plan is to stay in Cairhien so that Rand can learn from Logain, but it's very possible that discovering Lanfear in bed with Rand at the end of the episode has changed her plans. We will see!

...also I love Moiraine's pockets.

15. Poor Egwene trying to sort through her feelings, while Elayne does her best to be supportive. Elayne is very sensible-head here, which I appreciate. This isn't a situation that Egwene can 'fix' for Nynaeve, no matter how much she wants to help. It's a lovely and sweet moment between the two of them that shows their growing friendship, and we also get to see them doing chores at the same time, which shows us that Elayne is settling with the White Tower routine. Egwene feeling small and useless in the Tower. Baby. *hugs*

16. And then we get the flipside of things and see Nynaeve's discomfort in the Tower and with being Accepted. She tries to go to the Warder's training ground to find Maksim and Ihvon, but only finds a friendly Warder-in-training who has heard the hot gossip about her skills and is interested in presenting himself as a potential bonding option for her. We do see here that it's the specific friendships that she'd formed already that she was seeking out in the earlier episode when she sparred with Maksim and Ihvon, and not simply sword training itself.

17. Liandrin spots this conversation and then receives a message. This is where we get our discussion between Liandrin and Leane about the invaders on the western coast. The conversation is very vague with Leane, but then when she talks to Nynaeve later, Liandrin suddenly has a bunch of information about a specific group that was captured by the Seanchan. Given that we do find out in this episode that Liandrin is working with Ishamael (from the Mat & Min plotline), it's easy to guess where she got her information about Perrin and Loial's capture.

I love Leane's little shoulder wrap thing. The fashion in this show just vibes with me. I enjoy it. We do learn here that sisters were sent to investigate the attacks in the west.

I am very curious about what explanation they'll give for where Siuan currently is. They've made it a mystery and pointed out twice now that it's a mystery (both here and in 2x1, in the conversation between Egwene and Nynaeve).

18. Aw, wolves! This scene is great. Perrin gets some answers from Elyas, we learn about how the wolfbrother business works, Perrin learns that he isn't a werewolf, and we meet Hopper! What a cutie! I really liked the visualizations and the sendings of the wolves. We also learn that the wolves have been seeing Perrin's dreams.

I love how Elyas clearly is trying to help Perrin but his idea of help is just kinda... off from what Perrin thinks of help as.

I really like how seriously the show has taken Perrin's grief over Laila.

19. Lan has been obsessing over the poem, and Maksim catches him putting it away (explaining how Maksim knew where to look in the later scene). So... if I'm thinking about this storyline in terms of Alanna: Investigator, then Maksim talking to Lan here is just as much about trying to get information out of Lan as it is about trying to 'help' Lan get over his 'broken' bond with Moiraine.

"Have you ever known a marriage that is exactly the same another?" I do like that they are establishing that Warder bonds can come in all different kinds of ways.

20. Now we are back with Moiraine: Investigator, who is trying to figure out where Rand might have gone after the inn that he was staying in burned down. (I assume this conversation was also reported to Lady Anveare, lol)

21. Lanfear admits a small lie to Rand here (to get him adjusted to the idea that she can lie to him and it's okay?), saying that her family never came here, that it was actually her and her ex. Lanfear constantly talking about her ex with Rand: haha, I understand why he's just ugh, "Ugh, idk he sounds boring [aka I don't want to talk about your ex-boyfriend 24/7]" especially since we know from the conversation later that Rand has caught feelings for 'Selene' even though he was trying his hardest not to. He's likely assuming that the ex was older and more sophisticated and it makes him feel young and unsophisticated in comparison when she keeps bringing said ex up.

The music here is so good.

22. Mat and Min! This is a cute interaction, though it's colored by the fact that the viewers know that Min is working with Liandrin. Mat is so so adorable here and I'm glad he was able to shed the coat for this scene. Also, Min paying the bartender to get Mat drunk (so that he'll sleep through her 'meeting' later).

23. This conversation with Nynaeve and Liandrin is so good and so manipulative. Liandrin is able to take the information that Nynaeve discovered (about her son) and use it for her own benefit. I do think there's a certain amount of regret for her that she's pulling the trigger on the plan that she was given to follow by Ishamael (from her apology later) but there's no hesitation. We know from the conversation with Min in a little bit that Ishamael makes promises. "I couldn't risk losing the only thing in this world that's truly mine." A reason to make a deal with Ishamael? And she offers the carrot here for Nynaeve to take -- people you love are in danger. She knows Nynaeve well enough to know that Nynaeve will take the bait, and likely assumes that Egwene will get swept along with Nynaeve (she saw how much Egwene cares about Nynaeve last episode).

It's only Elayne that was a 'complication'.

24. So, again, in the context of Alanna: Investigator... Ihvon trying to work out why Moiraine left Lan behind (and being the distraction), while Maksim and Alanna snoop in his stuff. We do also learn here that Alanna and her Warders all agree on their top priorities: the Light winning out over the Dark (and then dessert).

25. Genuinely enjoyed Anvaere successfully playing Moiraine. This is her city! She's the one who stayed! She knows the place and the people. And it's a good reminder to Moiraine that people who can't channel can be just as capable as those who can. She left Lan behind to protect him, but Lan is willing to risk his life for this, just as Moiraine is. Anvaere has been doing the hard work of re-establishing their house and family after their uncle did something that destroyed their reputations (unspecified). And Anvaere got what she was after from the beginning -- for her big sisters to sit down and have tea with her.

26. Elayne and Egwene's conversation here is very cute. Elayne has lived with duty all her life. She's just perfect in this scene (she's perfect).

Nynaeve not expecting Egwene to come with her has to be SUCH a blow for Egwene to hear. That Nynaeve has misunderstood her so badly, that she's believed that Egwene is after power for power's sake, rather because she wants to use that power to help people (and especially the people she loves).

And Elayne following them. So cute!

Of course, then Liandrin shows up. But it was very cute until then!

27. "No one escapes their fate. You know that better than anyone." This dream that Ishamael pushes on her, so that she'll be more receptive to his offer, really is so heartbreaking. No wonder she wanted to escape and travel and go as far away as she could. The show has done such a good job setting up believable emotional stakes for the characters.

The second that Min realizes who she really made a deal with, she wants to break it. And here is where we officially find out where Ishamael wants Mat to be led: to Cairhien.

Of course, Rand is in Cairhien. And Min had that viewing about Mat stabbing Rand. But she doesn't know that Rand is in Cairhien. Interesting puzzle pieces.

28. Once we know that Lanfear is a Forsaken, I feel like we can guess that she set up this entire scenario (ex. why are they sleeping outside? Selene said she wanted to, probably, to set up the scene properly) -- she brought the Fade here, she wanted Rand to use the One Power so that she could act out the part of Distressed Girlfriend Struggling With Learning Her Boyfriend Can Channel. She does such a good job, too. She really plays on his fears and how desperate he is to still feel like himself. You can really see how his heart his breaking when she pulls away from him.

Natasha and Josha are so good in this scene. There are so many levels. She also manages to continue to give surprisingly solid life advice, which is somehow incredibly hilarious to me. But I feel like Rand is, uh, probably going to believe all that advice is terrible now.

We also see that Rand is learning the sword but still isn't very good at it, as the Fade quickly disarms him and he needs to use the Power in order to protect himself and (probably more importantly to his mind) 'Selene'.

29. There is definitely a part of me that wishes that this had just been a romance scene. Rand getting tied up (and liking it)! 'Selene' literally thumbs open his mouth for their kiss! The way she kisses down his body and the expression on his face! It was a very very sensual scene, very well done. "You are the first woman who's seen me as a man" he tells her and I think he means that pretty precisely -- he loved Egwene but he still felt like a boy with her.

But instead of being a romance scene it's, you know, a deeply traumatic moment for Rand and will hamper his ability to engage in emotional intimacy (which will also potentially lead to other delicious angst in the future, though, I hope). We've definitely been getting a lot of trauma for our youngsters set up in recent episodes and we're only half-way through the season, so plenty of time for more trauma.

So far, we have:

a. Mat has been, essentially, emotionally sabotaged by months of Liandrin picking away at his brain; and we know that he's been set loose to follow a plan laid out by Ishamael which is not likely to lead to rainbows and puppies (I will have some theories in my later post with book spoilers).

b. Nynaeve suffered the trauma of the arches and now has been betrayed when she finally had come around to trusting and respecting Liandrin Sedai.

c. Perrin watching one of the men that he's been traveling with killed in an incredibly brutal way and being helpless to do anything about it. He also was told that what he is brings him closer to the Dark One.

d. Egwene has been the main target of all the 'fake-out deaths' in the show -- Nynaeve in episode 1 (which she believed until episode 6); Rand in the current season; and then Nynaeve again last episode.

e. After struggling with his identity all last season, and making the choice to abandon his friends for their own safety, Rand has built himself a new life but couldn't help himself from caring for the new people in it. Just as he'd given in to his emotions about Selene (who he has potentially been sleeping with for months at this point) and she appears to have accepted him as a male channeler! ...he learns that she's essentially a super-charged version of Dana (to simplify things). He literally gets covered in her blood while he watches helplessly, gets hit with incredibly distressing news that he can't question because he knows the person saying it can't lie, and then has to abandon this woman that he's come to love while she's lying dead on the floor and his sword still has her blood on it. Formative trauma centering around emotional intimacy and sexual engagement, table for one!

30. Alanna, Maksim, and Ihvon also realize here that one of the Forsaken is loose, which is gonna confirm their belief that the Last Battle is at hand. Alanna doesn't want to believe that Lan knows he's been carrying around a prophecy about one of the Forsaken, aww.

31. Lanfear reveal! This ending was so intense. Moiraine attacking Selene but explaining that she couldn't kill her and then that blink at the end. So good!

[sunilys2]

"THE PROPHECY" Kim Sunoo [ Chapter 2 ]

Materlist

Pairing: cursed!Sunoo × godness!reader

Synopsis: On a birthbed, a second-born baby of the cis male gender is cursed according to his village's beliefs. A pact is made by his parents in search of prosperity and glory, they believed that the divine goddess would bring to the baby the end of the catastrophes caused by the curse, good omen and carnal luxuries from the reaching of age, condemning his son to a wonderful life until the inevitable destiny, a peaceful end on his deathbed. However, in every agreement there are two sides and some consequences.

Genre: fantasy, strangers to lovers, romance.

Warnings: mention of religion and beliefs, pacts, curses, angst.

Note: grammatical errors, english is not my native language.

The baby was raised with a lot of love and had a very beautiful personality.

There wasn't anyone who didn't like him, his aura was really good, but no one denied the fact of subconscious knowledge that he was a different boy.

Watching him grow up healthy and normal, it was clear he had made a pact with the goddess. So he was like someone lucky, or very unlucky.

Since it was rare for someone to be born in the same circumstances as him in decades, it was really too much of a coincidence. The new moon was approaching, indicating beginnings and womanhood, the moon of the goddess lover of good men.

And with that, winter was approaching too. The sweet boy was about to complete his majority, exactly on a new moon night, like the day he came into the world. His birthday was next month, he was excited.

With the cold front coming, the winds were sounding colder, the night breeze was refreshing and the sky was a little cloudy, hiding behind the clouds and stars.

The Kim were artisan shoemakers, they were still in the family shop, where the boy also worked. Her parents were organizing the shoe store so they could finally go home. They had to finalize the service at the establishment, already closed. Tired from the hard day's work, finishing the last details to leave.

Sunoo was at home with his older sister, today he didn't help his parents in the shoe shop, and right now he was probably resting, it was late and he had a tiring day at the village high school.

Almost saying goodbye to the night, the clock on the top of the old church marked 23:50. Soon the midnight bell would ring, ending the twenty-four hour cycle of this day, starting a new day.

Counting the money at the counter, Mrs. Kim was surprised by an unexpected customer, who woke up the strident noise of the door bell. She well remembered telling her husband to lock the front door and turn the sign to closed.

ㅡ good evening, we are closed now. - The mrs. Kim smiled slightly.

ㅡ good night. - that voice was capable of giving chills, the appearance of the silhouette of a woman who was hiding under a white and delicate cover scared her, that was not common.

ㅡ any problem? What is happening? - the mr. Kim comes out of the underground warehouse, holding his shabby and aged-looking beret in his hands.

ㅡ I told you to close the front door, we've been closed since 6 pm. This lady has just arrived, but we are already leaving...

ㅡ I closed it, dear. - he was confused at that moment, he was sure he had locked the door, as asked by the woman.

Silence settled when the girl took the white cap off her head, her face was young and pretty, lips shiny, surrounded by an attractive pink tone.

ㅡ Are you a foreigner? Need help?

ㅡ not at all. She smiled, but her voice still had an impact.

ㅡ what can we be of help with? - the mrs. Kim closed the cash register and had her attention on the girl.

ㅡ the big day is coming, lady Kim. We have a deal, and I've decided there's something I really want. - icy hands touched the mrs. hands, causing her to be scared, but not repelled, apparently being frozen with fear by the aura of that mysterious lady.

It spoke like a whisper, raising the hairs present in the dermis, slowly entering the auditory cavity, touching all the internal organs, like a frightening sigh.

ㅡ do I know you? Sorry...I don't understand. What would "the big day" be? What could I offer you?

ㅡ you already offered it to me. I came here just to say that the boy is becoming a man and, I confess my interest and incessant follow-up, he captivates my curiosity. Her smile was almost seductive, the feelings at the sight of her mixed together like a motley bomb.

ㅡ what do you mean? I don't understand you. - interfered the mr.

ㅡ ma'am, I'm talking about your precious son. He's a good boy isn't he? I want him for myself, no, he's always been mine and I'm getting ready to get him. My presence here is nothing more than a reminder to remind you of my prophecy. Be it bad, be it good...or be it a set of qualities.

ㅡ so you are...

ㅡ upon being sealed and having the name offered, there are three destinations to be followed, according to the merit of the man. Your son awakens numbing feelings in me, he is too good. He has a handsome face, interesting personality, sweet scent, extravagant aura, and a smile that could kill someone. ㅡ but you know, ever since he landed to rest in his crib, it's been my boy. It's time to say goodbye to parents, this is my turn to have him, I'll take him on his eighteenth birthday.

A burning slap was transferred to the young woman's face, the weeping eyes of an anguished mother were stared at with emptiness, that slap wasn't even tickling that lady, it didn't shake her in any way, it's as if she didn't feel the pain of the impact.

ㅡ don't say a single word about my son, you don't know what you're saying... he will never be an object of value, he's a normal person and deserves rights like anyone else! What kind of goddess are you? It may have helped our ancestors, but it plagued us and cursed our children! Isn't that right, taking my dear son out of sheer greed and ambition? You are a monstrous entity.

Smile.

ㅡ just as mere mortals depend on divine entities, to be who we are we need humans and their futile needs. If I gave you everything you want, you would be worse people than you already are having so little, you would no longer need to work and earn to have your things and you would live like filthy parasites. Life shouldn't be easy for anyone, what does the one who has everything do? I am a goddess because you make agreements with me, agreements have two sides and consequences, offering me things and receiving things is the meaning of an agreement, and everything happens with your merits. This is divine justice.

Tears streamed down the lady's eyes, losing her mind, but so lost to the point that she didn't know what to say or do.

ㅡ upon reaching the age of majority, accept that your son is the chosen one... - he touched the wrinkled and soft face of the lady, calming her down.

ㅡ ma'am, don't cry. I won't hurt your son, I'll take care of him like a man takes care of a diamond. There is knowledge that this was traced from the birth-bed, a baby sealed with the mark of the goddess, what can you do? You offered me your son, but you can't afford the consequences from the outset clarified, consequences of your knowledge? I want him for myself, a unique boy full of magnitude. A deal will always be a deal. Do not fear his welfare, I am a lover of men, he will live in paradise...

ㅡ paradise...?

ㅡ yes, I will dress him in gold, I will give to him the best. ㅡ she smiled as she spoke. - he's such a good boy, he deserves it don't you think? I will love him piece by piece, I won't let any skin on his body be untouched, I will kiss every part of him tenderly. ㅡ stroked that lady's gray hair in shock.

ㅡ prepare it for me, mrs. Kim? Please. I am happy and looking forward to meeting you in person.

The bell sounded loudly, it was midnight, the young girl disappeared, while that hot tear ran down the face of a repentant mother.

[eddiemadmunson]

Merry Christmas

I wrote this drabble as a Christmas gift for my dearest bestie @hamatoanne​​ 💕💕 Merry Christmas sweet girl 💕🎄✨ I love you and wish you all the best 🎁 It can be read as a continuation of this story

Paring: Aemond x reader  Warning: none, it’s a pure fluff A/N: English is not my first language. 

You sighed and looked out of the window, it was another sunny and hot day in Rio de Janeiro and all you ever wanted was to wake up the next day to a freezing day. You wanted to experience a white Christmas with a lot of snow like you have seen in the movies. But you knew that it was impossible, it was summer season in Brazil and the weather was hot as fuck. You were literally melting here, cooling yourself down with a fan. There was zero chance that it will start snowing tomorrow. Few hours later you went to bed and looked at the sky and you saw a falling star, you quickly made a silly wish and turned off your bed light and closed your eyes, slowly falling asleep. “Aemond, baby, what are you doing here so early in the morning?” you yawned when your boyfriend Aemond knocked on your door at 5:30 in the fucking morning. “I am so sorry to wake you up like this, kitten. But I have a surprise for you,” he said excitedly. You would normally feel excited about surprises, but you were still half asleep so you only nodded and grabbed his jacket, intending to pull him inside and continue sleeping, cuddled to his lean body. “No, really, Y/N, wait. Go and pack your suitcase, we are going on holiday,” he announced and you finally woke up. “What are you talking about, Aemond? What vacation? Why should I pack for vacation in 5:30 in the morning?” you were getting more and more confused. “Look at me kitten,” he said firmly and took your hands in his. “Do you trust me?” he asked gently. “With my life,” you answered without hesitation. “So trust me in this. Go and pack few things you need for 4 days. Pack lightly, you won’t need much clothes where we are going,” he said mysteriously and you sighed but you turned around and took your suitcase from under your bed and started packing. It took you an hour when you were finally ready to go. “You packed much faster than I expected,” he smiled at you and softly pecked your lips. “We will be at the airport early and you can get your cup of coffee. I know that you would be super grumpy without it,” he chuckled and ruffed your hair playfully. “Airport, did you say airport? Where are we going, Aemond?” you demanded, finally getting curious about the destination of this madness. “Oops, did I reveal too much?” he chuckled and gently pushed you towards his car. He opened the trunk to place your suitcase there and you noticed that he had 3 big suitcases there. “Are you kidding me? You told me to pack lightly and you obviously has your whole wardrobe there,” you snorted and he smiled at you innocently. “You will be happy that I packed all of this, you will see babe,” he said mysteriously and you were getting more and more confused. The whole ride to the airport was a blur in your memories. You kept asking him where are you going and he were kept his mouth shut. He even blindfolded you at the airport and gave you his headphones, so you had no idea where is your plane heading. You were so excited that you kept asking Aemond if you are already there, just like the Donkey asked Shrek and Fiona when they will arrive to Fiona’s parents’ castle. He didn’t seem annoyed at all. But the flight was really long and you fell asleep after 2 hours of constant asking. You finally landed after 11 hours and you felt like you want to kiss the ground when you finally stepped out of the plane. Aemond immediately opened the first of his suitcases and gave you pair of jeans and fluffy hoodie and very warmed looking jacket. “What is this, you asked him in confusion,” but you already started shivering because it was really cold. “Welcome to Switzerland, my dear love,” Aemond chuckled and you opened your mouth in shock. “What did you say?” “I know how much you wanted white Christmas and to see a snow for the first time, so this is my Christmas present for you, four days here in the mountains,” he chuckled. The bus that transported you from the plane to the main hall left and you slowly turned around and noticed the snow covered land. “You don’t like it,” Aemond hesitated when he saw the tears in your eyes. You jumped into his arms, wrapping your legs around his waist, earning some harsh glares from the older ladies in the lobby. “You took me to snow land!! You made my biggest dream come true. I love you so much Aemond Targaryen!!” you shouted, kissing him all over his face. He was chuckling, loving how your  eyes sparkle with joy. “Anything for my girl,” he kissed you slowly. Aemond bought a room in a private cottage in a really small and cute village. It was perfect. There was so much snow and when the sun started shining on the iced surface it almost made you blind. You lived there with only 4 other guests. One of them was a Swiss family with two little kids. The boy seemed to be infatuated with Aemond. He obviously thought that Aemond is pirate and kept asking him where he left his boat an parrot. He showed him a picture with giant Ara parrot from his work and that boy looked so excited that he asked why Aemond doesn’t have a hook. His mother apologized about him and dragged him away from your boyfriend, giving you two some privacy. You loved the snow, but the cold weather was killing you. Aemond was laughing at you, when you left your room with 3undershirts, 2 sweaters and oversized winter coat, your head almost hidden under a fluffy hat. And still you were shivering with cold. But you enjoyed it anyway. You tried skiing and snowboarding, but after you fell on the wet ground for the 10th time, you gave up and rather borrowed a sledge. It took some time to convince Aemond to go with you, but when you were rushing down the hill you could hear him laughing happily behind you. He tossed you into the snow under the hill and you two made perfect snow angels. You took a picture of them and sent it to your mum. The next day you woke up earlier than Aemond which was very rare, he was usually awake around 6AM and went for his morning jog. You quietly dressed up and slipped out of the room. The owner of the cottage liked you so much that he let you decorate the giant Christmas tree in the hall. You enjoyed it so much, humming Christmas carols and eating Christmas cookies. When you were finished you found out, that Aemond is still sleeping. You giggled and knocked loudly on the door and started singing.

ELSA!! Do you wanna build a snowman? Come on, let's go and play! I never see you anymore Come out the door It's like you've gone away We used to be best buddies And now we're not I wish you would tell me why Do you wanna build a snowman?

 “I am coming, Anne,” Aemond chuckled and finally got off the bed. He was sleeping only in his boxers which was something you appreciated because it was panty dropping sight but you didn’t understand it because you wore a fluffy pajamas and you still felt so cold. Aemond was complaining that you kept sticking your cold feet against his warm legs the whole night. “Let’s built the best snowman in the whole world,” he kissed the top of your head and you wrapped your hands around him. ”You are so warm,” you snuggled closer to him and sighed happily. "Or we can stay here for a while,” Aemond suggested seductively and you felt that he gets really excited about that idea. “Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Targayen?” you smirked as he gently pushed you towards the giant bed.  “Always, my sexy lady,” he chuckled and tossed you on the bed. You spent the whole morning in the bed, Aemond made you see stars at least five times, making you so exhausted that you ordered lunch to your room and ate it in bed. In the afternoon you got dressed and finally built the best snowman. At least it was the best snowman in your eyes. You gave him an eye patch and found a crooked twig, announcing that it’s a hook. Aemond tossed you into a snow as a punishment making you giggle happily.  When you came back to the cabin, he ordered a hot chocolate for you two and you spent the whole evening cuddling in front of the fireplace and talking about everything. You were sad that you had to go back home after the four amazing days, you really enjoyed every single minute of your stay but you had to go home, your mum would never forgive you if you won’t celebrate Christmas with them. And truth to be told you missed the warm Brazilian weather. You loved snow, but it was too cold for your liking. And Aemond had to go back to his animal clinic. He tried to convince you that he is OK with the fact that he left his nephew Lucerys in charge of the clinic but you knew him very well, he was nervous if everything was all right. Aemond was perfectionist and Lucerys was hotheaded young man. They always argued about everything. “Next time when I will kidnap you to Europe, we will go at summer, so you won’t shake like a leaf all the time,” Aemond teased you, when you were flying back home. “There will be a next time?” you asked him excitedly. “Of course, my love. The world is a big place and we need to see as much of it as possible,” he kissed you lovingly, holding your hand in his much bigger one for the rest of the flight, watching your sleeping face with love and adoration.

[2kverrr]

MATT TAYLOR - Dating Headcanons

UNTIL DAWN || Matt Taylor x Reader

like every other year, the washington family open up their lodge to their teenagers for the winter. everybody had been waiting for this time of year, booze all week long, no rules, only friends, snowfights, blasting music in the middle of nowhere - to put it shortly, it's haven.

big movie nights on the big projector with hot chocolates and lots and lots of booze

you and matt had been plotting activities since summer, dodgeball in the main living area - come on, it's massive. what else are you meant to do in a room that big?

sledding - even if it meant falling off the edge of a cliff, its all apart of the fun.

matt loved making plans with you, you've never been too sure why, because you're not very punctual, you're an extremely dangerous driver and quite forgetful.

he's an attractive guy, sporty and in shape, really kind; it was a mystery to you why he was still single. it's not like girls actually go for brains anymore - you don't think so anyway.

secretly the group were rooting for the two of you, you oblivious of course, but matt had planned this all out, all fun and games but then you 'accidentally' trip or 'accidentally' fall and in desperate need of a knight in shining armour, then that's where he comes in, heroic and masculine, you are immediately in love with him, you get married, move to fiji and have 4 kids (the first of the bunch HAD to be called matt. jr). it's pretty specific.

it's the day of the winter break we'd all been waiting for, mike had already prepped matt for this big breakthrough. mike slaps his hand onto his face and slowly drags it drown with a grown, "bro, stop being such a pussy - worst she can say is no. no?" the two continue to stroll towards the lodge, slightly unsure where they were headed in the snowy atmosphere. “yeah, i get that,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper, “but what if she laughs at me?” the thought made his stomach twist uneasily, and he shot mike a frantic glance. you knew matt's used to being the object of jealousy, he's much like mike in that sense, he doesn't have to do much to be adored by people. “dude, she’s not some goddess in a tower,” mike said, rolling his eyes. “she's just a girl! think about it. you’ve spent half your life being friends, spilling deepest and darkest secrets, spending the majority of your time together - hell even your distant family have nicknames for him. "god damn it man! you know her better than anyone, so you should be first to know how she'd react.” matt shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to portray an air of confidence he didn’t truly feel. “just be yourself. you’ve got this.” he whispers, spotting you exiting from the ski lift, patting matt on the shoulder and leaving him with you.

the walk up was oddly awkward, in fact the first 3 days were uncomfortable with the curly-headed boy.

of course, that did not stop you from getting black out drunk every night. day drinking faded into beer pong, then faded into shot competitions, then another cheeky drink when you woke up to prevent any hangover.

matt tried his hardest to get you to lay off the drink, but automatically josh would interrupt and tempt you even more.

it had to be past midnight at this rate, ashley fell asleep on the couch with chris, beth gently placing a blanket over the two of them. sam was attempting to defuse a row between mike and emily as hannah observed hopefully, while josh was falling asleep mid-conversation with jess - embarrassing. all while you were basically fighting matt to grab the bottle out of his hands. “give!” you reach out, but just like every other time, matts long arms push at your shoulder to keep your distance. you huff, stumbling back with half closed eyes, “cocksucker. i’ll find something else. hell - i’d eat crack if josh had any.” you remark with flailing arms. you had promised yourself a good time, a good time that didn’t involve battling your best friend for a taste of liquor. "come on, how about we go find the biggest bed for you to sleep in, i'm sure emily won't notice." his eyebrows raise, awaiting your drunken response. your mouth drops in a shocked manor and your eyebrows furrow as though your offended, "wow - matt, nice going." you try to cross your arms but you end up stumbling into the counter, the boy's hands immediately reach out to stabilise you. "it'd take a lot more than that to take me to bed, thank you very much, mr taylor." you scold, trying to inject a sense of indignation into your slurred words. the room felt like it was swaying gently; perhaps it was the alcohol or maybe just your overwhelming desire to keep your balance. you glared at matt, half-heartedly trying to regain your composure, but the corners of your mouth couldn't help but twitch into a smirk.

you couldn't remember much after that, besides the blinding light bursting through the curtains beaming into your eyes, only a single silhouette there to block it.

you're quite used to getting black out drunk, in fact you've got a casual routine, wake up, hole into your head until you stumble towards the cabinet wherever you are, managing to grab some sort of pill. lie in the bath - this is a crucial step. no water besides from when you awkwardly attempt to drink some from the tap. eventually you throw up the pills you'd taken, so you take a few more. at this point you should be okay to get up and carry on with your day.

you tell yourself this is how it’s meant to be; the routine is as much a part of your identity as the lingering pallor in your cheeks. you’ll put on a brave face, mask the chaos with a smile, and carry on with your day, ever-so-slightly hopeful that today might be different.

though you're not so used to going on a three day bender, every drink you consume having at least a drop of some form of alcohol. so your routine didn't exactly apply.

"hey," a voice whispers, slowly placing a cold cloth on your head, “you okay?” it’s light and gentle, a contrast to the erratic thrum inside your skull.

you squint against the light and the silhouette shifts, revealing matt, but this time with a softer expression, worry etched into the corners of his eyes. “you were insane last night,” he says, half-smiling, half-concerned. matt takes a deep breath, the worry still lingering in his eyes, and leans back in his chair, allowing you some space.

“seriously, what were you thinking?” he asks, his tone shifting to something more serious.

“you can’t just push yourself like that, especially when you know you haven’t slept in days.” the warmth of his concern wraps around you, thick and palpable, grounding you even as the room spins slightly.

"shit, " you roll over, while trying to sit yourself up, "i'm really sorry" your hands slowly and deeply massage your face, "can't remember a thing."

matt softly chuckles, placing his hands onto the arm rests, “well, where to begin? you were fighting me for a drink. scolded me for tying to sleep with you, which was the opposite of what i was doing. you searched the house for cigarettes and eventually gave up and tried to uber 3 bricks of coke to the lodge. erm… you threw up in the hot tub, on the counter, on emily, on me and i think a bit of miles show when you threw up on emily for the second time.”

you suppress a groan, sinking back into the chair as matt’s words cascade over you, each one accompanied by an embarrassing flashback that jolts through your mind like electric shocks.

"what?" it was all you could say. frozen and still in your own embarrassment.

“oh! and let’s not forget the part where you tried to convince jessica that she was actually a mystical mermaid forced on earth to enchant her way into human hearts."

you open your mouth to speak but the curly-haired boy continues.

“-not quite done yet, darling. you couldn’t let go of this ‘mermaid theory’, convinced you could see jess’s scales. so you flung your drink at her and then yelled ‘be free, my aquatic queen’ right in her face.”

you wince, burying your head in your hands. “for fuck's sake, please tell me you're lying,” you let out a muffled groan. matt's infectious laughter rings in your ears, despite your mortification and god awful pain you're in.

matt leans forward, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “and after your mermaid debacle, you decided to perform a dramatic interpretation of 'under the Sea' from The Little Mermaid for the whole living room."

you immediately butt in, "liar!" you rarely ever laugh in front of your friends, never mind whatever this is.

"i swear I’ve never seen sam laugh and cry at the same time.” he shakes his head, barely able to contain his amusement as he gestures broadly, “you were flapping your arms like a fish out of water, and the way you-“

you roll your eyes, “enough!” you raise your voice, a slight anger in your tone as your embarrassment begins to ebb. you immediately feel bad for the once giddy boy, "sorry, i don't usually tend to have hangovers this bad…" you say, a hand attempting to tame the pounding in you heard, you put the boy at ease with a smile, "…did i at least have a good audience?"

"an audience of friends who might never look at you the same way again,” he teases, but his smile is warm and understanding. “but hey, that’s what makes us family, right? You do something outrageous, and we love you for it. maybe not jess… or emily. but the rest of us do. i love you.” his words hang in the air, unsure of their stance, good bad? neither of you knew.

“you love me?” you manage to say, half teasing and half genuinely astonished, heart fluttering uncomfortably in your chest.

he briefly fixes his posture, shuffling in his seat, “maybe. even thought you can be a bitch and you have a slight alcohol issue, you’re still lovable.”

you take a moment to take a note of reality, the mess on the floor, presumably caused by you. your hair was unspeakable, makeup smudged, deep and heavy eye bags, one of your lashes hanging off your cheek while your other was probably exploring the outside, it’s definitely… a look.

“even after all this?” you wave down your body and across the room

he leans forward, fiddling with his thumbs, eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that makes your heart race. “that’s exactly it,” he says gently, “you’re unpredictable, messy and unapologetically you, and i think it’s fucking awesome. you’re so… so, so, so real.”

his sincerity makes the room feel smaller, as it the weight of his words could encircle you both in an element of quiet intimacy. you can throw but smile, your heart swelling. “so, what does this mean for us?” you query hopefully.

“maybe it’s the start of something new.”

you made the bold decision to lay off of the drink for your own sake (also because it took you the rest of the week to recover) - instead you’d accompany matt in whatever he was up to.

mike felt a bit disappointed that his pep talk was wasted on a sappy conversation rather than a manly knight in shining armour act.

jess eventually forgave you, insuring you tell her everything about the two of you. emily would occasionally listen in nonchalantly as she clearly hadn’t forgave you for the sick-tuation (get it? i’m so sorry)

matt takes pride in waking you up with a drink or some food, it’s a bit difficult when your only options are out of the washingtons’ sparse cabinets.

you had to make a slight change in your ‘how you got together’ story when meeting his parents, either way they loved you, and thought you were a great reason for matt to take his laser focus off of football.

speaking of football, you’re at every game wearing some old spare shirt he had laying around.

when he first met your parents, god it was something you should’ve prevented. matt sides with your mum’s every word, dishes, staying out too late, waking up too early. honestly everything and anything.

he’s easily the most caring, you’re always on his mind, your wants, your needs, what you’re doing, how you’re doing.

in return you help him study, you’re not much smarter, but with matt, you find fun in the coursework.

[misslavenderlady]

I'm here with some questions about our girl Bree~!!!

How did she find out they were vamps in the first place? I mean, did she figure most of it put on her own, or did the boys show their true side to her?

And what are the Frogs + Sammy's thoughts on her? If the Frogs know her at least. 👀

CHERRYYYYYY!! This is my first ever ask about Bree!!! I'm so excited! Rest assured, I will have an actual side blog up for her soon but in the meantime I am more than happy to answer any questions about her here

🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

So Bree is a registered nurse, meaning she has plenty of medical knowledge from her studies and experience. It's easy for her to figure out when something is wrong. She met the boys the first night they ever popped into the doctors office she works at. David asked for her to examine his wrist because he crashed his bike while doing a stunt (a little callback to the injury kiefer got before they started filming)

Obviously during the exam Bree noticed there was no pulse in his wrist, and feared something was wrong. She tried to listen for his heartbeat with her stethoscope but found nothing. When she excused herself to get another stethoscope and try again, David and the boys had mysteriously vanished.

They returned again another night. She tried to ask questions, but the boys lead her in circles with their mysterious words (that or they just didn't answer her, opting to just giggle playfully). Dwayne, Paul and Marko all got checkups too. Whether it was asking for a flu shot, getting a cough checked or just making up some disease to get her to touch them, they adored playing games. Each time they did, she found something new wrong. The biggest kicker was when she drew blood at David's request, and was shocked to find the blood was glittery and dark.

She fainted from the shock, and was found and cared for by Michael after she woke up. The boys had left by that point.

At first she thought there had to be some logical explanation. She's a bright woman that values science and research. In a way, she was more fascinated than she was horrified. She thought they were all some kind of medical anomaly. Four boys with an unknown illness.

But then the visits started. Or rather, the "dreams" as she thought they were.

Bree would have moments in the dead of night where she'd hear voices whispering to her. Images of the boys in her room, asking if she wanted to be one of them. To know what they were. They told her to turn away from her medical journal and look more to her beloved monster books. When she awoke, she did just that. She poured over all her favorite stories, particularly Dracula and Camilla. Everything began to make a lot more sense.

At the moment, David and the boys have not outright said what they are, as they're biding their time for the right moment (especially with Michael still a part of their game). But there's this unspoken agreement between them and Bree. A bond made by a shared secret. She knows what they are, but she's not frightened. She's interested. Curious. Attracted to them.

She wants to get to know them more, and they feel the same about her~

Since Michael works at the same doctors office, the other Emersons pop in to say hi to both him and Bree. During the summer Sam and the Frogs come by for the school physicals, which are done by Bree. She thinks Sam is a nice kid, but find the Frog brothers a bit odd. They give her cryptic warnings about monsters and that they suspect the return of vampires they once slayed. When she tries to ask Sam about it, he tells her that Michael isn't very comfortable with sharing that story.

To her, the Emersons are just as mysterious as the Lost Boys. Granted, they're very kind and wonderful to be around, but she wishes they would open up to her. She really likes Michael and he likes her. It breaks her heart to see him and his brother struggling with their demons from the past.

Little does she know that such a thing is more literal in the sense.

In the meantime, she's happy to chat with the kids, so long as they behave. She also gives them stickers as a little gift. They claim they're too old for stickers, but secretly love them.

[nanabansama]

What Makes a Yorishiro?

Well wouldn't you like to know...

But no, really, what DOES make a yorishiro? I thought I knew at first, but recently, I've started thinking my definition is a little... off.

So I wanted to revisit yorishiro in this post, and review the explanations AidaIro has given us within the context of JSHK! Please, join me, as I barrage you with screencaps you have probably seen a hundred times. ☆ミ

Our first introduction to yorishiro is Hanako in Ch. 6, where he explains that the divine yorishiro are like batteries to the school mysteries. If you get rid of them, they power down! Easy to understand.

He also makes mention of the fact that this yorishiro should be located in the innermost reaches of Yako's boundary. Obviously, the best offense is a good defense, so keeping your yorishiro in the safest, least accessible part of your boundary is a no-brainer. Still worth mentioning, though.

Finally, Hanako states that it's something that "has the most value" to No. 2, and something that "means a lot to her." These are very positive connotations. Nene then equates this to the scissors Yako received from Misaki, a token from her first love.

Much later, Tsuchigomori explains to Yashiro that yorishiro are objects with the strongest feelings connected to them. This is veeery interesting, because this is vague enough that it could mean any type of feeling.

A page later, Tsuchigomori says that the reason the moon rock is his yorishiro is because Amane changing his future surprised him. So it seems like the primary emotion behind this yorishiro could have been surprise. However, considering Tsuchigomori cared a lot for Amane, it's hard to say it didn't also come from a place of love.

...anyways I am skipping No. 3 because it doesn't matter yet...

Briefly touching upon Shijima Mei, it makes sense why the sketchbook is her yorishiro. It's a memento from her creator, and the place she originally sprung to life. I can't say exactly what emotion or feeling could be tied to it, but all that matters is that it's obvious she cares deeply for the original Shijima Mei.

Mei even says so herself!

Very touching.

And now, we are finally getting to the reason I made this post!!

THIS HOT MESS

See, in Ch. 94, Hakubo makes it clear that he is not able to feel love in a traditional sense. It is, apparently, too foreign an emotion for a demon, and even more so for a demon that lacks desire like he does. So naturally, he eats her.

The thing about Sumire is, I think she woke up that desire within him. This is the closest thing to love he can feel, but he can never truly love her as he is. Not in the right way.

A bit tragically, Sumire actually directly quotes Tsuchigomori's quote from the 4 PM Bookstacks, which is that a yorishiro is an object that the school mystery has the strongest emotional attachment to. Ignoring the fact she is literally calling herself an object, she interprets this as him returning her same feelings. Oh, my poor girl...

Still, No. 6 is a school mystery, and his connection to Sumire is the most powerful emotion he has ever felt. He even openly admits he would fall in love with her if he was human, proving this is just a demon’s version of “love.”

Thus, in the end, I would say that every yorishiro so far has had a theme of love behind it. And isn't that sweet? Isn't love the strongest emotion of all? Love is always said to overcome every odd, isn't it?

But what about loss? Can we not say that these yorishiro didn't emerge from feelings of anguish? After all, the loss of a loved one is so powerful,

it can even take another's life.

How sad.

...The thing about Tsukasa and Amane is, I can't say what the primary emotion behind him being his yorishiro is. Amane is all over the place when he comes to Tsukasa.

One emotion I see is fear.

Not necessarily of Tsukasa himself, but what Tsukasa reminds Amane of. Of what Amane became. Out of control, and capable of taking the life of his own brother. He is his own brother's murderer, and it terrifies him.

His greatest fear in the Hell of Mirrors is his brother's dead body, after all. A reminder of what Amane really sees himself as: a killer.

But one could also say guilt is a powerful emotion for Amane. Not only did he commit murder, a crime, but he did it towards his own flesh and blood. His little brother. As the elder sibling, it was his duty to protect him, not kill him.

Tsukasa even uses this against him, being shown to manipulate Amane's feelings about murdering him for his own purposes.

But would guilt really be enough? What about sorrow?

I already alluded to Amane taking his own life shortly after killing his brother, but he was also very close to his brother as a young child, and at least up until they entered middle school.

The loss of anyone in your life can hurt, no matter who they are. What makes it most painful, though, is that they’re close to you. Dear to you. Loved by you.

A loved one dying is terrifying.

The guilt is overwhelming.

You’re filled with unbearable sorrow.

Because you love them.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

...

I must admit, while originally typing up this post, I wanted to end it on a theory that maybe a yorishiro doesn’t have to be selected out of a feeling of love. And I think that can still be true; Hakubo’s feelings towards Sumire aren’t true love, after all, and Tsuchigomori’s feelings towards the moon rock could just be simple surprise.

Even so, I can’t believe that Amane doesn’t truly care for Tsukasa, or that love is not the driving force behind his emotional attachment to him. It is a toxic love, for sure, and one that brings him intense pain and sorrow, but one he cannot help but feel. I only hope that they may one day mend things between them.

Anyways, thank you for reading all the way to the end! I’ve been wanting to make a few other posts lately, so hopefully I can get those out soon.

Take care of yourselves, and remember, go tell someone you love them today! You never know when they could disappear or fall into a hole, so make every moment count, guys.

♡♡♡ Bye-byeee～!!!

[morelikeravenbore]

What was Auras reaction to Seb calling her ignorant?

🦋 'Aurélie woke bright and early the following morning with a steely resolve to never utter the name Sebastian Sallow again unless it was to curse it to the wind.' — How to Make a Villain, chapter thirteen.

AAAHHH this question is so fun, thank you for asking it! I've been thinking about my answer all day, so in my usual fashion I'm absolutely going to over-explain it because ✨Ravenclaw.✨

So lemme preface this by saying canon Aurélie was never part of the game events. She started Hogwarts in seventh year and thus had to deal with the consequences of Sebastian's quest line as they slowly but inevitably fell in love. In saying that, I have been dabbling on and off with a fifth year AU in which Sebaura reunite post-graduation after seven years apart, so I've given the IgNoRaNt thing a lot of thought.

To set the scene, here's a snippet of their dynamic in fifth year. (If you think their bickering is bad in Villain universe, they're insufferable in fifth year lolol).

[Sebastian's POV]

'Aura! For once in your life, stop being so dramatic!'

A month. A whole bloody month of chasing after, arguing with, and generally lamenting the existence of the most annoying girl to ever walk the face of the earth; one long, agonising month since she'd shown up at Hogwarts as the new fifth year, the new mystery, and completely derailed life as he'd known it. Not that his life had exactly been on track before her arrival, but if he was the out-of-control locomotive, then she was the broken track that had sent the whole bloody lot careening off the rails and into a ravine, explosions and all.

Needless to say, fifth year MC Aura [hates going on quests.] It's not that she doesn't want to help, it's just that li'l fifteen year old fancy-pants Frenchie hates trudging through the cold muddy Highlands, hates getting her nice shoes all dirty, and especially hates using her magic to blast Beasts into the ether (even if they are big scary spiders or killer Mongrels.) So when she relents to following Sebastian through some icky cave or up a freezing cold mountain in search of some weird relic or whatever, she lets him know in no uncertain terms that she is NOT happy about it. She'd probably even ignore him for weeks afterwards and he'd have to do some serious grovelling (ie bribery with new shoes) just to get her to look at him again.

But still, she does it for him because they're both orphans, they're both lonely, and they're both really leaning on eachother for support. Yes, she hates their "adventures", yes, she complains about it the entire time, but she does it for him. Every single time.

So when Sebastian calls her ignorant — when he crosses the line from light-hearted bickering to actually insulting her? She considers it a huge rejection. She followed him into danger time and time again, overlooked his red flags, even forgave him for the whole crucio thing only for him to personally insult her? Nah bro. Aura's certainly not afraid of letting him know when he's acting out of line, but up until that point, their disagreements had never gotten personal.

This is when everything starts to go south for their friendship, culminating with the Solomon incident and leading to their eventual seven-year split after graduation. When she's really hurt, Aurélie withdraws into herself so deeply that it's very hard to coax her out again. — And that's exactly what happens when he dun fucks up and calls her a nasty name.

NOT TO MENTION calling a Ravenclaw ignorant is like a mortal sin. Like, calling an average every day person ignorant is pretty mean, but a Ravenclaw?! Boy, pls. Sit down.

🦋 Thank you again anon for the cute question, I had so much fun answering it! Here are some more piccies of my girl for you. Have a perfectly scrumptious day!

(the dress was a gift from my love @sleepywitchlory, made by @ominouscorridors)