#so i just need to let everyone know. i love him. he’s my favourite oldest man.

[lanaevyssmoved]

i just want to make it clear i’m a ketheric truther and i love him so much and i can and will talk about him in length. ketheric haters don’t interact block me etc

[fallingdownhell]

If it's no bother the whole meeting family and sister being favoured ordeal but with Wanderer, Xiao, Childe and Tighnari please! Yummy comfort...🤤

Honestly.. I did my best with it, but I don't know if I'll do another addition to this from now on. It feels like I'm always writing the exact same thing, and I feel like it's getting boring and repetitive...

Let me know what you think about it, please, because I really don't know.

Characters Included: Wanderer; Xiao; Tighnari

Content: gender neutral reader; established relationship; reader has a sister; hurt/comfort; mention of past (child) abuse; mention of child neglect; insults; slight racism against Tighnari; not proofread yet

Word count: 3,7k words

Requested by: @ahtopoteyto

Enjoy everyone<3

Wanderer

When you suddenly hit him with the question of wether he wanted to meet your parents or not, he was confused and slightly shocked. From what he had gathered over the time you've been dating, you did not have a very good connection with your parents.

You never really talked about them or told him stories about your childhood. The first few times he asked you about them, he vividly remembers how your face became pale and you simply stating that you didn't want to talk about this. So he let it be, not bothering you with it anymore.

So for you to suddenly ask him this after months of not even mentioning anything related to this subject, he found it highly suspicious.

"Where's this coming from so suddenly?", he asks, taking your hand and sitting you down on the couch next to him. He can already tell how much it cost you to simply ask him that question.

"W-well... I just thought that maybe it's something you'd want. I mean.. normally, in relationships, you introduce your parnters to your parents. So, I thought, maybe we should do that, too..?"

You sounded so meek and unsure of yourself, he hated to see you like this. He may not know the full story about what happened between you and your parents, but if it made you that uncomfortable just talking about them, then that's all he needed to know. He would never knowingly put you through something horrible.

So, to reassure you, he circled his arms around you, pulling you against his chest while placing his chin on top of your head as he just held you like this. "Don't force yourself to do something you don't want to do. Our relationship isn't exactly normal anyways. I don't care about meeting your parents. You don't like them, that's enough for me to also dislike them."

That made you laugh a bit, and he also relaxed a bit, knowing that if that could make you laugh, you were already feeling a bit better.

"Even so.. I think you should know why I don't have contact with them anymore..", you quietly spoke after some time.

"Only if you want to tell me. You don't have to force yourself.", was his answer, but you insisted, finally wanting him to know, since you've already kept it to yourself for so long.

And so, you told him about all the things you went through when you were younger, still living with and depending on your parents. You told him how you were the oldest child of your parents, and for a while, everything was good. There were normal, loving and even spoiled you a bit as a child.

But when you were 6 years old, your parents decided to have a second child, and so, your sister was born when you were 7. And suddenly, it was like you didn't exist anymore.

Your parents focused all their love and attention towards your baby sister, leaving you to figure things out by yourself. They at least still provided food for you, but anything else you were left to your own devices.

By the time you were 12 years old, you were practically living by yourself, though you were still in your parents house. You were cooking your own meals, doing your own laundry, managing school stuff and all that your parents were supposed to do for you.

Your sister was only 5 years old, she was just a happy child and didn't know about the clear favouritism and neglect going on. She was just a sweet child that wanted to play with her sister. You couldn't hate her, since she didn't do anything wrong.

From time to time, you tried to get your parents attention, either with your grades or other achievements, but they always brushed you aside to focus on your sister, since they claimed she needed their attention more than you did.

It hurt, and you kept on trying and trying, until eventually, you realised that it had no sense and you just stopped. You knew that they would never love you like they did with your sister. So, as soon as you could, you started a part time job to save up some money, so you could leave when you needed to.

The older you and your sister got, the more she also became aware of the favouritism. Luckily, it didn't grow over her head, and she tried her best to get your mom and dad to focus on you, too. But they never did. Instead, your sister spent time with you, which you were really greatful for.

When the time came, you were old enough and had enough money saved, you left your home. You told no one, except for your sister. She was sad to see you leave, but she understood why you did it, and wished you the best of luck. Even to this day, you hold some sort of loose contact to her.

Your parents however? You haven't heard a word from them since you've left. You weren't even sure if they've noticed your dissapearance, if they even remembered that they had an older child. But you were glad, you didn't want anything to do with them in the first place.

While listening to your story, Wanderer felt himself get more and more angry on your behalf. How dare they treat their own child in such a way? What kind of a parent would do such a thing?

He was gritting his teeth, clenching his fists. He wanted so bad to make them pay for what they did to you. But then he focused back on you, still in his arms, sobbing as you were telling him your story. No matter how much you reassured him that you were fine, it was still affecting you.

So instead, he focused and channeled his anger into the love and worry he had for you. He tightend his hold around you, planting a soft kiss to the top of your head. "I'm sorry you had to live through something like that. But that's all in the past. You're here now, with me. You've achieved so much for yourself and by yourself, so you can be proud of you. And I'll be by your side for each and every step in the future. I won't let something like this ever happen to you again. And if you ever want me to pay your parents a little visit... let me know."

That last statement brought him a small hit to his side, but he merely laughed it off.

You'd always be his number one. Forever and always..

Xiao

Having an Adeptus as your boyfriend, the Guardian of Liyue himself at that, you tried to spend as much time with him as you possibly could. For you, that meant spending ever second of your free time in or around Wangshu Inn, sometimes even spending the night there despite having your own living place.

Xiao appreciated this gesture of yours. You knew that he liked the Inn as his place of operation, and you didn't want to force him into spending time at your place, when he would only be anxious the entire time. So it was a compromise you were willing to make.

Today was a nice summer day. You were dressed in soft clothing, allowing the occaisonal gust of wind to cool your skin down as you were standing on the top balcony of the Wangshu Inn, observing the scenery before you. Xiao was currently out somewhere, so you had decided to wait for him here.

While you were observing, leaning your body against the railing, you suddenly felt the presence of someone behind you. Before you could turn around, a pair of arms came around from behind you, encircling your body as his hands found purchase on the railing, next to yours.

You immediately recognized him, a smile spreading as you felt his body leaning against yours, his soft lips pressing against your exposed shoulder.

"You should be more careful. I wouldn't want you to lean to far over and falling to your death.", he mumbled, staying close to you, searching for the physical contact.

You loved how openly he showed his love and affection to you when it was just the two of you, no one else around to witness this soft moment of his. "I'm sure you'd catch me before anything could happen to me.", you reply, intertwining your hand with his.

"And you'd be absolutely right."

You smile but don't say anything more as you stay with him like this, enjoying the way his body feels against yours. If only this moment could last forever...

But alas, it didn't last nearly as long as you'd want it to. Soon enough, you could hear some shouting from below, coming from the reception. You heard the Boss Lady, Verr, call after someone. "Sir, please! You can't just barge up there!"

But whoever that man was, he just ignored her as both you and Xiao could hear the heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. With one last look at each other, you break apart to an appropriate distance, figuring that whoever this was was probably here to seek the help of the Adeptus.

However, as the man arrived at the top balcony, your breath got caught in your throat as you recognized the man standing in front of you.

His eyes found yours, and you saw a glimpse of something wash over his face that you couldn't quite name. Xiao also noticed this, choosing to remain silent for now, but closely watching both of you. He may not know who this man was, but it was obvious to him that you recognized him.

"Dad?", you then asked, still hoping that this was just some bad dream you'd wake up from any second now.

"(Name)! I finally found you! You weren't at home, so I've been searching everywhere for you."

The man, your father, made a step towards you, but as soon as he did, you also took a step back. The motion didn't go unnoticed by Xiao. You were clearly uncomfortable with your father being here, so he was preparing to step in the second things threatened to go out of control.

"What do you want?", you ask him, not wanting to spend any more time in this mans presence than you absolutely have to.

"What, a father can't visit his child?", he asked, letting out a chuckle, but everyone present could tell how fake it sounded.

"Just tell me what you want already."

Your father threw you a glare, but relented nonetheless. "Fine then. Your mother and I were hoping for a bit of financial aid from you. Your sister wants to study at the Academiya of Sumeru, but we lack the money to help her with that. We heard that you were doing pretty good for yourself, so, naturally, you'd help out your family a bit. Right?"

The last word sounded almost threatening, like refusing would cause you serious consequences. You knew that tone in your fathers voice all too well, having been "disciplined" by him most of your life if you ever dared refuse him.

This entire situation was almost laughable to you. You haven't had contact with either your parents or your sister in years, since you finally left their home for good. And now, after years of silence, they suddenly remember you, only to come crawling and begging for money. Which they plan to spend on your sister.

As it always was. It's always been her over you.

"..No.", you say after a few seconds of silence. Hearing your answer, your fathers forced smile drops and he stares at you, like he couldn't believe the word that just left your mouth.

"What did you say?", he asked, his voice ice cold and you flinched a bit, hiding a bit behind Xiao as you were still scared of this man, but you refused to subject yourself to him again.

"I said No. I'm not giving you any money."

Your response was hanging in the air for a bit, when suddenly, anger started to show on your fathers face and he then began lunging towards you, one arm raised as if to slap you.

"You ungrateful, little-!", he yelled and was about to take a swing at you, when suddenly, within the blink of an eye, he was laying on the floor, face pushed onto the ground, with Xiao standing over him, restraining your fathers hands.

"You will not put your hands on them. I won't allow it."

Your father was cursing and screaming, trying to escape the hold Xiao had him in. But the more he struggled, the more force Xiao put into holding him down, which only worsened the curses thrown at the both of you.

Witnessing this, the reality of what would have happened to you if Xiao wasn't there with you sank in, and you felt your knees giving out, sinking to the floor as tears subconsciously began to run down your cheeks.

Noticing this, Xiao quickly reassed the situation as he leaned down to your father. "Leave. And don't you dare ever come back. If I see or hear you bothering them ever again, I won't be so mercyful next time."

Then, he let go of your father and rushed to your side, checking in on you. Your father cursed some more as he finally got to his feet again and quickly left the scene, and hopefully, your life as well.

You on the other hand, were a mess right now. Tears running down, you were sobbing as you held onto Xiao like your life depended on him. He let it happen, soothingly running a hand along your back as he just held you, letting you cry it all out.

After you've calmed down again, he just has to talk about what just happened. "I take it this happened more than once to you?", he asked softly, referencing the moment your father tried to lay hands on you.

You couldn't say the words, so you just nodded as a response. Xiao felt anger rising in his chest, but he held it under control focusing on you, since you needed him right now.

"What else has he done to you?"

And so, with shaky breath and lots of pauses in between, you tell him about all the abuse and the clear favouritism of your sister you've been going through your entire childhood, up until the day you ran away from them for good.

Xiao was in shock that parents could do such a thing to their own child. And even if he wanted to go out and make them pay for their actions, there's nothing he could do. He was bound by a contract to protect the people of Liyue. He couldn't harm them. But he could protect you..

So, he takes you in his arms again, holding you close to him as he softly speaks into your ear. "I'm so sorry for everything that happened to you. From now on, you won't have to worry about them any longer. I'll protect you. From them and any other harm that tries to make their way to you."

And you knew that he meant every word he said. You knew that you could trust Xiao with everything, most importantly your life, and he'd guard it as his most treasured possession. With him by your side, you finally felt safe for the first time in your life...

Tighnari

Working as a Forest Ranger has always been a lifelong dream of yours. Doing so with the love of your life by your side was that dream actually coming true to you. Sometimes, you just stare at Tighnari, wondering what you did to get so lucky to have him as your partner. How you deserved him in the first place.

He always laughed a bit and softly reprimanded you, but he never did so with ill intent. When he did that, you could always see the genuine love he held for you in his eyes, clear as day.

When it came to your relationship, everything happened a bit slowly, as per Tighnari's request. Since his species only has one partner their entire life, he wants to make extra sure that this will work out.

You take your time with going on several dates, where he explains to you the basics of his kind, what to do and what not to do, with him and others of his kind. But nothing he told you ever scared you away from him. If anything, it made you fall for him even more.

Then came the day when he wanted you to meet his parents, before you were making things official with him. You were nervous to meet them, but luckily, his parents instantly took a liking to you, especially his mom. She was over the top with her sons choice in a partner and the both of them gave you two their blessings.

The day after, you finally made things official, telling everyone of your friends that you were dating, and everyone was congratulating you. Word also spread among the other Forest Rangers, and soon enough, you were also bombarded with congratulations from them, as well.

Life was going good, but there was one thing that Tighnari was still thinking about.

You've met his parents, but he's never once met yours. Matter of fact, you don't even talk about them all that much. He's asked you one or two questions about them, but he soon came to the conclusion that this wasn't a topic you were too fond to speak about.

He did ask you why that was, but when you only gave him vage answers and excuses, he dropped the topic, figuring that it wasn't too important anyways. The main issue was your relationship, not some outside opinion. He thought that you'd come around and tell him more once you felt ready to do so.

Unbeknownst to him, that day would arrive much sooner than he anticipated.

One day, as Tighnari was about to head out for one of his patrols, he noticed you standing at the entrance to Gandharva Ville that led to Sumeru City, talking to two figures he didn't recognize. He thought for a second before he decided to head over to see what was going on.

As he got closer, he began to pick up on some signs of distress coming from you, which already set him a bit off edge. Then, he picked up on the voices and realised that you were arguing with those two individuals. He didn't know what it was about, but that wasn't important.

".. you understand, (Name)? We only want the best for you, so-!"

"Excuse me. Is everything alright over here?", Tighnari interrupted the conversation, and as you turned around to him, he couldn't help but notice the relieved look on your face. He gave you a sympathetic look before turning back to the other two visitors, who looked upset at being interrupted so rudely.

"And who are you?", asked the man, while the woman nodded along with him. Before Tighnari could say anything, you were already at it.

"This is Tighnari, Leader of the Forest Rangers, and my boyfriend. Tighnari, those are my parents.", you said as you vaguely gestured with your hand between them.

Tighnari's eyes widened as he heard you introduce them. He cleared his throat before extending a hand to your parents. "It's nice to finally meet you."

However, instead of taking his hand, your father simply ignored him, while your mother looked at him for a second, before scoffing and focusing back on you. "Seriously, (Name)? You got involved with someone like him? You could do so much better for yourself.", your mother said, looking at Tighnari with disgust, specifically at his more animalistic features.

"..Excuse me?", Tighnari asked again, retracting his hand. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. When he looked back to you, he saw you gritting your teeth, yet when you spoke again, he heard the strain in your voice as you tried to remain polite with your parents.

"Like I already said, I'm happy with my life here. I'm happy with Tighnari. Nothing you do or say can change my mind about it."

"Quit being stupid already, (Name)! Now that your sister isn't taking over the family business anymore, we need you to come back and take over. We also found a suitable marriage candidate for you. If you would just-!"

"I said No!", you interrupted them again, this time however, all the politeness has left your tone.

"I know you only never bothered me about coming back till now, because you were betting on my sister to take over. You'd never force her to do the things you want her to do, but doing it to me is fine for you?

I'm done with that. I have my life here, doing what I always wanted to do, with the love of my life with me." To undermine your words, you stand next to Tighnari and take his hand in yours. The action fills him with pride, as well as the fact that you're standing up for him to your parents.

"So, you can either accept that fact, support me and still be a part of my life. Or, you can leave, and never bother any of us again."

You finish your little speech, your mother gasping at your words, but your father quickly takes her and ushers her away, leading them back to the city.

As the two walked away, you let out a deep breath, relief washing over you as they walked away. You were still holding onto Tighnari's hand when he spoke up again. "I take it that was why you didn't want me to meet them, am I right?"

"I'm so sorry about that. I know I should have told you, but I never wanted you to have to go through that. I already don't have a very good relationship with them, and I didn't want it to affect you, as well."

Hearing that, Tighnari smiled as he turned towards you to take you in his arms. "Thank you", he whispered into yours ear.

You nodded against him. You'd always stand up to your parents again, without another thought, if it meant you were doing it for him...

[inkareds]

can you do a cass cain x female reader story?

Rest Your Weary Eyes Cassandra Cain

nav // dc m.list // ko-fi

✧.* word count: 1k (a shortie) ✧.* genre: Fluff ✧.* warnings: The reader is female, that's it

After a long night, Cassandra just wants to be in the arms of the woman she loves

Jesus christ this was requested last year I am so fucking sorry I had like 0 ideas for her so I'm really sorry if she's a bit ooc (also I'm working on everyone's requests starting from the oldest one 💀)

“Black Bat watch your six!” Cass quickly turned around at the sound of Barbara in her earpiece. 

Unfortunately, she didn’t turn quickly enough as the moment she did turn around, the assassin had already lunged towards her. Being around thrice her size, the assassin barrelled towards her and shoved her entire body towards a brick wall. 

Cass groaned as he landed a punch to her abdomen, disoriented from the crash the assassin was quick to land a few more hits to her. Though once she did regain her focus, her eyes saw opportunity after opportunity within the assassin’s hold against her. Making use of his weak points, she efficiently took him down. 

Finally, back on her own two feet, Barbara spoke again. 

“There’s four more coming your way.” Cass sighed. 

“This is going to be a long night.” She muttered under her breath. 

~

Your tired eyes tried their best to stay awake as you glared at the document in front of you. There were barely any words on the screen, yet you have to finish this four thousand-word essay by the end of the week. A task, at this point, you felt was impossible to do. You shook your head. 

“I can do this.” You muttered to yourself as you began to type. 

After the first few paragraph and sips of your favourite tea, you finally got your groove for writing back. The words came somewhat easily to you as you progressed into the essay. 

In fact, you were so focused you didn’t hear the loud thump on the outside of your fire escape. Nor the sound of the window opening. All you saw was a black shadow in the shape of a bat behind you from the reflection of your computer. Causing you to scream out. 

Cass immediately took off her mask and put both her hands up. 

“It’s me! It’s me!” 

Realising now that this was Cassandra Cain, your longtime girlfriend, you let out a loud sigh. 

“Oh my fucking god! Why’d you gotta scare me like that?! I know you’re like trained to be quiet or something! But Jesus, I think you shaved off four years off my life.” You chuckled holding your chest as you heaved, still panicked. 

Though, after seeing Cass’ reaction to your statement, you sterned yourself. There was a tired tight-lipped smile on your beautiful girlfriend’s expression. Your brows furrowed together as you looked across her body. 

With her standing up and you still sat down on your chair, you could get a good look at her costume. Muck, dirt, and blood greased the surface of her suit. Sweat stuck to the skin of her face and her hair was much greasier than usual after a night of patrolling. Not to mention how tired she actually looked. Her eyes dropped and it would seem that she was begging for a shower. 

You sighed and shook your head. Cass was just standing there, her chest rising and falling at the deep breaths she was taking to try and calm her quick heartbeat from the tough patrol she just went through. She came here to just see you. Spy on you for a little bit, as creepy as that sounds, she just wanted to make sure you were okay. 

Today’s patrol made her remember how dangerous of a place Gotham could be. She needed to know that you were safe and sound. What she didn’t expect was for her body to not listen to what her brain wanted and snuck into your room. 

But now that she was actually in your room, in front of you, she didn’t really know what to do. 

“Go shower, my love. I’ll get some of your clothes that you left here then we can rest together.” 

At your response, she smiled before making her way towards the bathroom. 

Though the two of you didn’t live together, it was almost like your apartment was her second home. Next to your towel was a grey towel just for her. Next to your toothbrush was her own. She even had her face wash and skincare right next to yours. She smiled looking around the bathroom, it was such a simple space. 

Something a lot of people overlook, but it was an important part of a home. It was almost like you in that regard, though she chuckled over her mind comparing you to a bathroom. 

You were far more than that. But it was true. You weren’t a vigilante, you weren’t a hero, you were just a normal civilian student going by her daily life. You were by no means special in the grand scheme of things and you could be overlooked by many things in life. 

But by her? By Cassandra Cain trained assassin and Black Bat? You were everything. You were one of the most important things in her life. And seeing her life slowly merge into yours in the shape of her belongings slowly making a home in your home? That caused her heart to swell. 

So much that she couldn’t help but take a quick hot shower so she could cuddle with you on your bed. 

When she finished her shower, you were already in bed ready to welcome her. 

Cass wordlessly shuffled to your bed and wrapped her hands around your torso as she lay on her side. Her face buried deep in the crook of your neck. You chuckled at her touchiness, who would’ve thought one of the genuinely most terrifying vigilantes in Gotham was such a cuddle bug? 

As you kissed the top of her head you whispered. 

“Good night Cass.”

Cass hummed back. 

“Good night beautiful.” 

At the comfortable weight of your love safe and sound in your arms. Her somewhat still wet hair against your hands, you felt yourself drifting into a deep sleep. Though not before you heard Cass mumble. 

“Thank you.” 

Leaving you to sleep with a wide smile, knowing tomorrow morning you’d actually be able to have a conversation with the woman you loved. Now, though, now, you’d both rest. 

[icarusignite]

The Proposal (part 1)

parts:  1 / 2 / 3

A/N: This story occurs before the events at the beginning of the main story "An Eye for an Eye" 

I just felt like writing something fluffy where Daenys doesn't absolutely loathe Aemond lol. Starting to feel sorry for how much pain I'm putting them through.

Also for plot purposes, I've shifted the timeline around a little. King Viserys dies a few weeks after the family dinner, so he gets to see Daenys and Aemond's wedding. When the events of "An Eye for an Eye" occur (Lucerys dying, etc), they have only been married for a couple of weeks.

Summary:  Daenys Targaryen-Velaryon is the oldest child of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, but she shares the same true lineage as her brothers Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. What happens when Daenys and Aemond see each other once again after not being in contact for years? Do the childhood friends recognize each other and can they help unite their two families before blood is spilled. Where King Viserys offers his favourite granddaughter's hand in marriage to his secondborn son. Rhaenyra and Daemon need convincing and Alicent reminds them of strengthening family bonds.

Word Count: 2519

Also available on AO3

It was strange being back in King's Landing after so many years. The place felt both familiar and foreign to Daenys, but she was here to support her family and her brother's claim to Driftmark. On their first day back, Daenys and her brothers took to exploring the Red Keep. Visiting all the places they had spent their childhood in. One such place was the training yard. As she toured the area with her brothers, she could feel the crowd's eyes on them, observing their every move, whispering. They were always whispering. Daenys was sick of it. Didn't they have better things to do than speculate about the lives of her family members. Jacaerys was handling it relatively well, walking around with his head held high, occasionally regaling them with stories of their youth. Daenys smiled fondly at him. A truly courageous prince he was. Lucerys on the other hand was more timid, trailing behind Daenys and Jacaerys, head hung low.

"Head up Luke, let me see that smile," Daenys ruffled her little brother's hair with affection, in hopes that he would stop looking so worried.

"I can't. Everyone is staring at us," Lucerys whispered urgently.

Daenys reached out and wrapped her arm around his shoulders, "Who cares. You are Prince Lucerys, heir to Driftmark, you could have their eyes for staring. Pay them no mind, they are insignificant."

Lucerys pulled away from her and frowned.

"They would not stare or question me being the heir to Driftmark if I looked more like Ser Laenor Velaryon. If I looked like you Daenys."

"Oh, Luke. You are Ser Laenor's son. He loved you and claimed you as a son and it does not matter what you look like. And you know that if I could, I'd give you my appearance. I'd do anything I could if it made you feel better."

There was a commotion at the opposite side of the courtyard and Jace excitedly pulled them towards the gathering crowd. When the two people fighting in the center became visible, Daenys froze. It was Aemond and Ser Criston Cole. Although she hadn't seen or spoken to him in years, she would recognize him anywhere. Especially with the leather eyepatch that covered his eye. He had grown tall and lithe in their years apart, his movements agile as he quickly disarmed Ser Criston. Jacaerys nudged her, giving her a knowing look and she lowered her gaze immediately, flushing when she realized she had been staring for too long. With her eyes glued to the floor, she didn't hear Ser Criston congratulate Aemond and tell him that he would be winning tourneys in no time, perhaps even to win the hand of his future wife. She also didn't see Aemond glance her way and tell Ser Criston that he didn't care for tourneys and that there would be no need for one to win the hand of his future wife.

Aemond finally turned his attention to the Velaryon siblings. He surveyed the boys with disdain and asked them if they had come to train. He saw the younger boy turn to stand slightly behind his older sister who grabbed his hand reassuringly and then glared at Aemond. This finally turned his attention fully towards Daenys. She had also grown since he saw her last but she was still the girl who had offered up her own eye for his, that fateful night he claimed Vhagar. The girl who had somehow inexplicably made her way into his heart. He opened his mouth to greet her but was interrupted by Ser Vaemond's entrance.

______________________

Daenys breathed a sigh of relief. At first, she was afraid that the Hightowers would give her brother's inheritance to Ser Vaemond. Otto Hightower even had the audacity to sit on the iron throne while he listened to the petitions. Then, miraculously her grandsire arrived and all was well. Well as well as it could be considered Daemon had just beheaded Ser Vaemond. Daenys knew he deserved it though. Slandering her mother and brothers like that. It was one of the things she admired about her stepfather Daemon. He loved her mother deeply and took care of her children as if they were his own. He defended her brothers any time someone raised their voice to challenge them, and for that Daenys was eternally grateful.

Although it seemed to have ended relatively well, Lucerys still looked shaken. The poor boy. Daenys reached out and squeezed his hand in reassurance.

"It's going to be ok Luke. You'll be ok," she whispered to him.

He looked back at her gratefully. Lucerys appreciated how Daenys always knew when something was bothering him. He didn't ever have to say anything. She always somehow knew when he was upset or nervous and she was there with a comforting hand or teasing smile to make him feel better.

Daenys grinned at him, "You are betrothed now, brother. How exciting!"

Lucerys blushed. It seemed strange for Daenys to think of him as someone's husband, as in her eyes he was still a child. It was adorable to watch him turn red though. Rhaena was a lovely girl and Daenys knew her brother held a great fondness for her. Yes, she decided. They would make the loveliest couple.

As everyone made to leave the throne room, King Viserys held up a hand.

"My dear Daenys. I need to speak with you. Will you join me in my chambers?" he smiled at her.

"Of course grandsire."

That was how she found herself in her grandfather's room, the air thick with tension. Everyone looked like they were holding their breath, waiting for something. Her mother Rhaenyra, and Daemon were also in the room, along with Aemond and Alicent. It was an odd mixture of people, but Daenys supposed her grandfather held them all together.

"My dear I have a request to make of you," Viserys rasped.

"Anything grandfather," Daenys rushed forward to take his withered hands in hers.

It was a well-known fact that Daenys was the most beloved of all Visery's grandchildren. As a newborn babe, she reminded him of his dear Rhaenyra and as she got older, her resemblance to the late Queen Aemma only endeared her to him even more. Viserys looked around at everyone in the room before speaking again.

"My dear it is my wish for you to marry my second son, Aemond. However, I do not wish to force your decision and the choice is completely yours. But know that it would bring this old man so much joy to see the two halves of his family joined."

Daenys pulse raced. What was going on? Her grandfather wanted her to marry Aemond. She had never heard anything of the sort ever before and so she looked to her parents in confusion. Rhaenyra smiled at her gently while Daemon looked conflicted.

"Mother? Did you know about this?"

"Yes, my love. Father spoke to me about it yesterday and after an extensive discussion with both him and Queen Alicent, I have decided that it could be a worthwhile union. But the choice is still yours my darling."

"And you Daemon? What do you think about all this?" Daenys questioned.

"If it is my brother's wish then who am I to refuse? But do as you desire my little dragon. You may refuse if you wish to."

Daenys took a deep breath and finally turned to the opposite side of the room. Her eyes met Aemond's but he only looked at her with cool indifference. It was as if they were simply talking about the weather and he did not care for her answer. Daenys felt a pang of hurt. She wished she could read him better. Did he want this union or was he being pushed into it for the sake of an alliance.  A part of her wanted to say yes. She had been friends with Aemond for as long as she could remember, them being nearly the same age. When those feelings of friendship had turned into something more, she didn't know, but she had always kept them to herself. She didn't think she would ever be anything more than friends with him, given the enmity between their families, so she kept her feelings buried in the hopes that they would one day disappear.

"Has...has Aemond given his consent to the betrothal?" Daenys hesitated. She did not know if she truly wanted to know the answer to that. To know that he was being pressured into marrying her. She would not be thrust into someone's life unwillingly. She refused to.

King Viserys glanced at Aemond knowingly before smiling at Daenys, "Yes, my dear. He has expressed his consent most enthusiastically."

Daenys almost laughed out loud. She could not imagine Aemond ever being enthusiastic about anything, much less a betrothal; and to her of all people too. She supposed she should refuse. Save herself the embarrassment of discovering that he held no affection for her whatsoever and that she was just a delusional little fool. But with the eyes of the entire room on her and the imploring eyes of her grandfather, she could not bring herself to say no. Perhaps the small part of her that loved Aemond could not say no either, and so she found herself nodding her head.

"I'll do it. I consent. If it is your wish grandsire, it would be my honour," Daenys kissed his hands softly.

Viserys grinned brightly, "Thank you, my girl. Ah, how wonderful. Now we have yet another bond that binds us tighter together. We must remain united as a family. Go, get ready for dinner  We shall announce it to the rest this evening."

Daenys stood and made her way over to her parents who held her tight and whispered reassurances to her and even Alicent hugged and congratulated her for the betrothal. On her way out, Daenys glanced back at Aemond and she could swear that she caught a glimpse of his lips turning up slightly. Possibly an almost smile. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad.

______________________

Later that day, just as Daenys was finishing getting ready, she was startled by a knock on the door.  She opened the door only to find the last person she expected standing there.

"May I come in?" Aemond Targaryen looked down at her, his face unreadable.

"Uh...yea I guess. Come in," she moved aside to let him through and closed the door behind him.

He was silent for a few minutes, taking her in, and then said almost disinterestedly, "You're wearing black?"

Daenys laughed, "Of course, I am wearing black. It is the colour of my mother's house. This dress matches my mother's tonight."

Aemond brows furrowed, but then he pulled out a box from his pocket and shook his frown away.

"Well, black will go better with this anyways."

"What is that?" Daenys stepped closer to him, her curiosity getting the better of her.

He opened the box to take out a necklace, from which hung a deep blue sapphire. Daenys's jaw dropped in shock.

"I had it prepared for you. A gift for my betrothed."

"Oh. Oh, you really didn't have to," Daenys protested, "but thank you."

"May I?" Aemond gestured towards her neck and Daenys turned red.

"Of course," she gathered her hair and turned around, holding her breath as he fastened it around her neck.

Aemond stepped back and looked at her, his gaze mild. He was a man of few words but his edges seemed softer around her, Daenys had noticed. He didn't seem as menacing or threatening as he did around others. She touched the jewel at her throat and grinned.

"Thank you Aemond. It is truly lovely," she whispered, looking down.

"Yes. Yes, it is," Aemond responded, though his eyes remained fixed on Daenys.

"Out of curiosity, why blue? I mean it is beautiful but what made you choose sapphires?"

Aemond froze. He supposed he should tell her. Show her even.  After all, they were to get married in a few days. She should see all of him. She should be able to see all of him before she was bound to him forever, in case she wanted to change his mind. He wondered if she remembered his scar from when they were children. She had left so soon after he had gotten it. He wondered if she would find him hideous, or look at him with pity or disgust, like the other ladies of the court. He felt as though he could handle her disgust, but not her pity. He rode the largest dragon in all of Westeros and he did not want her pity. Slowly he reached up and pulled his eyepatch off to reveal the scarred eye underneath.

Daenys gasped and Aemond flinched at the sound. Her eyes roamed his face, tracing out his features, his scar, and the glittering blue gem that replaced his missing eye. He waited for her to recoil in revulsion. To reveal her contempt, but she only just smiled. Daenys raised her hand, hesitantly as if waiting for his permission to touch his face. He nodded so imperceptibly that she would not have seen the gesture if she hadn't been so focused on him. She touched the bottom of his scar and traced upwards.

"It's lovely. You're lovely," she looked up at him in awe.

Aemond swallowed thickly, "You do not need to lie to me. If you wish to annul the betrothal, you may do so now that you have seen all of me. I would not blame you. Just do not lie to me."

Daenys's smile faded, "How little faith you have in my words. It's a little unfair don't you think? I thought friends were supposed to trust each other. Are we not friends before anything else?"

"Yes, I suppose we are. But I would not want you to suppress your discomfort on my behalf. If you find me unpleasant to look at, you may simply say so.

"Oh, you silly boy. I think you look just fine, scar or no scar. More than fine in fact," Daenys replied, her ears turning bright red. "Now let us go or we shall be late for dinner and we do not want to upset grandsire."

Aemond smiled softly as he pulled his eyepatch back into place and Daenys took his arm to steer them out of her room. As they walked, she suddenly came to a halt. Understanding lit up behind her eyes and she turned to Aemond beaming.

"The necklace. It matches."

"Matches what?" Aemond played dumb, enjoying the way her nose wrinkled in annoyance.

"Your eye. It matches the stone in your eye."

"Hmm. I suppose it does."

Daenys laughed and shoved him playfully.

"You know you don't have to be so uptight all the time. And besides, how'd you even have that ready so fast? Grandsire only just settled our betrothal today."

"I've had it ready for a while actually," Aemond glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

"Oh! How presumptuous. What if I had said no to him hmmm?" Daenys teased.

"I knew you would have said yes."

"Oh, how presumptuous indeed," Daenys laughed again, and in the shadows of the corridor where no one else could see them, Aemond allowed himself to laugh with her.

_______________________

Taglist: @bugheadskid @blulemonades @applepyesworld​ 

[creepylittlelady]

Proxies Headcanons! [Puppet Strings Lore Dump]

Hey! I have an unfortunate confession to make; I used to really like Fanon Masky when I was like 9 years old. Thankfully I finally watched Marble Hornets and realised what the fuck I'd been missing out. I used to love Fanon Toby too but maybe about two years ago I completely rewrote him after a sudden change of heart.

Did Hoody even have a fanon? I don't think he had a personality beyond being Masky's best friend. That's unfortunate seeing as how he's my favourite one out of the pair.

Anyways, the Proxies have always been such an interesting concept to me. I know that they don't exist in canon, but seriously it's an entertaining thing to imagine a sitcom between the Proxies and Slenderman.

So, without further ado, let's get into it!

Proxies Headcanons

-The 'Proxies' are the employees (only slaves like 50% of the time) of the Slenderman. They do have a greater purpose for being 'hired'; to serve as human energy for the Operator to feed off of. That's why the MOST unstable ones get picked to be proxies, since he feeds off of trauma and emotional energy.

-They do get paid, but only when the Slenderman takes over. Sadly he's aware of why they're here but accepts the fact that there's nothing he can really do about it since the Operator's fed on them so much that they'll basically die if they stop being Proxies (if the Operator doesn't kill them first). It's a lose-lose situation, unfortunately.

-As I said prior; they're the most mentally unstable in the whole Mansion. There are six of them; Rouge, X-Virus/Cody, Kate, Masky/Tim, Hoody/Brian, and Toby. Rouge is the oldest (due to the fact that in her original story she was almost married and almost a mother), and Toby is the youngest.

-Many of the Residents avoid them, especially Masky and Hoody. As they're the most well-known Proxies, they're generally known for being violent and ill-mannered towards others besides each-other and Toby. Although they get closer to everyone eventually, most of the residents heavily disliked them when they first arrived.

-Slender has no idea how they got here, although he has an idea of why they could be here. He's got no idea what happened to Toby, Kate, Rouge, or what the hell a Marble Hornets is. No matter how many times they explain what Slender supposedly did to them, he just doesn't remember as Charles wasn't conscious when it happened.

Although (I believe, its been a while) Marble Hornets take place in 2006, they sort of departed from the Labrinth and returned in 2009 after Masky and Hoody find themselves homeless and basically just drug addicts. They put up with Slender as they have no other place to turn to.

-They mainly go on Political Missions; such as assassinating a target in the Underworld, or they kill actual people in the real world. These usually consist of people who get too close to finding out about the Pastas, cultists, and basically just any random target Slender picks out for them.

-They're sort of their own family, as they share rooms in the same corridor which is quite far away from the other Residents. Rouge actually has her own home, but the other four live in the Mansion.

-They all magically have access to drugs. Nobody knows and nobody asks why, but whenever they need a fix, all they need to do is go to Hoody's room and pay $5.

-Speaking of Hoody, he has selective mutism, and even then he rarely talks. He only verbally communicates with the other Proxies, and doesn't speak to anyone else at all. Sometimes he'll randomly chime in to a conversation Toby and Masky are having and laugh as the two jump.

He's just a bit of a goofy guy, really.

-Wondering why I'm exclusively calling them Masky and Hoody? Well, I know it's sort of implied that Tim and Brian have DID and that Masky and Hoody are simply their alter egos, but in this AU they're more like personas that the Operator made up for them. He didn't like how disobedient Tim and Brian are, so when the Operator takes over he personally remolds their personalities so that they're more subservient. It sounds confusing but I'm trying

-I'm going to make a separate post for Tim and Brian, but a little backstory is that the two of them have known each other since Kindergarten and have grown up together since. They're best friends and their bond is just so strong that nobody can ever really come between them.

Although they're seen hanging out with Toby a lot, Toby is aware of the fact that Tim and Brian are the original duo.

-Masky is the unofficial group leader of the Proxies, and everyone else just kind of accepts that. He's a cool guy and does know how to take charge, however he's always incredibly rebellious to the Slenderman's orders, which leaves Toby to step up every time they fuck up real bad.

-Slenderman sometimes accompanies them. He doesn't help, he just watches from a corner and sometimes jumps out at them to scare them. It's a favourite pass time of his. He will help them out on occasion, as keep in mind he is a low-level God.

-Dr. Smiley and Nurse Ann's makeshift Hospital is basically their second home. Since they get injured so much on all of their missions (totally not due to Masky going against the direct orders), they often all come together to get treated with whatever nasty injury they get from their most recent endeavour.

-Hoody and Slender, both people who don't talk very often, easily understand each other. It's sort of an inside joke that they can telepathically talk to each other. It's basically the only form of a relationship they have considering Hoody's very wary of him.

-Masky hates cheesecake. And crayons. And children. And Slenderman (although when it's Charles they're relationship is a bit better). The Masky in this AU would fucking HATE fanon Masky.

Cheesecake is Masky's least favourite food. He'd rather eat a pile of dog shit. Lazari thought this was funny and made sure to include a panel of him eating Cheesecake in every comic that she makes.

I'll get some more later! Hope you enjoyed ;)

[phemiec]

Chiming in as a longtime fan to say that I’m so happy to see you drawing the Robins aswell. your takes are unique and thoughtfully done and I hope we can see more.

A penny for your thoughts on your Jason design? I would love to know what you were considering and thinking about when you came up with it. I happen to love it.

Jason is my favourite of the Robins and I never agreed with the consensus that he should be handsome or even average. Your design is such a breath of fresh air. It also adds a sore point when Dick is the “pretty beloved one” and Jason lived in his shadow and felt that he could never measure up. It just works and makes sense given his history and what hes been through.

my thoughts were, basically I wanted them to be Bruce’s kids through and through, meaning they all have an image of themselves they present to the wider world, which shields a truth and lets people underestimate them, but they all have different shields/truths. My hc is anyway:

Dick: carefree, outgoing pretty boy, always eager for attention and full of easy humor, effortless golden child vs. the chronic oldest sibling, trying desperately to be the responsible one and keep his family from falling apart, but is basically always hanging by a thread/on the verge of snapping and breaking entirely.

Jason: big dumb angry violent brute who “doesn’t know a coconut from an almond” vs. actually a literal genius who is incredibly well read, sensitive and perceptive, and who cares about people deeply, a heart and brain big enough to match his muscles

Tim: oh he’s just the brain, nothing special compared to his brothers, don’t mind him! Unobtrusive, reserved, physically harmless nerd vs. Has a plan to neutralize everyone he meets, knows everyone’s weakness, absolutely strong, fast and agile enough to exploit those weaknesses at a moments notice, if need be

Damian: autism vs. autism (but watch out)

[ahshitikeepreadingfanfics]

Mr.Mom

Taishiro Toyomitsu’s family, it’s mostly girls.

Except for the second oldest

His only boy

Having 7 children he knows his wife is overwhelmed so sometimes

He takes them to the office

AND IT IS CHAOS.

Red Riot getting covered in the chaotic girls screaming to have piggy back rides, the eldest asking to be thrown so she can practice using her quirk at age 10 so she bounces against the walls, literally, while Suneater just sits with the shy little boy looking at bugs and fish in the books he brings so he can show him all the cool new facts at age 9, 5 year old twin girls braiding their dads hair. 8 year old triplets drawing all over his desk with permanent marker. The 5 month old baby sleeping in the crib has has in his office, it’s been there for 10 years. It’s not going anywhere.

Literally. One of the twins sneezed and he or his wife do not know where this quirk came from because her sister has a similar quirk to her dad, except it’s muscle. (a muscly 5 year old is mildly terrifying according to Red Riot) And now it is super glued it to the ground. No matter what you or Taishiro used to try and pry it from the floor. It would stay. You both gave up. Plus it’s in a good spot anyways.

By the time lunch comes around, everyone’s tired and hungry. Luckily his wife knows their kids time. It’s like she has a tracker for exhaustion and hunger. It’s amazing. She already has her quirk but it’s like she has a bonus quirk just for her family, which includes Fatgums sidekicks. She brings them all lunch. Plus, she needs to feed the baby. Baby girl number 7 already drank all the milk he packed for her. Just like her dad. Never satisfied when eating. His beautiful wife (in her hero uniform no less) brought food for everyone. It was suddenly calm. The kids were behaved. Drawing on paper, sitting quietly. Unpacking their lunch. Keeping their quirks in check. Including his sidekicks. Taishiro was in complete awe. Then she left and chaos started all over again. Food was being thrown. Sweet potatoe fries are everywhere. The chaos is never ended if his wife isn’t around when outside the home. At least at home that chaos is contained.

“why are you guys so good when mom is here? I don’t get it?” Taishiro questions, looking at his children, his son looks up at him while eating his rice “Mom says we need to be good when she’s at the office. That’s the rule or else we need to go home.”

“Wait. She has rules for when you guys go to her office?” Fatgum questions,

“Yea” the nonchalant answer from his son makes everything clear, they all need to go home. He looks around.

There is marker everywhere.

There is gum in both the five year olds hair, he doesn’t even know where they gotten gum. Probably from Red Riot. Definetly from Red Riot

Sweet potatoes mashed into his favourite office chair, that stain will never come out of the light orange fabric.

“Okay guys let’s pack up and go home! Moms at work today and we need to get home. Red Riot your coming we’re doing training in my backyard today. Suneater your gonna hang out with my son and you guys can watch the fish channel. Girls you are gonna give Riot resistance training” Taishiro states.

The girls scream and giggle knowing that it will be a fun day.

A few hours later the kids are down for a nap except the oldest two. The sidekicks have left for the day after an exhausting day taking care of the Toyomitsu clan. Taishiro is laying on the floor with the baby on his chest watching My neighbor totoro. They are relaxing. It’s about 5pm and his amazing wife is about to be home. The house is a mess as usual and it’s cleaning day tomorrow.

“Hello love” the light and airy voice of his wife reaches his ears. As the front door swings open.

He glances up to his wife. Some mud on her face. She’s smiling down at him. Her eyes sparkle with love and adoration.

“Good day?” She questions smiling knowing that today has been long as it is when the kids are out of school.

“Messy. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world”

“Thank you for being an amazing dad. Mr.Mom”

He laughs as she goes to sit on the couch with the oldest two. They get excited when they notice she is there. The little boy sits right next to her. She wraps her arms around her oldest children. And they snuggle right in. Once the kids are up again, his wife giggles at the 5 year olds new haircuts due to the gum, ghe 8 year olds are showing her their drawings of their family and you all start to make dinner and start getting ready for bed. It’s about 8pm, you and Taishiro and snuggled on the couch.

“Your amazing for taking care of those kids for so long and being out of the hero game so long” Taishiro states.

“Your amazing for being a great dad” his wife answers looking up at him kissing him softly on the cheek.

The family is messy, and kinda chaotic. But he’s never been surrounded by more love in his entire life. He’s never been happier. He doesn’t know how you do it while also being a hero.

He’s known as a Mr.Mom.

He might be a very popular hero amongst the world community,

But honey, your his hero.

Just had these thoughts and on my god I couldn’t stop.

[alyszaen]

~ "dating" - seungmin x chichi ~

x ~~~~~ x ~~~~~ x ~~~~~ x ~~~~~ x

x ~~~~~ x ~~~~~ x ~~~~~ x ~~~~~ x

embedding in time: Maxident era word count: 1.2k words summary: seungmin and chichi go on a date warnings: fluff disclaimer: Chichi is an O/C invented by @chiskz who gave me explicit permission to create and post this.

Do not repost or translate my work. Reblog or comment if you liked it. Let me know what you enjoyed.

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The weather wasn't great - it had been raining ever so slightly for the last 5 hours, destroying Chichis plan of meeting up for a walk with Keeho. He ended up cancelling as soon as the sky started to look grey, anyways, stating he would use this chance to stay in the studio for a while longer and continue training.

The oldest Stray Kids member had been stuck in the dorms, not finding the motivation to really do anything productive. The enthusiasm to continue studying was long gone, considering she had done nothing else but fill her brain with information about law in the last month. Today was the groups one day off, leaving everyone to spend time with friends or family. More or less at least. Chris was in the studio, producing, as per usual, and Seungmin also stayed at home, not really wanting to hang out with a lot of people.

Or so she thought, because just as she finished sending a meme into her groupchat with Felix, Hyunjin and Keeho, a knock on her door made her raise her head. Logically thinking, this could only be Seungmin, her new fake-boyfriend. "Come in!", Ichi exclaimed, waiting for the door to open. She was right, it was the singer. Seungmin didn't say a word and just threw himself onto her bed, groaning in frustration. "I'm bored.", he sighed. The girl raised an eyebrow, "And what am I supposed to do about that?" "I don't know. I thought maybe as my fake-girlfriend that I am fake-dating we could go on a fake-date.", he waved his hands in front of her face, waving his hands into all directions and getting louder whenever he said a word relating to their situation. "Hmm.", Chichi thought about it for a moment, "I guess JYP did tell us do get sighted on a date or something like that..." She pouted a little at the thought of having to leave the comfort of her warm home during the current weather. Chichi ended up throwing him out of her room so she could get changed for their outing, agreeing to his plan.

The singer took his oldest member to a café, treating her to her favourite drink. Thinking back, the newest addition realized, that this was the first time she had ever spent any time with Seungmin alone. They hung out within the group, but it was never just the two of them. They didn't dislike eachother or anything, there was just never a chance or need for them to get into further conversation. Which was why this was a great chance to change that.

"Did I ever tell you how intimidated I was by your singing?", Chichi mumbled into her non-existent beard. He barely heard her words, "What do you mean?" "Well...I was so impressed by your vocal control. It made me realize I still had so much to learn. But I was always to afraid to ask you for help." Seungmin tilted his head slightly, trying to make sense of the information he just learned, "But I was intimidated by you!" The young woman started to giggle loudly, "Why the hell would you-" "You may have been new, but you were already so good at both singing and dancing. I was kind of afraid you would take my spot...", the boy got more quiet towards the end of his sentence. He was clearly embarassed by his feelings.

"Well-", Chichi clapped her hands, "I'm glad we got that out of the way. That kind of explains a lot." She smiled at the young man in front of her, changing the topic so they wouldn't be forced into an awkward conversation, "And now that we are dating, madly in love with eachother, I feel like we should get to the juicy details!" Her smile went from something warm and comforting into one you would probably run away from if you saw someone look at you like that. Anybody that didn't know her would likely consider her expression crazy. Seungmin was about to ask her what she meant by that, when she started speaking again. "If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why."

Throughout the date both parties realized, that they had no idea why they never really hung out before. They found a lot of similarities between them. At one point, when they noticed that they were currently both watching the same drama, they decided to schedule movie-nights to watch it together from now on and get more chances to spend time.

Chichi was sure this fake-dating thing could work. Now that they understood their similiarities, they could easily sell that they were in love. Of course it would still hurt, acting like she liked someone, when the person she really wanted to be with was so close and yet too far away, but she would figure this out somehow. Ichi was strong and some stupid publicity stunt wouldn't change that.

A server at the café ended up kicking them out at around closing time, because the two idols had completely missed how much time passed. The sun had already set by the time they went back outside and the way home was filled with loud laughter and slight friendly shoves. Their original mission of being seen in public was long forgotten - it had turned from that into an actual hangout of two friends. Ichi was glad that she gained a new friend through this generally unfortunate situation, instead of just seeing him as a colleague, knowing that acting like they were dating was going to be more of a fun activity, rather than a chore. Of course they had noticed a couple fans not so subtly photographing and filming them throughout the day, but they used it as a chance to cuddle up to the other a littlem, holding hands, basically making it look like they were actual partners.

Back at the dorms Seungmin went to have a conversation with Hyunjin, who had come back from spending his time with Kkami and family a few hours ago. Chichi knocked on Changbins door, wanting to tell him about the day she's had, only to find his room empty. "He's still out with his parents.", Jisung mentioned when he noticed the confused Chichi, while he was walking by. Her view lowered onto the floor, "Oh. Thanks." She went over to her own room, getting comfortable on her bed, but not before changing into some comfortable clothes again. It was weird for the rapper not to be home yet, considering they had plans to hang out and watch a movie tonight. Maybe he forgot?

Chichi tried to wrap her head around what may be going on, snuggling into the sweater she stole from Changbin a few days ago, inhaling the scent of his perfume that still covered the fabric.

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Taglist: @longingpurity, @hyujinnie1, @sensitiveandhungry, @minvho, @skz-jisoo, @minnnie-binnie, @zoe8stay, @l3visbby, @bbyquokka Feel free to let me know if you'd like to be added to the taglist!

[ellievickstar]

Climbing Out (Chapter 1)

A/N: Yes we are starting a new series. Suck it up. I know there is a series I haven’t finished but I think the message in this one is more personal and important to me. I still take requests. Always.

(For general warnings and summary + Author’s note about the series look at my Climbing Out Masterlist here)

Please note this starts in books 2 of the ACOTAR series and there will be spoilers

Ship: Archeron!sister

Climbing Out Masterlist

Dead.

I felt dead inside as I stared at myself in the mirror. The bruises on my back were so prominent. Then there was pounding and I was suddenly there where the pain wouldn’t stop, my father, Amarantha, cackling, as pain lashed through my body, as a knife was driven through my-

I woke in a panic as I sat up in the sheets. There was fire dancing around my room as shadows screamed. “Calm down,” I commanded, the shadows, the flames. They slipped into quiet at my tone of voice. The screams turned to whispers, the embers turning to nothing. Sweat beaded down my brow as I glanced out he window. It was dawn, time to practice fighting with Lucien.

Unlike Feyre, Tamlin was not as overbearing towards me, especially since I was not exactly who he loved. I twirled light around my hand as I shaped it into a ball, as images from my mind was projected into the hand before me, as it was turned to the faces of my sisters. My family, at least by blood. The oldest sister who couldn’t care enough to check when she spotted the bruises on my face, my back. The middle child who was everyone’s favourite, who couldn’t spare a glance to let me know I wasn’t alone every time I tried to confide in her. And the my final sister…

Feyre had things to do. She kept the family alive, she tried, yes. I can’t deny that they all tried. In their own, flawed way, even my father. Every time he beat me I still couldn’t bring myself to hate him. Even when he could not care less when we were starving. Resentment, yes. But hate?

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Y/N? We have to train, can I come in?” Lucien. The voice belonged to Lucien. The ball of light in my hand vanished as I said yes. My fingers snapped and I was in training leathers, but as I stared into the mirror across the room. I knew that hollow look like the back of my own hand. Felt it.

Lucien paused as he noticed my hands slack on the bed, my hunched back, the look on my face. Sympathy flickered in his eyes as he reached out to me, exposing his hands to me. I still flinched away, still had that flash of fear in my mind. Weak. I couldn’t even handle someone approaching me without reacting. I was weak. The words resonated in my ears as I scooted away from Lucien slightly, an apology already making it’s way out of my mouth.

“Don’t be sorry,” His throat bobbed as he swallowed, “I know with everything it can be hard,” He remained where he was. “We can skip training today, do you want breakfast?” I considered. Breakfast? I could, but I ate too much yesterday. I shook my head and looked at the door and then to him. He nodded and left my room, closing the door on the way out.

He hates me. The thought hit me like a train. No he didn’t. Lucien was nice, he respected my boundaries, he knows why, he understands. He thinks your a burden, you are too needy, he is just being nice. I hung my head at the sickeningly intrusive thoughts, my hands going to clutch my ears at the loud, loud voices. My breathing sped up as I curled into a ball and backed away from the edge of the bed. My back met the wall and tears slid down my eyes. Why couldn’t I keep it in today?

I wiped my eyes as my mind battled to keep the voices away, to keep the emotions in, to let them bottled up, they could eat me alive for all I cared.

Feyre needed me, I needed to support her, even if I was dying inside. Have been for a while. I breathed out a sigh as I snapped my fingers and I was wearing a simple, sweet dress. The dress that presented the young girl I was, at least until the incidents.

Going down the stairs, Tamlin was there with Feyre. If I remembered right, tomorrow would have been their wedding but my sister was bursting with excitement like I would expect. I flashed them both a small smile as I asked for permission to roam the grounds with Lucien after I was done entertaining myself. Tamlin said yes, as expected and Feyre looked annoyed, it was unfair, that I got to roam around with no sentries and just Lucien who was my friend, it wasn’t far that she was drowning in protection.

The day passed just as quickly as any other, my anxiety was kept at bay so there wasn’t any emotional vulnerability except when I was playing music in the Art Studio that used to be for Feyre. I had begun to use it to play the violin on my own instead of staying in my room to do so.

The following day was, well, chaotic was one word. Entertaining was another. Maybe it was because the distress on Feyre’s face was so clear as I stood by the alter. Maybe because Rhysand showed up grinning like a fox, calling in the bargain, and my foolish sister, begging to stay even though deep down she wanted to end this god forsaken wedding.

I was swept away with her, thankfully, I sure as hell did not wan to deal with the aftermath of all this.

I have to admit, watching Feyre throw shoes at Rhysand was far more entertaining then it would have been to see her speak vows. But as I spotted that glint in his eyes when he expressed his distaste for her dress, not that he was wrong about the fact it looked absolutely disgusting, I realised why he came. Why he swept her away, something in me clicked. I didn’t have enough time to say anything before Feyre stormed to her room, disregarding my presence entirely. Rhysand turned to face me.

“And what powers did you receive?” He eyes me wearily. I decided that I was bored so showing him would have been so much more fun then telling him. Without warning, my powers whipped for him, cold ice combined with searing flame, dark night combined with the brilliance of day. He barely had enough time to shield but my light tore through it anyways then my powers vanished just before they could reach him, sucking into me as I called it back.

“I got most of the Seven Courts, the only one I didn’t get was The Spring Court, I think it had to do with preferences. I don’t particularly like Tamlin,” I drawled as I lounged on an arm chair near by, my fingers snapping for my gown that I had selected to change into a cotton shirt paired with comfortable leather pants. “So you got picky with your powers?” He teased and I rolled my eyes. “I knew I was dead, I was hoping for it, I didn’t want to come back. When I saw the lights in the darkness I knew what was happening and they had distinct colours, I accidentally broke a piece off of the Spring Court, so I don’t have its powers,” I picked at my nails.

That’s when i felt something sift through my mind. I hissed as I shoved it out and slammed down a wall of everything i had combined and mixed into a powerful shield. “Don’t look into my head you asshole,” I seethed at him, but there was fear at the back o my head, he could have been there for just minutes, but it was enough to see what happened. The look on his face was not reassuring.

“You were-,” “Yes i was,” I cut him off, not wanting to speak about it, “My father had a certain way of expressing how he felt, it was my fault for never having anything to do,” I brushed off, but the crack of my voice and the tears in my eyes gave me away.

“What a prick,” A female voice sounded as a blonde haired fae stepped into the light. I snorted, indeed. Rhysand glanced at the female and then to me before sighing. “Y/N, this is Morrigan, my cousin. Mor, this is Y/N,” Morrigan smiled at me. “Please call me Mor,” She said, her voice was like night yet not, the voice of the Princess of Nightmares. “I will if you call me Y/N/N,” I grinned. Her answering smirk was like a wolf’s and I swore that I heard Rhysand send a prayer to the cauldron.

tag list: @moonfawnx @bankerfrog @younxii @starlit-terror @hideing @flightlesslittlebirdie @menagerofmischief @famousbasementpainter @owllover123 @bookworm-nerd6 @gigisssz @bethany-bee0128 @cityofidek @aetherl0l

A/N: Who wants to kill someone? Just me? Got it. Love you guys. (BTW I have been working on this for four days) <3

Climbing Out Masterlist

[jamiesfootball]

What is your favourite live action holiday movie?

I hope this question covers 'movies that happen to be on that holiday and not about it' because. Buddy. Are you ready for an answer so obscure that when I tried to crosscheck that it did take place on the holiday I thought it did, fucking Google couldn't confirm. I literally had to double check with my friend who's seen this movie more than me-

Warrior (2011) because the final fight takes place on the 4th of July and as it happens I first saw this movie on the 4th of July.

Now without further ado LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES

The synopsis from IMDB says:

The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo

But this movie- Y'ALL THIS MOVIE. Oh, it is a gut punch from start to finish. It is a beauty. The synopsis makes it seem like the oldest brother is estrange WHEN IN FACT it is the youngest (played by Tom-Fucking-Hardy) who has basically cut off contact with everyone after him and his mother left town to escape his abusive, alcoholic dad. He is sullen, moody, angry, doesn't talk much - AND HE FUCKING PUNCHES LIKE ELIOT GODDAMN SPENCER.

And this kid - and he is, there is such a young boyishness to his pain - has gone back to the same abusive, alcoholic dad (who is now sober) to ask him to train him how to box so that he can get into this amateur MMA fight for the prize money (THE REASONS WHY WILL MAKE YOU BAWL).

As for his relationship with his dad (Nick Nolte)? It's a resounding FUCK YOU, I'M NOT HERE FOR YOU.

Meanwhile. The older brother. The one who stayed behind when the mom and the youngest left. His response to his dad is also a big old FUCK YOU OLD MAN. He did not stay for his old man.

He stayed for his girlfriend (Allison Morrison), and guess what? They have a wonderful marriage, and two beautiful little kids together, and his only only fucking regret is that he doesn't know what happened to his brother.

But now he has a problem- see, one of his daughters is real sick. And they've got medical bills piling up. And he's got a mortgage they're falling behind on. And this guy, this wonderful soft-spoken caring guy, he's a teacher. He loves his job, but he doesn't make good money, and his wife is already working extra, and they need the money. So he's been doing underground boxing. But he got caught, and now he's been suspended from his job, so his only option is to enlist the help of his friend (Frank Grillo, aka Crossbones from Captain America) who is a zen-like, classical music loving gym owner to train this guy up for this amateur MMA fight for the prize money

The same one his little brother is aiming for. The same- do you get it? They are both entering a boxing match and they don't know the other one is going to be there.

And because the youngest son is going under his mother's surname no one else knows they're related either.

What's this got to do with 4th of July? It never fucking says, but if I were to read in too deep it would be something about independence. Something about how these two people, who separated from each other and built lives independent of each other, were ultimately never that far apart. Their separate paths led them right back home. Their shared history means they were always going to be together, even if they never never crossed paths again they would always be walking the same road. They were shaped alongside each other. Just. Love, man.

Anyways, by the end of the movie it's the 4th of July and I'm bawling my fucking eyes out. It's also just a really, really good fighting movie.

[sherifftillman]

An Unambiguous Love [10/10]: Rescue Mission

1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 ::

alternate AO3 link

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson x f!Reader

Genre: fluff

Summary: Your favourite customers really make it easier returning to the town you never went to school in. If only your friends at work would stop trying to play matchmaker between you.

Chapter 10 word count: 3608

A/N: And that's a wrap! I really hope you've all enjoyed reading this fic as much as I loved writing it. I have two oneshots in this universe already planned, but if there's anything in particular y'all want to see, feel free to prompt it!

The next day, you’re busy moving the oldest of the “new releases” rack to their respective aisles when you hear Jesse clear his throat behind you. “Oh, jeez!” you press your hand into your chest. “Oh, you scared me. You good?”

“Uh, yeah! I was… I was going to ask, I know you’re not in this Saturday, so I was wondering if you wanted to hang -”

You interject, “I’m sorry, Jesse, I’m just… Not in a great place right now, I wouldn’t be good company one-on-one.”

“It wouldn’t be!” Jesse replies hurriedly. “It’s… A whole bunch of us. From here. Like a staff appreciation thing. We’re closing early, everyone’s coming, it’s a whole thing. You wouldn’t need to be “good company”, you can just show up and then be a part of the group, if that makes you more comfortable.”

You sigh with relief. “You know what? Hanging out with everyone here, without work hanging over us… That might just be exactly what I need,” you nod. “Yeah.”

“Awesome!” Jesse claps. “Uh, so Saturday, at the complex, 1pm, we can go get food, watch a movie, just hang out. See you then?” 

[...]

You’re so excited to get to see all your work friends outside of work, for once. You’re rambling on about it to your brother, who tells you that he misses your other friends. He likes it when they’re here to visit. You tell him that you still do, too, but that it’s okay for you to have more than one group of friends. You still dread to think what life is going to be like with both Steve and Eddie again after kissing the two of them individually, without any inkling of which way to decide between them, if at all.

You put those thoughts away for now, though. Now, you’re going out with other friends. None of this drama has to exist around them. You guys can all just have fun and be nerdy together. Even Cameron’s been actively chatting to you about things these days. The first real conversation you’d had with him a week prior, where you'd both talked about your excitement for the next instalment of Elvira due to come in, truly made you feel like you were an instrumental part of the team.

You find a relatively central space inside of the theatre entrance and await any familiar faces. The boy that knows Nancy is here too, looking at you. It's a tad unnerving, but you try and look away, especially when he slowly reaches for the phone handset on the wall.

Jesse is the first to show. He greets you warmly, trying to pull you in for a hug. You've never really hugged him before, so you're in unfamiliar territory here, but you comply nonetheless. He's constantly trying to make small talk, which you reply with vague sounds to as you eagerly look around, getting more and more desperate as time goes on

Eventually Jesse looks at his watch. "I don’t think anybody else is coming."

You narrow your eyes. "Not even your sister? Didn't you bring her with you?"

"Hm? Oh, of course, I meant to say. She decided to spend time with friends from school instead. And come to think of it, I vaguely remember Cameron saying something about not making it either. I assume since he isn't here now either that Ralph has bailed without warning, so maybe we should just get some food, the two of us?"

"If it's all the same to you, I- I might just… Go home, like I said, I’m not great company on my own right now,” you falter.

Jesse holds your arm, “Come on, don’t sell yourself so short! Let’s at least get something to eat while we’re here, right?” he grins, almost unsettlingly.

You go to protest, but your stomach betrays you as it makes a loud rumbling sound. “Alright, we’ll get some food and that’s it, okay?”

—[ meta ]—

Nancy’s busy tidying up when Mike bangs on her bedroom door. “Pick up your phone! It’s that guy from the school paper!” he shouts through it. 

She picks up her receiver. “Fred? What’s going on?”

His tone is heavy with an arrogant smugness. “Just wanted to let you know that I was right, all along. You were setting your friend up with those two, Harrington and the freak -”

“Fred.”

“And I said, maybe you were wrong, and that there was no romantic interest there at all? Guess who’s getting cozy with another man. Hugging him closely and everything.”

"I don't… Another man? Who?"

"Do I look like Hawkins' ultimate socialite? How should I know? Either way, I think you sho- oh."

"What? What 'oh'?"

"..."

"Fred?!"

"She does not look as happy being here as he is. Keeps looking around."

"Fred. Answer me honestly. Does it look like she's in danger?"

"The guy is trying to stay in close proximity to her, but she doesn't look like she wants that."

"Fuck. Okay. I'm hanging up now. Don't do anything stupid, just… Get her some help if it looks like he's hurting her."

Nancy hangs up the phone and immediately calls Family Video.

~~~

Meanwhile, at the video store, Steve has been pacing the aisles, wanting nothing more than to talk to Robin about what happened between him and Y/N, but all six kids are around and he would rather have the ground swallow him whole than have a bunch of freshmen be his romantic counsel.

He jumps at the chance to answer the phone, "Y'ello, this is Family Vi- Oh, hey Nanc- ... Uh, I don't know, a couple of days ago, why?"

As he's asking that, Eleven pulls Dustin over to the window, points over at the comic book store and then at the clock, looking puzzled. Dustin also looks confused, adding a, "That's weird."

"What is?" Robin asks.

"Y/N told me and El on Friday we wouldn't be able to buy anything this afternoon, because the store was closing early so all the staff could go out. But it's that time now, and it doesn't look like it's closing."

Robin's face falls. "Nobody else has said anything about closing early today."

Steve's face widens in horror. He interrupts Nancy’s retelling to ask, "Nancy, did Fred say anything about who that guy could be? ... Do you happen to know of a guy named Jesse? Fuck, there's no time, shit!" He hangs up and hops over the counter. Only one thought crosses Steve's mind: I can't do this without him. On his way to the door, he calls out. "Robin! I need you to call Eddie, tell him to meet me at the theatre ASAP, immediately, right now."

Robin looks perplexed. "But you're you, surely you can handle this jerk, why do you need Eddie?"

Steve spends almost every ounce of restraint he has on thinking before he speaks. He's barely been coming to terms with his own sexuality for weeks now. The only one who might understand is standing right in front of him, but so are six teenagers, still practically children, to whom he does not exactly want to explain the complexities of his feelings of attraction. Instead, he simply looks at his best friend, panicked, and yells, "BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN LIKE CATS AND DOGS, ROBIN." before running out to his car.

The kids all look at each other, confused, before plastering themselves to the glass to watch Steve speed away. Robin, on the other hand, finally feels as though everything about this entire mess she's been meddling in now makes sense. It's never been Steve versus Eddie, vying for Y/N's affections separately. It's always been the three of them. That's when they're at their happiest. That's who they're most comfortable around. That's what the answer's been all along. Steve and Y/N and Eddie.

Quickly finding the number, Robin hurriedly dials Eddie's phone number. As soon as it stops ringing, Robin starts, "Ed, hi, no time. You need to go to the theatre, now. Y/N needs you."

"Me? Why not Steve, isn't he with you? What's the panic?"

"Not anymore, he ran out and asked me to call you. Look, Eddie… I get it, okay? Right now, Y/N needs you both. And I know Steve needs you and her, and you need the two of them, too, alright? Just… Please? For them."

"...On it."

Robin slams down the phone, and looks at the kids. "Which of you feels like reporting that creep to his manager?"

—[ end meta ]—

"Hey, hey, what's the rush? You'll make yourself unwell again, eating that quickly," Jesse chuckles. "And besides, at least now you're paying me back the time I spent covering for you, right?"

You look puzzled. "But I did extra for you on my first day back, I was only supposed to be on opening but I closed as well so that you didn't have to.”

"True, but I covered more than one shift for you, didn't I? My time is precious too, sweetheart." The pet name cuts through you like a poison-tipped blade. That word only belongs in Eddie's mouth.

Still, you carry on eating in silence, barely making eye contact with him. He still keeps trying to engage you with inane talk about work. He mentions that he heard from Cameron that you're interested in Elvira, but apparently, the House of Horrors franchise is already not to Jesse's liking, and he's subjecting you to learn how in excessive detail.

When you both finally finish eating, you hurriedly make your way out of the eatery when he takes hold of your arm, "Did you see Highlander, by the way?"

Relief washes over you, and boy, in this moment, does it feel good. "Yes! I have! I've already seen it, not 100% sure it was my kind of movie, though."

"Oh, it's my personal policy that you should see every movie twice before forming a full opinion. There's a showing in about 20 minutes," he looks at his wristwatch.

You groan, "It's nice of you to offer, and all, but I really feel like I should just go back home and rest up, y'know? Like I said, I only really felt up to being in the background of a group hangout rather than be super present -"

"So, what's the difference between sitting and watching a movie, and sitting at home? You know, I really feel like you're not giving me a chance here, I've done nothing but welcome you since the first day you started. I invited you straight into my campaign, which you left after the first arc. You talk to everyone else, my sister goes to visit you, when you've got a far more age-appropriate person to invite over standing right in front of you -"

You interject, "Tiff came over because she asked one of my friends whom she also knows to take her. She took that initiative herself."

"Oh, your friends," he sneers. "Do you mean the ones who sneak away from work to talk about you behind your back?" Your face falls. "Yeah, they all do it. Making creepy little comments about those… Boys that hang off every word you say," Jesse's tone fills with venom. "Please, what business does Steve Harrington have at a place like ours? You know how many women he goes through? And then he thinks he's got free control of the market in our store, the one place I might find somebody worth talking to. And when I finally do, of course he shows up. And Munson? That freak? What could he possibly off- Oh," you don't like the sound of that. "He's using his drug supply on you, isn't he?!"

"You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, Jesse. I'm leaving," you turn to walk away, but he grabs your wrist with more force, pulling you towards him.

"No! I deserve just as much of a fair shot as anyone, especially those two. You at least owe me that mu- AUGH!" 

The next five seconds happen so quickly you can barely register them. Two arms clad in leather wrap over you, holding you tightly as someone with a perfect mop of hair tackles Jesse to the ground. You hear the familiar dulcet tones of Eddie soothing you quietly in your ear. He starts leading you backwards as Steve stands up from the floor, brushing himself down and looking over at you both with a reassuring smile.

Jesse soon stands up as well, shouting, "What the hell is your problem, Harrington?"

"My problem," Steve illustrates every point of emphasis with a shove into Jesse's chest, "is that you, think you're owed the world, because you tell people you're nice while being the most obnoxious asshole around."

“Oh, come on, Harrington, be a man, won’t you? You know you want to punch me,” Jesse sneers.

Steve scoffs, “What, so you can go running to your boss, and tell him you weren’t to blame, that Y/N is, and get her fired, just because a weasel like you can’t take no for an answer? Please.” He grabs Jesse by the front of his shirt, and pulls it up high, leaning in close enough for their noses to almost touch, as he growls, “You’re going to leave now. You’re either going to tell your boss that you can’t work any more shifts with Y/N, or that you’re going to quit outright. Or else things are not going to be pretty for you. Got it?” He drops Jesse, who collapses onto the floor. You hide a giggle behind your fist, and lean into Eddie, who wraps an arm around you and slides his fingers into your hair comfortingly.

Steve turns to see you both, and he smiles warmly at the sight as he approaches you both. As he’s walking towards you, Jesse stands and yells, “Still too chicken to fight after all these years, Harrington?! C’mon, why not try and give your daddy something he can be proud of you for, for once?”

You feel yourself getting angry over that, but it’s nothing compared to what you see from Eddie. You feel him tense beneath you, and you look up to see him seething. His fingers start to curl up until he realises he’s still embracing you. He looks down and softens his grip, trying to look reassuringly at you, but you put a hand on his chest and look defiantly up at Eddie. “Hey,” you whisper up at him. “Just… Do it. Kick his ass.”

Eddie kisses your forehead before walking off, placing a hand on Steve’s stomach briefly as he walks past him. You reach out to Steve to pull him towards you, hugging him closely. You both watch on as Eddie marches over to Jesse, moving the rings from his left hand onto his right and forming a fist. “Oh, so she’s leading you on as well, is she, freak? Maybe I ought to back off, who wants a sl-”

The next moment happens in slow motion. You watch every single one of Eddie’s rings dig into the side of Jesse’s face, dragging his skin with them as his arm swings in front of him and his fist collides with Jesse’s cheek. You watch his skin tear as a bruise already starts to form below his eye.

A security guard strides over to drag Jesse back by his jacket. “Alright, alright, let’s get you kids out of here.”

“Didn’t you see! That guy attacked me!” Jesse shouts, pointing over at Eddie.

“I saw you try and restrain this poor young woman first,” the guard points out. Steve opens his mouth, looking both shocked and offended, most likely at how the guard must have noticed but still didn’t intervene. Not wanting to cause any further drama, you hold Steve back and wave at Eddie to get his attention and call him over. He joins you, and the three of you embrace for a while, completely ignoring the amount of eyes that are on you.

Eventually, Steve pipes up, “We should, uh, we should get outta here. We should get you home safe.”

You pull back to finally notice what he’s wearing. “Oh my god, are you meant to be working right now?!”

He waves off, “Eh, that’s not important. Robin’s got it all under control over there.”

“M-maybe we should all go, to my work,” you look between him and Eddie. “Explain to Cameron what happened before he can twist things."

Eddie frowns, "I'm sure we can just do that over the phone, sweetheart. I'm with Steve, I think we need to get you back to your own place."

Your face contorts a little, and both boys look at you with concerned confusion. A hint of amusement laces your tone as you admit, "I know it's probably less safe for Eddie to leave his van unattended, but I'm not sure I can stomach finally experiencing his driving for the first time."

"I'm not bad!" he frowns, to the tune of yours and Steve's laughter. "Fine. I'll be the most careful driver you've ever seen. Promise."

True to his word, he drives at the limit, stops at every sign, constantly looks over to check on you both. But, as you're learning, it's not necessarily the way Eddie drives that causes unrest in his passengers. Between his poor suspension, less-than-padded seating and the seatbelts either not locking at all or pinning you to the back of the seat, even the most careful driving has made for a pretty meagre experience. Eddie has a hand on your knee the whole drive, as Steve holds your hand. The feeling of safety that brings you almost outweighs your discomfort. Almost.

When you get back, you quickly glance into your living room to greet your family, who are busy teaching your brother. The boys also poke their heads in to wave to them, an extra sentiment you appreciate. Eddie leads you up the stairs, with Steve following close behind, though not before Marvin snakes his way past all your feet, nearly tripping Steve up in the process. "See, I told you! He's trying to kill me!" You simply laugh him off as you get to your room.

Eddie holds the door open, but you stand in the doorway, arms crossed. "Doesn't it make it easier if the middle person gets on the bed first, or have you forsaken your dib-" Laughter consumes your last word as Eddie quickly yanks off his jacket, throws it aimlessly and launches himself onto your bed.

The three of you arrange yourselves, Steve spooning Eddie but with his arm snaked beneath the two of you, you laying with your head on Eddie's chest and arm outstretched over him to hold Steve's hand. Even Marvin finds himself a spot to sleep in. In this moment, you experience nothing but genuine comfort and happiness. This is what you were seeking all along. You look over at Steve, who’s just constantly looking back and forth between you both with pure joy in his eyes. You look up at Eddie, whose eyes are closed but has the most genuine and content smile on his face. Though you’ve not said it, it’s clear in this moment: the three of you are all madly in love, and it may never make sense to anyone else, but it makes sense to you.

When you next make eye contact with Steve, you beckon him over, raising your eyebrows in offering. Gleefully, he leans over Eddie’s torso to kiss you, and you once again feel his smile against your lips as he kisses you once, twice, three times. A small whine from Eddie, who’s just realised what you two are up to, pulls you both away to lean up and start showering the corners of Eddie’s mouth and his cheeks with quick little pecks, causing him to grin against the two of you. 

You spend the rest of your evening together: Eddie shows Steve some of your D&D books as they try and conceptualise a character to go alongside the ones you’d designed for those two - you’re not sure what charms you more, Steve’s constant ability to only grasp about 60% of every concept, or Eddie’s patience with him despite him practically chewing through his own knuckles; Steve once again flicks through your “personal highlights” VHS collection, stopping at random times elected by Eddie to pick one out at a time and critique it, usually ending in a heated debate between the two of you; you start reading The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide To The Galaxy aloud to them as they listen intently - sat as always, Steve sprawled on his side as Eddie lays on his stomach and keeps kicking his feet up in the air - while both looking at you with nothing but adoration. You keep telling them off for distracting you, but it falls on deaf ears.

You even get a phone call from Cameron while he’s at work, checking in on you, apologising profusely and reassuring you that Jesse will never set foot in the store again. He tells you that he hopes you’ll still feel comfortable working there, but that he understands if you can’t. You tell him you’ll see him tomorrow.

Your parents eventually call the three of you down for dinner, and even around your family, the boys just… Fit. Everything fits. Sure, there’s plenty of other complications that come with dating two people who are also dating each other - far more for Steve and Eddie, specifically. But as long as you’ve got your boys, and they’ve got you, everything is as it should be.

[thetempleofthemasaigoddess]

No longer a princess

Elendil x reader

This one is a bit different from what I usually write, I'm sorry if it's not very good. I usually write meet-cutes and get togethers, but I had this idea...

*****

Imagine having been happily married to Elendil for a few years when one day, while you're both walking in the city, a person coming from a distant kingdom crosses your path and appears to recognize you, calling you with a different name.

"My lady, don't you recognize me? I was the captain of your father's guards, you knew me since birth. What are you doing here in Numenor? Everyone at home believes you are dead. Why did you leave?"

You try to convince them they are mistaking you for a different person and that you're sure you never met them before, but the person insists they know who you are, even though your hair is a different color, that your brother will want to know they met you -and at this point, you go pale- and that you need to go home...

Elendil, who has listened to the conversation growing more and more perplexed, notices that you're growing anxious and uncomfortable with every passing second, intervenes and politely but firmly asks the stranger to stop, "Because you are upsetting the lady my wife"

The person bows. "Your pardon, my lady and my lord, it was not my intention" they say, and reluctantly leave. Elendil doesn't miss the look you share before you go your separate ways: insistent theirs, pleading yours.

Nor you nor your husband speak again until you are back at home, the one you first entered years ago with him carring you over the threshold and that you now share with the children you love like your own. Once you are inside, you let yourself fall on your favourite chair, and he moves another to sit next to you, and for a few minutes you still keep silent.

“That person was right” you confess in the end, not daring to look your husband in the eyes “They did know me ever since I was born. They were... the captain of the guards of my father; the captain of the guards of the king”.

You confess that many years ago you lived in another kingdom, the secondborn daughter of a good and just king whose oldest son ascended to the throne after his death. Your brother was not a bad man, but the two of you had never been particularly close, and so you weren’t surprised when he decided to marry you to a man you didn’t even know, and not to build an alliance that would benefit the realm, or to protect it from war; that you could have accepted. That you would have been proud to do.

“He was in debt; enormously in debt. He had gambled since he was old enough to understand numbers and probabilities, and this nobleman who was his creditor for a high sum of money offered him to condone the debt, if my brother married me to him. And my brother, fully knowing that I despised that man, that he was a brute who had already killed his first wife after suspecting her of cheating, said yes”.

You find yourself crying while you confess the fear and the humiliation of that period of your life, when you felt no better than the cattle the city’s merchants exchanged against grain, pigs or poultry, and that your own brother, who had promised to your father on his deathbed that he would take care of you, was the one who was selling you to a despicable man out of pure greed. 

So one day, a week before your wedding, you simply left. You faked your death, having the court believe you had jumped into the Sea from the highest tower of the city, took the dowry your father had prepared for you, dyed your hair, and ran away like a thief in the night. You moved to Numenor, a kingdom far away that yours had almost no relations with, created a new identity for yourself, and started a new life”.

“I’m sorry I never told you; I’m sorry I had to cut you from such a big part of my life” you confess, full of pain and guilt and regret, and Elendil hugs you tight, holding you while you cry and shiver, not because of the past, which is now long behind you, but out of fear that you ruined everything, and that your husband won’t be able to forgive everything you have kept from him, and you for it, and that what you have built together will crumble and disappear like smoke in the wind “You deserved to know the truth, and I didn’t want to lie to you, so...”

“So you simply kept silent, right?”

Elendil holds you and caresses your hair while he tries to come to terms with the revelation. He has always known you were not a native of Numenor, and he suspected you had come to the kingdom because you were running from something, since you were always vague about your origins, never talked about your youth and hadn’t wanted to invite any family or friends from out of Armenelos to the wedding; he had accepted it, and he had not pressed to know everything, since it was your life, and you had a right to your privacy. He had just wanted to be sure of three things: that you weren’t married to someone else, that you loved him, and that you would never leave him. 

You had promised; and he had respected your silence for so many years, sparing you the need to lie. You don’t know why you never told him you were a princess: maybe it was because you weren’t that person anymore, rather a woman like many in Numenor who didn’t have many friends and managed a few little shops and inns. Or maybe you simply wanted to be considered, appreciated, and loved, for what you were, and not for the advantages a groom, or a brother, would gain from your marriage. 

You look at your husband: he is hurt and he doesn’t try to hide it, but he is able to understand that part of your life, and your choices, had nothing to do with him. “I... I don’t even know your real name” he observes, half dejected and half laughing.

You take his hands in yours, looking in his deep blue eyes and thinking that for years you have loved him with all your heart, more than you ever loved anyone else including yourself, but maybe you never loved him more than now, that you feel so close to lose him.

“Yes you do. The princess who left her kingdom doesn’t exist anymore; I doubt someone remembers her still. I am the woman you married, the one who loves you more than anything else in this world, and who wants nothing better than remaining here with you, Elendil" you explain "You have always known I was keeping my past from you, and still you asked for my hand in marriage, because you trusted me; why should knowing which family I come from, make any difference?"

It doesn't, Elendil quickly realizes, apart from the pain of knowing your own brother was ready to sell you like a piece of meat. In his heart, he has always known you were the woman Eru had created for him, and that he couldn't have asked for a more devoted, loving bride. That you are the daughter of a king, a merchant or a stonemason, it makes no difference for him.

He only wants you, completely and forever.

"It is all right; I am not crossed with you, and this doesn't change anything between us" he answers in the end, and his heart breaks in seeing you breathe a deep sigh of relief; you poor dear, you really thought he was going to abandon you? It is quite hard (more weird than painful, but still) for him to come to terms with the truth, but it must be ten times more difficult for you, with the fear of losing everything you hold dear, for the second time "I love you, whoever you are, and wherever you come from. My heart cries for everything you had to live through, but now you are here, and nothing and no one will ever take you away."

Later in the afternoon, while you remain hidden at home, Elendil leaves for the palace and, asking discreetely around, he is able to meet the captain of the guards, who is protecting a diplomat sent by your brother on a courtesy visit to the Queen. The two have a long, frank discussion, and the captain, who has always been fond of you, understands that you had valid reasons to fake your death; they won’t tell anyone they have seen you -and they already had half a mind not to, since they remember the man you had been engaged to and suspect he’s the reason you have left- and, since the King is not interested in building an alliance with Numenor, nor thankfully in declaring war, they doubt other subjects of your kingdom, or worse your brother himself, will have reason to come to Numenor.

“I have always been fond of the princess; her secret is safe with me. I hope she is happy, she deserves to be."

“I have sworn to make her happy, and to keep her safe, at any cost. Have no fear, no harm will come to her as long as I’m alive.”

The two grasp arms, knowing they can trust each other even though they’ve never met before, since they both care for you and you care for them. 

It takes two more days, but in the end the delegation of your kingdom leaves Numenor, and you finally feel free to breathe. You have absolutely no desire to go see them, even from a distance, although you have missed your friends of the court and your family (except your brother) for years; your life now is in Numenor, with Elendil and your step-children, and everything you lost is worth what you have found.

“I am sorry for keeping this secret for you; you deserved to know the truth, especially after we married” you confess that night, in bed; Elendil is keeping you close, his fingers in your hair and your legs interwined “But I... I just did not want to think about it anymore, you understand? That part of my life had ended, and I did not want to open it again, even just to discuss it.”

Your husband smiles while he kisses your forehead; he respects your strenght, intelligence and reslience, but he has never felt more protective of you than now, after you have opened your past and your life to him. He would like to know everything about your youth, the people you loved and the places you knew, and maybe now you’ll feel at ease enough to tell him; but he will not ask, leaving the choice to you, and he is simply happy you don’t have to hide anymore.

In the end, this revelation doesn’t change much between the two of you; because in his eyes, you’ve always been a Queen.

As usual, tagging @starlady66 , who I'd like to share a pizza with, and @grinkitty . You two rock!!

[nightmare-dreamt]

(Pokes head back in)

So i'm an southeast asain female, 18-21, and 5 foot half an inch. I have dark brown nearly black hair cut in a mid length wolfcut with bangs, and i am pretty light skinned. My eyes are brown too. I look young for my age and i have been described as basically being cute but also having dont-mess-with-me vibes. I'm a pear shape, and my preferred aesthetics are fairy grunge, chaotic academia, and grunge.

Personality wise, I have been typed as an infp or infj. I can be initallly introverted and depending on who I'm with i can stay introverted and awkward, or i can be bubbly and cheerful. I'm an empath, but i also will want to start a fight if i feel something's unfair. I also tend to daydream and have a small attention span to things i dislike, but hyperfixate on what i do like. I am capable of being mature and protective, but i also have a sort of childlike side that wants to be protected. I'm the eldest daughter so i have a lot of "oldest child trauma" and will end up being called a "killjoy" for being responsible and trying to keep people out of trouble. I tend to overthink and worry a lot about being punished. I do have a rebellious side however due to past experiences and caution i don't indulge it no matter how much i'd like to. I tend to come off across in the wrong way, and can be loud, and although i mean well somehow i say the wrong thing. I've also recently aquired trust issues when my "best friend" abandoned me after i broke down to her.

My likes are ramen, literally anything cute, boba and cold drinks, strawberries, 2000s pop rock/2000s pop rock covers of songs. My favourite songs include Elastic Heart, Family Line, Labour, and also Just Myself by Geena Fontanella (which isnt released but she's posted a bit of on on her youtube and I relate exactly to those lyrics). I enjoy active stuff as well as art and crafts. I also love anime. I like wearing make up just for the fun of it, and it can either be other the top or very light. My favourite colour is pink.

I'd like to be matched up with someone from Karasuno, and from Mha with a pro hero, a student, and maaaybe a villain?

I hope that wasn't too much! I've never done one of these before / /(/ />/~/</ /)/ /

-🩷🌸

Matchup for Anon!

Haikyuu: Daichi

He enjoys having someone who is also responsible and mature since being around the team can put a lot on him. Having someone who is level headed and similar to him helps and he enjoys being around you a lot and sometimes might come for advice. But, he can also be someone who lets go a bit and goes with the flow, letting his life make choices instead of him.

Food is a big thing for him and having someone who also enjoys food would be great as well. He would take you to a restaurant for your guys first date and make sure the restaurant has all of your favorite foods.

He seems like someone who enjoys silence and would rather have someone close to him within that silence. Long walks together, listening to the nature around the two of you is something he loves and hopes to do a lot in your guys' relationship.

If you're willing for it, he would want to teach you volleyball and possibly make it a date for the two of you just merely having fun with each other. You would be the first to get an invite to his games since he needs his number one fan to be there to cheer him on.

Mha: Hawks

We all have seen this man and we all know that teasing is in his blood, if you do one thing around him that gives him the chance, be prepared to hear some sort of remark. He'll make sure though that you know all of his teasing is light hearted and that he doens't mean it most of the time, unless he's compimenting you then he means it fully.

Keigo is the type of person to enjoy his public life and also his private life. When the two of you are out in public he is boasting about you to everyone, showing his wonderful partner off to the world and all of his fans. When the two of you are in private, he's softer and more physical. acting like a child everytime you try to dodge his affection.

MHA: Shigaraki

He took interest in you for you cutness liking your style and your sweet bubly personality, but that changed when he saw your tough side. Every time you stand up to someone his heart is pounding knowing that you're his partner and that you're the one for him.

He hasn't done much physical affection in his life and I don't think it would be his thing. He seems more of a guy who would buy gifts or do anything for his partner just to see them happy. When he learned about your wide range of music interests, he made sure to keep up with all of them and bought the most recent concert tickets for them.

When your guy's relationship started, he wasn't sure of how it would go but the more the two of you learned about each other his feelings became clear. He made sure that everything was done night and that nothing got in the way. He made sure there was spare clothes for you at his place and that your favorite food was there. He also bought an extra controller for you just so the two of you could place video games togehter

[kakairu-rocks]

We are excited to introduce our next shining star for the Creator Spotlight... Mendelynn!

This is an activity where we reach out to one of the talented people in our community each month to find out all about them and their kakairu creations, and then show them off to the world!

We hope you enjoy learning about Mendelynn & her creations as much as we did. Please give them some love ❤️  

Pronouns: She/Her

Type of Creator: Writer

Where to find her:

AO3

Twitter

Personal Website

Read the exciting interview below the cut, or on the forum!

If you would like a chance to be in the spotlight too, the only thing you have to do is be a member of the kakairu rocks forum or follow us, and be a kakairu creator; and we will contact you, ourselves!

1. How long have you been creating KakaIru fanworks?

According to my Ao3 stats, I uploaded the first chapter to my first KakaIru fanfiction, “Umino blood”, on 30th May 2019. I think I started working on that story half a year before that.

2. What are you working on right now?

I have two stories in progress, which are more on hiatus than they are actually in progress, and I revived my oldest story idea again… that one is an original story, though, that I may try to write anew. And in my first language, German.

3. What is your favorite trope to create for?

I do not think in tropes. To be honest, I still have to really understand the concept… I just see Kakashi and Iruka in the way that Kishimoto wrote them (and how I interpret his writing, of course) and I want them to be happy. So, I create scenarios where they have to interact with each other with the goal of making them a happy couple and the rest is guided by their personalities and the ideas that pop into my brain. There is a lot of slow burn, a lot of miscommunication, a lot of idiots to lovers. Idiots to lovers might be my favourite… but I do not create for a certain trope. My stories just happen to contain them. Therefore, my tags are messy. Sorry.

4. Which of your creations is your favorite, and why?

I would still say “Don’t let me go” is the best thing I have written so far… but my favourites might be the two shorts that I wrote and put into the “Kakashi and Iruka make fun of each other’s misery” series. I’m not good at writing funny stories, but I was very inspired for these two and they still bring a fat grin to my face when I read them (yes, I do read my own stories from time to time).

5. Do you have any WIPs you’re excited about?

Well, there are two stories I am working on, “Of Bodies and Minds” and “Fragrance”, and, of course, I love them a lot. There is also “Interlude”, the first KakaIru idea that I ever had which is very music-laden - Kakashi is a musician and band leader in this story. No, not the rock star kind, he’s the lead singer of an alternative jazz-pop combo inspired by Jamie Cullum’s music. This one is really interesting but I’m not sure if I’ll ever find the inspiration to continue and upload it. Also, there is a Gintama-Naruto crossover (Kakashi gets teleported into the Gintama world and has to help out in the Yorozuya until they find a way to get him back, and everyone thinks he is Gin-san’s more attractive brother) which I am dying to write because it’s so funny (that one only has an inkling of KakaIru). It has the same problem as “Interlude”, though… no muse.

6. Do you have any original characters? If so, tell us about them!

I have lots of OCs! Inside and outside my KakaIru workings. OCs appear in my stories all the time, whenever I need a specific person to do a specific thing that canon characters cannot do (e.g. die).

I mean, I created a whole Umino clan (with history and family tree) for “Umino blood”. A non-Naruto OC also had a tiny cameo in that story. But the one I have to mention is Umino Takaya because I love him so much more than my other OC children (I know I shouldn’t, I can’t help it). He was supposed to be just a small background character with one specific function but he disagreed, grabbed the mic and pushed everyone away from the spotlight to take it himself. He’s Iruka’s cousin, his best friend, and Naruto’s age. He’s extremely self-confident and bold, but at the same time sensitive and mindful of other’s feelings. He’s very gay. Words can’t describe how much I love him. (He is not my favourite OC of all time, though, that would be Met. But he is from said oldest story idea. And then there is Marleen… but I’m not allowed to talk about her.)

7. What was your hardest piece to create, and why?

There is not one story that is hard to write (if it is, I’ll never finish it), it’s specific moments and parts in the process. I struggle with domestic scenes a lot (and seeing how many there are in my stories, this is a real muse-killer). I am so meticulous in the way that I write that I never know where to put the cut or when to get out of a meaningless conversation or action or how to continue it in the first place. It’s a struggle, every time. Also, there is the problem of getting from one plot point I can envision clearly to the next.

8. Do you have any favorite scenes from something you’ve created?

I cannot, for the life of me, remember my own stories. Well, I remember the rough plot but never specific scenes. That’s why I can read them as if they were someone else’s work. It’s like rereading a book that you’ve read years ago. As soon as I write down a scene, it leaves my body and mind and does not belong to me anymore. It belongs to everyone who reads it.

I’m a big fan of wholesome moments and interesting dialogue, though. In general.

9. Where does your inspiration come from?

I wish I knew. Then, I would visit that place more often. To me, it feels like the inspiration and the ideas for my stories do not come from me or my brain. They are gifted to me by a higher power (Walter Moers calls it the Orm and I like that concept a lot). Thats why what I write does not feel like it belongs to me. I read it as if someone else had written it and I can’t believe that it is my own hands’ work. Music plays a big part in receiving inspiration, which is quite obvious in my shorter pieces, but it’s unpredictable if I’ll be receiving ideas or am just vibing. The most important thing for getting into a writing mood might be peace of mind. If I’m stressed, I can’t write. Hence, my current inactivity.

10. Which of your creations is the most meaningful to you, and why?

Every creation is meaningful to me. Every story is a learning process. With every story, especially the longer ones, I grow a bit more as a person and a writer. They all carry the emotions I felt while I was writing them. They carry my innermost thoughts and desires in a way that even I can only sometimes decipher. I am a storyteller by nature, I made up stories long before I could write, and therefore, my stories are my nature, my home.

[stagefullofentertainment]

Christmas Time pt. 6

Seven days! Whether you love a well girl from a cassette tape or your usual 7 deadly sins, I have good news! People, we only have one week left till Christmas! Isn't this exciting? In that case, here is something to continue yesterday's food theme.

Remember how I wrote about Charlie loving traditional Christmas sweets, dishes and drinks? Well, she is head over heals for gingerbread house decorating! She would definitely make this fun activity into a bit of a competition for everyone.

Charlie: C'mon, Alastor! At least give it a shot!

Alastor: No, I'm afraid I can't, dear! You know that I don't like sweets. So, what's the point in decorating one?

Charlie: Pretty please!

Alastor: *Snickers* Charlie, that's not going to work on me.

Charlie completely changes her facade into a sly grin.

Charlie: I bet you couldn't make a decent looking one.

Alastor: Seriously? You think I'm that stupid to fall for that?

Few seconds of silence pass.

Alastor: Fine! Though, you own me.

Charlie: Only if others decide that it's more than decent.

Alastor: Deal. *His eyes light green for a moment, ardour surrounding him*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charlie: Hey, Husk!

Husk: Yeah? What do you want?

Charlie: Oh, just we're doing this little gingerbread decorating and I thought that you would like to join!

Husk: *Chuckles* Me? Listen, princess, that is not my *does air quotes* specialty, so why don't you find yourself another sinner for that?

Charlie: Well, it will be sort off a friendly competition and the winner gets one of the oldest rum bottles I have stored in the basement. But if you're not interested...

Husk: Hold on, how old are we talking?

Charlie: *Shrugs* Like 200?

Husk: Well, maybe it won't end that bad. *Sighs* Okay, count me in.

Charlie: *Smiles gleefully* That's wonderful!

Charlie comes closer to Husk and whispers to him.

Charlie: Alastor will be there too. We made sort of a deal that he has to make a decent decor. It's worth coming for this only.

Husk: *Whispers back* Why didn't you start with this? I'm more than in. It will be fun to watch that douchebag try.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charlie: Niffty! There you are!

Niffty: *Stops dusting a chandelier* Hello! Give me a second!

Niffty quickly walks down from the ceiling and stands near Charlie.

Niffty: What can I help you with?

Charlie: Would you like to decorated gingerbread houses with us later today?

Niffty: Yeah, that would be so nice!

Charlie: That's great! Now, you don't worry I have everything prepared and waiting for us when the time comes.

Niffty: Alright! Anything else I can help you with?

Charlie: No,no! That's all!

Niffty nods and goes back to ceiling.

Charlie: That went better than expected.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charlie: Here is my favourite hotel resident!

Angel: *Does not look up from his phone* Usually when people say that they want something.

Charlie: I would say that I have a suggestion.

Angel: Okay? Talk, girl.

Charlie: Would you like to participate in a gingerbread house decoration? I have everything we need!

Angel: Hmm... Can I make it as enticing as I want?

Charlie: Do you have too?

Angel: I don't see other way I'm doing this.

Charlie: *Sighs* Fine...

Angel: Good. *Looks up to Charlie* Don't worry, Charl, I won't make it that bad. *Winks*

Charlie: Sure...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charlie: Hey, Vaggie!

Vaggie: What?

Charlie: Do you want to-

Vaggie: Decorate gingerbread houses? Yeah, sure.

Charlie: How did you...

Vaggie: Word goes around quickly here.

Charlie: Oh... So, you're really in?

Vaggie: Yeah, but only because of you. *Hugs Charlie*

Vaggie: *Whispers to Charlie* Let's take Alastor down.

Charlie: *Giggles* Let's!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, here they were decorating their individual gingerbread houses that evening. Nobody, except Charlie, will admit it but it was quite a fun night. She decorated her house like Hazbin hotel!

Then there were a "jury" about every house. Vaggie got most points in preciseness, Niffty for the most "candy ingredients" used, Angel for creativity (it wasn't that dirty) and Husk for simplicity.

Then came the time to judge Alastor's work. He actually decorated his house really intricately and beautifully. All agreed that it was more than decent, meaning that Charlie was in some sort of dept for him. Alastor decided to think about this later, because now was Charlie's time to shine since she was announced winner of this friendly competition.

After the evening was over and everyone went their separate ways to different hotel rooms, Charlie noticed a note on her house. It was on a small black paper with blood-like red ink. The note read:

Tomorrow I'll be taking my obligation. Look on the side of your house for now.

As soon as she read it, the note evaporated into black smoke. Charlie intriguingly looked where the note said. On the side was another note, but this time written on her house.

Guess who I got for Secret Santa?

Charlie almost finished the sentence and the letters melted into a red goo which made a small vortex and disappeared. She swore that she could hear a faint radio-like laughter but Charlie did not spot anyone else. She left the room and walked to her and Vaggie's shared room feeling a bit worried about the next day.

When Charlie left, a shadow casted by the cupboard opened it's eyes. It gave a small mocking laugh and walked from it's place through other shadows to radio demon's room.

[common-blackbird]

2, 3, 11, 18 & 20

Alright, this has been sitting for so long, im so sorry.

Here are the answers.

2. top 5 books of all time?

I don't want to repeat myself with things you know i love (like lotr and asoiaf) so im gonna choose the books that i know made me go galaxy brain.

Brothers Karamazov (Dostoevsky) - best book ever, duh. People are always very emotional about the depth of the book and the big questionsTM, which i completely agree with, but my fave part of the book is the humour. The characters are intentionally lame and silly and over the top, and i just love how the unlikeable characters become likeable ;__;

The Powerbook (Jeanette Winterson) - I want to write as intimately and hit the core of things like Jeanette Winterson. Such a beautiful book. She doesn't waste any words, she gives such visual imagination, it hits you in the heart. Every sentence is poetry. Absolutely love it.

Debt: The first 5000 years (David Graeber) - We read this for our book club, and honestly, i think everyone should read at least one chapter of this book. It's about history of debt seen through anthropology. Or in other words: what do we owe, why do we owe, do we even owe? Each chapter deserves a special analysis and i am searching for a physical copy of the book bc i want to, need to buy it but it's impossible to find it ;___;

Croatian Tales of Long Ago (Ivana Brlić Mažuranić) - The underdog of fairy tales in the world. it saddens me that when you’re in school or see museums or other cultural institutions here praise Brlić Mažuranić, it’s usually in the spirit “she’s one of the first croatian female authors”, “She’s Hans Christian Andersen but CroatianTM” and so on. But i’ve never seen anyone seriously dissecting each fairy tale, analyzing, interpreting her style. Or i have been searching in the wrong places.

It took me some 20 years to figure out what is the point of the fairy tale “How Quest Sought the Truth” and, like, if you ever question your place in the world, that’s THE fairy tale for you. I read this book every year and it still surprises me with its richness in short stories, depth, imagination, all while being accessible from youngest to oldest age. Amazing writing.

Also now that i think about it, that’s the book i read the most times.

Returning to Reims (Didier Eribon) - We're reading this book for the book club right now and im half-way through, but already i have been crying my eyes out and been having so many revelations. It's a memoir about estranged gay many returning to his home after his father (whom he hated) dies, and ruminating on nature of social status and class that effects all of us. He voiced out lot of my thoughts and the way he's self aware of privilege and reality of the underprivileged without idolizing them is refreshing to see.

3. what is your favourite genre? 

I wish i knew! My go-to answer is fantasy, but honestly, with exception of Left hand of Darkness, it’s been a while since I properly enjoyed a fantasy book.

I’d say i love drama, but most books have drama, i more philosophical books, but sometimes i just love trashy stuff. idk. I love themes of figthting against “leviathan”, anarchism in general, ruminations about social classes, cultures, nature of humans, conflicting ideas...

11. what non-fiction books do you like if any?

Well this is where i come in again with the book club (all hail the book club!) where we read non-fiction books, from publicist to theoretical, and it is usually social and cultural themes, like “why do we read?”, “what is art?”, “what is pop culture?”, “what is economy? “let’s start a revolution?” and so on. So far, the best books were by Graeber and Eribon, Bregmann gets a pass, John Berger is great (you should check him out on yt!).

My other passion is history books, but it’s more that i like the idea of reading them and i’m hoarding them in my room, but can’t find or dedicate time for them :(

18. do you like historical books? which time period?

I have yet to read any good ones... Most historical books that i see through the bookstore windows are some romance in court stuff that i have 0.01% interest in. The only historical book that i’ve started reading is Der Spielmann by Oliver Pötzsch which is supposed to be a retelling of Faustus, but i was so annoyed by the prologue already, i gave up very early on... (especially frustrating bc everybody is praising this author as a great author of historical fiction...)

In general, i think it’s very hard to write a good historical book bc there’s always a trap of wanting to be historically accurate too much so you infodump history that has no relevance to the plot. Sometimes it’s better to sacrifice historical accuracy to gain immersion. But you still have to keep it in the spirit of that time and i don’t often see that being the case :/

As for time period, love late middle age/early modern age, especially 17th century lately!

If you have any recs, i’m all ears!

20. what are things you look for in a book?

Narrative, idea and style. If the book executes one of these three factors well, it’s a solid book and i’ll like it. I mostly enjoy the narrative, how do you get the reader to your idea, the way the story is structured, the parallels, the interference of various outside and inside factors, when you can connect the dots from two different poles... it’s always fun, it makes me go all galaxy brain.

That being said, if the narrative sucks, but the sheer idea is original or universal, it can hit harder than anything else and it stays with you forever. Sometimes, a book is really bad but one quote really hits you bc it’s an idea that resonates with you. Like, i didn’t like the book Pachinko at all, but the core idea “Life is like a pachinko” still pops up in my brain all the time.

And style. I think that is what creates immersions, and what makes us reread endlessly. Like, Karamazovs wouldn’t be half as great (to me) if it wasn’t for the slightly ironic, casual and knowing narrator that breaks “the 4th wall” every now and then. When i want something that hits me emotionally, i search for Winterson’s writing bc of the style more than the plot (which is with her always a mess... sighs). Persistent and endless descriptions of grey sky, rain and snow and black-and-white mountains is what makes me fall in love with Left hand of Darkness even more than the incredibly slow plot.

And if this question is about themes, those would be: fighting against the impossible, invisible enemy, “leviathan”, man against society, of human nature, what is love, what is purpose, what is happiness, deep moral conflicts... just happy stuff to think about x)

Anyways thanks for letting me rant!

Bookish asks game