#they named the missions to the moon after the god of the sun

[beetrootsoupdragon]

Fun fact the moon has a bunch of areas called seas on them (they are not actual seas, but old people didnt know that.)

But basically, most of them are named after either features of the sea (like the sea of storms, the sea of cold and the sea of islands) or states of mind (like the sea of tranquility or the sea of serenity.)

In 1959, the Soviet union found another sea, and wanted to name it the sea of Moscow. The only reason this name was accepted by the International Astronomical Union is because apparently Moscow is a state of mind.

[dhampling]

the sunwalker's gift gn!reader, 3.3k

“What is all of this in aid of, anyway?” He asks in a lazy drawl, seemingly unbothered. “The adventuring stuff. Do we have a destination yet?”

inspired by this ask where the reader finds a ring - after a lot of searching - that allows astarion to walk in the sun, and proposes with it. enjoy! wc: 3.3k cw: none. gn reader, fluff, all good stuff. no use of y/n. like one vague reference to sex. that's it. liberties taken with the idea of the sunwalker's gift.

Tardy.

“Here then, yes?”

A gentle dirt path carries to the town boundary, the marker one of dry wood and old brandish. Windows of amber; smoke rising to the stars, a biting chill settling on the ground as gateclose approaches.

You turn the map in hand to compare against the settlement before you.

“Think so.”

Astarion takes your arm in his, leaving the map hanging free in his wake. 

It takes all the will you can muster not to take his hands in yours and spin him in some sleepy glee-bound whirl in the sheer ecstasy at the thought of what you have planned - instead pulling each other something ragged down the slope in a half-step, half-cant; giddy at the thought of Firewine by a fireplace as your breath clouds the air foggy past your heads.

You’re in a position where - maybe for the first time since the Netherbrain fell - you can see the end. 

And it’s close. Ridiculously close. 

You want nothing more than to drop and do it now. Knees muddied in the dew-thickened dirt clod and breeze heavy with frost under the big pale moon - teeth chittering, looking up to him;-

Gods. You can picture it. His eyes hooplike with uncertainty, the one last drip of doubt teetering on his tongue - is this some kind of cosmic joke? - a quiet whisper under his breath, a little tilt of his head. Hair rippling in the moonlight. A moment of mutability as he reconciles all you are, all you’ve become together. That there’s a future in which sincerity is all he knows moving forward.

No.

Before morning, for sure.

-

The gate welcomes you in one last waning breath as the guards head to their watch turrets until dawn, and it takes a minute to truly come to terms with civilization once more. Your eyes flit to each of the little flickering lanterns and candles in windows; to the railings adorned with browning vines and disused terracotta pots.  

It’s been months since you and Astarion have been somewhat settled anywhere. Since the Absolute fell and you set off for adventures beyond anything you or he could ever imagine. Navigating the Underdark together, treading darkness above ground; wherever, it wasn’t of any real importance. You’d find lodging where you could, eat with whoever welcomed you; and you did it together.

Of course, your ulterior motive has managed to remain a secret. From clandestine discussions with the Society of Brilliance all the way back to the Gate; to fevered exploration in the deepest chasms of Sembia. Nights spent looking over the ferryboats on the Sea of Fallen Stars and discussing so many different futures the two of you could live. 

He is completely disarmed and unsuspecting at your side. Radiant. Hopeful. The world is changed and he wants to see every bit he passes with eyes wide open to good fortune.

“A town called Tardy? Really?” 

He sneers.

You shrug.

“It has a fun ring to it. Tardy.”

The word bounces on your tongue as you taste the mull-soak set between your teeth. 

A wordless mission to stave off the chill now has you settled fireside in the closest inn with mulled Glowfire. The clock ticks and there’s lively chatter a little behind you in the main tavern room.

“The Scoundrel's Cellar, though. Now that’s a good name.’

He takes a small sip. 

‘Why Tardy?”

You turn your head to him with a tight quirk of your upper lip.

“You’re asking me why?”

“Not really.’

Astarion looks at you and smiles.

‘It’s just… nice. To be able to talk at such leisure like this, I think.”

His cheeks are ruddied by the lashings of wind, the hint of a twinkle in his eyes as he reveres you. Hair a little unruly in the mop of curls atop his head but still unbelievably well-kempt for a man who's been on the road for months now. Lost wholly in his sheer exuberance, his joy in living despite the lack of a pulse. His chalice is close to his chest as he warms his hands.

You daren’t linger on your own appearance, thinking a silent prayer that the bathroom has a mirror. 

It’s a long moment before you reply.

“Yes! Yes. Absolutely.”

He throws you a quizzical glance but the smile doesn’t leave his face as he shifts to look down at his drink.

“I sometimes picture having a fireplace, you know. How-’

A brief pause.

‘How nice it’d be to sit by it, on an evening like this. Home.”

Astarion stretches a palm outward to the flame and closes his eyes, basking in the scalding heat. Amber shades. Pallid skin a perfect canvas.

“What would you be doing, by the fire?” You query softly as you watch the gentle flickers of his hand, outstretched.

“I- I’m not sure.”

Something resembling a coy smile creeps onto his face, overrun by a timid quiet uncharacteristic of your long-term lover. You lean over to him and take his nimble fire-warm hand in your own. A small kiss planted firmly on the hot skin.

“Go on.’

The willing smile on your face as you egg him on, chin to palm. He tilts his head coquettishly. 

‘What do you see in that beautiful head of yours? Because I can see it now - a sitting room full of tapestries and hangings; all of your design, of course. Patchwork blankets. Big comfy seats.”

“Ugh. Fine. Yes.’

Any ill-mannered jest fades almost immediately as he looks into your eyes and beams once more. He is safe here. He knows it.

‘I’m thinking big seats. Maybe-’

He brings his arms out wide.

‘Maybe this big? Possibly bigger? Somewhere to lounge, naturally.’

His hand finds yours in the low light once more, a tentative clutch as he maps out the vision in his head. 

‘Soft carpets on stone floors. Incense - none of the dull stuff though, darling; only pure patchouli - and… and lanterns with glass of all colours, so the room glows with light constantly.”

“So we’ve set the scene. Then what?”

Astarion rolls his eyes at you fondly.

“And then… I don’t know. A little cat on the cushions. Books, papers scattered on the carpet as despite the fact we have those big comfy seats; I’m not seeing myself to be inclined to move Her Majesty.”

“After the cat at the Last Light?”

“The very same. But I want a girl cat. Boy cats feel… weird to me. Cats are girls.’

He grimaces and waves his chalice-hand.

‘Anyway. Her Majesty on the lounger, me on the floor. I’m drawing up patterns early into the morning. Big, thick shutters over the windows; but it doesn’t matter because the lantern light is so vivid, and you;-’

There’s a feather-soft look to him when he does look at you.

‘Oh, you.’

You become aware of him drawing small circles with his thumb, eyes unmoving; unblinking. 

‘Always you. My love. Should you decide to join me in long-term domesticity-’

He plants a kiss on your hand as you did his. Your stomach is pure cream as you listen, nodding slowly with lids of honey.

‘Then you. Everywhere. Beside me on the carpet, laughing in that delicious way you do. Astride me in our bed -’

You smirk. He looks at you a little deviously.

‘Well, not just bed. Anywhere, really.”

“Is that what the loungers are for?”

A small grin.

“Maybe.’

You gesture for him to continue with a knowing grin.

‘Anyway. Yes. The future. Us. A townhouse somewhere in the Gate.” He sips slowly while pondering.

“What about younglings? You were fond of Yenna.”

The wine erupts down his pale chin in shock, eyes like saucers.

“I’m sorry?”

“Children.” You repeat, holding his gaze with firm affection. 

He moves to laugh but there’s a wavering indecision in the way his brows crease.

“Is that even possible?”

“I don’t know. But if it is?”

He stops to think for a moment when the call for Grand High Lord Supreme General Admiral Ancunín - his favoured travelling name - comes from the frazzled barmaid at the front of house to signal your rooms are ready, and all discussion overruled by the fact you’re both bone-weary beyond belief.

As your hand moves to your pocket, you feel it.

Sequestered away in the little velvet box you bought from the Night Market months ago and kept for this. 

Later.

-

Hours on and you’re settled. A small room with an adjoining washroom - modest, but surprisingly comfortable; and just as you’d hoped, there’s a balcony. 

Astarion lounges on the bed with a large leatherbound book, looking fondly at you from time to time as you busy yourself with your recent findings, taking inventory and stashing bits away in their respectively labelled bags of holding.

“What is all of this in aid of, anyway?” He asks in a lazy drawl, seemingly unbothered.

“What?”

“This. The adventuring stuff. Do we have a destination yet?”

“No, not in particular.’ You turn to look at him over your shoulder.

‘Why? You’ve not been bothered before?”

“And I’m not now. But I am curious.’

He grins devilishly on the bed and flips the book closed, placing it next to him and sitting straight - legs crossed. 

‘What’s the plan, lover?”

“Who says there’s a plan?”

He’s got you right where he wants you. 

You feel yourself becoming giddy again - heart wholly aflutter. You’re aware that he’s attuned to the regular pitter-patter between your ribs and despite the conscious attempt to regulate yourself back to calm; you almost want him to find you out this way. 

“Nothing. I’m just wondering where we’re - well, wandering. It’s beginning to feel a little aimless”

There’s a moment of silence, prolonged as you fiddle further with your trinkets.

“I-’

You reach for the box in your pocket and run a thumb over it reactively.

‘I’ll tell you later. I promise.”

He looks at you with a curious furrow, trying to eke out a little more information in the quiet din but you’re wise to it at this point in your relationship. You simply yield into his glance with a pleading smile. 

“Okay. Okay. I’ll leave it with you. But I do expect answers!”

You heave a sigh of relief. He’s definitely picked up on it.

Once all of your spoils are packed away you take a trip downstairs to purchase more wine and request a bath to be drawn - after all, you’ve been on the road with rivers as your only source of cleanliness for gods know how long.

There are nerves. Of course there are nerves, small pins prickling from within and setting you ablaze with each new thought of him beside you for life, threads weaving a rich tableau life together. Lilting violins and piano sonatas. Finery for days. Some small townhouse, just as he’d described it downstairs. 

But you found the thing you’d set out to find on your adventures. Where you head next is entirely up to the both of you.

Provided he says yes, that is.

You imagine the worst possible rejection he could give you - “No, darling. Let’s keep things as they are for now.” - and yet the thought of him calling you darling in that syrupy murmur is rousing enough to keep you afloat. 

The bath is tepid, door open whilst Astarion watches from the bed between pages.

“More wine, love?”

“Please.”

Calm. Rain on the thatch roof. 

He perches on the side of the washtub, one leg crossed over the other as he passes you a glass full of red. Hums absent-mindedly as he swirls the perfumed waters with a dainty hand. 

Your mind drifts to the ring. How beautiful it’ll look in place.

He looks at you with that curious glint in his eye, and you roll your head to the back of the tub in an attempt at meek avoidance.

“Pretty.” He quips. 

You laugh quietly.

“Hm?”

“You. Pretty. Hair all mussed like a siren. A vision.”

He lifts your wrist from the water and kisses the back of your hand a few times over, while you squirm in jest. He only retaliates by kissing you harder with a fiendish giggle. 

“You’re one to talk.”

The lantern by the mirror lights the tips of his curls from behind. Angelic.

“Yes, I am beautiful. So are you. My darling.”

It must be late now. Maybe late enough.

As you lift from the water - assisted by your lover’s hand - and enrobe once more, you feel it.

Now.

-

Astarion begins his usual routine of light-proofing the room and blocking the shutters as the threat of sunrise looms on the horizon.

Well. Light.

The rain doesn’t show any sign of ceasing.

Nonetheless, you feel ready. A habit you can’t wait for him to break, checking the shutters for cracks.

“C’mere.” 

He turns to you and looks you over.

“Hm?”

“Come here! Please! I’ve got something for you and it simply can’t wait any longer.”

The box is light in hand, soft. You’ve checked it multiple times for the ring and all is in place.

The way he steps to you is cautious. Catlike.

“Is this the thing? Is it finally time?’

You pull him in next to you on the edge of the bed, taking both hands in yours.

‘I can see that little box. Hopefully a trinket worth the hours of agony I’ve endured waiting for you to reveal your secrets.” He grins, pulling you in for a gentle kiss.

You don’t say anything, freeing one hand to take the box.

“This is-’

A sharp inhale.

‘This is it. Wherever we go from here, it’s mutually agreed. All of it. But this is what I’ve been looking for, hence my leadership skills taking forefront again.”

“Don’t tell me. It’s a Bracing Band!’

You shove him gently and he giggles, reinforcing his clutch on your hand. 

‘Okay, okay. I’m done. Show me.”

He waggles his fingers around your palm and grins expectantly. Gods. You rip the bandage off and open the box to him.

He’s seen a picture of it before - it’s in one of his books, that’s where you got the initial idea - but you know he hasn’t read it or he’d onto you weeks ago.

And he doesn’t recognise it. 

“I- What is this?”

A gentle whisper as his eyes run over the golden rays cast with aged enamel. 

“A ring.’

Astarion’s death glare takes a new form, this time wholly inhibited by the uncertainty in his frozen hunch.

You stand and spin to a kneel on the floor in front of him.

‘A special ring. Really, really special; in fact.’

Plucking it from the velvet, you hover the band over his fingertip.

‘Firstly though. Marry me?”

You don’t think you’ve ever seen him so completely and utterly shocked. 

Mouth firmly agape as red round eyes attempt to scan yours for any sign of deceit, jowls trembling a little in the yellow lantern glow. A small gulp as his lips meet once more.

“You picked an inn called The Scoundrel's Cellar, in a town called Tardy, in the middle of a thunderstorm; to propose marriage to me?”

“Had to be here, had to be now. Couldn’t wait any longer. You’ll understand in a minute, I promise.’

You rise a little to cup his jaw in hand, sinking into a chaste kiss. 

‘Astarion Ancunín, will you marry me?”

“Gods!’

There’s a brief tremor as his lips wobble, then a practised breath as he speaks. One hand reaches for your flushed cheek to mirror the gesture. 

‘Of course I will, you brute. Maybe you could’ve done with a better choice in ring, of course; but I can learn to love it, I’m sur-”

“You are beyond insufferable, Astarion. Kiss me right now.”

The immediately resulting kiss is brimming with yearning. A cup full to spilling as he takes the ring in your hand whilst you put it on him. 

He hunches all the way over to meet you on raised knees, grabbing at body-warmed bedclothes for one another; tenderly, in peals of quiet laughter between breaths and silent shouts.

“Wait. I’m not done.’

He’s giddy now, too. Knee bouncing. 

‘There’s a reason it had to be that ring.”

“It’s hideous, pet. Give me a reason to love it.”

You spin to your feet and to the furthest shutters, opening them a slight as he watches on in guarded curiosity with the biggest smile lingering on his face. 

The first hint of light. 

“C’mere.”

“You’re bossing me around an awful lot today, my darling betrothed.”

The weight of the moment is colossal, ocean deep. Despite his sheer joy he won’t come willingly. The burns from the dock the day the Absolute fell were molten for weeks and you still both have night terrors ringing loud with the sound of his agonising yells. 

A gentle hand extends to him. 

“The Sunwalker’s Gift.”

Then it clicks. Slowly. The final puzzle piece.

“No. Surely.”

“Yes.”

“It can’t be.”

“It had to be.”

“What if it isn’t?”

“Then we have a wedding to plan in the Underdark. But I wouldn’t traipse across the realms on just an inkling, you know.”

“I know you wouldn’t.”

“Well then.’

Your hand waits expectantly, fingers mimicking his waggle.

‘Just a finger. Please.”

He sits on the bed, spinning the ring mindlessly; before he looks at you with a resolute nod.

“I’ve trusted you with far worse, all things considered.”

Astarion approaches slowly and meets your hand, interlinking your ring fingers together and waiting for your word as you position yourself within the light.

“On three?”

Three arrives and nothing happens.

Hands raised, fingers lit in a single low beam of early light. Frozen.

“Astarion? All good?”

He moves your hands wholly into the light. Nothing. Twists the tangled fingers as if examining for damage. Rain careens into the window.

“I- Yes. Yes. All good.”

Dumbfounded.

You erupt into a bubbling grin, pulling him to the balcony doors and planting another soft kiss onto bewildered lips. Looking to the worn bronze handles with a brief head tilt.

A simple, overwhelmed nod. Brows knitted together in a milky daze, mouth slack. He looks like he’s going to collapse. 

The doors edge open and you cautiously step to lead him by arm.

Nothing. Not a single sizzle, no cinders. Forearm, arm, body; head.

No tug on your hand as he races back indoors. No wretched cries of pain nor gasps of hurt.

It’s a few seconds before he speaks. The sun now burns bright enough to see the streets below with razor clarity.

“The rain. My- my hair-’

Barely above a whisper.

‘Looks perfect. As it always does.’

Your eyes don’t leave him. Not once. He’s completely floored, gazing into the middle distance mindlessly. 

‘Love, sit.”

You gently tug an iron-wrought balconette chair over to him and help him to find purchase atop it amongst his overwhelm.

“I- I love you. Thank you.”

“Anything. Anything for you.”

He shakes from his haze once wet through, lightning on the horizon awakening the Astarion you recognise best. Closes his eyes with a soft smile.

“You’re going to catch your death out here, you know.”

His grip on your hand is vicelike, clutching it to his chest with zealous reverence.

“Then we’ll have to have a hot bath later. Right now though, I think a celebration is in order.”

You free yourself from his grasp for two moments, barreling back inside for the last of the wine and the large bedsheet. You place both chalices on the iron table and sit beside Astarion outside in fits of laughter whilst wrapping the sheet over both of your heads. He snatches your hand back and kisses it for an age. Devoted.

“To Tardy?”

He lifts his chalice in his free hand, and you do the same in yours.

“Tardy!”

[huntersrequiem-if]

Hunter's Requiem

demo [tba] | forum [tba]

dark fantasy, horror (?), romance

You are a minor deity of the Hunt, known by your followers as The Hunter, used by the other Higher Beings as The Hound. The All-Seeing Sun had given you countless tasks over your existence.

Yet one day, while on a mission sent out by him, you were summoned and judged for treason. The punishment left you mangled; your magic ripped off.

Cast away, you went into a deep sleep to recover.

After centuries you awoke to find your name spoken in whispers in the darkest nights. The Traitor. The world has changed, yet you still have true believers who await your awakening.

Will you be successful in your revenge? Will you be able to topple the gods or will you try to live in peace?

Features:

Play as male, female, nonbinary.

Your choices will affect the fate of your followers.

Befriend, romance or even antagonize a wide cast of characters.

Have a loyal shadowy companion by your side.

Astaroth [M]

"And to think I hated you. Now I can’t imagine living a single day without you.”

Your “other half”, attached to your psyche. He is content to stay in the backseat and offer comments. Tall and lean with gray skin. His face is sharp and angular, eyes with black sclera and white iris. Long black straight hair parted only by his antlers. His hands are black, tipped with long claws. The gradient loses color the closer it gets to his elbow. When he grins at you, you see beast-like teeth glinting in the light.

The Beloved Moon [F]

"That was the worst mistake I ever made. Please, I will do anything you want for you to forgive me.”

Moon has a curious interest in you. Since the moment she saw you, she had sought any chance to talk with you.

A short woman with deep blue skin and freckles that shine like stars. Her skin is shifting between deep blue and purple. She has a round face with full lips and a button nose. Round eyes with black sclera and bright blue iris stare at you with curiosity. Her long curly hair is white with pale blue streaks. Massive white feathered wings cover her back, sometimes used to cover her body like a cloak. Her smile might be gentle but the sharp fangs showed less so.

The Eternal Night [NB]

“I have turned a blind eye to the world far too long. I will no longer allow anything to happen to you.”

The Eternal Night is a distant person. Even more towards the other gods, yet for you they show a kinder side. They are tall and slender. Their sharp face is softened by full lips and expressive eyes. They have dark grey skin paired with stark white hair, that reaches their chin. The wavy strands frame their face nicely. Their eyes-- black sclera with crimson iris—are often covered by their mask. Massive black wings sprout from their back, and then the light catches the feathers right they look more blue than dark.

Santana [F/M]

"Why is it that every time I look at you I feel that I have known you for lifetimes? Why does my soul yearn for you?"

A priest you met in your past, a rather interesting person with a stubborn brand of kindness.

Tawny skin sprinkled with freckles. Golden hair is kept in a braid, far away from their face, yet a few strands escape and frame their heart-shaped face. Expressive eyes look at you, their blue gaze shining brightly.

They stand at an average height, donning the white and golden robes of the priests of Sun. Over that, they wear a chainmail.

You thought you lost them to the sands of time.

??? [F/M]

“Do you have any idea how long I prayed to see you, to hear your voice?”

Every day, they're slipping farther, their grip on the edge of the chasm growing fragile. Can you drag them back or will you shove them off?

[describingcolours]

"well youve had it 6 years that's a good amount of time for that kind of thing to work"

"you should be grateful you got 3 years of use out of that thing, I'm lucky if mine last a year haha"

listen, in 1977 nasa launched the voyager spacecrafts to take advantage of a planetary alignment that takes place every 175 years. These 2 crafts were planned to flyby the outer planets of our solar system and gather data on them to send back to us. Voyager 2 launched first on the 20th of August despite its name because it was planned to reach our gas giants after its counterpart voyager 1, which launched a little later on the 5th of September.

The voyager mission was planned to end 12 years later in 1989. In that time, voyager 1 and 2 passed by Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They discovered new moons, confirmed theories about Saturn's rings, found the first active volcanoes found outside the earth, and they take close-up images of planets only seen at that point from telescopes.

On the 25th of August 1989, voyager 2 encounters Neptune, the last planet in our solar system the voyagers will meet. And that was that. End of mission. Now obsolete.

~

Less than 1 year later on valentine's day in 1990 voyager 1 looked back on the planet that had built it and sent with it a world's worth of hopes and dreams and took a picture. We called it the solar system family portrait and in it, we see ourselves. The pale blue dot nestled in the darkness of space

And then commands were sent to shut down their cameras. Preserve fuel.

35 years after launch, in 2012 voyager 1 sent back to us data about interstellar space. The very first manmade object to enter it.

41 years after launch voyager 2 did the same. Still operational, still going. Still sending back to us invaluable data, teaching us about our own solar system and the suns influence in our local bubble of space.

They are expected to continue to operate until the year 2025 - almost 50 whole years after they were launched and 36 years after their mission was supposed to have ended.

48 years of harsh space travel, battered by solar winds, pulled by gravity but fast enough just to escape, pelted by who knows how much space dust and radiation.

And even after that, they still have a purpose. Each craft was given a golden record. A disc filled with human knowledge and knowledge of humans and the planet they live on. Greetings and well-wishes to any prospective extraterrestrial life that could potentially pick it up. Co-ordinates, an invite. Samples of our music, the things we love, sounds of the earth, a story of our world. The surf, the wind, birds and whales, images of a mother, our moon, a sunset. Long after the voyager spacecrafts go dark, probably long after we are gone, they will still be doing their job; educating a species about our very tiny corner of the galaxy.

They are nasa's longest-running operation.

And it was all done using 70s technology.

So excuse me if I want a phone that lasts more than 2 years or a vacuum cleaner that doesn't break down after 6, or god fucking forbid, a refrigerator that will keep my food cold my entire fucking lifetime.

[narcissarina]

Darkened Desires

Prologue and Chapter 1: The sun || Chapter 2: The moon || Chapter 3: The moon || Chapter 4: The sun || Chapter 5: The sun || Chapter 6: The moon || Chapter 7: The moon || Chapter 8: The sun || Chapter 9: The sun || Chapter 10: The outsider || Chapter 11: The moon || Chapter 12: The sun || Chapter 13: The sun

Pairings: Mafia!Scaramouche × Barista!Reader

Word count: 1,363

Warning: Trauma, deaths, seeking professional help. Slight smut, praise. Cock warming, pet name?

Thank you for enjoying this series. Slight smut at the end. Next chapter will be only smut and probably a plot. Thank you for getting this far in the series:)

Chapter 14:

THE MOON

I fought my way from these degenerates, dead bodies on the ground. Blood splatter from the enemies smeared to my expensive tux, my only mission here to get my beloved sunshine home and safe.

The Tsaritsa has been demanding her whereabouts and sending off an unrealistic number of men to investigate and look for traces off of her. Her Majesty has been getting panic attacks these past few days—Ajax couldn’t get a wink of sleep as he was trying to calm the Tsaritsa. She’s been sobbing violently.

I could only stood there, as vulnerable as Her Majesty is. I’m not there to protect her, to stop them from taking her away from me. I failed. But it’ll be different this time, it has to.

I barged in a room after shooting the man who bought her.

And there she is, curled into a ball—shivering from fear and coldness. “Sunshine?” I called, my voice low and soft. I step inside the room, slowly making my way to her—not making any sound as she’s sounds asleep.

God, she looks… horrible, but still beautiful. But in a horrible shape, she had nightmares. My poor baby.

Her lips quivering, she’s sobbing in her sleep—I took her in my embrace. Rocking her body back and forth as if she’s a little scared toddler, I carried her out the room. Covered her ears to cancel out the noise of gunshot and screams.

She weep and try rolling over in my arms but she couldn’t, gotta shop and give her new clothes, this shit looks uncomfortable to sleep in but I kept wondering how she did it.

We got back in the car, her whole body had been lie down completely and make her use my thigh as her pillow.

“Scara?” I heard her call out with a sob, but she still has her eyes shut and still sobbing in her sleep.

I could only hold her hand tightly, brushing off a strand of her from her face—that’s the only way I could think of to assure her that she’s safe and that I’m here. “The monsters gone, and I’m here.” I whisper, loud enough for her to hear as I feel her breathing slow in a steady pace.

The whole ride was quiet, she rolls over and keeps nuzzling close to me to the point that she’ll squeeze me to death. I only laugh and hugged her close as I knew she’s seeking comfort and warmth, that the shitty place she’s been sold to can’t even provide her something more thick of a clothing so she couldn’t catch a cold.

We arrived back at Her Majesty’s place, I gently pull myself away from her—making sure that she didn’t wake up. The Tsaritsa on the other hand, noticed that we finally got back and she came out stomping with only bare feet.

“Her Majesty! The ground is too dirty, please wear a slipper or something!” one of the guards shouts with worry.

“Is she safe?” The Tsaritsa shouts with worry and stops right on my track, I sigh and nodded, “no need to worry, she’s face. I reckon that she had experience something traumatic.” I spoke, gently taking her out of the car and carrying her bridal-style.

“my poor girl.” The Tsaritsa sobs as she caress the top of her head. I nod and she nodded back, agreeing that we should put her in a room where it’s warm then ask the maid to change her to something comfortable and warm to wear.

I sat at the edge of the bed, my eyes still staring at her sleeping form. I lean to kiss her cheeks, eyes, her warm tears and the side of her lips. “I won’t leave you out of my sight ever again.” I promise, got up and left the room.

She had always been staring off to space, disassociate herself from reality and weep in her sleep. I consult her to a therapist—hoping that she’ll get better in no time, she needed help and I am there every time she needs me.

She’d stare at me and I would smile at her, hoping that it’ll give her comfort and that every thing is going to be all right, no one will catch and hunt her. And that I am sure of it.

I can’t even imagine how she endure those pass few days, but all I knew that she didn’t get hurt or got force something against her will.

Every time I leave the room to give her space, she would stare at me by the door. Then whines as she tries to make me come back and sit against the edge of the bed, she said it doesn’t matter if this is still safe—she felt like she could still be potentially in danger.

I could only chuckle at her silly little words, but also understood why she say something like that. She’d gone through so much trauma and been expose to something she shouldn’t be seeing.

Every time I visit her room, I’d bring any stuff animal and plush of her favorite characters to give her more company when I’m away at work, I also asked Ajax to look after her in my absence. Ajax told me they had a stare-off for an hour as she couldn’t pry her eyes away from that guy.

Ajax was creeped out but shrug it off and decides to have a little play with her, to make her trust him and that he wouldn’t hurt her.

When I get back, she’d welcome me in bed and put the stuff animals and plush away and invite me over. I rest up on her bed, my legs stretched as I feel a little rustling to my side. She’s trying to snuggle against me without trying to interrupt my nap.

She had become clingy and vocal, and then.

She’s finally getting back to her normal self, more alive—cheerful, vocal, and eating much more food. But the thing is, she’d cling to me as if she’s indirectly hinting that she’s now mine.

We lie in bed and she’s in my sweater, snuggling and keeps me close to her embrace. I didn’t budge but I smiled and wrap my right arm over her shoulder and connect my lips to her temple as she takes a little nap, “getting more comfortable, Sunshine?” I softly asked, she nodded and looked up at me.

“thank you.”

“For what?”

“for finding me and staying with me even when I got difficult to handle.”

I chuckle at her statement, “that’s not true.” I object her words, “if you’re difficult then the Tsaritsa won’t be wasting her time stressing out and constantly getting worried. Ajax wouldn’t accompanied you when I told him to.” I hum against her temple and caress her cheeks.

“Are you going to confess your love to me?” I teased and boop her nose, she covered her face against my chest which made me yelp.

“mhm.”

I laugh at how adorable she’s being right now, “fuck, baby. You’re gonna give me a boner. Will you blow me if I got hard?” I tease again.

She nodded and look up at me with those gorgeous god damn doe eyes, I’d roll those eyes at the back of her head again. Making her cum harder than the last time I fucked her when I’m injured.

I lean my head back at the headboard and laugh at her, I feel her leave my chest. Thinking that she’s gonna get herself some drink, but no. I hiss and frown my bros as I saw her got down to my belt and unbuckle it then unzip my pants.

She pulled my boxer down and let my cock free, it wasn’t that hard yet—she held it with her cute hand and pumps it a few times, her mouth open and tongue out.

“Damn baby, cock warming me up?” I hiss and try to reach out to her but she slap my hand away and let her do her job.

I chuckle and tie her hair up to a bun, “careful, hun. Don’t bite my dick off now.”

“Open wide.”

Link:

Chapter 15: THE SUN

[quitealotofsodapop]

Hmm...actually, once the identities are revealed...how do Sandy, Pigsy and Tang feel about whenever SWK or Mac casually drop a gods name casually, like "Oh, Nezha said he might drop by later", like that has to feel weird, y'know?

Macaque tries to keep things subtle around the noodle shop gang, but Wukong slips up occasionally.

When Nezha first appears at the shop pre-reveal looking like a grungy teenage demon with snake features (he's associated with them in the mythos) and SWK welcomes him warmly - Pigsy and Tang just assume the kid is relative that the monkey couple trusted enough to know where they are. Soon Nezha starts to get used to being treated like An Actual Child by adults who care about him and his mature facade starts to break down. The noodle shop gang think its more that the kid has a rough home life and needs a safe place to hang out. So whats the harm in letting the little guy stay too?

After the two monkey's are revealled as the Monkey King and the Six Eared Macaque however? Many questions are asked.

Pigsy: *turns to look at "Nez"* Nezha: "..." Pigsy: "Let me guess... Lotus Prince right?" Nezha: "Yeah." Pigsy: "You gonna turn back into your real form or...?" Nezha, looking a bit bashful: "What if I told you the snake-y and gross teenage stuff was my real form?" Tang: "Oh my gosh... you need acne cream." Pigsy: "TANG!" Tang: "I'm just saying! Human puberty is bad enough! Imagine being immortal with it! He needs to keep moisturized!" Pigsy: "Well, atleast he's been eating decently since he's been here... could use more protein though." Sandy: "And plenty of rest! You can't burn the candle at both ends! Even if it's infinite!" Nezha: *is honestly touched* (Ｔ▽Ｔ)

But yeah the gang do get confused at times when the monkeys bring up random names in history/mythology they know. Like "Cooking with Chang'e" airs one night, and Macaque randomly mentions:

Macaque: "Huh, she's on tv? She used to be really nervous with public speaking when we were little." Pigsy, shellshocked: "How do you know that!?" Macaque: "She's my sister, duh. I was born from a moon rock. She helped raise me until I moved to Flower Fruit Mountain to be with other Monkey demons." Pigsy: *incomprehensible spluttering* Tang: "Does she actually like mooncakes, or is that more a commercial thing?" Macaque: "She likes them, but her favorite kind has osmanthus in it." Pigsy & Tang: *aggressively takes notes for different reasons*

After a while it gets more annoying than amazing. Especially since Pigsy was already unimpressed with any immortal who wasn't Chang'e.

Erlang: "I require an audience with Sun Wukong." Pigsy, not even looking up from the stove: "He's on break." Erlang: "I assume you did not hear me correctly. I require an immediate audience with Sun Wukong." Pigsy: "And I told you: HE'S ON BREAK! Now you wait, buy something, or scram!" Erlang, stunned: "......lamb noodles please." *Wukong returns from break to see Erlang feeding his dog bits of lamb.* Erlang: "Wukong, you must understand that my visit is not one of pleasure. I have tasked myself to inquire about the status of your mission regarding The Egg." Wukong: "No egg here! Except for whats in the fridge. Hehehe." *dad joke* Erlang, glaring with all three eyes: "Hmm..." Wukong: *sweating nervously* Erlang: "...ok. I can see that you're truthful in that there is no Cosmic Egg present in this facility. Why you busy yourself in these mortals matters is beyond me. But be warned simian..." Wukong: "What?" Erlang: "We should spar more often, bro. Me and the Plum Hill boys starting to miss you on the training grounds. Plus you're starting to look fluffier." *Erlang and his dog leaves* Wukong: "Phew! Glad I got rid of him!" Macaque, returns from getting cheese tea, visibly pregnant: "What that jerk want?" Wukong: "Old work stuff." Macaque: "He's lucky I'm incapacitated, or I would have neutered him to match his hound." Wukong: "I know you would." Tang: *trying desperately not to explode cus was that just Erlang Shen?!*

Sandy is a lot more chill. That person he just talked to was a god? That's cool! Hope he's made a new friend today! Accidentally befriends a bunch of them just by being a cool dude. The dragon kingdoms think he's a great ambassador.

[alxndryngs]

Alright I've got a prompt for you: RE8 women (including mother miranda) have a nightmare, how does the reader deal with it?

If you keep making me write fluff like stuff about Miranda, you might just succeed with your mission 😂 But yes, absolutely. Here we go!

-----

Alcina:

She was never one to stir much when she slept. Once she had found a comfortable position, which most of the times was behind you with her arms wrapped around you, she would most likely not move again until she woke up.

It was one of the first nights in winter when the snow began to stick when it happened, when your wife began to squirm in her sleep.

The sounds of her whimpers, her rough handling on you and the moving of hers woke you. Squinting, you turned your head to take a look at the taller woman behind you.

"Cina?" You whispered, even in the dark you could see the layer of sweat covering her.

Turning over to face her, you sat up in bed and gently began to shake her arm to wake her from whatever bad dream she was having.

This hadn't been the first time she seemed to be getting a bad nights sleep, but this was the first time she was actually seeming to be having a nightmare.

Even the thought of Alcina going through something horrible in her dream made you frown. She was strong, but in the dream world? God knows what was happening.

The gasps and shallow breaths coming from her spurred you on to shake her a tad harder, eyebrows furrowing with worry.

"Alcina, draga."

Nothing. Her squirming continued.

Turning back for a split moment, you turned on the small lamp on your bedside table before turning back to your wife, almost gasping at the sight of her. Hair was sticking to her sweat covered forehead, just like her nightgown clung to her body. The mattress beneath her was absolutely drenched, as well as the sheets on pillow.

"Alcina damn it! Wake up, you're dreaming!"

You couldnt deny the fact that you had began panicking, especially after seeing your wife in the state she was in. Alcina never broke a sweat, not even after a trail ride in the middle of June with the scorching sun shining down on you both.

"Draga mea, why are you panting like that? I am positive even the girls back at the castle can hear you."

"Nothing, I'm just- incredibly hot."

Your wife grinned, her nude painted lips stretching into a smile.

"Well," She mused. "That I know, but-"

"Oh gods! I am sweating Alcina."

"Oh yes, of course. Of course."

Holding her damp face in your hands, you yelled her name once more before she finally opened her eyes with a loud gasp. Before you could even ask her what was wrong, what had happened, she pulled you against her sweaty body. Her arms were holding you so strongly, you thought she might squish you like a blueberry.

"The girls, the girls." She breathed, repeating herself over and over before eventually shooting out of bed, leaving you behind to follow which you did as soon as you could process what was happening.

On her way out, she grabbed her shawl and pulled it over before she began chasing the wind through the castle.

As fast as your human legs could carry you, you followed your wife through the dark castle. No chandelier was lit, no candle, nothing. The only source of light had been the moon shining through the windows.

It was like watching her chase a ghost through the corridors of her home with how fast she was walking.

As soon as she reached her daughters chambers, she opened the door to Cassandra's room and peeked inside.

First daughter, safe and sound.

Turning to the second door, she checked it the same way, worry slowly leaving her body.

Second daughter, safe and sound.

She checked Daniela's room last. When she found her youngest cuddling the little stuffed animal bat Donna made for her, she let out a relieved sigh and closed that door as well before turning to her wife.

"I had- it was a nightmare- they-" She stuttered and you smiled, pressing a kiss to her hand before leading her to the dining room.

You prepared her a cup of tea, poured a generous amount of blood and sat down with her. You never let go of her hand whilst she told you about the horrid dream she had.

And even though you weren't able to convince her to get back to bed, the both of you took a nice midnight stroll through the woods, even spotting a few fireflies. That was the first time she had called you firefly, and she would continue to for many years to come

Donna:

You knew her to be a very light sleeper. Even when you turned over in bed to cuddle into her, she would wake and smile while wrapping an arm around you to bring you closer.

When one night, Donna didnt bring you closer or let a small chuckle, you looked up at her through your eyelashes and with furrowed brows.

You had always been a very clingy person. At first, Donna never knew how to deal with it since she had been alone for a very long time. But once she found to enjoy the little and sometimes big affectionate touches you gave her, she grew accustomed to it.

"Donna?" You whispered quietly. "Cuddles?"

A small pang of worry hit you when she remained laying on her back, not moving a single bit. You weren't even sure if she was breathing.

"Don?" You frowned, gently nudging your wife's arm as you sat up.

Swallowing the lump building in your throat, you turned your head to the side and called for Angie. Maybe she could tell you if Donna was alright. When not even your shout for Angie woke her, and when Angie hadn't given a snarky remark from another room for waking her, your worry began to become justified.

Turning your head back to her, you gently grabbed her arms and shook her lightly while softly calling her name.

There was no tension in Donnas body whatsoever, you felt it when you shook her. No resistance, nothing. Tears began to burn in your eyes at the thought of her laying next to you in bed, dead.

No, it couldn't be. "Donna!!" You yelled, shaking her roughly this time. You never.. manhandled her like this before. You knew she would've hated it.

When she finally woke, she just opened her eye and stared at the ceiling. You sat in silence, watching and unsure of what to do. Until you heard her voice.

"Coccolona?" She whispered, eyes fixated on the ceiling.

She had begun calling you Coccolona when she found out how much you loved physical touch. She let you know it was in no way a bad thing, but translated into 'Cuddly'.

"Yes? Donna are you-" Before you could finish, she had pulled you down into her embrace and held you close. Her hand sneaked into your hair, running her fingers through it as she continued to stare at the ceiling above.

"A bad dream. That is all it was." She whispered, pressing a small kiss to your hair.

"I-.. I thought you were dead. You didnt react and- and you weren't looking like you were breathing. And Angie didnt answer either and-"

The more you talked, the faster you got. Donna could feel your heartbeat against her own chest, how it hammered against you ribs. She hadn't had a nightmare like this in a long time, where it pulled her down so deep that she wasnt responsive anymore.

Later on she had told you it might've been because she had worked in the garden a lot in the past week and inhaled a lot of the pollen. And even though it didnt have the usual effect on her like on other people, the reason why she never let you in the garden when the flowers were blooming, it still did something to her. And in this case, it was a very vivid and real feeling nightmare it pulled her into.

For the next week you refused to let her into the garden, threatening that if she went, you'd go with her.

From then on, Donna began wearing a mask whenever she worked in the garden to not give you another scare.

Bela:

You hadn't been assigned Lady Bela's maid for long, but when you were, Lady Dimitrescu made sure you had been assigned the room next to her eldest in case she ever needed anything. She did the same to her own maiden.

One particular night, you were up in bed reading. Only recently you had discovered the fairy tale part of the Dimitrescu library and were now reading a few tales of the Grimm Brothers.

It was already incredibly late, past 12, but you were fascinated by the stories written. Halfway through 'Mother Holle', you heard something from Lady Bela's room. Turning your head and furrowing your brows, you pressed your ear to the wall and tried to listen out.

Once you realised it were cries you had heard, you rushed out of your own and into her room. She was wriggling in her sheets, crying in her sleep.

You made haste at trying to wake her, gently shaking her and calling her name a few times before the girl shot up in bed.

Jumping back from it and her, you both stared at each other.

"I heard you crying, my lady." You began, the first to break the uncomfortable silence. "I figured I should come and check on you. You were crying in your sleep. Bad dream?"

The eldest nodded, wiping tears from her face whilst her face flushed with embarrassment.

Whilst you waited for an order from her, perhaps get her a snack or just leave, she began to tell you a bit about what had happened.

"The castle.. it was attacked. Everyone died. I couldn't help them."

She kept it short and simple, you took the hint that she didnt want to go into detail with it since it was very upsetting and unsettling.

"I understand." You said softly, giving a single nod. "It must have been very upsetting."

The girl looked at the book in your hands which you didnt even manage to put down and just dragged along. She nodded to it whilst sitting up, pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.

"What's that?"

Taking a look down, you held it out to her.

"Grimms fairy tales. I was reading it before I heard you."

The hesitation on her face and in her voice was not to miss. "Would you.. well, read your favourite to me? Mother used to read to us ages ago, but she's gotten so busy.."

You smiled, nodding and taking a seat in the chair by her bed. Whilst you got seated, Bela laid down once again and tried to get comfortable.

Crossing your legs, you laid the book on them and flipped back to the beginning of the chapter.

Clearing your throat, you began reading.

"There once was a widow who had two daughters-- one of whom was pretty and industrious, while the other was ugly and idle."

You smiled at the small chuckle you heard come from underneath the blanket she had tucked into.

"But she was much fonder of the ugly and idle one, because she was her own daughter."

Cassandra:

Walking into her room to serve her a small glass of wine before sleep, you mustered the bookshelf by the wall.

She was just getting into bed when you turned to her with a smile.

"You like Edgar Allen Poe?" She turned, looking at the beaming smile you gave her.

Slowly, she nodded while leaning back in bed.

"I do, yes.." She paused, gnawing on her bottom lip. "Do you?"

"I love his work, my lady." You beamed, coming over and setting the tray you were holding down on the nightstand before pouring her her cup of blood. "If you'd like, I could read you my favourite poem of his."

She seemed to think about it while she took a sip, staring at the bookshelf and then you, before nodding. "I would like that."

So you did. Once she had finished her cup, you retrieved the book from the shelf and flicked through the pages as you took a seat in a chair close to the bed.

Cassandra had already laid down, getting comfortable and closing her eyes as she waited for you to find the page and start reading.

Once you found it, you cleared your throat and checked in on her once more to make sure she was ready.

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

"Tis some visiter' I muttered, 'tapping at my chamber door-- only this, and nothing more"

By the time you had finished the long poem, Lady Cassandra was deep asleep. Putting a bookmark between the pages, you closed it and put it on her nightstand before getting up and beginning to clean her room like she's asked you to.

Picking up her laundry, dusting the shelves, sweeping the floor. Just when you were about to finish up, grab the tray and leave, you heard a whine coming from underneath the blanket.

Stopping, you looked at her outline under the blanket.

"Mm, no. No." She muttered, shifting in her sleep.

Your eyebrows furrowed, was she having a nightmare? Quietly, you placed the tray back down and gently pulled the blanket off her face to reveal the pained expression she had.

She repeated her mumbling, shaking her head and clinging onto the blanket.

"My Lady." You said softly, not wanting to leave her suffering in a bad dream.

You tried again. "Lady Cassandra.... Cassandra!"

With a small gasp, the girl woke and looked at you with her eyebrows knit together.

"Where is he?" She asked once gathering herself, grabbing the sickle underneath her pillow and sitting up, looking around the room.

"Where is who, Cassandra?" You asked confused, taking a small step back to get out of reach of her sickle.

"The intruder! Where is he?! Once im done with him, he won't be anything but a bag of bones!"

That's when it hit you, she had a nightmare because of the poem you read her. You tried biting back a small smile whilst placing your hand on her wrist, slowly making her lower her weapon.

"Cassandra, I read you a poem before you went to sleep. You had a dream about it. You are alright. I have been in here ever since you slept in, to clean like you asked me to. No one has entered this room. I just heard your mother call out 'goodnight' a few minutes ago. And she wouldnt sleep if there was danger, would she?"

Considering it, she looked up to meet your eyes and shakes her head. No, her mother wouldn't. She lowered her sickle completely once she was convinced you were right, sliding it back under her pillow.

"Would you like me to read you something a little more joyfu-"

Before you had even finished, she nodded, plopping back down in her pillow.

"Yes."

"Very well."

Little Daniela x mom!y/n: (A/N: Couldn't help myself 😬)

You and Alcina had gone to bed not long after you had put the girls to bed. It was a long day, the girls celebrated their 6th birthday and you and your wife were positively exhausted.

Alcina had the idea of taking them to a theme park and little Daniela had escaped multiple times, ending up somewhere else each time and leaving you and Alcina both carrying one child while running through the theme park like idiots, screaming your lungs out.

At some point Alcina even contemplated buying a leash for her.

"You know, I have seen these people buy leashes for their childre-"

"Alcina. I am not going to put our girl on a leash."

"Right. Well, just a thought, my dear."

Alcina had slept in as soon as her head hit the pillow. No wonder, you thought. She refused to wear sneakers and ran through the park in high heels. Her back and feet were killing her, she said. You just about managed to hold back the 'I told you so' at the tip of your tongue.

Just when you were about to doze off, nuzzling into your wife's arms, you heard one of the girls cry out for you both. Looking up at Alcina and seeing she was gone out of her mind, you got out of bed and made your way to your crying daughter.

Opening the door and peeking in, you saw Daniela, sitting up and crying on the bed. As soon as she saw you, her arms reached out for you whilst she sobbed and cried.

"Sweetheart.. whats wrong?"

You asked while coming over, sitting down on the edge of the bed and wrapping her up in your arms. She cried into your chest as she clung onto you, babbling her words into your skin.

"Sweetie I cant hear you. Look at mama and tell me whats wrong."

Daniela lifts her head, looking up at you with her big sad eyes and wobbling lip.

"I had a- a dweam that someone stole Miss Min-Mouse an now she's GONEEE!"

She wails, throwing her head back into her neck and crying as loud as she possibly could.

"Ohh darling," You coo, rocking her in your arms as you look around the bed, finding her laying close to your feet.

Daniela must've accidentally thrown it out of bed as she slept.

Nudging it up with your foot, you grab it and wrap both arms around her again while a small idea pops into your head.

"Well you know what?" Little Daniela looks at you once more, sniffling hard while shaking her head almost violently.

"Right when I was on my way to you, me and mommy found the guy who took Miss Min-Mouse. She's taking care of him right now to make sure he never steals another stuffed animal from children ever again." You said, smiling at your youngest and holding up the Minnie Mouse for her to see.

She smiled brightly once she saw that her beloved stuffed animal she had gotten today was not gone, but that her mommy and mama rescued her.

"You the best mama.." She sniffled, taking the stuffed animal and nuzzling into your chest. Pressing a kiss to her hairline, you mumbled a 'you're welcome' before tucking her back into bed.

"An mommy's the best too.. tell her, kay?" Looking up at you, she wipes her eye with the back of her hand.

You assure her that you will, smiling at her and wiping her tears.

"But you and Miss Min-Mouse need to sleep now. See how tired she is..? My, she's exhausted! Im sure that if you sleep, she will sleep with you. Okay?"

"Tay Mama. Ni ni"

"Night night, bumblebee"

Mother Miranda:

Tonight was one of the not so many nights where Miranda slept in your shared bed.

The closer Eva's birthday had gotten, the more time she spent in the lab and away from you. You couldnt be mad at her in any way, you understood why she does what she's doing.

She was a mother who's lost her daughter and was willing to give everything in the world to get her back once more.

You were there when Eva was born, when she grew up and then lastly died. Miranda was shattered, lost herself. It took her so long to recover and when she did, she was trying to bring her back.

And even though she never let you see what she was doing, she told you about it. She knew it was wrong, but she couldnt help herself. All she wanted was her daughter back with her.. and you.

During the time when Eva died, you never left her side. You took over everything she couldnt do. Cook, clean, take care of certain things and on some days, herself.

Now Miranda was sleeping next to you, breathing deeply and content. You had woken up when she came to bed a few hours ago and took the opportunity to admire her beauty.

Before she sneaked into bed, she had changed in her black sheer nightgown that ended on her mid thigh and put her hair back in a ponytail.

You took the opportunity when given and decided to stay awake and ogle her a tiny bit.

Gently reaching over, you wrap your arm around her and gently caress the skin between her wings. They flutter for a moment when you did before relaxing once more.

Her body relaxed when you caressed her skin and at some point even wings. You had always loved the feeling of her soft feathers on you skin.

However, you had to cut your ogling short when she began letting out rough breaths and furrowed her eyebrows. You almost immediately recognised what was happening.

She used to have nightmares like these almost every night after Eva died so you learned to recognise it fairly quickly.

Moving your hand from her back to her arm, you gently shook her to wake her up from whatever dream she was having. Her rough breaths turned into small grunts as she writhed in her sleep.

The first few times, she wouldnt wake up when you called her name.

"Randy" You said, voice laced with worry. She seemed to be so deep asleep that the usual shaking and calling her name didnt help.

You did what you were about to do once, and Miranda did not like it. Bracing yourself, you reached for her wings again and wrap your fingers around a big feather of hers before plucking it right out of her wing.

She yelled, shooting up in bed and looking around with the most bewildered look you had ever seen before her eyes fall on you and the feather in your hand that you had plucked from her.

"You-.. You plucked one of my feathers." It was more a statement than anything, but she sounded way more calm than the last time you did this. You turned the last feather into one to write with so the sacrifice hadn't been for nothing. Might as well just do the same with this one.

"I did, I'm sorry. I couldnt get you to wake and-"

Before you could finish, Miranda was all over you. Her arms around your neck, her wings pulling you as close as she could manage while she buried her face into your neck.

Kissing her head, you held her as close as you could possibly manage while again, caressing her wings and whispering sweet nothings to the shaking woman in your arms.

She hadn't said anything close to thank you when you comforted her, but she did deliver breakfast in bed every morning for at least a month after that and tried her best to sleep in the same bed with you most nights since after that one, it showed her how much you truly kept her calm.

--------

I hope you enjoyed! I had fun writing this. :)

[moonastrogirl]

Vedic astrology and Celebrities Part 2

Keith Lee VS Atlanta

I love me some Keith Lee omg this Atlanta´s food scene situation is so crazy. Let me break it down to y’all why this is happening based on Vedic astrology.

Keith Lee is an Ardra moon (Rahu ruled) in Vedic astrology. Ardra nakshatra is ruled by Rudra who is the god of storms and the hunter. Ardra nakshatra’s goal is to destroy through storms and clear the path of someone’s life from inconfortable/painful/bad situations.

Before Ardra nakshatra there is Rohini and Mrigashirsha nakshatras. Those two were stuck in family issues and situations that were no good for them, obstructing their path. Ardra then comes in their life and cuts those issues, helping them escape and be free to start on a new path.

That’s exactly what the Atlanta vs Keith Lee situation is all about. I also assume Keith Lee’s wife is a rohini native.

So the restaurant called «  the real milk and honey » created issues for her and then Keith Lee had to intervene to clear the path for her so she will never have to experience this situation ever again. The thing is ardra nakshatra cannot stop until it has cleared it out all. That’s why Keith Lee kept doing what he did cause he was doing it to help his wife and to help local people so they won’t have to go through what she went through.

The storms are blessings in disguise cause afterwards people can build new foundations and start fresh.

Now the most interesting is on Monday 30th October the moon was in Rohini nakshatra then the whole week the moon was transitioning in Gemini nakshatras and on the 2nd November the moon was in Ardra nakshatra.

In conclusion Keith Lee was victorious because he was doing his mission as a food critic for the greater good (aka how Rahu ruled people can excel), he was honest (one of the main amazing qualities of Ardra natives) and he cleared the path for people to have better and improved experiences in ATL restaurant scene. He is really the ultimate avenger Istg.

Btw The Real Milk and Honey saying they don’t know who Keith Lee is was beginning of the end on social media for them because Rahu ruled people are known and international. Plus Rahu ruled people dominate social media. They even had to release an apology statement please y’all couldn’t handle the heat after starting some bs with him 🙄

I also saw some videos saying some people threatened the safety of Keith Lee and his family in ATL. This is insane 😨

Based on numerology 2023 is a 7 year and this number is a Ketu ruled one. In the name Atlanta there is the energy of 7. Ketu energy can be a really dangerous one. Especially when Ketu’s bad behaviours are being exposed to the world. Just think when politicians or judges or humanitarian groups are being exposed, what we learn is always on another level. They can use their power to abuse people they were supposed to help or lead or provide a service to. For instance Oxfam workers/volunteers being sexually harassed by their group leaders in 2018… Ketu ruled institutions can act completely unhinged and even dangerously. People said on Tiktok ATL had that energy with or without Keith Lee. It’s like dark vibes. It’s ketu vibes. Ketu energy can be really threatening.

Rahu ruled people need to be more careful this year until it’s over ! I am an Ardra sun and I had been to several places ruled by ketu energy and I felt the dark energy this year. Tho it only made me stronger to stay in my power and not let it consume me. Thanks to my strong ketu mostly ong 😭

I hope y’all enjoyed my analysis of the situation let me know by liking, commenting or rebloging and thank you for reading me once again 💜

[purelyfiction]

Crossfire -----✈︎ 4

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x F!Reader | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |

Word Count: 2,955

Summary: So much is riding on this mission, including your future, and that of those you’ve come to adore like family. When a tumultuous turn of events has you doing emotional somersaults, you’re overwhelmed with everything this career has brought to you, including this moment.

Content Warning: This is a successor to the first parts, please read that first! || This story will have TopGun: Maverick plot line elements to it and will possibly spoil the movie for you. Please be aware. This - and all of my stories - is 18+. By continuing to read you agree that you are 18 or older and that any content you come across is by your own decision. || MOST DEFINITELY SPOILERS FOR TOP GUN MAVERICK!! you’ve been warned. Tw; topics of death, plane accidents

Author Note: oh hey there, you’re still reading this stuff? well i’m glad you are !! i’m in the midst of writing the next part and you guys are not ready for this. i also know this part is a smidge short, but i promise you it’s so so so much more than just a word count. with that - enjoy!!

                                                      ✈︎  ✈︎  ✈︎

With the discussion with Maverick under your belt - and some newfound confidence thanks to the information that was revealed, you were able to get some food in you. You then sat on deck, drumming your fingers on your helmet as you watch the sun rise. You jump when you hear a voice from behind you. To your surprise, it’s Hangman. You look up at him as your mind registers his words. ‘It’s at least a clear day.’ 

“Yeah. Maybe it’ll be a little easier.” You hum, feeling him take a seat next to you. 

“No luck with Rooster?” He asks, leaving you more surprised. It makes you look at his face, which for the first time doesn’t have the familiar daredevil grin on his features. Jake Seresin was never one to be serious. This was a version of him that you didn’t exactly enjoy. 

“No.” You sigh, turning your head back to the brightening colors in the sky. “I feel so damn guilty. It was over nothing too.” Your fingers are tracing over the crescent moon shape that’s painted on your helmet, shades of navy blue, yellow and stars litter the surface, your callsign written in a pleasant calligraphy font. 

“Well… maybe you try when he’s forced to hear you?” Hangman suggests and you furrow your brows, looking over your shoulder. 

“Jake, are you suggesting I try talking to him in the air? Mid-mission? Don’t you think we’ll be a little preoccupied?” You ask with a breath of air moving through you with astonishment. He shrinks. 

“Yeah… I guess.” The two of you sit in the quiet again. 

“Thanks for trying to find a solution, Hangman. But I don’t think there’s any bandaging that’s going to stick before we get in the air.” With that, you’re standing from your crisscross spot, reaching out a hand and helping him to his feet. He takes it, standing upright, pulling you to his chest and gripping onto you tight. 

“You come home. You hear?” A weak smile fills your face - not that he can see it with it hidden in his flight suit. 

“Loud and clear.”

Taking to the flightdeck, you can feel your heartbeat in every step you take toward your jet. Coyote is right beside you, quiet as a church mouse. It’s not long after that your helmet is on, in your spot in the pilot’s seat, adjusting your mask to loosely hang from its snaps. You take one last look around the flightdeck, seeing faces watching you. You spot Hangman and Payback standing at attention, a firm salute to the six of you. As the canopy comes down to seal the two of you in, you return it, somewhat teary eyed. 

You can only hope this isn’t the last you’ll be seeing them. God, you hope it isn’t. 

The force of takeoff that used to be so thrill inducing instead feels like dread following you. You’re pushed against your seat with the movement, scaling into the air. 

The airtower is confirming each of your names, confirming your radio connections. It’s the first time you hear his voice in what feels like weeks. 

“Dagger 2.” It’s almost impossible to ignore the slight shake in his voice. He’s as scared as you are, and neither of you were ready to face this. 

Yet here it was. 

With each mile you gain towards the target, the more your stomach aches. Approaching the mountain range, you know that this is no dream, no practice run. 

Don’t think. Do. 

Each turn has you sliding, forcing yourself to take calculated breaths, making sure that you’re getting enough oxygen. It’s easy to forget that you’re already on the clock, but Coyote’s keeping track. Luckily. 

You nearly graze the one mountain, and can hear Phoenix. “Easy, Dagger 3. You’re over-adjusting.” A breath as you enter your next turn, your entire body moving with the force. Finally, you’re out of the turns, pulling up in a straight climb. Your entire body is vibrating, your mind racing. You can hear Maverick in front of you, initiating the first round of firing. Miss. It’s now Rooster’s turn to take a shot. The carrier tower confirms the missile missed its target. As you’re climbing, you’re hearing him struggle to get the target to align. With no confirmed lock on target, he’s firing. Contact. 

With contact made, half the miracle work is done. That was only the first shot. You had to make the second one. 

The final one. 

If you don’t lock on, you can’t take the shot. Then you risk Phoenix missing as well. All your efforts would be for nothing - leaving you running from enemy fire, in a desperate attempt to get back to the carrier. You dip into the valley, a shake in the jet as you shift the crosshairs, the screen flickering with the vibrations from the speed. “Starting targeting.” A breath in, one out. It feels like you’re hyperventilating, yet taking the slowest breaths. In a brief moment, the target locks and you take your shot - without confirmation.”Dagger 3, did you take the shot? Dagger 3?”

You don’t remember if contact was made. All you remember is shifting into escape mode. Rising from the valley, into smoke filling the sky, immediately pulling up as hard as you can, the entire jet shaking as if you were careening from the sky, yet you’re going the opposite direction. You’ve nearly cleared the peak when it comes over your comms. 

“Dagger 1 has been hit. I repeat, Dagger 1 has been hit.” Your stomach drops, forcing you to push further. No, no, no. He needs help, he needs backup, a wingman. You want to get to him - need to get to him. As you increase the speed, your vision is beginning to go dark at the edges.

“Moonshine, we’re pushing 10 Gs as it is!” Coyote comes from behind you but you don’t hear him. 

10.1 10.2 10.3

Finally you clear the peak,making the aggressive change in direction, leaving you plummeting to the ground, soaring down, beginning the onslaught of avoiding enemy fire. Your hands are moving faster than your brain. You barely register what’s happening, but it’s that drive that gets out and into the clear. You feel faint, on the verge of blacking out, and it’s likely showing. Your name is coming through the comms’ Coyote’s searching for confirmation that you’re alright. With no words exchanged, the tower is checking in, forcing a response from you: “Dagger 3 is clear. No damage.” 

“We have to get him.” Rooster’s voice comes through. Oh God, Rooster don’t- 

“Dagger 2 you are to return to the carrier. We have no signal on Dagger 1, there is nothing we can do.” 

“We can’t just do nothing.” There’s tension in his voice, which leaves you with tears in your eyes. You want to go back, you want to support Rooster. Maverick. God, Maverick.

“You have firm orders.” Another voice, “Dagger 2 is out of position.” 

“Lt. Bradshaw. Bradshaw!” There’s no response. You attempt to reach out to him.

“Rooster! Rooster come on.” It’s then that you realize you’re not getting any feedback. “Coyote, can you hear me?” Pressing every button on your comms, you’re not getting anything. Nothing from your RIO, nothing from Dagger 4, the tower, Rooster. 

Nothing.

For the next thirty minutes, it’s you and the radio static as you lurch forward to the carrier. You rush your landing, well knowing that your aeronautics instructor would have heavily reprimanded you for such a landing. You’re numb, not from the vibration of the plane, or the screeching halt you’d suddenly come to.

You’re numb, because your favorite people were either MIA or on the way into enemy fire.

As soon as the canopy’s clear, you’re jumping from the craft and running, running to the tower. Despite the people yelling at you since the runway is active, Coyote begging you to stop. There’s no time for the elevator, so you’re taking the stairs, two at a time. Moving at such a speed, you inevitably trip, scraping the palms of your hands on the metal before getting up again. The sting of your hands pales to the ringing of your head, but you have no care or concern for your own well being at this moment. By the time you’ve reached the last landing, you’re gasping for air, barely any energy remaining. The door to the room moves with ease, and when you step in, all eyes are on you. 

The room is quiet when you throw the door open. Admiral Simmons looks at you, your rank leaving his mouth. “Dagger 2. Did he find him? Did Rooster find Maverick?” You’re panting, your lungs on fire. Eagerly, you’re waiting for an answer. 

There’s not a soul who dares to move, to speak. “Well??” One of the traffic controls turns to you. 

“Dagger 2 was hit. We just lost signal.” 

Your heart jumps into your throat. There’s barely any air moving through your lungs as it is, but now you can’t even begin to take a breath. Your chest is tight, the dark room spinning around you as tears flood your vision. “No… no .. but-but he’s okay? They’re okay… they have to be okay.” It’s a near sob that breaks through you, multiple sets of hands reaching your shoulders, guiding you out of the control tower room. 

You can tell you’re moving, yet your legs aren’t going anywhere. It’s then that you realize that Bob has an arm under your shoulder, Payback on your left. They’re physically carrying you down the steps as tears leave you immobile. They move with such caution, such care, yet your vision blurs it like they’re moving 100 miles per minute. When they get to the bottom of the staircase, they’re taking a break, trying to get through to you. You can’t. You… can’t do this without them.

Without him.

Your day started with hours feeling as though they were minutes. Yet now, curled in your bunk, you feel like minutes have become hours. Luckily for you, most of the cohabitants of the room had their own tasks at hand so they were not bothering you. Though, that meant they didn’t know. In a blissful state of ignorance. 

Two pilots were presumed to be dead. Two men who had helped you get to this spot, whether you were willing to admit that or not. The creaking of the quarter door has you shifting your head toward the sound. The lights were completely out, leaving a halo over the person entering, that was until she turns on the lights. “Shiner?” You pull the sheets over your head, a whimper accompanying it. Maybe you were being selfish right now. You were sure Phoenix wasn’t taking this easy either. With that reminder, you push the sheets back again, climbing from the bunk and to the floor where she joins you. “Bob and the rest of the guys were worried about you but… didn’t want to…” She nods her head toward the room, well knowing that men weren’t permitted in the sectioned off area of the ship.

“Right.” A slight laugh pairs with it as you wipe at your eyes. Sniffing, you take a look at her. Her hair is out of place from her helmet, her eyes just as red as your own had to be. You sigh and let your head hit the middle bunk, trying to stop the tears. Natasha speaks so softly in the eerie quiet. 

“Did you tell him?” The words crush you further, another wave begins to drown you in grief. You fall into her shoulder, where she’s wrapping her arms around you. 

“If you knew, I hope that he did.” Your voice cracks when you say it. “I can’t… it never got to be love. I loved him. I didn’t get to love him.” Natasha’s heart is breaking for you, her hand moving to the side of your head as your diaphragm muscle spasms, making your breath skip as you try to pull air into your lungs. She pulls your head toward her shoulder, your temple meeting the edge of her green t-shirt, soon enough stained with tears. 

“We’re all here for you, hon’. I brought you something from the commissary, it’s not gonna fix anything, but I just.. Hoped it could ease some of the big emotions.” She’s reaching into her pocket, struggling to pull out whatever she crammed into it. When it’s successfully released from the confines, she hands the package to you, making you pick up your head as she presents it. A mellow smile stretches across your face as tears flood your eyes again, hands carefully taking the gold packaging. Looking at you through the clear window in the plastic is a parade of rainbow gummy bears. A laugh starts to breathe life into your lungs, Phoenix looks at you with a confused smile. “What?” 

“Nothing.” You smile as you start to open the package, offering her some when it’s finally open. She’s happy to take some, leaving the two of you on the women’s quarter floor, a bag of gummies between the two of you, tears silently running down each other’s faces. 

It takes you another half hour or so to collect yourself off the floor, wash your face with cold water, blow your nose - compose yourself. You would have a debriefing to get to, no doubt about it. You’re leaning onto the sink basin, taking a shaky breath before looking into the mirror. As you’re thinking of exiting - the mirror rattles on the steel walls, the floor vibrates, a roaring coming from floors above you. 

Everyone had been grounded. So why was there a plane taking off?

Exiting the bathroom, you’re following the hallway to the nearest staircase. After already breaking into the control tower once, you move to the nearest jet and helmet, listening to the comms channel. “Lt. Seresin, ground your plane, immediately.”

“You said there was a signal, and with all due respect, if there is a sailor out there on their own, I’ll be damned if I’m sitting around and letting them die from my lack of action.” 

Signal?? 

“What signal??” You jump on the line, only to be scolded as well. “I’m not flying, I’m listening. What signal is he talking about?”

“Maverick has a signal. He’s out there, I’m not letting him down.” A breath. Stay put, Mav. You’re mentally begging him to just sit and wait.

“Jake.” You warn, hearing him muttering something else. 

“Yeah?” 

“Bring him home.”

In the half hour it should’ve taken Hangman to get there, you learned that Maverick had stolen an enemy craft and was attempting to fly that back to the carrier. They had no line of communication, just some signals and plane stats. It was nail biting to say the least. The radio crackles to life again. “I have visual on Maverick - and what looks to be Rooster.”

Your forehead drops to the side of the plane as relief sings through your heart. He’s alive. He’s alive. There’s minimal time for celebration as a rapid succession of events occurs. In the time of spotting them, Jake is firing shots and missiles - just barely saving their asses. You can hear laughter on Hangman’s end, some sort of teasing response to being a hero, before telling them he’d see them on deck. 

And you thought your landing was rough. The entire ship seemed to shake with intensity as the old craft scraped the asphalt - a horrifying sound pairing it. What without any wheels, there were less predictable endings. Upon stopping, you can see smoke and crew immediately hosing the nose of the jet down with extinguishers. Yet, the canopy pops up, a rather smiley Maverick popping up. “Did you guys miss us?” He cries out and you’re running again. You’re not the only one to start crowding the jet, but you’re certainly the closest to it.

 As you’re running, you watch as the brown haired male climbs from the jet, a little unstable when he reaches the ground. “Bradley!!” His head pokes up just in time for your chests to collide, your arms wrapping around him in the tightest death grip, tucking themselves under his armpits, your face crushing into his chest. Sore arms reciprocate the grip you have on him to hold onto you, reassuringly his head comes to meet the top of yours as sobs start up again. You barely make out the shushing sounds he’s offering over the cheers and chants overwhelming the top of the ship. A hand rubbing your back slowly, he’s squeezing you with all he has left in him. You don’t dare let go, gripping the canvas of his flight suit, taking a deep breath of him into your senses. It’s instant reassurance, this isn’t an imposter, a doppleganger, a replacement. It’s Bradley. 

“Moon,” Rooster finally speaks, his grip loosening on you, trying to pull you away. Instead, you hold on tighter, not wanting to release him. “Moon. Let go.” 

“No. Don’t make me, please, don’t make me.” Your words are muffled by his shoulder, which he is prying you from. When your eyes meet, you witness a new kind of relief. Not your own, but his. The blonde is soon taking your hand, undoing the zipper of his suit slightly, only to guide your hand onto his chest. Hazel hues connect with yours again.

“You feel that?” He quips, forcing you to nod rather hesitantly, a sniff matching it. Under your palm you can feel his pulse, his heart absolutely racing. “I’m here. I’m alive.” Rooster’s grip on your hand tightens at the words. “I’m not going anywhere, Moon. I promise.”

———————————————— ✈︎

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[1ovede1uxe]

02. the sun┊ ┊⋆ beyond the stars

synopsis - you've been sent to join the joestar crew on their mission to defeat dio by... dio? y/n is an undercover stand user who joins the sdc to report back to dio their findings and notes about their stands, up until a few moral dilemmas get in the way of your original mission.

ch. synopsis - a really awkward car ride with three teenagers cramped in the back

quick author note: the episode the sun was just difficult to write, so I kinda danced around it, apologies. this chapter is going to serve to set up the next one :)

You all sat there in the car, almost kind of awkwardly, only almost, as you were the only point of tension. Ever since you woke up from your car nap, that is. Conversation seemed to be flowing and you waking up was a dam in the river. Now awake, what a better way to pass time than to resort to a twitter scroll? You don’t notice it initially, but Jotaro surely does peek over at your screen. He sees your feed of some stan twitter, art, and American news.

There’s absolutely no fucking way.

You stifle a small laugh, but apparently not very well. From what it seems to you, Jotaro flutters his eyes open from the seat next to you. “Can you keep it down? What’s so funny you have to wake me up anyways…” You quickly bookmark a tweet and then send it to someone named Mariah. Unbeknownst to you, Jotaro takes note of this. “Oh, sorry..” You awkwardly apologize. “I just thought it was funny that Dio has twitter.” Jotaro keeps his unamused look and mutters a trademark “good grief.” He too, begins to scroll, then type.

God, I feel like he doesn’t trust me, which y’know, fair enough, but I don’t want him to dislike me either way, it’s gonna cause problems for them and me.

Having been lost in thought, you didn’t even notice Kakyoin in the seat next you take out his earbuds and peak over your shoulder “Hm, Let me see.” You happily oblige, rotating yourself toward Kakyoin, your thigh pressed against his (the middle seat is a tight fit). You scroll through his account and chuckle at his inability to grasp modern culture, let alone social media. After a fleeting moment of shared humor, Polnareff groans after waking up from a front seat nap. “Are we thereee yet?” He drags out. “Fifteen minutes, everybody.” Mr Joestar announces from the drivers seat. You sideeye at Kakyoin on his phone, not out of judgement, but just observing.

I’m not going to lie, he honestly is kinda attractive. To be fair, so is Jotaro but there’s something about Kakyoin…

Once he notices, he quickly shuts off his phone.

Odd.

Conveniently, the car pulls to a stop and Mr. Joestar rushes you all out. Next thing you know, you’re hoisted on camel back.

— The Events of the Episode/Chapter “The Sun” take place —

You send a reaction Mariah’s message and put your phone in the night stand. After the incidents of today, your bones ached, and though you were treated to dinner and many glasses of water, there was still that dry tickle at the back of your throat. The clock ticked on the wall and it was all you could focus on in your room at the inn. You were restless. It felt like you were waiting for something to happen. Your mind raced with thoughts of today, your mother, why you were even here, how you got roped into all of this. “I need air.” You spoke, as if to excuse yourself from your own thoughts. You sat yourself at the small table just outside the Inn door, between your room and the room adjacent. The moon shined brightly upon you. What you didn't expect was the room right next to yours to creak open the door and sit across from you.

left it on a cliffhanger because I didn't want the chapter to be too long! I hope all your holidays were wonderful, I'm very excited for the new year to start, prob gonna make it a resolution to finish this fic and also work on my writing skills otherwise lol. Thank you all for the love this fic is recieving As always, taglist is open by request through askbox.

previous chapter // next chapter // masterlist

[monochromaticwriting]

Have some newlyweds Gabriel and Marie, the day after their wedding.

Gabriel woke up to a dark cottage. It was too early for the sun to rise yet, so the moon cast her soft glow into the room still. His eyes slowly open and blink into awareness. The knight was used to waking up early, no matter if he had a job or mission that day. However, when his eyes focused on the figure beside him, this wasn't his routine that woke him.

Beside him, was his best friend of nearly twenty years. Now his wife of one day, out of many more. Gabriel's heart fluttered at the sight of Marie in the moonlight. She looked so peaceful and beautiful. His arms tighten around her and he buries his face in her hair. Marie stirred, but only enough to cuddle closer, and sigh his name gently in her sleep.

Gabriel had dreamed of this since he was a little boy, stuck in the Brotherhood of Light's orphanage. He had prayed and begged God for a family. A large one. One that pushed the seams of the cottages in the village. Most adults were unsettled by Gabriel when he was a child, so he was in the orphanage until adulthood. It was strange, watching many of his brothers and sisters be adopted, and watching many more come in through those doors, but always wondering why no one wanted him.

He didn't mind it now. After all, it led to him finding the love of his life, and the mother of their future children. Gabriel sighs softly. The wedding was still fresh on his mind, and the ring on his hand was still warm. The band shined softly in the light, signifying their eternal love and bond.

"Why are you awake so early?" Marie's voice asks, her voice was soft from sleep.

This startled Gabriel. How long has she been awake?

"I was just thinking." He says, his voice was also soft. He felt Marie pull back to look at him.

"Oh? Care to share your thoughts with your beloved wife?" One of her hands reaches up and cups his face. He sighs softly, covering that hand with his, pulling it to his lips to kiss her wrist.

"I was thinking of how much I love you, and how wonderful it feels to call you my wife." He answers softly. He saw her face flush slightly, but her smile was soft and dreamy. Like she couldn't believe this either. That was a wonderful thought to him.

"Quite early to be this sappy, my love." She chuckles. That loving name sent warmth throughout his body. He leans into her, and they nuzzle their noses together. Neither one quite had the energy for a kiss this early.

They both fell asleep, whispering promises of the future and love for each other. Right now, everything was perfect for Gabriel. For once, he was excited for the future, because he could build it with Marie.

[ma-du]

"I, Thanatos, have a mission for three of you demigods." Says the black angel, immense wings spreading over the Fields of Mars and hiding the moon behind shiny feathers like a slick of motor oil on the sun. "In the land beyond the reach of the gods, my half-blood son traded places with me as a giant's prisoner. I want him back. You have four days." ••• Or: Some gods have preferred bloodlines for their children – and the Peverells are Thanatos' favorite, even though, until Lily and James, he didn't have a demigod child. Until he has him, Thanatos' first half-blood child in more than two thousand years – a boy mortals know as Harry, but Thanatos names Zagreus, in honor of a long-lost friend. A child with his mortal father's hair, his mother's eyes, and the black wings of his godly sire. And when he switches places with Thanatos in Alaska – after all, everything that dies must stay dead – Harry – as his namesake – sets off a chain of events that will completely change the course of the Gigantomachy. ••• Or the one where Harry Potter is literally the son of Death Incarnate, and the power that the Dark Lord doesn't know is the divine ichor in his veins.

[lavenoon]

AU AU AUs of choice, how would Sun and Moon react respectively to hearing Robin hum/sing on the job or from the other half of the house?

Answering for pre-reveal/ before the dynamics kinda blur together uwu

Main: Dusk takes a moment - he's used to banter, and an always vigilant Robin. So this is new, and before he can think better of it, he'll tease them with the newly acquired pet name "songbird." Will immediately regret it when Robin huffs and stops, whining and pestering them to continue for perhaps the entire mission. Later in the dynamic he may start humming/ singing to get them to join in again, and later in the dynamic, they might <3

Sun is busy pining, so mostly he does just that - depending on how close it is and how far they are in the friendship he goes from a happy little acknowledgement to himself to theatrically sighing with a hand pressed against the wall, wishing it gone, to maybe even just humming along loud enough for them to hear, inviting them to take it to the balconies or the backyard where they can share a space <3

Reverse: Dawn will do his damndest to pretend he's not hearing anything. He knows if they notice he's actually listening really, really intently, near reverently, they'll stop immediately and take offense somehow. It's rare enough they let their guard down like that, and he won't risk breaking that moment. Might find himself humming the songs to himself when he's alone later <3

God, man, Moon's just straight up pining. Sorry, but at this stage he has No Game, and apart from getting distracted and listening in for as long as he can he just. does nothing. If he likes the melody himself and not just because he heard Y/N hum/ sing it he'll look it up himself, maybe listen every now and then, and give himself away when he starts humming it where Y/N might overhear <3

Hatchling & Reverse Hatchling: For the neighbors very little changes, except that even Sun is more hesitant to reach out, and probably just sticks to mere pining. Both of them do it a lot though, lots of pining and lots of lamenting the fact that they cannot get closer to this symbol of an unbothered civilian life (oh, sweet summer children), that they have to stay away - they're so bad sorry not sorry

The agents have a bit more wiggle room - putting this after the fuck up and consequent apology in those timelines, neither will want to give Robin any indication that they don't enjoy their playful side, so any criticism or shushing will happen at worst in a tense situation, though Robin would be quiet in those. (Well, except maybe humming the Jaws theme when a group of hostiles is looking for them, and laughing at whatever hissed reprimand they get back - but that's on purpose annoying, not enjoying music for itself)

Dusk is more reserved than as a junior agent - he enjoys it, but feels like he's intruding when they let their guard down like that. He tends to not acknowledge it, doesn't look more than he has to, but stays quiet. It's like if he talks to them they will notice he's still there, intruding, and the moment will shatter, rather than realizing that they never even forgot that he's there, and let their guard down because of him, not despite <3

Dawn allows himself much more than as the junior agent - he looks, and he listens, and he smiles very obviously, may even throw in an affectionate tease or two if Robin doesn't seem too taken aback once they notice his attention. If he feels like they're shy now that he noticed, he'll hum a few tones, just to get them to start up again, and might hum along in the future, too <3

Dynamic Swap & Reverse: The neighbors are. Not even really pining, but a bad cocktail of emotions. Some pining, sure - but mixed with "Oh they can be happy, they can sound like this, it's just never in my presence" and the regret of how wrong they took things. Sun is huffier about it, more in denial, might walk away when he hears only to find himself trailing back trying to catch a few more notes. Moon wants to leave, feeling like he's overstepping, but keeps finding excuses to stay and listen just for a bit longer, just because it's one of the few times he heard them with their guard down

The agents on the other hand? The agents continue creating a cringe blast radius for everyone around Robin and them and neither of them are sorry

Dusk will annoyingly ask for an Encore whenever the opportunity arises, bribing Robin with food and sometimes even mission details to "come on, can you do the ABCs?" (or any other ridiculous children's song). He's a little shit and absolutely aware of it, one step away from playing announcer for their little impromptu performances. But he stays quiet for the singing itself, only perhaps humming along if the moment is quiet enough <3

Dawn I have to tell you might just propose a duet because how could he not? There's his equal at work, the senior agent who has acknowledged him and respects him, with the most beautiful singing voice, and he's supposed to not join in? No, he has no brakes (whether he should need some I'll leave to you) and he's having way too much fun indulging that he'd ever think about how he's laying it on really thick <3

[novacore0]

Long ago in equestra there lived two princesses, one took care of the sun and the Color’s in the morning sky, and the other was in charge of the moon and the stars that watched over the ponys in the night. The ponys worshiped them like gods but always seemed to favour the oldest sister, she bathed in their praise as she loved it. They called her Celestia, and her sister Luna.

Luna grew jealous and a mysterious force started to grow within her, soon transforming her into Nightmare Moon. While the two had been working together for years and years the pressure of being a princess had finally broke her. After Celestia took care of her the public never saw either of them again, the sun and moon kept moving so every pony just assumed they still were alive and well.

After that day when Celestia banished her own sister to the moon she realized how much of a mistake she had made but it was too late, she had her own life to deal with and made sure everything relating back to her sister was kept quiet and away from everyone even her kids. That’s right by then Luna had a son and he wasn’t going to stay there so he left and started a new life. Years and years go by till he watched his Granddaughter be born before he passed. As she grows up her parents knew she had great magical talent and takes her back to where they knew she would be appreciated.

Twilight was her name, Twilight Eclipse. She is the great granddaughter of Princess Luna and is now being sent on a mission. To help prepare for a celebration for the Queen. Does she want to no, but she needs a good grade on this to pass her final exam…

[checkoutmybookshelf]

Little Moments with Massive Impacts

I absolutely adored Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun God, and there is something lush and comfortable and quietly gripping about Sue Lynn Tan's writing. When Tan's original duology ended, I was satisfied, but honestly this is one of those worlds where I would happily take anything more the author was willing to give us. And she has given us some new small moments and an epilogue that just wrapped my heart in a warm blanket and squish hugged it. Let's talk Tales of the Celestial Kingdom.

SPOILER WARNING!!! I am going to spoil not only TotCK, but DotMG and HotSG. BE WARNED.

This little short story collection is divided into three main sections: "Dusk," "Twilight," and "Dawn." Each section covers moments before, during, or after the main duology. The only story from Xingying's perspective is the last one; the other stories are from the perspective of other characters.

"Dusk" focuses on Chang'e and Houyi and expands their relationship before Xingying's birth. It also explores the toll killing the sunbirds took on Houyi and the choices that led to Chang'e taking the immortality elixir to save her own and Xingying's life. Seeing their relationship and their clear love for each other before decades of grief and change have colored and complicated it was a delight. Chang'e and Houyi in this version of their tale are fiercely in love, and that is ultimately what makes their story so tragic.

I also loved that, despite the brevity of the stories, the emotions were clear, complex, and communicated effectively. That can be hard to do in short form (I have always been terrible at it; I like to have a little more space to really wallow in feelings when I write) and I've never been a major short story girl; I like novel-length stuff. But I was entirely here for this reimagining of the Chang'e myth.

"Twilight" fills in spaces that were implied but not explored during the DotMG and HotSG timelines. We get a little more Liwei and Xingying as students, with a quick little adventure just as Liwei realizes he is beginning to fall in love. We also get a little more Wenzhi and Xingying in the Celestial army, also as Wenzhi realizes he is falling in love. I absolutely adore seeing Xingying through their eyes, and it was very instructive to see how they perceive their relationship with Xingying. I was ALWAYS a Wenying (Xingzhi? I dunno, reblog with your preferred ship name) girl, because quite frankly Liwei had too many Prince Jonathan of Conte vibes for me to think he was a good idea. Getting into Liwei's head just strengthened that perception, and while I can understand that he and Wenzhi were both inherently flawed characters...frankly I could support Wenzhi's flaws a lot more smoothly than Liwei's. (Honestly y'all, I might actually need to slap Liwei, especially when he's out here being an UTTER DICKHEAD).

Our boys aren't the only perspectives in "Twilight." We also get Shuxiao and Mengqi's mission to free the Celestial Emperor from Wugang. We are always here for BFF Shuxiao, and honestly if we were ever to get another short story collection in the Celestial Kingdom, I want a slice-of-life first date for these lovely ladies, because they have SUCH A SPARK. Like, we get one short story for them. It is 19 pages. And yet I am HERE for them to have a long, happy life snarking off at each other. The chemistry was just beautifully done. Give our girls their own book.

Finally, "Dawn" gives us a little more from Wenzhi in his mortal life, and Yingxing inserting herself into it. It's darling, and I appreciate the subtle nuances and differences that highlight that yes, this is definitely Wenzhi, but it's not Wenzhi the Prince of the Demon Realm. And yet he and Xingying are still perfect for each other, still love each other. And they have their first mortal date at Wenzhi's favorite tea house. It's DARLING.

What the final story does, however, is give me the ending that I desperately hoped for--but notably did not get--at the end of HotSG. The end of that book gives us the hope that Wenzhi and Xingying will have an immortal life together with Wenzhi's memories and experiences as an immortal restored to him. It was a wonderful, uplifting end to a book that had a lot to do with grief, but the thing it didn't do was make it too easy. Which I think is so important for good storytelling.

That said, actually getting Xingying and Wenzhi reuniting as immortals, and--for Wenzhi--picking up after he had just sacrificed himself for Xingying was SO. SATISFYING. We had the hope, we knew it was a possibility, and that's often what we have to sit with and exist with in real life. That's fine. But every once in a while--a very great while, it seems--we get the fruition of that hope and promise. We actually get the unambiguously happy ending and we, along with Xingying, remember that happiness is crucial.

Y'all, the end of this collection is so soft and happy, and I'm so deeply grateful that it's in the world with me.

[respectthepetty]

Rage Against the (Expresso) Machine

TLDR: An Age of Enlightenment

The teachers' questions are targeted toward Ayan, not just by asking him, specifically, to respond but in the questions themselves:

Teacher Waree’s questions deal with political constructs and control, something that they want to do to Ayan

The language teacher is asking about the sun and the moon, which symbolize Ayan

The chemistry teacher is asking about boiling points and why substances dissolve, which could allude to Ayan breaking down

Ayan finds a sense of safety away from school in the café, which has a history in the gay community and invites Thua into that space to reward his help.

*Disclaimers – Long post that is coming from a western perspective, so implicit biases can exist. Call me out! If you see something, say something. Also, everyone doesn’t mean everyone. In the 18th century, the only people who could work and own property tended to be white men, so if everyone is stated, it usually means everyone in that specific group. Finally, chemistry is not in my wheelhouse.

The Bad Place

We continue to get shots of Ayan between bars at school as if being imprisoned

Yet the questions Waree asks Ayan are about philosophers who are key players in the foundational beliefs of democracy. All lived under a monarchy or dictatorship, yet wanted people to be free to decide how to be governed. They are from the 18th century, which is a period known as The Age of Enlightenment where individualism, logic, and cynicism of the law were heavily encouraged. These men also indirectly contributed to the United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution:

Politics

Thomas Hobbes believed that everyone was equal and should pick their ruler, but he also believed that once picked, that ruler had absolute power; therefore, everyone made an agreement within the group to give the ruler his power, and also to abide by it. Hobbes wrote a book called Leviathan, named after the biblical creature that brings chaos to people and can only be slayed by God. God created everything, so he created this creature and could be the only one to destroy it – absolute power. (USA connection - Election of leader and social agreement of the group to abide by his rule)

Charles Montesquieu believed that power needed to be divided to remain balanced. Each section could monitor the other sections with an agreed-upon system of checks and balances to maintain law and order – legislative, executive, and judicial branches. (USA connection - U.S. government)

John Locke agreed with Hobbes that a ruler should be selected by the people, but believed that the agreement was between the group and the ruler. If the ruler did not fulfill his duties, the group did not have to abide by the rules. He also believed that everyone had inalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of property, that the ruler could not deny resulting in no absolute power. (USA connection - Thomas Jefferson changed it to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence)

Side mission – Jean-Jacques Rosseau isn't mentioned, but he is the fourth pillar in the democratic foundation and was the most radical. He didn't believe in rulers but facilitators. Everyone gets to vote, and the majority wins instead of having elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people. If a person did not abide by the laws laid out by the majority, that person was free to exit to the left.

Language

The subtitles clarify that “Phra Arthit” is the sun; however, “Phra” denotes that the teacher is asking about the GOD of the sun, not just the sun. She follows this question by asking about the moon god. Ayan and Akk represent the moon and the sun, but she, as a character, doesn’t know this, and Ayan and Akk aren’t deities. However, in a very simplified version, Phra Arthit (Son God) and Phra Chandra (Moon God) conflict with Rahu (solar eclipse) and Ketu (lunar eclipse), so if the lesson continued, the focus would be on the chaos the eclipses cause, which would remind Ayan and the class of the curse’s ramifications.

Side mission - Rahu and Ketu’s orbital cycle takes 18 years, which is a saros, so it's been either eighteen years since the last curse or one of the boys turning 18 triggers it.

Another side mission – Dika warned Ayan to know the true meaning of words, which is probably why he excels at this questioning.

Chemistry

The boiling point is based on the internal forces of the substance while solubility (capability of dissolving) is based on the substance's ability to bond with the external substance. Water holds both negative and positive *energy* (not the right term, but chemistry is not my thing), so to bond with other substances and dissolve them, the other substance must also be polar/have negative and positive instead of absolutes.

The teacher could be asking basic chemistry questions, but because the other two teachers' questions were pointed, a quick analysis of these questions could reflect that the harder Ayan resists, the quicker he'll break down and conform(?).

Comprehensive Exam

All in all, each teacher attempts to exert some underlying knowledge over power/control, the curse, and breaking points, yet each time, the opposite can be seen; Waree’s lesson highlights how people should have the right to decide how they want to be governed, the language teacher shows that the eclipse isn't something to be feared, but a natural occurrence, and the chemistry teacher shows that breaking down and bonding can help create new substances.

Side mission - Thua attempts to help each time by trying to answer the questions or not making these moments into a spectacle like his peers.

For his help, he is granted access to Ayan’s safe space.

The Good Place

Pride is celebrated in America in June because that is when the Stonewall Riots (1969, New York) happened. It was started mainly by trans folx (Their names are important! Go learn them!) throwing a brick while at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar.

Gay bars tend to be the popularized safe spaces in media for the gay (not queer) community, yet, historically, they have been rather exclusive. These spaces often weren't accepting of the trans community or people of color. Intersectionality is always at play even in spaces that should be open to all in the community.

However, three years before that, trans folx started another riot by throwing coffee at police officers, which is known as the Compton Cafeteria Riot (1966, San Francisco).

During the 18th century (full circle moment!), in the Age of Enlightenment, the creation of coffeehouses rose. They were seen as an alternative space for sharing ideas, holding intellectual conversations, and participating in political discussions outside of the university that were available and open to everyone regardless of education. These reasonings automatically lent themselves to the “gay agenda” (organize the community), so queer cafés have existed just as long, if not longer than gay bars.

The choice to make the show’s safe space a café could be because the plot revolves around high schoolers who can't legally drink, so a bar would be inappropriate, but…the show has proven to be more critical of the way space is utilized. Making the safe space a café calls back to the coffeehouse’s origin of being a space open to everyone to share, learn, and organize. It also reinforces that the space is inclusive to EVERYONE in the community.

The choice of making the wait staff dress in maid outfits seems to refer to the maid cafés that are spread across Asian countries. In those cafés, the maids are always women who are held to stereotypical beauty standards, and their job is to help their patrons. Neither of the wait staff seen in the café display those stereotypical beauty standards, which highlights the core functions of the establishment – to be open to EVERYONE and provide help for all who enter, even those who aren't out.

Side mission - It could simply be the way the building is, but it is interesting that when Ayan entered, he was shot with the door behind him since he is a passage for Thua and others into this place, while Akk and Kan are seen with the wall of cameras behind them because they are there to watch and monitor and can't be free since they believe someone is always watching them (e.g. Kan's "if we stay, we'll be stereotyped too).

Random musing - The irony that now breweries and coffee shops are the first signs of gentrification is a strange transition of our time. However, they are more expensive than their humble counterparts (bars and coffeehouses), so they are meant for a more leisurely crowd with disposable income. Although Ayan and Thua are the more “out” boys, which is why they are in the safe space, they are also the more affluent, which is why we see them with drinks, perhaps.

Very excited for next week and the show’s handling of the open discrimination of gay men who present characteristics outside of traditional masculinity (i.e. femme traits).