#take me to a fantasyland

[seventhlittlecrow]

Meant to be a royal advisor that lives peacefully in a forest with a cat wearing a long cloak and attending balls.

Forced to be researching colleges and writing essays.

[emmasaviorswan]

[sophenelisse]

⋆˙⟡ — plot ideas !!

hey y'all!! i'm back at it again — meaning i'm bored, it's a dreary autumn, and i'm finding myself retreating back to cutsey fantasylands in my mind 🥰 listed below are a few plot ideas i've had in my notesapp for a while — as always, send an ask or a private message if you'd be interested in any of these up !! happy writing !!

childhood sweethearts (on the rocks)

a plot where muse a and muse b have been friends since childhood — here and there, they would have a one night stand, but never really allowed themselves to progress into anything more than just friends. now, as adults who are figuring out the dating scene isn’t as easy as their parents made it seem, muse a and muse b are seeing each other more and more frequently. eventually, muse a starts seeing someone new, and has less and less time for muse b. i’m talking jealousy, tension!!! muse b realizing maybe they’ve had feelings for muse a the whole time, muse a having to make tough decisions — either continue dating this new person or hurt muse b!!! i liiiiive for drama pls

childhood sweethearts (with a twist)

okay but a plot where close childhood friends reunite — except muse a was in love with muse b growing up, and muse b became muse a’s best friend’s high school sweetheart. muse a concealed their feelings for muse b all throughout their friendship, in high school & college, although both muses definitely had feelings & felt sparks for one another long before muse b started dating muse a’s best friend. despite the connection they’d felt, neither wanted to jeopardize any of the friendships between the three, and ultimately, muse b ended up married to muse a’s bff… except now, years later, muse a and muse b reunite at muse a’s best friend’s funeral. imagine the hurt of losing a loved one but having the comfort of yet another loved one?? blurred lines, tension, second-guesses…….

let me take care of you (southern charm)

okay so i’ve been kicking around a ranch hand plot where muse a is looking for help around the ranch they’ve just inherited due to a death in the family, and seeing as they’re just one person with lots of land, and virtually no knowledge on how to take care of it, it’s impossible to go it all on their own… enter muse b. muse b, a man who not only knows how to work the land but can take care of the ranch with ease, finds it impossible to not take care of muse a, while he's at it. just give me texan sunsets and lovers with low static music crooning in the background from some vinyl record please & ty

friends with benefits (with feelings)

a friends with benefits plot where muse a is dead-set, hellbent on not having a relationship and not getting too intimately involved with muse b; muse b has been in love with muse a for years, and muse a knows this, but still can’t bring themselves to get emotionally attached. i need tensionnnn and like, a lil toxicity ykwim??? for the angst omg 

will you come find me (after the after party?)

so hear me out — a plot where muse a and muse b met at a friend of a friend’s party & instantly hit it off. muse a is immediately infatuated with muse b — they laugh, talk, drink; they even make an incredible beer pong team. at some point during the night, muse a decides to put the moves on muse b. however, after leaving to get them some drinks, muse a comes back to find muse b kissing someone else… and to make it worse? it’s their boyfriend/girlfriend. tbh this plot could have the potential of a shakespearean comedy if we did it right akdjgh ok i'm talking messssssssyyyy 

you feel like home (but i’ve got a different address)

okay so i need a tense plot where muse a and muse b are soulmates, beyond the shadow of a doubt — but muse a is married to a nightmare of a spouse. little by little, they spend more time together one on one, but it’s getting increasingly harder for muse b to see muse a with their spouse, especially knowing how that spouse treats muse a. idk this is a rough plot/work in progress plot but i feel like it has potential to go somewhere!!!

— as always, send an ask or a private message if you'd be interested in any of these up!! happy writing 🥰🥰

[reading-writing-revolution]

A report on a recent meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, by a WHITE HOUSE REPORTER, someone who was present in the room:

via KAREN Caron

From a WH Reporter:

“ I’ve covered a lot of Donald Trump's press conferences over the years. I’ve seen him lie, deflect, and embarrass himself in countless ways. But what I just witnessed in the Oval Office may have been the most off-the-rails, unhinged display yet.

Trump sat down with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte — a serious figure there to talk about security and alliance unity — but Trump wasn’t interested in that. No, Trump used the opportunity to fantasize about annexing Canada. He actually said, “Canada only works as a state,” and gushed about how the U.S. would look on a map if we just erased the border and took Canada as our own. This wasn’t satire. This wasn’t a joke. This was the president rambling about absorbing another sovereign nation — while the NATO secretary general sat there watching this clown show unfold.

And it didn’t stop there. Trump started pushing the idea of conquering Greenland too, saying NATO might need to get involved in helping the U.S. take it over — as if it’s a game of Risk. He literally said we "need it for international security" and tried to rope NATO into his imperial fever dream. The look on Rutte’s face said it all.

Then, Trump pivoted to his usual bigotry. Instead of talking about defense cooperation or global security, Trump bragged about how he uses transgender people as political pawns to rile up his base before elections — saying Republicans should “bring it up a week before the election” to win votes. In other words, he openly admitted he sees cruelty and manufactured culture war nonsense as a campaign strategy. Despicable.

When asked about American small businesses hurting from tariffs, Trump did what he always does: lie and bluster. “You’re going to be so much richer,” he said. Meanwhile, Medicaid is being gutted, Social Security is under threat, and Trump’s billionaire cronies are cheering as the safety net burns.

Oh, and then Trump suggested we start sending drug dealers to the Netherlands — yes, you read that right — in a bizarre attempt at humor that landed more like a diplomatic insult, especially considering the NATO secretary general used to be the prime minister of the Netherlands.

He kept rambling about how the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada, said the European Union is “very nasty,” claimed we can’t sell cars in Europe (not true), and then told an utterly deranged story about how he “invaded Los Angeles” to turn on the water — another lie pulled from his fantasyland. What actually happened was that he diverted water from Northern California, destroying farmland and hurting his own voters in the process.

To top it off, he said our allies shouldn’t worry about Putin, brushing off any concerns about Russian aggression with a shrug.

Let me be blunt: This is not normal. This is not politics-as-usual. This is a dangerous, unstable person with authoritarian fantasies, spewing nonsense in front of our closest allies while the world watches.”

Keep speaking up. Don’t accept any of this as normal.

Ben Meiselas

[lemon-shark-kat]

The Genshin Impact fandom is fascinating to me when it comes to fanfics, because I feel like I struggle to find any fics that really *get* the characterization of certain characters and I'm loathed to write my own because dammit I just want to read the specific itch I crave without resorting to creating it. Give me three more months and I'll cave in.

For example, Diluc is one of my favorites and I find his backstory fascinating in terms of his father Crepus possibly being more morally ambiguous than most fans are willing to admit and how little we know of Diluc's murder spree in Snezhnaya.

For example which Harbinger(s) did he have a run-in with? Will we find out more about the secret intelligence network that took him in, that he apparently had a high position in? Did he ever find the answers he was searching for? The list goes on.

It's hard for me to find the specific characterization of him I crave for in fics because I think his platonic relationship with Kaeya is incredibly nuanced and complex but I feel like his character often gets assassinated for Kaeya angst but like, the man had the worst birthday ever?

Imagine being Diluc, living through a literal worst nightmare. Your dad is dead after you failed to protect him yourself. Not only is your dad dead but he died after wielding a delusion--you dont even know what a delusion is but its clearly bad news. Why the fuck did your father have it and how?

On top of this, the Favonius Knights--the organization you proudly served and the very organization that your father heavily encouraged you to serve--insists on covering up the truth because it makes them look bad. The Favonius Knights, who are supposed to be honorable and uphold integrity, are anything but that.

Then your adoptive brother, who you've known for years and trust with your life, shows up and tells you he's been spying for a foreign nation since you were kids with the intent of harming Mondstadt and everything about your relationship is possibly all one big lie and well--how do you not snap??

Now, I'm also incredibly fond of Kaeya and he was just as traumatized by Crepus's death. He was wracked with guilt for *feeling* relieved that he didn't have to worry about betraying his birth father for his adoptive father since Crepus was dead. He anticipated Diluc's anger and felt like their duel was a punishment for his lies.

To me, it hints that Kaeya probably didn't reveal the truth expecting Diluc's understanding, but rather he knew how he would react and perhaps he wanted Diluc to strike him down in that duel. Or at the very least, he wanted to distance himself from Diluc and cut off ties in order to avoid emotional attachment stopping him from his mission.

I personally head-canon that Diluc withdrew upon seeing Kaeya's vision because well--why would the gods bless Kaeya with a vision if he truly had the intent to harm Mondstadt? So in spite of what Kaeya revealed, he isn't a threat. But there's still a lot of hurt there to navigate through.

I think it's fascinating seeing where they stand in present game because Kaeya obviously has the ideology of working the system from within. He stayed in the knights (even taking over his brother's position) and with Jean rooted out the Inspector and his cronies.

Meanwhile Diluc just isn't that type of person. He doesn't settle, he refuses to work in a system he views corrupt, he rather accomplish what he can outside of it. Curiously, he doesn't challenge the status quo beyond being vocal of his distaste of the Knights.

This is head-canon fantasyland, but I like to envision Kaeya and Diluc do use a lot of the same informants and collaborate on intel relating to the safety of Mondstadt (especially since Diluc can move in ways against the Fatui that the Knights can't due to political reasons) but they struggle to have the same connection as before.

For example, Diluc's story quest--Kaeya was essentially giving Diluc an alibi with the Knights. Even if Jean damn well knows who it is, they still have to have official documentation stating otherwise.

Kaeya is good at reading people, he has to be given how he was raised to be a child spy. But I like to think he struggles to read Diluc like before. Diluc is much more jaded, pessimistic, quieter than before. He prefers to work on his own as much as possible. From Kaeya's pov, the only person he's seen Diluc willing to fully trust enough to work alongside with is the Traveler, and he states as much.

The opposite is true of Diluc. Kaeya was his shadow, a quiet but inquisitive, witty observer. Cavalry Captain Kaeya is much more outgoing and friendly, his charm on full display. Did he ever really truly know Kaeya or did he only show Diluc what he wanted him to see? Is Kaeya happier this way?

Fanon often depicts Kaeya as essentially being barred from the dawn winery from the duel by Diluc himself, but I don't think that's quite the case. Much rather, given the reason he told Diluc that night, I think he views himself as undeserving due to unresolved guilt.

Canon seems to hint at all of this through his hangout and Hidden Strife, the latter of which is unfortunately a time-limited event that occurred before I even played (hoyo please stop having heavy lore drops occur in time limited events).

I think the two want to trust each other again, but both are afraid of destroying the tentative truce they have so they leave all of it unaddressed. Kaeya refuses to be completely truthful ever again and Diluc acknowledges the past but refuses to discuss it. The tragedy in their relationship that neither is at fault for what happened--it's a twisted emotional mess of grief and heartbreak.

The last point I'd like to touch on is the parallels between Kaeya and Diluc both being essentially child soldiers for their fathers' causes.

For Kaeya, being abandoned in Mondstadt to be a child spy is the most overt. For Diluc? Despite Crepus's strong ambition to be a Favonius Knight and to have a vision--neither happened for him. In Diluc's vision story, it states that he views his vision being a result of their "shared" ambition, hinting that his vision was granted after Diluc's strong resolve to achieve his father's dreams for him.

We know Crepus heavily encouraged Diluc down this path at very young age, given Diluc received his vision at age 10 and became the youngest Captain at age 14. In some ways, I'm sure Kaeya was a bit jealous of Diluc for having a loving father present in his life that was overtly proud of him.

I am not saying Crepus wasn't a good father, I think he cared immensely for Kaeya and Diluc both, but I do think he did some morally grey shit.

Diluc abandoning his vision is fascinating and it's almost never explored in fics. He is the only vision holder we know of (aside from the Inazumauns whose visions were taken by force) that had their ambition for their vision shaken in such a way that they voluntarily discarded their vision for a time and only took it back after reigniting a new ambition to have it (and as far we know the only allogene that faced no negative setbacks from using a delusion long-term without their vision present).

I don't know where to end all of this, except if you have ragbros fic recommendations that you believe cover it in a more nuanced way, let me know!

[aestherians]

sorry to be a hater of sorts. but you are not an animal, or whatever else other than a human that you happen to identify as.

it is not about wanting. it is about BEING, and if you look in the mirror you’ll realise you’re just a human. it doesn’t make a difference if you struggle with it. get over it. a lot of people have to get over it. you cannot be indulged in a fantasyland 24/7. quite simply, grow up

Huh, I don't think I've gotten one of these asks since 2017...

First things first, starting off a rather hateful and concern-trolling message with "sorry" doesn't alleviate you of any potential harm done. You're trying to upset me. You're rude, you're mean, and you clearly realize it, since you're only willing to say these things anonymously. Don't try to soften your blows by apologizing preemptively. It's bitchy at best and belittling at worst.

I'm gonna take a guess and say this is a copy-pasted message, since you couldn't even be bothered to name my therio-/kintypes. How many other people have you tried to upset with these messages? And for what reason? What's your goal? Is the world not cruel enough already?

But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, since these kinds of messages have become such a rarity, and since I haven't written anything for this blog in months. Consider it an invitation to reach out again some day, once you've mulled things over. I'll get vulnerable with you and lay myself bare, and in return I hope you'll consider seeing me as a person, instead of just a target for your anger.

You say reality, identity, and self-perception ('cause that's what this is; that's what otherkinity is) is about being, not wanting. I say that's an oversimplified worldview.

Who can we be if there's nothing we want? A person without desires is hardly a fully realized person. The identity of the person who wants something is as genuine as the identity of the person who has achieved something - even if they're perceived differently, and their material realities are different. The musician who dreams of going platinum, but who never gets out of dingy bars and self-published mixtapes, will still see a musician when she looks in the mirror - even if others just see a mediocre hobbyist. Even if others compare her to professionals, natural talents, and nepo-babies, whose achievements she can never hope to reach. Should the wanting musician let others define for her what it means to be a musician? Even if her music is bad and she'll never hit it big? She wants to be a musician. She plays because of her desires. She lives her life according to her wants. Does that not make her wants a part of who she is?

To some extent you are what you want. The line between wanting and being is blurry.

I do want to be nonhuman, on some level. I'd gladly give up this life to live as a gnoll. I suppose my desires are fantastical, but no less so than those of the poor musician who dreams of going platinum. Should she stop playing because she'll never achieve her dreams? Should I stop calling myself a gnoll just because I'll never have the body of one? I act out being a gnoll, through my digital persona, my fantasy scenarios, and my art. I do what I can to be a gnoll. I am as much an embodiment of my desires as the mediocre hobbyist musician is.

Have you ever gotten what you wished for?

I collect trading cards as a hobby. After years of searching, I got some of my dreamies and completed parts of my collection. I felt satisfied for a day, but the satisfaction quickly turned into boredom and listlessness. My instincts (be they human or gnoll) crave the hunt more than the kill. I get a greater thrill out of wanting than achieving. I wouldn't be happy without my unachievable desires.

I think, on some level, to want is to be.

And while my wants may be strange, at least they don't involve deliberately trying to hurt other people.

[andy-15-07]

Hii if you like this lil idea could you please write it? Pedro x gf reader spending the weekend away from filming. They go to Disneyland Paris with both of their families (you can include kids if you like) and they see the shows at night. They get spotted dancing closely during the fireworks

Fireworks and Fairy Tales

PAIRING:Pedro Pascal x reader

WORD COUNT: 692 | requests are open (send requests, I will gladly answer them all)

Pedro Pascal Masterlist

hey, I'm sorry I haven't posted for 2 weeks, as I told you I was away on an Erasmus project in Lithuania, yesterday I got home so I'll start posting today, I had some requests written, but they needed a few touch-ups so today I'll post

You can hardly contain your grin as you wheel your two little ones,Ella, six, clutching her Minnie Mouse ears, and Leo, four, already bouncing on his toes,toward the gates of Disneyland Paris. Pedro’s hand is warm around your waist, his camera slung casually over one shoulder.

“Are you ready for the best weekend ever?” you ask, giving his hand a squeeze.

He smiles, eyes dancing. “With you and these two? Always.”

You start in Fantasyland, letting Ella lead the charge toward “It’s a Small World”, while Leo insists on the Dumbo ride (“Up we go, Mama!”). Pedro crouches beside Ella as she points out each doll, whispering translations in Spanish for you to hear.

“Look, mamá, there’s the girl from Mexico!” she chirps.

“Muy bien, mi amor,” Pedro praises, sweeping her into a hug.

The sun climbs higher, and by midday you’re sharing giant Mickey-shaped ice creams in Adventureland. Pedro teases Leo, pretending to be a hungry tiger stalking his prey. Leo giggles, squirms away, and dumps half his ice cream on Pedro’s T-shirt. Pedro lets out a playful roar, and you burst into laughter.

After churros and a spin on the Pirates of the Caribbean, you stake out a shady spot near the castle for the parade. Pedro lifts Leo onto his shoulders so he can wave at Goofy, and Ella tugs on your hand to point out all the princesses.

“Look, Mama! Cinderella!”

“And Snow White!”

Pedro captures it all on camera, but he never misses your eye contact, then winks, and your cheeks heat up.

As dusk falls, you gather for hot cocoa and beignets at Casey’s Corner. The fireworks won’t start for an hour, so you settle at an outdoor table.

“Tell me something fun,” Pedro says, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

You lean into him. “I’m so happy we did this.”

He brushes a kiss across your temple. “Me too. It’s these moments that make me forget about lines and cameras.”

Ella tugs at your sleeve. “Can we watch the Dragon show now?”

Pedro stands, scooping Leo into his arms. “Lead the way, Princess.”

You find seats for the Dragon’s Lair light-and-projection show,flames, water, and Ursula’s silhouette flickering on the castle walls. Ella gasps; Leo’s eyes grow wide. Pedro holds both their hands, nodding in time with the music.

When the show ends, you all cheer, then Pedro wraps you in his arms. “Ready for the grand finale?” he murmurs.

Your pulse speeds. “More than ever.”

You settle behind the crowd in Main Street, the castle illuminated in pastel lights. Ella rests her head on Pedro’s knee; Leo leans against you. The first fireworks explode overhead in blooms of gold and sapphire, and the park hushes.

Pedro stands, offering you his hand. “Dance with me?”

Your heart stutters, but you take his hand. Gently, he guides you into an empty patch of cobblestone. He wraps his arms around you; you tilt your head to rest on his chest.

The fireworks crescendo,jets of light, crackling stars,while you sway back and forth. He hums the melody of the Disneyland Paris anthem under his breath; you hum back.

A cast member nearby tilts her head, smiling. “How lovely.” She raises her phone discreetly,snapping a photo that will end up on the park’s social feed, captioned: “Even the stars envy this couple’s dance. #FairytaleLove”.

You look up at Pedro, cheeks warm. “We’re famous!”

He laughs softly. “Just the two of us.” He kisses your temple. “I’ve never felt more at home.”

Back in the hotel lobby, Ella dozes in your arms; Leo clings to Pedro’s leg. You slip off your shoes and settle onto the plush couch beside him. Pedro brushes a lock of hair from your face.

“Thank you,” you whisper. “For making our family feel so magical.”

He presses his lips to yours. “Magic’s real,” he murmurs, “as long as we believe,in each other, and in this.” He gestures at your little clan curled around him.

You smile, exhausted and blissful. “Best weekend ever.”

He nods, eyes shining. “Here’s to many more.”

And as you drift into dreams of pixie dust and laughter, you know he means it.

[cherryrikis]

OPERATION: LOCKDOWN - 008 ! mickey and minnie

pairing -> gamer!riki x beauty influencer!fem reader

synopsis -> you hated gamers. riki hated ulzzang’s (except you). so after weeks of fighting to be the top streamer, (and riki’s poor attempts to charm you), he suggests to collaborate so you could both be number one. you tried to keep it professional. but the more time you spent producing content together, the more you realized just how much nishimura riki really meant to you.

previous <> masterlist <> next

“riki! give me back my phone!” you gasped, seeing as he was texting minjeong and karina in the group chat. you didn’t bother asking if he saw any of your texts because you had nothing to hide.

riki pouted playfully, but still put the device into your open purse when you put your wallet away.

“here.” you said, taking the mickey ears out the plastic gift bag. “i wasn’t sure what you wanted but i knew you didn’t want something basic. so i got you this pirate themed one.” you showed the headband to him, lightly toying with it.

“it’s perfect.” riki assured as he gently held your wrist. “sorry..”

“let me put it on for you!” you squealed. you tapped his shoulder, gesturing for him to bend down.

“one sec.” he muttered, before taking off his current headband. “okay, go.”

you replaced his sweatband with the mickey ears, lightly fluffing up his hair as it was flattened by the headband. “looks good. thank you.”

“yeah of course. see, look! now we’re matching. we’re like mickey and minnie.” you exclaimed. riki smiled at your enthusiasm, but quickly stopped as he felt his cheeks grow warm.

“i never understood the concept behind these headbands anyway. but, it’s cute.”

“well it’s your first time at disneyland! i thought i should make it special for you.” “you’ve definitely succeeded so far, y/n.”

“hi guys! this is the first vlog after a long few months, since i’ve been so busy with modeling. nevertheless! this is a very special video. as you can see, i’m here at disneyland. but i’m not alone! because im here with…” you introduced, before the camera was turned around. “yo, this is nishiriki2005. you can call me riki.” he waved with a peace sign, before focusing the lens back onto you.

“we just got off pirates of the caribbean, and we’re about to get in line for haunted mansion. so stay tuned.” you smiled. “aaaaand, cut.” riki droned on, before signaling the recording ended.

“your online persona really is different from your real personality.” you hummed.

“you said that when we did the baking live. which do you like more?” he raised a brow with genuine curiosity.

“i like both. but the real you is my favorite.” you whispered as you held his hand tighter.

wait. pause. when did you start holding hands?

“now let’s go! i need content!” you laughed, before dragging him into the line.

“this is my favorite part of the ride.” you said to riki, not realizing you were yelling because of how loud the music was.

you quickly started recording and flipped the camera around to the grand hall scene, making sure your lens picked up the ballroom ghosts.

“how do you feel riki?” “yeah, i see why you like it. it’s beautiful.”

he gently took the camera out your hands as your vehicle moved past the scene. with his right arm, riki held the camera out facing you both. you stifled a chuckle as he grew startled, when the ride turned backwards and dropped.

riki wasn’t aware that his fingers were still interlocked with your warm ones. but you didn’t mind. his hand was cold. you liked the balance.

after you cleared a few more rides (including indiana jones, big thunder mountain, matterhorn, etc.), riki wanted to skip fantasyland (and whatever else you hadn’t gone to yet) because he also bought tickets to go to disney california adventures.

so, you left disneyland, and walked to the other side of the entrance, to california adventures.

originally, going to both parks wasn’t the plan. you didn’t want riki to spend so much on you, (even after you insisted to pay him, he refused), but riki heard so much about the latter park, he was certain he’d like it just as much.

he was right, almost. he liked it even more than disneyland. the rides were so much bigger and more intense.

currently, it was around 10pm. the park wouldn’t be closing until midnight seeing as it was a saturday. you two were stationed across from each other, outside of the restaurant ‘lucky fortune cookery’ in san fransokyo square.

the camera was propped up on a napkin holder, slightly facing away from you. riki was doing a mini mukbang segment for his channel (and a small part of your vlog), while you were eating in the background.

“so, riki.” you started speaking before taking a bite of your birria ramen. “what are your top 5 rides from both parks as a first time enjoyer?”

riki put his potsticker down and gasped. “that’s such a hard question! i can’t even decide right now with all this good food overwhelming me. you go first.”

“alright.” you chuckled. “in order, probably.. radiator springs for sure, and toy story mania second. hmm..” you hummed in thought.

“see! it’s a tough situation.” he laughed.

“alright! okay, i’ll prove it’s not. haunted mansion, star wars, and incredicoaster, that’s 5.” you exclaimed. riki lifted one hand up, giving you a high five.

“okay now me! definitely guardians of the galaxy as number one. then, incredicoaster second. matterhorn, radiator springs, and indiana jones!”

“perfect.” you said in awe, reaching to high five him with both hands. riki interlocked your fingers with his, but then reality hit you.

you froze, before gently pulling away. you realized you were getting too close, too comfortable. and you shut down, like you always did with any boy after gunwook. even sometimes seunghan.

you looked down, too scared to make eye contact. but when you did, riki smiled at you, before going back to eating his food.

it was silent for a moment, but not awkward at all. it was slightly comforting, even after the little moment you had.

“y/n..” he started. “i know, i’m sorry. i don’t know why it happens, i just-” you cut him off, beginning to ramble. but riki stopped you. he reached for your hand, holding it softly. “it’s not that. i just think that i know why.”

“you do? how..?” “it’s some kind of trauma response to gunwook. you shut down because you’re scared it’ll happen again.”

he took note of your silence. riki knew what you were thinking, it was written all over your face. “yeah, i know. sunoo and sunghoon told me.”

you nodded in response, before mumbling something. riki almost didn’t catch it, but hes glad that he did. “can i sit next to you?”

“of course you can.” he whispered back. riki pulled out the metal chair next to him, so you can take your place.

slowly, you leaned closer to him, before finally resting your shoulder in the crook of his neck. riki slightly flinched at the contact, but instinctively wrapped his arm tight around your waist.

“i’m tired.” you mumbled. “it’s okay. i’ll wake you up when it’s time to go home.” he said, bringing his free hand up to cradle your cheek.

“riki?” “i know.” riki sighed. “but you can trust me. i’ll never hurt you the way he did.” he muttered, before pressing a soft kiss on your forehead. and that’s all you remembered, before falling into a deep sleep.

taglist ! (bold = cannot be tagged) @hannicorpse @gyuvision @yvjw @chaevibes @sakiimeo @allforhee @streamluckybyriize @soobinbunnie5 @lalaisve @xyzyx01 @goldenmellow @ariluvssssss100 @brideslit @t0asterexe @ikeujyn @jaemified @chiaki-nanami-aesthetic @sirens-dreams @rikisgeef @i03jae @iheartshopping @wensurr @heartheejake @moonpri @nshmra-on-air @heeseungismymanz @st1llm0nster @ningx2stan @onlyhyunjin @d-dilemma @jjongarlic02 @wonkixo @kkamismom12 @jiyeons-closet @pshbites @haechansbbg @aeminju @xoxol3a @rairaiblog @kang-ulzzang @riksaes @kittsnewera @enhajungwonheart @madebylilia @orimuraa @heeheeswifey @artstaeh @r1kification @pinksdump @joyzluvr @academiq @sincerelyrki @tocupid

[trans-elrond]

why you, yes you, should read the Queen's Thief books

for #WinASignedSetofTheQueensThief2024, I am here to gently yet persuasively yell at you about why you should read the Queen's Thief books, in a helpfully numbered list (no spoilers, only vibes):

I like unreliable narrators. You like unreliable narrators. You know who the most unreliable narrator is? This scrunkly little guy, blorbo of all time, Eugenides (Gen). You're gonna fall in love with him. You're gonna want to throttle him. It's okay, it happens to us all. (official character art by Emily B. Martin isn't it gorgeous!!!)

Tumblrinas far and wide are known for our love of ancient Greek and Greek-inspired fantasylands. What if I told you that we could have it all (coastal Greek-esque kingdoms, political intrigue, The Gods Are Getting Involved) PLUS there are, occasionally, guns. Yes you heard that right. It's great. Come for the fantasy, stay for the Fantasy Guns(tm).

I could wax poetic about the female lead, Attolia Irene, for approximately 25 years without drawing breath, but suffice it to say she is THEE fantasy queen of all time. Her arc is incredible. I want to be her. I'm scared of her. I adore her. PLEASE read these books so you can also fall head over heels for her.

DYNAMICS!!!!!!!! we have ALL OF THEM. kings and queens and vassals and loyal advisors and scheming diplomats and brave soldiers and anxious scribes and we toss them into a blender and see what happens and who lands where. it is delicious.

Did I mention The Gods Are Getting Involved? the way these books weave the political reality & the godly, mythical, numinous aspects takes my breath away. Truly the blueprint.

Twists and turns that fly by like a rollercoaster. Truly, no one is doing the Plot Twist like MWT. You start out on these books and you think you know where they're going. yOU DO NOT. And you will be delighted every time.

Incredible prose, with occasional excerpts of poetry and song and myth that provide SUCH fertile ground for lore and worldbuilding and delicious, delicious Character Parallels. If you've ever been into classical reception even a smidge, you will rejoice at the plentiful references.

Bro's Road Trip of All Time (book 5) will knock your socks off. If you ever read Eagle of the Ninth, it's kind of like that, but got me even more good. deeply moving, I am never getting over them, (wails to the sky) I just want to be able to read this book for the first time again so YOU SHOULD TAKE THE CHANCE WHILE YOU HAVE IT

anyway, what are you waiting for, go read queen's thief, you will surely not regret it, what are you talking about these books ripped my heart out ha ha ha ha but i mean in a good & fun way okay enjoy!!!!!!!!

[balkanradfem]

So I woke up at 5 this morning, as one does, with a serious case of menstrual cramps. And I'm scheduled to work today. I'm thinking, okay, I can either take ibuprofen, because this is bad, yarrow tea is not going to help, or, if I spend half an hour in a river, it will go away completely. I still have multiple hours before work, river it is.

I grab my bike, still at 5 am, and get to the river. The sun isn't even up yet; I watch it creep up behind the trees, glowing orange. I start singing at it, and then I see the moon just as I reach the river, and it's light is reflected in the water. This is like the swan princess, I think looking at the reflection. Beautiful.

I get down to the water, and it's all covered in white mist, because it was so cold at 5 am that the river was releasing steam. It looks mystical and foggy, I loved it. I got into the water and I'm just looking around mesmerized by the white fog covering the surface of the river, thinking how lovely of a sight this is. Then I see a swan swimming on the other side! That's the princess.

At this point my cramps are slowly going down and I feel better; I swim around a little, watch a bird, find a pretty shell in the sand. I lose the sense of time. At one point I was just closing my eyes and focusing on my stomach muscles relaxing, and when I opened them there was a swan so close to me we both jumped. She was heading for the moon reflection! I stare at her suspiciously and she swims into the mist, where I see her meeting another swan and making swan noises at it. Now I'm realizing they might be a couple, and I was looking pretty weird because I had my back turned to them, and I had a hat on. So what happened was probably they were confused to what is that, she was sent out to investigate, and now that she was back she gawked 'it's a human! And you made me get close to it >:(' so I caused some bird drama which is fun.

Instead of my stomach feeling better, I started feeling more and more tense for some reason, and it clicked for me after a while that I'm actually freezing, because the water, while warmer than the air around me, was still cold for human being to be in for half an hour. What a betrayal, can't believe my body has a problem with cold water out of all things.

The sun finally rises then, and it made all of the fog around me glow. It was fantasyland in the river. I felt like I was going sightseeing.

I get ready to go home, and I didn't grab a towel, so I'm just putting clothes on, making them half wet, and then biking home while cold morning air is just blowing at my wet rat body. By the time I got home my hands were losing color and I quickly buried myself in blankets, in an attempt to warm myself before work. When I checked the clock, it was way past 6, which means I was in the water a lot longer than 30 minutes! I made myself a pancake in an attempt to warm up, I was hanging over the stove the entire time trying to drink in all of the heat. I was still shivering a little.

But, the cramps did mostly go away, I was left with an ignorable amount of pain, so I went to work wearing a jacket, and I had people there touch my cold hands so they could gasp in shock at my inhumanely cold temperature. I start doing my work and – the cramps return. After all that, and I still had to take the ibuprofen. This is the first time the river didn't work! Usually it's 100% effective. But it could be just because it was so cold, I think the river manages to relax my muscles in a way nothing else can, but because I was trembling from the cold, it could not do its job. Sad! But I did have a magical fantasy morning and I learned some of my limits so I am pleased with myself.

[hemmingsleclerc]

Disneyland ┃CL16

summary: where the leclerc family spends a day at disneyland

It was a warm day in Los Angeles and Charles was packing the last of his little daughter's things into her mini-backpack. He had decided to take a break from the busy world of racing to spend quality time with his girlfriend and his energetic 4-year-old daughter, Emma. He had decided to take his girls to Disneyland.

When they entered the huge park, Emma's eyes opened with excitement as she saw the Disney characters, the various games and the other children dressed as their favorite characters. Charles and Y/N exchanged smiles, knowing that this day would be filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.

The first stop was Fantasyland, where they entered classic attractions such as "It's a Small World" and the Mad Hatter's teacups where even though Emma was barely 4 years old, she loved speed and laughingly shouted at her parents to turn the wheel cup faster.

Right there, Emma insisted on dressing up, excusing herself that it was to feel the magic in a better way, so they entered the store where they sold the different costumes and let Emma freely choose what their clothes would be for the rest of the day.

Now, Charles dressed as Prince Charming, Y/N in the beautiful Cinderella dress and Emma dressed as a little Wendy, strolled through Adventureland, where they met pirates and sailed through the mysterious waters of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Charles hugged Emma, while Y/N captured the funny image of them dressed as Disney characters with the pirates.

Emma, now a little ahead of them, was trying to run in the direction of the car ride, eager to ride the cars from one of her favorite movies.

''!Emma Jules don't run so fast!'' Charles shouted trying to reach his little daughter.

As the day progressed, the Leclerc family ran into beloved Disney characters, posed for photos, and enjoyed treats like Mickey-shaped ice cream, among other things. Emma insisted on meeting Peter Pan and Wendy, the characters of her current favorite movie, and Charles and Y/N happily agreed, following her daughter's enthusiasm.

The highlight of their day was a surprise meeting with Mickey Mouse and Minnie themselves. Emma's eyes widened in pure amazement as she hugged the iconic characters. Charles and Y/N exchanged a proud look, grateful for this opportunity to make precious memories for their daughter.

As the sun began to set, the family rushed to see the spectacular fireworks show in the front row. Emma sat on Charles' shoulders, pointing to the sky in wonder as explosions of color lit up the night.

Leaving the park, tired but happy, Charles and Y/N , with their daughter in their arms, headed to their car. The little girl had fallen exhausted after that day.

While Y/N placed Emma in her seat, Charles tried to unbutton the collar of that costume they were still wearing.

''What are you doing Charlie?''

''I've been choking on this costume all day but I didn't want to take it off for Emma. These things are not designed for people with f1 driver necks''

''Let me help you'' his girlfriend laugh

With a little effort they managed to noticeably loosen the collar of the suit and then climbed into their respective seats to reach the comfort of their hotel to rest.

''¿Do you think she had fun?'' charles said in a low voice trying not to wake up his daughter in the back seat.

''I'm sure she had the best time, baby, plus, I got to see you in that cute costume all day. You looked very handsome''

''What can I say? Although you are not far behind, you look beautiful in that dress, did you know that Cinderella is one of my favorite movies?'' he said smiling

''Oh shut up'' Y/N covered her mouth trying to silence her laughter.

They indeed had the best time.

[teenidlegirl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀୭୧　　.　　DISNEYLAND WITH MIGUEL　　ᤢ　　♥︎

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel would wear a mickey cap with either a star wars or marvel shirt and pants. you would wear classic minnie ears with a cute outfit. sometimes you two would wear matching mickey and minnie hats on other visits.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel double checks if you two have everything you need. water bottles, sunscreen, wipes because that mf is a clean freak, hand sanitizer. he would ask a million times if you have the tickets, which is on the disneyland app on your phone. he just wants to make sure they don’t get lost and the day isn’t ruined because you two look forward to it very much.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ he hates the mickey and friends tram station because he feels so cramped due to his bulky figure. he has to slouch a little, trying not to bump his head on the roof.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ you secretly take pics of him when miguel isn’t looking. you can’t help it, he’s so cute especially in that mickey hat.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ you also take occasional selfies. of course you take a picture in front of the castle.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel always has a hand on you. his hand holding yours, on your waist, hip, or the small of your back. mainly hand holding or his hand on your waist.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel is very protective of you, he already is, but especially when you’re walking through a sea of people. he shoots a glare at anyone who bumps into you, especially if they don’t apologize and keep on walking. he tries to be calm and civil, not wanting to cause an outburst and ruin your day.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ this dude hates long lines. miguel would complain how stupidly long the lines are. moping and groaning but has to suck it up because he knows how much you want to go on those rides. to make it fun, you do the most cliche thing and play heads up on your phone. miguel would get pissed off when he doesn’t get the answer right, making you laugh.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ his favorite area is tomorrowland since it resembles a bit of neuva york. the futuristic scenery and aesthetic. such a nerd.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ he always gets caught off guard on space mountain because how fast it is. right after that right turn before taking off, he always get startled. he also forgets the camera towards the end of the ride. his eyes widen and mouth wide open in shock. he gets flustered and embarrassed when you take a picture of it.

“can’t you not.”

“too late, tonto.”

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ pizza planet is your guys’ go-to for either lunch or dinner because the pizza is bomb.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel loves star tours and buzz lightyear ride. during buzz lightyear, you two get very competitive on who gets the most points. he freaks out and nearly falls out when you move the seat with the lever. you laugh and make fun of him.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ after star tours, miguel goes on full geek mode and ventures around the entire store that you enter right after the ride. a smile forms on your face as you watch your cute geeky boyfriend gazing at all the merchandise. if you’re a star wars fan (i am), you’ll geek out with him and babble about the merch. you never leave the store without miguel buying something. a simple shirt or hat.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel hates the teacups. he begs you to not go on it but obviously loses. you go on it just to purposefully mess with him. if you’re a crazy person (like me), you’ll spin that shit like crazy. poor miguel holds on for dear life, on the verge of trying not to puke while you’re laughing at his reaction. after getting of the ride, he has to take a minute to breathe before moving on. he hates spiny rides with a burning passion.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ he isn’t a fan of fantasyland since it’s mainly for kids and slow rides. but if you wanna go on some rides there, he’ll do it for you. will never admit but he does like alice in wonderland, probably the only ride he likes there. he feels squished in those rides since they’re so small and he’s too bulky.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ after much convincing and begging, miguel takes a shot at the sword in the stone. with rolled eyes and a light scowl in his face, he tries pulling the sword with some strength, not all. shockingly, the swords lifts up from the stone. the public and crew applaud him for successfully pulling the sword. you reward him with kisses over his face, making him a bashful mess but loves it.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ thunder mountain is definitely a favorite of his (mine too hehe). the line might be a pain, it varies most times, but it’s definitely worth it because the ride is amazing.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ matterhorn not so much because the seats are so small, he can barely fit in it. feels so cramped and uncomfortable. another reason he doesn’t like it as much is because it’s a single seat so he can’t sit next to you. while waiting for the ride to start, you two hold hands over each other’s seats, depends if you’re in front or behind him, because you know how clingy he is. it makes your heart flutter, he’s so damn cute.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ bro gets so excited when you head to galaxy's edge. while holding your hand, he leads you around the area. stares in awe at the scenery and aesthetic. definitely buys merch from there because miguel would not miss the opportunity.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ remember how much he hates long lines? oh he almost lost it while waiting for rise of the resistance. playing heads up or just talking with you makes it better. but it’s all worth it in the end. definitely one of his favorite rides.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ definitely hates water rides. don’t even bother convincing him to go on splash mountain (the tiana ride now atp) because he ain’t getting on it. he hates being wet.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel really likes the haunted mansion not only for the spooky atmosphere but because it’s so dark that you two cuddle in the fake coffin without anyone noticing. during the elevator, he holds you close so he doesn’t lose you in the sea of people. his strong beefy arms securely wrapped around you.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel hates water rides but pirates is an exception because it’s that not bad. he forgets the three drops, especially the first one. a big pout settles on his face when he gets splashed. although, he makes fun of you for how much you love the smell of the water in the ride. he finds it, you, adorable.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ indiana jones is another favorite. besides the long tedious line, miguel loves it. he always makes sure you sit in the middle and him on the outside. shows how protective he is of you.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ definitely gets hungry after a long period of time. you two stop at the nearest restaurant.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ miguel tries out the shooting exposition just to impress you. unfortunately, he misses almost every target and is now embarrassed as hell. turns out you’re the one to impress him because you manage to get every target. bro was astonished.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ during the fireworks, miguel has his arms wrapped around you and chin resting on the top of your head as you two watch the fireworks. when it’s over, you two share a kiss as the final touch. a perfect ending for the day.

⠀ᰦ⠀˚⠀♥︎⠀ when your feet start to hurt, miguel doesn’t hesitate to carry you in his strong bulky arms despite your protests. he whispers, “just a man carrying his princess.”

꣖　𝓣ags. ♡ྀིྀི　꣓⠀⠀@yougavemeyourheartyouknow

©⠀TEENIDLEGIRL⠀♡⠀don’t plagiarize or repost my work

[hetalian-veteran]

Hetalia Characters at Disneyland

I recently went to Disneyland with my family, and as a result, a whole list of headcanons has been born.

Italy: Seeks out every thrill ride and has an absolute blast. And yet, he is still terrified of the Haunted Mansion.

Romano: Stays at the Mint Julip bar the whole time. Can't be bothered with Disney.

Spain: Proceeds to lecture the guy at the churro cart about the proper way to make churros.

Germany: Goes to Fantasyland, has an okay time, and takes the shuttle back to the hotel by noon.

Prussia: "GUYS THE WAIT FOR RISE OF THE RESISTANCE AT GALAXY'S EDGE IS ONLY 30 MINUTES LET'S GO!!!!!!!!"

France: Checks out all the cute little shops in New Orleans Square. It took him a while to warm up to Disney after a park opened in Paris, but he's okay now.

England: Goes on Pirates of the Caribbean multiple times in a row. He finds the ride both parts fun and amusing.

America: Off the walls excited! Tells everyone about the history of Disneyland, what Walt Disney was like (he 100% knew him, you cannot convince me otherwise) and insists that Frontierland is the best area at Disneyland (though New Orleans Square and Galaxy's Edge are close seconds).

China: "My park in Shanghai is better."

Japan: "The audio animatronics in my parks are better." Nevertheless, he still has a good time just exploring everything there is to see.

Russia: Takes a seat on the Disneyland Railroad and just rides around the park all day long. May occasionally need to go out to get food. Probably takes a nap.

Canada: Loves New Orleans Square and gets into a heated debate with America about which land is better.

Hungary: Wants to take pictures with all of the characters. Also fawns over all the cute merch.

Austria: Budgeted for the entire trip and ended up spending more than initially planned.

Switzerland: Budgeted for the entire trip and ended up spending less than initially planned.

Liechtenstein: Adores Fantasyland and, surprisingly enough, Tomorrowland as well.

And EVERYONE is disturbed by Small World. (Except Liechtenstein).

[qulizalfos]

liza qulizalfos found walking around in circles blaring we're in love at maximum volume and somehow still audibly repeating oh my god.

new fic soon ? 🥰

[scoonsalicious]

9.3 Bucky

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Summary: Lily McIntyre, trainer for new SHIELD recruits at the Avengers Tower, has been in love with her best friend, Bucky Barnes, from the moment she met him. She's been content with her role of the #1 girl in Bucky's life, even if it means she has to sabotage a romantic relationship or two. It'll be worth it when he realizes that they're meant for each other, right? There's just one small problem: Lily McIntire never expected Bucky Barnes to fall for You.

Warnings: (For this part only; see Story Masterlist for general Warnings) Language, violence toward inanimate objects, real talk.

Word Count: 2.2k

Previously On...: You're Bucky's guide on his first trip to a rage room.

A/N: Early today. Ugh, my professional life is trash atm, lol. Please enjoy this foray into fantasyland that keeps me sane.

If you ever feel so inclined to support my work, hop on over to buy me a coffee; it's much appreciated! <3

NOTE! The tag list is a fickle bitch, so I'm not really going to be dealing with it anymore. If you want to be notified when new story parts drop, please follow @scoonsaliciousupdates

Thank you to all those who have been reading; if you like what you've read, likes, comments, and reblogs give me life, and I truly appreciate them, and you!

Bucky couldn’t remember the last time he had enjoyed himself so much. Or, rather, he supposed, he couldn’t remember the last time he enjoyed himself so much when it didn’t involve having sex with Major.

There was something so absolutely freeing about being allowed to smash shit to smithereens without having to worry about the repercussions of it, and Bucky was feeling liberated. He had to wonder if there wasn’t a secret part of Bruce that actually enjoyed it when “Hulk smash!” 

Once they’d donned their safety gear, Major had let them into the room, where a pounding rock track was blasting. The space was filled with… stuff. Everything from old televisions to china to fake walls.

Along the wall by the door they’d just entered was an array of tools under a painted sign that read “Choose Your Weapon.” There were baseball bats, sledgehammers, crowbars, axes– even a couple of golf club drivers. 

Nat had immediately gone for one of the axes, swinging it around and testing the balance in her grip. “This one’s mine,” she had announced delightedly. 

Bucky, meanwhile, opted for a sledgehammer, and Major picked up a wooden baseball bat. On her count, they set off to release any pent up rage.

Bucky immediately headed for one of the fake walls and began smashing away. The three shouted jokes and taunts at each other over the music as they went, and the hour that made up their appointment flew by in no time. 

Bucky watched as Major went to town on an old computer monitor, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. He couldn’t imagine how Lily could ever have a problem with him dating her, not when he watched her laugh and tease Nat over something the redhead had said. He gripped his sledgehammer tighter, anger at his best friend rising in his mind. 

She didn’t even know Major, he thought as he brought the hammer down onto a ceramic bust, shattering it. Where did she get off calling Major a bitch and a slut? He moved over to an old couch and began whacking on it. What gave Lily the right to say those things about someone she didn’t even know, just because he had feelings for her? Who did she think she was?

“Bucky!” Nat called out, but he didn’t hear her, his anger at Lily sending the blood pounding in his ears. He kept raising his sledgehammer over and over again, taking out his frustrations on the helpless piece of furniture.

“BARNES!” Natasaha shouted, and that permeated the fog,finally getting his attention.

“What?!” he snapped, unable to reign in his anger immediately, but instantly regretting it when he realized it was Nat who was speaking to him, and not Lily, like he had immediately imagined. 

“That couch do something to personally offend you?” she asked.

Bucky looked down. The couch before him was reduced to nothing more than splinters and stuffing. “Shit,” he laughed nervously. “I guess I let myself get a little carried away.”

Natasha raised an eyebrow at him. “I’ll say.”

Bucky sheepishly turned to Major, offering her an apologetic smile, but she was staring at the pile of debris before him, baseball bat hanging limply from her hand.

“Sugar?” he asked, but she didn’t seem to hear him, transfixed as she was on the destruction he had left in his wake. He took a step toward her, reaching out and putting his hand on her arm. At the contact, Major let out a gasp and pulled back, startled. 

“Sorry.” She blinked, seeming to come out of a trance. “I just… what did you say, Bucky?” 

He frowned, not liking the expression on her face. “You alright, doll?”

“Yeah,” she told him, a smile coming to her lips a little too late. “I’m good.” Her hesitation left a pit in the center of Bucky’s stomach. 

A beeping sounded throughout the room, indicating that their session had come to an end. 

“Alright,” Major said, looking around, her tone full of false cheer. “Let’s put our stuff back on the wall, and vacate the space so my staff can get it ready for the next group.” Without looking at either Bucky or Nat, she returned her baseball bat to its resting place on the wall. She opened the door and held it, waiting for them to follow.

Nat hung up her axe. “I’m going to run to the bathroom before we head down,” she told them both. She squeezed Major’s arm on her way out the door, leaving her and Bucky alone.

“Is everything alright, doll?” he asked her. 

She sighed and looked up at him. “Yeah,” she said. “I guess I just didn’t realize how… strong you really were?” She inclined her head toward the demolished couch. “That… um… that was something.”

Her words concerned him. God, had he frightened her? He didn’t think he could live with himself if he had scared her. He dropped his head. “Oh,” was all he could manage to say.

“Hey,” Major said gently, taking a step toward him and reaching out a hand to touch his elbow. “It just took me by surprise, that’s all. I mean, I knew you had super strength, but actually seeing it was something else.”

“It didn’t scare you?” he asked her with some trepidation. He wasn’t sure he wanted to really know, if he could stand the way she might look at him if she, too, thought him a monster.

“Scare me?” Major laughed, but when she noticed the expression on his face, she grew serious. “You seriously think you scare me? Bucky, no.” She made a point of taking his metal hand in both of hers, bringing it to her lips, and then up to cup her cheek. “You could never scare me.”

Bucky closed his eyes and released a breath. “I’m used to people seeing me as a murderer, a monster,” he told her. “I’ve gotten to the point where it doesn’t bother me if it comes from strangers, but if it came from you…” He left his thoughts hanging, the words unsaid. 

“You have nothing to worry about,” she told him, putting a hand on each of his cheeks. “I see you, Bucky Barnes. Not some monster. I never could. Don’t ever think that. I admit, I was startled, but that’s all, I promise.” She leaned up and kissed him lightly. “I wouldn’t lie to you. Not about anything, and most definitely not about that.”

“Thank you, doll.” Her words to him were a balm on a wound he thought he’d long healed, but apparently was capable of being reopened at any moment. 

“Of course, honey,” she replied, tucking her arm under his and ushering him out the door and into the hallway where Nat was waiting by the elevators. 

Bucky loved the feeling of Major pressed against him as they rode the elevator back down to the lobby, and though she told him he hadn’t scared her, he couldn’t shake the look she’d had on her face at his display of aggression. He never wanted to see a look like that cross her countenance again. 

The lobby was bustling with people waiting to be taken to their rage rooms when the three of them exited the elevator.

“I’m glad business is doing good,” Nat said, looking around the crowded lobby with a smile. “You deserve the success, Major.”

Major buried her face into Bucky’s shoulder, pleased. “Thanks, Nat,” she replied. “It still seems weird to think that we’re not operating in the red.”

“Was it difficult?” Bucky asked her, suddenly curious about what it had been like for Major at the beginning of her business. 

“Ugh, that’s a story for another time,” Major said. “When I’ve had a few drinks in me.”

“Hey, Major!” Zadie called once she had gotten the new group of people all checked in. “Package came for you while you were upstairs. I left it on your desk.”

Major let out a dejected sigh. “Well,” she said, turning to look up at Bucky with a forlorn expression, “I guess this means I have to get back to work. We’re still on for dinner tonight, though, right Bucky?”

He smiled down at her; as if he could have forgotten. “Of course, sugar. How ‘bout I meet you back here at five thirty, and we can figure out where to go?”

“That sounds wonderful,” she said, standing up on tiptoe to give him a quick kiss while Nat looked on with a knowing smile. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too, doll,” he replied. With a final farewell to Nat, Major turned and made her way back to her office, leaving him and the former assassin to make their exit.

“Don’t you dare hurt her,” Nat warned as they made their way into the lobby. 

Bucky turned to face her, halting in his steps. “What?” he spluttered. “Nat, I–I would never–”

“I know you don’t think you’d do it on purpose,” Natasha replied, “but your former girlfriends have a habit of getting their hearts broken and ending up miserable because of you. I’m telling you not to do that with Major. She’s a good person, and my friend. If you think that, once again, you’re going to let someone else call the shots on your relationship with her, you should let her go now, before she gets in too deep. She’s been hurt enough.”

“Nat,” he said, grabbing her arm and forcing her to look at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He sincerely didn’t. Who else would be calling the shots on any of his relationships if it wasn’t him? Yeah, it was true that his past relationships had ended messily, that the girls had been hurt, but… well, that wasn’t entirely Bucky’s fault, was it? Things just hadn’t worked out, for one reason or another. 

But with Major? Well, things were different with her. Bucky could feel it.

Nat gave him an appraising look, studying him as if she could read his mind through his facial expressions. “You really don’t, do you?” she mused. “It’s not my place to tell you her business, but Barnes–” she gave him a serious look– “if you let her get hurt because you can’t figure out where to draw a boundary, you and I are going to have a problem."

She gently pulled free of his grasp and made her way to the door of the building. Bucky paused for a moment, contemplating all that she had said, and wondering just what she had meant by any of it. Though, knowing Natasha, if she didn’t feel the need to explain it to him, there was no way he could get her to elaborate. 

As he was about to follow her out the door, he heard Major shouting for Zadie’s attention. He turned around and saw her angrily waving a thick manilla envelope in the air as she stalked toward the reception desk.

“Where did this come from, Zadie?” she asked in a tone Bucky had never heard her use before.

“Courier dropped it off, why?” Zadie asked. “What is it? Who’s it from?” 

“What company was the courier from?” Major continued, ignoring Zadie’s own questions. “Did they have a logo or anything like that?”

“Doll?” Bucky said as he stepped back toward the reception desk, concerned by the previously unseen agitation Major was displaying.

“Bucky!” Major exclaimed, as though surprised to still see him there. “I thought you left already.” She plastered on a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, and Bucky knew it was performative for his sake.

Bucky frowned. “What’s wrong, sugar? What’s in the envelope?”

Major’s eyes widened a fraction in alarm as she maneuvered to position the envelope behind her back. “It’s nothing, honey. Just… some business stuff. There’s no sender, so I need to figure out where it came from so I can make sure it gets dealt with properly.”

Bucky knew her explanation was bullshit, but he didn’t feel comfortable questioning her in front of her employee, so he let it slide. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No!” she exclaimed, a little too quickly, and then seemed to realize she’d nearly shouted at him. “No,” her voice was softer now, calmer, “but thank you. I appreciate that you want to help, though. That means a lot to me.”

Those words rang true; Bucky could tell that much. He sighed and took a step closer to give her a quick parting kiss. “If you’re sure, doll,” he said. 

“I’m sure,” she told him, then leaned in to whisper in his ear: “and if we were still having sex, I’d show you how appreciative I am.” She pulled back and grinned up at him.

“Gonna make me really regret that decision, huh?” he asked. He knew she was changing the subject, putting distance between them and the mysterious envelope, but he was willing to let it go for the time being. 

“Oh, most definitely,” she teased him. “At least until you change your mind.”

Bucky smiled at her. If she kept it up, he’d be changing his mind sooner than later. “Alright, I better get going before Nat comes looking for me,” he said, taking a step back from her. “I’ll see you at five thirty, yeah?”

“Don’t be late,” Major called after him. As if he would ever be late for her.

<- Previous Part / Next Part ->

[utilitycaster]

wait I'm rewatching for summary reasons and it's actually EXTREMELY funny to me that Ludinus is like tell me of your pasts...I will tell mine and the party is like yo have you ever tried talking to the gods and then he just launches into the monologue. like it's in-character but also as a DM I'm like yeah this is what you do when you need to get the backstory out and the characters are just kind of wandering around.

I thought about this yesterday and then forgot to post it but. Has anyone read The Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones? It's a childhood favorite for me, it's exploring the joke of her Tough Guide to Fantasyland, ie, poking fun at the tropes of heroic fantasy. The premise is basically that there's a world where magic is real, and someone from our world has found a portal to it and ruthlessly exploited it for Tours, which are essentially guided D&D campaigns, and this sucks for the people in the world because their world constantly set on fire and trampled to put on a big show for these tours and all the wizards and bards are constantly occupied with shuffling the tourists around, among many other things. Anyway in the story Wizard Derk is made the Dark Lord (BBEG) for the tours this year and there's a bit where he has to spend like an hour trying to entice the current tour to actually fucking "kill" him so they can finish and leave, and eventually he just deliberately falls backwards into the pit because the tourists are taking too long and that is the energy.