#so it'll be really nice to wear it again! and i can wear my necklace and earring set that looks very around that time

[rubiatinctorum]

wait huh i have the perfect dress in my closet for a retro movie star costume :3c i'm excited again for halloween things now <3

[yonch]

it's been 15 years and you can see better than ever

(design notes under the cut) (there are spoilers)

ok this got really long. here you go

sif:

ditched the cloak. it was collecting dust in their closet until recently, but they realized they don't need to cling to their grief so much anymore. someone else will need it more soon.

ditched the eyepatch. the prosthetic eye is a labor of love designed by isa, as is literally everything else they're wearing.

they cut their bangs finally and started braiding their hair back so it wouldn't obscure their vision as much anymore.

they like darker/tighter clothing and prefer function over form but unfortunately their gay ass boyfriend keeps treating them like a dress up doll so they're stuck wearing waistcoats and a fancy cloak. (they don't mind. it's designed to look like loop.) they keep flowers in their many pockets to give to people.

they're a woodworker in their free time. they don't usually talk about being any sort of savior so he just becomes sif the guy who's really good at carving birthday presents for people and also tags along with isa to charity parties and fundraisers

41 year old 5'1" they/he absolutely zero intention of Changing. bonded to isabeau. they adopted a kid who leo or i might post about some other time i think. her name is estelle.

isa: i'm not taking credit for the design that's by my friend @fembard /@leoweooo. i'll include his design notes

isa dresses mostly for comfort, he doesn't like wearing stuff that might get stained or ruined when he's dyeing clothes or chasing stelle around in the mud or something, all his fashion sense goes into his handiwork

he Changed a few more times over the 15yrs, eventually settled. picked up she/her pronouns again on the side but was never really able to ditch the name isabeau and he kinda ran out of names anyways...

kept the long hair, kept a few inches in height, very happy to fulfill the role of male (space) wife

can't ditch the kimono jacket it's the piece de resistance. odile influence and Wisening Of Age means its made with a little more knowledge of ka buan technique but still very clearly an Isa Design. the fabric is imported silk sif!!!!!!

39 year old Tall with a capital T he/she "i swear i'm not a weeaboo i'm just really into ka buan fashion" vaugardian indie clothing designer in your area help support this man in his attempts to use his family members as living advertisements for his brand

mira: with design input from @jastertown thank you my friend

i took a lot of inspiration for the sparkly, sheer fabric on her dress from euphrasie. she's not head housemaiden yet because she doesn't feel like she's ready but everybody knows it'll be her

speaking of inspiration. she's been taking a lot of fashion cues from a certain lady in dormont that she thought was kind of scary, but it turns out she's very nice? they're besties now.

she got rid of the earrings for a little bit but then she realized she just liked how they look on her. so now they go ding ding! it's for her and nobody else, and that's how she likes it.

moved her ornaments to her skirt because they ding ding more often there. her necklace also jingles with merriment.

38 year old she/her advanced cisgender+ legend who's realizing that people are trying to get her to be the pope but all she really wants to do is write yaoibait fiction that looks like it came straight off of ao3

odile:

my glorious hag. she started shrinking about 3 years ago. all those years of bending over books has finally caught up to her. her hips are fuuuuuucked. but she has a sick cane that sif carved for her so everything's okay

she was already pretty comfortable and settled in her sense of style when she was nearing 50 so i don't think she would change much. darker clothing maybe. ditched the high-waisted pants for some looser slacks.

she's started writing a familytale of her own. the only person she's told about it is bonbon, who caught her up way past their bedtime, and scribbled all over one of the pages. she'll pass it on to sif when the time's right, after she's written down everything she can remember about their family.

64 year old she/her wasian researcher recovering from hernia surgery who's getting really into things like "political activism" and "body craft law reformation in ka bue" and "making sure people aren't sourcing their hrt from back alleys"

bonnie:

prefers to go by boniface these days. it's cooler. more mature. please stop calling me bonbon that's a nickname from when i was 10 guys c'mon guys ugh fine frin you can still call me bonbon but not around my girlfriends ok (nobody calls them boniface except for odile)

speaking of which they have 3 butch lesbian girlfriends. this got established as a joke but i think they have it in them. they're still young!!!!!!! they should be at the club!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they traveled for a while with everybody but eventually settled down back in bambouche to start a little family owned restaurant with nille featuring dishes from all over the globe. people travel from all over to get a taste of boniface's good eats... bambouche is bustling. (they have a few recipes that are sourced from the country. they meet people every once in a while who find something achingly familiar about it, and they usually direct those people to jouvente to get in contact with frin.)

26 year old they/them "i dont know how tall i am but i'm taller than za" chef cooker whose restaurant keeps lighting on fire because this time i swear nille i can figure out how to do cooking craft i swear i wont explode the kitchen this time please i promise

loop:

ok. this is where lozy gets to just talk about what he thinks happens post game. i think they stick around for way longer than they really should and follow the crew around on their travels (mostly invisibly) because they're sooo fucking scared of change they're sooo scared and they're so scared of their wish fucking up beyond belief. they're kind of incapable of aging or dying in this body and theyre like permanently 26 which is what spurs them to finally move on.

i think they go back to their timeline eventually after making a Brand New Wish to "go back to their real family." alas the universe leads and we can only follow. and it turns out loop has actually made a real family in stardust's world also. this is my justification for why they can pop in between sasasap and isat worlds without much repercussion. i think they're always permanently loop shaped in isat but i imagine they can probably go back to their original body in their home timeline... might design that later. who knows. i'm fucked like that

i just think they deserve a chance for their own happy ending you know. isat's a game about how it's never too late to communicate and how you shouldn't punish yourself forever and ever. and i think theyve punished themself enough you know.

ok tank you for reading if you read this far. it's really big and long so i would understand if you didn't. but i hope you liked it. thoughts appreciated. here's a little something for the people who read all the way through.

[mwahsol]

Jewelry with initials

Description: You and Paige are in a semi-private relationship, as she's doing an interview the interviewer notices a certain ring on Paige's hand. The ring on Paige's hand is the one you usually wear with your initials on it. When the interviewer asks Paige about the ring, she hints about your relationship.

“So Paige I couldn't help but notice that there's a certain ring on your hand that has an initial of someone very familiar.”

“I mean what can I say it's a nice ring.”

‘Does the ring belong to a specific teammate that may or may not wear the number 12?’

‘Yo not too much, but yeah it's her ring. I wanted to bring a little something of hers with me because she couldn't come with me so it'll do for now.”

“Aww that's so cute seeing your close bond.”

After hearing that Paige can feel her face heating up and the smirk she's been trying to hide is slipping through as she answers, “Yeah for sure, but imma see her in a week so when she gets here she can give me my chain back.”

As soon as those words slipped out of her mouth the interviewer had to get all the information she could, “Oh she has something of yours too? Who's idea was it to swap items so you both could have something?”

She couldn’t help but chuckle remembering how she was almost ready to beg you to just come to Seattle with her, being too impatient to wait a bit to hold you again.

“Baby I’m going to see you in probably less than a week. I just need to visit my mom for a bit.” Even though she understands she can't help but be clingy towards you, I mean how could she not she follows you around like a puppy most of the time not ever wanting to be too far from you. “I know mama I’m just gonna miss you.” As you see Paige pouting on your bed you can't help but walk up to her, you settle in between her thighs and hug her around her shoulders while she wraps her arms around your waist and buries her head in your chest. To make her feel a little better you come up with a cute small idea, “How about I give you something of mine that you can wear so in a way I’ll be there hm? How does that sound love?’ Her head instantly shoots up so you can see the excitement in her eyes making you giggle a little. “Really? Can I pick it out?” She's too cute, “Of course you can.”

“Ok but if I get something of yours then you have to wear something of mine.’ Even though that wasn't part of your original plan you couldn't help but blush at the fact that she wants you to have something so you won't miss her too much. “I wouldn't be opposed to that”

As she gets up and looks through your jewelry box she sees the ring you wear almost all the time, except when you're playing or at practice, “Can I get this one babe?’ You knew how the public knew that ring was specifically yours. It had your initials on it and you know how much the public loves Paige, you know they're more than likely to ask her about it if they notice, and if they don't then all of the fans will. “Are you sure P? I don't want to make you comfortable if they start asking questions about it,” her heart swells up with adoration seeing how much you care and think about her first. “I’m sure, private not secret remember. I’d be happy if they asked me about you. I won't get into too much detail obviously but I can drop a few hints here and there but only if you're comfortable with it mama.” God, she knows how to make you blush, as you look down a giggle a little getting a bit shy you say, “Of course, I am, just wanted to make sure with you first.”

Paige can't help but admire how even after almost two years she still has this effect on you. “Ok, since I got your ring, how do you feel about wearing my gold chain with my initial on it so we kinda match.” You can see her little smirk knowing how much you love that necklace and can't help but say yes to getting the opportunity to wear it again. “Sounds perfect.”

“Nah it was hers but I added a little but that's it,” the interviewer and soon the audience will be able to see how giddy she was just to talk about you.

“Alright Paige, thank you for talking with us. Good luck and hopefully you see y/n soon,” she couldn't help but laugh towards the ending seeing how Paige was so happy just to hear your name.

“Ay thank you, have a good rest of your day.”

What Paige didn't notice is that while she was being asked about you and remembering the day you traded pieces, she was playing with your ring and smiling so hard that people would rewatch the interview and repost it everywhere talking about how your guy's relationship was definitely more than platonic.

I'm slowly releasing things please bare with me y'all, law is kicking my ass and my job is NOT helping. I promise I'm trying to rerelease my old work and somewhat write new ones. LOVE YALL THO <3

Kiss the sun 🌞

[elliesstrapon]

Swan Princess

! Desperate Ellie Williams ! x Princess Reader ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

Part 2 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

If your planning on reading, please read part 1 first<3

✧˚ · . Summary: You figured out the unresolved romantic tension between you and Ellie had through out your teen years, you're figuring things out; a wedding on its way.

✧˚ · . Warnings: Desperate Ellie, Ellie trying to make things right, light make out scenes, soulmates, rejection, numerous time skips, marriage, swearing, slow burn NOT proofread.

Enjoy! <3

You'd come down from your high, your very exposed and weak body laying on the couch next to Ellie, her hands massaging your body as you rested your head on her shoulder, still in after shock of the crime to your 13 year old self you'd just commited. Though you were relaxed, you had so many questions. "Why did I do that?" You gasped, hands clasping over your mouth, your eyes wide. "Uh, what?" Ellie asked, furrowing her brows. "Ellie! I just had sex with you, what the fuck?" You cried. Looking down at the mess you'd made across the room; clearly have gone too many rounds than you should've. "You said you wanted to show me who was boss—"

"Don't! Shut it!" You angrily yelled. Still trying to be nice, only years of history that you always wanted to kill eachother. "I need to leave" you sighed, not even wanting to face her anymore, all you could see when you closed your eyes were her her hands all over your body, it made you sick.

"What— why?!" She asked, "Ellie, this is abnormal—" you put your hand to your forehead, rubbing it lightly, trying to remove the unholy visions from your thoughts. "Can we please talk about what happened?" She begged, her hair a mess from your doing. You heaved another sigh. "Fine" you put on you bra, slowly clothing yourself as Ellie spoke. "What does this... What just happened, I mean, mean?" She looked down, fidgeting with her sticky hands. "Ellie I don't know." You said aggravated. "It was.. I was being impulsive, I don't know what that was, or why I did it." You slipped on your panties. Adjusting your many necklaces before seating next to her on the couch. "So you did all that out of pity?" Her eyes moving around the room unable to maintain eye contact. "That's not what I'm saying, I'm just, confused." You fell back on the arm of the couch. "I don't know how I feel..." You said, knowing in the back of your mind you'd just had the most life changing sex known to the world. "But I know how I feel." Her voice hoarse. "Oh, really?" You sat up. "Yes, really" she said. "So I should forgive you for being an asshole because I had sex with you" her breath hitched. "Why would you, if you had no feelings for me?" Ellie raised her eyebrow."I already told you, I don't know" you crossed your arms. "Why not? You can't just—" you paused her. "Can't just what? Have sex with you? You can't just catch feelings and just expect me to suddenly fall head over heels." You frowned, her eyes fixated on her hands again. You almost felt bad. She suddenly opened her mouth, closing it again, "what is it?" You asked. "Can't we just start over" she pleaded, her eyes clearly filled with guilt. "Ellie you're making this so fucking hard" you sighed. "Start over how?" You questioned. "I'll treat you right." She frowned, her hands finding your thighs, massaging them softly. "Uh huh.." you raised a brow. Suddenly taking notice of the sun rise. "Oh shit—" you gasped. Looking at the grandfather clock propped up against the wall by the locked door to the tea room. "It's 6 AM already?" You got up quickly. "I left Elisa— fuck" you sighed. "I could take you home" she stood up, remembering how tall she was. You heart clenched. "Come on" she grabbed your hand, your lower abdomen fluttering as she warily walked you up to her room. She opened her door, closing it quietly behind her. "I'll get you one of my old gowns, assuming it'll fit you—" you stopped her. "No it's okay, I can just wear whatever you wear.." you averted your gaze to the guitar at the corner of your room that hadn't been there two years ago. "I see you've found a new hobby?" You joked. "Shh" she laughed, pulling out suit bottoms and a blouse, "thanks," you said, turning to look at the mess you were in the mirror. "I'm fucked"

"technically you were" she teased. "Har-har" you rolled your eyes, slipping on the clothes she'd given you, "it'll have to do" you sighed, wiping off the rest of your make up and taking off your tiara, leaving it on her vanity. "Elisa's gonna be so pissed" you frowned, taking off the pearls, only keeping the locket your father had given you. "Who's this Elisa?" She asked, a strange tone behind the question. "You jealous" you joked. "What?! No— who is she?"she inquired again. "My friend. I came as her plus one before— the unfortunate chain of events.." you trailed off. "Mhm" she shook her head. "I have to go now, seriously" you said sternly. "Right" she awkwardly opened the door for you "Thank you" You couldn't imagine what you were doing, all that hatred just for you both to just get absolutely ruined? You followed her down the hallways, still forcing yourself to not throw the nearest thing to you at her. Once you'd gotten outside a carriage was already waiting for you, "Well, alright then.." you got upon it. "I guess.. uh, have a nice... Rest of your week?" You improvised, impulsively putting words together. "Sure" she looked at the ground kicking her feet, you hasn't realized how shy she was under all that... Assholeness. "Wait" she called. "Yes?" You turned your head towards her. "Come by... Next week— Friday." She demanded. "What for?" You asked. "Just do it" she said sternly, to which you listened.

The week had flown by before Friday had arrived, you once more in your fancy dresses and tiaras. You pulled up your shawl as you arrived at the castle, your father unknowing of it all. She stood there to greet you, a shy look on your face, you had to admit besides all her horrid manners and history with you, she'd been adorably trying to make it up to you, sending flowers to your castle all week, sending her the songs she'd been working on dedicated to you. It made you feel so loved despite how much you felt hated by her before. She waved. "Hello" you smiled. Still awkward. "Can I know, why you needed me here now?" She helped you down the carriage. "Not just yet" Her voice was raspy, a tint of happiness between her eyes. "That's weird" you crossed your arms. "Who tells someone to be over, and then not have them know why" you followed her into the castle. "It's... A surprise." She played with her fingers. "Sure" you rolled your eyes, "you'll like it" she insisted, leading you into the castle gardens, the bright tulips and daffodils covering the ground in colorful bliss. "Alright" you grinned, following her to the center feild, a picnic blanket set out with fruits and crabcakes dispatched. "Oh my goodness!" You clasped your hands over your lips that hung wide. "How'd you know—" you asked foolishly. "Dumbass" she slipped. "Oh, fuck you" you laughed, running excitedly to the blanket. Patting her to sit by you. "I love it" your eyes softened when she flashed a toothy grin.

You stuffed your face with the mini sandwiches, laughing at her remarks, sharing silly stories from the days you'd been at eachothers throats, and her hands pointing at the weird beauty marks she'd always hated when she was younger. "Seriously?" You choked on a few strawberries "Seriously!—" she chuckled. "It made me hate you so much" you laughed at her, tackling her over, your gown swallowing her lower body whole. "Bet you don't feel that way now" you pinned her shoulders down, smirking at her, letting the past slip away like a sail boat. "Yes, it's quite the contrary, actually." Her hands holding your hips in place. "Funny" you leaned in subconsciously, tucking her hair behind her ear. "What do you really like about me?" You inquired. She massaged your thighs from under the soft fabric. "You're difficult" she grinned. "What are you saying?" You raised a brow, taking it offensively. "Not like that!" She denied quickly. "I just like how you have strong opinions and are not afraid to prove people wrong" She explained, "really?" You asked, red covering your face like the ice that spreads through lakes and rivers. "Yes! Dina always liked that about you, now that I think of it." She trailed off. Your face only getting closer, your lips only mere inches apart, the warm breath spreading through the negative space. You connected your lips, warm and tasting like berries when you licked her bottom lip, your lower abdomen tingling when she held your waist like a mere object. "Mm~" your moan muffled in her mouth as she explored yours like she hadn't a million times the weekend prior, like it was her first time again, you held her cheeks tightly. Her grip around you only increasing for you deepening the kiss each time she tilted her head, your necklace swinging against her neck, hitting her like tiny needles, her groans vibrating through it. Her hands roamed your body, the dress sliding and hooking up on her light unnoticeable hairs that stood up, the trembling making her goosebumps act up as you desperately grinded your hips up on her, riding her ever so slightly while the friction built up, her needy moans and desire filled whines increasing with her nails continuing to leave half moons in your hips like hickeys. You lazily trailed kisses down her neck, sucking occasionally, licking each and every bite mark easing the pain as she winced at it. "Fuck" she panted. Her fingers tangled in your hair and every moan slightly louder than the last. "You're so cute it's destroying my thought process" you seductively whispered in her ear, the truth only spilling out more to her soft intricate moans, her eye lashes twitching closed. Her words became uncoordinated, your name only watering out like a stream, the mess of your hair, and your dress tipping over the basket of berries. "Shit" you jolted. "Forget 'bout it." Her voice was raspy, needy and her hands were playing with the insides of your thighs, so desperately trying to stop herself from massaging your clit till you couldn't move. You continued to build up the friction, tracing bite marks down her collar bone, a pattern erupting from your lipglass stained teeth, her legs trembling uncontrollably. "God I can't —" Ellie pleaded. "More—" she begged, her hands squeezing your thighs, the heat between her legs growing as you messily made out with her. Your smirk growing against her lips when you felt her arching her back towards you. You'd had your fun, flipping off of her to lay beside her. "Agh, what the fuck?!" She cried, "sorry" you laughed, her complaints filling the spring air. "You are not" she rolled her eyes. "And youre not wrong" you played with her hair. Your smile growing wider.

It had been months since the encounter, your constant stays at her castle, your love struck gaze at her when she played the guitar for you instead of how she used to practice her archery on a dumb outdated drawing of you. You'd almost completely fell for her, luckily; Elisa forgave you, overjoyed about your current love life and how happy and comfortable you were, Ellie meant more to you than you ever thought she would. You held hands in the streets, ate dinner on a weekendly basis, went on late night walks together, attended events, and suddenly two years ago didn't matter anymore, all that mattered was she'd changed, and happily the idea of being with someone you'd known inside and out your whole life kept you at ease. So when it came to the idea of proposing , the idea of being together, for the rest of your lives, ideally, it would've been the perfect response to say yes. You knew you felt strongly about her. Regardless of what'd happened, you learned to embrace it. You just weren't ready, walking through the forest between your kingdoms, she'd asked, "how would you feel if we... I don't know, were engaged again?" She asked shyly, her hand holding yours tightly in fear. "Uhm.. I don't know.. I'm not sure if I'd even want that to happen" you replied, honestly. "Why not?" Her tone changed suddenly, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Well I don't know.. I'm just... Not ready.. I mean, it's only been a few months that we've... Felt this way?" You struggled to put into words, her coming to an abrupt stop to cross her arms, letting go of your hand. "Are you seriously upset over something like that?" You asked, "Not upset, just confused, what's to think about?" She asked curiously, a lace of subtle rudeness behind the calm tone she kept. "What do you mean what's there to think about?" You rebuttaled. "Well I mean, we've known eachother all our lives and I know I love you, so what's stopping us?" She raised a brow. "Well, I don't know, maybe the fact I hated you for over 15 years, before all of a sudden changing my mind about you entirely, how do I know I'm making the right choice?" You raised your voice a bit, your fingers rubbing your forehead in unease. "I already apologized!" She exclaimed, frustrated. "Apologizing doesn't magically take back what happened!" You pursed your lips. "Well no shit! If I could take back what happened I would've already, Y/n, what else do you want me to do?" She raised her arms, "what, is the mutual hatred, well over two years old stopping you, really?" She asked sincerely. "Yes, Ellie, it is!" You darted your eyes. "How?!"

"Well for starters you called me a whore, you actively made a fool of me right infront of my face—" she cut you off, "we were kids!" She defended. "But you thought that all true at some point!" Your eyes warming, tears forming at the corners. "That time I walked in on you going at it" "Oh please! You did it too" she face palmed. "Well it's not like we had anything between us then" you said angrily. "So why are you so pissed?!" She asked. "I don't know Ellie, Fuck!" You sighed. "I'm figuring things out, okay?" You sniffed, wiping your nose of the snot. "I just wanna know why you're so mad over shit that's quite literally older than us" she rolled her eyes. "Ellie, the only reason we know what we do about eachother is because we were at some point gonna use it against eachother, does that not make a point? Our whole relationship is formed off of our hurtful actions towards eachother, how do I know that won't happen again if we get married?" You sobbed. "Why would that ever fucking happen?" She bit at her fingertips, threatening for the skin to bleed. "Because of this! Now! Ellie, this isn't smart." You played with your locket. "What, the fact we love eachother?" She scoffed. "That's bullshit" she looked to the castle in the far distance. "What the fuck?" You looked up at her. "Yeah, that's right." She spat. "We've had sex more than I can count, we've gone on over 15 dates and you've said you love me every day I can count we've spent together, and you can't say yes to a simple question, because you're scared that I haven't changed?" She asked. "It's not that simple." You heaved a breath you had trouble holding in for the longest time. "Then do you want to marry me or not?!" She forced, "No!" You cried. Her breath hitched, eyes glistening, tears threatening to fall from her cheeks onto the dirty ground that your dress'd been stained by. "Alright then," her voice shakey and pained, your heart shattering at her cold tone. "I can't do this, Y/n" she sighed. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me." She walked away, every leaf and branch in the forest crinkling like the pieces of your heart against the aggressive footsteps of her heeled boots. "Fuck" you sobbed. You must've blacked out on the long way back to your castle, your hair rough and your dress dirty, every jewel not as shiny as when you entered the forest before exiting,

You layed motionless in the fancy bath tub, pitying your existence, the mistake and words you'd said crossing your mind repeatedly. "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid" you gritted between your teeth, "I'm so stupid" you squeezed the water out your hair. "Princess, are you alright?" A maid asked, opening the restroom door. "Yes I am fine." You lied. Watching her close the door after shaking her head in unease. You layed there a bit longer, your mind going over the events over and over. You thought you might die, thinking how things might've never gone back to the way they were, it made your eyes well up with wet and hurtful tears. You hadn't even gotten to tell your father before it all collapsed in on your parade, perhaps a small price you had to pay for your impulsivity. You sighed, emptying the bathtub. Maybe it'd been the fear, or maybe in the back of your mind the thought you still might hate her creeping in, regardless, it was terrifying how you ruined everything within the span of 10 minutes, because of a dumb fear that you understood her point of view from. Considering the fact you'd known eachother all your lives, your love for her so strong, and your lives werent getting any longer, so you didn't understand. Every inch of your body tense. Missing her magical fingers rubbing every inch of your body. You wanted to go after her, tell her you were sorry and wanted, no, needed her back, you dried your hair, your locket tarnishing over time at the bottom of the heart, your nightgown long, things felt boring, if you could take things back you would've taken them now, kiss her and tell her you wanted to keep going, you didn't get how she couldn't understand your fear. She didn't get the love you shared for her. It made you crumble.

It wasn't like you were never going to marry her, the thought crossed your mind, walking to your desk at the corner of your room just to sit and stare at nothing but the swans from outside the window at the other end of the room. Your father walked in, knocking the door lightly. "Hey, Love" He smiled. "Oh, hey Papa" you forced a grin. "What's wrong, my dear?" His smile disappearing just as fast as it appeared. "It's.. hard to explain" your heart only hurting more. "Nothings too hard for me to understand. Come" he patted the spot beside him on your bed, insisting on comforting you out of your depressive episode.

You jumped out of the chair, walking lazily to sit beside him, resting your head on his shoulder. "Me and Ellie've been seeing eachother." You sighed, feeling the breath catch in his lungs. "How come?" He asked. "There was just... Something there, y'know?" You frowned, tears prickling at your waterline. "It was something about our history, how she couldn't marry someone else knowing I knew everything about her, and frankly, I agree." You shivered, your father wrapping his arm around you. "Well, what's so bad about that? The wedding may be in order again—" he quickly said, excitement in his tone. "No— that's just it! I'm not ready to marry her, Papa." You cried. "Why so?" He calmed. "It's only been 7 months, compared to 17 years of hate, it's hard to believe it won't happen again, especially since she got so mad at the fact I wasn't ready.. it's like anything I do that'll displease her will make it all happen again, this." You explained. "I once told you that's apart of relationships" you father said sternly. "If you truly love eachother, you'll understand one another, the pain will be worth it in the end, give it some time, darling." He smiled, hugging you tightly, "thanks papa." You sniffed into his shoulder. Laughing at his overused jokes.

You'd woken up the next morning, figuring out ways in which you could heal your relationship, make things better and help her understand you'd want to marry her, just not, now. You wrote letter after letter, your hair still a mess from your deep slumber that night. Each and every letter just not right as you threw them out repeatedly. You groaned, throwing your head back on your leathery white chair. "God" you resented yourself for what'd happened, you couldn't help but think Ellie felt that way about you now. She hated you before, it could've easily happened again. You'd decided a well needed visit to Elisa would make you feel... Better. You did your hair into a bun, slipping one of your signature blue dresses. Packing your clutch. You'd hoped she'd be home, knowing her family was in a big trading industry, she was traveling the sea almost every month, you headed north of the castle, going through another half of the forest you had barely been before in your coazy carriage, the men upfront guiding the horses talking unnecessarily loudly, it made you laugh.

A little over an hour later had gone, arriving in her village, the wealthiest of people roaming the street like a circus, you felt average upon them, like you weren't a princess at all, with their fancy gowns and parasols. You halted at her estate, the mansion bigger than the rest, gold accents around every window. You didn't get what hee family did for a living, to get to where she was, Infact, you didn't think it was capable if not royal. You waved the guards a thank you and small goodbye, knocking on Elisa's door, that was so much taller than you, you thought her whole mansion was over 100 mini you's. The short curly haired girl opened the door. "Elisa!" You exclaimed, engulfing her in a hug. "Shit, Y/n, Hi" she smiled, "is this a bad time?" You asked concerned, noticing the tired look on her face. "Not necessarily" she laughed, a man suddenly appearing beside her from you didn't know where. "Oh? Who's this?" You raised a brow. "This is Boris" she explained. "Ohh" you remembered how she'd told you about him. "Love, I'm gonna go for a walk with Y/n, that alright with you?" She looked up at him lovingly, the look returned so softly and mutually, it made you want to cry. "Of course" he left a wet kiss on her forehead, closing the door behind her, her whole mood changing. "Ugh, he's the sweetest!" She giggled. "We're almost 8 months strong" she squeezed your hand. "That's wonderful" your gaze softening, jealousy still creeping in. "You think hes the one?" Your fingers intertwining as you circled the perimeter of her mansion. "Definitely, he's so understanding of my boundaries, it's a dream" her eyes sparkled, "must be nice" you mumbled. "What ever do you mean?" She became serious like a light switch. "Me and Ellie broke up" you sighed. "What!?" She gasped, her hands clasping over her lips agap. "Why?!" She asked. "She didn't understand why I didn't want to marry her." You frowned, looking down at the lace on your dress. "Oh, honey.." she hugged you, patting your head. "Have you spoken to her since?" She asked. "No" you shook your head. "Has it not crossed your mind too?" She furrowed her brows. "It has.. I just fear the way she's perceived me has changed." She sighed. "Princess.. It has not changed. She just needs to cool down, besides, wouldn't she have gotten mad if she only cared so much?" She pointed out, "your right" you lightly smiled, hugging her back tightly before letting go. "I promise things'll be alright" she reassured you.

You finished your rest of the afternoon drinking tea at Elisa's listening to slightly painful to hear stories about her and Boris. You returned home not too long after. Waving her a goodbye and your best of wishes to her and Boris.

It'd been months since you'd tried speaking with Ellie, staying locked up in your castle reading rather than doing your favorite things that you always did. You missed everything about her, the bad things, and the good things. "Dear?" Your father called, walking into the one of many rooms you stayed in during one of those days. "Yes?" You hummed. "You think you could go out and get some bread?" He asked. "Can't one of the servants go out and get some?" You said annoyed, "I don't feel like going out" your hair was in a braid, your wool socks warming your feet. "I gave them a day to rest today" he rubbed the nape of his neck, embarrassed. "Oh" you sighed. "Fine" getting up and setting your book down on the fluffy chair. "Is that all?" You asked. "Yes, thanks, dear." He smiled, leaving the room. You quickly slipped on your warm and furry shawl over your shoulders, the weather cold and fresh as you exited the castle, feeling annoyed with your father for his great plan to give everyone a day off. You walked into town, the market busy, people greeting you from across the street and small families asking you when you were finally taking over and getting married. You had to admit it made you uncomfortable, but you answered reasonably, walking away shyly.

You followed a line of people, leading to the bakery, you stood silently, small smile on your face, your breaths steady before hearing the voice of the woman infront of you, her voice calm and raspy, the sound that made you feel weak for months at a time prior. "Thanks" she payed, turning around quickly before bumping into you, causing you to fall back a bit, a gasp slipping past your lips. "Shit, sorry—" she caught you, her finger tips like clouds. "No it's alright—" you held your shawl tightly. "Princess?!" Ellie gasped. Your eyes circling everywhere around the room but her. "What're you doing here?" You asked, her face heating up slightly. "Uh— Dina wanted me to come out and by her some homemade bread." She said. Scratching her ear stressfully. "How's she doing?" You asked, paying for your bread, mouthing a small thank you before walking out of the bakery nervously, unable to look at her still. "She's alright... Uh, Elisa?" She gazed at the ground. "She's good, her and, uh, Boris... They're getting along nicely." You smiled, happy for her. "Glad to hear." She grew more shy, "And Joel?" Your strolled through the market place once more, the booths filled to the rim with people. "He's been seeing someone actually" she chuckled. "That's nice.." you trailed off. "Uh, you wanna come over? Catch up?" You asked the auburn haired girl, her cheeks dusted with freckles. "No, yeah sure, Dina can wait" she laughed. "Yeah... Yeah." You smiled, she followed you home, greeting your father at the staircase, he so happily asking her how she was doing before letting you both go, you walked her to your room, leaving your shawl on your vanity along with the bread. You gestured for her to sit beside you on the bed, her smelling strongly of perfume now that you were out of the cold. You sat, the silence filling the air, only ever catching a glimpse of eachothers gaze at one another every 10 seconds. "So.." Ellie squeezed the sheets. "Ellie—" you began. "I'm sorry... About what happened last Spring." You apologized, piecing your words together like a puzzle. "I just, I wasn't ready, and I was scared, about making the wrong move, I mean, I just don't know what I would've done if we went back to stage 1, and everything went haywire, and being away from you, I realized how much I missed you" you ranted. "I went so long thinking you might've hated me for it, I couldn't just not ever see you again, knowing you didn't have a proper reason nor apolgy, especially, that you don't know about my true feelings" her lips met yours, your words seizing to spill out. "Ellie?" You gasped. "I'm sorry, you just, you weren't shutting up." She laughed, cupping your cheeks softly. "Arent you mad?" You furrowed your eye brows. "I was," she started. "But.. I understand why you were scared." She sighed. "I'm sorry I overreacted" she apologized. "No, me" you insisted. "No, listen, if you aren't ready for... You know, I'm willing to wait it out" her tone was sincere. "Really? You're willing to start over?" You asked. "Yes" she kissed you again, pushing you over to trail more kisses down your neck. "I love you" she whispered. "I love you more" you sighed deeply, her hands gently holding your hips.

"Ugh, I'm so nervous!" You cried. "You look beautiful." Your father smiled, rubbing your shoulders, in the mirror you stood, your coral pink gown melting down from your hips, your veil like a water fall, covering you like an angel, every jewel brighter than the last, your corset polished with lace. "I can't believe it's happening" Elisa sniffed, blowing her nose into a cheap napkin, Boris standing beside her rubbing her shoulder. "I can't believe 19 years ago today, you'd decided you hated Princess Ellie, and now here we are" Your dads tears forming, at the corner of his eyes. "And to think you rejected her like 4 times" Elisa joked. "Shut up!" You laughed, applying lipstick.

She'd proposed to you a little less than a year ago, at Elisa's wedding, you'd rejected her the last three times, every time she understood, keeping the ring for when it finally came time that you said yes. Not to mention your coronation day would've been around the corner soon. "You think she'll like it?" You asked your family. "Of course" Elisa smiled. Melting into Boris's touch, rubbing her stomach, she was 7 months pregnant, her dreams all coming true, you were happy how successful she was becoming. "The bridal music is startin'!" Joel whisper shouted through the crack in the door. "Right, Okay, be out as soon as possible!" Elisa kissed your cheek, leaving you alone, along with Boris, and your father. You dad waited outside the door, you stood a little longer in the mirror, your life flashing before your eyes, reminiscing the things you went through to end up here. You sighed, straightening your tiara a last time, adjusting your veil before exiting the room, holding onto your father arm tightly, the other hand lifting your wedding gown not to dirty it of the floor. "Are you ready, dear?" He asked, lovingly, a hint of pain behind his eyes, giving you away like a prize. "Yes, Papa" your eyes welled up. Stopping at the entrance, seeing the invited standing up already. You heaved a breath, watching as everyone curtseyed, smiles, and waves, and loved ones. You couldn't imagine this day ever meeting you. Ellie was who really made you excited. The longing look in her eyes, her toothy smile and fidgeting hands as she bit her lip nervously, the blush spreading from her nose to ears like ash being blown, you couldn't help but have the same reaction, the music tuned out of your mind, your father giving you one last kiss, letting you go to sit down. Ellies eyes never left yours. "Hey" you giggled. "Hey" she laughed along with you, Dina standing there to marry you both.

"Alright, well" Dina smiled proudly. "We're gathered here today, for a new chapter in which Princess Ellie, and Princess Y/n's relationship will continue to grow." She started. "I will have Ellie start with her vows." She smirked, holding back light giggles of nervousness. "When me and Y/n met, I was set on disliking her" Ellie laughed to herself, feeling embarassed at her honesty about her feelings. "I was cruel, and insisted on making things difficult for her, and 4 years ago, when I hadn't seen her for.. a long time, a part of me fell apart. Dina always knew it's probably happen that I'd need her in my life whether it meant marrying her, or just having her there, for my sake, and frankly she was right." She smiled. "My life fell out of balance, and not having her there made me feel like the world was ending, I learned for her presence, and when it came down to it, I realized I really did want to spend the rest of my life with her, regardless of everything we've gone through, it was all worth it, because we're at a point where 19 years ago, my younger self would've hated to see, and, surely hers." She folded a tiny paper back up, tears rolling down your cheeks like beads, holding back an agressive sob. "Oh, Ellie" you cupped your mouth, muffling a whine. You'd cried through your vows, watching Ellie's eyes tear up too.

"Do you, Ellie Williams, take Y/n to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Dina asked. "I do" she said. "And do you—"

"Yes!" You cried, wiping your tears in anticipation. "You may kiss, the bride's" Dina giggled, quickly wrapping your arms around Ellies neck, kissing her passionately, staining her peachy lips in your red ones. Never wanting to let go. You felt the weight fall off your shoulders as she embraced you back, humming into the kiss, all the years of pain falling behind you, all just a dream, her finger tips like blissful cotton candy around you. "I love you" you whispered. "I love you too."

[mushyposts]

WOAH! THE CREW???? THE CREW FROM HIT FANFICTION NO THING DEFINES A MAN LIKE LOVE??? WOAH WOAH WOAH??? Anyway yes omg its them!!! This took me so long and im so tired but look at my ANGELS!

UM! Friendly reminder that I myself am not Inuit/Indigenous! I did research + had an Indigenous person helping me w the tattoos, but if theres anything wrong/disrespectful pls do let me know and I will fix it. All the tattoos r on a seperate layer so it'll be an easy fix and one i am more then happy to do. A few of the designs changed between this and my written description, so... Oops?? Especially Morqa. I got carried away ok.... ANYWAY I have some little notes abt their designs here and there so! Kaiqa: He used to have shorter bangs around his face but they annoyed him so he tried to let them grow out but that annoyed him so he would cut them again and then try to let them grow out and now he just has perpetual baby hairs that wont get any longer. Mikla: UM. Not much to say here. Isnt he pretty tho?? Buteq: SOMEHOW ENDED UP THE MOST MAJESTIC MAN EVER. HELLO?? The two beads on the right are for his nieces and the one on the left is for his sister! Neter: One time he got super cocky abt being 7 years older then Nitya which meant he was a better fighter and so Nitya was like "yeah?? ok bet." and then punched him and broke his nose and was like "hm where are those warrior reflexes?" so now Neter has a permanently bent nose. Sorqai: He got the scar thats through his beard in the same raid that cause Nitya and Konait (Kaiqas older brother) to die. Nitya died trying to get Konait and some other kids out of the mess, and Sorqai got injured trying to get to them to help. He's mostly numb on that side of his face due to nerve damage ! Causes him to lisp a bit, especially w the chipped tooth (which he got from tripping) Natai: He wears both his own and Nitya's necklaces their parents made them, and intends to only take of Nitya's and let it go into the ocean where he was buried when the war is over. His own way of keeping Nitya involved in the war effort, something that was really important to him. Kutai: Again, no real notes here but isnt he pretttyyy..... Kovak: Honestly, very likely one of my favourite character designs I've ever made. Im kind of obsessed with him. He doesnt wear his necklace from his parents because he wasnt on good terms with them at all while they were alive. He took it off before they died, and hasnt been able to bring himself to put it back on. he intends to give it to his kid when he gets back. Mori: UM! I dont have a lot of notes here. Mori has two kids ! Hence the three tattoos under their chin, I saw an inuit creator/source say that sometimes people will add lines as they have kids and I thought that was really lovely so yes!! Again im just. I think hes so pretty. Luqait: Im so sorry king I did u dirty posting this after that one chapter. Each one of the beads he wears is dedicated to someone he knew in the tribe who died, theres more not visible on the other side of the braids. I can say for 100% certainty theres one for Kya and Nitya. Saila: Saila was actually a design i struggled a lot with, but I think I got them to a point im happy with!!! They're a good amount intense, androgynous and also have that amber flash in their eyes. The amber comes from having Fire Nation somewhere in their ancestry, something I dont think will really come up in the fic, but a detail I think is good to know! Morqa: I changed Morqa's design the most, especially his hair! But I think he's ended up being a design I am most proud of. The piercings especially!! Eventually u will run out of space (that we can see ig??) king but today is not that day godbless.

OKAY! THERE WE GO... I HOPE EVERYONE LIKES THEM UM PLS BE NICE AND DONT REPOST AND IDK JUST.... I HOPE U LIKE THEM AS MUCH AS I DO i know oc's in fics arent always peoples favourites but the reception of these guys has been like. Beyond mindblowing. Im so fucking excvited and happy everytime people in my comments talk about how much they love the characters i've created. Like.... The fact that people enjoy the OC's and not just for what the give to Zuko, but for what they give to each other and their own individual stories is so incredible to me. I hope u guys like this and I hope it helps u visualise them better!! : D

[mbirnsings-71]

again! another piece for the @batfam-big-bang this year!!

This is for @cornflowerbluewrites's very wonderfully written fic that you can now read here! Like woo if you're a Dick Grayson fan I highly recommend you guys read it, because it'll somehow hurt and heal you with everything that happens in it!!

Also check out @essiestarr's drawing for this fic here!! because it's also very stunning and I think you all need to see it!!

I'm very happy to have been able to draw for this fic, so I really do hope you guys enjoy it! Plus the team was very friendly and nice to work with so make sure to check them out!!!

Image ID underneath the keep reading because again, it got very long, but it's thorough at the very least!

[Image ID: A digital drawing of Talia Al Ghul, Bruce Wayne, and a young Dick Grayson gathered around Mary Grayson, flat on her back, in the middle of Haly's Circus. Both Dick and Mary are wearing the Flying Grayson costumes of red leotards with yellow in the middle, green braces on their arms, and Mary is wearing green flats. Mary is trying to look at her son with tears in her eyes, Dick and Talia are knelt next to Mary, with Dick holding his mother's hand while crying, and Bruce is standing behind Dick with a hand on the young boy's back. Bruce is wearing a plain buttoned up dark grey suit with a black tie, grey socks, and black shoes. His face has an upset expression on it as he watches the scene. Talia is wearing a open shoulder mock neck white dress that fades to green at the end of it, the sleeves stop at her elbows, a light green sash is tied around her waist, and there is a triangle cut in it at her chest. She also has gold jewelry on such as gold bracelets, a gold beaded necklace, and gold stud earrings. She is looking at this scene somberly. The background of the piece is the inside of a circus tent with abandoned wooden stands in the background for people to sit on. There are also red and white triangle banners overhead hung on metal poles, but are behind a red and white divider that separates the stands from the actual circus performances. the floor of the performance area is a gravel texture. At the bottom of the drawing is a black gradient upwards with text of Dick and Mary speaking, the words being said are "Mom, please." and "I love you, my little Robin, I, I love, you."]

[never-ending-fanfic]

Kallus concept art- artificial leg

*long post ahead, let me rant about my art*

If you remember this post, then you know this has been sitting in my head for ages, but only lately I decided to start actually working on the fic to it, but it's going poorly in between The Fall of Fulcrum and my new multichapter fic I posted lately a blind man needs no looking glass (*wink* check them out). I also don't feel educated well enough to write the aftermath of loosing a limb and getting an artifitial one, at least not yet, I'll need to make a huge research on that before I write it (any of your suggestions are welcome)

I wanted to share this after the fic was published, but it's been waiting for so long that I just wanna post it regardless of the status of the story so here

Important note: If you use any of the art as reference for your fics, which you are welcome to do, it would be nice if you let me know and credit me (out of respect for my art but also I'll probably be super excited to read and see your work ♥️)

In my idea for the fic, Kallus looses a leg as a result of a serious injury on a mission to break out some Imperial prisoners with the Ghost crew. He gets injured when he pushes Sabine out of the way of the explosion. I wanted to write the fic both for the reason of writing Whumped Kallus™ again (it's not my fault my boy is made to be hurt) and writing some of Sabine and Kallus Being Besties™ (I will never ever get tired of this friendship concept) but I only have one scene written so far, as I said, I need to make some research to continue and I'll post the story as soon as I think it's good enough. Don't know if it'll be a long one shot or a multichapter, but I know I wanna write it, so bear with me ♥️

Here are some closeups:

I really took my time with the details here:

Kallus is wearing friendship bracelets from Sabine and Ezra

Sabine has pins with meanings (the logo of Phoenix Squadron, the number 5 for her "Spectre 5" title and an "S" for her name)

the meteor necklace decorated with golden and purple beads 💛💜

the leg was decorated by Sabine mainly, I changed the design a bit and played with the colors. The paintings include the Fulcrum logo, the logo of the Phoenix Squadron, the logo of the Rebellion Alliance and twin moons of Lothal from Fulcrum's codephrase as well as just some colorful splashes and patterns. Also, the story takes place before Hera was pregnant, but, just as in the original post, after Jacen comes around he likes to decorate it as well so we can thank him for adding a Tooka head, hearts and flowers to the foot

the card says "get well soon" and it was made for Kallus by the entire Ghost crew when Kallus was still unconscious and recovering in the medbay after loosing a leg- I have the interior already done and I'll post it another time with the explanantion of what's written inside, cause it's all in Aurebesh 💕

also putting Kallus in a crop top was something I just had to do for personal reasons also you are welcome✨

adding his freckles is always so rewarding

Sabine's shirt is covered in paint because of course it is

[dontbotherwiththepronunciation]

16, 17, 8, 25 ?? (i want to ask then all sorry!)

Don't apologise! It's really nice of you to show interest and I'm just sorry it'll be disappointing because I'm feeling better now, so the self-respect and confidence that comes with the anger is gone and my answers will probably be more boring or bland.

8. common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about

Everything relating to the Ironborn. The idea that they are westerosi uber-macho, alt-right, republican, white-trash becomes very annoying and often makes me thing that Luwin's propaganda spread to the fandom. There is also something about the fandom vilifying most Iron Islanders and their culture when they are not that much more different than the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. Rape and slavery/thrall culture is just as present in Northern characters (which we can clearly see on Arya's chapters) as it is on the Islands, with the only real difference being that it's not based on religion. All of the core Greyjoy's except for Asha are often depicted as these uber-conservative, alt-right ignorant, macho, toxically masculine people although there is not a lot of canon foundation on that. Their culture seems to be more liberating to the role of women than most, we even have Qarl's mild gender fuckerism, they are more sexually liberated, the concept of "Iron Price vs Gold Price" is more of an ideological statement (with Victarion wearing a Kraken-helmet that MUST have been tailor-made for him) than a factual way of living, and Balon's cruelty to Theon being less about him wearing a necklace and more about him wearing a chain and coming as an envoy, not a free man. Then again, characters like Quellon Greyjoy and Rodrik Harlaw (and often Alannys, even though based on what little we know of her, I doubt she would fit in this) are seen as pure-hearted, good natured and intelligent people who are enlightened compared to the rest and thus, are glorified by the fandom because they appear to be "less Ironborn" (as in less stupid, reckless and violent) and are falsely considered to have adapted to a more idealised version of mainland values. Tris is also often added to the group above, although he doesn't seem to share their ideologies, he is simply characterised by Asha as "too sweet for the Islands" and most readers seem to take it as such, although this claim is never backed up by evidence. It almost reminds me of colonisers of European descent classifying some of the indigenous groups of the regions they invaded as "civilized" because they had adopted attributes of European culture and the entire dichotomy of the "good Indian vs bad Indian". Really hate that. I don't really like comparing the Islands on itself to indigenous tribes who were colonised (Theon is another matter), but in this aspect...

16. you can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc)

The entire modern AU Theon concept since the characterisation is very often based on this strangely idealised mixture of AGOT-Stark perception of Theon and an exaggerated comical retelling of his tragedies during ACOK without any actual nuisance for the reasons behind those tragedies. It feels very sadistic. Free-loader Theon, Dropout Theon, Unemployed Theon. The repressed homophobic homosexual Theon is the most baffling though and it often seems to be more connected to shipping dynamics rather than canon characterisation (Canon implied he had a threesome (or more) with Patrek!!!!! Why did everyone forget about that?????).

17. there should be more of this type of fic/art

I feel hypocritical because I don't do a lot for her, but I wish we had more fan work on Kyra. Until now she is mostly used as a meta type of tool to explore the rules of consent in Westeros and Theon succumbing to his worst impulses during ACOK, and that's valid, it makes sense since she doesn't have much of a characterisation or background story, but I really wish someone would adopt her as their canon OC. I wish we would get to see her as her own failed final girl who has to beg for help to the man who raped her in order to escape an even bigger monster. I know it's an unpopular opinion and that most shippers prefer to see their dynamic as something salvageable or as a more positive and stable fwb relationship and many interpret Kyra as someone who genuinely loved Theon while he saw her as a more or less low-stakes girlfriend (and no hate to anyone who likes any of the mentioned concepts), but personally I would love to see fanworks from her perspective that show us Theon through a more macabre lens. So many fanfics that take place during their escape decide to put Kyra in a position that is similar to Jeyne; she is thankful, clingy and somewhat loving, and as said, I get why people enjoy those. But I like to believe that at the end of everything, when she asked him for help, she no longer loved him, if she ever did. I like to believe she was afraid of him, not that she hated him, simply that she was afraid, how could she not be? I often think about Theon's "On the far side, he had kissed her." and "You saved us." and how there are no descriptions of her response to those things. With Jeyne he describes how she is the one who initiates the physical contact during their escape and he responds somewhat positively, but in Kyra's case we have none of that and it makes me anxious in a good way. I wonder how it might have felt for her. I don't think she would have liked it, she must have been so frightened. Aaaaand I can feel my stomach starting to twist and turn the more I think about it! Time to move on! So yeah TLDR: I would like to see Theon as a villain from the lens of someone whose reasons for seeing him as such are justified. Also we need more f/f cersei fanfics.

25. common fandom complaint that you're sick of hearing

"OMG guys did you know some sickos ship [underage character] with [young adult character]?!? They clearly didn't absorb anything from the books because George won't endorse pedophilia! Anyway, here is my [another underage character] x [same young adult character] fanfic, it's a soulmates au with fluff & smut <3" or any of the other variations of that. I encourage filtering tags and blocking people, I do that a lot, but I will not tolerate clown on clown violence.

[ventilation4thesoul]

The session went well, he said a lot of false things that are upsetting, but our therapist seems really nice and good. We're going to be going once a week, I'm really hopeful. Like I feel like shit and we have a lot to work on, but at least we're starting.

He also said that he genuinely considers me his soulmate. Which feels good to know he feels that way. I have .. mixed feelings as of right now. I definitely want a future with her, I can picture it, I want it. But as of right now, I have a LOT of hurt to work through. And hopefully open po's eyes to how badly *I* was treated by them. And to see where I am coming from, instead of labeling me an abuser with false information. But like.... We'll work through it.

She gave us homework, which I think will help. And we're taking a break from our talk tonight too. Still saying goodnight, and if anything needs said we can, but overall not gonna be chatting today. I think that's a good thing.

We hugged like 4 times. It was nice to hug and feel him again. She even nuzzled me at the end, answer held each other really really closely. I cried a lot too. Bleh. But when we were finally ready to leave, we just stared at each other while we were still hugging and I felt my heart break bc I wanted a kiss so badly. I didn't want to ask, but just as I was about to Po asked me. I said yes, of course. Reached my hand up to her cheek, and we had a kiss. It wasn't long, we didn't go beyond that threshold. But we kissed. I missed her lips so much.

My hearts achy, but I know that we'll figure this out, and if it ends it'll end on good terms. I'm scared of being too hopeful and getting my heart broken again. But I'm going to be working towards being more optimistic about things.

She gave me a necklace that was left there, one of my favourites actually, the 2 cats. They said they tried it on but it didn't fit her sadly, but that it felt nice to wear it for a second, and that they'd like something like that maybe, in the future. I'm thinking of putting the second ring in a chain for her. Something that can be a small reminder, not too heavy, goes with most things.... I'll pitch the idea tonight or tomorrow maybe, we'll see.

[wishhellwaseasy]

How do you decide what outfit to ruin when you have to go to an event that's fucking awful?

Funeral attire: "colorful, comfortable and casually"

I dressed myself how I think my grandma thought about me. Pure, grandchild. She raised me, she aided in the creation of the person I am today. I brushed my hair, that's past my shoulders. The same length of hair she would brush and brush and brush, for years. my lions mane. She raised 3 daughters, she worked carefully and patiently. She was an expert of turning this task I hated, into colored hair ties, I happily tolerated.

This is not the same hair. She hasn't touched this hair. This hair isn't even the same color, texture or thickness. But I remember. I can imagine her touch.

I pulled two chunky front framing pieces, pull back the crown of my hair, and braid the tail. Youthful, childish, tidy. I don't want to do my hair. Why should I look well and put together when I feel miserable?

"Colorful, comfortable, casual"

A sundress. It's a white dress with orange flowers. It's flowing, it's free. It's all of the requirements. I feel exposed. I hate how the dress outlines my body. My grandma would wish I never thought that of myself. I want pants and a nice shirt. (I would really rather never leave my bed again) But my grandma would tell me how beautiful it was. I wore the dress.

I realized it's easier to see myself through her eyes. Today's for her. Today's the final goodbye. I add makeup, earrings, and a necklace. I want to look like what my guess of her favorite version of me was. Before the tattoos, piecing's and hair dye. When I went to church, sold girl scout cookies and hadn't realized how horrible life can feel. Before I felt sad. Before I tried drugs. Before I did anything and everything I so careful hide from her. I never wanted to disappoint her, and I got distant as I fell apart.

I feel the guilt of the distance all the time, but especially today. I watched them put her in her forever resting place. I sat through the second to last church service I'll ever attend. I sobbed with my cousins, aunts and uncles. I have never felt such incredible uncontrollable sadness. It felt fucking awful.

My dress is stained in that feeling. I will never be able to wear it again without knowing what it felt like to shake in that church. Maybe that's not a bad thing. But the dress is ruined, and it'll hang in my closet.

I think she would have liked my outfit. And I think she wouldn't have cared if I told her every dark thought of mine. I couldn't help myself but hide. Today; I left my self exposed, I tried to bring back myself, just to say goodbye. I hope she saw I tried.

[the-firebird69]

Watch "TRON -Son of Flynn ( Synthwave Remix)" on YouTube

I got the bike idea and it's insane I signed approval and would do it and he wants one to ride around on I said the regular bikes they said don't you have a 49cc and we said no he says damn it, so try and get him one this is a probably more likely going to Enduro cuz they might not try and wipe me out on it as much. And we agree with that and that was him that last sentence. And it's really trippy man this bike is really cool it's a street bike and Cena friend and I tell you what they're fooling people because it's made in China and it's really inexpensive I'd say cheap but the frame is hard and solid and holds up my weight and someone else on it it's very strong much stronger than the frames and the motor is a little bit better but I think it's their motor that they tweet and yeah he said to do that and I know they can do a few things that make it work better like because these motors are not ported correctly and he's done it before and gained horsepower with his car and I do know he knows about it anybody Chinese parts you have tons of them sitting around and his grandfather and grandmother I'm trying to from China they paid them Ken and Chris for his good work mostly his grandson he says and they sold tons of parts and they're making parts now for my bike and they say the idea is awesome and it was tried before no one could do it so this one's probably going to make me take a dip and I'll come back and hopefully be intact but this new bike is awesome it's a street bike it has a 350 in it with an option for a 250 and yeah I psyched you out and him damn it he says the last two words. But here we go with a good thing this bike can go real fast and it's just as fast if not faster than most sport bikes and it can keep up with superbikes I've never seen it before it's not as big of a cc but really it's not that fast it's not one of his motors it's a real Chinese motor and yeah it'll go like 200 miles an hour with a 350 it's very fast and they're liquid cold by the way and it's not a jacket it's just the way it is and they have to be they said and it's both the Enduro and the street bike I'm selling them like hotcakes they're very inexpensive I have orders in for hundreds of thousands of octillions and I'm going to get them out there and I'm going to sell them and mainly to my people so far and I'm going to see if they can do higher volume and they're saying they're going to try and they're building more plants or really adapting more plants and really they're all around me and his father and mother actually the great grandfather and great-grandmother appraising him and I've never seen anybody get praised by Chinese. These people here are always crapped on and stuff and they're happy with me and it is really amazing you would not believe how nice we went over the design we have this huge design meeting we went over all sorts of stuff it's really cool he says you should wear like I always have this necklace thing it it's got a big huge word on it and stuff so I can make one for the bike that looks like the emblem and shows that you have one and the jacket too is already out has it it's a way it's like a statism it's a status symbol he says and it's also a nice way to sell bikes but it's really nice thing to have to show you have one and I'm going to do it because it's my bike brain and wrestlers are buying them it's going to be awesome this is so cool

The 250cc Enduro goes for about $1,500 retail here in the United States

The 250cc Street goes for about 2,300 here in the United States and last for higher volume sales unless if we get more volume going

The 350cc Enduro goes for about $1,800 US dollars

The 350cc street goes for about 2,500 US dollars and I'll tell you what I psyched them out again and I psyched a lot of you out he thought I was going to mismatch him but I'm not going to do that dirt bike to dirt bike and Street the street and didn't happen well I'm saying is his stuff too and I have to keep doing it he said it's a good way to go to sleep and get rest and can't get any other way

I'm going to try it and not give up

John Cena

[mimi-cee-hq]

A Small Gift - Akiteru x f!reader

Summary: Akiteru gave you a gift but never saw your reaction. He only knows if you liked it when he sees another guy hitting on you.

Genre, etc.: fluff, cute, funny, getting together

Words: 0.7k

*****

Akiteru ducks back into aisle seven, hoping you didn't see him. He backs into Kei in the process.

"What are you doing?" Kei asks him.

Akiteru presses his lips together. He shouldn't have left your present at the front counter of the community centre. You probably thought it was too much. He was just some guy who liked to chat with you when he handed you the gym keys – even if you first knew each other from high school.

He peeks around the corner to see you in front of the row of shampoo bottles. Kei comes up from behind him, walking past him, about to make himself seen. Akiteru tugs back on his shirt to stop him.

Kei scrunches his brows but groans after quickly realizing why his brother's acting this way. He's been at the community centre before.

He enters the aisle anyway.

Akiteru freezes but you haven't noticed Kei yet. Instead, you're occupied with someone else.

"I don't work here," you tell the guy who approached you.

He's tall, likely the same height as Kei, with dark styled curls on his head. He seems to be in college as well, wearing lounge clothes as he carries a basket with a few video games, chips and a pack of razors.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that," he says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I only wanted help picking out a housewarming gift for my cousin." He bites his lip while giving you a nervous smile. "You just seem like you have good taste."

"Oh. Umm..." You fiddle with the small pendant dangling around your neck. "How about one of those gift baskets?" you hastily suggest. A wrapped basket of soaps and lotions sat in front of the two of you.

"I guess I should've noticed that," the guy says with a nervous laugh. "So… what kind of gifts do you like?"

Kei nudges Akiteru. Yes, he's watching you getting hit on by a random guy at the store, but his feet are frozen in place.

"This necklace is my favourite," you reply with a soft smile. "My -uh- boyfriend gave it to me."

Akiteru chokes on air.

"I–" the guy stammers. His mouth opens but nothing comes out. "You must have a nice boyfriend," he finally says.

"Yeah, he's really sweet," you continue, eyes forming crescents. "He's fun to talk to and loves helping others. His jokes could use a little work though. They're kind of lame."

Akiteru tells you jokes. His jokes are lame. He stares long and hard at the scene unfolding in front of him. You really were talking about him.

A hand pushes Akiteru forward causing him to yelp. He regains his balance, but when he looks up, his eyes grow wide. You see him.

"Go get your girlfriend," Kei says with a smug and almost sinister grin. "I'll wait at the check-out."

"Kei!" Akiteru shout-whispers in his head, crouching as if it'll help him disappear from this awkward situation. "Kei! What are you doing?"

When Kei is out of sight, Akiteru gives you a sheepish grin. You shift your eyes away while pressing your lips into a straight line.

"Hi," Akiteru says, raising his hand. "I'm her boyfriend." His stomach is doing flips.

"Sorry!" the guy exclaims while backing away. "I didn't know you had a boyfriend. I– Sorry!"

"It's okay!" you tell him. He gives an awkward nod before leaving you alone with Akiteru.

You stare at the floor as you tap your foot. You're not looking for your shampoo at the moment. Akiteru shuffles closer, scratching his cheek once he's beside you.

"Sorry," you explain, breaking the silence between the two of you. "I panicked and that was the first excuse I could think of."

"No. It's okay," Akiteru replies. "I can pretend to be your boyfriend whenever you want."

A forehead slap and a groan come from behind an aisle. Kei isn't at the check-out area.

Akiteru clenches his hands. His brother's watching. He can't afford to look pathetic again. He stiffens his arms as if he were bracing for impact.

"I can be your real boyfriend if you want," he closes his eyes and says a little too enthusiastically. When you don't reply, he slowly opens one eye to check your reaction.

You snort before a laugh escapes your lips. Akiteru smiles. He loves hearing your laugh. It's one of the many reasons he fell for you.

Your fingers caress the pendant around your neck. It looks nice on you.

"Thank you for the birthday gift," you tell him with a soft smile. "I love it." You stare into his eyes and Akiteru is surprised he doesn't blink away. "I wouldn't mind having a real boyfriend too."

*****

I hope you liked it. I finally wrote something for Akiteru! I've always liked him.

Please check out my other fics if you enjoyed this.

[thefallenbibliophilequote]

Clean

Loki x Reader

1989, chapter 13

"…"

Summary: It's hard to find the one, but even if you do find him it's always going to be a daily struggle to make it work. Can you even make it work after he broke your heart? The answer to that is complicated, but it all started when you found each other again in the stark tower- and that's where our story begins.

Word count: 7,224

Warnings: angst, some unreliable narrator, and… closure.

A/N: this is the last chapter of the series (besides the epilogue) and so the secret message of the song will not be at the top of the post but rather at the bottom. A perfect closer. Thank you so much for reading this, I worked so hard to write it and I am so happy that I get to finish it with you guys. I am so emotional right now.

A/N: a special thank you @chrissquares for the amazing dividers she made me, and to @nacho-bucky for beta reading all of this!

No one is allowed to repost my writing or steal or copy my work! Reblog on tumblr is fine.

Series masterlist

Song on Spotify and YouTube

Loki sat in his room on his soft bed; he used the soft delicate covers under his fingers to ground himself as he drifted into his thoughts.

He loved you, he loves you, he will always love you. He knew that, there was no hiding it. There was no hiding the feeling that erupts within him whenever he sees you smile at him, or when you touched him and everything else faded away but your touch, or even the feeling thumping in his chest when he spent the day without you.

He was in love- it was as simple as that.

You loved him, you love him. He knew that, you never let him doubt it when you saw him doubt himself at the very beginning of the relationship. He was clever enough to know that you never lied to him.

Will you continue loving him when you will give it all up? When this is all over?

"You what?" Loki was sitting on your couch and you were curled up against him, you fiddled with your shiny new necklace, a bright smile on your face as you looked up at him through your lashes.

"I love you, Loki." You straightened up a bit more so you could get a better look at him. "I really do."

"You love the necklace I got you," He stated, looking at the empty box on the table and then back at your passionate eyes. He was scared of what he saw there, he must have heard you wrong because you made no sense to him. You always surprised him like that.

"Yes, I do love the necklace." You chuckled a bit and then you took his hand in yours, forcing him to look at you. "But I was talking about you. I love you. It's as simple as that."

But it was not simple, not to him.

"But-"

"No but. I just love you. I loved you even before we got together." You held both of his hands now. Understanding flashed in your eyes as you saw what lay behind his. "Don't you ever doubt that."

He squeezed your hands and leaned in to kiss you softly. He knew he loved you. But when he pulled back the words died in his throat. He opened his mouth only to close it shut. Emotions like the ones you introduced him to never came easy to him.

"I know." You said. And of course you know- you always do.

He sighed in thankfulness and you brought him to you again with your hand on his cold cheek.

He will find a way to tell you someday.

So why would you want to leave him- forget his trace on your life? He wondered to himself. People fleeting from his life wasn't something unfamiliar to him, but he has never been so sure of someone staying than you, ever since he found you on that fateful rainy day and every day that has passed since he never thought you would leave him out of your own will.

Being wrong about people did not happen often to him, he could read everyone but you didn't make sense to him now.

A shutting of the door knocked him out of his own head and of course there you were, studying him before you quietly approached him and sat on the bed.

Silence spread as you looked around the room, noting the various large bookshelves with the clearly well loved books.

"Your room is nice, it's very you," you commented over the deafening silence, you couldn't bear it.

"I always figured you'd like my book collection, and the balcony. I thought I could read to you while we are drinking your favourite tea and sitting out there. We could laugh at all the oafs that passed right below us." He let out a humorless chuckle.

"That sounds like a perfect day." You bit your lip nervously.

"Then why would you give that up?" now you turned to face him, you failed to notice the unshed tears on his face.

"Loki," you choked on your words. "I don't plan to give that up, I don't plan on giving you up!"

"But you heard what he said! And you want to go through with that nonsense, when I told you that I will figure out a way for him to leave you alone." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Do you really want to get rid of your powers that bad that you don't mind losing me, or even your Avengers family?"

"I don't want to lose anyone, I just can't stay with these powers inside of me when now for the first time I know exactly how they feel and what they do- I don't want that poisoning me. It's like a wine stained dress and I don't want to- I can't wear it anymore. I can't Loki." You went to take his hand but he slipped beyond your reaches. You scoffed and went and this time took his hands to get him to look at you. "But just like you said, I believe that you can and will find a way out of this, I know you will find a way for me to get all of my memories back- I don't doubt it one bit because you are brilliant and more so determined. So this is the way that I can lose my powers but keep everything else that I love so so deeply."

"But-"

"No, no but- I love you, Loki, and I would never give you up out of will especially after all those times you got taken from me and even when you left me. I will never let you go away. I know you can do this- and that is why I want to go through with this. I want to lose my powers, you called it ever since we met again at the tower- that is not my life, and these powers aren't mine. And that is my decision. Which is why I need you to understand me right now, I need you to understand that I'm not going to lose you, and that I still love you forever and always."

Loki couldn't help then, but remember you in your favourite dress standing with him and staring at the sunset, he told you he would always remember that moment-and he did, but it wasn't until now that he realized what you were asking him.

You never took your eyes away from his. You could see the battle inside of him when he finally relaxed in your grasp and pulled you tightly into a hug. But sometimes a hug is just an excuse to hide your face. You didn't see the tear that slipped from his eye.

"As you wish, darling."

•

"You're insane, you are completely insane." Steve shook his head and looked between you and Loki, before talking to the god. "How come you are okay with this? No, this is insane."

"Steve, I understand you're scared but Loki will find a way to bring me back- it will all be okay. It might take some time but I will be back here making sassy jokes at you in no time." You walked to him and wrapped your arms around him.

"Punk it'll be alright, just think of it like when you put me under again in Wakanda." Bucky chimed in and he wasn't wrong- but for Steve it only made it worse, first Bucky couldn't remember him and he lost him for a long time and now if you go through with your plan then you won't remember him either. How can he be okay with it?

"Loki, don't you have anything to say here?" The captain walked away from your hug. The god averted his eyes to the floor; he opened his mouth calculating his words.

"It's her choice captain, I had my own reservations regarding it," Loki now looked directly at the captain. "But all I want is what's best for her, I will do what is needed."

"What about Odin, huh? He can't just do whatever he wants- so what if he wants to take away your powers! I will fight him if I have to, he can't force you to do anything."

"Well Steve, my father might actually send an-"

"I never knew that was an option, I never thought I would be able to live like I used to- without my powers. I know you can get me out of this, I know Loki can get me out of it but I want this. I agree to this." You cut Thor off and brought the attention back to you. Tony rose up then.

"How do you know that you can bring her memories back, mischief?"

Loki scoffed.

"I only lost the battle of New York because I wanted to so give me and my magic more credit." Then Loki surprised you and walked towards the door. "Captain, if I may?"

Loki gestured outside and you were surprised at how Steve went without any issue. The door closed behind the two of them.

It was a while later that they came back and you could see Steve's eyes were red.

"Why don't we order pizza and you can pick a movie to watch?" he suggested. You nodded at him and you could say that you didn't tear up then but that would be a lie.

So there you sat with your friends- with your family, and you ate pizza and laughed at the movie. You talked about everything and nothing. You lay against Steve's chest and he hugged you as the movie kept playing.

You treasured every second with them. You knew you will come back to them soon enough but it didn't make you any less emotional during the entire night.

Just because you will not remember forgetting anyone of them, just because you won't feel the lack, doesn't mean you won't miss them.

•

You fidgeted with Loki besides you as you got ready to enter the room that will end all of this.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Loki rubbed your back and took both of your hands to stop you from fidgeting.

"Yes, I don't know why I'm so nervous."

"It's okay to be nervous my love, but I will take care of you."

"I know you will." You shyly smiled up at him and returned his hug. "I trust you."

Loki opened the doors and walked with you inside. The throne room looked the same and yet for you it felt the difference all the same. Walking with a different form of dread into the cold room and a loud beating heart- you couldn't deny the fear that still lingered there.

"So, you finally came. Step to the side my son." You scoffed at that when Odin rose from the throne, stepped down, and raised his long staff.

"Wait!" you yelled and grabbed Loki into a hug. "I'm going to miss you, even if I won't know it. Promise you'll get me back Loki, promise you will set it all back to normal." You didn't look at him.

"I love you, more than I ever thought I could. I know I claimed it impossible but I have fallen in love with you all over and over again." He pulled back to cup your face and whispered in a weak voice. "I don't know how to say goodbye to you."

"There's only one way I'd accept it." You smiled at him through the tears, "If you've ever loved me, say it like you are going to come back."

That brought a small chuckle out of Loki.

"Well then my love, it really was enchanting to meet you." he held your hand and bowed before you. "I'll see you around, my love."

You smiled widely as you curtsied and brought him back for a kiss. It was slow, delicate, and yet it held every emotion you needed to show and every ounce of love you needed to feel.

"I'll see you in a minute, Loki."

With a soft smile he stepped back from you, his own smile faded though when his father raised the staff and he heard a chant in the background and he sent an old ancient extortion spell your way. You kept your eyes on Loki, smiling at him and memorizing him. He will get you back, you will get him back. You had no doubt about it.

His eyes teared up but he watched you.

You watched him until the pain hit you and settled in your brain, until your eyes felt foggy when you looked on at the man in front of you, until white blinded your vision and everything turned black.

•

Opening your eyes slowly you saw the golden sun rays seep into the room from your window as you woke up. You stretched out on the bed and reached your hand out to your side and it was cold. You looked at your hand and at the space next to you, why would you reach out there? Something at the back of your mind felt odd but you shook your head- who was for some reason aching, and got out of the bed in your apartment.

You mind felt foggy, you couldn't remember even getting to bed but you must still be tired- you just need to wake up fully. It'll all focus up in a minute surely- you had no doubt about it.

You smiled to yourself as you heated water for your tea; the routine was familiar to you and helped you clear your head. You took the time to look around your apartment, it wasn't much but it was yours. You still remembered when you first moved to New York- it was so loud and foreign but you refused to let it take over you and so instead you let it be a new chapter, a new beginning, you let it change you into who you wanted to be.

You snapped out of your thought and made your tea like you always did, it was a Saturday morning and you couldn't wait to have a chill day in, reaching out into the cabinet for another glass, but you faltered- you must have forgotten that you already made your tea.

Sitting on the couch you saw the flowers on the table they were dying of thirst- you were never good with flowers, which is why you never got any. It was probably time to throw the flowers away, so you groaned before getting up and discarding them in the bin.

Finally settling on the comfortable couch you turned on the TV and flipped through the channels until you found your favourite show. Sighing, you sipped on the tea and enjoyed the content feeling this warm moment gave you.

•

Loki lay on the headrest of the bed in his bedroom. It was morning now, it's been a day since you disappeared. By morning gone was any trace of you from his life, and yet you still were all over him, he couldn't find a part of him that you didn't touch. He could never wash you away.

He saw you all around his bedroom now, with countless books open and scattered on his desk, his bed, and the entire floor. He searched all of them, trying to find what you told him he would.

But now all he found was an answer he did not want to think about. So he sat and stared at the wall.

The knock on the door hardly startled him, and he was not surprised when Thor closed the door behind him and leaned against it.

"How are you doing, brother?" Thor stayed put, noticing the blank look in his brother's eyes and the books that seemed to block his way forward. "Were you up all night?"

"How could I sleep?" he let out a bitter chuckle.

"Did you manage to find something?" Loki rubbed his eyes, he didn't know how to answer that question. His lonely heart was already starting to grow colder with each hollowed hour that passed through him. He sank into his mind again.

The captain followed him outside of the room you were in. he could feel his frustration and it matched his- just almost.

"What, Loki?" Loki continued walking forward until he found a vacant room where no one will see the two of them. The soldier stopped at the door for a moment, but once he stepped through then Loki closed the door shut behind him.

"I want to show you something, captain." Loki turned to him. Steve stood taller, his blue eyes were questioning when he saw what laid in Loki's eyes, it was the first time he was sure what he saw in the trickster was real. "But you are not going to like it."

"I suppose I did find an answer." He replied to Thor, remembering back to two nights ago, when he found the way out. Just not for him.

"Well, that is tremendous news!" Thor's smile dropped when Loki did not smile with him. "What is wrong then?"

"What do you want to show me?" Loki walked to Steve with two arms open and up in the air. "Did you manage to find something?"

"I want to show you a time from before you knew her, you see, I have always loved her- but I want you to see this before we talk." Loki asked him a silent question and Steve nodded when Loki put his hands on his temples and he felt a buzz course through him before he found himself sitting in an apartment he had never seen before and there you were sitting next to Loki- you looked so much younger, so did the god.

Steve continued watching the intimate moment between the two of you, he watched the way you looked at the god and the way Loki in turn looked at you when you didn't face him.

He almost felt uncomfortable, knowing that Loki out of all people was letting him look through his own mind and memories. And then he heard you.

"I could never be a hero." His look of confusion matched that of Loki who was talking to you on the couch. He could only assume that you did not know about Loki being a god back then.

That was when he really looked at you- seeing you. He opened his mouth and closed it, his heart sank when he realized what he saw in you that was so different. You were so… light, rather than heavy. Your eyes were brighter, and more innocent- more hopeful. And mostly you were just-clean. Clean of all the blood that you have seen with your powers, clean of all the guilt and hatred. He knew you were happy with them-he knew you felt the same way as he did- but you were different here, there was no weight above your shoulders and you were clean of it all and all that was left was peace and calm inside of you. He never saw that in you. As happy as you were with him and the rest of the avengers, and as much as he knew you, he never knew you like that- he never saw who you were before.

He took a moment to look at you again, promising to himself he will remember you like this- he knew now why Loki showed him this.

"Loki, get me out." He whispered with a defeated look on his face. A moment later he was back in a vacant room with Loki. "Is that what you want?"

"Do you understand me now, Captain?" Loki nodded and lowered his eyes a bit.

"I do." Steve refused to shed the tears he felt behind his eyes.

"I have decided to let her go." He struggled with getting the words out, but he knew he would follow through with his decision- it's what's best for you.

"You what? Loki, what do you mean you are letting her go?"

"I am not going to chase after her and get her back to me- that will only lead to bad things." Loki stood up from the bed and started to whisk the books away and back on their shelves. The night was long but he knew all that he needed to know now.

"Brother, she counted on you getting her back! She trusted you with that!" Thor has seen his brother act without a thought in rare times, but now it is clear that he has thought of it for a while and yet despite of all of its nonsense he still decided to act on that.

"She trusted me to protect her, so I am. Don't you think she deserves a life free of dangers and worries?"

Thor looked at his brother and shook his head, looking down.

"Perhaps she does, but perhaps you deserve a life full of love too. Perhaps you will get that once you stop self sabotaging any good thing that comes your way."

Thor walked out the door, leaving Loki in that empty room.

•

The rain kept pouring all around you as you walked through the park in the dark. You didn't know what it was about the rain, but somehow you found your peace in the middle of the storm, the more the rain gushed around, dancing with the wind, the more you felt calm surrounding you. You let yourself drown in the rain that surrounded you now until you could breathe again- standing there with your umbrella you decided to sit on a bench you found up ahead, you often found yourself sitting there all alone when you felt something was missing from your life.

You sat there in silence, letting the rain soak through you without it ever touching you. You opened your coat pocket and looked at the letter that was inside the open envelope. You've had to make up your mind at some point, every part of you should say yes and you knew that it did with every time you reread the message that was written inside. You were still a bit nervous, it was exciting so of course you were a bit nervous. You knew you would not say no to this opportunity, no matter where it came from. With a small secret smile you put it back inside of your coat. You brushed the place on your neck where a necklace should be and got up to head home, and as you looked up to the stars you could almost see a twinkle in the sky, from the brightest star in the sky.

•

"Do you think it's a wise idea, Tony?" Steve sat in the genius' office. Tony shrugged at that.

"It's been two months Steve, I can't take it and I know you can't too!" he took off his glasses. "Don't you want her back?"

"Of course I do Tony, but I saw her- she seemed really happy."

"She was happy with us too!" Tony threw back the whiskey in his glass before filling up another one.

"Pour me one too," Steve said and ignored Tony's look. He was too tired, they all were. "But I think maybe Loki was right to choose what he did."

"Then call this a loophole! As long as we keep it up, she won't notice a thing and then we will all get what we want. We can keep an act up and soon enough it will be like nothing's changed." Tony raised an eyebrow at him before drinking from his glass. Steve downed his- it didn't faze him at all but he wished it would.

"Okay then, do it."

"Already did." Tony smirked and Steve just groaned at his friend.

"Of course you did."

"Now we just wait, my letter was pretty convincing so I am sure she will get here soon, and then she will be home in no time." Steve clucked his glass with Tony's before walking out of his office and getting on with the stuff he had to do that day.

He took the elevator down to the ground floor and looked through the paperwork he had in his hands when the doors opened. He stepped outside only to see you walking to the receptionist's desk. He stood there staring at you as if he hadn't been tracking you for months, he noticed all the ticks you had when you were nervous. That's when he snapped out of it and went to get you before the Stark worker could talk or, even worse, recognize you. He could feel his own emotions bursting inside of him and he held himself back from taking you into his arms and hugging you.

When you looked into his eye and he saw that you didn't recognize him- not really- it hurt him more than he thought it would.

"Hi." Was all he managed to let out.

"Hi, Captain Rogers," you smiled at him and he found himself returning the smile. "It's an honour to meet you."

"Please call me Steve." He rushed out and then bit his tongue.

"Steve," you repeated and you were about to turn your head to talk to the Stark Industries worker when Steve stopped you.

"You're Y/N, right? You have a meeting with Pepper."

"Yeah I am, how did you-"

"I will take you to her." He turned to the worker and nodded briefly, "it's fine."

"Captain, I need her to sign in first-"

"The captain said we are okay here." You looked behind you to find a blonde agent that you recognized from the TV as Sharon. She looked at you for a moment, looked behind you, and then she sent you a small smile.

"I'll walk you up, is that okay?" you looked back at him again and you nodded, you didn't know why but those blue eyes seemed so… kind. Your nerves were already put at bay because he started talking to you.

"Yes, thank you Steve." You smiled at him again before he walked you back to the elevator.

When the doors closed you broke the silence, for some reason you could feel his nerves rise- you could see it in him, in the small ticks. "Don't you have other stuff you should do?"

He laughed a bit at that and you called that a win. Steve thought back to the day he met you.

"Yeah, but you seem much nicer."

"How can you tell if I'm nice or not? I never said I was nice, maybe I am mean and evil."

"No offence, kid, but you don't seem too threatening to me," You scoffed at him, and you didn't know why the chemistry between you was so natural, but you didn't care.

"How can you be so sure? I could be threatening, or I could even be a spy!" you raised an eyebrow at him when he laughed again, this time harder.

"I could still take you down if you are, it's easy." He had a shit eating grin on his face that you didn't like. Steve was waiting for you to retort back.

"Oh just fuck off!" you shook your head but then you burst out laughing when Steve replied, you were so much brighter and he loved it.

"Language."

He missed you so much.

•

You felt a bit lightheaded as Steve walked you through the halls, you walked with him as he told you that he will take you to the kitchen. It was eerily empty. The couches seemed so inviting and the floor to ceiling windows showed a stunning view that you could stand there and watch all day, now you wished that you didn't have the interview because all you wanted to do was stay right where you were.

Steve was worried about you though.

"Hey, are you okay? Is this too much for you?" He asked and you furrowed your eyebrows when you saw the concern in his eyes.

"It's fine, I am probably just worried about the meeting with Mrs. Potts, that must be why I have a headache." You ignored his other question and while it did seem odd to you how easy he interacted with you, you didn't question it- he always seemed kind on TV.

"Come on, I will get you some water from the kitchen."

When you entered the kitchen you realized where you actually were.

"Is this the Avengers' private quarters?" Steve faltered for a bit and when words failed him he decided to just nod. He cleared his throat before turning to you with a glass of water.

"You really didn't have to bring me here, I would hate to waste your time and intrude!" you took a sip. "I also don't want to be late for my meeting, which I already am…"

At the cringe in your voice he pulled out his phone and texted Tony about your situation, making sure no one will be around you just yet in case you will get overwhelmed. He couldn't know how the spell Odin put on you would respond to that.

"I talked to Pepper, don't worry about that, you don't need to worry when you are with me." He looked serious enough that you nodded and continued sipping on the water, you could already feel the headache fade away, Steve continued. "And you can feel comfortable here, I'm sure you will get the job so you will be here a lot- if you want, that is."

"Why would I be here?" Steve wanted to curse at himself for saying too much, of course you didn't know that detail- you shouldn't know that. Hell, you probably didn't know the details of what you will do- Tony could have bullshitted anything to get you to come here even when you had no reason for being chosen.

He couldn't help himself, he felt as if nothing has changed by the way you act and talk around him, but it was hard to remember that a lot has changed for him.

"Well, umm you see- it's in the job description- working for Pepper and all, it just makes sense that you will be here too because she is here a lot." He stuttered when you still had a look of confusion on your face, your head tilting a bit, you couldn't quite place him. "And also- Tony, they are husband and wife of course and- and he might need help too. Stark Industries is his after all so, that is what I meant, that's all."

"Okay…" you tentatively replied, noticing the blush that came up his flustered cheeks. He was trustworthy, so it is probably true. "I guess that I don't actually know why I am here- but this is an opportunity that I couldn't miss out on. I don’t know why he chose me or how he even knows me but- I want to be here, I just do."

The words seemed distant from you, and you looked to the ground not noticing the small relaxed smile Steve let out.

"Well, I'm sure you will fit right in here. Let's get you to Pepper then."

His smile only prompted your own and you let him take you to her, hopefully this will be a new start for you, and hopefully it will also quiet the small tingles you started getting in your head ever since you got that letter.

•

A month later you woke up to an alarm clock. You turned to your side and stopped yourself when your hand went forward. The alarm drew you out of your thoughts and you twisted around again to turn it off. You got up to start your day before you had to go to work.

You looked at your wardrobe before you decided to try out the shirt you got yesterday you couldn't help but buy it. It was in this beautiful shade of green that you were compelled to get it. You paired it with a tight black skirt and walked to your dresser. Opening it, you noticed a glimmer shining from the daylight that came through your window. You got out all the boxes and stuff that was blocking whatever it was from your view- you really needed to clean all of it, but you didn't care- you just wanted to get to that small box.

Like you thought- it indeed was a box. It was old, the golden glaze of it darkened but it was still beautiful.

"Now where did you come from?" you wondered aloud and you sat on your bed when you decided to open the delicate box. It was a bit heavy in your hand, you didn't know what it was made of but it seemed unreal- it was so naturally out of place with its beauty. You opened it slowly and in there you found a necklace, it was golden and unlike the box it was still shining. The symbol engraved onto it seemed so familiar and yet you could not remember where it is from, it was different from anything you have seen before, you must have bought it ancients ago. You must have. It took your breath away when you picked it up, so you needed air. You went out into your living room and there you sat on the couch, staring at it. Your mind was racing, no- it was searching- you didn't know what for, and tingles spread throughout your whole body.

You put it on and fiddled with it, the light weight of it on your chest was comforting as it lay right next to your heart.

You didn't notice the smile that lit up your face until you looked into the mirror before getting out of the door and heading to the Avengers tower.

•

Loki prepared himself as he walked the Bifrost leading to where Heimdall stood. He tried to calm his breathing and his racing heart, he felt as if he was going to pass out from the nerves. He just needed to get this over with fast.

Heimdall did not acknowledge the solemn look on the prince's face as he got ready to go to earth. He barely bothered to hide the dark circles beneath his eyes that could only be described as numb. With the black suit he was wearing one would think he was grieving, and maybe in a way- he was.

Loki fixed himself to stand up straighter and got ready for his journey. All he planned to do was go to the Tower, just to check on how everything has wrapped up quickly before leaving, and maybe in a way he wanted to be there one last time and see other people who are also living a life without you.

He nodded briefly to Heimdall and in a few second he was in the Avengers Tower, right on the top of it. He took the elevator down and when he didn't see anyone in the living room he called out to the AI and asked for Steve's location. He was a few floors down rather than in the Avengers' quarters.

He took the stairs down. The hall room was fairly empty. Different elevators stopped at the floor that was a pass-through to the Avengers center from the Stark Industries. At the other end of the floor there was a balcony that looked over the skyline of the daylight, it will be easier to call for Heimdall from there- it will be faster.

He walked forward and saw Steve and Natasha leaning against the main desk of the security guard.

He nodded to Steve when he spotted him, but Steve's eyes only widened when he saw the god.

"Loki."

"Hello, Captain." He nodded to Natasha who had the same surprised look on her face. "Ms. Romanoff."

"Loki what are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to come here to check how you were dealing with the group that took the weapons." The group that took you. Loki smiled shortly.

"Loki you should probably go-" the blond suggested and went towards Loki to try and lead him backwards to where he came from. Before Loki could question him, the redhead spoke up.

"Y/N is here, she is on her way here." Loki looked at Natasha and then at Steve who was standing in front of him.

"What?" Loki stammered, "Does she-"

"No, she doesn't know a thing, I promise." The god studied the soldier, his eyes sharper now.

"Then why is she coming here?"

"We hired her a month ago, so she could work here and we will see her." Natasha explained simply, blunt as always. He was thankful for that right now but he sent daggers towards Steve.

"I thought we had an agreement- that you understood."

"We didn't know you were coming. I do understand, and I promise that she is still safe, and she is having a peaceful happy life- she works for Pepper, not with us directly." Steve was quick to reply. "It was just too hard to say goodbye."

"You were not the only one who had to say goodbye." Loki's eyes were blank and Steve could see the hurt that seeped through. "But well then, I should go. I'm happy you got her back."

Steve stopped him when Loki moved to walk towards the balcony at the other end of the floor.

"Loki, you can come back too." Steve sighed, trying to get the god to agree to come back- he saw you being happy, but he also saw how you were lost- just lacking something a bit, he knew Loki was that something.

"No, I cannot. I'm a god- I could never give her the peace she deserves." Loki shook his head and lowered his blue eyes. He passed Steve and walked ahead when the elevator dinged and he looked up at the same time as you got out of it and walked towards Steve. When your eyes met his you stopped in your place.

Loki always loved when you wore his colours and now here you were- wearing his colours when you did not even know him. Only a couple of feet away, you stood in front of him and the world stood still.

You got out of the elevator and were walking towards Steve when you saw the person that was just a few steps away, in front of you. You were in the middle of the hall and yet you couldn't move yourself away, you couldn't stop staring at him.

You knew him, how couldn't you? You knew he wasn't from here, but he was different- it wasn't because you knew he was a god, but rather the feeling that came along with him and it felt as if it sucked you in.

You tried to snap out of it and you could suddenly breathe again.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stare," you looked up again at the god who kept staring at you. Loki's eyes were wide, scared, in awe of finally seeing you again. Of seeing you not recognizing him. Before your mind could catch up you continued. "I'm Y/N."

You stretched your hand and walked forward a bit, waiting for him to shake your hand as you now stood a mere step apart. You got nervous when he didn't shake it, why did you want to shake his hand in the first place? You did not know.

Before you could take your hand back, his cold hand squeezed yours and you relaxed again, smiling shyly at him.

"It's nice meeting you." It's like you could see it all inside the shade of blue in his eyes when he smiled back.

He caught sight of the necklace you were wearing and he looked back up at you.

"That's a beautiful necklace." He said and you blushed at the compliment, his voice affected you in a way it probably shouldn't. You then realized you were still holding his hand and you took it back and fiddled with the necklace instead. You didn't see the hurt and disappointment in Loki's eyes when he too lowered his hand.

"Yeah, it's really pretty- I found it and I guess I just forgot where it came from," you looked back up at Loki who had an unreadable expression on his face and you didn't know why but- "but I still love it."

Loki swallowed and tried to form words while your own words were affecting him in ways you didn't even know.

You didn't know why you were so affected by him, he was so beautiful and your heart was speeding up and yet you felt so calm now, so relaxed, so- whole? You didn't want to break whatever it was that you felt right now, too curious by this feeling to recognize the two avengers that stood a couple of feet behind Loki.

"I heard you were working here, do you like it here?" he looked at you fondly, he just had to ask- he had to know that you really were happy like this, even if he is not in your life.

"Yeah, I do. I am so happy that I get to work here with Pepper!" you smiled at him, tucking your hair behind your ears.

"I'm happy to hear that, then. It's good that you are happy."

"The job is amazing," you chuckled. "But if you decide to throw another invasion, I hope you will think of me, I'd love to be your right hand woman."

He laughed and you treasured that look, you liked his laugh.

"As you wish, darling." He needed to let you move on, but he didn't know how to say it. "I won't keep you any longer, and I should go, but- it was enchanting to meet you, love."

You frowned at that, not wanting him to go. But you still had a silver of hope left inside you that maybe he will come back again.

"I hope I'll see you again, Loki." You smiled at him and he returned the smile. He looked you up and down, smiling softly at you again, before he did the hardest thing he had to do and walked past you.

You turned to watch him go, yet your mind was screaming something incoherent at you as if he was slipping away from your reach.

Loki walked out into the balcony with a heavy heart, but at least he got to see you again one last time, at least he got to see you smile and hear you laugh one last time. At least he knew you were happy now, and at least he got to call you his love one last time. He looked back at you as he got taken away and he found comfort he hadn't gotten before in your smile. And he knew it will be okay.

You still looked at him when you saw him get taken away by the bifrost, and smiled when he sent you one last look.

Then you turned your head back, touching the golden necklace again you smiled to yourself and stepped forward.

"She lost him, but she found herself, and somehow that was everything."

•

Tags: @ayybtch @buckys-other-punk @chaoticpete @madcrazy50 @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @the-departed-potato @rogerrhqpsody @onceupona-happilyeverafter-love @percabethismyotp14

[turkisherlockian]

The Hat - Request [Benedict Cumberbatch x Reader AU]

Summary: Y/N is a young director who worked with and has a crush on Benedict Cumberbatch. He finds out that she used to write fanfictons about Sherlock and decides to give her a gift.

Word count: 1941

A/N: Happy birthday @shackleschains 🎂🎉❤️ I hope you like it! 😸

-----

''You never worked with Y/N before, have you?''

Benedict smiled and turned to Y/N. They developed a great friendship while working together, Y/N got on well with everyone and they all had so much fun.

''Yeah,'' Benedict said, ''I wish I met her earlier, though. She's a great director, she's energetic, magnetic, amazing...''

''Tell them something they don't know, Ben!'' Y/N nudged him and they all laughed, ''I'm just kidding...''

''No, seriously, that's what everyone thinks about you.'' He smiled.

''Aww... Thank you.''

''Alright, love birds...'' This made them both chuckle, ''So, Benedict, what was it like working with Y/N?''

''I had so much fun, it was great. She was great. She might be young,'' He grinned, teasing Y/N, ''But she has a brilliant mind and she's going to prove that in the film. Not that she needs to.''

The interviewer smiled as Y/N blushed, he turned to her, ''What was it like to work with Benedict?''

''You know, I'm known for my short films and this is my very first time directing a film, so I was really anxious because... Well, he is Benedict Cumberbatch!'' Benedict smiled as she continued, ''He's been very helpful, understanding... He's very clever! Just amazing. It was an honour to work with him, and I hope we can work together in the future, as well.''

''I hope that too, young lady.''

''I'm not that young!''

Benedict grinned, ''Yes you are, and that's great. You're a genius.'' He hugged her with his left arm, pulling her closer as she blushed.

''Well, turned into a complienting competition...'' Y/N grinned, ''Thank you so much. You're so kind.''

Benedict nodded with a smile, then turned to the interviewer who asked a question to Y/N again. ''We've been told that you're a Sherlock Holmes fan and you used to write fanfictions... Is that true?''

Y/N facepalmed as Benedict turned to her with a frown, ''Why didn't I know this?''

She pulled back, her cheeks burning. ''It's embarrassing!''

''No it's not!'' Benedict chuckled, ''It's adorable.''

Y/N rolled her eyes playfully, ''Alright... I was a huge fan. I wrote and read a lot, just like any teenager would do.''

''That's why it's not embarrassing, darling.''

''So...'' The interviewer interrupted them with a smile, ''You started filming things at a very young age, didn't you?''

''Yeah... I started with small things, really. I filmed my toys, my pets, making short clips, you know. Then I started filming nature and went to courses as I couldn't get accepted to a film academy. However, my short films got thousands of views overnight - which was crazy, and now here I am. And I'm so happy to be here.'' She smiled and turned to Benedict, which he replied with a comforting touch on her back.

The interviewer turned to Benedict, ''How would you describe your character, Benedict?''

Y/N couldn't focus on what he said as she watched him, he was beautiful. She could study his features as they were still so close to each other. His lips, eyes, eyelashes, beautiful skin and every single detail on it. She wanted touch him terribly.

''Y/N?''

''Huh? Sorry, I got distracted...''

''You must have been tired... Thank you for the interview, Y/N, Benedict, it's been fun!''

They shook hands as they got escorted outside, a car waiting for them.

Benedict got into the car after her and sighed, ''You're exhausted, aren't you?'' he asked with a smile.

''I am... How about you?''

''I'm shattered... As I'm old...''

Y/N chuckled, ''You're not old!''

Benedict shook his head with a grin, then turned to her. ''You'll get used to it. Interviews, fame, fans... Papparazzi and their cameras that follow you anywhere you go. But I need you to know that, Y/N, you're really good at your job. I didn't get the chance to say it properly earlier, but I really enjoyed working with you. I hope we do it again.''

She teared up quickly, feeling honoured. ''Thank you so much,'' she smiled, ''I feel the same way.''

Benedict nodded and smiled, squeezing her hand gently, ''I didn't say it to make you cry...''

''I know,'' She nodded and wiped her tears with her shirt's sleeves as the car got closer to the hotel. ''So... Are you free tomorrow?''

''Yeah. What for? I mean, doesn't matter why you asked, I just...''

He chuckled as the car stopped and he opened the door before getting out and giving her his hand. She took it with a smile as she sniffled, then got out of the car as well. ''Would you like to... Have dinner with me? In my room?'' He blushed, ''I mean, I have something to show you...''

Y/N nodded and smiled, ''I'd love that...''

They walked into the hotel together and got into the elevator. ''What time should I come?'' Y/N asked.

''I'll be back at around seven. How about seven thirty?''

''Sounds good...''

Silence filled the cabin as Y/N bit her lip, then it stopped and Benedict followed her outside. ''I'll see you tomorrow, then.'' He said with a smile.

''See you... Sleep well.'' Y/N smiled too and nodded, unlocking her room's door.

Y/N couldn't sleep, not at all. She kept thinking of what he was going to show her, what could it be? Also, she tried to avoid the embarrassment of the fact that she did write fanfictions and smut. People still knew even though she deactivated her account. And Benedict found out. He found out!

She was just a teenager, she had no idea that she could meet him one day, let alone work with him!

However, her eyes were aching and she was really tired, so she drifted off to sleel quickly.

-----

Y/N woke up to the sound of her phone, it was vibrating violently.

She sat up in horror and took it, unlocking it quickly. Y/N checked WhatsApp first to see what's going on.

Her friends texted her asking if Benedict and her were dating, the interview was posted on YouTube - that was surprisingly fast, and a photo of her looking at Benedict in love, was everywhere.

Y/N took a deep breath, everyone thought they were dating! Did Benedict know about it? If he did, how did he react? Would he be angry at her? No - she's done nothing wrong. Except for having a crush on him and looking at him like that...

She bit her lip and replied to her friends' messages, but didn't post anything online. She didn't know what to do, she didn't even have an agent or someone she could ask what to do. Maybe I could ask Benedict, she thought, but she was too embarrassed by the way she looked at him. What would he think? Did she ruin his reputation? Did he have a partner already? Y/N sighed and got out of the bed.

She put her phone away and turned it off.

Y/N had the whole day for herself until dinner if Benedict wasn't going to cancel it. She knew he wouldn't do such rude thing, but... She felt exposed. It was embarrassing. However, she wanted to look nice for him, so she spent an hour deciding on what she was going to wear. Y/N did her best to spend time, but there were still a few hours until dinner, so she turned her phone on and started reading what people think.

''I'll kill myself if they're not dating!!!''

''He's too good for her.''

''She looks so in love! I mean, who wouldn't?''

There were a few memes too, she was grinning and sending them to her friends before an unknown number called her. With hesitation, she picked up.

It was Benedict's PR team, asking her to not make a comment about the situation yet.

If his team knew, Benedict would know it too.

Thankfully, it was 6 PM and she could start getting ready. Y/N chose a white, puff sleeve and square neck summer dress and combined it with a chain necklace. She put on some makeup after getting her hair done, then checked her phone to see what time it was.

7 PM.

Time passed quickly as she tidied her room, and she put on her perfume before leaving her room right at 7:30.

Taking a deep breath, Y/N knocked on his door and smiled when he opened it.

Benedict couldn't take his eyes off her for a while, ''Hi, umm... Come in...''

''You look lovely...'' He said as he gestured her to take a seat.

''Thank you... So do you... Handsome, I mean. You look handsome. Not just right now, you always do, Oh God, please never compliment me again...'' Y/N blushed and covered her face with her hands as she sat down. Benedict chuckled, ''Thank you darling.'' He sat down in front of her, ''What would you like for dinner?''

Y/N hummed and shrugged, ''I don't know... You decide.''

''How about pizza? You love pizza.''

This made her smile. ''Sounds great.''

He got up to call for room service, then ordered her favourite. Y/N was fiddling with her fingers as Benedict came back, ''What's wrong?''

''Nothing... I mean, you heard about the rumors, didn't you?''

Benedict smiled, ''Do you really care about them? People always make assumptions.''

Y/N smiled too, Assumptions, she thought, but I do like you.

She sighed as he offered his hand. Y/N looked up at him in confusion. ''I'll show you something.'' Benedict said with a smile, then led her to the bedroom when she held his hand.

Y/N's heart was beating fast as she saw a gift box on the bed. Benedict picked it up and turned to her, ''This is for you.''

She was surprised, ''I... Why? I mean, it's not my birthday...'' Y/N chuckled mervously. ''You receive gifts only on your birthday? What a shame. Well, it'll change, darling. Now, open it.'' He said excitedly.

Y/N smiled and bit her lip, opening it. She looked up at him in shock, ''No.''

''Yes.''

She chuckled, can't believe her eyes. It was a deerstalker. The deerstalker that Benedict used, actually.

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as she put the box on the bed and took the famous hat out of it, touching it. She couldn't help but smiled as he spoke, ''I wanted to keep it after filming the last season.''

''This is the best gift I have ever received! Thank you!'' Y/N exclaimed as she hugged his neck on tiptoes, earning a chuckle from him and a warm hug back. ''You're welcome, sweetheart. I'm glad you liked it.''

Y/N pulled back but her arms were still on his shoulders, and she felt her cheeks burn as he looked into her eyes and then, at her lips. Y/N closed her eyes as she felt his soft lips on hers, feeling like she ran out of oxygen in a second. Benedict pulled back quickly for her liking, so she kissed him lovingly. ''I like you.'' she whispered, and then regretted it immediately. What if he told her he did not? It would break her heart.

However, Benedict grinned. ''I like you too.''

They kissed again and Y/N pulled back as someone knocked on the door. He let out a low groan, which made her wet, and then pecked her lips. ''It must be room service.''

Y/N nodded with a smile and followed him, the hat still in her hands. Benedict turned around with the tray to see her wearing it with a grin.

-----

After dinner, Y/N posted a selfie of them, her wearing the hat. Then they started reading comments together.

"He made her wear the hat!'' Someone commented, making a reference to Janine's words in the newspaper.

And in the end of the night, he did make her wear the hat.

---

Feedbacks are always appreciated! Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. ❤️😸 And you can turn on notifications if you want to know when I post a fic!

[khaleesiofalicante]

OK I GOT 5 HOURS OF SLEEP LAST NIGHT WHICH IS PRETTY OK IG (I did stay up to read the fic-) BOTH MY TESTS WENT LIKE SHIT, I HAD AN ANXIETY ATTACK IN PROGRAMMING CLASS BECAUSE BY TEACHER IS A LITTLE SHIT WHO KEPT ON YELLING AT ME WHEN I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING AND I SPENT LUNCH ALONE BUT AT LEAST NOW IM ALONE WITH MY LAPTOP SO YAYAYAYYA

first of all, this chapter right here is my comfort chapter from now on. i said what i said. I will be rereading it again and again just because i can. it was PERFECTION

here's me going crazy at 2 am yesterday.

MAGNUS' CHAPTER

LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO

AHHHHHHH IT'S THEIR ANNIVERSARY

SCREAM

oh

alec shaved his beard because it made him look older

RAFAEL WAS SO UPSET AFTER THE MEXICO ATTACK BECAUSE OF ANJALI RIGHT??

magnus and alec are the oblivious parents istg

“Are you decent?” Max yelled. “I don’t want to be traumatized again.”

“Hey! We agreed not to talk about that!” Alec yelled back.

Im not even surprised at this point

“Happy anniversary, bapa!” Rafael kissed him on the cheek and handed him the flowers.

“Where are my flowers?” Alec asked.

Rafael plucked a rose from the bouquet and threw it at Alec. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, son,” Alec mumbled.

IM WHEEZING

DAVID BAKES

“David made it,” Max said shyly. "

Oh,” Alec replied and then shrugged. “Well, the icing could be a little sweeter I think.”

Ever since Max started dating, Alec had become incredibly protective. Alec liked David of course – it was impossible to find someone who didn’t. But that didn’t mean Alec approved.

And it didn’t help that the blond boy was absolutely terrified of Alec.

ALEC STOP TEASING HIM

THE BOY IS ALREADY SCARED

“I don’t know,” Alec analysed the card. “David used too much glitter.”

“Since when do you have a problem with excessive glitter?” Max demanded.

ALEC

“I didn’t use him!” Max huffed. “He was thoroughly compensated for his efforts!”

“Compensated how?” Alec asked.

“Uh,” Max said. “With donuts.”

when i saw donuts i immediately thought of rose and luisa from jtv

iykyk

but should i continue the show? i got tired of jane continuously embarrasing herself

“You expect us to follow rules?” Alec asked in surprise. “In our own home? On our anniversary?”

The warlock boy grinned wickedly before leaning close to Alec.

“You better do it, or I will tell everyone about your secret,” Max whispered.

Alec blinked at that.

the secret...

I DONT LIKE HOW MANY THINGS POPPED INTO MY HEAD

is highschool musical that bad? i havent watched it. should i?

what if i cried

i just wanna hug alec??? but i cant say it'll be ok because it wont

“Is that why you are not attending?” Magnus grinned at his friend. “Or is it because you are terrified of Georgia?”

“That child is the reincarnation of Christopher Lightwood!” Ragnor complained. “I heard she made explosives out of demon ichor! Who makes explosions out of demon ichor?”

RAGNOR IS PROBABLY GETTING FLASHBACKS

THESE STUPID FUCKING BITCHES

how tf do you think we have survived huh??

medicine that's how

vaccines, anti biotics and what not

stop being close-minded and fucking do it

ok i know the risk is great

BUT OTHERWISE THEY ALL DIE

it was different for warlocks. The Shadow World was their universe. The nephilim kept it safe. At one point in their lives, they had learned to coexist with them, out of necessity and out of obligation.

And now here they were – working together in the name of friendship and love.

how things change...

what

say what

the causes are what

ok let's not jump to conclusions

im fucking crying wtf

alec doesnt deserve this shit

all he's done is make the world a better place

hes worked so hard on this

RAZIEL CAN GO FUCK HIMSELF

what am i supposed to say to my parents if one of them comes to check on me and im sitting here crying at 2 am

He didn’t want to believe in a reality that would punish Alec. Alec who only wanted to do what is good and right.

Alec was who was losing his hope and strength every passing day. Alec who was struggling. Alec who was turning to desperate measures to cope with all the stress.

please alec

no please

THE ANGELS ARE BITCHES

Because if Magnus found out Raziel was the one causing all this pain for Alec, he would march up to heaven and set the bastard on fire himself.

AND I'LL GO WITH HIM

KNEW THE SPY WAS LIVVY

AWW RAGNOR LIKES SELENA THATS SO SWEET

blue and gold

STOP IT IM CRYING AGAIN

The shadowhunter was a good influence on him. Magnus hoped Alec would see it sooner rather than later.

HUH

HUHU

HUH

omg

GIGI GETTING A SIBLING

“Max isn’t allowed to do a lot of things,” Magnus chuckled. “But he does them anyway.”

thats my boi

GASP

]THE NECKLACE

rafael is growing into the consul voice

they grow up so fast

nope nope he's still the little 5 year old

voice cracking what do you mean he's 20

im glad hes happy with mila. or is he...?

Magnus had deduced as much. Alec lived in his beautifully oblivious world. But Magnus noticed.

He noticed the hickeys. He noticed the late-night visits. He noticed the tense phone calls.

well thank god there's at least one non-oblivious person (alec i love you so much but you are very very oblivious)

“What’s stopping you then?” Magnus asked.

"2554 miles,” Rafael chuckled sadly.

me with all my online friends

probably more miles

Magnus tried to do the math but promptly gave up.

me

But Alec did lie though. Magnus pushed the thought away.

NOT NOW

LET ME LIVE IN PEACEFUL OBLIVION

HUSH

“Except melt it?” Rafael chuckled.

“Yes,” Magnus chuckled back. “As you can see, the bar is extremely low in the Lightwood family.”

AHHIUCCDSKUHDCV

i have no clue what the words describing the outfit are

time to google

OK PRETTY

Fifteen years. Fifteen years of loving and Alec still made his heart stutter.

dont do this to me right now I WILL CRY

“What the hell?” Max exclaimed. “Why are you all dressed up?”

“In case you haven’t noticed, it’s my anniversary,” Alec chuckled.

Max-

Fifteen years. Fifteen years and Magnus still took Alec’s breath away.

HJCSDHJBJDHSGCDYGJVVC JHVDFYMJ

it's not funny MY EYES ARE WATERING

“Bapak is a good looking one in the family,” Rafael pointed out. “You are the chaotic one and I am the smart one.”

“What am I then?” Alec asked dryly. “A sack of potatoes?”

“You’re the sexy one,” Magnus grinned. “A sexy sack of potatoes.”

yes.

Alec grinned back and leaned forward. Magnus put his hands around Alec’s neck and kissed him. He kissed Alec with all the love he had inside his heart.

Just like the first time. Just like the hundredth time. Just like the thousandth time.

Because with Alec, every kiss mattered. Every single one.

muffled sob

“Stop making out, oh my god!” Max groaned.

Magnus sensed a pillow coming their way but Rafael caught it before it hit them.

“Max, stop!” Rafael scolded. “You will wrinkle dad’s suit and ruin bapak’s hair! I spent hours ironing both!”

why is max me when i see people display affection in front of me

ALSO RAFAEL HKUIUIDCSKIHUDFVHJDFVHU

“They are here,” Rafael said. “You two better look exactly the way you did when I left with Max or I will raise hell.”

IM SCREAMING

Selena was wearing a blue crop top with the words “MIND YOUR OWN UTEREUS” written in gold.

i need that top

DAVID'S SHIRT IS THE COLOR OF MAX'S MAGIC

AHH ISABELLE DOESNT KNOW SHE'S PREGNANT YET

The argument of “who gave the best gift” had started when Jace and Izzy had gotten drunk on vodka. It didn’t help that Alec had gotten drunk as well. All three Lightwood siblings had then proceeded to have an argument about who had the best spouse. The whole night had been drunken chaos. Magnus, Clary and Simon had let them have it since the Lightwood siblings had a tendency to carry the world on their shoulders even when nobody asked them. They rarely ever let loose ever since their worlds had plunged into sickness and demon attacks. Especially Alec. So, Magnus had let his husband be that 18-year-old boy again. The boy who got drunk and fought with his siblings and sang songs about Magnus’ pretty eyes.

OH MY GOD THE CHAOS

Georgia considered that. “I’m not allowed to melt it, right?”

“No,” they all replied in chorus.

LET GIGI MELT IT

SELENA IM SO PROUD OF YOU

“Dad,” Max said. “Can you keep a picture of me wearing this necklace in your office?”

“Why?” Rafael asked.

“I think it will piss off the boomers,” Max giggled.

“Nice!” Lexi grinned. “A downworlder wearing a shadowhunter heirloom? They will lose their heads. Uncle Alec, you must do it.”

“I will do you one better. I will hang a tapestry,” Alec chuckled.

YASSS I CANT WAIT FOR THE SHADOWHUNTERS TO BE PISSED

AWW THEY DIDNT KNOW THE NECKLACE USED TO BELONG TO MAGNUS

he actually gave to camille first-

Why couldn’t this boy just cause chaos during his travel year like the rest of them? Why did he actually study and do his research as recommended?

why would you NOT study and research during your travel year????

oh shit

well well well

david bby stfu

i love you but pls stop speaking for all our sakes

“Holy shit,” Max said. “It is expensive then!”

“Don’t pawn the ruby!” Rafael warned.

MAX NO-

OH THE STONE COMES FROM EDOM

oh no

pls dont fight

oh so i was wrong about magus confronting him from that snippet

all you need to know is im sobbing right now and grammarly is the only thing making this coherent

dont mind me just

NO I FORGOT ABOUT MAX AND DAVID

GET BACK IN THE ROOM YOU IDIOTS

don't do this to me at 3 am

OK THE DILF PART

thank you for adding light into my life again

(me while editing this: today really isn't my day huh? i just slipped in rainwater outside my balcony because I heard rain and ran there. now my knee and back hurt and I think I sprained (?) my toe-

ANYWAY

wait im gonna go check out the rain and then continue editing this

ok i got bored of the rain)

that made me laugh through my tears

“Objectively good looking?” Jace snorted. “Excuse you, but my parabatai is smoking hot! He is a freaking prize, okay? If we had a magazine for hot shadowhunters, you would be on the cover page. Every single issue.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Alec interrupted. “Magnus, are you happy? Now all my friends have told me I am pretty.”

“I said smoking hot,” Jace corrected.

“We are not being biased,” Clary pointed out. “It is the general consensus, Alec.”

“It’s true,” Lexi said. “So many people have asked me for your number, Uncle Alec. And I would have given it to them if I wasn’t worried about being turned into a marshmallow.”

LEXI DUHDUGHUDFCUHKVDFUIKFDU

“Dad, I don’t know why you are so worried,” Max said in a bored tone. “You’re a told DILF.”

David choked on his champagne and Jace patted him on the back.

“What the hell is a DILF?” Alec demanded.

“Oh, I know this one!” Jace said excitedly. “It means Dashing and Irresistible Looking Father. Max is right, you are a total DILF.”

“Mr. Herondale-” David raised a hand.

“I heard one of the shadowhunters in their travel year calling me a DILF too,” Jace said proudly.

THAT IS NOT WHAT DILF MEANS OH MY GOD

“It’s not a rumour,” Selena spoke up and passed her phone. “There is a group chat at Scholomance just to thirst after you.”

add me to it

ALL THE COMMENTS I CANT BREATHE

“Alec Lightwood can run me over with a Maserati and I would thank him.”

“Give me that,” Izzy grabbed the phone and started giggling. “Petition for Consul Alec Lightwood-Bane to stab me with his mortal sword.”

“Isabelle!” Alec hissed, cheeks flaming. “Stop it!”

“I want one!” Jace grabbed the phone now. “By the Angel!”

“Read it!” the kids yelled in chorus.

“I would gladly let Consul Lightwood-Bane inspect my mortal instruments,” Jace chuckled and threw the phone at David.

David shook his head vehemently and threw it at Max.

“My body is just a hole for Alec Lightwood,” Max read out loud and started laughing so hard that he fell off his chair.

Lexi grabbed the phone and giggled. “I want the Consul to strip off my runes among other things.”

She passed the phone to Gigi, who looked at the phone and look at Alec.

“Uncle Alec,” the girl said. “This person wants you to crush them with your massive archer arms.”

“Give me that,” Rafael grabbed it now. “Aw, this one is a classic, dad. Alec Lightwood turned me gay.”

He threw the phone at Simon, who stared the screen and looked up. “Uh, I don’t think I can read this one out loud in front of the kids.

“Is this the one about the basement?” Selena chuckled and Simon nodded.

WHAT'S THE BASEMENT ONe

TELL ME

AWW GIGI AND LEXI PUTTING MAKEUP ON DAVID AND MAX RECORDING IT

google translator time

oooo Rafael's gonna talk with Mila

Magnus you're such a good father

seriously

“Sometimes things are just sad. So, you need to let yourself be sad.”

YES

SAY IT LOUDER

THEY ARE UNDER THE BED

AHHH MAX AND DAVID

DAVID CALLED HIM MY ANGEL IN FRENCH

Alec and Magnus hiding under the bed and spying on them is just-

Jace had tried to give Max the shovel talk and had gotten a little too emotional.

of course, he did smh I love him so much

“David doesn’t need a shovel talk,” Alec smiled. “He knows what would happen to him if he hurts my son.”

David gulped. “You will throw me into the silent city?”

“I will ask me husband to portal you to hell,” Alec said – Consul Voice. “We have relatives there.”

the beloved relatives yes

“Goodnight,” Jace gave them a salute. “Have fun inspecting Magnus’ mortal instruments.”

JACE

OH SO THE QUESTION WAS ABOUT SMOKING

damn it

oh my god guys he said he'll stop smoking

just lemme have this moment

my boy's lungs will be intact

HIS LUNGS WILL BE OK

“I can’t wait to see all the messages on the chat after that,” Magnus giggled.

Alec looked up. “I’m more than a tall glass of water, Magnus!”

SCREAMING

In his dream, he saw them again. But they weren’t smiling this time.

what

wait

THE PROPHETIC DREAMS

nope nope nope

Nah I don't know what you're talking about

haha

damn, I think I really hurt my back...

OK BUT THE IMMORTALITY ANGST???? WAS SO SO GOOD???? I know it makes me cry but is it bad that I'm always so excited for angst written by you because of HOW GOOD it is????

"When I die I will love you from my grave" I NEED THIS ON MY FOREHEAD OH MY GOD I LOVE THESE TWO SO SO MUCH

alright I need to get something for my back and my knee (I'm home alone so this will be fun)

OK, I THINK THE NEXT CHP WILL BE ANJALI'S POV I JUST FEEL IT!!! I miss my girl so much I hope she's doing ok. Jaime too...

I'm rereading all of these chapters after chapter 10 because why not. Bye!!

OKAY I AM GLAD YOU LIKED IT BUT I AM ALSO DEEPLY WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.

I hope your knee and back feels better soon!

also fuck that teacher yelling something doesn't make people understand it any better ugh dumb piece of shit anyway screw that person.

I hope you get some good rest and recovery from this rollercoaster of a day.

Take care!

[lunarsaga]

EPISODE 5: The Band of Seven, Resurrected

WELCOME TO EPISODE 5! So far, episode 6 is up on my Patreon already, and episode 7 is in progress. Support me on Patreon to see stuff first!

IMPORTANT: I am starting to integrate the art into the story a little differently! Instead of just visualizing a moment in the scene, the image will replace the lines it's depicting. It'll work more like a hybrid graphic novel, that way it'll flow better. (So don't skip over the art, read it like you would a western comic!)

Reminder: [Dialogue like this is English!]

EPISODE 5, LESSGO! ☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆

It was a bit of a long flight between the bone-eater’s well and the spot where Luna last left her sister and her friends.

They were still headed northeast, still trying to find Naraku. But Luna’s supply of ammunition only lasted so long, and she decided she probably needed more medical supplies if they were all gonna make it past this war with Naraku. So she’d gone back to the modern era for a few days, and called Alice to get her connections with other Hunters in Japan—so Luna could make more Sacred Salt rounds without having to explain to international customs why she was getting a bunch of empty shotgun shells, non-native herbs, and a few other assorted (weird) things she needed.

So she’d gone home for a few days. Thankfully, she didn’t have to walk; Airisu (who still objected to Luna calling her ‘Alice’, but agreed to the simple nickname ‘Ai’) in full demon form could fly pretty fast, but she ran out of steam after about an hour. It took them a full day (including rest time) to get back to the village, and the same on the way back.

But before they joined back up with their friends, Luna had a stop to make.

It ain’t hard to miss, she thought snarkily, he’s like a damn homing beacon.

Finally, among all the green of the forests, she spotted a speck of white. Easy. “There they are!”

Ai set them down just behind the little group of travelers—Rin, the little imp Jaken, the big horse-dragon (Ah-Un, Luna believed?), and heading the line was, of course, Lord Fussy Britches himself. Rin spotted them before they touched down, and greeted delightfully:

“Miss Luna!”

The Hunter’s arrival brought the others to a halt, and for some reason, Luna found a very smug satisfaction in the incredibly irritated, over-the-shoulder side eye she got from Sesshomaru. But she paid him no mind; she was here for Rin.

Luna held out her hand, unfolding her fingers to reveal three beautiful pearls, strung on a little leather cord. Each of them glinted with an odd pink sheen and were warm to the touch; anyone with any sort of spiritual senses might’ve picked up on the soft energy radiating from them.

Luna tied the cord tightly at the ends and moved to slip it over the little girl’s head.

“As if she would ever need such a ridiculous thing!”

Luna swore one of these days, she was gonna drop kick that little frog. “Look, dude—”

“It’s Jaken, insolent human!”

“—I’m just looking out for her. No need to burst a blood vessel.”

“What is she to you?”

Luna was actually shocked to be addressed by Sesshomaru himself. He was still giving her the side eye, but there was less irritation and more of… something Luna couldn’t place. Maybe she was flirting with death, but she couldn’t resist.

She stood tall, chin high, and responded: “What is she to you?”

There was the anger: contained, but frigid and harsh as the Arctic behind those amber eyes. Sesshomaru did not answer her, but Jaken sure did.

“How dare you, human! Your nerve is surpassed only by your stupidity to speak to Lord Sesshomaru that way! Surely you wish for death!”

Only sometimes. “Can it, Kermit!” She snapped at him, “I ask because he’s always leaving her alone, with nothing but you to protect her! You, who are half her size and don’t have much in the way of defense!” She moved her challenging gaze to Sesshomaru again, steadfast. “So I ask again, what is she to you, if you leave her with barely any protection so often? Because to me, she’s a friend and I care about her, so I brought her these as a last resort option, in case you’re not around and she needs help.”

There it was, that unreadable expression again. Sesshomaru was definitely incomparable at hiding his true emotions—something Luna could absolutely not stand. Tense silence hung in the air for a moment, before Luna shrugged, holding her hands up.

“Hey, think of it this way,” She said, trying a sly little smile, “You’re a busy guy. It’s one less thing you have to worry about. And if she never needs them, at least it’s a pretty necklace.”

Man, this guy was good at keeping quiet. But now, the icy glare was gone. Luna swore she could see just the tiniest arc of a silver eyebrow before the demon turned back around on the path they’d all been heading.

“Jaken, let’s go.”

Flabbergasted, Jaken tripped over himself trying to follow. “Y-yes milord!”

Grinning, Luna got back down to Rin’s level. “You take care, okay kid?”

“I will! And thank you so much for these— I don’t think I’ll need them because Lord Sesshomaru always comes to save me, but I’ll wear them anyway!”

“That’s all I ask,” This little angel was definitely gonna need it at some point. “But if you do need me, I’ll always be there for you, okay? I promise.”

The smile on Rin’s face could’ve melted the ice caps. “Thank you.”

Luna stopped her as she started to leave. “Hold on, one more thing. Each one only works once before it shatters, so you gotta save them for when you’re really in trouble, okay?”

“Okay, I will! Bye, Miss Luna!” Rin grinned, waving at her friend before hurrying after the demons.

Luna chuckled, turning back to Ai for a second before something occurred to her. “Hey, Sesshomaru!”

He didn’t turn to look at her this time, but he did pause in his walking.

Good enough. “I heard there was something going down in the Northeast—direction of the Ox and Tiger. Something to do with Naraku. Thought you might like to know.” She didn’t wait to see if he heard or registered what she said; she just hopped back on Ai’s back, and the two of them took off.

“I hope you know conflating bravery with stupid pride is more than likely to get you killed one of these days.” Ai said as she lifted into the sky.

“Oh most definitely,” Luna laughed. “But as much of a pompous man-child as he is, you can tell he cares for that girl more than he’s willing to admit.”

“That may be, but he’ll definitely kill you if you keep disrespecting him.”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take, for Rin’s sake.” Luna’s voice was soft, carried off by the wind. “That little angel’s been through enough, she deserves someone in her corner.”

~    ~    ~

Finally catching sight of their friends again was a bit of a relief for both Luna and Ai. It had been a long couple of days, going all the way home and coming back. Part of Luna hoped they’d get just a little bit of rest before whatever shit hit the fan next, but another part knew the odds on that were pretty low. Still, it was nice to be back.

Kagome was the first to spot them as they flew in. “It’s Luna!”

“Luna’s back!” Shippo proclaimed joyfully.

“Hey, y’all,” Luna greeted as Ai touched down. She hopped off the demon’s back as her friends offered their greetings. “What’d I miss?” She asked.

Miroku was the one to answer. “Quite a lot. It seems that we may encounter a new enemy: the local villagers recently informed us of a group of mercenaries called the Band of Seven. The villagers believe these ruthless killers may have been brought back from the dead.”

With a grin on her face, Luna shrugged at the idea. “Undead mercs, huh? Nothin’ we can’t handle.” She held up her fist for her sister to bump it, and as Ai changed back to her human form, Luna noticed their little group was smaller than it should’ve been. “Where’s Sango?”

Kagome bumped fists with her sister, smiling at Luna’s nonchalant comment. “She went off with Kilala. I sensed a Jewel Shard nearby earlier… so I think she may have gone to look for Kohaku.”

Luna didn’t have time to respond. Off in the distance, she heard the distinctive echo of a sound she was all too familiar with.

Inuyasha hopped up onto a tree limb, hoping to get a look at what was happening. He couldn’t see it, but he sure as hell could smell it. “And it ain’t from just a handful of people, either.”

So much for a second to rest, Luna chuckled to herself as she tightened the straps on her backpack and immediately kicked into gear. “What’re we waiting for, then?”

And off they were, charging headlong into danger as always. Luna could sense something was up; more so than usual. The stench of blood was never a good sign in the first place, but there was something else setting off warning bells. Something she couldn’t put a finger on.

The smell got stronger and stronger, until… they reached its source. Despite the amount of nasty shit she’d seen in her ten years of hunting supernatural monsters, there were some things that still turned her stomach, and seeing a single human being standing in a veritable ring of blood and gore was definitely one of them. His black hair was pulled into a twist; his lips were painted red, he had blue tattoos like tear tracks under each eye, and one side of his kimono was tucked up under his belt. The dude was just squatting in the middle of the carnage, eyeballing the barrel of a matchlock gun like it was his first time seeing one (which, hell, it might be, she thought to herself; in this time, they would’ve only recently been invented). He seemed completely unbothered by the dozen and a half bodies of freshly murdered warriors and their horses surrounding him.

Inuyasha was the one to get to the scene just ahead of the others, calling back over his shoulder: “Stay back! Don’t come over here!”

Instinctively, Luna remained in front of her sister, her arm out to try and block her view. Her stomach was churning, and her hand was poised to pull her gun if needed. No way this guy could be human… right?

“Did… that one person do all this?” Kagome’s voice was a shocked whisper.

It was then that the guy in the middle noticed them. He stood, his sword over his shoulder and his head cocked slightly to the side.

“Are you the one I’ve been looking for?” He asked, a grin on his face as he shielded his eyes from the sun. “Are you Inuyasha?!”

“Got a bad feeling about this.” Luna mumbled, “That guy isn't a demon, is he?”

“I don’t think so,” Kagome uttered back to her, “I don’t sense a demonic aura….”

“How’d you know my name?!” Inuyasha demanded.

He got no answer out of the guy with the sword. Instead, the guy squealed: “You’re adorable!”

A dumbfounded silence fell over the group. Luna glanced around at the others to make sure she didn’t just lose her mind—but no, the general consensus among her friends was along the lines of ‘what the actual fuck?’

“I especially love those fuzzy ears of yours!” The guy continued, licking his lips. “I want them~”

Alright, so this guy was nuts. Luna had had enough of ignoring the bad vibe she was picking up from him. She dropped her bag next to Kagome’s bike and readied herself for a fight: detached the ammo bag and shotgun holster from her pack and slung them over her shoulder, slipped her short sword through one of the belt loops on her jeans, and pulled her shotgun to make sure it was in hand and loaded. She kept her eyes moving back and forth between Inuyasha and the dude with the sword during the next exchange:

“Who are you?” Inuyasha demanded, “What are you after? You don’t smell like a living person, you reek like corpses and graveyard soil!”

No answer.

“Inuyasha,” Miroku said in realization: “Could he be—?”

“Yep,” Inuyasha confirmed, before calling out to the guy with the sword again: “Some villagers were talking! They said some disgusting specter rose up from the grave. That’d be you, I presume!”

Right, zombies, Luna thought to herself; if he really is undead, the Sacred Salt won’t do as much as it would a demon… It’d sting, but what I really need is-… She smirked and holstered her gun again, grabbing a different weapon from the bottom of her bag.

“Are you one of the Band of Seven?!” Miroku asked of the specter as Luna was tuning back in. “Answer me!”

After a long pause as the specter seemed to size the monk up, his response was even worse than before. “Inuyasha really is good looking, but you’re pretty sexy yourself~”

Luna snorted so hard she thought she was gonna eject her brain through her nose. Ai whacked her in the arm as a warning.

“No one minds if I suck him up, do they?” Miroku grumbled.

“No.” Inuyasha said, flatly.

“Hold on!” Kagome said, “He’s got a Sacred Jewel Shard! He must’ve been revived with the power of the Shard!”

“So that was what I was sensing,” Luna mumbled, “but why does it feel off...?”

“Where’d you get the Jewel Shard?!” Inuyasha once again attempted to pose a question to their opponent, only to once again receive a weird, adoring response:

“You know, you’re cute when you’re angry~!”

“Shut up!” Inuyasha shouted, jumping forward and drawing his sword. “Alright, dead man, you’d better start talking to me, and I want real answers!”

The expression on the specter’s face shifted from one of reverence to one more sadistic as he regarded Tetsusaiga. “That’s an interesting sword you have there… let’s see whose is stronger.” He lifted his own sword, making an odd motion around his head and shoulders with it as if he were gearing up for something. “Yours or mine?!”

When he brought his arm down, something that looked almost like a bolt of silver lightning shot from his blade. Inuyasha barely had the chance to block it as it cut an arc through the air toward him.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome called out in surprise.

“Stay back!” Miroku threw his arm out in an attempt to shield the others. “It’s some kind of trick sword!”

“That’s my cue!” Ai shifted into full demon form, jerking her head at the sisters and the little fox. “All aboard!”

Kagome climbed on no issue, but Luna glanced at Miroku, who made no move to follow them. “You coming?”

“I’ll be alright, you keep them safe.” Miroku said, resolute. Not about to argue, Luna climbed on the demon’s back and Ai leapt into the air above the fight.

“You gonna be okay holding all of us after that long flight?” Luna asked her friend.

“I’m fine, it’s the same weight as you with your pack on.” Ai sassed back.

“Yeah well, fuck me for being prepared,” Luna laughed, starting to prep the other weapon she’d brought.

Kagome managed to tear her eyes from the confrontation below to try and see what her sister was doing. “What did you bring, Luna?”

Luna grinned as she clicked the last accessory into place, then turned back to show her sister. “This? This is my baby.” She held up her favorite weapon: it was a fully-customized folding compound crossbow as long as Luna’s arm. She pressed a release on the side, and the arms shot into place, making both Shippo and Kagome jump.

“Whoa!” The fox demon exclaimed, “What kind of a weapon is that?!”

“It’s a crossbow, Shippo,” Kagome explained, “It’s kind of like my bow, but the arrows are smaller and it’s easier to fire.”

“Self-loading, too,” Luna smirked as she strung it up, “The ‘arrows’ are called bolts or darts. This thing can shoot way faster than a longbow, and since we’re dealing with Zombie Harley Quinn down there—” She grabbed a bolt from her ammo bag to show it to them, “—we’re gonna need these. They’re tipped with pure silver. Great for dealing with Vampires, Werewolves, The Undead, and The Unholy.”

Shippo reached out to touch it, but Kagome stopped him, shaking her head rapidly. “It’s safe to assume you shouldn’t touch anything Luna has in her bag, Shippo.”

The kid swallowed nervously. “G-got it...”

Below them, the fight continued. Inuyasha could barely avoid each strike of the snakelike sword, and his opponent only seemed to be having more and more fun.

“What do you think of Jakotsu of the Band of Seven, huh?!” He shouted as he swung the sword once more.

“Not too much!” Inuyasha came back at him with Tetsusaiga, but to no avail.

Kagome gasped. “He needs help!”

“That’s what this baby’s for,” Luna grinned, patting her crossbow. “Ai, can you stay out of reach of the sword but get me close enough to shoot?!”

“It’ll take a miracle!”

“Better start praying, then,” Luna lined up the shot, finger still as stone on the trigger. There was a familiar voice in the back of her head; she could hear her father saying: “Aim for where they’re gonna be, not where they are.”

I know, dad. She tried not to sigh audibly as she managed to get Jakotsu’s head in her crosshairs and pulled the trigger, quick as a viper.

And… almost missed him.

The consecrated silver bolt seemed to burn through the air as it shot just centimeters shy of the specter’s nose and grazed his arm, burning a hole in his kimono. He whipped his attention to the woman who shot it.

“How dare you interfere?!” He snarled, rearing his arm back and whipping his blade toward them.

Luna felt her stomach drop.

“You idiot!” Ai snapped at her, trying to fly out of range of the sword as Kagome and Shippo both clung, screaming, to Luna’s back. Just as the sword arched toward them, there was a familiar cry of:

“HIRAIKOTSU!”

And Jakotsu’s blade was then tangled around the aforementioned boomerang. All three riding on Ai’s back sighed in relief when they saw Sango swoop in on Kilala. Ai touched down just as Kilala did, transforming into her human form and unceremoniously dumping the sisters on their asses.

“Are you all okay?” Sango called over to them.

“We’re fine!” Shippo answered.

“Perfect timing, Sango!” Kagome said.

“Some weapon, Luna!” Ai huffed in the Hunter’s direction. Luna just stuck her tongue at her.

Jakotsu was practically red in the face, shrieking in frustration: “What is with all you vile women?! Can’t you see I’m trying to battle Inuyasha?!” In the same breath, he whipped his sword again, toward Sango this time. The movement freed Hiraikotsu, and ended up leaving a small slice on Sango’s arm as Jakotsu pulled it back.

“Stay out of this!” He continued, “None of you will interfere!”

But their “interference” had served Inuyasha well enough: it gave him just the opportunity he needed to rear back and punch the specter in the face.

“Shut up! I’m tired of listening to your pointless babble!” Inuyasha growled.

Jakotsu grunted as he tumbled back, then rubbed his cheek and pouted like a kicked puppy. “That was cruel…”

“Oh, get over it!” Inuyasha snapped, “Now tell me who gave you the Sacred Jewel Shard before I have to seriously hurt you!”

Kagome and Miroku rushed to see if Sango was okay, but she assured them that it was just a graze; she was fine. Her attention was more on the subject at hand.

“I have a feeling that the shard came from Naraku,” She said, somberly. She looked at Kagome. “When you sensed a Jewel Shard earlier… it was Kohaku. I saw the Saimiyosho around him as well.”

“That means that your brother is still under Naraku’s control…” Miroku said. Sango nodded.

Luna had set her weapon down next to her backpack, and came back with a bandage for Sango’s arm. Her mind was going at a million miles an hour, trying to figure out how the hell they were gonna handle this—first an undead band of Ronin, now they have something to do with Naraku. What was Naraku playing at...?

“Gotta wonder what the hell is next…” Luna mumbled sarcastically.

Seconds later, she would regret asking. A cloud of black smoke poured over the cliffside, drifting right toward them.

Like he knew what was happening, Jakotsu got up and collected his sword. “Inuyasha! You should get out of here while you can! Bye!” And with that, he was just… gone.

“What the hell—” Inuyasha broke off with a startled yell when the cloud reached him. “Its poison!”

“But where’s it coming from?!” Miroku wondered.

“We need to move.” Luna reassembled her bag in less than thirty seconds—side effect of doing it so often. “We can figure out what the hell is going on when we’re safely away from here!”

Why do I feel like we stepped into something huge here? Luna thought to herself as the group of friends moved away from the cloud of gas.