#oh ten you will forever stay the beloved

[eir-parade]

doctor who rewatch going great fellas <- person who has cried atleast 7 times and has only just finished series 4

[mtchee]

Bubbles Along the Surface - [Zhongli] GN

blurb:

A minor god awakened years after the Archon War, and with your brother, Osial, pinned to the depths below, you've made your own way in the world. In the most recent year, sailing with a merchant crew, you've forever decided to conceal your identity as a god, keeping to the life of a mortal with an intense fascination with the land of Geo. In all your years, its only now you have the chance to finally step foot in Liyue, meeting a tall and handsome man who eventually comes to be your beloved--but not without a few misunderstandings.

cw: not edited, fluff, minor angst, second-person-pov, spoilers for liyue playthrough but nothing major, osial is [name]'s older brother, archon siblings fr, zhongli loving on you, a reassuring zhongli, feat. childe but really he only gets like four lines

| masterlist | genshin impact collection |

[8.2k]

Eons ago, after the Archon war, arose a young archon hidden in a dreamless sleep beneath oceanic depths, protecting them from the catastrophe above. Awoken by the change in currents, they rose to the water's surface whilst their elder brother was pinned to the crust below—for they was the beloved sibling of the God of Vortex, Osial.

Their own title, God of Bubbles, and it was they whom were responsible for the health of marine life and the ocean oxidation.

While their followers had either converted or were wiped out in the war, they retreated from their title as an Archon, knowing it would only get them into trouble with the rising seven who battled for their rightful seats in ruling Teyvat.

Though their stories never died.

Sheltered due to the war and then lost without their big brother, they began a new life as a merchant, sailing the high seas and traversing from nation to nation. Although the world had changed from what they had originally thought, they were open minded and of a bright spirit—and couldn't wait to explore.

"To Liyue we sail!" The captain called, a rugged but sweet man who practically adopted you, "they've new silks due for Inazuma on the second moon, if we get there early enough we can rest on some solid ground for a while. Lets give ourselves a holiday, ay?"

The rest of the crew cheered back ecstatically, having been docked in Schneznaya for more than long enough. They could use a change of scenery; most weren't built for this kind of cold.

You laughed at their eagerness, quickly aiding your mates in loading on the last few crates of supplies before the ship was to set off once more.

You made sure your route was clear of storm—well, as much as you could. Your power's influence was better equipped for the water's depths, not its surface.

But you made do.

"Excited, love?" Darla, a Fontaine merchant about ten years your senior (physically at least) approached, a wide and knowing grin on her face, "you've always wanted to go to Liyue, haven't you?"

You grin back, eyes closed as you giggle sheepishly, "You've heard all my rambles, haven't you? Of course I am! And we get to stay there for... how long? Oh! Almost two moons! Two moons! Darla, that's two months of exploring! I've always wanted to visit the adepti shrines..."

"Of course you have," The older woman rolls her eyes playfully, gently bumping into your hip, "calm yourself, dear. We don't want you to combust."

You laugh at her in good nature.

"How come we're staying so long anyway? Not that I'm complaining."

"Why do you think?" Darla gives you an incredulous look, "because you're the captain's pearl, that's why. He's always had a soft spot for you," she nods her head towards the old man by the wheel, "not that the rest of us mind. Gives us a break too."

They watch as while the evening prevails, the ship's leader bounds below deck despite his age and practically hauls up a barrel of drinks for the mates to share, letting out a bellowing laugh all the whilst.

You snort, "Mm, I see what you mean."

After a week or so of smooth sailing, you finally port in Liyue Harbour and settle yourselves at the available inns, unloading any personal cargo and clearing the ship for its future stocks.

The Portside is bustling with life, fishermen promoting their fresh produce and other sailors maintaining their boats. Your eyes are wide in awe at the architecture and vivacity, excitement only continuing to build within you.

"Oh, pa!" You eagerly turn to your father figure with pleading eyes, "the city's just past the docks, may I please—?"

"Just be back before dark, alright?" The captain huffs out with feigned exasperation, "some of the crew and I will be hangin' around the plaza for a bit. Some place called Third around Knockout? I dunno..."

He scratches the back of his head before letting out a puff of air as you launch yourself at him, arms latched tightly around his torso in a hug.

His once narrowed eyes widen while the colour pink tints his sun kissed cheeks, "O-Oi!"

"Thank you, pa!" You pull back with a gleeful smile, "I'll be back soon, I promise!"

You lean up and places a chaste kiss on his frizzy cheek before rushing off past the docks.

The male stammers as some of the crew snicker at him from behind, teasing him for putting up his so called 'cold exterior'.

"Yeah yeah... uh, b-be safe!" He calls out at last. He quickly whips around to those laughing, "who're you chucklin' at, huh? hUh?!"

Eager to explore, you find yourself in the middle of the plaza ahead of your crew and are immediately overwhelmed by the smell of food and a rush of people.

You can't help but grin at the sight.

You wander past the open shops and stalls, simply admiring the sights and everything the locals of Liyue had to offer. You feel your heart swell at the kindness of a sweet granny who ran a toy stall, the elder woman giving you a colourful paper windmill with the only explanation being that you had a beautiful smile.

You express your gratitude and wish for her good health before continuing onwards with more of a skip in her step, gift clutched to you closely.

In the midst of your exploration, you bump into a tall man, profusely apologising as you stumble for your balance, toy falling to the floor.

"Ah, no sweat!" The male replies, and you look up to meet deep blue orbs and a boyish grin. The ginger haired stranger leans down to pick up your fallen gift, handing it back to you whilst introducing himself as Childe.

"[name]," You reply politely, shaking his hand with a bright smile, "it's a pleasure! Uh, a-apologies for the collision..."

At your sheepish expression, the male only chuckles and waves it off, a certain glint appearing in his eyes at the mention of your name.

"You're not from around here, are you?" He tilts his head curiously.

"Oh, no, heh, I'm a—" You stop yourself momentarily, clearing your throat, "I'm a foreigner. I work as a merchant across the waters."

"I see, I see," His gaze grows half lidded, flickering to the glowless hydro vision by your waist, "you like the ocean?" His curiosity peaks as he notices you perk up immediately.

"Yes! Indeed, aha, it's practically my life."

He gives you a nod of understanding, and you indulge yourself in idle chatter before parting ways, the male heading towards the crimson stairs leading to the balconies above. It's then that you realise where you are.

Not in the plaza, that's for sure.

Finding yourself lost, you take note of the increasingly darkening sky, "Oh dear..." your stomach drops.

Your eyes dart around hurriedly in hopes of landing on something familiar, spinning around in a circle and only managing to loose hope.

Your chest tightens as the sun finally dips past the horizon, and you cuss quietly under your breath. Your knuckles grip the stem of the paper windmill closely, the toy being your only sense of comfort.

"Excuse me," A deep voice adresses you from behind and you jump.

You whirl around, wide eyes meeting the chest of the individual talking to you.

Wary gaze trailing upwards, you come into contact with almost luminescent amber isises, and a concerned frown.

"Are you alright? You seem rather... distressed."

You take in a sharp breath, eyes flickering—the man is breathtaking.

He is tall and of a strong physique, with wide shoulders and a toned, but slimmed waist. His clothes are dark, although intricate and rich with black and brown to gold features.

His hair is long at the back, tied neatly in a low tail whilst the front frames his eyes in curt strands.

You blink, "Oh, yes. I—uh, ahem. I-I'm not from here, you see? And, um, I appear to have found myself a bit lost..." you can't help but feel small under his stony gaze, hearing him hum lowly in response.

"I see. From where do you hail?"

"Oh, I'm a travelling merchant. I docked today with my crew and told pa—uh, m-my captain that I would be back before dark, but..."

"Ah, I understand," The male's stern features seem to melt ever so slightly at your stammer, and he gives you a small smile to ease your nerves, "do you recall where you are suppose to be?"

"Somewhere called Third Round Knockout, I believe."

You give him a sheepish grin in return, toy clutched close. The stranger's eyes lighten in recognition of the name.

"A place I frequent in my days of rest. If you would like, may I escort you to your destination?"

"Really?" You brighten hopefully as he offers you his arm, "you wouldn't mind? Thank you, sir!"

"Zhongli," He states as you link your arm with his, "you may refer to me as Zhongli."

He smiles at you softly, causing you to flush, and begins leading you back towards the plaza.

"Mister Zhongli! Mister Zhongli!" You wave him down excitedly, the male breathing out a chuckle at the notion.

Throughout the following months, the two of you had bumped into each other once more and became well acquainted, soon becoming friends as you met up frequently.

The geo user became acutely aware of his new found friend's fascination with Liyue and was more than happy to show you around and tell you the many tales of said nation.

You got to know each other well within your first visit, you having been rather disheartened when the time came for you and your crew to leave--though the man had assured you that when you next returned, he would still be waiting.

"[name]," He greets with a gentle smile, opening his arms as you gleefully jumps into them, "how have you been fairing?"

"Good," You reply curtly, smiling up at him, "but better now that I'm here."

You laugh when he shake his head at you, "What about you? Are you okay?"

Zhongli tilts his head slightly with a confused hum, "I heard about the Archon's passing, news of it has already reached Fontaine although it was a few days ago. Are you alright?"

"Oh, that, yes," Zhongli clears his throat and composes himself, "indeed, it is tragic. However, I believe the Qixing has everything under control."

"I suppose. Something doesn't... feel right though..."

He leans forwards in interest, a certain glint in his eyes at your words.

"Oh? How so?"

"I'm not sure, I just feel as though Morax—uh," You glance at him momentarily, catching yourself before you blurt out something controversial.

As an Archon yourself, you swore you could still sense the presence of Liyue's God; though you doubt herself, chalking it up to the fact that you were an inexperienced Archon, simply sensing the ramenants of his power.

"N-nothing. It just feels, odd? Someone having the ability to murder a God, and the Geo Archon no less... Um, anyway..."

Zhongli hums, the glint in his eyes ever so prominent, "I understand what you are inferring. In any case, it will be a long time before any such revelations come to fruition."

He takes note of your nerves, watching as you squeeze your left hand nervously and swiftly changes the subject to ease your discomfort.

You traverse towards Yujing Terrace, where Zhongli breaks any silence by running his mouth on about the flowers maintained in the gardens.

"A dear friend of mine, Madame Ping maintains the flora."

"Really?" You hum, "what kind of silk flowers does she grow?"

"All three variations I believe," The man goes on to continue but is interrupted by a high pitched and child-like voice from afar.

"Mister Zhongliiiiiii!"

The duo pause and turn towards the sound, you tilting your head at the sight of a frantically waving, floating mushroom fairy child and a boy.

The unknown blond makes no attempts to hush his companion, simply shaking his head at her loudness before approaching.

Glancing to the side, you notice Zhongli's ease in their presence and calm yourself.

"Ah, Aether, Paimon, hello," He greets with a nod, "what brings you two here?"

"Oh, we were just about to meet Ms. Ningguang! We've got a special invitation to head up to the Jade Chamber!" The mushroom fairy child—Paimon—explains proudly.

"Oh? Impressive, indeed." Zhongli humours her kindly.

"Sorry, did Paimon disturb you?" The blond—Aether—asks, ignoring his companion's offended 'hey!'.

"Not at all," You give the two a smile, "don't worry about it. Zhongli was just going to show me around Yujing Terrace."

Your companion nods, "Aether, Paimon, this is [name]. A dear friend of mine."

"[name]?" Paimon blinks, "you mean like the—"

Zhongli clears his throat, "Anyhow, I suppose the Qixing won't be too fond of waiting. I take it you are prepared?"

Sharing a peculiar look with Aether, the two communicate silently.

"Right!" The blond scratches the back of his head, "we've just picked up a gift for Lady Ningguang. Hopefully it's good enough."

"I'm sure she'll enjoy it." The taller assures.

Paimon huffs and stomps in the air, "Hey! Why are you interrupting—"

"Anyway, we'll see you later then! It was nice meeting you, Mx. [name]!" Aether grins at you and waves before bolting off, leaving his companion dazed.

"I—uh, whaaa? Heyyy! Wait for me!" The floating mushroom fairy is quick to fly after him, the two fading from sight.

You laugh, mildly confusde, "Well, they're an interesting pair."

The male beside you releases the breath he was quietly holding, chuckling softly, "Yes, indeed they are. Now, where were we? Ah, yes, about the silk flowers..."

"[name]?"

You perk up at the sound of your name, peering up from behind the stock of open crates you had been counting.

"Oh, Zhongli!" You brighten immediately, hopping over the boxes to reach him.

"Hi! What are you doing here? I thought you had work today?"

Despite your concern, you give him a grateful smile, a familiar warmth creeping up your neck.

The man smiles at you contently.

"I took a small break earlier than usual, though my boss doesn't mind."

He internally winces and fights back a flush of embarrassment when recalling Hu Tao's thorough interrogation for the sudden departure.

He wasn't in any trouble for doing so, no—but once Hu Tao found out it was to see someone outside of work, oh boy...

"Ah, anyhow," he clears his throat, "I... wanted to ask you something, and I suppose I just couldn't wait any longer."

Your interest peaks. Unfortunately, so too does some of your crew mates--a few of them slowing in their work to eavesdrop on the conversation.

Zhongli takes in a breath, "I was hoping to be able to treat you to dinner tonight, if you would be interested?"

His amber eyes meet yours with a hopeful glaze. Despite his outward composure, he could feel his nerves skyrocketing once he took note of their minor audience.

Your eyes widen and you bite back a squeak.

Is this even real? Or are you just assuming things? Oh, you could feel the excitement bursting within you—wait, but you're an Archon... oh gods you forgot about that. Ugh, but he's so—

"[name]?"

You snap out of your thoughts, embarrassment flooding you.

You quickly blurt out, "Yes! I-I mean, uh," you straighten yourself up as to not seem so flustered, "sure, ahem. Um... a-are you...?"

Zhongli let's out a subtle sigh of relief, closing his eyes as he allows a ginger smile to grace his lips.

"Yes, [name]. If you would, may I take your hand in courting?"

Oh.

Oh.

OH SHI-

You tense and fight to push down an unholy squeal, mind racing. You could feel your mouth go dry the moment he reopened his eyes and made contact with yours.

You only manage to give him another giddy smile, nodding shyly with sore cheeks. Zhongli chuckles at you, taking a step closer and gently grasping your dominant hand in both of his.

"Then, I will see you tonight by the stairs of Yujin Terrace. Do not fret, my dear, you are perfect as always."

He brings your hand up to his lips, placing a gentle kiss upon its skin whilst maintaining eye contact.

He gives you one last charming smile before stepping away and leaving the harbour, ignoring the light blush coating his cheeks.

Later that day, as the sun kisses the horizon, you make your way from the inn and towards Yujing Terrace.

The night life in the plaza is bustling, the noise and chatter growing faint as you move farther from the docks.

Well into the city and past Luili Pavilion, the moonlight glinting across the shallow water catches your eye.

You slow and stop for a moment to peer into the pool, smiling softly as the golden bass and koi curl towards you. You glimpse a shadow passes from behind.

You giggle softly and, with a wave of your hand, summon gentle currents beneath the water's surface to play with the fish.

While the bass laze and let the gentle currents drag them along, the koi play along with the hidden tides, weaving in and out of the streams.

"Ah, there you are."

With a gasp and a jolt, you drop your hand to your side and step away from the waters edge.

"My apologies, [name]," Zhongli chuckles light heartedly, "I did not mean to frighten you."

"No! Not at all, aha," You quickly smooth any secret crinkles in your clothing and give your suitor a sheepish smile, heart racing in mild panic, "j-just nervous, I guess."

"Nervous?" The male quirks up a brow, "do I make you nervous, my dear?" Though his eyes--sharp as always--watch you attentively, the cheeky glint and subtle smile gives him away.

Stumbling over your tongue, you simply sigh and give him a pleading look, warmth creeping up behind your ears. Zhongli just smiles at you before offering you his arm; henceforth, commencing your date.

As evening turns into night, the moon rises higher and higher into the darkening sky with the two of you remaining arm in arm.

You find yourselves at the very top of the Terrace, where the annual Rite of Descension would have taken place.

Overlooking the sea of clouds*, you lean yourself against the railing, sighing softly as you gaze down at the waters fondly. Zhongli remains behind for a moment, watching you and getting lost in his thoughts before finally approaching.

He leans down beside you, facing the ocean although his attention is drawn to your being.

"[name]?"

You hum in response.

"May I... tell you something?"

Your attention peaks at his hesitancy, and you turn towards him curiously.

Zhongli keeps his glowing eyes out on the ocean.

"What I am about to say must remain secret between us. It is something that only a select few know," His gaze never wavers, "and I hope it changes very little, if it changes anything at all, between us."

Your brows furrow slightly, and you give his profil a soft smile, tilting your head to the side.

"What do you mean?"

Zhongli takes in a breath, "You know my name, correct?"

Your frown deepends, "Zhongli?"

The male nods slowly, "Indeed. Although, prior to this name, I used to go by many others—the most famous of which is one, revered, throughout all of Liyue."

You lean towards him in your puzzlement, and it is only then that he looks at you.

"My name, is Rex Lapis."

He doesn't blink, and your heart stops.

You can't breathe.

Disbelieving of your own ears, you search his gaze for any sign of deceit.

Alas, he remains firm.

His sharp amber irises seem to glow in the low light, glinting beneath the moon.

You swallow nervously and take in an uneven breath, a single word passing through your lips.

"...Morax."

Dread fills your entire being, and fear overturns your heart.

Why would he tell you this?

Why would he tell you now?

Why should he have ever told you? You don't just say that you're a dead archon to your friends—

You feel deathly cold all of a sudden.

He knows.

All tension in your being drops into the weight of lead as the entirety of Teyvat comes to a halt.

He knows. 

He knows who you are, he knows you're a God, he knows all about you.

And for how long?

You feel sick to your stomach, and so you take a step back.

Seeing you fumble and your dreadful silence, Zhongli's firm gaze softens. He sighs quietly through his nose and moves towards you as he speaks.

"[name]—"

"Please."

He stops, face falling at the amount of fear in your eyes. He sees the unwavering fright in your very being.

The horrors of the war echo in your memories--whereby from stories or the experience of its aftermath.

Unadultered terror regarding your ultimate death as an archon sits like cement in your bone and tissue.

Zhongli watches, and you don't dare to breathe.

This wasn't how it was suppose to go.

He steps towards you again, but you fear to step back.

"Please don't."

Your voice wavers, almost a whisper.

It takes every fibre of your being not to retreat in immediate terror. But you know the power of a God, even if they no longer claim the title.

Zhongli's heart clenches, eyes widening as his mind begin to race once he notices your form trembling.

Though your hands were tense and nearly hidden by your sides, he could see their tight tremors. Barely glancing off to the side, he could see ripples surfacing from beneath the shallow pools of water decorating the Terrace.

They slowly grew bigger, and began to bubble.

"[name]... My dear, please. Calm yourself—"

"D-Don't!" Your voice barely raises, though your fear and desperation are apparent.

"Please... I...I don't have any followers. I don't have any land. I-I don't plan on taking anything, I swear I've basically only just woke up—"

His brows furrow, "[name]—"

"—I'll leave! I promise!" Your legs give out, and you collapse to your knees.

Your terror filled eyes no longer dare to look upon him, "I...I'm not a part of the seven but... I-I didn't..! I'd never..!"

A pitched cry forces itself passed your lips, "if I had a choice I wouldn't be here in the first place so p-please! Please... Banish me to the seas! I just--I... I don't want to die..."

Zhongli's stomach drops, "Oh, my dear—no..."

Sickness fills him to the brim and despair overwhelms him in waves.

He slowly lowers himself to your level, gaze soft as he does so.

"[name], please, look at me," Your lack of response causes him to sigh, but his patience is ever present, "here, how about you take my hand?"

Sniffling quietly, you tense when he draws closer.

"...I couldn't... M-Morax—"

"Whilst I retain the name of a former archon, the name you have come to know bares no such burden."

He keeps his hand outstretched, "So please, won't you look at me?"

It takes a moment of tension before you feel you foolishly dare attempt to make contact.

Your head lifts ever so slowly, and though you refuse to meet his eyes, you gradually reach out a trembling hand to meet his.

Zhongli breathes out a silent sigh of relief, gently tracing his thumb across your tense knuckles to soothe your nerves.

He whispers small praises of strength and gratitude, smiling gingerly when you look at him in alarm and embarrassment when he presses a kiss to your stiff fingers.

"There you go," He hums softly, "nothing is going to harm you, lest of all me, my dear..."

Slowly, slowly, the tremors stop and terror fades from your body. Exhaustion clouds you once you you're conscious of your senses.

Your embarrassment only grows at the awareness of your state: settled on your knees and with tear stained cheeks—not just in front of another archon but your (once upon a time) date no less.

Uh oh, you forgot about that.

You take in a sharp breath and look away to hide your face, clearing your throat as you attempt to pull away your hand.

Zhongli refuses to let go.

Instead, he stands, and gently pulls you up with him. Your voice wavers, feeling the dryness of your tongue, but Zhongli is patient.

He waits for you to gather your bearings.

"How," You sniffle quietly, "ah... how long have you known..?"

You refuse to meet his gaze.

Zhongli smiles gently, "From the very moment you mentioned your name."

"What?" You blink.

He chuckles lightheartedly, "No mortal would dare name a child after a God, my dear. Besides, your youth as an archon means you have yet to master how to conceal your presence."

"Oh."

While mortals may not be able to detect a God among the people, there is always a connection from archon to archon unless they wish to mask it.

As you are a young archon (though two thousand years old, you've been asleep for the past five hundred) with your elder brother trapped beneath the ocean depths, you lacked the guidance he would have provided.

You've managed to figure out a few things on your own, but your isolation from others of your being have left you clueless.

Zhongli smiles at you softly, "Not to worry, my dear. While I may have officially, well, unofficially, really—retired from being an archon, you are no longer alone. Do not carry this burden by yourself, hm?"

You take in a bashful breath, "R-Right. Thank you, uh, Zhongli."

He offers his arm to you once more, keeping a soft look upon his features as to keep you assured.

You glance between him and the ground, hesitation clouding your mind before you rationalise your thoughts—he had known about you from the moment you met. If he really wanted you gone, you would be.

But you weren't.

And so you give him a shy smile before accepting his arm, and you continue your night at a slower pace.

Though you both remain oblivious to the soulless blue eyes that observe you from within the shadowed darkness of the night.

A sly smirk traces his lips—a that plan would soon come to fruition.

Nearly two weeks since that night, you help load up at the docks on a bright sunny day.

The ramp creaks slightly with every heavy weight carried over from land and on board, the workers chattering about as they go on with their business.

Zhongli and you had continued to meet up, occasionally for lunch, but more so in the evenings so you had more time to spend together. Your crew mates teased you relentlessly, but they were nice about it—thanks to your pa, that is.

He was in near tears when he first heard about it, sniffling about how his little one was all grown up, even when you've never been a child in the time he'd known you, but it was funny (and sweet) nonetheless.

Darla was ready for all the gossip, and gave you all the romance talk you could ever need.

Needless to say, you were incredibly embarrassed that day.

Particularly when Zhongli came to pick you up at the docks after seeing you were late. Never again will you let Darla speak to him.

Zhongli was amused though.

It was around midday when things began to get weird.

It was only you who noticed at first, though you brushed it off seeing as you would be the only one to notice.

You'd noticed the currents beneath the water's surface began to quicken, gradually turning into a swirl. Then the sky darkened, and the swirling currents moved further out to sea before breaching the surface—a vortex.

Thunder clouds rolled in and lightning struck the ground. At the sudden change in weather, the people of Liyue slowed in their works.

Panic came to fruition as the vortexes rose into the air, connecting with the storm clouds above.

Harsh rain pelted down on Liyue Harbour, the ocean waves rising and crashing down like a dominoes on the docks; the water became so rough it began to damage the boats and ships, fiercely pulling the wooden stakes of the docks.

"Run! Run!" People screamed, "move inland!"

"Away from the waters!"

"Move! Quickly!"

The harbour was in hysterics.

You felt pain grip your heart at the fearful screams of the people you had come to love, worry flooding you as the wooden stakes began to rock.

"[name]!" Your pa comes barrelling towards you with heavy footsteps, his rain drenched clothes weighing him down, "stay away from the boats! Get inside the buildings!"

He hurriedly nudges you away from the docking point, eyes rapidly blinking to get rid of the water.

"What about you?!"

You have to yell over the sound of the thunder and heavy rainfall.

"I'm getting the rest of the crew!" He calls back, "stay put!"

You can do nothing but nod, dumbfounded at the sudden turn of events.

As you turn to leave the harbour, a deep voice calls for you.

It's quiet, yet it rings throughout your head and echoes in your ears, and your eyes widen.

You recognise the voice, though it had been many centuries.

"Big brother..." You mutter under your breath.

You move your gaze towards the violent waters, seeing a small, snake like tendril beckoning you forwards. You feel a sting in your eyes--and not just for the pelting rain.

Nervous butterflies flurry in your chest as the rain falling around you grows lighter.

"[name]..."

The voice beckons you, and you move closer.

It repeats your name again, "little one... follow..." the tendril falls back into the water, and you gasp.

"W-Wait! No!"

You rush towards the rough waters edge and collapse to your knees, peering into the depths.

Desperation clings to you and you loose all rationale, a cotton haze in your mind forcing you to no longer pay heed to the life you had built since your awakening.

"Brother! Brother, where are you!?" Your eyes dart around before spotting the tendril once again, and relief floods your system. It motions for you to follow before disappearing once more.

You follow.

Chasing it across Liyue Harbour and spying it from the ocean border, it popped up each time before dropping down and appearing someplace else.

Before you knew it, you found yourself by the cliffs of Wuwang Hill.

You struggle to see through the veil of rain, the thunder grumbling louder and louder. Through the thick of it, you spot the faint outline of a man, his back turned to you.

Shock almost paralyses your body. You find yourself slowly moving towards the man nonetheless.

The closer you gets, the better you can determine some of his features.

While tall, he maintains a lean build, ocean hued locks cascading down his pale back. His body is adorned in a loose hanfu, colours corresponding with the oceanic depths.

Your eyes widen when he turns his head toward you, lapis blue irises meeting with the [colour] of your own.

The smallest of smiles tugs at his thinned, pale lips, fondness softening his gaze.

"Hello," He greets, voice—though with a slight rasp—is rich and otherwise smooth, "little one."

Your heart races, a heavy breath leaving you before you bolt towards the man, tears streaking down from your eyes and mixing with the rain.

"Big brother!" You cry out, embracing his form from behind.

Despite your affection, the male keeps himself facing the cliffs edge. He places his hands upon yours, tracing your knuckles softly.

He hums softly, "My dear, sweet sibling," a sad look overcomes his features, and he gazes out towards the harbour.

At his lackluster, you sniffle before looking up confusedly.

"Osial..?" You question, eyes glistening.

He does not ordain you with a response.

Your attention slowly draws towards the city of Liyue, absolute horror filling you to the brim at the sight of it—vortexes reaching from between the sea and the sky threaten to swallow the buildings and wreck the stone mountains, whirlpools drawing closer to the bayside.

You spot giant tendrils of a hydra composed of water thrashing amidst the chaos, roaring and hissing as the rain pours heavy.

"Osial!" You cry out in terror.

"Brother—what's going on?! What are you doing?!" You remove your arms from the figure of the God, pushing yourself in front of him in a panic, "brother, please!"

The male's firm eyes do not falter, and he merely glances at you.

"It is for the best, dear one," A frown makes itself known on his once passive features.

You feel a swirl of emotions well up inside you, "What? No, no! Please—brother, Liyue is my home!"

Osial's gaze hardens, and anger clouds his view.

"Liyue," He spits the name, "has corrupted you, dear one," his fists clench by his side, and the large tendrils of water grow even more fierce, "he has corrupted you."

Your stature falters, "W-What..?"

The man only huffs, crossing his arms across his chest as he holds his chin high, "Do not act so naïve. I know who you confide with. You have betrayed me, little one."

"Betrayed you..? Betrayed? Brother, what are yo—"

"You have made treason with the one whom trapped me under our depths for millennia. You have taken side with Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon—he has taken you from me!"

The God's hair rises in opposition to the heavy downpour, locks twisting into the form of snakes that hiss, "and so I too, will take something precious from him."

His voice booms across the hills and across the waters.

From the edge of the Jade Chamber, Aether and his comrades divert their attention towards the sound of the yell, and their eyes widen.

You feel your heart break in your chest, "What..? No.. no! Osial! Brother—" you begin to scream, tears, like a waterfall, steaming down your face, "brother, please! Think for a moment! Brother!"

The elder ignores your cries of anguish.

Staring you down sternly despite the ache in his chest. He says nothing as he pushes you to the side, walking towards the cliffs edge once more.

He turns to you one last time, a sharp bite present in his tone.

"Once this is over, I will be back for you, dear one. And him," His eyes glint dangerously, "I will kill."

And then he leaps, vanishing into the furious, crashing depths below.

Your stomach drops, and the amount of panic coursing through you makes you dizzy.

You can't lose your brother.

But you can't lose him either.

And you surely wouldn't be able to cope without your beloved city.

So you run.

You race through the forest on foot, terror coursing through your veins.

While it would be faster to traverse through the waters in your bubbled form, it's current condition would render you immobile, and it would only be easier for your brother to hunt you down.

You hiss at the rain hitting your eyes, pushing through the irritation and the pain as you continues to run.

Not to the harbour, no.

It would be much to easy for him to find you there.

You must get away, far away.

Away from the waters, away from your brother, and away from him—your beloved, Morax.

Zhongli.

Your body aches and your heart shatters, but you persist--never once sparing a glance over your shoulder at the chaos that ensues.

You didn't know where you were, but even if you were far, the distance between you and the harbour still could not disguise the explosion from afar.

Your eyes widen at the light booming from whence you had gone, hands covering your gaping mouth as you fall to your knees with a stifled cry.

That was it.

It was done.

The fight was over, but you could feel it, in your heart, that it was not your brother who had won.

The breath in you chest is forcefully taken from you, and you can't find it within yourself to fight for it back.

You stumble into the nook of a mountain base you had hidden in, falling onto the cobbled and cold ground with tears. Your shoulders heave with your heavy and silent cries, before a loud scream escapes you, rocking the land and rippling the waters.

A searing pain grips your heart.

Despite their victory and with their feet on solid ground, the traveller and the rest cannot help but feel unease.

After their win is assured, a shrill shriek of pain ruptures the air, having echoed from afar. The people of the harbour shudder and almost collapse, looking around in fear, worry, and wonder.

But the group know better, and Aether shares a look of alarm with Paimon—their attention is yet to be caught by the figure slowly and weakly rising through the bubbling of the ocean water.

Through your tears and anguished cries, your exhausted mind forces you into a deep slumber—your body rested in the cave.

You remain undisturbed for days.

Panic and worry consumes those who know you, unknowing of your whereabouts and your condition.

Zhongli, putting aside his contract, feared for you the moment of the attack.

News reached him quickly of Osial's anger towards Rex Lapis for having 'stolen' his beloved sibling, though information of Morax's mortality remain only with the adepti and the Qixing.

By request of the former archon, the traveller sought the help of the fellow adepti to track down the missing god, the Qixing keeping an eye out, though having to prioritise the chaos of the people.

Within the time of their search, you awaken in a daze. Though still heartbroken, your mind is in more ease.

You peek outside of your little cave, stepping out and glancing around. It seems that you made it to the border between Cuijue Slope and Tianqiu Valley, near the adeptus mountains.

About to leave your enclosure, a cold fear consumes you as a shadow obscures you overhead. You look up, spotting the retreating form of Cloud Retainer from above.

Panic grips you again, and you immediately return to your stone cold haven.

They've discovered your existence—they're after you.

After the defeat of your brother, they've come to deal with you next. Since the destruction your brother had caused, surely only death would befall you as punishment in suit.

Tears gather in your eyes again and you muffle a weep. Your body stiffens at the sound of a shuffle from the cave's mouth, and your throat tightens.

Slowly, you stand, keeping silent as the intruder grows closer. You take in one last breath, deciding to play defense as there was no where for you to go.

You summon your catalyst which rotates with your elemental, encased in a bubble with strands of water circling around it. In your spare hand you generates the first burst of hydro, ready to attack.

Anticipation and anxiety flood you as a head pops around the corner, followed by a body with a sword in their hand.

Without hesitation, you clench your eyes shut and let out a battle cry, throwing down your elemental and attacking at a rapid pace.

While your original attack is not powerful, it's continuous onslaught is fast and taxing.

Yells of alarm and pain are heard from the intruder, voices reverberating around the cave.

"Wait! W-Wait!"

"[name]—Wait! It's me! Aether—t-the traveller!"

"A-Aether..?" You slowly cease your attack and peek your eye open, gasping at the sight of the familiar blond male and his floating mushroom fairy companion, "oh! Archons..! Aether, Paimon—I'm so sorry!"

The traveller gives you a sheepish grin whilst Paimon shakes the remaining bubbles off her head, smiling at you.

"Don't sweat it!" The little fairy dismisses.

"So this is where you've been hiding, huh?" Aether comments, "are you okay?"

You shrug, weapon dissapating, "I..I don't know. I've been too afraid to leave, and had fallen asleep in my grief... I don't know how to feel."

The male hums, "Liyue has been looking for you, you know," his voice is gentle, "come on. Everyone is worried."

With a bit more coaxing, the traveller and his companion manage to lead you out of the cave.

You freeze at the sight of someone waiting outside.

Xiao had been standing guard the mouth of the cave, waiting for Aether's return. His hardened eyes meet yours, and you cower in fear, re-summoning your catalyst on a whim.

Your hands bubble with hydro.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Take it easy!" Paimon flies in front of you, waving her arms about frantically, "it's just Xiao! Paimon knows he looks scary, but Paimon promises he's really nice! Deep, deep down!"

You glance between Paimon and the adeptus, who eyes you back wearily.

"He...he's not here to kill me..?"

"Kill you?" Everyone is taken aback by the statement, "why would he kill you?" Aether furrows his brows worriedly, "we've been searching for you for days."

"And Zhongli's been worried sick!" Paimon chips in.

"Z-Zhongli..?" Your eyes flutter, and your guard lowers, "oh no... please—take me to him..!" And so they do.

A weary but rushed trip back to Liyue Harbour consisted of Paimon fretting over you and lowkey (okay, highkey) freaking out over the fact that you were indeed another archon, you fearing for your life whenever Xiao so much as glanced at you, and Aether reassuring you that no one wanted you dead. 

Reaching the harbour was like a slap in the face for you, of both uncertainty and relief--relief at the fact that most were safe, and casualties were little, but uncertain of how those who knew you would react to you returning, especially the Qixing and Zhongli.

You wondered if the Qixing will let you roam or imprison you for your brother's acts, or if Zhongli will shadow you in favour for his city--though that would be fair, you conclude.

They are his people after all. 

"Baby pearl!" Your head perks up at the name, head darting around in search for the source of the watery call, "oh, thank the archons!"

Your papa comes barreling towards you, unshed tears glistening in his dark brown eyes as he wraps his arms around your frazzled form, "you're safe..! You're safe..." 

"P-Papa..." Tears, once again, well up in your pretty [colour] orbs, and you sniffle at the tightness of his hold, "...papa..!"

You let out a cry, sobbing into his shoulder, "I-I'm so sorry..!" 

"You're okay, pearl, you're oka-y!" The usually stoic captain's voice cracks, and he sniffles with you. As your tears die down, he straightens himself and clears his throat, turning towards your onlookers, "thank you, for bringing [name] back safe." 

Paimon tiltes her head slightly, "Hm? Doesn't he know that they're...?" She eyes you shaking your head rapidly and a lightbulb goes off in Paimon's head, "Ooh! Paimon gets it. Yes! We kept them very safe indeed! Hehe." 

"Of course, sir," Aether nods respectfully, Xiao simply dozing off into his thoughts. 

"Papa," You gently call his attention, "have you seen Zhongli anywhere?"

The man scoffs, "Where haven't I seen him? He's been frantic since you left. He's either by the pavillion or the terrace. You've given the young man quite the fright."

You sweatdrop.

"Ah, y-yes..." You give your papa one more shaky smile, planting a grateful kiss on his scruffy cheek, "I'll be back soon okay? I promise I won't be going anywhere again."

"Hmph, you better... now, come on you lot! We could use a few more hands down by the docks!"

Xiao promptly disappears at that, with Paimon groaning and Aether simply smiling and giving a polite nod before heading off to help. 

With that, the young archon begins making their way towards the destinated areas, checking the pavillion first before heading up to the terrace.

Anxiety pulses in your heart momentarily, but you quickly dismisses it--like papa said, Zhongli had been frantic, so you have nothing to worry about. 

Making your way up the stairs, you ignore the eyes of a certain ginger who walks opposite to you, watching as you pass him by.

Reaching the top, disbelief takes over your very being.

Your jaw drops and your shoulders sag at the amount of shock coursing through you. 

There, atop the end of the terrace, was Zhongli talking to a man only a few blue hairs taller than him.

His clothes are slightly tattered, and still loose, reflecting colours of the ocean depths. His skin, though pale, is slightly bruised. And although his brows are furrowed ever so slightly, the smallest of smiles rests confortably on his thin lips. 

It was Osial. 

Your brother.

Your brother. 

Talking to Zhongli. 

The geo archon. 

Civilly. 

How in the abyss were you suppose to react to this?

How the hell are you suppose to approach them?

Do you say hi to your brother first? Would Zhongli be offended? Or do you greet your lover? But wouldn't Osial be mad then? You couldn't really just waltz over either, you'd just been recovered from hiding. What does someone even say after that?

Your mind races with these conflicted thoughts, eyes dazed and mouth still agape in shock. 

You blink.

"Ah, [name]," Your brother addresses you first, the two men turning their attention to your figure, "dear one..."

His gaze is soft, a regretful look on his features. His shoulders are no longer held back and squared, and his chin is no longer held up so high. Sadness overwhelms him at your lack of response.

You continue to stare, only taking small, slow steps towards them. 

"I..." He sighs, "my dearest kin... I am so... sorry. Truly. It was I, who was corrupt, not you. Never you." His throat tightens, but he continues.

"So many years under trapped under the surface made my mind weary, and I was easily influenced by those you call the Fatui. I had not meant to hurt you, or cause you great fear... My mind was overwhelmed by anger when I was told that the very God who entrapped me had stolen you, forcefully entrapturing you," Osial closes his eyes in remorse, "it is only now that I learn it was all a ploy, and for that, I deeply apologi--"

He stops mid sentence, eyes snapping open in surprise with a silent breath. 

Once within arms length, you had thrown your arms around his waist, nuzzling into his chest with watery eyes. Osial looks down at you in bewilderment, Zhongli quietly chuckling at his expression off to the side.

You sniffle. 

"I'm just glad you're still here, big brother..." 

Blood rushes to the male's cheeks at the sentiment, and his own eyes begin to gloss over with unshed tears. He takes in a sharp breath, holding you close and tight. He rests his chin atop your head.

"As am I, dear one... I had taken you for granted..." Osial is the first to pull away, smiling down at you gently.

He cups your cheek in his hand, caressing it gently, "My, how you've grown... so beautiful and mature now. I've missed you, little one." 

"And I, you, dear brother..." You smile tearfully back up at him, leaning into his familial touch. He places a loving kiss on your forehead before releasing you, stepping away and looking towards the former geo archon.

Your eyes draw towards the dark haired man, stomach fluttering while your heart does flips. 

Zhongli smiles down at you fondly, gaze soft. He steps towards you, outstretching his arms before pulling you into a secure embrace. He nestles his nose unto your head, breathing in your familiar scent.

"You had me so incredibly worried..." You flush at his bold affection, nuzzling him back. 

"I know... I'm sorry." 

He pulls back to look at you, cupping your face in his hands, "It's alright, my love. You're here now, and we're safe. Everyone is."

Your breath hitches in your throat, heart thumping from his endearment. He leans closer to you, nose brushing against your as his eyes grow half lidded.

"...I'm overjoyed that you're safe--"

"Ahem," Osial clears his throat, interrupting you.

Your face blossoms in heat with embarrassment, and you turn away in shame from your brother. Osial's arms cross with a deadpan look on his face.

"Not in front of me, you overgrown reptile," Osial hisses.

Zhongli rolls his eyes. 

"Blink, then, you water-born cretin." 

With that, Zhongli leans down and captures your lips in a long overdue kiss.

A squeak escapes you at his uncharacteristic vigor, though you figure he's doing so to get on your brother's nerves. Despite that, you can't help but indulge, eyes fluttering shut and humming into the kiss.

Your mind goes haywire at the feeling of his tongue gently running over the plump flesh of your lips. You can feel his breath through his nose caressing you, the air breaking upon contact with your skin, and he moans lowly against your mouth. 

Osial gags at the sight, "Alright--alright! That's enough! Get your filthy hands off of my family, you decrepit fossil!" 

It's safe to say that his protests went on unheard. 

[h50europe]

When one side of the fandom lies bleeding while the other one is thriving or how I learned about fandom wars the hard way

This is a message from someone whose beloved ship rests forever in the depths of the ocean.

We had high hopes. It looked like our ship was afloat and ready to explore the seven seas for three seasons. Then, the show got a new showrunner who was very homophobic, and from that point on, the show and our favorite ship went downhill. Even though I'd been in different fandoms for about fifteen years and should have known better, I let myself get caught up in an unprecedented fandom war. Those who favored the Het couple were attacking one half of our ship, not just his character but the actor. Don't think they don't know what's going on just because an actor isn't on social media. We knew some crew members and learned that everyone knew about this fandom war.

The whole thing escalated until the show's final episode, which came to a more than undignified end after ten years. Knowing what he was doing, the showrunner wrote an ending that damaged the show and destroyed our ship. It was bad. There were words like, "Now we're dancing on your grave," and much worse. I was mentally at the end of my rope at that point. Then, the sets were immediately dismantled after the last scene was shot. It's something that happens very rarely when a show reaches some cult status. Our ship didn't even do a joint farewell interview for the fans because the actors left the set quickly and never looked back.

Why am I telling you this? Because I've learned to observe things from a certain distance.

We are fans of the same show but have different priorities and ships. As a multi-shipper, it's easier, I'd say. But those who are running amok right now because their ship is staying in the harbor while another is sailing away with flying colors brings back extremely unpleasant memories to me. But the same goes for those who are just as happy about what's happening and are starting to lose their grip. Please take it from someone badly burned: This is not a competition. This is not me winning and you losing. It's deceptive to think you're on the winning side and make fun of others for it. The tide can turn. We don't know what the showrunner has in mind. We don't even know that season eight might not be the last. Take what we have right now and be thankful for it. Enjoy it while it lasts. But don't be tempted to point fingers and mock others or say, "Your ship will never be canon. Mine already is. Your ship is crap. Mine is better." Also, do not be fooled by the fact that the haters in the fandom are a small group of people who only appear to be many because of their vocality and because some are playing the old sock puppet account game again to make it look like they are many.

I can only tell you from experience that we should treat each other respectfully. Not every Buddie fan is an enemy. Unfortunately, I also see another phenomenon that is becoming more and more common. Fans barely dare to post anything for fear of the crazies in the fandom (which unfortunately exist on both sides). Fans who have nothing to do with a fandom war want to have fun. And if they have a ship, they just want to interact with like-minded people. Which - especially on X - seems to turn into a gauntlet. Because suddenly, Your Rudeness sneaks into the conversation and starts pissing on the timeline. For clowns like this, the block button still works. Getting involved in any discussion is pointless. I also had to pay dearly for this realization.

"Never wrestle with a pig because you'll both get dirty, and the pig likes it." - Positive energy is much more powerful than negative energy. If you stay positive, negativity can't touch you. Oh, and I've wrestled a lot of pigs. Other than excessive blood pressure, gastritis, and countless sleepless nights, it didn't do me any good.

Stop participating in dick-measuring contests. Stop bragging about your favorite ship and how the others are nothing but losers. Stop saying we won because we didn't. Again, this is not a contest. We are on equal footing, and we can all coexist in peace. There is plenty of room. For everyone, for every ship, for every fan. Oliver made a single statement for those unhappy with Buck's journey and his current travel companion. He dropped it for good. And I couldn't agree more with the message and how he did it.

Of course, we would like to see more of our ship. Of course, we want the actors to have a relationship storyline to sink their teeth into, and hopefully, we get to see some domestic stuff and some hot scenes. But so far, that is fanon and not canon. So far, there is usually more going on off-screen than we see. We can only hope that this will change. Those who call themselves open-minded and tolerant while going on a witch hunt should think twice about what those words mean, and they should live them and not just throw shallow phrases around.

My wish for the future of this fandom is that it becomes a safe place. Safe as in a h*te-free zone. A place where no one has to be afraid to speak their mind. And a place where you can express (constructive) criticism without getting a shitstorm. Peace out.

[beiasluv]

PLS i love u sm can i PLS get a reader patching up jakes wounds PLSSSS i see a lot of these patching up wound tropes for neteyam but none for our beloved jake THANK U HON

patching jake sully up (2009)

a/n: amen to that. respect the original sully, pLEASE / enjoyy 🤍

masterlist

jake, jake sully, being the jake sully he is, you often find him with some type of injury :(

boy always find himself in some sort of trouble, but he can’t help it can’t he?

sometimes it’s just a bruise or a scrape on the knee, sometimes he comes home with a FUCKING blood-soaked wound all over his arms or chest.

sighing to yourself as he walked in every time

“jake, for the love of eywa, please, stop putting yourself in danger”

but you can’t stay mad, can you? he got those puppy eyes, awkward giggling, and scratching his neck like he regretted it. (boy, he better be before you whoop his ass)

so basically it all goes like this…

patting the empty area next to you or sometimes you gotta help him walk over to an empty spot

and boy he is heavy ASF man is 10ft tall and expect you to carry him with ease, he better be joking

next is patching up his wounds. probably 90% of the time keeping him shut his mouth

“ow! y/n! please!” “ouch! please- it hurts”

“you better shut your mouth and think of this before you get yourself in trouble”

but being the loving significant other you are, you still care greatly for him 🥺

his favorite position, if his situation isn’t that bad, is for you to sit in his lap and patch him up

if he is laying on the mattress, he loves when you crouch down towards his face and patch him up. even though if you are patching is legs, he will get whiny for you to face him every now and then.

caressing his cheeks if he gets too whiny, and rubbing his head in your embrace

comforting words all. the. time. boy is a crybaby sometimes “squeeze my leg if it hurts too bad”

jake tries his hardest not the hurt your fragile little leg in his grip, but he left some red marks afterwards ;)

he loves staring at your dimly lit face when you patch him up. how you poke your tongue when you are focused, or how your eyebrows scrunched up together.

“why are you doing that?”

“doing what?”

“you know what you are doing, you are staring,” you slightly poked his head with the grinder.

“ow! what was that for? your face is too precious not to stare at, be grateful,” he fake pouted.

“understandable, mr. sully,” you chuckled as he pressed a peck on your lips. “hey! the medicine didn’t dry yet!”

“who cares? your lips are ten times better than it”

you would mumble a quiet apologize every time he hissed out of pain, even though you acted like you are mad at him

he adores how your breath hitched in your throat every time he twitched because of the pain 🥺 he loves how close your breath becomes when your face is near.

man is just obsessed about how he could press his lips against yours without an extra effort, how you are so close to him made his mind spun a million miles away.

his nose is lingered with your scent and it yearns for more and more. oh how he wish he can get drunk in you forever

man is grinning by himself and giggling like a lover boy

man’s a flirt even though he is on his death bead💀

never leaves afterwards if he doesn’t get his kiss kiss, or what he calls it boo boo 🙄

if his situation is too bad and have to stay the night, you will always be there for him 24/7

and jake will 100% definitely take an advantage of that. asking for cuddles 24/7.

when you have to attend other wounds, he will get so whiny and sad :(

sometimes it gets too emotional for you to see him in a situation like this, you just break down crying while patching him up 😭

jake hates to see you like this, especially when he is the cause to make you cry. he will hold you in his arm while you are crying patching him up.

whispering comfort words while he is the one dying here, but it’s jake, guys, what do we expect 😭

“honey, y/n, love, i am fine, i am breathing, okay? help me feel better, aright? no one does it like you,” he whispered in your ears.

“never! e- ever! get yourself t- this bad, again!” you tried to sobbed out each word.

“can’t promise you that, i’ll get ten times worst than this to protect you”

have a great day/night everyone! take care 🤍

@rosaryos / @bumblinbumblvee / @nyotamalfoy / @fangirl-2610 / @astablacksword / @lokisblueskin

[spaceagesparkledust]

Random Doctor Who Headcanons: Sleep (Companion Edition)

Rose LOVES to sleep in. Catch her getting her 8+ hours and emerging with the worst bed head you’ve ever seen. (The Doctor is very annoyed by how many hours humans seem to need to sleep but realizes he can’t keep Rose up forever. She does need to sleep. At some point he just starts making breakfast for her so it’s ready when she wakes up). Blankets and stuffed animals all the way. Girl is TOASTY. Sleeps in old t-shirts and pajamas pants. Will do shorts.

 Martha stresses the importance of 8 hours of sleep but girl has pulled so many accidental all-nighters simply because she likes hanging out with Ten. There’s just! So much to talk about! She’s used to it though, its the med student in her. But she’s also used to telling other people to go to bed which she tries with Ten so many times (ex. Post 42- you were possessed by a SUN Doctor go to SLEEP.)

The Year that Wasn’t made her an incredibly light sleeper. It took a really long time to learn how to be a light sleeper. But she had to learn if she wanted to stay alive. Being a light sleeper became useful while she worked for UNIT but I think she and Mickey and Jack work on training her out of hyper-vigilance just a bit. Oh and nightmares. Those too. 

Likes to sleep in tank tops, shorts. Likes robes. Got cold on the Tardis so wore long things. She wears slippers around the house. 

Jack sleeps sprawled out like a starfish. His bed on the TARDIS is COMFY. He’s used to sleeping everywhere and on anything and with anyone so he really isn’t picky but the TARDIS was being nice. 

Will stay up late working on the TARDIS with the Doctor until ridiculous times. 

Wakes up pretty early actually, it’s a habit he hasn’t been able to knock. 

Sleeps in a t-shirt and underwear. Sometimes. 

Likes cuddles!

If he isn't with the Doctor late at night, he's chatting/hanging with Rose until she falls asleep. Sometimes it's all three of them but Rose usually tuckers out first. Rose holds the time Jack fell asleep first over his head.

Donnnaaaaa my beloved. 

Wilf makes her tea most nights after stargazing but they also love a hot chocolate before bed. Especially if she’s had a hard day. This has been their routine for years. She continues this habit on the TARDIS especially after hard days. The Doctor makes her hot chocolate after the library. 

Sleeps in oversized t-shirts but she likes a good robe

Likes white noise but also silence DOCTOR WHY ARE YOU STILL TALKING

Has a big big bed on the tardis it’s so nice. So convenient for sleepovers with the doctor 

She feels pretty lonely in it after the library so the sleepover comes in handy. 

Has the weirdest dreams after journey’s end. She can never really remember them. It makes Wilf and Sylvia incredibly nervous. 

The TARDIS refuses to get Clara a bedroom. She has to keep wandering around until she finds one. This happens every time she comes on board. Eleven has to have a talk with the TARDIS.

[luna-redamancy]

hi!

may we please have lord elrond with a reader whos always sleepy?

i get butterflies when i think of him being in love with his sleepy beau!

thank you!!

<3

“Elrond?” You were in a daze, sleep blurring your vision as you blinked them open. It looked like a hallway, you noted as you felt yourself being moved. 

“Shh…” Elrond gently cooed, pressing a kiss to your temple as you curled into his chest once you realized it was him who had a hold of you whilst he continued carrying you to your shared chambers. 

“Where we…” Your words drifted off as sleep threatened to overtake you once more, “Goin?” You finally finished as you opened your eyes wide to try and keep them open in a desperate attempt to stay awake- but he was just so warm. 

“You can sleep, my darling,” His words were so caring, the love in them like a warm blanket wafting over you. “I’m taking you up to our chambers,” 

“What about the meeting?” You spoke soft as you rested your head in the crook of his neck. You recalled the introduction, a kind gentleman- a merchant if you recalled correctly, then as one of the guests followed his introduction with an opening discussion on trade routes all you could remember was feeling oh so sleepy.

“It ended my darling, it’s alright,” Elrond hushed you again, sleep overtaking you as you nodded. 

You were practically always tired, never fully getting enough sleep at night so whenever your mind wasn’t properly stimulated or you were left alone to your own devices, you often napped. 

There were so many instances where Elrond found you sleeping, it was now an expectation to see his beloved napping away in an armchair of the library, the sun hitting you just right to make you feel so so warm. 

As he walked down the hall, Elrond couldn’t help but remember when you fell asleep in his study just yesterday. 

The two of you were taking a break, having been through two meetings, walking the grounds to discuss possible architectural needs of the Imladris- he was surprised you didn’t excuse yourself to rest since you seemed so exhausted. 

But moments like these, they were what he held closest to his heart. 

Elrond started a small fire in the fireplace, bringing out a blanket from the cabinet and pulled out one of your favorite books. 

You were curled up on his chest, the blanket overlaying the two of you as his fingers ran through your hair and along the back of your neck. He was reading out loud in a soft voice, and that combined with the warm blanket and the soothing sensations on your scalp, you were out in no time. 

Elrond peered down from the pages of the novel, a soft smile covering his face as he carefully set the book down on the side table. 

He couldn’t help but to gently press kisses to your forehead as he adjusted to wrapping both arms around you and resting his cheek on your head. 

The two of you fell asleep together, this time you weren’t the only sleepy one. 

Tags:

Forever Tag

@lady-of-lies @all-things-fandomstuck  @fizzyxcustard @izzydaelleth @aquaangel18 @raindancer2004 @love-colorfulglittercollection @ladylouoflothlorien​ @ten-tenya-iida ​​ @legolaslovely​ @bthtallmadge2​ @abesottedlass@wilhelmyna @tigereyesf​ @aspookybunny @keijibum @moony-artnstuff @sirkekselord @guardianofrivendell @fluffymadamina @izbelross @fandomhoe101 @acahope311 @kitkatd7 @mooseetx @themerriweathermage @elvish-sky @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @laurfilijames @frequentlychangingfandoms @cameronsails @linasofia @starryeyedrogue  @shethereadinghobbit @beenovel @onlystarshere @fckmini @spidergirla5 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @myselfandfantasy @strange-old-worlds @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore @broken-ghost @mbruben-stein @tschrist1 @hai-kbai

Elrond Tag

@moony-artnstuff @iwenttomordor

[bloodiedbeloveds]

BDTA verse is still, hands down, my favourite example of worldbuilding (and epistolary form, my beloved). I think about that John very often and usually I'm just giving him a big ol' hug and telling him that he should stay alive, actually. (I should draw him sometime.)

Anyway I was just thinking about him again, and thought you should know!

getting this actually made us cry, oh my god. this is so sweet & heartwarming!!! we haven't written bdtaverse stuff in AGES but you still think about him??? losing it forever thank you

(no pressure but if you drew him we would literally never recover [+ note that if you do actually plan to do this we will answer any questions about him always, we do not think there are super detailed descriptions of his inhumanities in the stuff currently published? we don't remember. it's been so long])

very valid thing to think about. he 100% needs that. fun fact about bdtaverse john: he has not been hugged in literally ten years

[vagabond-umlaut]

STARS.

GLOWING BALLS OF BURNING GASES, LIGHTING THE DARK OF THE NIGHT SKY. PEOPLE OF TALENT, FAMOUS AND MUCH LOVED BY THE GENERAL POPULACE. FORCES OF FATE, INFLUENCING & DETERMINING THE LIVES OF US, MORTALS.

ONE SMALL WORD YET SO COMPLICATED IN ITS MEANINGS, IS IT NOT?

YES, INDEED IT IS— THOUGH, CERTAINLY NOT AS MUCH AS THE STORY OF ONE KING OF CURSES & HIS WIFE— WHAT DO YOU THINK, MR. SUKUNA & MS. KORE?

*The camera focuses on one of the most well-known and beloved couples from the renowned TV show Jujutsu Kaisen. Despite being six years younger in age and over ten years younger in acting experience, the woman seems every gram the seasoned acting professional the man beside her is; although, a lot more cheerful and friendly than the latter. [The almost-absence of space between them doesn't go past the eye of anyone— nevertheless, the interviewer chooses not to comment on the same. For now, that is.] Kore greets the camera with a happy smile and a wave whilst Sukuna acknowledges the same with a minor twitch of his lips— the two of them then returning their focus to the interviewer.*

KORE: *chuckles* AH, NO, I DON'T THINK THEIR STORY IS AS COMPLICATED AS IT IS BEING MADE TO BE. IT IS A RATHER SIMPLE, SWEET AND SUCCINCT TALE OF LOVE, SET IN ANOTHER ERA. SUKUNA: *nodding* I AGREE. KORE'S & MY CHARACTERS SURE DO HAVE QUITE OPPOSING PERSONALITIES IN THE SHOW— ONE, WORSE THAN A DEMON AND THE OTHER, BETTER THAN AN ANGEL– BUT THAT DOESN'T REALLY MAKE THE STORY COMPLEX OR DIFFICULT. THEY FALL IN LOVE LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE DO AND WISH TO STAY TOGETHER FOREVER LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE DO– PERHAPS IN AN EVEN BETTER WAY BECAUSE OF THEIR OPPOSITE NATURES ATTRACTING EACH OTHER.

WOW, THAT MUST HAVE BEEN THE FIRST TIME MR. SUKUNA'S SPOKEN FOR SO LONG IN AN INTERVIEW, RIGHT? YOUR FANS, ME INCLUDED, ARE SHOCKED TO SAY THE LEAST. WOW...

KORE: *giggling at Sukuna, the latter looking away and coughing* SUKUNA TENDS TO BE VOCAL ABOUT THE THINGS HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT— THIS CONCEPT OF OPPOSITES ATTRACTING IS JUST ONE SUCH THING.

OHH. I SEE. AND DID THAT SAME THEORY OF OPPOSITES ATTRACTING PLAY A ROLE IN DECIDING YOUR OUTFITS TONIGHT?

KORE: *stays silent for a while before answering* YOU CAN SAY THAT... BUT TO BE HONEST, IT'S MUCH DEEPER THAN THAT. *shares a small, almost secretive smile with Sukuna*

OOH! NOW, I'M INTRIGUED— EXACTLY HOW DEEP DID THOSE REASONS BEHIND TONIGHT'S OUTFITS RUN, MS. KORE?

KORE: *huffs a chuckle* NOT VERY DEEP, I PROMISE!— BUT I ASSUME YOU KNOW TONIGHT'S THEME IS STAR-CROSSED LOVERS, DON'T YOU? AS DECIDED BY THE STUNNING HOST OF THE GALA, AND MY DARLING FRIEND, MARA [@margumis]?

YES, OF COURSE!!

KORE: *smiles widely* TONIGHT'S OUTFITS WERE INFLUENCED BOTH BY THAT AND BY WHAT YOU MENTIONED EARLIER. IN MY GREEN DRESS AND GOLDEN ACCESSORIES, YOU COULD SAY I'M THE PRINCESS FROM OUR SHOW– ROYAL, ELEGANT & A SYMBOL OF JOYFUL ENERGY, AS THE COLOUR GREEN DEPICTS. SUKUNA: AND MY RED & BLACK TUX REFERS TO THE EVIL KING OF CURSES— THE POLAR OPPOSITE TO THIS SWEET LADY. *sends a very conspicuous wink to Kore*

THE VISION'S GETTING MUCH CLEARER NOW... BUT WHERE IS THE THEME OF THE STAR-CROSSED– YOU DID NOT JUST CALL THEM STAR-CROSSED LOVERS 'CAUSE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS THEY'RE FACING CURRENTLY, DID YOU? ARE THEY NOT GOING TO HAVE A HAPPY ENDING? OH MY GOSH... IS THIS YOU BOTH POSSIBLY GIVING THE WORLD A SPOILER RIGHT NOW?

SUKUNA: *glancing at Kore with a smirk* AT THIS MOMENT, WE DO SEEM TO BE A BIT STAR-CROSSED, DON'T WE, MY QUEEN? *Kore nods, muffling her laughter with a palm*

WELP, DEAR VIEWERS— SEEMS LIKE THIS IS THE MOST WE CAN KNOW FROM OUR BELOVED ROYAL COUPLE— NOW, RETURNING TO THE IRL DUO– WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THE OTHER'S OUTFIT?

KORE: NOTHING— EXCEPT THE FACT HE LOOKS A LEGIT FIVE-COURSE MEAL IN THAT SUIT, MAYBE? SUKUNA: *sighing deeply* I WISH GETO WAS YOUR MENTOR IN PLACE OF THAT GOJO– HE IS A TALENTED ACTOR BUT A PATHETIC TEACHER. MORESO IN THE FIELD OF ROMANCE. YOU CHOSE THE WORST PERSON EVER TO ASK FOR TIPS. KORE: *coos, moving to pinch Sukuna's cheeks* BUT THEY'RE WORKING ON YOU, AREN'T THEY? SEE, HOW PINK HIS CHEEKS HAVE TURNED! ALMOST AS MUCH AS HIS HAIR— HAHAHA–

IT PAINS ME TO INTERRUPT THIS CUTE MOMENT BETWEEN YOU TWO— BUT, SADLY I'VE HIGHER AUTHORITIES TO ANSWER IF I DON'T ASK YOU ALL THESE QUESTIONS ON THE SCRIPT—

KORE: *moves a bit away with a sheepish smile* UM, SORRY!! PLEASE ASK. SUKUNA: *rights his clothes, then smiles politely* YES, PLEASE CONTINUE.

THANK YOU!! SO, MS. KORE, CONSIDERING THIS IS YOUR DEBUT GALA, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?

KORE: I'M TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH THE ENTIRE CONCEPT OF THE BLR GALA '23!! INCREDIBLY NOVEL. INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL. MARA, MY SWEETEST ANGEL, I'M SIMPLY IN AWE OF YOUR MARVELLOUS BRAIN, GIRL! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PLANNING THIS!!! AND I LOVE YOU!!!

WHAT ABOUT YOU, MR. SUKUNA? THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME ATTENDING THESE EVENTS WITH SOMEONE BESIDE YOU, ISN'T IT? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

SUKUNA: *shares a brief yet visibly soft look with Kore, before looking ahead* I'M VERY HAPPY, HAVING KORE BY MY SIDE. BESIDES BEING A WONDERFUL CO-STAR, SHE IS ALSO AN AMA—

*A loud yell of Sukuna's name interrupts him. The camera moves from them, to Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru in the distance, the white-haired man jumping up and down with an exuberant beam while his black-haired companion waves his hand. Kore and Sukuna look at each other once, the former with a bright grin & the latter with a sigh, before looking at the interviewer.*

SUKUNA: *smiling apologetically* I'M SORRY BUT IF THEY'RE HERE, THE REST OF THE GANG TOO WILL BE HERE PRETTY SOON— KORE: WE'RE SORRY BUT I THINK WE OUGHT TO CUT THE INTERVIEW A LITTLE SHORT NOW. *offers a contrite smile*

OH, PLEASE DON'T BE SORRY!! I GET IT. WE ALL GET IT. THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. SUKUNA & MS. KORE, FOR ATTENDING THIS INTERVIEW. I, ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE ELSE, WISH YOU AND YOUR SHOW A STELLAR FUTURE AHEAD! WE ARE CERTAIN JUJUTSU KAISEN WILL BE AN IMMENSE SUCCESS!!! THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!!

KORE: *bows* THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SWEET WISHES! WE'LL BE SURE TO NEVER DISAPPOINT YOU ALL. SUKUNA: *bows* THANK YOU ALL.

*With a happy goodbye and another whispered apology from Kore, and a small smile from Sukuna, both of them walk in the direction of their co-stars and friends– where, sure enough, many more well-known faces can be viewed. The camera returns to the inerviewer after a moment.*

WISH WE HAD MORE TIME TO ASK THEM MORE QUESTIONS, DEAR VIEWERS— BUT ONE THING REMAINS UNQUESTIONED. MR. SUKUNA & MS. KORE HAVE AN IMMENSE POTENTIAL TO BE ONE OF THE LOVELIEST COUPLES IN THE– HUH??

*The camera shifts from the astonished face of the interviewer, to where Sukuna and Kore are walking. Hand-in-hand. The camera lingers there for a moment before going back to the interviewer. The latter blinks at the camera– with a mildly disbelieving yet an excited smile, nonetheless.*

THE SHIP IS VERY CLOSE TO SAILING— OR HAS IT ALREADY SAILED, FOLKS?

[thevoidscreams]

Hi if you're still taking primarch request could you do something with the lion he gets so few fics

The Lioness and The Lion

Short but sweet, this was the first thing to come to mind. I hope it's okay.

Rated E for 'eeew they're in love'

Just fluff and kisses, mentions of emotions and stuff. The L word too.

The rock had been so quiet without your love. You'd waited patiently every day for his awakening. And the Watchers had taken you down, everyday, to see him. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. But you missed him terribly.

The years passed by, and you watched him change. It was nearly imperceptible. Even as your own perpetually youthful body stayed the same, you aged in mind and spirit. Growing sharper and honing those razor-sharp skills that the Lion had bestowed upon you. Now, even human, you were as deadly as the best of them.

Still, you waited. Suddenly, the watchers did not allow you entry anymore. For days you tried and were rebuffed, sent off to sulk and train.

'The Lion has returned' you were the last to hear it, and it infuriated and frustrated you.

You were his spouse for crying out loud.

You tried to find out his location, but it seemed like every time it was somewhere else. So you stayed on the rock. Sat on your hands and your anger and just trained. Day in and day out, till your body was sweat slicked and you were exhausted. What little time spent away from training was only essentials. Food, shower, sleep, awaken, and train the rest of the time.

It felt pointless. Even before you could at least go down there and see him. Rest your head on his chest and tell him you loved him in person.

Your sword slacked its thirst with the blood of a very unfortunate combat servitor. It didn't matter.

Tears dripped from your cheek as the edge of your blade touched the floor. It was something Lion would have chastised you for in the past. Now, even his chastisement would have been preferable.

"You know you aren't supposed to let it touch the floor. You'll dull its edge."

Your eyes went wide, and you turned with all the speed and excitement of a child. Almost clumsy as you dropped the blade, seeing the form of your most beloved in the doors of the training hall.

You don't even remember clearing the space between the two of you as you collided with his armored chest where he caught you.

"Lion! Oh, Lion, it is you!" The tears cam faster and harder now. Your body wrecked with sobs as he held and comforted you.

"Yes, my little Lioness. It is." He too felt close to tears. He'd wondered from the moment he was fully lucid again if you'd still be here if you'd have held out for him. The prideful side of him had hoped you would, that the vows you both made really would bind you both forever. Another small part of him felt sorrow that you'd endured all those years alone without him. And yet another, the part that loved you with all his heart, body, and soul was overflowing with happiness at seeing you again.

"Please forgive my tardiness, my Lioness. I did not intend for that to yake so long."

"All is forgiven, my love. All of it. Just please don't leave me like that again."

You kissed him, really kissed him for the first time in ten millenia, and it felt like heaven.

"There is much still to be done. I will need you by my side for it."

"Of course." You smiled despite the tears you attempted to scrub away. "You say that as if I'll ever leave your side again."

He laughed as his own tears began to flow, and he just held you.

"I would expect nothing else from my Lioness."

You both held each other till the tears stopped. And he swept you up from the floor, holding you tight to his chest.

"I love you, Lion."

"I love you too, my Lioness."

[lostfirefly]

Life Must Have It's Mysteries (Ch.7)

Nobody asked me, but the thought of sending my beloved couple on a new journey didn't let me go. Pain continues leading me to art :)

English is not my native language, errors may occur. As always, feel free to share your thoughts :) Masterlist is here.

Description: Buggy and Catherine (OC from my “You’ve Got the Same Dream as Me” series) continue searching for parts of the scepter.

Warnings: Fun, fluff, arguing, sadness, adventure, Buggy's inappropriate jokes, swearing (as always). Shitty shit again:)

Words: 8928 (sorry, this chapter is lo-o-ong, but it was impossible to split it :) Pour some tea and make yourself comfortable ^_^)

Taglist: @gingernut1314, @operationroots, @hey-august, @rorywritesjunk, @yujo-nishimura (I hope you still like it!)

The title is taken from “Life Must Have It's Mysteries” by Hans Zimmer (OST Inferno).

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

Smack. Smack. Smack.

“Cotton candy, please stop. My head hurts.” Buggy rested his forehead on the table. 

“Someone got too overjoyed yesterday and drank a lot, right? Should I order one more cup of coffee for you, my little bear?” Catherine straightened his ponytail and began stroking his back. 

They were sitting in a roadside cafe early in the morning. 

“I don't remember the drinks, but I remember what you did to me last night, bad, bad girl. You left me powerless, Catherine Mitchell.” Buggy lifted his head from the table and placed it on Catherine's shoulder. She immediately hugged him. 

She blushed. “I don’t understand how this happened. It was your fault.” 

“My fault?” He turned his head towards her and raised his eyebrows. “I’m wildly sorry, but it was you who asked for more and more, and please note that most of the time you were on top of me. And by the way. I wasn't the one who asked..” He started imitating her voice. “Listen, Buggy, are all your parts separated? I never asked you about that. What if you tried to detach your di~~”

Catherine kicked him with her foot.

“Ouch! For what?” 

“I hate you.” She reddened. 

“Yes! First “I hate you” for today.” Buggy snapped his fingers. “Oh, cotton candy, just admit that I’m like an amusement park to you. And the whole atmosphere is turning you on. And you love when I fuc~~” 

She pinched his arm. “Shhh, clown! Not here! We're in a decent place!” 

“Ouch! But I don't want to be silent! Let everyone in this fucking place know what I was doing to you. It was so good. Why should I remain silent?”

“It's called manners, Buggy.” Catherine exclaimed indignantly in a whisper. “People do not discuss intimate life in society. We talked about this too. Remember?” 

“Aw, come on. Where's the fun in that?” He settled under her armpit. “You know, Cathhie-pie, besides our hot nights, do you know what I love most? When... you... you know… you hug me. After sex or when I have breakfast, or when we sit on the couch together, doesn't matter. I lo... I love it so much when you hug me. I don’t feel lonely at times like this. I feel... you know... needed and safe. I want you... you know… to stay with me forever. Will you stay with me? I’ll be happy to be in your arms every day.” Buggy mumbled, closing his eyes. 

“Oh, looks like someone hasn't gotten over his beer yet. I love you too, my Buggy Bear. But you're still in the hangover stage if you're saying that to me aloud.” Catherine called the waitress with her fingers and motioned for two more cups of coffee and pancakes. “I ordered an extra cup of coffee for you and pancakes. You’ll be fine in ten minutes.”  She kissed the top of his head. 

“You always know what I need, my cotton candy. How do you do it?”

“Oh my god, do I have to answer this question?” Catherine laughed and stroked his head. “I don't know. Our relationship is new, but I know you better now. And even though you annoy me sometimes, I’m sure you deserve to be taken care of.”

He exhaled. “You seem like a smart girl, you went to university, read good books and met nice guys, but you got involved in a relationship with some lowlife man.”

“A smart girl knows who she's messing with. And don't say those terrible things about yourself. My heart aches for you. Honestly, I would kill whoever put that shit into your head.” The waitress came to the table and placed the order. “Your coffee and pancakes, my blue-haired jerk.” 

Buggy opened his eyes, sighed and sat up straight. He took a sip of coffee and stuck his fork into a large portion of pancakes. 

“Tasty?” Catherine stroked his head as he munched his breakfast. 

“Yeah. But your pancakes taste a million times better.” He said with a mouth full.

“Chew first, idiot.” Catherine moved her hand to his back and started stroking it. “I’ll make you the biggest portion when we get home.” She kissed him on the cheek. “God, you're so cute. I love you.”

Buggy swallowed the food and blushed. “Aren't you tired of repeating this yet?”

“Nope.” Smack. “You know, if you were a pirate, I could say that you just stole my heart. That's why it's hard for me to control myself sometimes. And that's why I love you so much.” Smack. Smack. “You’re not just the king of my heart, but.. oh, oh! I know! You could be the king of pirates!”

Buggy tensed and became a little anxious. “You're talking about piracy again. Stop telling this shit.” He cut a big piece of pancake with a fork and put it in his mouth. 

“I was joking, why are you so mad?” 

“I’m not mad.” He said with a mouth full. 

“Okay.” She removed her hand from his back. “By the way, while you were sleeping, I leafed through the notes a little and looked at the map. Next we need to move in this direction. But judging by the map, there will be no motels there, and we will have to spend the night in the open air. And on the second part of the scepter there are also some inscriptions. I don't understand their meaning yet, but we'll figure it out. In any case, we need to drive here for three or four hours. I can drive, if you want to rest.” 

“No, I'm fine. Well, I’m done with pancakes.” Buggy put his cap on his head and clapped his hands together. “I'll go fill up the tank. Order me one coffee to go. I'll be right back.”

“Okay.” Catherine kissed him on the cheek, in an attempt to defuse the situation, he silently got up from the table and went outside. Catherine ordered two more large coffees and asked for the bill. The waitress returned a couple of minutes later, and put the check on the table. 

“Five. Seven. Ten. Damn. I'm out of cash.” Catherine checked all the pockets. “Oh, wait!” She saw that Buggy had left his jeans jacket and reached into the inside pocket. “He left it again.” She opened his wallet and took out the required amount of money, 

“25 dollars. That's it now.” The waitress smiled, took the money and left. Catherine noticed her photo in his wallet and decided to take it out to look. “What I didn't expect was to see my photo here. You surprise me, Buggy the Clown. What is this?”

There was one other picture. 

“Fuck, I forgot my wallet. W-What are you doing?” Buggy stared at her.  

“What?” 

“Why are you rummaging through my things?” He pointed at her with his hand. 

“I'm not. The waitress came up with the bill, I didn’t have enough cash, I saw that you forgot your jacket and wallet again, and took money to pay the bill. Then I saw my photo and I wanted to take a closer look. By the way, I’m surprised to see me here. But can you tell me...” She was holding in her hands a photo where he was in prison clothes. “Is this your photo from prison? Why do you keep it?”

“Give it to me!” Buggy snatched the wallet and photographs from her hands. “I asked you not to touch my things.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose. Why are you so angry?!” 

“I’m not angry.” He grabbed his jeans jacket and went out. 

“Hey! Wait!” Catherine jumped up, threw her bag over her shoulder and ran after him. She caught up with him on the street. “Hey, you, clown! Stop! What's wrong again? What did I say?” 

“Nothing.” Buggy muttered, leaning on the car. 

“So if I didn't say anything, why are you freaking out?”

“I’m not! Why do you always do this, Catherine?” He hissed through his teeth. “You search and sniff out something. I re-hid everything, and then you found it again. Do you do it on purpose?” 

“Score, Buggy!” She showed her thumb. “You're a master of communication. I'm glad you're scared of me enough that you hide your things.” Catherine opened the car door, grabbed her sweatshirt, and walked toward the café. 

“Where are you going?” 

“Home!” She barked. 

“Are you crazy? We're in the middle of the desert! Come back!” 

“Fuck you! I'll catch the first car I come across and go home. I don't care who will be driving a fishman, a cyborg, or some rubber boy.”

Catherine took a few steps forward and felt his hand grab her bag. “Let me go, Buggy!” The hand pulled her back. “I said, let me go!” She threw back his hand and took three more steps forward. 

She stopped, turned around and looked at him. Buggy looked confused. “Seriously, clown?” Catherine clasped her hands. “Is that all? All you can do to stop me is use your chop chop thing?” 

“What do you expect? So I'd run after you, and the desert wind would ruffle my hair.” Buggy attached his hand back and crossed his arms. 

“It would be nice.” Catherine laughed and took a step forward. “I'm sorry I took your things.” Step. 

“I'm also sorry that you took my things.” He took a step towards her too. 

“Ass.” Step. “I don't want you to be afraid of me.” Step. 

“I just…” Step.

“And if you're worried that I found this fucking prison photo, then I'll surprise you.” Step. 

“How?” Step. 

“Hello, I’m sure we know each other. I’m your girlfriend - Catherine Mitchell, and I don't care.” Step. 

Catherine looked at his surprised face, tiptoed closer, and buried her head in his chest. She took his hand with one hand, hugged his back with the other, and began stroking his palm with her finger. “I’m not stupid, Buggy. I know that you’re hiding something from me. Well, you were in prison, so what. I don't give a shit. I'm sure you're not some kind of maniac. Maybe you stole geese.” She laughed. “When you’ll be ready to talk about your past, then we’ll talk, okay? We discussed it, remember? You can tell me anything you want, only when you’re ready.” 

“Fine.” Buggy hugged her. 

“So, you're not angry at me anymore? Are we okay?” She snuggled closer to him.

“Yeah.” He kissed the top of her head. “I forgot to say, cotton candy, I like your braid you're wearing today.”

“Thanks! We look alike today, right? By the way, you are very hot in that photo. And you keep me in your wallet.” Catherine raised her head and looked into his eyes. “That means I take a special spot in your heart, right?” 

“Please don't make me say the obvious, little shit.” He stroked her cheek. “Better tell me, where are we going?” 

⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭

“Judging by your reaction, we are near something interesting.” Buggy looked at Catherine, who was squealing again as she sat on the ground. 

“I'm going crazy now!” She clenched her fists, closed her eyes and started kicking her legs. 

“Just now?” 

“Don't mock me, clown! Do you know what this is?” Catherine pointed at the pyramid with white outer casing stone at the very top. 

“Why do you ask all the time if you know the answer? Cathie-pie, everything is simple with us. You tell me where to go, I will take you there. And where I’m taking you, to be honest, I barely understand.” Buggy scratched his cheek. 

“This's the Pyramid of Khafre!!” She pulled his hand and he plopped down next to her.

“Geeez, woman!” He snatched his severed hand from her hands. “Pull more carefully! And I have no idea who this Kha-what-is-his-name is.”

“Khafre was the son of Cheops.” Catherine grabbed Buggy by the shoulder and started shaking him

“Whose son?” He glanced at her with a surprise look. 

“Oh, god! I live with an idiot! Cheops was one of the famous kings.” Catherine rolled her eyes. “And this's the second-tallest pyramid in the world. You live here, how can you not know this?”

“Cotton candy, dead dudes buried under a ton of sand don't interest me until I know they can make me rich.” 

“You know, this pyramid is unique in that the remains of the original cladding have been preserved in its upper part!! I can't beli-i-eve-e-e!!” Catherine fell on her back and began kicking her legs, squealing. She rolled onto her buttocks, looked at Buggy and threw herself on his neck with a squeal. “Love!” Smack. “Love!” Smack. “Love, love, love you!” Smack. Smack. Smack. “I'm so glad I can share this adventure with you!” Smack. Smack. 

“I'm glad that I can bring you so much joy, not only in bed. If you know what I mean.” Buggy giggled idiotically and hugged Catherine around her waist. 

“You're disgusting!” She sat on the ground and started stroking his hand. 

“I thought we figured out that a long time ago.” Buggy lightly snapped Catherine’s nose. “So, my Egyptian girl, where should we go?” 

“Oh, sure!” She pulled out a map and notepad from her bag and placed them on her lap. “So, let me look. To the right. To the left. You will be surprised, my blue-haired love, but we're gonna look for the burial room again.” 

“Lord, these pharaohs had no imagination.” He rolled his eyes. 

“What do you think, part of the secret scepter will lie somewhere at the entrance under your feet?” 

“It would be nice.” 

“No, everything is simple here. The pharaohs believed that after death they would become gods, so they built themselves huge tombs to place everything they needed for life in the afterlife.” Catherine ran her finger over the map. “You see? Now we will pass through the valley of the temples. But there is one problem. The only entrance that is indicated in the records is on the eastern side. And there are also a lot of tourists here, since this pyramid is part of the most popular route.” 

“Oh, if it means we can hide behind the sarcophagus again, and you'll be on top of me, then I don't mind tourists.” Buggy winked. 

Catherine looked at him, narrowing her eyes. “How did I even get in touch with you?” 

“You just couldn't resist my charm!” Buggy lay down on the sand with his hand behind his head. 

“Charm? Are you kidding me? You'd been tormenting and pissing me off for days!”

“So in the end, I was able to conquer you.” He poked Catherine in the side with his finger. 

“And I don't understand how it happened.” She looked at him and ran her hand over his ponytail. “So. Shall we go?” 

Buggy stood up and offered her his hand. Catherine kissed him on the nose, hearing another “stop it” in response, and put the papers in her bag. They took with them water, flashlights and small hatchets. They walked slowly and reached the entrance to the alley of temples. 

“Damn. We have to buy a ticket to get in. Really?” Catherine rolled her eyes.

“Huh, I've never had to buy a ticket to see someone and then rob that someone later.” Buggy scratched his head. 

Catherine took his hand and pulled him towards the cash register, trying not to attract too much attention. They bought tickets and went towards the alley of temples. 

“You didn't have to grab my ass while we were standing in line.” Catherine said as she held the tickets in her hands.

“I didn't do anything. It wasn't me. It was someone else.” Buggy shrugged his shoulders. 

“Yeah, lie more, you would have killed that someone else on the spot. Okay, now you and I will walk through the alley, and from there we will go into the pyramid. But since there are so many people here, we may have to stay longer somewhere to take a close look. I will tell you something, and you pretend that you don’t understand and want to look at something better.”

“Geeez! I don’t even need to pretend that I don’t understand.” 

They entered the territory. Catherine happily showed and told Buggy about the Sphinx, the history of the pyramid and the temples. He looked at her with admiration. They went to the valley, which was built with huge limestone stones, its walls were covered with sixteen blocks of red-pink granite. The floor of the temple was laid out of alabaster stones and the lobby was open to the sky. 

“Look, look!” Catherine tugged at Buggy's hand. “Do you see these traces near the columns? Khafre’s monuments stood here.”

“Apparently, he was everyone’s favorite, since his Egyptian people helped him build such an alley.” He looked at the walls with interest. 

“Actually no. He was a tyrant and was considered one of the bloodiest rulers. I think he was just a piece of shit. Oh, oh! See!” Catherine pointed her hand at the columns. “You see that light? This light penetrated into the temple through holes in the ceiling, and illuminated each statue. That’s so amazing. Can you believe that this is the real history of mankind? Oh, my blue-haired love, thank you so, so much for this trip.” 

Buggy hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “Always welcome.” He was glad to see her happy face, but he was afraid of saying it to her. 

“Sorry, I’m too emotional.” Catherine clapped her hands. “Okay! Let’s check where we should go next!” She took out a map and a notepad, ran her fingers over the sheets, and felt Buggy put his chin on her shoulder. 

She reached her hand and scratched his head. “Look. Inside, everything is quite simple, there are only two passages that will lead us to the tomb. We need the lower one. Also, the notes say that there we need to look for a “sign of the soul” and I don’t yet understand what it means.”

Catherine took Buggy’s hand and dragged him to the lower entrance, which began at about ground level. As they entered the short descending pass through the lower entrance, they descended until the passageway levels off. This was a way, which looked like almost a hallway, with a large empty recess in the wall on the left side. To the right, across from the recess, was a short descending passageway leading to a chamber. 

“There is no sarcophagus here. Only a pointed ceiling. And you see, there are almost no drawings on the walls at all. The decoration is quite simple. Apparently this Khafre had a bad imagination. This chamber may have served for storage of offering material or treasure.” Catherine looked carefully at the ceiling. “Wait! You see? Do you see the drawing there? Something like stars, similar to the constellation Ursa Major. To tell the truth, this is the only constellation that I can identify. It was used to designate g~. Quiet!” She fell silent abruptly when a group of tourists entered the room. 

They began to wander around the chamber and Catherine told the story of the pyramid.

“Shh, go to her. Ask her, she seems to know something.” Catherine heard a whisper behind her.

“Sorry!” Someone tapped her on the back with a finger. Catherine turned around and saw a slim young man. He wore a yellow hoodie, with black sleeves and black hood, and a northern-style fur hat.

“It seems my friend and I are a little lost.” The man pointed his finger at a man, wearing a beige overall, and a black cap with a yellow brim. “And you tell the story of the pyramid so beautifully that it seemed to me that you could help us. Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Trafalgar Law, and this is my friend Penguin.” He extended his hand.

“Catherine. Catherine Mitchell.” She extended her hand to him, which Law immediately kissed. Catherine quickly pulled her hand back. “And this’s my almost husband Buggy.” She looked at Buggy, who was turning red with jealousy.

“Nice to meet you, Catherine. We came on vacation and decided to explore the local sightseeing. But no one told me that among the old, decrepit mummies I would meet a beautiful, smart girl.” Law smiled. “Anyway. We’re looking for this room. I’ve never seen burial rooms, I really want to see them. Sounds interesting. Can you tell me where it is?” He showed the map that was handed out at the entrance to the pyramids and unfolded it in front of Catherine. 

“Yes, of course. Look. You now need to go straight along the corridor, then turn to the right, then left again, and you will come out to the sarcophagus.” 

“Thank you, beauty!” He took her hand again and kissed it. 

“Listen, Traffic Slaw or whatever your name is. Stop grabbing my hand. This is the way you need to go!” She pointed her finger towards the passage. 

Law and his friend shrugged and walked away. Catherine took Buggy's hand, the grinding of whose teeth seemed to be heard throughout Egypt, and began to run her finger over his palm. 

“Are you okay?” She asked quietly. 

“Yeah. Just another handsome man decided to flirt with you at the bottom of the pyramid. This kind of thing happens all the time.” Buggy grumbled under his breath. 

“I love it when you're jealous.” She kissed him on the cheek. 

“I’m not jealous! A shitty bastard grabbing your hands. This is absolutely normal. Big deal!” 

“Liar!” She kissed him on his cheek. “Okay! Let’s get back to our search. I showed you a drawing of a constellation. This is how the god Amset was depicted before. But I still can’t understand why he’s here. His tail points towards the same path where these guys went. But as I told you, there aren't many ways around here. So let's go, my blue-haired love.” She tiptoed, kissed him on the nose and dragged him further along the corridors.

They left the chamber and turned to the right. At the end of the passageway lies a ramp which ascends into the next hallway. They climbed the ramp, and saw the rough dressed granite lined passageway that leads back up to the higher entrance on the north side. 

“Yes! You see? This way will lead us to the main burial chamber.” Catherine whispered. She took a flashlight out of her bag, turned it on and shined it on the walls. 

“And who is this?” Buggy pointed to the drawings on the wall. “Some kind of winged dude.”

“Where?” Catherine ran up to the drawing and shone the light on it. “Oh my god! It's not a winged dude, Buggy. It's Ba! Do you know who this is?” She looked at him with a smile. 

“Cotton candy, seriously! Are you kidding me, or is this your strange way of bullying?” 

“Ba was considered a life essence and was depicted as a bird with the head of a man. Wow!” Catherine carefully moved her hand over the drawing. “Wait.. The sign of soul. It’s.. Quiet!” 

They saw the light of lanterns flashing around the bend, and soon another group of tourists appeared. Catherine started telling stories again about the drawings she had seen on the wall. The tourists stood in one place for a long time, sighing joyfully, looking at the drawings, and finally left.

Catherine began to look at the wall again. “That's why the sign of the soul. Ba is the soul of a person. Look. The wings of the bird are pointing in that direction. Towards the tomb. Wait.” She pulled out the map and notes again. “You see? This path is indicated on the map. So we are going right.” She jumped up happily and clapped her hands. 

Catherine grabbed Buggy’s hand and took him further. They reached a chamber which was long and wide. There was a black granite sarcophagus in this room, in that it was built to be sunken into the floor. The lid, which was no longer attached, lay propped up next to the coffer near the wall.

“What the fuck?” Buggy asked loudly, looking at the sarcophagus. “It’s opened!”.

“Be quiet, young man!” An old woman from a tourist group was standing nearby, muttered with displeasure and hit Buggy on the leg with her cane. “Learn some manners!” 

“You're old fu~” Buggy looked at Catherine and suddenly fell silent.

The whole scene made her laugh. “I’m sorry, mam. He's just very happy to see the sarcophagus.”

“Idiots!” The woman mumbled. 

Catherine couldn't stop laughing, Buggy looked at her dissatisfied. “Oh, I’m sorry, my silly clown. That was so funny.” She hugged him and noticed how the old woman shook her head, glancing at them.

While the group of tourists remained in the room for some time, Catherine started telling stories about myths and the pyramid again. Finally, the tourists left.

“So what now?” Buggy asked in a whisper. “This thing is open, there are no traces of this fucking pharaoh. Our journey was in vain? Are you sure that the third part of the scepter is here? Maybe this is the wrong pyramid?” 

“Don’t ramble, clown! Give me a minute.” She sat down on the sand and took out her notes. “We're definitely in the right place and the right pyramid. Wait! The drawing of Ba, according to myths, should be on the sarcophagus.” She jumped and ran to the coffin. “I’ll check the frame, you inspect the lid. Look for the bird with a human head.”

“Fuck! Every Egyptian god here has the head of a bird. How will I recognize him?!” Buggy mumbled, took another flashlight from Catherine's bag and walked over to the lid. “Damn, it's heavy!” He took it and began to carefully turn the lid. 

“You are so strong, my love!” Catherine watched as Buggy blushed. “Found anything?” “Wait! Not yet!” He moved the flashlight over the lid. “I don't see the bird, but I see something which looks like a drawing of a man with a crown on his head, and his arms raised up.”

“Where? Where?” She ran up behind him and climbed onto his back.

“Oh, I wish I could be behind you right now. If you know what I mean.” He grinned and felt Catherine slapped him on the head. “Ouch!”

“Stop thinking only about sex, Buggy! Please, focus on our case!”

“It's very hard to think about our case when you're sitting on me, cotton candy.” He laughed idiotically. “Look, this guy with his hands. Is he important?” 

Catherine leaned her head over his shoulder. “It's Ka!” She started kicking her legs. “Look, look! Here is the inscription on the lid. 

“Do I live or die, Osiris. 

I enter and reappear through you. 

I disintegrate in you. 

I grow in you. 

I am not destroyed.”

This is the prayer of the soul. You’re doing great!” She kissed him in the temple and saw him blushed again. 

She jumped off his back and began walking in circles, waving her arms. “Ba, Ka.. Ka is the life force. According to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, Ka lives in a statue of a person or god. Ba is the soul and consisted of the totality of a person’s feelings and emotions. But Ka remained in the burial vault.”

Buggy kept a close eye on Catherine, who paced back and forth, muttering something under her breath and had little idea what she was talking about. 

“Amset! That's why there was Amset's symbol! And that's why there's a constellation on the ceiling again!” Catherine stopped abruptly and stared at Buggy. “Amset was one of the sons of Horus, and he was responsible for preserving the soul. Do you understand?”

“Actually, not very much.” He shook his head. 

Catherine waved her hand at him and continued to wander from side to side. “Wait. We found the first half of the scepter in the pyramid, in which the gods were responsible for birth. In the second, where the gods were responsible for death. Do you understand what I'm getting at?” Catherine looked at Buggy.

“That... I don’t know. That the Egyptians had many gods.. for all occasions?” He shrugged. 

“No, idiot! This part of the scepter is responsible for life. If you put all the parts of the scepter together, they seem to reflect the life cycle, you know? Birth, life, death.”

Buggy scratched his head. “But we don't have the third part of the scepter!”

“The myths say that Amset comes to illuminate the Ka's path.” Catherine began running her hands along the walls again. “Wait. There are more drawings here. This is Sakh. This is a human body. This’s Ib - the heart. It was believed that the heart was formed at the moment of conception and the whole life was imprinted on it. Think, Catherine, think.” She walked up to Buggy, looked at him, and buried the top of her head in his chest. “I don't know. I don't understand.”

He gently placed his hands on her back. “You know everything.”

“I don't know.”

“Cathie-pie, you're the smartest girl I've ever met. Seriously! You know everything. Calm down and think.”

Catherine flopped to the ground and took down her notes again. She sat on the floor for a long time and muttered something under her breath. Buggy sat down next to her and looked at her with interest. He didn’t notice how he gently touched her hand with his fingertips while she was moving it over the paper.

“Don't distract me, Buggy.” She smiled slightly. 

“I don’t…” He abruptly removed his hand and blushed. He glanced at the wall and felt her hand run through his hair.

“No, no!” Catherine flipped through the pages. “Oh! Wait! The notes say that the sky must touch the earth in order to close the cycle of life. What does this mean?” 

“I hate Egypt.” Buggy stood up. “ Why can't they just write how easy to find anything? Why did they have to bury something somewhere and come up with stupid clues for it? It would be easier if it was like, “Hey, Buggy, here's the key to my treasure. Take it and enjoy your life!” He kicked the wall. “Crap!” 

“Did you hit it hard?” Catherine looked at him with concern.

“No, I’m fine.” He glanced at the floor. “Hey, Cathie-pie, there’s also the same pattern under your feet, similar to the one on the ceiling. Why did they do it twice?” 

“Where, where?” She jumped up and ran to him. 

“Here.” He pointed to the floor. “I don't understand your Egyptian shit, but doesn't it look like what's pictured there.” He glanced at the ceiling.

Catherine looked at the floor and ceiling. “Interesting!” She touched parts of the drawing on the floor. “These things are clicking.”

“Wow, the Egyptians are so original. Every second thing in their fucking pyramids moves or clicks.” Buggy rolled his eyes and said sarcastically.

“Sh-h-h! Wait! Amset is responsible for the soul. That is, from the earth to the sky. We just need to click the drawing on the floor to create the Ursa Major. And you see this drawing on the floor? This is a variation on the star clock. They were used for night services in temples or ritual ceremonies.”

“You know, I think you should'd been out more, cotton candy. “ Buggy exhaled sadly. 

“Screw you! Okay! The drawing is located as if the clock is one in the morning. According to myths, Amset comes to the soul at one o'clock in the morning. It's easy!” Catherine clapped her hands and squealed. 

Buggy looked at her without blinking. “Yeah, much easier.”

“See all those drawings on the wall? This is what a person has during life. Heart, shadow, soul. But the sign of the soul itself stands directly under the constellation. I'll open my notes now, I need to see what the Ursa Major looks like so that we don't confuse anything.” Catherine took out a notebook and began to compare the drawing on the floor, ceiling and in the notes. She began to show Buggy with her hand which slab should be clicked. 

“So what now?” He asked, clicking the last slab in place. 

“I don’t know.” Catherine ran her hand along the walls. 

“Maybe we assembled it wrong?” Buggy sat down on the floor.

“No, it’s impossible. Everything matches completely. But wait. What if.. The constellation doesn’t all appear at once, right? It clearly appears in pieces. What if we assembled it exactly in the order in which the brightest stars begin to appear, and then all the rest? But I have no idea how this happens. Maybe this…” She heard him begin to click the slabs. “How are you?.. What are you doing?” 

“I'm clicking this fucking thing in the order you just said.” Buggy muttered under his breath.

“But how do you know the order?” Catherine watched him with round eyes. 

“Well, let’s just say that at one point in my life it came in handy.” 

“You are full of secrets and mysteries, clown.” She watched with interest as he clicked small plates. 

“Something like that.” He dusted off his hands, sat on the floor and looked at her. “What?” 

“Nothing. You did great!” Catherine ran her hand over his head. 

“So what now?” 

“I don't know.” She ran her hand over the clock’s drawing and heard a crash. 

“What did you do?” Buggy looked at the wall. 

“I don't know.” Catherine ran her hand and pressed the sign of the soul. They watched without stopping as the hatch in the floor opened. 

“What's there?” Buggy stuck his head into the crack and narrowed his eyes. “There's something there. Stairs and some kind of black box in the center.” 

“Let me see.” Catherine sat down and lowered her head into the crack. “I'm ready to bet anything, but I'm sure there's a third... Quiet. Do you hear? Steps again! Oh, people, are you serious?! Okay! We stand still and block this passage with ourselves.” 

The two of them quickly rose from the ground and as soon as they stood on the wall, a family with a child entered the hall. The child, seeing the clown, was very happy and began to pester Buggy with questions about whether he could do it right now a dog from a balloon, does his nose honk, why does he look so strange. 

“I'll kill the little shit myself!” He hissed, kicking the child away. 

“Why are they still here? This is one of the most boring burial chambers I've ever seen!” Catherine asked Buggy in a whisper, glancing at the family, who were walking in circles. “Oh! I don't believe I'm saying this, but grab my ass. Maybe they will feel embarrassed and leave the room?” 

“Oh, with all the pleasure!” Buggy giggled idiotically and at that same second, Catherine felt his hand on her buttocks. She blushed and glanced at the family. They reddened and quickly left the chamber, covering the child's eyes. 

“Great! The child saw the clown grabbing my ass!” Catherine covered her red face with her hands. 

“Oh, come on! He will be fine. Let him see it better now, judging by his dad, he doesn’t even know about such things.” Buddy smiled widely. 

“I hate you. We ruined his life.” She mumbled in her palms. 

“Just the second "I hate you." Honey, you're late today.” Buggy removed Catherine’s hands from her face.  “Focus, Cathie-pie!”

“Oh, yes!” She rubbed her hands, sat down on her knees and looked through the crack again. “Shall we go there?” 

“What? No! I won't let you in there, I'll check it myself.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Listen, I may be a coward sometimes, but never in my life will I allow you to climb into some small room into which a passage opened in the old pyramid.” He blushed, walked down the stairs and walked towards the black box. “This is not a box, Catherine. Another sarcophagus. I’ll try to open it with the hatchet.” He whispered, took out the hatchet and tried to open the lid of the sarcophagus. “Doesn’t work. Do you have any brilliant ideas how can I open it?”

“Wait! I have something written down in a notebook.” She quickly took out the notes. “Not that. Not that. I found! I found it!” She lowered her head to the crack and began to read. 

“Osiris goes to his essence, 

Set goes to his essence, 

He who has the eye ahead goes to his essence. 

And you go to your essence. 

Your purity is the purity of the gods, going to their essences. 

Your purity is the purity of the gods, who departed so as not to experience suffering.”

Essence is the soul. Is there something with a soul sign there? We need to help Amset find Ka and Ba, and he will lead them to the kingdom of the dead.”

“Wait! Here on the lid are this guy with his hands up, your bird and the other one you were talking about. Also, a bird. But the first one's arms are down.” 

“Try to raise them. And I have it written down that Ka and Ba need to turn towards Amset. In general, move the man with the hands and the bird towards the man with the bird's head, okay?” 

“Okay.” 

Catherine looked through the gap behind him. “Is everything okay?” 

“Yes. Wait, those guys are heavy. J-j-ust.. One. Moment. Yes! Fucking gods. Turned it around. What’s next?” 

“Wait a minute! So..” She heard a noise and looked through the crack again. “What is it? What have you done?” 

“I didn't do anything! These Egyptian guys clicked, and it seems the lid opened. Wait!” Catherine heard Buggy groan as he pulled back the lid and began rummaging through the sarcophagus. “Why do these things stink. Fuck, the smell is disgusting. Wait! Cathie-pie!” 

“What?” 

“Yeah, baby! I think, I found it!” Buggy was joyfully twirling part of the scepter in his hands when he heard a crash. “What was that?” 

“I don't know…” Catherine looked around. “Shit! The passage is closing! Get back quickly!” 

“Fuck!” Buggy quickly ran to the stairs. 

“Damn you, Egyptians pharaohs and your traps!” Catherine tried to hold the closing stone. 

“Damn. I’ve dropped the scepter!” 

“Fuck this shit! Get out!!” 

“Already picked it up, don’t worry!” 

“This shit is closing!” Catherine watched as Buggy ran to the stairs and began to climb. “Come on! I don't know how to hold back the Egyptian doors!” 

“I'm coming!” As soon as he got out, the passage slammed shut. “A couple more seconds, and you could become the widow of the clown pharaoh, cotton candy.” Buggy said, sitting down on the ground. 

“Idiot!” She hit him in the shoulder. “You could have used your chop chop thing to get out faster!” She hit him once again and hugged him.  “Are you okay?!” 

“You just beat me up, and you're asking me if I'm okay?”

“Don’t ever do that again, please!” Catherine hugged Buggy tightly and kissed his temple. “Next time use your chop chop thing. I don't want you to stay in some fucking Egyptian trap.”

“Cathie-pie, I’m Buggy the Clown. I would have found a way out anyway. And by the way! Is this what we were looking for?” He joyfully turned the part of the scepter in his hand.

⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥫⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭⥭

“You know, cotton candy, I think it's going to rain.” Buggy squinted at the sky. 

“Yes, you and I are lucky. To manage to get caught in a rare rain in the desert.” Catherine hugged him from behind, “Well, we don’t have many options. Or sit in the rain, but I don’t know how this will affect you. I don't want you to get hurt. Actually, we have food and booze. We can settle into the car and spend the night in it. Sounds interesting, right?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Then get everything we need from the trunk, I’ll fry the sausages before it rains.” 

While Buggy was dragging the plaid, pillow, snacks, and beer into the car from the trunk, Catherine quickly build a fire and fry sausages. 

“Do you need help?” He asked, approaching her. 

“No, I'm almost done. Get in the car, it's about to start raining.” Catherine drove him away with a branch. “Shoo, clown!” 

As soon as it started to rain, she grabbed the sausages, threw them into the box and ran squealing into the car. 

“Haha, I made it!” Catherine placed the box on the panel. “So, what do we have here? Warm french fries. See? I told you that buying a thermal bag was a cool idea. Chips, cookies, grapes, chocolate, beer.” She brushed her slightly wet hair out of her face and felt his hands pushing her wet braid back. 

“You're soaked.” Buggy took off his sweatshirt and threw it on her.

“Who? Me? No. I’m fine. Let's start. Bread, sausage, and lots and lots of ketchup and mustard for my little bear.” She quickly made a hot dog and put it in his hands. “Eat. You're hungry.” 

“Yes!” He took a bite of the hot dog. “I got you a blanket and a pillow, they are lying in the back seat.” 

“Thanks! You’re so caring.”

Catherine watched as he contentedly chewed his hot dog and washed it down with beer. “Tasty?” She stroked his head. He nodded, taking a bite of the sausage. 

“Shit, I need to change my t-shirt. The one I’m wearing right now is still damp.” She crawled from the front seat to the back. “Oh, I see your t-shirt is here, I’ll take it. And don’t look at me in the rearview mirror.” 

Catherine took off his sweatshirt, began taking off her t-shirt and glanced at Buggy, who was already staring at the mirror. “Hey! What did I tell you?” 

“I’m not looking at you. I’m looking at.. At cars and camels. Over there.” He pointed his finger at nowhere. “You just can't see them because of the rain.”

“Jackass!” She changed the t-shirt, put his sweatshirt back on, sat on her knees in the back seat and leaned forward. “Give me french fries.” Buggy calmly handed her a box of potatoes and put two sausages in it. 

“Thank you!” She kissed him on his cheek, took the beer from his hands and took a sip. “Bliss! Well, I guess we're stuck here until morning. It's not worth driving on sand in the rain, and you need to rest.” 

“Apparently, yes.” He grabbed the bottle back. 

“Well, at least your car is comfortable.” Catherine pecked him on the cheek a few more times, and quickly put several potato sticks in her mouth. 

“What's wrong with you? Why do you always do this?” Buggy tried his best to appear dissatisfied.

“I just love my little bear.” She stroked his shoulder. “I’m so happy that I spend time with you searching for treasures. Who would have told me about this a year ago, when I was working in the library and dating Mickie Squicky.” Catherine watched as Buggy’s face tensed and changed.

“Squicky? Life punished him. And what did you do with that Minty?” 

“He's Mickie. Nothing special. Regular dates, you know. We went to the movies, for walks, and kissed.” She watched him blush under all his makeup. 

“That's all? Did you do something else?” Buggy asked dryly and began to tap his fingers on the bottle.

“I love when you're jealous.” Catherine smiled widely, lightly tapped her fingertips on his shoulder, and kissed his cheek. 

“I'm not jealous!”

“Yeah, yeah. I don't believe you. You are already as red as your nose and if you met Mickie now, you would strangle him.” 

“I told you, I’m not jealous. I don't care if some Milty took you around the parks, hugged you or maybe saw you naked. I’m totally fine with that.” Buggy took a sip of beer and began to move his finger along the steering wheel. 

“My blue-haired liar.” Catherine ruffled his hair and took grapes with chocolate. She leaned back, crossing her legs. 

Buggy finished his hot dog and, holding the bottle in his hands, made himself comfortable in the front seat. “Fuck, yeah. Are you okay there, Cathie-pie?” 

“Hey, why are you sitting there? Come to me.” 

Buggy looked at her in bewilderment. 

“The two of us could easily fit here. Wait!” Catherine put a pillow on the door. “Here! That's better! I'm waiting for you, little bear. Come here.” 

He looked at the back seat again. “Okay. Just hold the beer.” Buggy gave her the bottle in her hands and climbed into the back seat.

Bam!

“Fuck, I hit my head.” He said, sitting down on the seat. 

“Does it hurt?” Catherine ran her hand over his head. “Let me see.” 

“Nah, everything is fine.” He gently put her hand away.

She pecked him on his lips. Buggy leaned his back on the pillow and Catherine quickly sat down between his legs, pressing her back to his chest. He hugged her with his arm. 

“That's better.” She took a sip of his beer and put a grape in her mouth. “Chocolate?” She handed him a candy bar. 

He took it and bit. “Yummy.”

“You know, our treasure hunt reminds me of my father. He and I were very close. You know, we constantly went to all sorts of archaeological exhibitions. He brought interesting articles that he found during his journalist trips and imagined how we would travel around Egypt and find some ancient inscriptions. I remember we were sitting in the park one day, eating ice cream, and he was sad that his daughter would someday marry a boring guy who wouldn’t go beyond his own home. He and I were already planning a trip to Egypt, when suddenly his heart stopped. It was hard for all of us to cope with the loss. I felt very lonely after his death, to be honest.” Catherine felt he hugged her tightly. “My mother loved him so much. She died a year later on the day of his death. Oh, Buggy, it was such a big love. I've only read about feelings like that in stupid novels.”

“How did they meet?” He took the beer from her hands and took a sip. 

“My mom was brought to the party at the bar by her friend. She was drinking a punch when she saw a guy, standing near the bar counter, with such a huge bouffant on his head. He was wearing a leather jacket and suspenders. She said his hair looked like a tumbleweed, although my father said he looked cool. He came up to meet her, but she rejected him. My mom said she thought he was an asshole. My dad spent a month trying to get a date with her. He met her near the university and work, she worked as a cashier in a cinema. But one day he climbed into her bedroom with lilac branches. And, apparently, she saw something in him. Then they got married, moved to Loguetown, and then my sister and I were born.”

“Near the bar? And seemed like an asshole? Sounds familiar.”

“Yeah. My sister said the same. But I don't understand why she said so. I just know my father would be glad to meet you. I hope he is now looking at me from heaven and rejoicing. His daughter found a sexy man with whom she travels around the pyramids and looks for something that may not exist.” Catherine felt how Buggy hugged her tightly and pressed his cheek to her temple. “I’m so happy I have you in my life.” She gently placed her hand on his head. “Shit, I made you sad.” 

“Nah, it’s fine. You miss someone important to you.” He kissed her temple. “Listen.. Cathie-pie, can.. can I ask you a question?” He took a sip. 

“Sure!” She stroked his cheek. 

“You mentioned that one.. Mickie. All these guys.. Did you lo.. At what age did you start going on dates?” Buggy cleared his throat. “Apparently, you had a lot of boyfriends. This doesn't surprise me, because.. you know.. You are smart and beautiful. But I'm surprised you didn't find a nice guy there.”

“It seemed to me that you wanted to ask something else. But ok! I started going on dates when I was 15, I guess.” She took the bottle from his hands and took a sip. “And no, I didn’t love them. Well, that is, at the age of 16 it seemed to me that I did. But then I was a teenager, so.. Even when I was 25-27 years old, I don’t think I was in love with anyone. What, you're afraid I treated everyone like you?”

“I.. I don't kn~~. I don't th~~ Never mind.” He took the bottle back. 

“No, my blue-haired love, you're special to me! Remember that, okay?” Catherine scratched his arm with her fingers. “What about you? You probably had a lot of girls. Tell me at least a little, I’m so interested in what you had in your life before we met. I promise not to be jealous. But if you don’t want to talk at all, then fine.”

“Well, it was hard to call it a relationship. Just meetings for one or two nights. Just.. you know.. not be alone sometimes. I don’t know. Who needs me?”  

“I hate it when you say that. You’re funny and handsome. I don’t really understand where the girls were looking. Were they blind or what? But on the other hand, I got you, so I won.” She ate a grape and put two berries in his mouth. “It's not easy to be with you, but I’ll handle it.” 

“I hope you won't leave me because of this.” Buggy sighed heavily. 

“Of course no. Oh! You know what sitting with you here reminds me of? The day when we in the corridor when the door was blocked. Remember?”

“Oh, the day when I had my second click.” 

“Wha-a-t? Really?!” She asked surprised.

“Fuck! Did I let it slip again? How did you do that, little shit?! Well, yeah. You were examining my head after my fight with Crocodile and you looked at me.. you know.. Somehow special.”

“Wait. So both clicks were when I showed concern to you?”

Buggy was nervous. “I guess. You.. You were so kind and your arms were.. you know.. so warm. It was so nice to feel your.. you know.. touch. And then you told me you don’t like me, and settled under my armpit. I was confused and didn't know what to do. Because, you know.. It's not every day that I find myself locked in a hallway with a beautiful girl. But that was.. was nice. And I thought “oh, no, maybe ask her out on a date.” 

“Said the man who took me to the airport later.” Catherine scratched his hand. 

“How long will it take you to remember this for me?” 

“I'm planning for a year now. Maybe two. Didn’t you understand then that I fell in love with you?”

“I don’t know. Your concern was new to me. And this is still new. Do you remember, I promised to take you to the circus? Well, you know.. I wanted to ask.. ask you out, to be honest. But your sister came.” Buggy began to worry and felt Catherine took his hand. “I.. I wasn't sure you'd agree. And I didn’t think that such a beautiful girl could.. you know… love me. I thought you'd fly home, I’d suffer a little and move on with my life.”

“Because you're a fool. It's good that you have me now. Otherwise, you would sit on your bed and cry into the pillow.” 

“I don't cry into my pillow, I'm a grown man.”

“You cried three weeks ago because the acrobats weren't doing well at rehearsal.” She stroked his arms. “Thank you so much. I was happy to hear that. I know how was hard for you to say that. I’m so, so proud of you!” 

Catherine was silent for a moment, stroking his arm. “Do you hear that? The rain is pattering on the roof. God, I'm about to burst from the romance of the moment.” She laughed until she cried. “You'll have to explain to my sister why I no longer exist. Catherine loved her clown so much that she couldn't stand one of the most romantic moments of her life, and she exploded. And excuse me, all that was left of her were socks.”

“No, you have to survive somehow, I still need you in my life.” Buggy kissed her temple. 

“Of course you need me. Who's gonna feed you?”

“What, you think I'm with you just for the food? Believe me, there are much more interesting things I like to do with you. Not just breakfast.” 

“You're disgusting. And I love you so, so much, my Buggy Bear. You know that?”

“First time I’ve heard it. And could you please change that terrible nickname? I think you've mocked me enough already.”

“No! Stop whining. I like your nickname. And my silly clown.”

“I’m listening, my Cathie-pie.”

“I don't know how you're doing it in this position, but stop grabbing my ass.”

[wandaluvstacos]

SEASON OF BLOSSOMS

THE FIRST CHAPTER IS UP! (It's FREE)

Genre: Fantasy Romance Rating: 18+ Elevator Pitch: Bridgerton, but gay and with tieflings. Check out this story's art under the tag Season of Blossoms

Includes: Mxm, mxf, and nbxm romance, sibling rivalries, romantic drama, fun sexy hijinks all around. This one's lighter than most of the stuff I write, lol. There is a scene that takes place after an attempted suicide, but I think that's the only thing that needs to be warned for.

In the nation of Tithly, it is custom that those of marriageable age travel to the city of Philsia for the yearly Season of Blossoms– four summer months of parties meant to provide youth the opportunity to find their spouse. This year will be the first year that all three of the Tsylgahra siblings attend: Mithleem, Anli, and Lisanth.

Three years after his wife's tragic death, Mithleem has finally decided that he’s ready to start his search for someone new. As one of the top people in his class at the Academy and a successful doctor during his time in the army, he’s a household name and a hot commodity at parties, including one thrown by Tithly’s most renowned painter. There Mithleem is called to the bedside of the painter’s equally famous spouse, Ysaika Talorilau, and it may take someone of Mithleem’s skill to save their life.

Anli’s been to Philsia three times for the Season, but she hasn’t had much luck. This time she meets a young man above her station who shows interest, and despite her misgivings, she’s willing to give him a shot, even if the family’s new steward, Thyla Daschanhildi is quite insistent that Anli deserves better. Anli’s not sure about that, but she knows that Thyla’s only ever been supportive and loyal, sometimes to such a degree that Anli wonders if there's more to it.

As the youngest Tsylgahra and wild child of the family, Lisanth is interested in racing horses, starting squabbles in the local tavern, and worrying his parents on the nights he doesn’t come home. However, he knows he can’t put off Philsia forever, and at the insistence of his mother, Lisanth grudgingly makes the journey with his siblings to the City in the Sky. There he meets a stranger who wields charm with just a hint of danger. Only later does Lisanth come to realize that the stranger is in fact a prince– Prince Jafkar A’nesh to be exact.

Excerpt:

     They discussed their plans for their Season in Philsia until they’d made their way through dinner and then dessert. The girls were shuffled off to bed shortly afterward by his mother, who insisted Mithleem stay, enjoy his wine, and let her handle childcare for the evening. Mithleem was finishing up his second glass when a familiar figure strode into the dining room like he wasn’t many hours late.

            “Well, if it isn’t my beloved little brother,” Mithleem said, arm slung over the back of his seat. Lisanth paused several steps past the door, eyes darting back to where he’d come as if contemplating leaving. His linen shirt was wrinkled underneath his velvet vest, and there were several flecks of hay attached to one sleeve. His dark blue hair had partially fallen out of the hasty knot on the back of his head, and his boots looked as if they hadn’t been cleaned or polished since Mithleem saw him last. Overall, he looked how Mithleem remembered—like he’d just rolled out of a hayloft after a night of revelry.

            “Oh. Hi,” Lisanth said, pulling himself straighter. He might have grown another half-inch since Mithleem saw him last, but it was hard to know if he was taller or just thinner.

            “Hi,” Mithleem replied coolly.

            “That’s it?” Anli asked, mouth full of pastry. “Lisanth, don’t be rude!”

            Lisanth frowned, then flung a leg out and swept into a deep, sarcastic bow. “My liege, thank you for bestowing your presence amongst us lowly common folk.”

            Anli giggled as Lisanth straightened. Mithleem sighed. The ten years between them was vast.

            “I’m sure Madam Adelia saved you a bit of goose, if you want it,” Anli informed Lisanth, who nodded and stalked off toward the kitchen. “Apologize to her for being so late!” Anli called at his back.

            “Well, he’s about the same as I remember,” Mithleem said as Lisanth vanished from the dining room. “Is he still roaming the countryside like a vagabond?”

            “For the most part."

[tododeku-or-bust]

Not sure if you ever posted about this before, but would you mind sharing how you came up with the character Calix?

Oh I love that you asked this! It made my kind of rough day a little better. Im sure I have, but I change my ideas daily so I'll just go over it again.

Fun fact, I originally toyed with the idea of Odysseus' sons instead. Maybe a little brother of Telemachus. But I stopped for two reasons: 1) that pairing would be insufferable and I didnt like it and 2) I happened to read Circe at the time I was originally coming up with Phi, and well....imma leave that Alabama situation they got going on over there alone 🤣

Anyway, Calix was created because I wanted to introduce the presence of Hector in my Hades AU, and all of the powerful symbolism that came with. Now, Hector and Andromache already have a son- Astyanax. The problem, is that they're all dead. They're a fixed entity. Astyanax will never grow- he'll be her baby forever. So it couldn't be him, because one of my rules for these OCs is that they are technically a flaw in the system- living, breathing, but with the benefits of immortality as denizens of Hades and special guests of Persephone- so long as they stay in the underworld!

Anywho, Andromache wanted the opportunity to raise a child with her beloved husband, in the paradise that they earned. And she wanted to do it unbothered. Aphrodite, whom Persephone approached about the idea of these semi-demigod children to begin with, also wanted this child to exist (she's like, ten steps ahead with the idea of this forbidden romance, be damned all the parties involved lmao no lessons learned from the War).

So! Calix was the secret baby from everyone else (all the Chthonic gods knew except Zag bc they knew he'd run his mouth)! And because Andromache yearned for privacy, for safety, she overcompensated in keeping him tucked away from everything- that's why he's so ready to run away, to see new things. She couldn't contain him forever.

I liked the idea of a child that, like Philia, forces Hector and Andromache to confront their pasts. Calix is a good kid, he is his parent's child, but there are many times when he shows flashes of Paris- especially with sharing his power- and that terrifies them. They raise him with a purposeful determination to BE good, bc they know that unchecked he could be a real problem. It mirrors Achilles and Patroclus' fears with Philia and her abilities.

I wanted to show that these two families, if they weren't enemies, have a lot in common. That if it wasn't on sight, they would probably get along. Because their children, at least until they get old enough to learn the truth, get along! Philia and Calix are the opportunity, that vision for peace for their descendants, that both families want. They just.... Didn't think it would be with THAT family lmao 🤣

In summary, it served drama, symbolism, and I just also enjoy the idea of a trio.

[cicaklah]

my girl @ronniebox tagged me and so here we go!

Rules: List ten books that have stayed with you in some way, don’t  take but a few minutes, and don’t think too hard - they don’t have to  be the “right” or “great” works, just the ones that have touched you.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman - my mother gave me this book to read when I was maybe 11, it was her copy that she had bought when Pratchett came and gave a reading at our local library in like, 1992. I'd say no book has been more formative to me, but in writing this I don't think thats true.

The City and the City by China Mieville - I got into Mieville through my girl @crimeandcricket, and was horribly traumatised by the body horror in perdido street station, and was way too influenced by his often pretentious writing style, but the city and the city is a masterpiece I'll never recover fully from and changed me for the better.

The Children's Hospital by Chris Adrian - I'm fairly sure no one but me loves this book, but it is also a book that multiple people stopped me when I was reading in public just from the cover image. My favourite kind of book is a book that can only be written by one person, and Adrian is a theologian and paediatrician, and this book uses every single one of his hyperfixations and also made me cry more than anything else.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster - Actually, this book probably did more to calcify my sense of humour than Pratchett did. The smartest, funniest, coolest children's book ever, and this has reminded me to get the tattoo of Tock on my wrist.

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield - I read this every christmas morning as a treat to myself. I also adore White Boots, the ice skating book, but Ballet Shoes is such a perfect gem of a story that is the favourite of my grandmother, my mother and myself.

Shabanu/Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples - The first book that made me cry, inspired my fondness for camels and was probably my first feminist awakening? I've only read one of the sequels, but it was so brutal I still haven't emotionally recovered entirely.

The Amateur Cracksman by E. W Hornung - my mastermind specialist subject, a book that consumed me across time and space, Raffles my beloved, Bunny my beloved, I remember the moment I read the first story and my life changed literally forever. The Black Mask and A Thief In The Night are also obviously amazing and really all three should be considered one book, but something in my life changed for the better when I read the line 'AJ Raffles would be my friend!' in The Ides of March and I realised oh no, they're mine now.

Exhalation by Ted Chiang - very hard for me to choose a Ted Chiang story so thankfully I will pick his second collection, which has The Life Cycle of Software Objects and also the one about the parrots. It does not have Hell is the Absence of God or stories of your life, but tbh, software objects was the first of his stories I ever read, so it deserves to be here, even if it guts me like a fish every time.

Rivals by Jilly Cooper - if I could have anyone's writing career, it would be Jilly Cooper's. Everytime I read this insane soap opera of a book it holds me hostage until I finish it, and its like 700 pages long. The most wonderfully 80s OTT sex farce about horrible people trying to buy an ITV franchise. I genuinely can't believe that disney plus are making it into a series.

The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson - One of his least famous books and yet I think his best? I had read the Mars books several times before I picked this up, but this alternate history where 90% of Europe are killed by the black death, following how world history changes through the eyes of characters who reincarnate but always find each other, somehow??? it grabbed me by the throat and never let go.

tell me YOUR formative texts pls @crimeandcricket @deputychairman @myth-blossom @skylightpirate @stickthisbig @apricotbones @postalninja @cajunandfire @within-infant-rind

[superloves4]

I still taste the past - Chapter 6

Relationships: Curufin/Finrod, Celegorm/Aredhel (background) Summary: Finrod wanted to see Curufin, get his closure after all they had gone through, end things once and for all. What he gets is a journey through the memory of where they've been and the choice of where they will go. TW: none. A/N: Enjoy!

Masterlist - Also on AO3

Finrod couldn't remember what had made him decide to move into the crown prince residence. Of course after the years in Beleriand he'd grown accustomed to his own space, but he could've easily built something for himself instead of trying to fit into a ghost of a residence.

His parent had been horrified when he'd proposed the idea but he'd been adamant, there was a perfectly functional building not being used and he wouldn't have to make any intense change or spend years on projects as he otherwise would on a new building. He'd even mentioned it was a good political move to place the new crown prince into the crown prince residence and his parents had given him horrified looks at that particular comment. Aman politics were simply different. Finrod didn't know what that felt like anymore, but his aunt had even given her blessing so when he was able to convince them, he went ahead.

He'd regretted it the moment he entered.

Somehow he'd thought that, with the Fëanorian hardly staying in one place for too long, the palace would be no more than a pretty shell, what he found instead were the signs of a well loved residence and all the marks of a happy family. There were drawings on the walls, some of Maglor's sheet music spread around, even some of Huan's fur was still on the furniture, marks from what seemed to be clay everywhere, he was sure then that the rooms would be even worse. If not for the dust he would have thought that the family was about to return any moment now.

Finrod wandered around, trying to see if anything belonged to Celebrimbor in there but ultimately found nothing.

It was too much and not enough and he almost just went back to the palace and asked for leave to build his own place. But he didn't. He built over, he erased the past, hid away the memories, he didn't care. When he was done, Finrod gained his pretty, empty, shell.

Which he now entered in shameful tears, he couldn't believe that after everything they'd been through, after all he'd seen, that Curufin still had the power to hurt him that much. He hadn't even told him all he felt, he'd just stood there letting Curufin say his piece. Back then, he should've listened back then, if there was anything that Curufin had ever been right was that they were too different.

Foolish Ingoldo, he'd call him, foolish he had felt but Curufin had always given him that crooked, secretive smile of his and Ingoldo would falter, whispering promises of forever in the ears of his cruel lover. He could falter no more.

To move on? What did Atarinkë want to move on from? The days lived in light when he'd kept him in shadows? Or the days of darkness when he'd been kept at arms length? It was Finrod's right to move on, it should be him to tell Curufin to leave him alone, it should be him. Foolish Ingoldo.

He still remembered when his parents, oh so kindly, prepared a meeting between him and Amarië after ten years since his return had passed, they had been so hopeful that it could rekindle his and Amarië's relationship, that their previous betrothal could be fulfilled. His parents had always hoped he'd marry Amarië. They had been far too kind not pressing him about it when Amarië had inevitably left the parlor in tears, but he couldn't do this to her, not after Curufin.

Treacherous, beloved, Curufin.

Look at him now, it was his due for the hurt they had caused her. And still his thoughts turned towards Curufin, even the fresh air of the balcony couldn't help him, foolish Ingoldo indeed.

"Ingoldo?"

He groaned, that was not what he needed now.

"I saw the door open, you left the palace so suddenly and Edrahil wouldn't give us where you'd gone, I got worried, I-"

"I'm fine mother," he appreciated his mother's concern but it truly was the worst moment.

He felt a soft hand on his face, gently turning his head to the side where Ëarwen waited to make sure her son was safe, staying behind had it's own forms of fear and now she knew one of her children was not to come back to her, she wanted to protect the ones she had left. And under her gaze, Finrod crumbled.

"I'm sorry, ammë," he hugged her "I thought I was doing the right thing for me."

"What could possibly leave you in this state? What good could there be in it if this is the result?" she pulled away to look into his eyes.

Finrod bit his lip "I-... It's really not, I just-"

"Is this about Turkafinwë and Curufinwë?" she asked and her voice took a dangerous edge "If they did anything to you-"

He shook his head "No, no, it's not that, they didn- " he sighed, unable to lie anymore "Celegorm didn't, it's me, it's not- "

"I don't believe you, why else would you be like this?" she exclaimed holding his face where some tears still fell.

And Finrod wondered, why did he lie? Why did he cling to those old lies? What had Curufin done to deserve his protection? He'd spent years lying, omitting and covering for him, if he wanted to move on then there was nothing Finrod owed him anymore, not his love, not his defense. For the first time he told someone the truth and when he was done he had to rush to get his mother a chair.

"All those years?" she asked in disbelief and crouched by her side, Finrod nodded.

"And they knew?"

"No, no one knew."

Ëarwen shook her head, trying to find her footing again in what she had learned "Is this why you broke your betrothal?"

Finrod flinched before painfully answering with yet another truth "Yes."

Ëarwen shot up suddenly before turning and staring at him, ocean blue against tourmaline, and there was clarity then.

"And you hid it from us... why?"

Finrod looked away, at the vision of Tirion from the balcony, because he couldn't face his mother as he admitted his most shameful truth.

"Because he was mine."

He held on to the banister until his knuckles were white.

"Because I loved him and I wanted to believe there was a way that it could be just us, hidden and safe as the most precious treasure, that we could find our way, that love could be enough."

His mother put her hand on his shoulder, a painful consolation after all these years 

"Yes, that is something I can understand."

Two ages of the world and they hadn't spoken of what had happened in the aftermath of the Flight, but somehow the idea that his parents had problems afterwards had never hit him before, his father had stayed behind no? Shouldn't he or Angrod be more to blame?

She felt his gaze and gave him a strained smile "He still followed even when I told him it was a terrible decision and when he came back, it wasn't for me. Some things are hard to forget."

"But he was mine," she echoed his words and he felt their sincerity "I went looking for him."

Finrod gave her a tired laugh "Alas, all I got was being told to move on."

"Then perhaps it's what you should do," Ëarwen advised eagerly, placing her head on his shoulder "You're free to be with whomever you may choose now."

"You're free, Ingoldo."

[shannyh25]

THE next afternoon Anne, bending over her patchwork at the kitchen window, happened to glance out and beheld Diana down by the Dryad’s Bubble beckoning mysteriously. In a trice Anne was out of the house and flying down to the hollow, astonishment and hope struggling in her expressive eyes. But the hope faded when she saw Diana’s dejected countenance.

“Your mother hasn’t relented?” she gasped.

Diana shook her head mournfully.

“No; and oh, Anne, she says I’m never to play with you again. I’ve cried and cried and I told her it wasn’t your fault, but it wasn’t any use. I had ever such a time coaxing her to let me come down and say good-bye to you. She said I was only to stay ten minutes and she’s timing me by the clock.”

“Ten minutes isn’t very long to say an eternal farewell in,” said Anne tearfully. “Oh, Diana, will you promise faithfully never to forget me, the friend of your youth, no matter what dearer friends may caress thee?”

“Indeed I will,” sobbed Diana, “and I’ll never have another bosom friend—I don’t want to have. I couldn’t love anybody as I love you.”

“Oh, Diana,” cried Anne, clasping her hands, “do you LOVE me?”

“Why, of course I do. Didn’t you know that?”

“No.” Anne drew a long breath. “I thought you LIKED me of course but I never hoped you LOVED me. Why, Diana, I didn’t think anybody could love me. Nobody ever has loved me since I can remember. Oh, this is wonderful! It’s a ray of light which will forever shine on the darkness of a path severed from thee, Diana. Oh, just say it once again.”

“I love you devotedly, Anne,” said Diana stanchly, “and I always will, you may be sure of that.”

“And I will always love thee, Diana,” said Anne, solemnly extending her hand. “In the years to come thy memory will shine like a star over my lonely life, as that last story we read together says. Diana, wilt thou give me a lock of thy jet-black tresses in parting to treasure forevermore?”

“Have you got anything to cut it with?” queried Diana, wiping away the tears which Anne’s affecting accents had caused to flow afresh, and returning to practicalities.

“Yes. I’ve got my patchwork scissors in my apron pocket fortunately,” said Anne. She solemnly clipped one of Diana’s curls. “Fare thee well, my beloved friend. Henceforth we must be as strangers though living side by side. But my heart will ever be faithful to thee.”

Anne stood and watched Diana out of sight, mournfully waving her hand to the latter whenever she turned to look back. Then she returned to the house, not a little consoled for the time being by this romantic parting. Lucy Maud Montgomery quotes-Anne Of Green Gables.

Follow me for more inspiration! 💜💕

[abandonededen]

timerevolt ;-; plz

Send me a url and I'll write some positivity for it!

FUCK YEAH HERE WE GO

I'm splitting this in two because I want to rant about both my beloved Phantom and her amazing OC Lulu.

First off: Lulu. Oh my gods, Lulu. John and I were SO smitten SO fast on meeting her. She is a beautiful ball of sunshine with such a heartbreaking backstory 😭😭 it's amazing that she can still be so soft and full of light and love after everything she's been through, and the way that she just so easily got past a lifetime of defenses and became His Person just like that??? Honestly I'm SO emotional about them. I love the way that Lulu's past lives have influenced and informed her present, and I love seeing her different eras, and the ways in which her details change, but she remains Lulu at her core. She's such an epic character, and she has so much depth and development, and she's so fleshed out and three dimensional in a beautifully realistic way. She's not just a character, she's a PERSON. I love Lulu SO MUCH, and my muses do, too! So many of them are so excited to meet her, lmao! Ten says he's keeping her fjskhfks

And now, Phantom. Phantom, holy shit, where do I begin??? You inspire me to want to be better. You're self-aware and have a level of emotional maturity that I usually only find in other people who have been through the wringer of the inpatient mental health system. I am forever amazed at your resilience, and so fucking proud of you for hanging in there, and being open to trying/learning new things, and having the strength of character to reach out to others when you need support. That's so hard to do, and I want you to know that I see you, and I'm so proud of you. You've got this, darling, and I'm here with you as long as you'll have me. The fact that you're capable of staying level-headed and not getting involved in interpersonal conflicts is also so so admirable, and is a STRENGTH, not something to get complaints about. There honestly just aren't enough words for me to explain just how lovely you are, Phantom. You have such a big heart, and I'm honored to have a place in it 🥺🥺 you make my world, and the world at large, a brighter place for being in it. You are an amazing human with a beautiful heart. Please keep being unapologetically YOU, because the world wouldn't be the same without you.