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#no mom it doesn't make a difference that i remember the entire thing word for word
rheasmusings · 2 years
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AAAAAAAA I FINALLY GOT THE RWRB COLLECTOR'S ED!!!!
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I'm not even gonna lie, I was screaming as soon as this was in my hands, the art was GORGEOUS, and I cried when I saw the writing underneath the jacket-
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dunmeshistash · 14 days
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G'day, I hope you are doing well.
Ever since I finished the story of Dungeon Meshi (all supplementary material included) I've been writing down bullet points on characters in addition to in-depth synopses as a way to tidy up my rather busy mind. To this end I've also greatly enjoyed reading other folks' interpretations of particular characters, as it gives me further insight into aspects of that character I may have glossed over.
However, there's one character I'm struggling to write a cohesive synopsis about, that being none other than 'miss enigma' herself, Falin Touden. I get that her whole shtick is that she's kind of a mystery, but I find myself drawing a lot of blanks when it comes to her as a character, and while I have nailed down some important bullet points, there are a lot of different interpretations on her, all of which starkly contrast one another. Though perhaps it's just the wording. Hard to say.
It could very well be that I'm being too dense i.e. perceiving "Falin is willing to risk killing others to save her friends." and "Falin, in the heat of the moment, when faced with certain death, was willing to face the prospect of harming potential passersby in a final Hail Mary to get her friends to safety." as entirely different observations. I have a hard time with those kinds of things.
With this being a hub for all sorts of observations, interpretations and cool trivia, I was wondering if you'd perhaps be willing to share how you yourself perceive Falin as a character, so I can compare notes and perhaps gain a more proper understanding of her as a character as a result. I know this question is very broad and kind of vague, but if you could spare the time I'd be most grateful.
Other than that, I wish you an excellent day.
Hello!!! I love Falin!!!!!
She *is* a mystery, we mostly know Falin through the perception other characters have of her instead of a direct deep look onto who she is, which I find very interesting. I think the best post I've seen about her (which as usual I can't remember where edit: someone linked it thank uu) I think called her perceived altruism/love "selfish" and I've been thinking about that ever since.
In that sense the way she cares so much about the comfort of people around her might be a way to keep *her own* comfort because she doesn't want to see other people suffer.
This girly died and came back to life from bones and the first thoughts she has is that she caused trouble for her loved ones
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She probably has felt this way since she was a child, "because of her" that her family was torn apart "because of her" that Laios left, her mom was sick, her father had to send her away. (wasn't actually her fault but she might think it is)
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I imagine ever since then Falin has done her best to not cause trouble and to make the people she loves happy, everything we know about her and the things she was doing was always for the people she loved, that's why I enjoy the post canon comic where Toshiro asks her hand in marriage again so much. The first time she considers accepting just because "might as well" while for the second time she finally wants to live for herself.
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I think Falin herself has lost who she "really is" by trying to accommodate everyone around her and that's probably part of why we ourselves don't really know her, so much so that the most cynical character is uncomfortable around her (probably cause he notices Falin is "hiding" something)
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I think Falin is quite the melancholic character to be honest, someone who has lost herself in self sacrifice and who is only now learning how to live for herself doing what she wants.
Both the teleportation scene and the bit about healing show "cracks" in the selfless front she puts out tbh. By context I don't think what she did was only due to "desperation of the moment" she says out loud "Even if I end up hurting others I want you and my brother to live on". She weighted out how much suffering she might cause and decided she wanted to save them anyway, and I'm sure in that calculation she knew that they would suffer because of her sacrifice too.
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Falin is saving them for herself, I'm not great with words so this is all over the place and maybe sounds a little negative about Falin but the thing is, you cannot live your life for other people, you can't sacrifice yourself for other people's happiness, you shouldn't erase your own presence so others are happier and I think Falin is starting to learn that by the end.
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I'd probably keep rambling without getting anywhere and missing a lot of more meaningful moments but I'll stop here, if anyone has recs for Falin analysis please share!
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mulletmitsuya · 2 months
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Tokyo revengers groupchat
Warnings: swearing, suggestive, mommy issues, mentions of deceased mothers, brother issues (akashi's), mentions of physical abuse, mentions of suicide, depending on what kind of person you are, this might be kinda dark
Side note: i think i may be projecting too many of my headcanons on these people so i apologize for mischaracterizations😔🙏
Desc: it's Shinichiro's birthday!! (sneaking in the fact that it's also mine and i'm 19 today😋)
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Izana: happy birthday Shinichiro
Izana: everyone's gonna say the same thing so i don't think there's a need for an influx of happy birthday messages
Izana: just dm, to prevent a pointless conversation
Shinichiro: aw thanks Izana😁❤
Mikey: HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Mikey: ANOTHER YEAR OF BEING A VIRGIN🙏🔥
Baji: you're such a loser man
Baji: with all due respect and no offense of course
Baji: happy birthday tho
Mitsuya: aren't you a virgin, Mikey?
Mistuya: a bit hypocritical
Mitsuya: happy birthday Shinichiro-san
Mikey: i had sex once, and meh
Mikey: 5/10
Mikey: being confronted with someone's dick and balls was crazy
Mikey: and i have mommy issues so i don't think it's a good idea for me to sleep with a woman
Mikey: but i would like to lay on one's chest as they sing me to sleep
Baji: what does that have to do with anything
Draken: no one asked you for any of that information, just so you know
Mikey: your mom asked me
Mikey: oh, sorry😔
Mikey: they wasn't even part of the joke. i'm genuinely apologizing😔
Emma: Mikey!
Emma: you know that's a sensitive subject 😠
Draken: not really, to be honest
Senju: why's it a sensitive subject
Emma: his mother left him
Senju: ...
Senju: Emma why would you tell me that
Mitsuya: i think we should word this differently or not talk about it, maybe
Mikey: Mitsuya's right, as always (boring 🙄)
Mikey: but Emma☠️?
Senju: yours left too girl
Emma: well i know that, so i'd be sad if someone made a joke about it
Emma: and so did yours🤨?
Senju: death is different. your mom CHOSE to leave you
Senju: skill issue
Senju: was that too far? maybe
Draken: guys
Chifuyu: ok guys let's calm down
Emma: of course a person with a mother would say that 🙄
Chifuyu: ...sorry
Emma: just jokes Fuyu😚
Baji: don't apologize Chifuyu, not our fault we have mom's
Baji: suck it, losers
Mikey: i really didn't mean to start all this, my bad
Draken: it's not a big deal😐
Draken: and Shinichiro-san, happy birthday, but you're still a virgin?
Draken: i'm not judging or anything. i just find it impressive
Draken: all the other stuff is overrated
Emma: 🤨
Emma: we'll talk about that later
Emma: are you actively practising abstinence?
Emma: i couldn't
Emma: not with Ken-chan around, at least😋
Draken: dude
Draken: your entire family is here
Emma: don't call me dude☹️
Draken: okay
Draken: babe
Draken: your entire family is here
Emma: so?? they know we have sex
Emma: how else would we try to have a kid?
Draken: bro...
Mikey: KEN-CHIN KILL YOURSELF☹️👎
Izana: Emma was underage when you got together
Izana: something to think about, Draken
Draken: i was too???
Takeomi: who the hell are you
Draken: me?
Takeomi: obviously not you
Takeomi: "Izana"
Takeomi: who is that
Shinichiro: this is Izana, Omi
Takeomi: i fucking know that Shinichiro
Takeomi: why are you all so stupid
Baji: why are you brining your sour mood here
Baji: go die
Baji: no offense
Mitsuya: you can't keep saying bad things then saying no offense
Mitsuya: it literally doesn't mean anything
Shinichiro: i said i had another little brother remember?
Shinichiro: before Emma was a Sano, she was a Kurokawa. this is Izana Kurokawa
Takeomi: your dad was a man whore. respect
Shinichiro: dude, ew?
Izana: technically i'm no ones sibling because my mom lied to your guys' dad about being my father so i'm actually not related to any of you. not really supposed to be here
Mikey: dude give that up. we don't care 🙏
Izana: i was just clarifying
Emma: Izana-nii you know it makes Shin sad when you say that☹️
Izana: i was stating facts, but alright
Haruchiyo: happy birthday Shinichiro
Baji: you never speak on this group but oh, let the topic be about Mikey
Baji: all of the sudden it's a yappathon
Baji: "i wish Mikey would stick it in!"
Haruchiyo: I'VE NEVER SAID THAT
Haruchiyo: and i'm speaking now, aren't i😐
Mikey: Baji leave Haruchiyo alone
Mikey: you're the one always scaring him away😔👎
Mikey: hi Haru😋
Haruchiyo: hi Mikey 🙂
Kazutora: happy birthday Shinichiro-san
Kazutora: um, sorry about... the incident
Mikey: (i told you not to talk about that in front of people, Tora💀)
Draken: PUTTING A SENTENCE IN BRACKETS DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE WHISPERING
Draken: STOP DOING THIS
Senju: what incident
Kazutora: uh
Kazutora: almost killing him
Shinichiro: buddy, i know you didn't mean to do that. it's all good
Kazutora: no, i fully intended to kill a person
Kazutora: it just wasn't meant to be you
Kazutora: and for that i apologize
Shinichiro: oh...
Shinichiro: well at least you don't have those murderous thoughts anymore, right? let's dwell on the positive 😁
Kazutora: i do have those thoughts
Baji: you don't always have to tell the truth man
Mikey: dude☠️
Kazutora: but they're about my father, mostly
Kazutora: i look exactly like him, so looking in the mirror is hard sometimes
Kazutora: i'm not allowed to kill myself, but killing him would be close enough
Kazutora: but i can't. because of the law
Draken: dude, are you okay? do we need to talk again
Draken: this is concerning
Kazutora: words cannot help me, Draken
Kazutora: anyway, have a good birthday, Shinichiro-san
Kazutora: i'm glad you didn't die by my hands
Shinichiro: ...
Shinichiro: i'm not really sure what to say
Senju: i love his thought process
Senju: (what the hell is wrong with this guy)
Draken: we can see the text inside the brackets 😐
Senju: fine
Senju: what the hell is wrong with this guy😭
Senju: you were the one who put Shin in a coma??
Senju: the power or friendship really carries this group's dynamic because if it were me, Kazutora would never see the light of day😭🙏
Senju: it helps that you're handsome
Kazutora: thank you. i'm sorry
Senju: you're welcome. you are forgiven
Baji: maybe let's change the topic
Senju: what's wrong with him?
Senju: no offense
Emma: his father used to beat him
Senju: Emma!
Senju: you can't be telling people this 😭
Emma: STOP ASKING ME THEN
Emma: there's no malice!! i'm just telling you what happened!!
Inupi: happy birthday Shinichiro
Inupi: my sister has agreed to go on a date with you
Inupi: i see you as a really good guy so if you fuck this up, i'd have to kill you
Shinichiro: AKANE-SAN?
Shinichiro: she's too pretty for me
Shinichiro: ok um, please give me her number, Seishu
Shinichiro: thank you
Shinichiro: let's speak privately yeah?
Mikey: Inupi, this is the first time in your life you've ever been useful
Mikey: i'm impressed
Inupi: kill yourself
Mikey: Koko doesn't love you back👎🔥💔
Inupi: Takemitchy is married to a woman
Draken: break it up
Draken: and Koko does love him back, he's just fighting heteronormativity and internalized homophobia
Emma: ?
Draken: i'll tell you about it later
Emma: 🤗
Inupi: you will not
Koko: i am in this group, you know?
Koko: happy birthday Shinichiro
Koko: also Inupi, aren't we dating?
Inupi: huh
Koko: are we not dating?
Inupi: i mean, i wasn't aware of it
Inupi: but okay
Inupi: you didn't ask me
Koko: well, we act like we're dating so i thought we were
Inupi: okay
Draken: Koko you can do better than that
Draken: this is a terrible confession
Draken: i did not sit through hours of Inupi's yearning for this
Draken: do better
Koko: okay...
Koko: meet me at my place?
Inupi: ...
Inupi: okay
Draken: 👍
Izana: can't anyone solve their private matters, PRIVATELY?
Mikey: dammit
Draken: what?
Mikey: i don't like when he's happy
Mikey: i need to ruin this for him somehow
Izana: Inupi fucking sucks
Mikey: he's the worst
Mikey: i regret changing the timeline for his sake
Mikey: should've left him to burn
Baji: what?
Mikey: nothing
Baji: this was about everything, except Shinichiro's birthday ☠️
Shinichiro: to be honest? i couldn't ask for more
Shinichiro: my family being happy is the best present i could ask for
Shinichiro: i really love you guys
Izana: thanks
Mikey: BOOOOOOOOO
Mikey: too sappy, i'm out
Baji: that was so corny😂
Baji: (we love you too)
Emma: Shini-nii😭❤
Senju: Takeomi, take notes
Senju: i still don't get how you guys are friends considering the personality difference
Senju: Shin is so kind and lovable and amazing and sweet (and hot lwky)
Emma: ew😐
Senju: you um, you smoke, and you um
Senju: yeah i got nothing
Senju: still love you though!
Haruchiyo: he's ugly and abusive
Takeomi: says the dick sucker
Takeomi: i'm abusive because of the way you are by the way
Takeomi: besides, i've regrettably, never lay a hand on you
Baji: here we go again
Haruchiyo: in another life, i've killed you with my bare hands
Takeomi: do you seriously think you could beat me in a fight
Haruchiyo: i'll die trying
Shinichiro: okay guys um let's please not
Shinichiro: Omi stop being a dick 😅
Shinichiro: Haru, sorry for Omi being a dick
Senju: ☹️
Senju: we love you too, Shin
Draken: uhm i don't know if it's appropriate for me to say? but i love you too Shinichiro, i guess
Draken: this is a little awkward now
Kazutora: should i say it?
Baji: no, Tora
Kazutora: ok
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randomshyperson · 11 months
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As It Was (Part 2) - Milf!Wanda Maximoff x Reader
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Summary: Once the truth is out, will you be able to forget and forgive the past, or the weight of choices be heavier than the feelings you and Wanda never learned to outgrow? | The Second Part is more based on "Satellite" than "As It Was" tbh. | Part One
Warnings: angst(ish) with happy ending, milf!Wanda, age gap, ex-lovers meeting again, witchcraft lore, some making out but nothing explicit in this part | Words: 6.552k
A/N-> At the request of many, I managed to write a sequel to that one "As It Was". It was much longer than I expected, but I managed to write things that I hadn't done before, so the result pleased me. Forgive me for the lack of smut, it ended up not fitting within the context and rhythm of the story, but there is the possibility of specials. I hope you all enjoy your reading.
General Masterlist | AO3 | Wattpad | Song-Based Collection
-&-
It occurs to her that you are distant.
Physically speaking, it's quite evident - Wanda hasn't seen you for five days. Not even on her secret getaways from family dinners, school reunions, or anything typical of an American suburban mom's routine so perfectly set up for herself, brings you back. You don't visit her on any of the days that follow, not for lunches or late afternoons, nor do you send either quick or long messages made up of intense declarations that always shake her with all the emotions she might have.
Wanda has no idea where you are, and the lack of control over the situation almost suffocates her. 
But there is something new that occupies her enough not to take action on it. Or rather, someone new.
It's true that time passes differently in Westview. The leaves are starting to turn orange when Pietro Maximoff arrives on her balcony. Wanda is trying to find her footing with so many ghosts from the past coming back at once and she has to admit that her twin brother's presence impacts her enough for her not to escape her house and family in an attempt to find out if you were still in the same motel where she left you in the early hours of one morning almost a week ago.
Wanda tries to focus on the good things in life; she has the family she always dreamed about, complete at last. A husband, children, and even her long-missed brother. She has friends and a house. She should feel happy and fulfilled, or so she tries to convince herself while she tries to ignore the not-so-easy feeling in her chest when she lies next to Vision at night.
He doesn't mind that she's distant herself. Sometimes, Wanda thinks he doesn't even notice. Maybe it's her will, playing with everything around her and ensuring she's not disturbed. In fact, Vision has stopped noticing many things since the last heated argument they had, on the same night that Pietro reappeared. He's just as distant as she is as if he has a whole life going on outside those walls. Wanda could say the same.
She falls asleep with difficulty, and it’s one of those nightmare nights once more. 
When she opens her eyes, she knows she’s still dreaming.
Nevertheless, she allows herself to fall into that fantasy with peace of mind.
The atmosphere is familiar, and the smells and sensations too. Wanda remembers well how things were before Hydra, and before the outbreak of civil war in her country. In the few years of tranquillity at the end of her adolescence, where the revolution group was almost a pastime for irritated young people, for a moment, she could imagine herself as nothing more than a schoolgirl.
Of course, the war would get worse, and almost the entire group of her former colleagues would leave the universities to occupy the streets, but in the safety of the dream, none of this would happen.
Wanda could leave the soft bed and follow the smell of food. She knew she would find you in the kitchen, moving your hips softly to a gentle melody because this was a memory Wanda had never learned to erase.
Her voice came out raspier than she expected once she tried to call your name. But luckily, you were distracted enough by the food to notice the tears welling up in her eyes. After a whole week without hearing from you, she truly believes she lost you once more.
But in this dream, things were saved. Your hands just continued to separate the mixture. “Morning, krasotka (gorgeous). Sit down, there's coffee on the table."
Wanda swallowed, controlling her temper. She watched your back for a moment, trying to memorize every feature of that appearance in case this was the last time and she wouldn’t have another chance before that fantasy ended.
When she didn't sit down you looked at her, offering her an easy smile from a face marked with flour and youthfulness.
"What's wrong, Wanda?"
She moves instead of answering, determined steps until she reaches you at the counter. Your confused eyes close as Wanda, who has just grabbed your belt, pulls you close and kisses you firmly.
It takes you by surprise, but you respond without hesitation. The position isn't ideal, but you kiss her eagerly, as breathless as she is once she breaks the act. Wanda's tight grip around you makes you chuckle softly.
"Hey, Pietro will wake up soon." You warned in the same casual tone, rubbing your nose against hers. "He'll kill me if he finds out about us like this..." Your mouth pecks down her jaw to her neck. 
Wanda giggles tearfully. She had forgotten about that. The teenage fear of telling her protective twin about you. Thinking back at how obvious you two were, she was sure that Pietro knew. To be fair, anyone could notice the way you looked at each other.
You tried to pull away, but Wanda didn't allow it. A sigh escaped your lips, which formed a mischievous smile.
"Behave yourself, Wanda." You warned softly, but she raised her hand to your cheek, the touch surprising you a little. Your curious expression didn't intimidate her.
"Where are you?" She questioned and curiosity gave way to confusion.
"Here, dorogoya, what do you mean-" But green irises turned red, and the confusion vanished once your eyes reflected her magic as well. Your shoulders tensed, and you sighed as if you were tired. 
You tried to pull away and this time, Wanda allowed you to. Your hands reached for a cloth, and the flour from her favorite pastry that you had prepared for her in that memory was leisurely wiped from your skin.
When you sighed again, more calmly you were leaning on the counter, with your arms crossed and your gaze distant.
"That's different." That was the first thing you said, with a small smile at the corner of your lips. Wanda swallowed, pushing her emotions down. She looked in the same direction as you next. "The sofa was dark blue, not brown."
"Some things..." She cleared her throat, trying to hide the urge to cry. "We remember it differently. Some things, they're just... different."
You hum thoughtfully, shrugging. "Yeah, like ourselves."
Wanda fiddles with her fingers. "Y/N..."
"I wasn't afraid to tell Pietro." You cut her off with no emotion in your voice, but seriousness in your gaze. "You were. I was always ready to shout out to the world that I loved you, but you were terrified of his reaction. Why did you change that?"
"I didn't." Wanda fights back immediately, defensive. You look away with a dry laugh, and she sighs. "I didn't do it on purpose. I... It's only been a long time, Y/N. It's hard to remember exactly what it was like."
"I heard that grief changes things." You retort more softly, and Wanda is sure she's going to start crying. She hugs her own body, and you sigh. "When..."
"No." She cuts you off, her voice breaking. "Why can't you just give me this day? This memory? Just... stay here. Let me live it again." She practically begs, but you don’t flinch, stepping away for the kitchen counter to move closer.
Your hands hold her arms, and your gaze makes something in her spark.
"Don't you think you deserve more than a fantasy, Wanda?"
She chuckles tearfully because this has to be a joke. 
"And what choice do I have?" she retorts, tears running down her cheeks. Wanda doesn't have the opportunity to wipe them away, you do so almost immediately. Your instinct is as quick as hers to lean into your touch. "God, there isn't... a day that I haven't missed this. Us."
You smile tenderly at her confession, and Wanda closes her eyes for a moment. She’s just enjoying the feeling while you wait. It takes another sigh for her to ask: "Where are you?"
Being asked again doesn't surprise you. You caress her cheek, and your other hand entwines around her waist.
"It doesn't matter."
She sighs impatiently. "Of course, it matters!" She insists. "I want-I need to see you." She corrects herself and you frown slightly. Wanda lets her hands grasp the collar of your blouse, and her red eyes are almost desperate in yours. "Tell me. Please. Where-"
You kiss her, hard enough for the protest to turn into a needy moan. The hand around her entwines her completely to lift her onto the counter, and Wanda melts. She kisses you as she manages, almost overwhelmed by the longing she has felt over the last few days for the sensation of your lips again.
When you part, she's tingly all over, but your hands don't go beyond her clothes. Your affected breath hits her cheek before you look at her again.
"I remembered."
Wanda almost breaks down in a sob but she manages to keep her emotions around her border. With a sniffle, she guides pleading eyes to yours. Her legs tighten around your waist as if she fears your escape.
"Please stay with me." It comes in a whisper.
You chuckle and Wanda can feel her cheeks burning, her heart breaking. She fears your answer more than she's ever feared anything else in her life.
"You don't understand, Wanda." That's what you say, pulling away and grabbing her hands. Before she can despair, imagining that you were pushing her away, your hands entwined with hers, your eyes tender and intense. "Tell me what you remember."
She looks at you with confusion before denying it with her head. "I don't like... thinking about that day."
"I know, but I need to talk about it." You say, kissing her hands for a moment. "I'm not a memory, Wanda. I'm here. I really am here."
But she shakes her head, her shoulders tensing and her breathing going out of rhythm. "My mind is playing tricks on me... First you, and now Pietro. None of it makes sense. The only thing I know is that I don't want to lose you again. Please don't leave me again."
She doesn't even realize she's started crying. You hug her, trying to calm her down with pats on her back as she wets her shirt. 
Wanda clings to you as if you're going to disappear, but you stay there until the tears dry.
"I'm not going anywhere, I promise." You whisper. "Never again, Wanda. I can't change what happened to Pietro, but I'm staying. Screw the consequences, I'll never leave you alone again."
She looks at you with confusion, wiping her wet face with the hem of her blouse. " What consequences- what you talking about?"
But you smile, kissing her cheek quickly. "It's time to wake up, my love. Meet me when you're ready to leave. I'm waiting outside for you."
Wanda tries to grab you by the blouse, but she wakes up in a jolt. Vision complains low in bed so that she stops making so much noise and Wanda hides her tears in her pillow.
She dares to try to search for your presence around the house, every floor, every room but all there is is Vision and her twins.
Her mind is playing tricks on her. A stupid dream just to try to break the perfect life she has now.
She goes back to sleep and makes sure that she won’t dream of anything else.
-&-
It's not the ideal place or your favorite setting, nor does it have the best food, but the dinner is the closest outside the Hex that you could find, so it's enough.
The back table becomes the mystery traveler's spot (that's how you hear the waitress and some truck drivers refer to you) for the next few days.
It takes almost two for Agatha to show up.
"You're late, witch." That's how you greet her, outside in the parking lot. The cigarette is hanging unlit from your lips, and Agatha snatches it from your mouth before you have a chance to light it. Your relaxed posture breaks, and she hits you over the head with a slap.
"Insolent child! Irresponsible! Arrogant-" You let her hit three more, they don't hurt, and it's good for her anger. The next time she's about to swear at you for something else, you hit her first. 
"Get a grip, you grumpy old woman." You snap. " Don't cause a scene, huh?"
Agatha raises a finger in warning, her eyes blazing with fury before she walks away with an annoyed grunt. 
"You're unbelievable." She retorts, taking up your personal space again. She pulls a box of cigarettes out of your leather jacket pocket and takes one for herself. You roll your eyes but watch her light one, and blow the smoke away. Agatha keeps muttering to herself “Challeging a direct order; what will the council say? In the worst scenario, they will know I helped you and I’m done. This little shit…”
You adjust your posture to lean on one of the parking lot irons, your hands in your jacket pockets. You pull the witch out of her complaints with a question:
"What's the matter with you anyway?"
Agatha chuckles dryly, the cigarette between her fingers. "Your girlfriend."
Your posture doesn't change, but the glint in your eyes is almost sinister. "Watch your next words carefully, Miss Harkness."
It's her turn to laugh dryly and take another drag before turning her face toward you. "What is with little show you put on anyway? Standing guard outside, waiting for Rapunzel to leave her tower?" Her teasing only makes you chuckle. Agatha sighs impatiently. "You laugh now, but the whole place is surrounded. If that crazy witch ends up getting shot, I won't sell you any spells to fix it."
You roll your eyes, snatching the cigarette from her fingers. "Stop talking shit, Agatha." You retort. "There are no agents inside, I kept my part of the deal. Now, if the whole thing's still on, it's you who's not doing yours."
Agatha clenches her jaw, looking at you angrily. You just flick the cigarette, and she rolls her eyes.
"I've had unforeseen difficulties."
"Right." You laugh. "You're getting soft, that's for sure."
The cigarette flies out of your hand with her hard slap. You snort in annoyance, but Agatha is busy pulling something out of her purple suit, back now that she's out of the Hex. It's an old piece of paper that she presses hard against your hand.
"Do as written, it will be irrevocable. He'll be forced to show up." She guides between her teeth. "I doubt Mephisto will explain, but just getting his presence should do some good. And don't talk about me. I still need a big job to get back on his good side."
There's something like gratitude in your gaze, and Agatha waves you away, turning her attention to the barrier not invisible to magical eyes a few meters from dinner while you tuck the paper safely away in your pocket.
"I'm going to end all this crap today, Y/N." She declares, and you look up immediately. "Are you sure you won't-"
"No." You cut in, forcing a smile. "I'd just be getting in the way. Either side, I suppose. Wanda thinks I died, and well, I have no idea how to break the whole story to her. 'Hey baby, you thought I died but I kind of sold my soul to keep you and your brother alive. When that didn't work out for him, I ran away for fear of fucking up your life too, but whatever your magic rank, it's high enough to summon one of Mephisto's riders against his will. Any chance you would want to date me again?'”
Agatha laughs softly at the statement, shaking her head. "Don't forget the part where you're helping a witch take down her little fantasy town."
You grunt slightly. "In gratitude for my memories, only. You're a tricky merchant, Miss Harkness."
The woman chuckles, shrugging. Before she can walk away, you clear your throat and Agatha looks at you curiously. "Anything else?"
"Our arrangement, don't forget." You retort. "You won't do anything against her, or the boys."
Just to torment you, she raises an eyebrow. "No request for her husband's safety?"
You snort, rolling your eyes. "He's already dead." You grumble, and Agatha laughs darkly.
"Until recently, you were too."
"I wasn't really!" You retort indignantly, but Agatha is already turning and waving goodbye.
Alone in the parking lot, you feel the weight of the summoning spell in your pocket. Your boss would have to listen to you at some point.
-&-
Being betrayed by what seemed to be her only real friend for some time felt like a punishment.
Well, maybe it was karma. For what she was doing to Vis, and by God, to all those people trapped and subjugated to her wills, fears, and desires. But Wanda wasn't to blame, or at least, she wasn't ready to take on any of it. There was only emptiness at first, and then there was contentment. Crude and meager, but there. Her peace was as superficial as the magical fantasy surrounding her, and it didn't take long for the fear to creep back in; until finally, she was confronted with the reality of what she and her brother had never been able to accept in their youth: there is no magic formula to fix things. Just as Hydra didn't save Sokovia and cost her her twin, her magic didn't fix her grief but made it even worse.
Wanda would have to say goodbye to her children, and for this kind of pain, she had never been prepared.
Agatha seemed to take some amusement from her agony; a lot of ironic jokes as she searched through her memories. But even centuries of experience didn't rid the witch of her innate arrogance, and just as the Black Widow had once taught her, Wanda saw the opportunity to exploit her opponent's weakness.
The victory was not that satisfying, even if Wanda felt more powerful than ever. 
And Agatha, in a last desperate act, said the name of the one person who would make Wanda hesitate.
With her fingers still in the air, the redhead narrowed her eyes at the witch lying on the ground, powerless and frightened.
"I know you're bluffing."
"I swear I’m not!" Agatha assured hurriedly. "I'll take you to her. I can-"
"She was one of your tricks, then? It's as cheap and cruel as using my brother, Agatha." Cut the redhead off coldly, but the witch held up her hand, asking for time.
"Wanda, by the wizard oath." She insisted, letting out a laugh exhausted by the effort of the fight. "She was one of your tricks, not mine. You summoned her to this place."
Wanda nodded, sniffling a little. "Stop lying! I know she's dead."
Agatha shook her head. "She's not! Let me go, I promise I'll take you to her."
Wanda hesitated, in her gaze, in her posture, in her heart. Agatha continued to insist, and she looked back at her family waiting for her and all those agents around.
She turned to Agatha, who fell silent when her hand was raised again.
"I'll say goodbye first. And I swear if I find that you’re trying to trick me again-"
"I know." Agatha cut in, forcing a smile. "I promise." 
That seemed true enough to Wanda, and Agatha's determined look convinced her. She sighed and nodded, then turned away to hug her children, who were already running towards her. A mask of happiness, despite the heartbreak, stamped her face.
When it was all over, Wanda was physically and emotionally exhausted. She said goodbye to Agent Monica too, realizing bitterly that perhaps that woman was the only real friend she had made since Natasha and that she would have to lose her now too. 
And as she crossed the city limits, she assumed that Agatha had taken the opportunity to escape, and came to the conclusion that she didn't care about that at all. Something inside her broke the minute she had to put her children to bed for the last time. No silly rivalry could really bother her. 
"Look alive, Maximoff." The joke was unwelcome, but Agatha didn't mind. Nor did she get out of the parked vehicle.
"Have you ever heard of magic portals? Or, I don't know, flying?" Wanda asked as soon as she noticed the witch waiting for her from inside the car parked outside the city. Wanda didn't understand how the witch had kept the SWORD agents away from that edge, but her mind was elsewhere to ask. 
The older woman chuckled at the question, adjusting herself to lean her arms on the window and look at Wanda. "Did I mention I like the new look? Did I leave the oven on or is that heat coming from you, hot stuff?"
Wanda chuckled with more indignation than anything. When she was close enough, she sighed. "Just do what you agreed to do."
Agatha smiled mischievously. "Well, you're the one with your back to the show." She retorted, pointing at something behind her.
When she turned, she saw two figures, too far away to be identified. The sunlight didn't help either. The people had been talking for some time and it didn't seem to be a peaceful discussion.
"Who...?"
"Who do you think?" Agatha interrupted somewhat ironically. Wanda's heart leaped, and her stomach did a complete flip. It couldn't be you, could it? 
"B-but she... she was-"
"Yeah, the confusing world we live in." Mocked the witch in the car seat. "She wanted to explain everything to you but she has been a pain in the ass so I'll do it. Your friend made a deal with the devil, in the literal sense of the expression. Whatever Hydra did to her, it almost killed her. Mephisto, being the good opportunist he is, offered her a deal and perhaps because she had two people to protect and a hole in her chest, she accepted without reading the terms." Agatha smiled at her own narration, while Wanda continued in shock, being able to imagine the whole story. "And of course, like any deal with the devil, nothing goes according to plan. Mephisto must have known that the boy would die in battle, so he lied to get your friend's soul. She chickened out, by the way, after she heard about her brother. She thought the same would happen to you if she got close, of course at the time neither of you must have known your true power and authority..."
"Authority?" She interrupted hoarsely, getting a laugh from the other witch.
"By Hecate, young witches these days don't know anything," muttered the woman. "As I said before, Wanda, you are the Scarlet Witch. You're the greatest magical authority on earth. And the fact that you don't know this is exactly why I'm needed." Agatha explains. "You need a magical tutor, Miss Maximoff. Someone to train you, and explain important things, like your magical power to break a contract of souls and summon one of Mephisto's ghost riders as you please."
After everything that had happened, absorbing and accepting the madness of this whole story seemed like just one more little push for Wanda to collapse. 
Lucky for her, she wasn't alone this time.
You finally started walking towards her, until the figures became clearer, and without needing to ask, Wanda was sure that the man with a skull pipe walking next to you was Mephisto.
Everything about his posture was intimidating, and the air seemed much heavier and darker once he was close enough. But Wanda didn't mind the audience, she threw herself into your arms and was greeted in an equally enthusiastic embrace.
Mephisto waved to Agatha from the car, letting the two of you have a moment of reunion as he commented quietly to the older witch:
"I send you to collect an undeserving one and you not only fail, but you make me lose my best rider."
Agatha swallows dryly, annoyed by the scolding. But if there's anything she feels besides fear, it's pride. And that's something she and the man share, and Agatha knows it very well.
"No creature, not even the Lord of Hell, has power against the Scarlet Witch. The humiliation of losing is strong, but you get used to it." She teases, and Mephisto loses his temper, punching the car hard and trying to grab Agatha by the neck.
A scarlet tug pushes him away.
"You filthy hag, how dare you-"
"Watch your temper, Big M." You interrupt with a serious expression, despite the provocative nickname. You gently put Wanda down, who until now had been lifeted in your arms, but you continue with a hand around her waist. 
The man huffs angrily, but visibly struggles to contain his anger, while Agatha hides a little smile and Wanda tries to gain confidence in her new title and the respect that comes with it.
When Mephisto addresses her, he is much more submissive than anyone would expect after the scene.
"My Queen, please, there has been an agreement. With both of the present, this treacherous witch owes me favors and the rider owes me her life. It's not fair that I go unpaid. If I'm not compensated, I'll obviously have to withdraw the loans..." He speaks but Wanda raises a hand in the air, interrupting him.
"I think I understand what you mean. You saved my friend, and if she doesn't serve you, she dies?"
"Yes, my lady."
You tried to protest, but Wanda put a hand on your shoulder and looked at you quickly: in her eyes was the simple request that you let her handle this. 
Agatha didn't interrupt either, nor did she react when Wanda approached Mephisto.
"I've been told that the title of Scarlet Witch makes me the highest magical authority." She begins, and somewhat begrudgingly, the man nods in agreement. Wanda sighs. "I don't understand this power entirely, but I will. What I do understand now is that if I am the authority, you must obey me."
"My lady-"
"I am not done talking." Mephisto bites his tongue, but doesn't risk challenging the red irises again. "Let's make a few things clear, sir. These two don't belong to you, I do not care about the debt. I don't know how to settle it yet, but I will. So for now, you should know that they're off-limits. Agatha will be my tutor, and any extra activity must come with a guarantee that she'll return to lessons in one piece, and as for Y/N, well..." Wanda takes a step forward, a dry laugh escaping her. "She's mine, do you understand? You're not going to harm her in any way. Not ever. You've kept her away from me long enough, toying with her perception of the truth. Of that, I think we both understand well."
Mephisto clenched his jaw, seeming to fight the urge to end you right then and there. You exchanged a proud glance with Agatha at the witch's posture in front of you.
"This will be my only warning, Mephisto. I'm taking her with me, and it's better that she keeps breathing after we leave."
Irritated but restrained, he retorts: "A rider must serve, my lady, and I don't say that to contradict you. Even if she doesn't obey me, she won't be able to ignore the call. Her soul only stays in this body because of its usefulness."
"We'll deal with it without your intervention in the matter, don't worry." Wanda assures him. "And as for your payment, I still don't fully understand how this realm works, but I'll learn with the help of Agatha and the Darkhold. I believe the Lord of Hell can wait."
To Wanda's surprise, he grew friendlier, with a smile full of evil intentions. Without her realizing why the mention of the book made him so excited, Mephisto bowed again briefly. "I see a promising future for our professional relationship, Scarlet Witch."
He adjusts his hat as a sign of farewell, and it's as if the sun changes direction only for rays to obscure her vision for a moment. Just long enough for Mephisto to disappear.
"He's always rude, don't take it to heart." 
The older witch commented, but neither you nor Wanda were paying much attention to her. Wanda came back to you, wrapping you in a tight hug as a confirmation that things were really happening. And as you held her, you exchanged a quick glance with the witch in the car, a grateful one, and all Agatha did was offer the first sincere smile of the day before breaking the moment with a loud honk.
"I'm sorry, but your girlfriend is a fugitive, and flirting in the middle of the street isn't really appropriate for this moment." Mocked the witch, remembering the dozens of federal agents in the area all too willing to ask Wanda for a statement. It wasn't really a problem - but it was a nuisance.
Your girlfriend ignored Agatha's warning to kiss you on the mouth. It almost takes you by surprise, the intensity, but you manage to match it until the older witch honks again and you and Wanda break into a shared giggle.
"Don't worry, we'll have time." You meekly assure her, kissing her cheek before pulling away to open the car door. Wanda doesn't seem too keen to let you go - not that you'd want anything different - so you follow her into the back seat. Even under Agatha's warnings about behaving or she'd throw the car off the first bridge.
Once on the road, the witch met your gaze through the rearview mirror.
"My place or yours?" 
You sigh. "Mine's fine."
-&-
The first fight happens as soon as Wanda finds out that for years, you've lived nearby.
So many days when she could have taken a different route from Avengers Tower downtown to the Compound and bumped into you. 
Of course, you assured her that you kept a safe distance and that New York was full and big enough for that, but the justifications only made it worse.
And Wanda started crying and locked herself in the first room she found on the way.
You tried to look at Agatha on the sofa - very much comfortable in other people's homes, by the way - but the witch shrugged as she used her magic to bring food from your kitchen to where she was. 
With a sigh, you leaned your forehead against the door.
"Wanda, I'm so sorry I left you alone. I swear to God, I lost count of how many times I wanted to break into that tower and just say that I was with you. But I couldn't. I went to the memorial, to visit Pietro. I saw the news about the fight. I saw him die, and I kept seeing it, every time I closed my eyes. And my nightmares replaced him with you. I was sure that if I got close, you'd get hurt, and I'd rather live away from you than lose you." You confessed with emotion, knowing that she was listening even if she didn't answer now. With another sigh, you continued. "I kept my distance, but I never left. I went to all your public events, I even sent you gifts as an anonymous fan. I almost risked everything so many times. And when your friends got into fights and you disappeared to the Raft, I lost my mind. That's when... he made me forget you. It was the only way I could keep doing the jobs and not go after you. But I still lived here, and there was this lack in my chest and I had no idea what it was. Then one day I heard your voice, like a whisper in my heart, and I followed it. I ended up in Westview, and the lack was gone. It was Agatha who gave me back my memories, and we ended up here. With me trying to make you understand that there hasn't been a day since we were separated that I haven't missed you, that I haven't loved you. Please, Wanda. Forgive me."
It takes a long moment, almost long enough for you to think about letting her have more time to think about it, for Wanda to open the door.
She hugs you by the neck, very tightly, and you waste no time in reciprocating.
"Agatha has to leave." That's what she says as she releases you, making you assume a confused expression. You're ready to recall that the witch, despite her mistakes, helped you when Wanda pulled at the edges of your shirt while hiding her face in your collarbone. The way she speaks again makes you understand. "We've lost a lot of time, my love. She needs to go, so we can make up for it."
You nod foolishly, glancing quickly at Agatha who is already getting up without abandoning a bottle of your most expensive drinks that she opened without permission. Not that you're paying attention to anything other than the woman clinging to you.
"You two are disgusting, I'm out." Complains the older witch, practically running out the door as Wanda kisses your neck again and you sigh.
The door had barely closed and Wanda had already pulled your face back to hers, meeting your mouth in an intense, passionate kiss that almost made you lose your bearings.
Your hands wandered across her cheeks in a foolish attempt to gain some control of the kiss, then towards her hair and down her arms to her waist, squeezing and earning a satisfied sigh in return. Wanda's hands were busy undoing your clothes, bursting buttons, and finally throwing your belt aside.
Your blouse ended up somewhere in the room after you kicked your shoes away and while using the interruption and distance necessary to undress, Wanda spoke again.
"All this time you've been keeping watch... tell me, how far have you gone?" she asked between kisses, leading the way to the sofa as she pulled you up by the straps of the barely hanging pants on your hips. 
You fought your own arousal to reply: "Hm, never very close. Except, once..." You try to count between kisses, almost losing your train of thought when Wanda pushes you sit up and looks so stunning with her flushed face and out-of-rhythm breathing standing in front of you. "On your birthday. I went to your window, and I just... watched you sleep."
Wanda let out a curious giggle. "Do you fly now?"
"Not really, it's something called astral projection, I'm sure Agatha will teach you." You mumble quickly, and it's your turn to tug at the straps of her jeans. "Can we talk later? U-unless of course, you don't want to do this anymore, because then I'll need a minute to stop shaking and then I can tell you everything-" She interrupts you with a determined kiss, taking the opportunity to sit on your lap too.
With another sigh, she assures you, "We'll talk later." Those are the last firm words of the evening, really. After that, all that leaves Wanda are begging moans and whimpers of pleasure calling out your name.
You wouldn't have it any other way.
-&-
It's a simple routine, within the normal range of living with two witches and having your soul in imprisonment with the Lord of Hell at least.
Agatha becomes a tutor - it suits her, even if she is grumpy and mean and doesn't have much patience for teaching magic. She ends up doing a good job, and in a few months, Wanda already has the same knowledge that a witch who has spent half her life in a coven would have.
As well as classes with the grumpiest teacher on the planet, Wanda has the Darkhold. You don't see her use it that much, because she always chooses the times of your rider duties to study. That, and well, that book gives you a very bad feeling. But Wanda always makes sure that everything is under control and kisses you until you forget about it.
Of course, over time, people tend to waver in their lies and perhaps because it's a Rider's business to feel dark magic, you end up discovering exactly how bad the Darkhold is for your girlfriend. 
Or maybe the black fingers gave you a hint.
"It's not too much to ask that you be careful!" You were arguing - no, discussing - Wanda's intense study routine with a book that apparently condemned all readers. "Actually, it's quite reasonable for me to worry-"
"Oh, that's rich coming from you!" She interrupts you. Even though she is now twice the age you first met her, Wanda Maximoff is still as beautiful as the first day you saw her. And just as stubborn as the angry teenager she once was. "Do you want to talk about being reasonable? Do you think you made a good decision when you decided to sell your soul, or when you believed you could stay away for ten years and act as if it didn't affect our relationship?"
You hesitate. "I-I... you said you forgave me."
But Wanda snaps back: "Forgiving isn't forgetting! And why do you think I'm doing all this? I have to learn to control my magic, and I have to learn to be the Scarlet Witch. But most importantly, I have to learn to undo a deal with the devil because at some point you thought it was a good idea to be the Dark Lord's little slave!"
"I did it for you!"
"I know you did!"
"Then why are you angry?"
"Because I love you, you idiot!" she retorts breathlessly. "I love you and I hate how stupidly loyal and impulsive you were to do something like that. And I hate the pain we were forced to endure, and I hate that we wasted so much time."
"Wanda, I-"
"I know." She interrupts with a sigh. "I love you too."
You smile. "Stop reading my mind."
She returns the same smile. "There's not much to read." She teases, wasting no time in bringing her hands to your shoulders when you take her by the waist. You chuckle with a false offense.
"Wow, I'd forgotten how evil you can be." You retort in the same playful tone, nipping at her jaw and lowering your mouth to her collarbone.
Wanda sighs, hugging you for a moment. In the bedroom mirror by the wall, she can see her true reflection and all the Darkhold's influence on her hidden appearance. She blinks away from the demonic appearance to focus on the person holding her so dearly.
"You have no idea, my love." She whispers, forcing a smile when you look at her again. "I just want to keep us safe. Nothing and no one will ever break us apart again. I'll make sure of that."
You don't want to worry, or at least, you don't want Wanda to notice your hesitation about the frightening determination in her eyes. So all you do is kiss her forehead and hold her close.
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hlficlibrary · 8 months
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HL Fic Library 🩷 Meet Cute Fics
Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find the library's other recs here.
🩷 You Make Lovin' Fun by @homosociallyyours {E, 109k}
Harry is a 28 year old travel writer at a gay magazine who gets the assignment to go a lesbian cruise. She figures it's a nice chance to have some fun in the sun, but she's not expecting much else-- even if her partner and best friend are both encouraging her to hook up with someone while she's there.
When she locks eyes with a gorgeous silver fox from across the room, she starts to think she could've been wrong. There are lots of things standing in the way of anything real happening with her and Louis, but that doesn't stop them from falling for one another. True love isn't always easy, but they do make lovin' fun.
🩷 Quiet People Have the Loudest Minds by @2tiedships2 {M, 38k}
Broadway shows were one of the few things that could keep Louis’ attention for a full two hours without needing to move about. But not tonight.
The alpha next to him was both infuriating him and practically turning him on at the same time. He needed to leave. The alpha, that is. Louis was staying.
Or the one where Louis is a nonverbal omega who has accepted the fact that he will never find an alpha that will treat him as an equal. On the other hand, he’s never met anyone like Harry.
🩷  hymns for restless stars by @turnyourankle {E, 37k}
Every Holiday season Louis has his pupils write down their Christmas wishes for class. He's read almost every wish under the sun, but one girl's wish takes him by surprise. It's for her uncle not to be alone anymore. It's not a wild wish by any means, but Louis had no idea that former teen idol Harry Styles was lonely in the first place.
🩷 From the Start by @allwaswell16 {E, 32k}
Louis has no idea that one act of kindness will cause his life to spiral out of control. But that's what happens when his new friend fake proposes to him and a video of it goes viral.
🩷 On This Winter's Night by @reminiscingintherain {T, 27k}
When a random bloke offers his lap for a seat on a busy bus in December, Louis' Christmas ends up being much different, and far less lonely than he was expecting.
🩷 What Side Of Love Are You On? by @fallinglikethis {T, 25k}
Ever since Harry finally made the decision to come out to his mother as bisexual, she’s been foisting women on him left and right, determined it’s just a phase. But when she puts out a personal ad to find the perfect partner for her son, things really get complicated. Suddenly, Harry’s heart is being pulled in two very different directions. On one side is the sweet, caring woman he has fun with, but doesn’t know his mother chose for him. On the other is a man who seems to be his mother’s worst nightmare, but makes Harry’s heart flutter in ways he’s never felt before. When all is said and done, maybe they’ll all learn that when there is no clear path to go down, the best option is to follow your heart.
A Because I Said So Au with a bisexual twist.
🩷 A Road To Something Better by @taggiecb {E, 25k}
Louis Tomlinson, famous romance novelist, has just had the rug pulled out from under his feet when his boyfriend leaves him without notice. What's the most appropriate response to this? Move a thousand miles away and seclude himself in a tiny lake town, of course. But nothing is as he expects it to be in the very best way, especially not the handsome mayor of McAll, Idaho.
🩷 Naked & Proud by kiwikero / @icanhazzalou {E, 18k}
The town itself is tiny, as evidenced by the ten minutes it’s taken Louis to drive the entire thing. There’s not a single recognisable brand in sight—no Tesco or McDonald’s or even a bloody Starbucks. Lining the streets instead are mom and pop stores with names like ‘Jerry’s Burgers’ and ‘The Market Basket’ and…
“'Naked & Proud?'” Louis almost slams on the brakes at the outlandish sign, the name written in a seemingly innocent font, words curved around a large cartoon peach. He can’t help turning into the carpark, easing the car into a spot next to a beat up truck.
He isn’t sure what to make of it. Surely it isn’t a strip joint or sex shop, not with the families and little old ladies going in and out of the establishment. Some kind of nudist hangout, perhaps?
And, oh, God. Did Louis’ mother accidentally send him to live in a nudist colony?
In which Harry runs an organic store, not a nudist colony, and Louis doesn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
🩷 Single Bells Ring by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense {M, 16k}
A holiday singles event is not where Louis wants to be tonight, but there he is, helping his best friend find love. Just as Louis is settling in, ready to have a terrible time, he meets the fittest alpha he’s ever come across.
🩷 love so soft, you ain’t had nothing softer (series) by @neondiamond {E, 15k}
Louis is an Alpha with an odd obsession for gummy bears. Harry is an Omega who makes friends a little too easily. They meet on the bus.
🩷 Breathe me in, breathe me out by @lunarheslwt {G, 14k}
Louis was just passing the autumn collection, when an unfamiliar but addicting scent tickled his nose. Cinnamon. He turned as he realised something. He felt calm. Relaxed. The permanent agitation that he carried was melting away the more he breathed in the scent, as faint as it was. Consumed by the crazed desire to seek out the specific candle, Louis began picking up candles and sniffing them madly, when a deep voice piped up, startling him. “Uh, sir, we don’t allow candle fetishists in here.” Louis froze mid sniff in mortification. Willing himself to not blush, he turned, a retort at the tip of his tongue. Except, it died in his throat as he took in the man before him. “I uh,” Louis blurted out accidentally, temporarily rendered speechless by the frankly unfairly beautiful man before him. Only at the man’s grin widening did he regain his wits. “You’re gonna kink shame me?”
Or, Louis is drawn into a quaint candle shop in his desire to find ways to soothe himself while struggling with touch depri. It takes him two more run-ins and with the lovely alpha sales assistant, and a drop, to figure out the source of the scent that imprints upon him and calms his omega. Idiots to lovers
🩷 Far Afield by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird {T, 11k}
Harry Styles is a witch who owns the best flower shop in Manchester. Lottie Tomlinson is planning her wedding, and brings her brother along to her first appointment. Both men have been having a bad day and sparks fly.
🩷 The Art of the Giants by asphodelknox / @iamasphodelknox {G, 10k}
Louis is dancing away from an old relationship when he meets Harry at a bookstore in the busy streets of Seattle. Harry is just a bookstore owner hoping his handsome weekly visitor could become something more.
🩷 All Shook Up by @littleroverlouis {T, 9k}
Memphis, Tennessee is looking to crown the Ultimate Elvis Tribute artist. A majority of the contestants are content to shake their hips on stage, but singer-songwriter Harry is taking it more seriously. He is confident his voice and charisma will send him straight through to the finals.
He is already polishing his crown before even setting foot on stage, until he meets a fellow competitor. Louis is talented, charming, and a natural born performer. He commands the stage— and Harry's attention.
Harry has his eye on the prize and the Ultimate title, but what happens when someone becomes the ultimate prize?
🩷 The Way to My Heart by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13 {T, 6k}
Louis' having a bit of a dry spell, until he bumps into an attractive alpha in the supermarket and leaves with his number. It was a hard bump. Very... muscular.
The only problem is, said alpha asks Louis to cook for him - which is not exactly his skill set.
🩷 Only Reason by @letsjustsee {NR, 5k}
“We are so lucky to have with us one of the leading experts on beekeeping in the modern age, Dr. Louis Draper.” No. No, no, no… “I know I speak for many of us when I say that this man’s books have guided our practice, or helped us get started,” Harry continued, and Louis watched as the crowd nodded their heads in agreement. Oh shit. No. What? No. But then Harry was gesturing towards him, saying “Dr. Draper?” into the microphone, the crowd was applauding, and Louis found himself walking up the stairs to the stage.
Or, Louis is most definitely smitten with Harry from the second he sees him, but he is also most definitely not the world's foremost expert on beekeeping. He decides to roll with it anyway.
🩷 Unplant by @hellolovers13 {M, 4k}
Please do not disturb my plant She needs 2 hours of sunlight a day and I live in a sunless flat I’ll be back to collect her soon Thank you and stay well.
or Louis should've looked where he was going, then he wouldn't have to desperately try to save a little flower now.
🩷 Validation by @lululawrence {NR, 3k}
“Hey, how are you?” Harry asked. He’d found that sometimes just a smile and a kind face was all that was needed to brighten someone’s day.
“Oh, uhm. I’m alright. Can you validate me?”
Harry chuckled inwardly, but decided to go ahead and take him literally.
Or the one where Harry worked in a parking garage and he totally didn’t mean for this, the whole validation of people as well as their parking tickets, to become a thing. It just kinda...did.
🩷 more than that by @nouies {NR, 3k}
Harry looks for the best bread in France. He finds Louis.
🩷 an honest mistake by @disgruntledkittenface {NR, 2k}
“You look different when you’re not covered in come,” he blurts out, immediately regretting each and every life choice that has led to this exact moment. Elevator Guy is going to hate him.
Louis has ridden the elevator with his neighbor all week. The first time they speak, there’s a misunderstanding.
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keruimi · 5 months
Text
His Definition of Love
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Pairing: Akaashi Keiji x reader
Warning: Angst, Trauma, Comfort
Note: Oh how I badly want to hear from someone, the words he uttered. I'm not really a big fan of him but damn, this oneshot made me start liking him. Hope you all enjoy it!
_____________________________
When I was young, the person I loved the most was my father.
A person I would choose over others. A man who was the reason I grew up in a comfortable and loving family in my childhood days.
A father and a husband that anyone would love to have. I vowed to myself that time that I would love the same man that resembles my dad.
Until across the bridge where he used to take me, I found him embracing another woman than my mom.
It was one of the memories that always reminded me that everyone has their own bad sides.
No matter how kind, nice, and loveable my father was, he still broke my mom's heart leading to the downfall of our family who was once envied by many.
I was so young back then that I disregard my mother's heartbreak and keep siding with my father no matter how she keeps begging me to choose her.
I hate how I used to think back then.
Just because I don't want to lose my father.
"Little one" my father called me as the sobs of my mother is the only thing I heard in the house as I tightly clutch on my father's body.
I keep crying especially when he successfully removes me from his legs before he crouches in front of me.
"Little one, please stay with your mom. I don't want to influence your pure heart, dear"
The tears on my father's eyes made it clear to me that day that he was not pure as I saw him.
That he really did something I thought he would never do.
My father suffered because of the complicated emotions he has. He loved my mother but he also liked other women.
So does that make me want to hate him?
Yes, so badly. But I also knew that he is aware of his mistakes, aware of how those complicated feelings that ruined the family he once built.
I caught up with it.
But for the best, he made me stay with my mom in fear that I would take after his footsteps if I did live with him.
He is the man who wanted the best for me.
I saw my father in such a way that I blamed my mother for leaving him just because of one mistake, forgetting all the good things that my father did for us.
But that was the first time that my father made me open my eyes to the reality of the world.
He was guilty, not innocent. He is the cause of our heartbreak, not the victim.
He explained to me that even a nice man like him can become a man I wouldn't want to love me.
He is unfaithful, one of the unforgivable sins that destroys one's marriage.
He was not always perfect, he also fell into temptations.
In other words, he doesn't want me to turn into someone like him.
So I decided to stay with my mom to become someone she can lean on. But I knew how my presence broke my mother, because I greatly reminded her of my father.
I finally understand our family's situation and my father's character the moment I step into junior high.
I can't stay liking one man.
When I like someone, I would start to like someone who I deemed better than him.
And it was scary. That I would be the reason for someone's heartbreak.
I finally understand how complicated feelings are. And my father never found a solution to that problem.
He really loves my mom. But if he did love her, then why would he like another woman?
Yet I can't bear to hate my own dad. Because I went through the same obstacles.
If ever I ask my mom for advice, I know that she will remember my dad again so I didn't bother anymore.
Seeing my mother's situation, I told myself that I would just stay alone for my entire life.
Before history repeats itself.
I rejected many men because I was hell-bent on being single.
I am fine with admiring different men every time I deemed them as someone great.
And that would be no different on Akaashi Keiji.
A calm and composed setter who always seems to control their Ace's movement.
He knows the country's Top 5 Ace like the back of his hand.
He is a gentleman, a one of a kind man.
And a person who reminded me of my father's good side.
I groaned in frustration as I slid down on the wall I lean on after watching Fukurodani's match. The frustration I felt when I couldn't get my eyes off of him.
Deep down, I want a family where I would run to. But if I selfishly did that, it would turn into ruins as I started showing signs of my non existing loyalty.
Like a curse that the memory engraved to my mind.
That's why my secret admiration for him surprisingly lasted for a year.
Even if we just passed by each other, the giddy feeling on my chest never left as I always find my eyes looking for him.
He is really perfect.
That even if I started liking one man, whether I catch a glimpse of him, that admiration would disappear and my heart would be set to him again.
Like a damn cycle.
But with my feelings this way, I don't want to take a risk.
Until we met on the school's rooftop.
The time he first came up to me just to lend his handkerchief when he noticed how my tears seemed to escape from my eyes.
A man who showed his concern to a complete stranger.
How can I be loyal?
That is always the question that keeps repeating on my head like a broken record.
I want to be happy, to be in a relationship, to give the love I keep to myself.
I wanted to express my emotions, but I am afraid that it will be poisonous.
That's the reason why he found me on the rooftop, crying. Because I can't take it anymore.
Those fear of betrayal that I might let others experience, keep holding me back from freely loving someone.
That love that I want to give to the man standing in front of me.
"I'm here"
He uttered the same words that my father used to tell me whether I keep crying.
"I'm scared" An emotion that showed the worst part of me.
"That I can't keep loving the same man forever"
It was the greatest fear that my father felt. And when he tried to go against it, that nightmare happened and he lost everything.
Including my trust in him.
Now I'm having a hard time with the same challenge.
Whether I need to go against it or just keep avoiding it.
"What do you mean by that?" There was not a hint of judging from his voice. He simply asked me to open up for him.
And I desperately clutch to that chance of letting out everything.
He unknowingly became someone I can open up with, without the fear of judgement and simply understanding one's problem.
"I can't stay liking one man"
"And?" He stated that made me finally look at him as we waited for my next words.
"And it scares me..." I trailed off, hesitating on my words until a small smile lifted from his lips.
"That's normal" I felt like my world stopped when he let out those words.
"Infatuation, puppy love, or having a crush is normal in our age. It's not a permanent attachment that you need to get scared of." He continued as he decided to sit in front of me so it was easier to continue the conversation.
"Like and love are two different concepts but has an oddly similar meaning" he continues as he moves two of his fingers.
"Liking is when you feel happy with them, watching them, admiring them but it was simply a temporary emotion that is a shallow version of the word Love. Liking someone because he has something you love is its definition"
"But if we're talking about love, it's a more powerful emotion like hate. Love is when you stay with the person you like no matter how much the world wants you to separate. Loving someone is when you accept their flaws and shortcomings. When you understand how they act. When you are there on their lowest like you were with them at their highest moments" his smile never left his lips and I felt like my chest lightened up a little.
"Love is not always about happiness, it will always be tested by challenges." He leaned down for our eyes to meet and I felt him softly gaze on my own ones.
"I don't know what you went through to think that way. But life is always about developing one's self. You might look down on yourself right now and get scared, but one day, you will need to face it. Challenges would never stop coming, but you will know who truly loves you when they join you with it" he removed the strands of my hair that was on my face as he tucked it behind my ear.
"You can't be happy without healing yourself"
Those words gave me the strength to finally face my father.
The man who I once look up to. But the one who is also the root of all my fears.
"This is the first time you finally faced me after all these years" he spoke up first before he faced the sunset in front of us.
"Dad" I called out as I saw how he fisted his hands but he kept his eyes in front.
"I don't deserve to be your father" he muttered as I felt my eyes turn glossy.
"What is love for you?" I whispered, ignoring his previous worrds. Because he was still the father who love me and my mother.
"I never found the real definition of that word. I only know that when I really felt the unexplainable happiness with that one person" he replied with a shaky breath.
I know how it was difficult to face me.
One of the people who really love him, and can hate him.
"Did dad love mom?"
We were silent before he finally spoke the words I badly need to hear.
"I love your mom so much. But I didn't manage to protect the relationship we both have" he finally chose to face me as I saw a small smile adorned his lips yet his eyes portrayed a different feeling.
"My insecurities clouded my mind that I didn't manage to think of the consequences. The fear that I keep following me finally catch up to me" he manage to let out.
"My daughter might be asking herself that if I indeed love your mother, why would I seek comfort on another woman, right?" A tear finally slid on his cheeks.
"The fear that your mother would get tired on the way I think, made me seek comfort on another woman. But it was a wrong move of mine, Y/n. I badly regret underestimating your Mom's love for me" he sighed out as he blink his tears away so he won't broke down on me.
"I cheated, and it was a choice, not a mistake"
"I don't want to cause you trauma, but it seems like I already did, didn't I?"
I felt the tears that gather on my eyes finally slid down from cheeks as he wipe his own ones.
"I'm sorry Y/n, I really am" I wiped my own tears as I took a deep breath.
"I hate myself for hurting both of you" he sobbed out.
And without any other words, I wrapped my arms around him, the things that he always done to me.
I badly wanted to heal...
And I knew I need to start with my family.
And if we finally manage, maybe...
I would start to look at myself differently.
Like what he told me.
"Keiji!" I cheered from the bleachers as his team managed to win in the semi-finals.
The happiness I felt was indescribable as the man looked up and gave me a smile before taking a bow as a thank you for cheering for them.
I will start healing, and I knew I wanted him to be with me throughout all the way.
And he didn't mind.
The first person I became friends with before that gratefulness turned into an admiration.
A man, even with a different personality and interest, he chose to become someone in my life.
He started as my friend before he became a man I started to love.
The person who never made me feel fear, a man who first lent a shoulder for me to lean on. The first person who made me look at myself differently than what I used to.
The person who understands my problems better and manages to comfort me with the words I wouldn't question myself for.
A guy who made me feel like I was not the person who I think I was.
The person I knew I would want to spend my life with. The man I would grow with, learn from, and love until my last breath.
Right now, I'm clearly aware of how different my thoughts were when I like someone, rather than the way I think when I start to love someone.
I really did start loving Akaashi Keiji.
And this time I am sure that it was really...
The emotion called Love
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mais-nerdy-corner · 1 year
Note
Have I sent a request to you already or is this my first? If it is then I want another Tighnari fic. Anything will do. But I prefer reading it with a female reader. I just want to be loved by TIGHNARI. Give me fluff please please please or angst if you feel like it, I equally love both. I want Tighnari to love me please please please.
Also, I had been looking for your Tighnari fic where reader is dead and only left with his daughter. Thank you for making it.
I just divorced Wanderer.
❝𝕾𝖙𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝕳𝖊𝖗𝖊❞ | 𝕿𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖓𝖆𝖗𝖎 𝖝 𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗
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Synopsis: What if Tighnari's spouse didn't succumb to her illness in an alternative universe/timeline.
Pairing: Tighnari x Female! Reader
Genre: Angst & fluff, hurt/comfort
💮 — Author Answered: Nope, I'm pretty sure this is your first one (if I'm not gravely mistaken :v). Lucky for you, I had something chilling in my drafts for quite some time (and I kinda miss writing for Tighnari). Thanks for the request!
Note: The synopsis will probably make more sense if you've read the first part (or you can read it after this, I won't judge you). Also, I know that alternative universe and alternative timeline are two entirely different things, but I don't know what's the difference. So I just put both, you get the point hehe :3
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Perched atop of the largest tree in Gandharva Ville, is a little fox-eared girl adorned in flowers complete with floral binoculars as well. Her name is Zahra. She was surveying the grey skies above Pardis Dhyai, ​​which means it was bound to rain there. Knowing that, there's only one thing came to her mind.
'Papa...'
As she continued to look through her binoculars, Zahra's large and pointy ears twitched a few times. Not because they're itchy, but because she was not alone.
"There you are, my little flower. What are you doing up here? Get down."
It was you, her mother. Hearing you call her, Zahra immediately got down to a much safer place. You kneeled down in front of the little girl, holding both of her hands in yours.
"What are you up to now? Hmm?"
Your question earned a silence from Zahra, as she looked back at the direction she surveyed earlier. Zahra may be the type of child who often gets into trouble, but she will never keep secrets. And she felt safe enough to share it with you.
"...I'm worried that Papa hasn't applied his plant-based waterproofing oil to his tail before leaving for Pardis Dhyai. And looking at the color of the sky above it, it looks like it's going to rain heavily," Zahra confessed.
You let out a sigh of contentment as you went to pat your daughter's head.
"That's very considerate of you, Zahra. But your father will be fine. He doesn't want us worrying about him all the time, does he? So I know he can take care of himself."
"...Yeah, you're right. Maybe I was worrying about nothing. Thanks, Mom," Zahra said.
You smiled at her before standing back up. Pulling out your floral pocket watch, it showed a bit past lunch time.
"A little past lunchtime... You haven't had lunch yet, have you, sweetheart? What do you want to eat?"
"Uhh... Ooh! Mushroom Hodgepodge!"
"Even your tastes resemble your father's, huh? Alright, let's get Ashpazi to cook it for you."
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(Meanwhile, at Pardis Dhyai)
The Traveler had just finished talking with the manifestation of the Balladeer, indicated by showcasing his newfound power by causing lightning around Pardis Dhyai. Paimon who remembered that Tighnari and Dehya were still outside, immediately asked the Traveler to go check on them.
"That means anyone outside is in danger! Let's go, Tighnari and Dehya still must be fighting!" Paimon urged.
They ran outside and saw that the Fatui soldiers were not there, meaning they must have retreated.
"Oh, have the Fatui retreated?" Paimon wondered.
"Tighnari and Dehya are over there!"
The Traveler and Paimon rushed over to them, and something seemed amiss.
"Hey! What happened to you!?"
"He's hurt," Dehya said.
Tighnari quickly denied Dehya's words, but regretted it soon after. "I'm fine... Ugh!"
"Don't move. I've seen Eremites get struck by lightning before. You need to rest."
"Struck by lightning!?" Paimon exclaimed.
Dehya recall what happened when the both of them were not there. How the weather suddenly became abnormal, how lightning started attacking everyone, almost as if it were alive. Just very bizarre things, to the point of forcing the Fatui soldiers to retreat.
The Traveler apologizes for Tighnari's wound, reasoning that it was probably them who might have triggered the thunder and lightning.
"Huh... It's alright, I'm sure you also never expected this to happen. Don't blame yourself," Tighnari said.
Even though he is wounded, Tighnari still worries about others rather than himself. "My wound aside, you look like... you've seen something unpleasant. Is Haypasia alright?" he asked.
"She's okay for now, but I want to tell you something."
"Ugh...!"
"Hey! Didn't I tell you not to move?"
"Just in case... Ugh! Let's... go to Haypasia's place, and talk about things there."
They headed inside and continued their conversation. The Traveler recounted everything from "meeting" the Doctor at Port Ormos to their encounter with the Balladeer while checking up on Haypasia.
Hearing the explanation from the Traveler, Paimon, Tighnari and Dehya each had their own reaction. Paimon was surprised by what the Balladeer was thinking, Tighnari ridiculed the Akademiya's god creation plan, while Dehya had a more “positive” reaction.
Nonetheless, with the Doctor out of the picture, Dehya took this as their plan being successful.
"Yay, that's a big accomplishment!" Paimon cheered.
"Ugh! I'm... also happy for you," Tighnari said.
Dehya thanked Tighnari and told him to rest, along with the Traveler.
"Yeah, yeah... alright," he responded.
"Okay, that wraps things up for us here at Pardis Dhyai. Traveler, it's about time we rendezvous with the others at the Grand Bazaar. Let's continue to keep a low profile. You can head there once you're ready."
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"Ugh... What... What time is it?"
By the time Tighnari woke up, it was already dark outside. That meant he must have had enough rest, so maybe this was the right time for him to get up.
"Agh! Perhaps... that wasn't such a good idea."
Tighnari sat back down and leaned against the wall behind him. He thought to himself, what should he do now? His body was aching from the long period of inactivity, but at the same time moving wasn't a good idea. So... what now?
Being so deep in thought, Tighnari forgot to pay attention to the "wall" he was leaning on, as it suddenly started to move.
"Hm? What the– Oh, Karkata. Sorry, I didn't realize that I was actually leaning on you."
"Kulilu?"
The mechanical crab Tighnari saved was named Karkata, created by a Sumerian researcher by the name of Abattouy. It seems surprised that Tighnari moved and thought it was the one who woke him up.
"Kuli..."
"Why are you apologizing? I'm the one who leaned on you and made you cautious so you don't wake me up, I should be the one apologizing."
It turned out that after some time spent with the mechanical crab, Tighnari began to understand what Karkata wanted to say. Certainly a lot easier to communicate with each other.
"Look, I'll just move over he—"
Tighnari quickly regrets his decision to move. Instantly, his entire body ached as he clutched on to his side. Karkata was confused about what to do seeing him in pain. It moved around, thinking of ways to help Tighnari but it hesitated.
Karkata suddenly remembered the cherry blossom bracelet you gave, which was laced at one of its joints.
(Flashback)
Tighnari took you to Pardis Dhyai to meet Karkata, and it was the first time you meet the mechanical crab. When you first approached Karkata, it was confused and somewhat cautious of you. It's understandable when you're meeting a complete stranger. But seeing Tighnari was the one who took you there, Karkata quickly warmed up to you.
"So, Karkata was created by your junior researcher named Abattouy?" you asked as you pet the mechanical crab.
Tighnari who was leaning against a tree answered, "Yes, he was the one expelled from the Akademiya for researching mechanical life forms. When Karkata took me and the Traveler to their 'new home', we only found his already cold body."
You grimaced at the image in your head. "I wouldn't know how to react if I were it too. Poor Karkata, it must have been through a lot..."
Suddenly, you took out a bracelet and tied it to one of Karkata's joints.
"Karkata, if you ever feel that you're troubled, always remember this bracelet. Come meet me at Gandharva Ville. Oh wait, do you even know the way there? Don't worry, next time ask Tighnari to show you the way."
(Flashback ends)
"Kalu! Kalu!"
"Agh... What is it, Karkata?"
The mechanical crab immediately showed the bracelet, and Tighnari slowly caught on.
"Isn't that the bracelet that Y/n gave you? What, do you want me to take you to her?"
"Kolu!"
Tighnari sighed. "As much as I want to, I can't. I can't move and who will look after Haypasia even if I could? Actually, now if I think about it, how can I even get there?"
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(Back at Gandharva Ville)
"Aha! I won!"
"Aww, I lost... I must say, you're getting better at this, Zahra."
Sitting on the floor of Collei's hut, they were playing a game of Genius Invocation TCG with you as the audience. Collei won the previous match, this time it was Zahra's turn to win.
"Hehe, I like it when I win. Let's play again!" Zahra exclaimed.
"If you two keep going at it, eventually I will understand how to play this game. I can't focus on my work if all I think about is tactics and strategy to win. Plus, it's getting late and way past your bedtime."
"Aww, just one more match please~"
"At first I also still wanted to play because we tied. But now that I think about it, I'm getting pretty sleepy..." Collei spoke up.
"See, even your contender is unable to keep up. You can continue this tomorrow. Now, put your cards back into the box."
Zahra started tidying up her cards while you help Collei put her cards back into her Casket of Tomes. After she finished, Zahra's ears started twitching again, causing the fox girl to turn her head.
"Uncle Amir's dogs are barking again. Shouldn't they know how to behave by now?" Zahra said as she exits Collei's hut.
You and Collei watched Zahra leave before looking at each other and laughed.
"Be sure to wear a blanket when you sleep. It feels like it's going to be cold tonight."
"Mm-hm, I will. Goodnight, Y/n."
You kissed Collei goodnight before exiting her hut. You then found Zahra with her hands on her hips, examining the broken bridge.
"Someone really should do something about this bridge... Ooh! I have an idea."
Zahra then used the Dendro Vision on her to lift the two ends of the bridge and connect it with flowering vines.
"Eeepp! Doesn't that look pretty? Especially if you add small lanterns to the bridge," she said, satisfied with her work.
"As for the lanterns, I'll talk about it to your father or other Forest Watchers. And you should probably give back my Dendro Vision, Zahra. You wouldn't know when I'll need it."
"We're just dealing with some unruly dogs. There's no need to use your Vision, Mom."
Zahra was wrong. It wasn't just some unruly dogs. Amir's dogs were barking at the cowering Karkata who has brought Tighnari back to Gandharva Ville.
"Ugh...! Amir, can you tell your dogs to back down? They're scaring Karkata..."
"I'm trying...! Hey guys, calm down. The mechanical crab is friendly. It's one of us...! Come on, Sag. You're my best student, you should know better."
After seemingly succeeded in calming the dogs down, you arrived at the scene. The person you were waiting for his return was indeed back, but not in the condition you expected him to be.
"Tighnari?"
As Amir helped Tighnari down from Karkata, he let out a grunt, which made you rush to his side.
"What happened to you?"
"Stuff happened. It escalated to me having to clash with the Fatui and... Please don't panic when I say this... *sigh* ...I got struck by lightning," he answered.
"You got struck by lightning?!" You and Amir said at the same time.
Even though Tighnari told you not to panic, you couldn't help but do the exact opposite of what he just said. I mean, how could you not panic? The love of your life literally fought off soldiers from the most powerful military force in all of Teyvat, and then he got struck by lightning? How could you not?!
"In that case, I should carry you back to your hut. Here, get on my back," Amir said as he crouched down.
"That's not necessary, Amir. I can walk on my own."
Amir who was getting tired of his resisting colleague argued, "Please don't be so stubborn, Tighnari. What if you injure yourself more on the way there?"
"Here. Use this instead."
Zahra who had been silent all this time, suddenly brought a stretcher made from your Dendro Vision's powers. She probably made it when you and Amir were panicking over Tighnari.
"Good thinking, Zahra! Alright, hand it to me," Amir said.
Tighnari sighed as he turned to his daughter, "You really shouldn't have, Zahra... I already told you... I'm... fine..."
"Tighnari!"
Tighnari's words trailed off as he slowly fell backwards. Luckily you were right beside him and were able to quickly caught him.
"Okay, maybe now the stretcher is needed. Nasrin, can you help us out over here? We need the extra help."
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(In the early morning)
"Tighnari? Are you awake?"
Cyno the General Mahamatra invited himself to enter the Forest Watcher's hut. When he saw Tighnari and you had fallen asleep, holding his hand on the side of the bed, he wanted to take back his stupid question. But he was too late, because someone already answered him.
"Nope, obviously not. But I am, so, there's that."
"What are you doing up so early?"
It was Zahra, the Little Forest Ranger in Training. She was eating something as she sat down on her foldable mattress on the floor.
"I couldn't sleep after what happened last night, and probably because of the adrenaline that caused me not to realize that I'm hungry. I didn't want to wake anyone up so I cooked up a bowl of mushroom rice for myself," she said.
"Then it must have been serious. Can you tell me what happened?" Cyno asked.
"I can, but not here. Again, I didn't want to wake anyone up and they both really needed their sleep. Let's go outside."
"Wait, before that, do you have a spare blanket that you're not using?"
'The General Mahamatra is cold?' is what Zahra first thought of when Cyno asked that question. Not wanting to question him, Zahra went to get a blanket that was stored in the lower cabinet of a shelving unit.
She then gave the blanket to Cyno, who then draped it over your shoulders. Zahra couldn't help but “aww-ed” a little.
"There. Come on, let's go," Cyno said.
With her blanket tied around her neck and her bowl of mushroom rice in hand, Zahra and Cyno exited the hut and looked for a place to sit.
"Now that we're outside, can you tell me what happened?"
Zahra then recounted the incident last night.
"I had just finished playing Genius Invocation TCG with Collei when I heard Uncle Amir's dog barking. So me and Mom went to che—"
"Did you win or did you lose?"
"Huh?"
Cyno's interruption did surprise Zahra, but she laughed it off. "We actually tied. So we'll continue it tomorro– Wait... technically it's today huh..."
"Hm. And although I can't be there to witness it, I'll be rooting for the both of you. I don't care who wins or loses, I will be happy either way."
"Aww, thanks. Now, can I continue the story?"
(A flashback that's written from Zahra's POV)
I watched as Nasrin and Uncle Amir carried Papa off to the hut, with Mom following behind. I then approached the mechanical crab that had been silent from earlier.
"I believe your name is Karkata, isn't it? I just wanted to say on behalf of my mom and also from myself, thank you for bringing my Papa back safely. She didn't mean to forget to thank you, probably because of her panic. And don't worry, Papa is in good hands. I've made sure of it."
"Kolu!"
"Hehe. Now go hang out somewhere away from the dogs. I'll go check on things over there."
By the time I got inside, they've already taken off Papa's hoodie. I still remember how shocked I was to see the scar on his upper body. It spread out like tree roots, with an electrifying purple tint.
I can't lie that I'm scared and worried, but I'm trying to keep my cool. On the other hand, mom is really freaking out. She paced around the room, checking Papa over multiple times, getting ingredients for the ointment, even messing up her workplace in the process.
At that moment, I just knew I had to do something.
"Zahra, give me back my Dendro Vision. I need it to–"
I grabbed onto Mom's hands and held it, looking at her with a stern look. I could tell from her face that she was a little surprised by my actions.
"I can take over from here. You can go out and take a breather."
I knew Mom would refuse and try to argue, so I quickly silenced her.
"It's okay, you've done well. You deserve a break."
She simply sighed and left the hut.
(Flashback and Zahra's POV ends)
"So what happened afterwards?" Cyno asked.
"Well, I did my thing and let Mom back in. I found her hugging her knees just outside the hut on the floor. She immediately rushed to Papa's side the moment I told her she was allowed back in. It also couldn't be help that the commotion woke Collei up..."
"Hm. I see..."
Cyno then went silent and was deep in thought. Zahra was silent too and was just about to spoon a spoonful of mushroom rice into her mouth, when she realized that her bowl was empty.
'Aww, I'm out of mushroom rice...' she thought.
Suddenly, the General Mahamatra stood up and pat Zahra on the head.
"Whaa– Hey!"
"I have to go now. Today is going to be a big day for the people of Sumeru, and I have to make sure the preparation is thorough. Get enough rest so you can win that Genius Invocation TCG match!" Cyno said.
"Oh, okay. Geez, excited much... Uhh, good luck, Uncle Cyno!"
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(A couple of days later)
You heard the sound of birds chirping, that meant your consciousness was starting to return. When you woke up and looked at the hut's entrance covered by the large leaf curtains, you noticed how bright it is outside. It couldn't be that it's still early, right? So you got up, tidy up your bed and headed out.
"Good morning, Y/n! I see that you decided to sleep in today. So I made some Pita Pockets for breakfast. Would you like one?"
As you rubbed your eyes, you processed the voice that greeted you. And after a while, you realized it was Collei.
"Collei? What are you doing out of bed? You could've gotten yourself injured. What if you fall over?"
"No, it's okay. Don't worry! I feel much more energized than the previous day," she replied.
Hearing her reply, you then sighed. "I appreciate your effort in convincing me, Collei. But I'm afraid I–"
"No, this is for real! It feels like as if my Eleazar disappeared without a trace..."
"...What?"
Unintentionally, you pulled Collei's hand a little too hard to confirm what she said. When you realized you're being too rough, you murmured a quiet 'sorry' before continuing. You detached her sleeves to see the dark, hardened scales on her wrists had disappeared completely.
(Somewhere nearby)
Tighnari and Zahra were alerted by the sound of crying, sounding like it was coming from nearby. The Forest Watcher asked her to investigate the sound with him. The little fox-eared girl quickly stuffed her half-eaten Pita Pocket into her mouth, before putting down her plate and taking her other Pita Pocket with her.
"Y/n, what happened?"
The moment they reached the location, Zahra and Tighnari were stunned. They saw you crying as you crouched down and Collei who was confused about how to comfort you.
While Zahra took a bite of her Pita Pocket as a way of reducing her shock, Tighnari let out a sigh of contentment.
"I guess you found out about Collei's recovery if you're crying like that, Y/n. I too was shocked when she said that the scales on her body had disappeared. At first I thought that it was impossible since Eleazar had no known cure, but I gave up figuring out how. I think, for now, it's best if we be grateful for this unexpected miracle."
"I can assure you that these are tears of happiness, Tighnari," you said as you hugged the Trainee Forest Ranger.
The Forest Watcher came closer and pulled the both of you into a hug. Zahra who was still chewing the rest of her Pita Pocket, quickly swallowed it and joined in.
"Hey, I'm being left out! Group hug!"
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[Author's Note]: Oh noo, poor Hat Guy 😅 I'm sorry this took so long, but I managed to finish it as my internship program is coming to an end. I only have about 10 days of break before returning back to school 😭
Hopefully I could finish that other request that's nowhere near done before I start my senior year of high school. Wish me luck :')
Publication date: July 6th 2023
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noraiir-arts · 1 year
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Does anyone else have very complicated ways of shipping?? like when i say "i ship them" i don't mean "oh they love each other so much they kiss each other and will be together forever" i ship characters but in a way that's unique to only them and/or only in certain scenarios
Like, for example Zelink- I think pre-calam zelink was one sided, i dislike post-calam zelink, but i sort of like totk zelink (yes i know they are the same two people) but only certain dynamics??? but i also think that its the type of love that goes unsaid, they just look out for and support each other, maybe its not entirely romantic but they are closer than friends. It's the type of closeness you can only get by knowing that no matter what lifetime you are in the other will always be there. I don't think its necessarily the type where they hide behind pillars to make out, or try to stay in a committed relationship, but more of a tired love, one that has been renewed throughout hundreds of lives, each time being something different.
But take skyward sword, i believe that it's easier to see romantic zelink here
or Miphlink - I don't really ship this, but it's a tragic one-sided love story that Mipha knew was doomed from the beginning. The other woman. Was never given enough time to tell Link how she felt, yet even if she had time he might not have returned her feelings. Now he barely remembers her. Maybe 100 years later she's a little embarrassed of herself, of what she wrote in her diary. Maybe it was a simple crush, mistaken for undying love and has dwindled over the past century. But now it's a sad love, the type where she grieves for what used to be, and what never will. But after being saved from Ruta she switches her sights towards the domain. She can see how much her brother has grown and is so proud of him. She knows Link will never remember her fully, but maybe it's for the best. No matter what, she will always be there to heal his wounds.
Tbh i was dragged into Revalink kicking and screaming, but now it's one of my favorites. - Their dynamics work so well, but oh no it's so sad. Started from a one-sided "rivalry" to some sort of friendship. Link never hated Revali, he didn't even dislike him. And Revali just wanted Link to be impressed, to understand why he was chosen for his role as pilot, and he wanted Link to prove himself to Revali (honestly i can go on a on about why revali was harsh to link in botw if anyone wants me to) But over time they both start to realize that they are more similar to each other than any of the other champions. They weren't born into noble families or blessed with magic. Revali learns about the vigorous training Link underwent after pulling the sword, and Link learns that Revali isn't the son of the elder or was an important figure in his village before becoming a champion, but a simple warrior just like Link. Their friendship grows and they become a great team, surprising mostly everyone. Maybe it grows into something more. Maybe neither of them know it. Maybe they just never admit it. Revali knows Link doesn't remember him. He doesn't want him to. He tells Link not to go asking about him to the princess. It's for the best, he will still be there to help Link after all. Maybe it's cruel to keep him from knowing. Well, Revali will be gone soon anyway. Maybe he hopes that Link will at least remember good things about him.
Honestly I love revalink aus, they are my fav!!
I think of Zelimpa (aoc) like a mix of how i described miphlink and revalink but im too tired to explain it rnnnnn
oh also urbosa/zelda's mom but i think that goes unsaid
but anyway these are just a few. Most of the time i can't use words to exactly explain something pictured in my head, (synesthesia is so silly) but i tried my best
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captainkirkk · 2 years
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✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩
All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes.
Percy Jackson
Stars on the Water by liketolaugh
"I dunno, I just think it would make a lot of things easier for a lot of people," Percy said to Thalia, when she just stared at him. His cheek rested in his hand, a rare pensive look leaving his eyes distant and unfocused. "Mom has Paul now, so it’ll be easier on her if she doesn’t have to worry about me mucking things up. Dad won’t have to keep threatening war every time Zeus gets his toga twisted. The prophecy’s done, so I won’t be bringing it down on Nico. And no one will have to worry about me blowing up another volcano."
On Heists and Home Economics by chellethewriter
Over the last few days, Annabeth has spent a great deal of time imagining what was stolen, what could cause Percy and the Stolls so much antagonism and strife. She imagined valuables and prized possessions and even—thanks to Malcolm—something as ridiculous as an engagement ring.
But never, not once, had she considered the possibility of a baby doll.
Because who in Hades would?
“That wasn’t just some children’s toy!” 
And Annabeth can feel it. She can feel Percy's rage bursting forth with his words—a pressure that whips through the pavilion like the briny wind of a sea storm. It's something primal, she thinks. Something desperate. So when Percy rises to his feet, climbing and cresting like a tidal wave, Annabeth doesn't blame the Stolls for shrinking toward the floor. If she didn't know Percy so well, she would do the same. 
“That doll,” Percy grits out, “is worth fifty percent of my Home Economics grade!"
Of Storms and Bloodlines by inkncoffee
When people thought of Poseidon they thought of the sea; Poseidon, Lord of the Seas, Commander of the Waves, the Stormbringer. Upon consideration they would add Earthshaker, for catastrophic events such as earthquakes were hard to forget. Few remembered, however, that Poseidon was also Lord of the Horses. Stormbringer and Earthshaker tended to squeeze that one out.
Percy had been able to talk to horses for as long as he could remember. He liked to think he understood them. Although he's not entirely sure why the new stallion thinks he's its foal.
Poseidon is not jealous that Percy thinks a horse makes a better father figure than himself. At all.
Not By Design by inkncoffee
Being a stepfather was hard enough even when your new stepson wasn't the greatest demigod of his time.
Paul's journey from that guy dating Sally to being Percy's father.
Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun!
Broody Feelings by writerkat
Quite abruptly, Balam's behavior takes a sudden turn for the aggressive. Though some know why, no one knows how.
It may be wind up up to Iruma to find that out. As well as how to get Balam back to being the gentle giant he's always been.
A Spoonful of Sugar by silvershadowkit.
The stress of living in the Netherworld finally causes Iruma to succumb to the worse of human conditions: the common cold. How do his friends and family react in this moment of crisis?
He's Doing Just Fine by ScatteredNova (Timewormbloom)
Asmodeus and Clara discover the truth behind Iruma's parents and decide that it's their responsibility to make up for the love and affection he missed out on growing up. But they somehow miss the fact that Iruma is doing just fine without his previous family, and he's enjoying his new one very much.
Just a Bit Warmer by Creativitee
Iruma gets himself, quite literally, stuck in a bad situation. He calls on his familiar somewhat accidentally for a little bit of help.
Kalego is more than displeased at the situation to say the least, until he realizes it may be just a bit more dire than first glance shows.
SVSSS
simmering heat by tagteamme
Shen Qingqiu gets hit by a curse that is a little different than the hedonistic traps he and his husband normally fall victim to. In fact, it’s the opposite— in order to make it out of this curse alive, Shen Qingqiu must abstain from touching Luo Binghe.
This should be nothing more than a much-needed holiday for his old hips and waist, right?
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imakemywings · 1 month
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A+ Library Review: "Loveless" by Alice Oseman
This is not technically the first installment of this, but it is the first time I'm making it A Thing. A+ Library is my new segment where I review books with asexual and/or aromantic characters.
Previous review: The Circus Infinite by Khan Wong
The book description for Loveless is:
Georgia has never been in love, never kissed anyone, never even had a crush - but as a fanfic-obsessed romantic she's sure she'll find her person one day. As she starts university with her best friends, Pip and Jason, in a whole new town far from home, Georgia's ready to find romance, and with her outgoing roommate on her side and a place in the Shakespeare Society, her 'teenage dream' is in sight. But when her romance plan wreaks havoc amongst her friends, Georgia ends up in her own comedy of errors, and she starts to question why love seems so easy for other people but not for her.
The character: Georgia Warr, aro/ace
So let's get to it.
TL;DR: Thumbs up from me
Since Loveless centers entirely around the aroace experience, I will not be breaking the review into sections like last time.
Loveless is a coming-of-age story about Georgia's first year at college. It begins with her graduation party out of high school and ends with her establishing plans for her second year of college. It's very slice-of-life, with a focus pretty much exclusively on Georgia's interpersonal relationships and her personal growth.
Oof. Okay. Loveless was at times hard for me to read, and not because it's bad, but because it hit so close to so many of my own experiences at Georgia's age. There were so many times I felt myself going "Oh yeah, I remember that. Yep, there's that phase. Yep, I told myself that story too. Yep, yep, yep."
Just like Georgia, I considered myself someone with "high standards" who would inevitably break the romance and sex barrier when I got to college. This book hit on so many of my own insecurities from that phase, some of which I still struggle with at times, but I will try to be objective about this review nonetheless.
Loveless does a wonderful job of unfurling Georgia's journey, from the start where she considers herself "just like everyone else" but a bit slow on the romance front, to realizing she's Different, through the difficult process of starting to accept that difference as part of her.
Unlike my last review, Loveless earns its found family by showing how Georgia and her friends grow together and apart and back together--with additions. Everyone in Loveless is on their own journey--and at different stages of it. From Pip who's been out as lesbian since she was fifteen and eager for a first girlfriend, to Rooney who's long suspected she's not really straight, to Georgia who's only just grasping the words to describe her experience.
And sometimes they hurt each other! One of the complaints I had about One Last Stop was how all the relationships (protag's mom aside) are entirely fluffy feel-good. Loveless eschews that by showing how friends can hurt each other even when they don't mean to, and how people have competing needs, and how past struggles can impact your present. But in spite of that, it's clear how much all of the main cast grow to care for each other over the course of the book, such that the ending is truly heartwarming.
The prose suits Georgia's voice, which is to say it sounds like an 18/19 year old girl is speaking. That means it's not very eloquent, and it can be blunt and cringy, but in a very believable, realistic way to me.
Georgia's coming of age isn't limited to just her orientation. At the start of the book, she is painfully alien to herself. Georgia doesn't seem to know anything about herself, as if she's spent all her adolescence wrapped in a thick blanket glued to fanfic and refusing to interrogate any of her own feelings--which is probably what happened. It means that she has a very rough time when she enters college. Unlike many such stories, Georgia is not jumping at the bit to be on her own--in the moment when her parents dust off their hands and prepare to leave her with her boxes of stuff in her new dorm, Georgia contemplates begging them not to leave her.
Loveless really captures a sentiment I experienced with asexuality, which was the sense of being left behind by your peers, of feeling childish and immature. Desperate to shake the feeling, Georgia makes an admirable effort at "putting herself out there," doing all kinds of things she doesn't really think she'll like, but wants to give a try, just in case. In some cases, she bombs--but in others, like the Shakespeare Society, she really blossoms. I thought the book makes an excellent picture of a lost young person beginning their adult life with no real idea of who they are, and trying to solve that problem.
Perhaps most painful of all, Loveless captures Georgia's fear of not knowing what her future will look like now that whirlwind love affair-->marriage-->2.5 kids is off the table. It's particularly difficult for her because Georgia so desperately wants that romance--except that for her it's something of a mirage: as soon as it gets close--like when a boy tries to kiss her--all her interest is gone in a flash. Georgia wants to want romance and sex...but she doesn't, really. Even when she's accepted her orientation, she really struggles with what this means for the rest of her life, which also felt very relatable. Partnering up is seen as virtually inevitable, and as the book points out: life is scary! It's way less scary when you have a Person! Therefore, part of Georgia's insecurity and uncertainty focuses a lot on what her future is going to be, and it's not a question she's solved by the end of the book. But it is one she's becoming less afraid of.
There were a few things that struck me as odd, like Pip's claim she had never "fully connected" with friends who aren't Latina, a sentiment echoed by Sonil's refusal to accept his asexuality until he met other Indian people who also used the label...obviously there are certain things that friends who don't share your racial or cultural background may not fully understand, but the idea that you can't connect with anyone who doesn't share your same racial make-up is...uncomfortable, I think. But these remarks pass quickly.
Additionally, the way Rooney and Georgia berate themselves for "experimenting" comes off unnecessarily harsh to me...part of dating is learning whether you're compatible with that person. And yeah--sometimes that means figuring out if you are or are not attracted to them, or their gender more broadly. There's nothing inherently wrong with starting to date someone you're not sure you're into, and then realizing you aren't.
The book also beats Georgia's fanfic reading to death a little, in my view. It gets mentioned way more than it needs to, and citing specific ships and tropes a) is going to date the book like hell; and b) is irritatingly obtuse to anyone who doesn't know what "Stucky" or "flower shop AU" is.
If you're deep into the ace/aro online community, this book may come off as retreading a lot of well-trod ground for you. There's nothing especially ground-breaking in it. But if you're not so connected, or you're new to the aro/ace community, or you just want a book that still-coming-out you needed, I think this is a great pick.
Next review: The Bruising of Qilwa (TBP)
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wexhappyxfew · 3 months
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Okay but to add to the Kennedy x Bucky Stalag thoughts, Kennedy grounds Bucky and gives him a sense of an anchor. Just like you said Shannon, he has someone he wants to take care of and whoops he’s just realized he’s in love.
But then… what’s this? The flip side, Kennedy also realizes she’s in love. All of a sudden these feelings are bubbling up for this protective, empathetic, caring man who is watching out for her and who has sorta been on her radar but she’s never really taken the time to notice. He’s holding her hand and listening to her talk about her trauma. And all of a sudden she realizes she’s not alone in this mess and she has someone who wants to watch out for her specifically because of who she is (not just that she’s a woman) and she wants to watch out for them too. She cares about all the boys in the 100th but this is different.
Please ignore if this is not the vibe, but this is where my mind went👉🏼👈🏼
-☀️
HI SUNSHINE ANON!!!!! <3333333 i saw this in the early hours of the morning before work and it positively made me so so happy and i was so excited to answer it!!! PLEASE KNOW. this is absolutely the vibe!!! you really seem to understand the dynamic between kennedy and bucky and it makes me so happy to see people express that through their analysis, depiction and dissection of these two. so truly! THANK YOU!!!! <333333 please enjoy my ramblings! i put it under the cut too incase i get lengthy haha (which i tend to do).....
kennedy ALSO realizing she is in love is HUGE. because let's dig into kennedy and her past for a moment - because we've done that with judy (and it is a heavy influence for) and it's only right we do that for kennedy (i feel the need to do it for annie now too haha).
KENNEDY THOUGH -- she comes from a wealthier background than most - we've seen the mentions, mom set her up with a few guys at the country club, had a fairly good childhood - pretty happy and joyful, attended parties and charity events with her family, she came from good things to say the least. a few other worthy mentions - kennedy was in love once before, she knows what it feels like to be in love and to be heartbroken - she protects herself (naturally). she grew up with all brothers, so she knows how to stand up for herself too when things aren't right.
SO, with bucky entering the picture - and most importantly, her realizing that she is in fact IN LOVE with bucky - takes a lot for her. she doesn't trust too easily and when someone is sticking their neck out for her, she usually is always questioning it. just like when she dumbs down bucky in that one fic where he said she could rest in his bunk after a nightmare - he was just being nice, kennedy says. she doesn't give herself really enough credit for things like this. and bucky blows that out of the water for her. and shows her that she CAN be loved.
i love your wording - this protective, empathetic, caring man who is watching out for her and who has sorta been on her radar but she’s never really taken the time to notice. HEAVY on the 'sorta been on her radar'. kennedy isn't blind. this definitely is on ideas for writing but, when she first met bucky, it was before their first practice run when kennedy became a waist gunner for him. he was all sweet as peaches, shaking her hand, offering some compliments on her shooting skills. and she remembered hearing about him before seeing him and so once she saw him, it sorta ticked in her mind like hm i like this guy, but nothing more. and then bucky was just always there - even when she moved to silver bullets. bucky was just....there. and so when his few attempts at expressing himself towards her don't go as planned, she distances a bit in a way. not entirely, but she thinks that if she gets too locked into the idea of them possibly even being people that work out with one another, she would never go back.
until bucky goes down. and she does too. and they're in the stalag. i would consider it their moment that just changes everything for them. because kennedy realizing like i am in love with this man and there's no stopping at this point, she absolutely makes it well-known. because let's be for real - she's hella protective over him right back. would 100% fight people for him (and he'd be proud as anything watching her). but....no doubt, her recognition of being in love with him makes her realize a whole lot more about life than before (and more moments that she shrugged off too).
also can i just-
She cares about all the boys in the 100th but this is different.
this is my favorite piece of the ask sunshine anon. like. YES. EXACTLY. kennedy is a fiercely protective and loyal friend. you don't mess with her. and she loves all the 100th boys with her every being - like: her and brady got drunk one time on schnapps and then bet each other to ride bikes at 2 in the morning with bessie to supervise them (bessie took them both back to barracks to tuck them into bed), kennedy and buck are VERY like-minded and have shared drinks before, kennedy has even helped hambone learn how to dance and not feel weird like!!!! BUT WITH BUCKY. it is a whole different ball game (literally lmao no pun intended). it just is. and she doesn't know why. until she realizes that. shit. she loves him. a whole lot.
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the-ace-with-spades · 2 years
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So as a Polish person, I both love and hate Polish! Ice as a headcanon, but my grandma is half-Italian and somehow this manifested into Italian! Mav so here we go (spoiler: there's a lot of food involved):
Mav's mom was first generation Italian born in NYC, lived in Staten Island until she married Mav's dad - her family was from Bologna
Mav, despite the hero worship he had for his dad, was mamma's boy
she could speak Italian well and did so around the house but never taught Mav, and what little Italian he could speak, he forgot once she died and he wasn't around the language
she, however, left him their family cookbook, entirely written in Italian, and so recipes are the only text he can understand without googling a lot
after he retires, he wants to take some Italian lessons with Ice
as mentioned in one of my post's tags, the few words he remembers and are still natural to him are pet names; he calls Ice caro (dear??) like his mom called his dad, mio angelo, tesoro (sweetheart/honey??) and when Bradley was small and he was tired, he'd call him bambino
He also uses sei un raggio di sole (you are a ray of sunshine) sarcastically when Ice is grumpy -- it's a phrase his mom used when he was grumpy as a kid
he couldn't say 'I love you' to Ice for some time so instead, he'd say ti voglio tanto bene and then eventually moved to ti amo and then to English
he actually really likes to cook, he just needs to cook for someone - he was taught that cooking is a sign of love so he likes to cook for their family, but not just for himself
Bradley couldn't eat nutella for years b/c Mav's homemade nocciolata was so much better. Ice could literally kill for his nocciolata-filled bomboloni and ricotta and strawberry jam crostata
Slider often 'visits' them to get their leftovers and had once asked Mav to make him aubergine parmigiana and shrimp risotto as a birthday present
Mav makes Ice tiramisu as a pick-me-up when he needs to leave for long
Mav loves wine but it must be complimentary with the meal
he makes his own pasta and if you're in the kitchen while he's making it, he's going to use you to roll or knead the dough for him
when Carole was getting sick but still staying at home, he'd make batches of ravioli, tortellini, tortelloni, mezzelune, cappelletti -- any stuffed pasta that could be frozen and then quickly boiled -- so Bradley would have dinner when Carole was having a bad day
he refuses to ever make fettuccine alfredo as a rule b/c it's boring and its american, and will never make meatballs to serve with spaghetti, but Ice broke him and he now finally can do the americanized marinara sauce
their house has plenty of jars -- homemade pesto (3-4 different kinds), a mayo-sized jar of oregano, thyme, rosemary, a jar with grana padano in the fridge and a whole shelf filled only with different kinds of oil, cooking wine and vinegar, and a little garden with fresh basil and, once they moved to San Diego, tomatoes. Ice has to remember to water it when Mav is away in the summer
he does the stereotypical arm waving and shoulder shrugging while talking but only when he is either worked up or tired
they also have that one special kind of plates, white with blue and yellow decor and sunflowers on the main dish plate
As a bonus, Polish Ice headcanons:
Ice's mom emigrated during WWII but his dad was second gen born in the US -- she was from Gdansk
he can cook pretty well, especially polish recipes, since he often helped her cook at home
he, however, hates cooking. But he will absolutely stress-make pierogi if he can, usually a huge batch of like 50 or something
he did hand over the polish recipes to Mav - the only thing is, Mav refuses to make bigos for him (b/c he'd need to make his own sauerkraut and it stinks)
he drinks his vodka neat, in a glass, not as shots, adds coke if he's going for a 'light-drinking night'
he occasionally goes to mass at a Polish church - he, usually, doesn't understand most of what's being said but his mom used to take him to one each Sunday and it's now a form of comfort
His favorite childhood meals were placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) with mushroom sauce and pyzy (type of dumplings) with plums, which Mav can now make in his sleep
he's never attempting to learn Polish
but he wants to visit Gdansk and the Polish seaside once every few years
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3motionally3xhausted · 8 months
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More Ouran redesigns!
Below the cut, listen to me ramble about the art choices I made in the redesigns, please. (Honey, Yasuchika, Kasanoda, Renge)
+A little sketch of Haruhi & Tamaki 😊
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I redid Honey's because I was so unhappy with the first version, but I like this one a LOT more. He kinds of looks like an idol, but I'm not mad at it lol
The main thing I don't like about the canon design of Honey is that he looks like a literal child (wow new idea alert) and somehow in my first redesign I didn't get rid of that problem?? And I just didn't like the way that one turned out art-wise.
So! This time, I made his face a lot less round and decided to give him shorter hair in a more natural/ash blonde color. Instead of going full l*lita, I was aiming more for "soft boy" & I spent a good minute just coloring his eyes so they look pretty magical (or a bit creepy, I can't tell lol) but I wanted him to have long pretty lashes. Also, I added a little scar on the bridge of his nose to hint at his hidden violent side
(That shirt is entirely improvised lmao)
Anyway, Yasuchika!
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I always felt kind of bad for him (for that one episode that he appeared lol), so I wanted to lean into the fact that he's kinda bitter Honey left the Judo club but still admires him a lot.
I had to remember what he looked like first, but I actually really like his design in the manga so its practically the same lol. The hair is slightly different though. And, it's subtle, but his hair is bleached here as a tiny nod that he wants to be more like his brother, though he didn't go full blonde. And since their hair and eyes are different, I now headcanon that they have different moms, because I can and it tugs at my heartstrings for some reason.
Now, Kasadona's and Renge's were done kind of a while ago, so the art is marginally worse imo, but anyway
Onto Kasanoda!
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Another character that I always loved and felt sad about! This time he has two episodes, I think.
Since it's important to his character, I had to keep him looking scary, but that doesn't mean I couldn't make him look sad too! I love aiming for subtle expressions lol, I remember this one was really fun.
I can't tell you why I made his hair wavy/curly, I just wanted that, but those little shaved bits at the corners of his hairline were very intentional; it's meant to kind of mimic devil horns just to solidify that he's seen as kind of evil and whatever. And his eyes! I think that blizzard nickname/reputation (i can't remember) is really unique, so it exaggerates his cold glare.
(Trying to avoid saying 'kind of' so much, jeez)
Last up, Renge!
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She also kind of looks like an idol, mostly 'cause of the pose and little sparkle, though. And oddly enough, I really didn't like her when I was originally watching the show (thought she was annoying lol) but I kind of adore her now because..
This girl is a nerd, she's silly, she's a cosplayer, a complete madwoman, and girl boss! (Character-wise, I only really take issue with the 'fuj*shi' 'y*oi stan' part, so that's cut for my version) But I really wanted to show that more fun, adventurous part of her, so she has pink dye on the underside, with her hair pulled into this big red bow.
I don't have many thoughts on her past what I already said, she just deserves to be cute and have fun. But I do think she should be in on the secret that Haruhi's a girl, and they should be good friends, the show is just lacking in girl friendships. (Excluding the Zuka club, they're full on lesbians and the show portrayed them so weirdly imo.)
(***I only censored some words cuz I don't want anything to end up in my feed lol)
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vitzi9 · 9 months
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Merry Christmas !
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Ghostface x Gn!reader
Masterlist if you want to read my other things.
TW/CW: reader has a mother, breaking in, brief mention of kys
Merry (late) Christmas to those who celebrates it and even those who don't. Also happy new year, I hope this year will be full of money and health for you all. Also if you have any projects I deeply hope it'll realize.
I have the unpleasant feeling this work is sloppy and that I'm regressing and losing vocabulary. Also Ethan gave me the ick here, I made him a total loser.
I literally wrote so many different things and yet I can't finish any of them, this is pure torture.
05/01/2024 (7 409 words)
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You're not one to go all out for Christmas, most of the time, it's just a pretext for family to gather and eat and share some juicy gossip. And you love it ! When they're not pestering you with question about your love life or job or study or just anything boring.
This year, you all gathered at your aunt's house. She's a single mother of one, they live alone in this huge cottage far away from the city you're used to. It's nice living here but it's deeply disabling being obligated to use your car to just buy some bread.
In New York, you either walk or use public transports.
It's still fun to be here on vacations, it changes from your daily life. Your mom is going back and forth between the car and the house to empty the car boot, you on the other side, are stuck with your aunt and cousin. Your aunt is telling you how glad she is to finally see the whole family together, saying how much you've grown and bla bla bla.
"Come help me with your stuff !" your mom calls you from outside.
Not making her repeat herself by fear of regretting it later, you hurry to the alley outside. Your mother is already emptying the car, throwing your bags on the ground and frenetically searching for what you assume are her phone, in your pocket.
Walking to her side, you hand her her phone which owes you a thanks before she pulls you to the car trunk. Sighing, your hand grab the bag you brought with you full with clothes. You're staying here for a week after all ! But you can't even take out the bag entirely from its confine as something lower catch your eyes; the tire. It's all deflated.
"Mom, is it me or our tire's flat ?" you make her know instantly. She turns her head to you and frowns.
"Shit you're right." she double check."That's weird, it wasn't like that when we parked here earlier." A small silence filled with bird's singing and light wind replace her words. "It's just our luck, she sighs. We'll change it the day of our departure, your aunt probably has a spare tire."
Your mom doesn't let you answer as she grabs her bag and leave to the house. You're left alone before the open car boot, thinking about your bad luck. Here, it's a necessity to have a working car ! The nearest grocery store is hours away from here by foot and thirty minutes by car.
Crouching down, you put your hand on the holed tire to examine it. You don't really understand, that's some really bad gash, what the hell ? What did you even drove on ? The hole is as big as the length of two of your index fingers. Surely even driving over a nail wouldn't do that.
Are animals frequent in this area ? Or maybe it was already holed at home but the long road worsen it. Just your luck, from every car in the country, or even just the ones here, your car had to be targeted. The world hates you. You hope you won't often need to use your car.
Grabbing the handle of your bag, you slam the trunk door of the vehicle and head to your room. Damn, you kind of missed this place to be honest. You have pretty good memories from here !
The house is quite separated from the other, forest being the only thing present here. You remember climbing up trees, playing in the snow or watching TV before the chimney. And this exact room in which you're staying for the week already hosted you, with its heavy blankets that more often than not itches but are too warm to let go.
You know this place all too well.
What changed ? Life was so cool before, so simple. You did not have to go to a school you don't even like, you never even had to think about later. Your later was asking yourself what would be your next snack. And yet, here you are today, thrown in adult world. And you're deeply lost, everything is so slow and fast at the same time.
You fear you might lose your friends by changing University, you fear to start everything over again, you fear to stay forever stuck in a job you don't like. This room offers you a moment of peace, a portal from your childhood reminding you how everything was easier before.
Shame hits you because you know you'll have to come down to greet everyone when you have nothing to talk about. You're not excellent at school, nor bad, just in the fair middle. You don't have any partner, but you have a few friends. Your life's just boring and you don't want to tell it to everyone. Each one of your cousin always find something to be proud of, you don't have much, nothing to brag about.
To light up the mood, you turn on your phone to send a message to one of your friends; she seems busy as she's not answering. Same for the few others friends you have, some you're not even that close to, only friends at school.
Delight cross you in seeing someone writing you, only for the name to disappear immediately before you're able to see it. Man, you could have finally erased the boredom.
After some time mourning in your corner, your mom yelled at you from the living room to get down to greet the family. Sighing, you turn off your phone and rise up from your bed.
A faint music was heard in the background already, small snacks could be seen scattered a little everywhere on every surface and your aunts, cousins and uncles were greeting each others warmly.
Your mom tells you to come beside her by a sign of the hand, going down each stairs slowly, taking your time, you think about your bed which you already miss.
Greeting every person on the way, smiling, taking news from the family you dare ask yourself what have you done to deserve such a big household. By the time you reach your mom, she grabs your arms and put you right before one of your aunt, the conversation quickly drift to you.
"So ? What do you do now ? How's your new school ? Did you make any friends ? your aunt asks.
You reminded her that you were now in University and not in middle school in a teasing tone, to what she gasped before asking you your age and proceeding to moan about how time flies.
-Last time I saw you you were still so small !
-Show them the picture you have with your friends." your mom almost order you. By her tone and eagerness, you couldn't tell if it was pride of what her child has became, or fear of judgement from the others. As if they were going to shame her for having a kid who did nothing with their life, scared of them thinking you were a loser.
You take out your phone, scroll in your gallery to find the group photo of you and your friends. Your smiles are fake and awkward because the teacher is the one taking the picture. A few months ago, all of you handed a quite big model of the building for a homework, you honestly chose the University's building by lack of better idea. But your teacher was delighted, to everyone's surprise.
He insisted on taking a picture of you all with it to mark this moment forever, congratulating you and complimenting your skills and everything. Did you deserve all this ? No. Did you complaint ? Neither.
Your aunt seems to light up at the mere idea of you having friends, and showing her. It probably makes her feel part of your life. One by one, you present her your friends. Throwing a few anecdotes here and here. She tells you who she thinks is the meanest, the kindest, the prettiest.
Finally, everyone was presented. Smiling lightly, she tells you that she's proud you're working that hard and you turn off the phone. You wanted to leave and grab something to drink when your aunt seize your arm with a frown.
-Where do you think you're going ?
Damn, what is it this time ?
-I don't think I met everyone. Come back here.
The woman practically forces you to turn on your phone once more to show her the picture. You don't outright understand what's the matter as everyone was already introduced, it's when she uses her pointer to show you someone that it clicks.
-And who are those men ? And this girl ? What are you hiding ?
-This photo was taken a while back now, my friends and I don't really talk much to them anymore.
Her eyes glint with a funny mischievous light when problems are mentioned. She slaps kindly your arms, pushing you to tell her everything. You laugh.
-The one with the sleeveless shirt is Chad, the girl next to him is Mindy, they're siblings. The guy all to the left and next to me is Ethan.
-What happened ? They all seem nice !
Well, they are in a way. It's just stupid disputes that destroyed everything. Chad tried flirting with one of your friends, it did not lead to anything as he suddenly went with a certain Tara. When he was faced with the problems he created himself, he said that flirting wasn't equal to a relationship, that he owed you guys nothing.
Your friend was hurt, Mindy wanted to comfort her but, well, she's good friend with Tara and she's Chad's sister so it was complicated. You still talk occasionally with Mindy by the way, she was really nice and never did anything against you. It's just awkward now. But it's not her fault.
So yeah, you stopped hanging out together.
Your aunt was nodding throughout your story, listening carefully, sometimes throwing in some anecdotes of her, sometimes giving her opinion on the matter.
-And the other one ? she asks and for a moment you're confused who she's talking about until she points her interest on your phone.
Right, Landry. You completely forgot about him. He's on the picture since he was working with you as well but to be honest, you're not really close.
He's the only one who stayed with you despite the whole flirting argument. According to him, he likes both groups and is close to both side and it's okay, he's not the one who cheated on someone. But, yeah, it's strange.
No, scratch that, not it, he's strange.
He's in love with one of your friend. Well, you think he is anyway. They're often talking, on the phone and outside. He's always taking part in your group hangouts, buying foods, cinema ticket to whoever forgot money. You could've liked him if he talked to you, because he never.
Every time, and it's not even exaggerated, literally every time, you are all together, Ethan does not glance your way. Even for a second, you could talk to him and he'd answer with short words in a curt tone without looking at you to your face !
And you asked everyone, you're the only one with whom he acts this way.
While he's all lovey dovey with your closest friend. Closest not because you rate your group of friend, that'd be mean, but because you've known her for the longest time. He's following her, she's always the one to bring him to your parties and he'd mostly talk to her. Damn, you're a group, if he doesn't like you what the hell is he still doing here ?
Plus, your friend always talk your ear off about him, how he's so sweet, cute, smart and whatever. Sometimes you feel like she's trying to sell him to you the same way blender or vacuum cleaner are sold on TV.
Anyway, Ethan's weird and he's not your friend.
You simply told your aunt he was the boyfriend of one of your friend, that is partially false as he probably has a huge crush on her, to which she smiled and finally let you go.
You like your family, but you don't feel like telling this all over again to everyone here.
You spent the whole evening chatting with the kids and taking news out of the oldest. Them, on the other hand, kept asking you about a potential partner, school, grades and future. It was tiring but in the middle of it all were laughs, tears and anecdotes you would never forget.
The night has long arrived when everyone start talking about a children Christmas's show happening in town. From what you understood, there would be giant muppet. Some were reluctant because of the driving time and the sun setting but the kids were now overexcited at the idea of seeing muppet dancing.
Honestly, you didn't want to go but they've decided to go out all together now, you didn't have much say in it. Even if you hoped you wouldn't leave the house for tonight.
You weren't feeling it, already tired from the trip and the day. You lied about having a bad headache to stay in. You could rest and enjoy that big house all to yourself that way.
It was hard to survive the strongly disapproving stare of your mother and her dark look but you made it ! You still don't know how, usually, your mom is quite severe on the whole family reunion and she wants you to be there all the time, something about you being disrespectful.
She tells you not to get used to it but while leaving, you hear the others tell her that since your car can't drive because of its tire, there wouldn't have any seat left for you anyway. To what some answer that there'll always be a place for everyone (but you chose to ignore that). Just your luck ! Maybe the world doesn't hate you. This flat tire reveals itself to be a gift.
Slowly but surely, the house empty itself. Each member of the family zip their warm jacket to the very top, preventing the smallest wind to pass through. Your aunt, the owner of the house, comes talk to you with a smile.
"You're not gonna try and sneak your lover in, do you ?
You laugh nervously, still not used to this kind of attention. No, auntie, don't you worry. It's not like you have someone in your life. You assure her that no, you won't sneak anyone in here. Plus, it's kind of gross to do dirty things in the family house but you did not tell her that.
She kisses your cheek, zip her jacket as well and leave the house. Standing before the window, you wave at everyone entering the multiple cars. A few minutes later, the vehicles are gone, only the tire's marks on the frosted dirt are left. You sigh, listening to the quiet wind outside the house, feeling safer than ever.
Finally, peace.
No children running, no parents yelling, no messy conversation screamed; just silence. You can breath and hear yourself think. Without the agitation of everyone, you truly feel the cool atmosphere of the house for the first time.
Should you light the chimney ? Not now, it's not that cold yet. You have time. You smile thinking about it. Yes, you have time ! In fact, you have the whole rest of the evening just for you ! Beaming, you run to your room to change in comfortable pajamas.
Your aunt probably has food in her kitchen but even though she's family, you're uncomfortable at the idea of taking stuff from her without asking. So you grabbed your own snacks. It's weird considering she always offer you to eat all you want.
When in underwear, you think that a good bath would actually be better than just changing into other clothes. And that's what you did, you turned on the water, put your music as loud as you could and slide in the bathtub, enjoying the warm water in these freezing days.
A good hour has gone since everyone had left, silence filled your ears. You were fully ready to sleep in your bed and rest. Well, that was your plan anyway until something crashed into the house startling you like never.
You curse, trying to ease your speeding heart. What the hell ? The sound came from above and then it was just next to you. Did something fall from the roof ? The sound crossed the house !
Of course, with a sound so precise, you immediately thought of the chimney. Did something just fall from it ? Like a tile or something bigger ? A brick, or more ?
Well, you're a little too old to believe in Santa Claus by now, but uh, you're not dreaming, right ? Okay, it's late, you're alone, it's creepy but that sound was probably from animals outside or decoration falling ? Plus, that house's old, it creaks sometimes. It's nothing, right ? Okay, it's clearly not creaking sounds but still.
You wait as still as a statue, contemplating your options. It's nothing, probably, as no sound can be heard anymore. So yeah, a brick that is.
Why does this kind of shit has to happen to you when you're alone ? Your whole family was literally here one hour ago ! You wouldn't be so paranoid if they were still with you !
Slowly but surely, taking your sweet time to get down each steps, you feel your phone vibrating in your hand in the process but aren't interested enough to look at it, eyes boring hole around you.
But when you set foot in the main room, you're terrified to discover ashes scattered on the ground from the chimney and further away in the room, reaching the kitchen, like something had spread them, leaving some kind of footprints. It wasn't human foot shape, fortunately, but it wasn't any animal's paw shape either.
What the fuck ?
Something entered ? What the hell ? How did it even went in the chimney in the first place ? Okay, you're creeped out now. Only, there's no sound in the house. It does not help you feel better, you have no idea if an animal's here with you, and if it's an animal, what kind ? It has to be heavy to do such a sound when falling and trailing that much ashes, on the other hand, it is able to climb a roof, apparently. You dearly hope it's not a bear, well, it's hard for a bear to enter by a chimney but, you know.
Quietly, you get out of the house without even bothering to take a jacket with you. There is absolutely no way you are staying in this haunted ass house. Alone in the snow outside, your eyes are fixated to the windows to search any kind of suspect movements, there's none.
You are absolutely freezing when you take out your phone to dial your aunt number. You need to ask her if there's any weird animals lurking in the area.
But of course, now that you're outside, there's no internet. Okay, you have to go back inside. It's okay, it's probably a bear, yeah, a baby bear. All cute and soft.
But the more you think about it, less you're convinced it's an animal.
Because how the fuck would it be able to go on the roof ! You saw videos on internet showing bears opening doors, it's quite impressive actually, but rooftop ? No, if one of them wanted to enter, they would have passed by the garage or one of the numerous doors of the house, not the damn chimney.
Is Santa Claus going to kill you ? That's the worst death ever.
Freezing your ass off outside, you decide to stay on the terrace right before the front door to get internet without needing to enter. But of course it doesn't work, it's like the lines are cut. Plus, you were scared whatever was inside would be able to punch through the window to grab you, but it's the numerous horror movie you saw talking.
You honestly have no idea what's safer; staying outside in the cold or staying inside with the intruder.
If the phone don't work, you at least need to join your family in town. You don't remember correctly where is it but there's literally one single straight road so you can definitely manage. Looking over your shoulder, your eyes lay on the broken car in the alley.
Yes, one of the tire is flat but it still is able to drive, right ? You don't have any choice anyway. The closest city is something like thirty minutes in car away, so at foot ? Probably one hour. And without jacket in such an angry wind ? No, certainly not. You just need to get the key and you get out, simple.
They key, which is inside.
Okay, okay, you can do this. The key is directly to the left of the entrance, it's easy. You breath, hyping yourself up before you push the door open. It's creaking, your heart beats faster, but there is no sign of anyone having heard you. It could have tricked you into believing you imagined everything but the heavy ashes footstep are very well present.
Keeping your eyes on the house, trying to hold the perimeters safe and assuring nothing would come towards you, you throw your hand on the furniture supposed to held the key without looking at it. The door is still open wide behind you and you'd rather die than to close it even if it meant you were risking to catch a really bad cold for the rest of the holidays.
Only, after a few minutes, indicated by the stinging of your eyes after not blinking for so long, your hand remains empty. A quick glance to the furniture's way confirms you the worst: the keys are missing.
Of course, nothing's easy. Your mom probably took them to her room, to your despair. On the other hand, there's still no sound in the house, except for the strong wind coming from the open door behind you, which makes you cringe. If someone's here, the noise is definitely going to attract them to you. Though, you still don't want to close it.
What if it's a burglar ? What if they are burglars ? You pray it's not a group, hell, you hope no one's here ! But if you have to choose between being mugged by one or multiple people, the choice is already done.
Backing slowly, you start feeling watched and fear whatever's inside might come get you by behind thanks to the back door. You have to hurry, you go upstairs, you take the keys and you bolt outside. Yeah, it's easy, it's an easy plan.
Do you run ? It'll be quicker but you might be heard. Shit shit, what are you supposed to do ? You can't even pinpoint in which room, which area of the house the intruder is ! With your luck, you'll stumble on them in the hallway or even your bedroom.
You won't run, you're too terrified to do any sound. Removing your shoes, you put them between the wall and the door in order to block it if it ever comes to close while you weren't there. There's multiple carpet, your socks won't do too much sound and if you're too scared to put the shoes back when leaving you can still drive in socks, dangerous but you'll deal with that later.
One step at a time, you approach the creaking stairs, ears ready to isolate the slightest sound that could signify a presence near or far from you.
You would have much rather not use these stairs but they're the only way upstairs, even if they're noisy.
The first step is silent, just like the second and third, however, your weight on the next ones cause them to cry, making you wince and stop in your track. In total, this staircase is composed of fifteen steps. You know it, you've counted everything at least once here.
Fuck it, you already made too much noises. Whoever's here know damn well your position. Taking a big breath, you suddenly sprint every stairs, each one creaking in the process, not talking about the sound of your feet heavily hitting the wood. Stopping wasn't an option anymore, not being deterred, your legs finally bring you to your room where you lock yourself in, shutting the door with every locks available.
You sigh, falling to the ground and grabbing your shirt where your heart is. Your head is buzzing, your ears are ringing and your body screaming for help, everything is too hot for you, you can't think but you know it's not the end, you can't rest now.
So you get up and head as quietly as possible to the different furniture of the room. In your head, your pray that the intruder can't tell in which room you went. It's not long before you find the keys, your mum placed them beside your bag. And now ? It was a real trial having to come up here, and now you have to confront it all over again to go down ?
Okay, you're not mentally ready yet, you at least need to protect your back. You grab your phone, now having internet, and lowering the light as much as you can, you go to your socials to text someone.
You can't call the cops by yourself, it could mean talking and you can't allow that right now. However, your different social media won't even load. You're pretty sure a number for deaf people exist, but can't recall what is it. You try to type it on internet, but the page doesn't load as well. Of course, you don't have 4G since you're the one paying your subscription, that thing's expensive. Now, though, you really hate yourself.
To get out of this, you spam your friends phone in order for them to answer to make them call the police for you, the few of them that gave your their phone number at least. While doing so, you notice that Ethan Landry sent you a message a few minutes ago but deleted it. Weird, but he is so no surprise.
You don't stop spamming everyone, friends or family, it doesn't matter. But of course, your mum and the other are busy feasting staring at the show in town.
When you finally get an answer five minutes later (the longest minutes of your entire life), you feel relief flood your body, only for it to disappear when the name displayed was not the one of your friend, but of someone completely different.
Ethan Landry. Again. You retain a snort. Of course, him of all people. He doesn't have any damn social life, it's obvious he'd answer. He's typing, you wait impatiently for his message to be sent, it takes a few others seconds.
"Hey ^^" your screen displays. You want to explode your head on the nearest wall. Who's using those emojis ? "You're spending nice holidays ?" he adds.
What it that opening ? And why him ? Now ? He is not your friend, and isn't he busy ? Working too much for his class to stay the best of the best ? You don't want to talk to him. You're pensive, do you really have a choice in this situation ?
"I see you saw my message but haven't answered, are you ignoring me ?" And as if to light the mood of his already quite pitiful message, he sends you a small "lol".
No wonder he's still a virgin.
He's still online and you can't call anyone, if you talk, they're going to hear you. You don't like him but if he's the only one responding right now, you won't miss this chance. Just as you came to this conclusion, a noise of something falling echo through the house. You almost died on the spot, your heart not designed for this type of scare. Slowly, you hide under the bed, the huge blanket falling from both side of it protecting you from outsider's sight.
"Call copsfor me send them to m yaddress I beg you." you sent him, with a few mistakes as you're shaking, rushed and not watching the screen as you type. When sending him your address though, you watched cautiously the screen, feared he might send the cops somewhere else. To briefly explain him the situation, you sent him one simple word; intruder.
"Oh shit." he says and you never hated him more than right now. Why was this stupid idiot still typing when he should be calling the police ! Doesn't he understand the problem ? You really can't count on him.
He's stupid, you think. You have the keys now, that's all that matter. All is left to do is for you to bolt down to the car and leave. Steadying your breathing, you slide from under the bed, holding tightly the keys in your closed hand. You stand, walking towards the door; no sounds.
With a shaky hand, you grab the handle and open the door. Not getting out instantly, you're careful to check every corner of the hallway before leaving. You know how it is in horror movie, the protagonist often dies right before they can escape. You are not risking it. Your device is vibrating in your pocket, it's probably him again.
Reaching the main stairs, you put your foot in the air, ready to place it on the first step when your breath get stuck in your throat by the vision in front of you.
The main door is closed.
A cold chill run down your spine, raising up each one of your body hair. Why is it closed ? You specifically put your shoes between the door and the wall, preventing it from closing. And in the worst case, if the wind or the force of the heavy door still close, it would slam and alert you. But it didn't. How it is closed ?
You look around the room, not daring move anymore until you finally understand what happened. You're able to see both of your shoes, delicately placed side by side outside, on the freezing terrace. Someone moved them. Someone fucking took your shoes and deliberately put them outside, right in front of the window for you to see. If that's not provocation you have no idea what that is.
Either way, you are not trying to open it. Something is telling you it's completely locked. The wind is growing up by seconds, snowflakes flying everywhere. Fuck, it wasn't snowing earlier, you need to get out of here before you're completely stuck inside. That was your plan before you heard the back door downstairs shut and the dangling of keys, anyways.
Not waiting anymore, you get back to the safety of your room.
You can't calm yourself, you heard keys ! The intruder has keys and is locking you two together ! Shit, shit shit what do you do ? You have to get out of here, quickly before it's too late. If you end up completely locked up, all would be left to do for the intruder is to simply visit the different room until you're dead.
Think, think, how can you escape ? Your eyes end up on the window which you rush to. Opening it, the freezing air outside penetrate the room, slapping you in the face with it's now pouring snow.
You're something like 10 meters/32 inches up from the ground. It does not sound like a good idea to jump from here but do you really have a choice here ? Maybe you can wait a little until the snow reach a good height, so falling in it won't hurt.
No, the negative temperature and extreme weather would cause you to die of hypothermia. You close the window, still keeping the idea somewhere in the corner of your mind. You won't jump now, but if things get too complicated, you are not hesitating.
Maybe you can keep it a tad open, just in case. So you don't have to struggle to open it. You regret not having tried to open the main door earlier, sure the shoes were put away but maybe it wasn't really locked. You thought so but your fear were really what was driving your mind at the moment, you have to try.
There is this old broken glass clock on the wall, you could use it as a weapon. If the intruder comes at you, you explode the glass on their head. You cheer yourself up, stretching your limbs. You can still run if you can't fight.
You can do this, you can do this.
You still didn't encounter anyone after all, maybe you're fine. Standing up, a new found determination filling you, you head to the door. You try to think of a better plan but options are not running to you. It's not like you have a better choice.
You lay your hand on the handle, ready to fight your fears but you stop in your track when light musical notes start invading the silence of the house. You're confused, frowning your brows, you try to think of any reason for it to happen.
There's music coming from downstairs and that's when you know you're done for. Someone's here and is definitely toying with you. By music, it's not even a scary song with lyrics to help you understand what's going to happen to you, or a creepy music deepening the tense atmosphere, oh no. It's Michael Bublé singing his dumb 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'.
Great, perfect, a festive music for a festive death, right ? Are you going to get killed on rhythm of it, too ? For a moment, you thought about it being a whole joke from one of your cousin, but it would be too elaborated. The best jokes are the shortest, and this one's endless.
Not having anything better to do, you hide once again under the bed and turn on your phone. Ethan sent you a message earlier but you did not look at it. You frown upon seeing it.
"Can I tell you something ? It's a secret tho. I'm a little ashamed of it."
Does he really fucking think it's the perfect moment for him to confide his secret to you ? "Police" you simply send him, wanting to remind him of the goal of this conversation, hoping he'd understand. After all, he did not even confirmed having called anyone.
But he never answers your reminder and instead send you a photo. It's blurry and at first you don't understand what it is until you recognize the house, your aunt's house. The house you're currently in. It's a picture of you from earlier, when you first went outside after discovering the ashes everywhere. You're outside, before the window, checking your phone while hugging yourself to try and protect you from the cold.
"Where are you ? I want to talk to you." he sends right after.
Your blood runs cold, suddenly the painful and awkward position you're in doesn't bother you much anymore. Ethan Landry, took a picture of you here. Ethan Landry is here, right now. What's happening ?
"We need to talk." he insists.
Is that man the one who entered by the chimney ? Is he the intruder ? You're not typing anything and it must stress him as he adds a stupid "Please answer". How did he even know you were here ? Did he follow you ? How ?
"What do you want" you typed, wanting to know why he was here. You were desperate for answer, you never talked to this guy, he never talked to you ! What does he want now ? Is it linked with your friend ? Did she ditch him ? Maybe she did, and he thinks it's your fault.
But against all odd, it's not at all the answer gives you.
"It's about us."
What ? What 'us' ? What is he talking about ? "Us" as in you and him or "us" as in him and the whole group ? Because either way, you have no idea what he wants. And even if you did, you doubt there's a problem big enough that requires him to fucking break into your house.
"I have a gift for you as well." No, it does not sound good at all. You keep spamming your friends, begging them to answer. You're telling them you're hiding under your bed and that they need to call the police right now or you'll end up dead. At one point, you start to write another message to your friend when you receive a notification from Ethan.
"They won't answer." he says. And for a second, you dare think that he may be connected to your phone. But you quickly push that thought aside, only for it to come back as fast when you're typing "Ethan s insde my hhouse" and "Don't do that" is sent to you before you press send.
He's bluffing, you're sure. You send your message anyway, if you die, at least they'll know. However, to confirm your doubts, you write two question marks in the blank space to check if he's able to see them. To your horror, Ethan sends you two question marks as well.
It's just a coincidence. It has to be anyway because that'd mean Ethan knows where you are. Who are you kidding ? He knew from the very start where you were. He's just tormenting you. Testing yet again, you type "what" in the chat space, and of course Landry sends you "What what ?".
That's it, he has access to your phone. Your body is boiling from the inside, nothing makes sense anymore. How did he hack into your phone ? Why and when ? Since when ? You swipe the notification away from the screen and turn your phone off. Laying it beside you, waiting for another person to answer.
He planned everything, controlling your phone, following you, getting you alone and vulnerable.
It's probably time for you to use the window. You have the keys after all. You'll jump. Get to your car or something. Besides, maybe you won't break your ankle. maybe you'll be able to escape, run in the forest and found a shelter somewhere, wait until the weather is good enough to come back and find your family.
Maybe you'll fall, break something and wake up only to realize that it was all a dream, that you're safe and sound. Ethan did nothing, he is still the weirdo from your class, flirting with your friend and you'll spend a beautiful Christmas with your family.
Your body start to move in order to leave your hiding spot, but each one of your muscle stops dead when slow and steady footsteps are heard in the hallway, and seconds later, the door of the room creaks open. And then you remember with horror that Ethan found the keys, and that locking the door won't protect you.
He knows you're here. You try to recall everything you did that could've hurt him, if one day you insulted him, mocked him but nothing. Why, why is he doing this to you ? Tears fill up your eyes, but you have to dry them. If you have to escape, you need to have hundred percent of your vision. Fleeing with blurry eyes will slow you down.
Ethan doesn't budge. You're too scared to change position and see where he is, but he sounds like he is at the end of the end. You probably could've saw his feet if you tried, but you didn't want to.
Your phone stirs, reporting a new notification. You know who that comes from already. Every muscle in you is tensed, refusing to move. But he waits for you to do so. So you turn it on, checking his message.
He sent you another picture, one which absolutely freeze you from head to toe. It's a photo where only a bed is visible, the exact one serving you as hiding spot. What's horrifying however, is that a large knife is displayed on it, along with a printed photo of you two. You recognize this cursed picture, the one your teacher took of you with the model.
He cut out everyone else, only you two are left. It's the only photo you have of him, and it's probably the same for him, the only picture he has of you. You're never beside each other after all.
You don't give a fuck about the photo, he has a knife. You're alone together in a room and he has a knife.
"Are you mad at me ?" he texts but you can't do anything except try to keep your cries quiet. You knew he was weird, but fuck ! Not that weird !
You hear him chuckle, and seconds after the ruffle of his clothes alarms you. What is he doing ? He's moving, but why ? You don't know what he's doing until his hand firmly close around your ankle and pull you out of under the bed, you scream, try to fight back, throw your legs at his face but you can't even see it; he wears a mask.
Not only a mask, in fact, he is completely disguised.
Window is all you can think. You have to jump out of the window. Never slackening your attacks, you finally inflict him pain, his mask twisting on the side in the process. He falls on his back, holding his, likely, jaw.
You are not waiting for him to get over it as you jump on the bed, slide and grab the open window. You pull it wider and leap head first. You did not think this through, only acting out of pure survival. But at the same time, maybe you would've done the same thing, choosing between breaking your legs or arms, in this situation, you'd chose to break your arms.
But Ethan is as determined as you, before your body can completely fall, he grabs both of your tibias with strong hands. Blood is already falling to your head, you feel it heat up despite the freezing atmosphere.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing ?" yell the man holding you.
Hanging upside down, only held by the legs by a crazy man clearly wasn't part of your Christmas plan. You wiggle your body, trying to make him let go or at least slip out of his grip but you never saw someone as mad as Ethan. You lay your hands flat on the outside wall before you, outstretching your arms to grab something allowing you to fall, to pull yourself down but it's no use.
You already feel yourself being lift up. Slowly, Ethan's hand pull you up, leaving your ankles to grab just below your knees. One of your foot hit his face but he never relents. You yell in the wind for the world to hear, you struggle, fight but Ethan's something else. Ethan won't let you go.
The more he pulls you up, the more his hand grabs of you. While your feet are back inside, your hands never let go of the window border, refusing categorically to let him engulf you inside. You don't stop yelling at him to let you go but you quiet down a second when two other person enter your vision, both in the same disguise as Ethan.
They're outside, braving the harsh snow, just below the window. Exactly where you would have fallen if Landry didn't grabbed you. The smaller of them has a sign in hand, and when you read what's on it, you think you should have jumped and killed yourself.
"Merry Christmas, in-law.
Welcome to the family"
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iriswestallenn · 9 months
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The discourse on Saltburn is so interesting to me because you either choose to take the movie as a fun romp or a movie "that had nothing [new] to say." Or that things happened just for shock value.
While there's definitely an argument to be made that this film had nothing/little to say, (as I am struggling with some themes they seemed to drop halfway through as well,) I just took this movie as a fun romp haha. You have to sit back and remember... they drew curtains back after a major character death and the entire room was RED! They isolate their black family member. They put a deer costume on Oliver during his bday party. A DEER. This movie was never trying to be subtle.
I've seen some crazy takes like "rich people good?" lmao Felix is arguably the 'nicest' family member right? Jacob Elordi and the script honestly do a really good job showing he's just as shitty as his family. After telling Oliver about his life, he asks Oliver, what about you? Cmon, what else? Siblings? ANYTHING interesting about you? Oliver should not have lied... if he didn't though, do you actually believe Felix would have kept talking to him? Felix gathered his family around and told them exactly "what happened" to Olivers mom and dad. No one would DO THAT! Especially if you've invited this person to your home!!
This internet age refuses to accept multiple things can be true at the same time haha when Felix learned from Farleigh that Ollie and Venetia hooked up, Felix STOMPED to the breakfast table. Folded his arms, ignored Ollie, made no eye contact. Then admitted he didn't want Ollie to be with Venetia, he had a problem with THE LAST GUY he brought to their home being with Venetia. They bring a new "poor" person their home every damn Summer. Multiple truths: 1. Felix shouldn't have been friggin killed. 2. Felix was a shitty person. Jesus
I understand the shock value critique. None of the three big scenes came across like shock value to me personally. I think it's because 1. It was all coming from Oliver. Oliver slurped the tub water, he fucked the grave, he put the period blood back in Venetias mouth. I think if everyone in the family was also doing weird fucked up shit, I'd be like, oookay. Now how is everyone here a weirdo? lol but it was just Oliver. 2. I thought this was a cannibalism movie lmao so I was actually expecting worse!
Obviously people can have different opinions but this movie and its discourse have been super interesting to me. I really enjoyed this movie but my main negative is that it does present itself in the beginning of the movie as though it has something to say but it doesn't have much to say? You're also not made aware that Olivers main objective was the house. Or if it wasn't the house at the start, at what point did it become about getting everything from the family?
Remember the friend Ollie had at the school that he later dropped? That friends last words to Ollie were, "he'll [felix] will get bored of you." Or something like that. That was so dumb lmao Venetia says this exact thing later in the movie. Why not make that friends last words to Ollie about status? Tie that into what Farleigh begins to tell Ollie and make Ollies goal clear to the audience even before the "plot twist."
That scene in school with the tutor. Oliver read the whole summer reading list. He came to college ready to go by the rules and succeed. There's no clear turning point imo. When Farleigh gets there late, doesn't care, definitely didn't read the reading list, and the tutor is like, "I knew your hot mom. We weren't friends, I just admired her from afar." I wish there was more focus on Oliver realizing following the rules would get him nowhere he wanted to be.
I ended up enjoying this movie because I'm satisfied with how fun it was, how GORGEOUS it looks, and how great the performances are. Not good, great performances truly. It's so sad that this could have been a 'no plot, just vibes' kinda movie. But instead there is some semblance of a plot lol it's just not fully fleshed out. I still think people are taking it way too seriously and the genuine distain for it is odd but there's a tug and pull here for sure.
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dnangelic · 10 months
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@remunporium asked: " This time of year is always so bittersweet for me, Daisuke. " Sirin mutters quietly, sat beside him with her arms wrapped around her knees. She doesn't appear to be staring at anything in particular, but her eyes look.. lost. Her gaze struggles to focus. " .... I still remember the Christmases I'd spend with my mom. It was always just us. She'd make delicious Pirozhki.. we'd spend the day near our fireplace. She'd find a book to read and we'd both binge the whole thing. I miss it. " Her arms wrap just a little bit tighter around her knees. Now her gaze casts down to the floor. " ... " Perhaps realizing that her words had brought down the mood some, Sirin shakes her head and finally turns to look at Daisuke, forcing a small smile. " Enough about that. What're you doing for the holiday, Daisuke? "
has he ever seen sirin like this before ? looking so small and lonely , just one single delicate step away from bursting into tears and volatile upset . something that was there before had gone missing , and all that was left now was the memory , cold as ash or a snuffed out candle . he's felt it too ; tried not to think about the girls he couldn't save this very same season , the ones who had believed in him during cold winter . yet now , either left behind or left with no other option but to clutch at and carry their disembodied memories into the present , he was starting to feel that same sense of dread and urgency again .
even if sirin tries to shy away from it , he had to do something . this time , he could help her . he could help someone . someone who desperately seemed to need it , even if they themselves might not have admit it , or been entirely willing to face what both wasn't fair and too fearful for them alone . even while not knowing what sort of books sirin liked , or what pirozhki was , even having never been there anywhere in those warm holiday memories of hers , he was still here now , in her present --- and he couldn't stand to simply watch her sink .
when her arms clutch about her knees , his own hand twitches and reaches outwards . it doesn't meet her skin , instead reversing into an open , readied palm before her ; warm and welcoming .
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' ... do you want to spend it with me ? '
it's unnaturally bold , and he doesn't so much as fluster at his own question , but no part of it has seemed to have struck his mind , so earnest and diligently focused upon her happiness . ' my ... family is probably going to have a big dinner . everyone will take pretty much any excuse they can to cook and get everyone together , but --- i can ask . i can ask someone to make you some pirozhki ! um , it might be a little complicated to ask to bring you over inside into my own house , but i know lots of nice places we can visit instead --- there's a cafe that has a fireplace in azumano , or we can visit a pizza shop and look at the ovens , a-and i can bring any book you want ! or we can visit the library together ! or we can do something completely different , whatever you want ! s-so ... '
his expression pleads . he's close to tears himself .
' ... d-don't be sad , sirin . look , i'm your friend , so i don't want to leave you alone . ' not on days like these while everyone else was merry in the yellow glow of lit windows . even if sirin only wanted to crouch in the snow and the cold , then he'd be sure to find scarves ; blankets , hot cocoa , and stay by her --- trying to point out stars for them both . ' can i spend my christmas with you ? ' he asks once more , going beyond the question of her own desire , confessing his own instead : more than anything else for the holiday , this was what he wished for . ' i'm ... sorry about your mom . but if it means anything , this can be our first christmas together . it's not too late . we can still make it a good one ! so don't give up , okay ? '
his brows ease and set . even in the face of sirin's forced smile --- his own remains broad , bright , and genuine .
' i'll be right here for you . and when we're all done , we can go to the big christmas tree that's always set up at the center of the town . let's make a wish together , sirin ! ' surely , with something like this --- and even with so much behind them , there was still plenty to look forward to .
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