#to explain properly .. not all of them would know/articulate this well

[planetbots]

Can the robots consume human food? Do they NEED to consume SOMETHING to survive atleast? Do they have batteries or plug themselves into outlets (i noticed mercury's little powerplug tail so do they sometimes. stick their tail into a power outlet and just (not very still-ly) sit there)?

(none of them Need to eat but they still like to and it helps with running for longer periods of time without stopping for a few hours to charge at an outlet. most of them have internal charging ports on their arms, mercury and venus do not. mars doesn't eat and is solar powered, and jupiter is always connected to the grid, so doesn't need to eat even if she wants to)

(thats the intention for their charging cable, but bc of the reason you mentioned it doesn't see a ton of use. they're rarely at a full charge and prefer living off of snacks even if that's not "healthy")

[progmetol]

Iveri for the TES Gala, repping Akatosh and the Empire. It’s relatively simple but Iveri is generally pretty no-frills/no-BS to begin with so it fits her. She’s not used to big social events, especially with her newfound status, hence the nervous look.

Below the cut is a silly drabble that… while featuring Iveri, it’s mostly her talking to her son, Caecilus, who is about eight years old and got dragged along because his babysitter assassinated a queen recently and has to lay low I mean family bonding :)

Also explains the choice of Akatosh.

“Ma… why do we all have to be dressed up like Lord Akatosh?”

Caecilus would stare intently at his mother as she kneeled in front of him, affixing his belt properly around his tunic.

“Because your father is a very important man. He’s the Grand Chancellor. Since we don’t have an Emperor, that means that he represents the entire Empire,” Iveri would explain, speaking slowly and articulating clearly for her young son. “Do you remember what Akatosh did for the Empire?”

“He made a… cov-en-nant with Lady Alessia?” Caecilus answers, looking at his mother’s expression for approval.

“Yes, he did. And that covenant was confirmed by the creation of the Amulet of Kings. Because of that, Akatosh and the Red Diamond represent the Empire. And since we represent the Empire, we are dressing to celebrate Akatosh.” An oversimplification, but it would do for the boy.

“Oh.” He looks down at his tunic, a brilliant red color that he wasn’t too unfamiliar with. He reached out his arms as Iveri began to fasten his golden cuffs around them.

“Then why were Concordia and my other half-sisters dressed as Arkay?”

“Because Arkay is the patron divine of Cheydinhal, and by extension, House Tharn,” Iveri replies.

“But because father is very important, he has to be Akatosh and not Arkay?”

“Exactly! You understand.” Iveri stands up to admire her work on her son. “Now you look very handsome. You look just like your father.”

“But he isn’t handsome! He’s OLD!” Caecilus shouts at a moderate enough volume to invoke the relevant presence from the room over.

“Fear the old man in a profession where many men die young,” says the elder Tharn as he pushes the door open. He scans the room, eyes traveling up and down both his son and his wife, before settling on something to say.

“I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight, Caecilus. There are going to be a lot of people of …varying amounts of importance here. Any inappropriate behavior from you reflects poorly on myself, your mother, and the Empire.” Abnur looks down upon his son, speaking in his usual serious demeanor, yet with a certain softness that his other children likely never bore witness to. He leans against the door frame, arms crossed.

“Yes, sir. But earlier, I was thinking,” the boy says. “I think you and mom are more like Stendarr. Because you both killed a Daedric Prince!” Enthusiasm coats his voice.

“We didn’t kill him. We subdued him,” Iveri says. “There’s a difference. It is impossible to kill a daedra, let alone a prince,” she explains, before muttering clarification. “At least, with current knowledge.”

“But Stendarr still hates the daedra! So do you, mom! You always call them bad names.”

Iveri sighs, a bit of worry coming to mind regarding how she raised him. She’d make sure to verify one thing, at least for the party. “Caecilus, do I need to remind you that some of the guests here tonight may be dressed in the theme of some of the princes? You’re going to need to be respectful around them as well. Just because they chose the theme doesn’t mean they are followers of the daedra.”

“I know…” he looks down at his hands, picking at his nails. “But why would they dress as something evil though?”

“Think of it like the Witches Festival. Just because they are dressed like scary monsters doesn’t mean that they are.”

“I guess so… but if I see someone dressed like the God of Schemes, I’m going to kick their ass!” Caecilus shouts in excitement, punching his open palm.

“Language, son!” Abnur reprimands. “And no, you are not. You are going to do what we always do at every formal event,” he says.

“Glare at them, and silently judge them disapprovingly?”

“Precisely. You are a Tharn. You are to act like one.” Pushing himself off the wall from where he was leaning, he adjusts his posture and folds his arms behind his back, holding his head up with eyes looking downward. Caecilus mimics his father, but with a more exaggerated frowning facial expression.

Iveri was looking on to this interaction, not entirely sure about if teaching her son this behavior would come back to bite them in the ass or not.

“Why don’t you play with Queen Khamira’s little boy? He’s going to be there too,” Iveri says in an attempt to change the topic.

“Khalin is going to be here too?!” Caecilus replies eagerly. “He’s so cool. Or would be, if he would duel me,” he says, holding his hands up and letting lightning magic crackle through his fingers. “Scaredy-cat!”

“You be nice to him. I don’t want to see you casting spells on anyone, do you hear me? Save it for when you practice with one of us or Mr. Blenwyth. You don’t want to accidentally hurt someone.” Iveri wags her finger.

“Fine. I’ll just ask him if he wants to duel, and pretend we are going to. Then, after he answers, I can say it was a test to see if he was a wimp or not.”

Abnur, who had been listening to this exchange, finds himself finally snickering at his boy’s comment. It took a lot to hold back the first time he’d criticized the Khajiit prince, but it seemed Caecilus had inherited relentlessness from at least one of the two, if not both.

“We need to leave now,” he says, distracting himself from his son’s antics. With a wave of his arm, he opens a portal. “After you two.”

[pixelrockk]

I don't know if someone's thought about this, and I'll probably look like a dumbass anyways

But Into the Pit kind of makes me think about William and Michael. I won't be able to articulate it properly/put fancy evidence like other people so sorry about that. It's just a random thought that popped into my brain watching GTLive ItP gameplay.

Because, in my head, Michael sees his dad how he really is - much like how Oz knows that Pit Bonnie replaced (still questioning this) his own.

Based on what I know, William was a shit dad. Obviously. Midnight Motorist proved that with his drunken rage, and what kid would break open their window at night?

(I doubt the window could be opened if breaking it was the only way to get it open, which leads to the whole: what parent installs a window to their kid's bedroom that is a fucking safety hazard.)

(ps. imo we can also count how he is in the actual movie as well)

To everyone around Oz, Pit Bonnie is his dad/they see his dad when looking at Pit Bonnie. They don't know that they're interacting with a being made of agony (haven't finished the books, but I've heard this being thrown around, but it's not that important to this so if it's wrong ignore it), whose killed six children. Very much NOT Oz's dad. Lol. But, again, Oz is the only one who can see underneath the illusion/mirage (? in the game he kinda like... phases...).

How did I connect this to William and Michael?

Well - Michael doesn't seem all that surprised with what his dad has done. I'd argue that he's pretty nonchalant about the whole dead children, haunted animatronics thing. Especially with the Afton family poster with the clowns in FNAF 6 and just how his voice line in the GF Very Hard Mode cutscene sounds. He does what his father says, and throughout the timeline goes through his little redemption arc (if you see it that way through burning Frights and trapping everyone in FNAF 6 to unknowingly or knowingly help Henry) without any reaction like how Vanessa was in the movie (I think Scott would've conveyed this in the game's universe/the logbook but we didn't see any of that).

Thus, he knows what his father is/was. A monster.

To everyone else, William was a father who co-owned Freddy's, a man who happily donned the Spring Bonnie suit to help make children smile and laugh. But to his family (again, he wasn't the best father and not the best husband either ((speculation some1 let me know if I'm wrong), he was someone to be wary around. You didn't know what move garnered what reaction, so you had to walk around on eggshells in your own home. When he turned to alcohol it only made things worse. He was a monster hidden in human flesh.

I like seeing the Fazbear Frights books as something Fazbear Entertainment created in the Freddy's universe as opposed to Tales of the Pizzaplex (I've heard that those are more close to canon don't kill me plz). So, things aren't 1-1. But I do see them as having truths in them, like Fazbear Entertainment slipping in stuff that happened in the past, bits of canonicity that help explain certain aspects of the games itself much like how the trilogy and movie do if that makes sense. Parallels that help explain each other.

So yeah, through that lens I saw William and Michael. A boy that knew what his father was when the general public didn't.

[ultimateloserboy]

GIANT FLUFFYBIRD POST

@onlyballs i saw in my phone notifs you sent me an ask but tumblr isnt showing it. HOWEVER. I believe you asked for fluffybird, and of course I will deliver!

i suggest searching the fluffybird tag on my blog if u want more thoughts. because i have said a LOT of stuff. but of course ill always talk about my guys!

BUCKLE UP BROTHER ITS A LONG WAY TO THE BOTTOM!!!!

to kick things off let me explain their characters and relationship. duck sees red as his absolute best friend, the one person in the world he truly gets along with. he loves red very proudly and openly. when it comes to the world and its horrors, duck doesnt much remember but also doesnt quite care. why would he? he has his best friend right there with him! he also loves yellow very blatantly even if he doesnt show it properly. theyre his family, and this is his house, so why would he want to change things or leave? even when hes aware of the pain that he (especially) experiences— he STILL doesnt want to leave— because as his bigger boy self says “this is as good as it gets!”

red sees things completely differently. red obviously does care for duck, but the majority of the time he will deny it. even at ducks FUNERAL red denies caring for him. red is so obsessed with coming off as the calm and collected one he ends up making himself look apathetic to the point of cruelty. duck can also be very cruel, but hes very blatant about the people he loves whereas red will deny ever loving anything. duck isnt afraid of love, but red very much is.

when it comes to the world, red remembers a bit more than duck does. yellow actually seems to remember things too, but his batteries keep his thoughts fogged so he cant properly articulate them. red can remember AND articulate things from past episodes. its not perfect, and he absolutely doesnt understand whats going on— but he DOES remember— and unlike duck, he actually HATES it. theres an argument to be made here that duck doesnt remember because he simply doesnt care to. duck doesnt care so he doesnt remember, while red cares A LOT so he remembers more. but i digress.

red wants to get out of the torture of the house, but truthfully he wants to be a different person altogether. he wants a new life not just because this one sucks— but also because he dislikes himself. he just wants something different. hes restless. even if the house was perfectly safe hed most likely still be running. he’s desperate to find a place that feels like home— but until he accepts his own differences he wont be comfortable anywhere. he refuses love from anyone that isnt his perfect made-up family because duck and yellow are “weird” and if he accepts their love that makes him weird as well, which he fights to not be.

if you really look at red, he doesnt actually want to be loved. he wants to be someone else and have everyone love that guy. but it just doesnt work that way.

duck loves red as he is now. or as he was yesterday, and who he’ll be tomorrow. it comes naturally to duck— he doesnt remember meeting red or developing a relationship with him because he never had to. he was put into the world already prepared to love red. its what he was designed to do. the three of them were designed to be a family, and duck is happy to comply with that script. although he doesnt see it as a script and sees it as his own choice to love them— which isnt technically wrong! i feel the house doesnt give them feelings— only puts them in a situation. so while they have no choice but to live together forever— its their choice to enjoy that life. duck chooses to.

red isnt happy to comply with a script at all, but he was also designed to live with duck and has his entire existence. theres a point at the funeral where red slips up. he refers to the plates on the ground as “our plates” while arguing that he doesnt know duck at all. theres an intimacy in sharing everything down to plates. they also share a room and bathe together (shown MULTIPLE times!) so no matter how much red denies it— he is extremely close to duck. he has no choice but to be. i feel thats one reason why he denies it so much— because he sees it as forced, and he doesnt want that. but i think duck would choose him anyway even if they werent forced to live together and thats why it works.

duck doesnt see it as forced because hed love red no matter the situation. no matter if they were chained to each other or free to go— duck would stay right there. but red wants that freedom. so he presents himself as if he dislikes or doesnt know duck to give himself the illusion of freedom from their shared cage. he doesnt think hed miss duck fully if he was gone. he even gets excited at the idea of living apart in transport.

but its all denial. because he would also choose duck if they werent stuck together! when theyre in the dark and red cant see him— he realizes he WANTS to look at duck. he WANTS to talk to him. he would CHOOSE to do so if he wasnt forced, and he HAS chosen to do so throughout the entire show, whether or not hes realized it. red gets more comfortable at the idea of spending time together because, yes, they are technically forced to share the house. but it doesn’t have to be that way! not in their hearts. not in their minds. thats the way duck sees it, anyway.

they might not always agree on things, but when they do it sometimes devolves into something terrible. There is a point where red guy gives up. he starts to give into the lessons because its easy. because sometimes he DOES enjoy them. sometimes hes just too tired and falls into the pattern he hates because its simple to do so. and maybe after years of being beaten down into submission he starts to agree with duck and see no hope of escape. thats when, at least from how i see it— they evolve into bigger boys.

its not shown how the boys get bigger but its obviously a progression. a slow ascent into madness. i think it starts with them becoming hopeless, and then finding hope in the lessons. theres nothing else to latch on to— so they latch onto them with everything they can. they learn everything they possibly can. they grow and grow and get higher and higher until theyre dangerous. until theyre more self-centered and cruel than theyve ever been. eventually they become too knowledgeable to be taught anything. they become a part of the house rather than occupants of it. soon theyre pulling the strings and torturing smaller creatures for their own enrichment. it gives them a sense of power over themselves knowing once they were in that creatures place. they finally feel in control of their lives but at what cost?

all of this is done with them completely glued to the others hip. despite getting more self-centered they just cant let go of each other. theyre tangled together like weeds. they love each other and they cant let that go— but they cant admit that or indulge in proper companionship because thats vulnerable, and theyre too BIG now to be vulnerable! so they sit across the room. never quite separate but never quite together. its better to be 10 feet apart and never look at each other than to be without each other. loneliness was always their greatest enemy and even while being trapped in close proximity forever they cant seem to escape it.

but there is a smaller version of them, a small moment in time where theyre happy together. where they can sit and have a conversation without fear of judgement. theres no stage-lights on them and the darkness hides their shame. they can actually tell each other how they enjoy the others company. they can be honest and vulnerable.

to duck its normal to tell red he appreciates him (in his own way) but for red to say so is shocking. duck is surprised. but hes happy. and they can spend time together being completely honest and loving each other without it being a big deal at all. without any worry. but those are the moments that always go first. the moments in their memory that deteriorate the quickest. maybe if that moment lasted— maybe if their walls were broken for long enough— they couldve started to get better. they couldve grown to be kinder. they couldve grown to be happy together. but they never have the chance to keep it long enough.

they live everyday as close housemates. they slip into a domestic life that comes naturally to them even when they may not realize. but when they actually start to think. as soon as a song comes on its so much more than that. and neither of them really want it to be— or they do but they dont know in what way or how. they dont know how to explain things to each other. they dont REMEMBER enough to discuss it. so it festers until it ruins them. every single time

tldr fluffybird is like this:

i cant keep reliving the same day every day. I cant bear to forget it all again. even when im too tired to fight ill still have the belief deep inside of me that theres somewhere out there better than this. that theres a version of me out there better than the one i am. i hope to find it some day and i hope to have you with me. i wish i could leave without you but im too much of a coward. This cant be all there is and i will prove it to you someday.

im fine reliving everything as long as its with you, exactly as you are. as long as youre willing to listen when i repeat myself. this IS all there is and im alright with that. an organ or two is a small price to pay to live forever with my family. youre ungrateful for wanting to run, think of all weve done together! but i know you will anyway. so ill be waiting to say “i told you so!” and then we’ll walk home. it might tear us apart but its still our home. this is as good as it gets.

RANDOM FUN FACT AND FAVORITE SCENE TIME!!!!

easy one first— RED is ducks favorite color! which is made even more fruity with the context that duck enjoys specifically LOOKING at red guy!

red and duck have matching pillows! theres two green pillows that you can see in the living room. sometimes theyre together on reds chair and other times theyre split between his and ducks chairs! theyre also in the webseries on their beds— but ONLY on theirs! yellow doesnt have one of these. at least i dont remember so. might be wrong but from what i can tell these pillows are always for duck and red only. at least most of the time if yellow does ever have one!

there are multiple pieces of concept art of 1: them being silly and 2: them being closer than in the final scenes. the original concept for the big boys shows them sitting MUCH closer and their arms intertwined, whereas in the final shot theyre not touching each other at all and duck is moved completely across the room (they are fucking ginormous irl tho to be fair)

some of my favorite pieces of concept art tho are this little selfie of duck and red with his little peace sign and their arms wrapped around each other in front of a mountain <333 AND THEN DUCK DOING REDS HAIR :DD

one of my favorite scenes of them is in jobs when red is rambling about his lanyard and duck says “what have they done to you?” it sounds so genuine and its a really nice line. it really points out that as judgmental as duck is he worries when red isnt acting himself

speaking of jobs theres a running gag of duck disliking when red is clothed starting with this episode (ironically the first episode) when he walks into reds office he asks “what are you wearing?” and laughs at him. its obviously not about the suit itself because duck also wears a suit— so its easy to assume duck is mocking him because he looks silly in any clothes at all. red isnt supposed to wear clothes— and he also feels uncomfortable in them. its not HIM and duck thinks he looks like an idiot for trying to play someone else. he also gags when red wears denim in friendship which is honestly foul of him 😭. no matter the reason tho he canonically prefers red naked.

on a similar topic— there arent many dirty jokes in the show but when there are they almost ALWAYS come from or are about duck. but occasionally red will get caught in the cossfire. the CONSENT teacher shows up after something duck says in the big room. conveniently a room they share without a yellow normally there. thats then followed up by a rock teacher appearing which is a bit awkward considering duck has “private business” with a rock in transport. then to make matters even worse in the bigger room yellow tells them to “experiment on each other”(?!!?) to which duck turns to red and goes “would you be keen?”(😭⁉️)

(the scene where duck looks red up and down in the car is debatable but ill mention it anyway!!)

its hard to ever truly confirm this one because it was never recorded but the reason fluffybird kicked off so hard back in 2022/23 was because a producer on the show during a qna told everyone to continue shipping red and duck! there were multiple people from around different corners of the internet who went to this qna and all had the same story, so i dont think its a lie but i still cant tell you we have full proof. i know becky and joe repost and encourage fanart of them tho, and thats basically the same thing so. anyway

when dhmis won comedy awards they held the trophies together <333

do i even have to mention the fridge scene? well i am!! theres something to be said about how their little confession happens in an episode about and titled “electricity” when electricity and “sparks” between people is a very common trope/phrase in romance. this one is sort of a stretch but i think its neat!

i dont know if becky joe and baker terry had any intentions back in the webseries days for them but the LOVE episode and the way red and duck were left alone at the picnic (mirroring the fridge scene!!!) looks gay as fuck with hindsight bias

when duck comes back from being dead and red is surprised to see him i think the way he says “oh.. hi!” and duck says “helloooo :DD!” is really sweet :(( not to mention the whole argument at the funeral itself. absolute messy ass gay ppl. i dont want YOU i want my BEST FRIEND !!!! and duck was going to leave red his diary… yes it was empty but its still his DIARY!!

the way they email EACHOTHER during computer day is so fucking cute theyre so fucking stupid i love them 💔

the way duck reacts in the food episode isnt talked about enough!! he tears down EVERYTHING to find red. he literally knocks over a camera!! he literally broke reality because he was so desperate to answer the phone. he missed red more than anything and was doing everything he could to find him :(( not to mention how he had to fight his OWN memory in order to remember who red was in the first place! hes always loved him in whatever way :((

the way red laughs when theyre picking on yellow together.. its fucked up and also red is a hypocrite but duck made him laugh and thats something!

the way red tried to comfort duck in the beginning of electricity when he starts to freak out and worry about yellows behavior. he wasnt doing a good job and you could argue he was doing it for selfish reasons and not to actually comfort duck but i really feel it was both. just trying to calm the both of them down.

speaking of electricity again… the way hes washing dishes while duck does a crossword makes me wanna throw up. theyre literally a family. its one of my favorite scenes in the entire series. just in general. i love yellow here too its not abt him rn but i love my son :(((

alright there’s definitely more but im really tired lol so bye fluffybird nation hope this post was fun!!!!!!

EDIT: OH MY GOD I CANT BELIEVE I FORGOT TO MENTION STAIN EDWARDS! In death red molds someone else into being duck, looking like duck, sounding like duck— all because he cant let go of him. yellow goes out to dig him up but red doesnt think its possible so he just makes a new one. and you can hear how desperate he is to make sure hes JUST RIGHT. even stain edwards asks him if he has “issues he needs to work out”… which clearly he does. i cant believe i forgot to mention this cuz this is some insane levels of homosexuality. off the fucking charts

[shiyorin]

#Fulgrim x Reader

#I don't know what else to say but it's just Fulgrim and the way he appreciates your beauty.

#TW: Foot fetish :v

"Hold still." Fulgrim murmured, his voice reverberating with the faintest undercurrent of reverent focus.

You didn't pay his gentle admonition any heed. You lounged indolently upon the sleekly curved divan, hair disheveled and spilling. One shapely leg kicked out at an indolent angle, sole flexing as though to dislodge the embroidered confection of ribbons and organza puddling about your ankles.

Pursing his lips, the Phoenician found himself reaching out to steady that recalcitrant limb, chiding his guest. "My dearest, you must remain composed if I'm to properly attire you."

Your eyes slitted open at that, glinting with indolent amusement. "Must I?" You reply, somehow infusing even those two simple words with silken intimations. "And why should I?"

Had it been anyone addressing him in that tone, Fulgrim might have dismissed them from his presence then and there. But not you. No, toward you he could only sigh with a mixture of exasperation and sublime fascination, conflicting psycho-sculpted vectors tugging him in myriad directions at once.

"Because this night's very important," he explained for what felt like the hundredth time that hour. And for perhaps the hundredth time as well, Fulgrim found his gaze drifting downward over the perfection of your form. From the artful tumble of shimmering tresses to the exquisite hollow of throat and collarbones, all the way down to the ... full swell of...

"You need not demean yourself so, my lord."

Your low, throaty voice rippled as the primarch of the Emperor's Children knelt before your form. Still, you made no move to halt his ministrations or avert your shapely limbs from his attentions.

"Nonsense," the Phoenician throwing you a smile that could disarm worlds. "It is no indignity to bask in sublime beauty and assist in rendering it transcendent."

A delicate smile at that polished retort. "I had expected you of all the primarchs to disdain such... posturing."

If your words landed true, Fulgrim gave no indication. He continued deftly clasping the delicate chains braided from liquid shadow composite to your mirrsilk bodysuit. Each glinting loop spilled outward like baroque silvered vines from the highly articulated armor plates protecting your ankles.

"Posturing?" The primarch arched one perfect, sculpted eyebrow in an aristocratic moue of surprise. "My dear, assisting you in accentuating your exquisite conformation is art of the highest caliber."

Fulgrim paused in trailing his masterful fingertips along the lush, flawless contours of your calf muscle. For a fleeting moment, his noble visage flickered barely perceptible acknowledgment that you had scored a glancing blow with your provocations. Just as quickly, however, that momentary pique faded beneath the Phoenician's typical aura of unshakable poise.

"I don't merely endeavor to enhance your sublime beauty out of empty ritual." he clarified, steadily working the umbrahyde ribbons further up your leg. "Rather, I seek to elevate it to the masterwork it deserves."

The primarch shook his head minutely, allowing several perfectly-coiffed strands of silken platinum to fall charmingly across his brow. He hadn't summoned his entire coterie of beautifiers and augmenated ordators for this affair, only his most trusted serfs. Adorning true, living art required focus and reverence beyond what most anyone could muster.

Pick up the ankle-length indigo striders with the same reverence as handling sanctified gene-wrought. Chemos worked every rivet and nanosynthesized composite fiber with their most skillful arts. Even on the field of apotheosis, no detail was too insignificant nor craftsmanship not elevated into a breathtaking masterpiece.

But compared to the transcendent fleshwork that would soon grace these accoutrements, their beauty paled into vapid obscurity. 

Slowly, reverently, with each appreciative caress and brush of finely wrought material over sacrosanct dermis, he felt himself descending into a blissful rapture few mortals had ever experienced.

Through of his eyes, details of imperfection normally invisible to visual spectra alone burned in blinding clarity through his primogenoid senses. Not the slightest defect escaped his adoring scrutiny as your sculpted perfection unveiled itself in achingly slow ceremony.

First the ankles, those deceptively delicate articulation nodes sutured by intricate hyper-density musculature. How he lavished upon them, worshiping every curve while his psyche greedily drank in their elegant sublimity. Then the calves, wherein bulged and beauty beyond mere human comprehension. Fulgrim's hands roamed across each subtly undulating contour and veinridge.

Next came the magnificence of your thighs, a masterwork of helice and kinesis that stole both breath and soul with its supreme proportions. Such gracious lines and mesmerizing flexion, profiles carved by a billion recursive movements and honed into perfect design.

These were the idealized aesthetics for which any crudely-conceived "masterpieces" could only ever remain a pale imitation. Your body constituted a living canvas of sacred and perfection resonating at the exalted wavelengths of universal beauty....

"You're staring again."

Your voice sliced through the contemplative silence like a razor-edged sibilance. Fulgrim blinked, only just realizing his thought.

"Apologies." the noble primarch offered with an elegant dip of his perfect features. "You'll have to forgive an artist's momentary rapture when confronted with such a breathtaking subject."

Then, with a courtly flourish utterly at odds with his preceding transformation, the Lord of the Third raised your fingers to his full, sensuous lips. Jeweled irises of amethyst glowed with inner luminescence as he pressed a kiss to your silk glove.

"Come." he urged. "They await an introduction..."

[lookinghalfacorpse]

i finally listened to blood upon the snow and was like !! thats the fanfic! and ive been thinking about the titles for a while and would love if you explained your thought process naming the fics and their connection to the song. ive been thinking so many things about sam and dreams relationship and survival and growth and the products of violence & cruelty that i cant articulate properly

hey anon i've been wanting to talk about this for TWO YEARS so ty for the permission to yap :)

it sounds counterintuitive, but the second chapter of 'blood upon the snow' is actually the first scene i brainstormed for the whole series.

i wanted to write something where c!philza would go against his initial promise to c!sam and try to kill him, and this song really Felt Like Philza's Rage. i remember going for a walk and listening to this song and imagining phil setting fire to a forest, and i wanted to make that happen. i needed a plotline where phil would kill sam even if dream is asking him not to, and i decided it was take a deep and personal betrayal for philza to go against dream's wishes as well as his old promise.

and since that scene landed in 'blood upon the snow,' i chose the title line as its name. 'the trees deny themselves nothing' is a different line towards the end of the song.

ultimately, both fics in the series feature characters that are: a) trying to fix something b) acting selfishly c) following their instincts & doing what comes naturally

dream is trying to recover from a terrible wound. it comes naturally to him to trust sam. having sex with sam also feels like a win for him; it feels like taking control, of demonstrating that he isn't hurt. he explains it a little bit in ch 16 of ttdtn. sam is trying to fix (what he sees as) a mistake. he's not the warden, but he wants to be the warden again, and it feels natural to him. sex with dream gives him a sense of control, too, and a taste of having him back. philza has recognized a wound that he can't heal and thinks that facilitating these meetings with sam makes up for his own shortcomings, but that's proven to be a mistake, and he's a man who already struggles with self-worth. his eagerness to help is an instinct, his rage is a different instinct, and both can be pinned as selfish. techno's role is simplest: his instinct is to protect, and he protects. he even protects dream from phil, whether or not he really needed to, and whether or not that was a good choice in the long run.

despite hozier's song being about nature running its course, i like it when applied to this fic because each character feels like a force of nature in their actions. dream is Doing What Dream Does, sam is Doing What Sam Does, etc, etc. every character has fallen into old habits in different ways, and even if it's destructive, its what's comforting for them, and its what they've done to survive so far.

the full line of ttdtn's title is the trees deny themselves nothing THAT MAKES THEM GROW. dream has hope that his arrangement will make him grow, and that the sex will help him grow, too, and he Desperately wants to grow.

the parent forced to eat its young before it grows. the instinct, the NEED is to eat, and sam eats.

it's all just nature doing its thing!!! these characters know their roles!!! and nature is very violent sometimes. dream knows his place is under sam, but if he Chooses it, he feels more powerful.

i had a cat who ate her runt kitten so the healthier babies could have more resources, and you can bet she didn't mourn it. philza went out of his way for better resources for this kid in his care, and when it backfired, he set the forest aflame.

[painted-bees]

aw yay! Here's a bunch more OC questions sent my way by @wulff20ko <3

promt description: Questions about two of your original characters about their relationship. Should work for friends/lovers/coworkers/enemies/etc, maybe not so much for family, but you're welcome to try!

Answering all of these for Margie and Raf again lmao

1) How did they meet?

Like this!

2) How long have these two characters known each other? 

 Since 2008..! I think the last piece of Hi-Note writing that currently exists takes place in 2014. So–six years over the span of their story so far.

3) What were their first impressions of each other? How does that compare to their impressions of each other now?

 Raf thought Margie was a bit strange and ditzy, and she rubbed him as a pathological humble-bragger at first–which was…really unattractive to him lmfao. He initially kinda pulled at that thread in the interest of seeing the whole thing quickly unravel only to discover that she’s legitimately some manner of undiscovered genius who has absolutely no idea just how incredible she is.

  Margie thought Raf was a charismatic player “says that to all the girls” sort–with some shade of mental illness that made it all feel a little too uncanny to be fully effective. She was technically right, but quite differently from what she initially thought lmao.

  Nowadays, Raf knows Margie is his superior in several avenues; she’s a smarter, faster learner, an adaptable problem solver, a far more brilliant musician, and the most genuine, kindest, patient person he’s ever known.

  And Margie knows now that the guy she met in the train station was a fictional character that Raf employed to stand between himself and the threat of forming meaningful relationships. The real Raf is a quiet, anxious, isolated pessimist buoyed by the hope that he isn’t the only person in the world who wants to do well by others.

3) How would they describe each other if asked? Physically? In personality?

  Raf: “Margie? She’s brilliant, she’s sweet. You won’t meet a more incredible person.”

  Margie: “Raf’s a huge dork with a dorkier smirk and you just kinda gotta treat him like a cat if you want to make a good impression on him. Y’know like–just sorta ignore him, let him come to you first.”

4) Do they get along? Why or why not?

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

5) Do they have any shared interests/hobbies? Do they ever do these hobbies together?

 Pretty much most things, these days. Music, walks, rock flipping at low tide… If Margie does anything, she prefers doing them with him. Good experiences are best shared!

6) How often do they see each other? Where do they usually meet?

  Well, initially it was just every Thursday for jam sessions. And then Raf started inviting Margie to crash at his place. Now they live and work together.

7) How do they communicate with each other? Are there any recurring phrases or gestures unique to their relationship?

  Their relationship only exists as it does because of how they communicate with each other. They’ve developed a lot of little shorthand gestures to indicate to one another that things are good and there’s nothing to worry about, such as here. But there are also clear signals they provide when one needs some space or time alone, or if hugs are in order, and other such things. They’ve established a baseline understanding that when they are mad, it is never at each other–and have agreed not to assume that just because one of them is upset, it’s because they’re upset at the other specifically. The person who is upset will always take the time to explain what upset them, once they are able to properly articulate it. Until then, the priority is making sure they get the space or whatever they need to calm down and process what they’re feeling and why.   If they were unable to establish free and easy modes of communication with one another, where they don’t put each other on trial, on the spot to immediately defend their behaviour in the heat of a moment, but give each other the space and grace to process and discuss things under calmer, less volatile circumstances, the wheels would fall off this relationship real quickly, real dramatically. 

8) What is one quality they have in common?

  They love music! They love playing music–together!

9) What is one major difference between them?

  Margie is a very rosy optimist, and Raf is a very calculating pessimist. 

10) Does one act as a narrative foil to the other? How so?

  Yeah, It’s very puppy and cat. Raf’s long established career and jaded burnout vs Margie’s nascent/struggling career and bright-eyed, passionate energy. Margie’s willingness to trust and believe the best in people, vs Raf’s pathological mistrust/suspicion and the constant threats he sees hidden in the actions and words of all those around him. Margie’s ability to bounce back from failures and adapt to challenges–it’s all a learning process for her, vs Raf's stubborn rigidity and unwillingness to compromise–failure is devastating for him. Raf helps Margie keep her feet on her ground so that she can make more purposeful strides towards her goals. Margie helps drag Raf out of his paralyzing anxiety spirals, and keeps his creeping cynicism at bay.

11) Do they have any affection for each other? How do they show it?

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

12) Do they have any disdain/contempt for each other? How do they show it?

oooh…Raf, at his worst, can feel quite overwhelmed with resentment towards Margie for how much sway she has over his feelings of worth and wellbeing. At times when he feels like she fails to understand how her actions can dictate his moods, and fails to behave in a manner sensitive to this [it’s very mercurial and unpredictable what exactly this entails–what sets him off], it’s really tempting–and it feels wholly just–to lash out just to make her feel a fraction of the discomfort/hurt he’s feeling, as way of some kind of punishment. Instead, he gets really quiet and withdrawn, sometimes for a week or two. Margie understands this as “mental health is happening at him” and takes care to stay well out of his way until he’s wrestled control of his narratives again. 

Margie’s got nothing but love in her heart for Raf.

13) Do they share the same goals in life?

  Yeah! They just wanna be comfy, and loved, and make good music together. Everything to do and build together is towards that shared goal.

14) Do they trust each other? Why or why not?

  They do.   Margie’s a given, she trusts everyone.

  Raf, though, has vacillated pretty wildly between wanting to trust her by trying to brute force fake that trust until he believed it–and not trusting her at all. However, the morning she basically returned from the dead to come shambling back home to him in one piece–cemented his trust in her. He thought she had died and, in her concussed state, she was just sorry that she took so long to get back, and wanted to know if they can still play music together. He still has hiccups and moments of panic about the honesty of her relationship with him and such–but so long as he can recall the sheer relief he felt when he held her, and the absolute heartbreak she delivered to him thereafter by way of concussed murmerings–it’s irrefutable to him that she loves him very dearly and that she’ll always be there. Come hell or literal high-water.

15) Is one of them keeping secrets from the other? Why? How would they react if the secret was revealed?

  Not anymore, no.   Initially, Raf had only explained to Margie that he had PTSD. All of his paranoid behaviours and such were swept under that as their explanation. Once things had become quite a bit more serious between the two of them, Raf’s Uncle asserted that Margie was eventually gonna have to know about and understand the challenges of his paranoid personality disorder. And after some gentle coaxing about that, Raf finally relented to ask his uncle to talk to Margie about it for him–because if it was left to Raf to do it himself, it wouldn’t…go well, if it ever happened at all.

  Margie had dated a guy with schizophrenia during her time in Winnipeg, and so there wasn’t really a big scary stigma that needed to be dispelled. The schizophrenia of her previous relationship had been such a non-issue compared to what she otherwise might have expected, that it maybe gave her the idea that Raf’s PD would similarly pose no major challenges. Eehhhh…she was a little off base with that assumption, but she got up to speed on all of it eventually, and it’s mostly fine. At the very least, it didn’t change her opinion of Raf at all, and any drama that accompanied the reveal was hosted exclusively in Raf’s poor brain. 

16) Are they keeping a secret together? How do they feel about that?

  Yeah lmao Raf’s PD is no one’s business but their own. Of the people still alive, Margie, Nels, and his therapist (and Tess) are the only people who are aware of Raf’s PD. The rest of the guys at Hi-Note know he has PTSD, but that’s it. 

17) Do they view their relationship as temporary or permanent?

  Use to be temporary, until the temporary part of their relationship was almost exercised–and now it’s as permanent as a relationship can be lmao

18) Are they satisfied with their relationship? Do they wish they were closer/more distant?

  There’s always things they are working towards together, but they’re both very happy with their relationship, generally.

19) What is their best memory together?

  Oh nooo there’s so much lmfao. I think they both look back on their first year in Cortes Island very very fondly–as kind of a turning point where their lives together became a pretty ironclad thing. It was forged in fire the entire year prior, and they stuck it through–and suddenly things were easy and calm and nice again, and it just…strengthened everything quite beautifully. 

20) What is their worst memory together?

That whooole year before they arrived in Cortes Island lmao. Uncle Bills death and dealing with his estate was the most difficult test their relationship will even endure, I think.

21) When were they the most vulnerable with each other?

  Hm, this is hard, they’re vulnerable with each other pretty well all the time. Again though, the most vulnerable moments were probably during that year of grieving and dealing with Bill’s estate. Raf had basically hit a melting point and was largely incapacitated for much of the latter half, and it culminated with Margie admitting she couldn’t take care of things like he needed her to. I think they both thought the other was gonna leave, because things had stopped being fun and enjoyable, and they couldn’t carry each other out of it or provide what the other person obviously needed. Raf was just waiting for Margie to get sick and tired enough to walk, but Margie was wrecking herself on the terror that he would feel irreparably let down by her if she failed to adequately carry his burden for him when he needed her the most. In the end, Margie’s breakdown and her fear of not being and doing enough for him is what galvanized Raf to get his shit together just enough to put some real, physical distance between them and all the garbage that had piled up on them. A move that Margie had suggested months earlier, but Raf had been too stubborn/overwhelmed to properly consider at the time.

22) Do they have any mutual friends? Mutual enemies?

 All of Raf’s friends are Margie’s friends (he only really has two aside from her and Tess)–but not all of Margie’s friends are Raf’s friends. No mutual enemies, either. Solely because Margie doesn’t have anyone she’d describe as an enemy haha. Maybe Raf’s mom…but Margie has never met her, so it feels weird. She greatly dislikes everything she’s heard about the woman, though.

23) How do these two interact with each other in public versus in private?

 In public, you might think they’re just really close friends. Margie and Raf don’t engage in any explicitly romantic displays of affection in public–largely because Raf is very uncomfortable about it.

 In private, they’re in each other’s space a lot of the time, and fill silences with the occasional sappy call-and-responses that are all some shade of “guess what?” “what?” “I love you.” “Woah, I love you too–weird!” Sometimes the words they string together to carry this sentiment between each other are absolute nonsense…but they know what it means. They’re also just very content to be in the same room together, quietly doing their own thing and otherwise ignoring each other in perfect comfort.

24) If a stranger saw them together, how would they describe their relationship?

 “They seem like really good friends! They’re working together quite well!”

25) How would these characters react to being stuck in a small room with each other?

  Stuck? Well…They’d try to figure out what the deal is. And if it’s like…a busted elevator situation or something, Raf wouldn’t pause for levity until the situation was under control. But once it’s just a matter of waiting for things to become unstuck again, He and Margie would sit in each other's space and pass the time musing and joking to one another. They just enjoy each other’s company, generally.

26) How far would they go for each other? Would they risk their own lives for each other? 

  Margie would crawl out of Davy Jones's coldest locker for Raf lmao

  Raf would walk into oncoming traffic for Margie.

  But more than that, both of them would endeavor to live their healthiest, happiest lives for each other.

[grozva]

depending on your music tastes, this oc question might be hard (or incredibly easy lmao).

is there a score or instrumental piece of music you associate with your oc(s)? if so, why? what about the music makes you think of them or feels like them? if you don't know enough scores/instrumentals to feel confident answering, then maybe a song where the lyrics may not match your oc/their story, but the energy, sound or vibes of the song does.

and if you earnestly don't have answers for the previous requests, throw any oc-relevant song at me. slap me with it like a mackerel.

AAAAAAAA HELLO <:0 thank you for the ask omg >:3cc there was gonna be much more cause i am. so very enthusiastic about music. but i ended up cutting a few characters out because the post would be 1) too long 2) take even longer to deliver. the hard part was not the music, but to explain my choices jksjlsds. cant believe that this turned out to be not so much about the characters themselves but about the places they're associated with. i dont know if i can properly articulate about what's in the music that makes me think of them so instead i said what the music makes me think of, if that works oTL

ENRI tmnt 2003, 2012

i chose her tracks to match the energy of her dreamwalking adventure. when she enters dreams as a silent explorer. never having had a dream of her own, she's gliding through dreams to see what goes on in other people's heads, guarding the peace of their mind when it's needed.

BUBBLE-outtake7, night lights, Debris, The Other Side of the Door, Nanachi in the Dark, Abyss of the Sea; some dreams are pure and affectionate, some are disturbing, dark and twisted or impossibly confusing and some have so much going on that its hard to keep track of them. she knows she doesn't belong here, but still enjoys observing and studying what she sees. she conceals her presence and keeps her intrusion into dream itself minimal but she isn't always successful, so occasional action is inevitable. sometimes she encounters nightmares, obviously. and more aggressive…? creepy? if that's the right word-- tracks, the ones that feel like there's something going on, are here to reference exactly that.

if that's any help at all, i associate her with alice in the wonderland and hollow knight in the hallownest (mainly dream nail related elements).

MEDUSA tmnt 2003

the scores i picked for her are meant to reflect the feeling/mood/energy of her lair. not an entirely creepy stone statue garden or snake nest one could expect from a medusa inspired character, but a part of that vibe is present. it's located not too far from underground city that we see in episodes 13-15 of season 1 (and then some more in season 2 and 3) so expect crystals and bioluminescence. while there's an eerie and tense feeling to it, it can feel cozy and tranquil as well, if you're a friend of hers.

Lady of Gorgon, Kyne's Peace, JUROIMOH MUTATION, Crystal Peak, The First Layer, Path of Desolation;

to clarify, she's not supposed to be outright hostile, it's just that she will respond exactly with the attitude you give her. she is rarely genuinely interested in other people and avoids anyone who lurks nearby. especially those who venture deeper into that part of the caves where she resides, so usually such visitors get scared away if they stay for too long. they are in her territory, and she wants to make sure they realize it. you can't see her but she always knows when you're there.

[myriahkamm]

As promised, here's a RinRei ficlet (also on AO3)!

That's What I Love About You

“What the heck do you even like about me, anyway?!”

It had come up during one of their silly little arguments, but for some reason, it had stuck with Rei.  It kept popping into his head while he tried to focus on homework.

It bothered him, he realized.

Not because he didn’t have an answer, of course.  He had myriad answers, too many to easily articulate.

No, what bothered him about it was the fact that Rin apparently didn’t know any of those answers.

After an hour or so of struggling to finish his homework with that knowledge popping into his head over and over, Rei switched gears.  He set his schoolwork aside, grabbed a blank sheet of paper, and began writing with intensity.

The next day…

“Rin-san.”

Rei frowned when Rin rolled his eyes before sighing and approaching him.

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Rin began.  Despite the dismissiveness of his words, his tone was sincere.  “I’ve just been really stressed lately, and I took that out on you.  I shouldn’t have yelled at you, and I shouldn’t have said what I said.  I’m sorry, Rei.”

Rei raised a hand and shook his head.  “It’s all right, Rin-san.  I understand.  That’s not what I wanted to talk about.”

“Oh?”

“I wanted to respond properly to your question.”

Now Rin looked confused.  Rei sighed, pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and cleared his throat.

“These are not listed in order of importance.  Number one:  Your perseverance and tenacity are incredibly admirable.  Number two:  Your ability to set goals and find a way to achieve them is exceptional.  Number three:  You are physically quite attractive.  Number four:  You—”

“What the heck are you doing?”

Rei’s brow furrowed.  “I’m outlining the things I like about you.”

“Huh?”

Rei was incredulous.  What was so confusing about this?

“Yesterday, you asked me what I ‘even liked about you, anyway,’” he explained, trying to speak slowly and clearly so Rin would better understand.  “So, I made a list of things I like about you, and now I’m reading it to you.”  He cleared his throat once more.  “Number four:  You—”

He stopped again when Rin burst out laughing.  Feeling defensive, now, Rei folded his arms across his chest and frowned.  He waited while Rin laughed heartily for a few minutes.  Once Rin quieted, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes, Rei gave him a pointed look.

“I fail to see what’s so funny.”

“Oh, Rei.”

Rin threw his arms around him in a tight hug.  He held it for a few minutes; Rei felt himself relaxing in the embrace and uncrossed his arms as he leaned into it.  Rin finally pulled back, smiling [warmly].

“We were having a silly argument,” Rin said, shaking his head.  “People just say stuff when they’re arguing.  They don’t always mean any of it.”

“Well, that’s incredibly illogical,” Rei quipped, frowning.

“Like I keep telling you, you dork:  love isn’t logical.  And that’s what’s great about it.”

“So…you do know what I like about you, and I didn’t need to write a list of reasons to explain it to you?”

Rin took Rei’s face in his hands and pressed a kiss to his lips.  Rei closed his eyes, leaning into the kiss.  His grip on the piece of paper loosened; he faintly heard it flutter to the ground at his feet.

The kiss was both fleeting and timeless—another illogical contradiction Rei unconsciously noted.  Before he knew it, the kiss ended, and he was staring into Rin’s mulberry-colored eyes.

“Of course I know what you like about me,” the redhead assured him.  “You gave me the whole spiel when we started dating, remember?”

Rei did remember.  Rin had laughed that time, too, once he’d realized that Rei was trying to ask him out, as the colloquialism went.  He nodded to show his understanding.

“But that doesn’t mean I don’t like hearing how awesome I am from time to time.”

“Rin-san!”  Rei playfully slapped Rin’s shoulder.

“Besides, that fiercely, ridiculously logical part of you is one of the things I love about you, Speedo-Megane.”

Rei felt his cheeks grow hot as he unconsciously analyzed Rin’s words in his head.

“Did you say ‘love’?” he asked breathlessly.

“You bet I did.”  Rin crouched down for a moment and rose again holding the piece of paper Rin had dropped.  “Now, what was that part about me being ‘physically quite attractive’?”

“Rin-san!  That’s private!”  Rei tried to grab the list from Rin, who snatched it away quickly.

“Not that private—you were reading it to me, after all.”

“Rin-san!”  Rei’s cheeks grew warmer as embarrassment replaced the affection he’d felt previously.  He tried to pluck the list from Rin’s hand, but the latter flicked it just out of reach.

“Ooooo, you drew pictures!”

“R-Rin-san!”  Again, he tried to retrieve the page, and again, he was unsuccessful.

This was going to be a long, embarrassing evening.  And Rei was all for it.

[hypothermiatapes]

Amazing opinions you have. I've wanted to ask you if you believe Voldemort/Tom loved anyone in canon? I know there’s a lot of discussion about this.

Thank you! It’s not everyday someone tells me they like my opinions, so it’s immensely appreciated.

I’m glad you asked this because I have actually given it a lot of thought but could never articulate it properly. So, let’s get into this!

In short, the answer is no. I do not believe that in canon Tom Riddle and by extension Lord Voldemort can feel love, or at least feels very muted versions of the emotion. Let me explain.

According to Merriam-Webster the definition of love is: (1) strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. (2) attraction based on sexual desire. (3) affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests.

Just for shits and giggles we’re also going to do the definition of affection, which is: a feeling of liking and caring for something or someone.

These are the textbook definitions of love, and I am aware feelings can and always will be a little murky and can’t just be defined. However, everyone experiences it differently and associates different things with it, so this clears up the murkiness for me a bit.

Let start with the first definition. When has Voldemort ever shown any affection towards someone? There was the time he saved Bellatrix from the DM and when he got angry when she was killed, but I wouldn’t call this affection. To me it’s more like he was angry because someone who is instrumental to his plans and goals died, and he saved her because of this importance.

To some this can and will come off as affection (which it definitely can be interpreted as), but I just don’t see it. I just have always viewed Bellatrix as an extremely loyal and powerful ally that can do her job well and you don’t have to worry about betraying you. I feel like Voldemort felt much the same way considering how he seems to view people in general as tools instead of humans. So, maybe he cared for her in a way, but to me he definitely didn’t love her because there was no strong affection for her nor was there kinship or really personal ties.

There’s also Nagini, she’s not exactly a person, but I feel like I should mention her. I do think Voldemort was affectionate with her, I mean, he took her everywhere and seemed to care for her wellbeing, whether because of her or her role as a Horcrux. This is where I’d like to say I do think Tom/Voldemort could love animals, but I think this is the exception and I think this love is still muted and very rare.

He didn’t really build kinship with anyone, he doesn’t feel strong affection nor does he make personal ties, this means that he does not experience the first textbook definition of love (with the possible exception of animals).

Now, the second definition is kinda bullshit to me, but whatever, let’s get into it. I really don’t care if anyone considers him asexual or not because there’s quite literally nothing to base it on (I also don’t associate sex with love whatsoever). I don’t think he did feel sexual attraction though because he doesn’t strike me as the type to have such desires because he’s “above human needs”. He also just seems to hate everyone and is disgusted by them, I just can’t see him wanting to go down with anyone.

So, I also think he can’t feel this definition of love, and if he can it probably only happened once or twice in his youth. And if he can this does not mean love to me so there you go.

Finally, the third definition of love. Tom/Voldemort has always viewed himself as better than others, special, more important. I do not believe he ever looked up to someone for any reason because he’s wants to be better than everyone else. He also is naturally violent from what I noticed so benevolence does not match at all. Finally, Tom/Voldemort doesn’t do connection, we know this, so why would he ever be affectionate with someone because of something as personal as common interests.

There you have it, I do not think he feels any type of love for people, and if he does it’s only ever been sexual. Animals are an exception because he genuinely seemed to be affectionate with Nagini.

Side note: I do not believe he turned bad because of his inability to love. Love does not equate humanity in my very strong opinion, so that’s not what made him a monster. What made him a monster were his choices and decisions to completely disregard other people.

[mittenlady]

why klavquill

originally i thought of the pairing as a joke because simon would totally hate klavier, but like… i thought further upon it and now i fr am invested. i could say sooooo many things. so:

here’s a post i made a while ago explaining

here's another post focusing on the aspects of other dynamics that would be affected; less important but fun to mention

and let me provde an updated (attempt at being more concise but simultaneously more elaborative) version:

• thematic similarities in that they both helped usher in the dark age of the law BS. klavier got phoenix disbarred (which ig because he’s the golden boy is the end of the world but TBF the crazy ass corruption he exposed in his first three (?) years as an attorney does make him incredibly significant and a sort of figurehead) and simon went to prison for “murder” a year after that

• adding onto that, klavier and simon worked at the prosecutor’s office for one year of overlap (2019-2020) prior to simon’s sentence. even if they didn’t know each other directly, they would have known of each other (guy who got phoenix wright disbarred during his first trial and guy handling an international spy case with criminal affairs) (also i really love the estranged friends to lovers narrative)

• and even at that, they likely WOULD have had to interact during turnabout academy. simon was literally prosecuting the case. yes, klavier didn’t have an official investigation, but you’re telling me that they’re working on the same case without a single interaction???? frankly it’s just poor writing and they didn’t want to put in the effort to connect AJ’s narrative properly; which was an actual writing direction they had so why am i surprised.

• juxtaposition of older sibling situations; both in prison but for different reasons. i want to analyze this bit more but there’s something there

• sharing a narrative of healing from the ghosts of their pasts after DD :)

• both are incredibly melodramatic and theatrical in court. they’re on the same wavelength; and speaking just from a writer’s perspective, writing their interactions is some of the most fun i’ve had lol. if you’re curious, here’s my ao3 series containing all the fics i’ve written for them so far :)

• they also do have similar aesthetics in the sense that they both wear darker colors. klavier has a more grunge (?) / generally alternative (and like 70s-80s generic rockstar) style and simon… dresses like he’s from the victorian era yes (not counting the jinbaori) but he has more of a goth / emo vibe? i’m articulating this very poorly they both just look very well together. also men with long hair :)

sparknotes version: i think they have a lot of similarities and parallels and narratively, i believe it would make more sense for them to be together. part of it may also be wanting to connect the narratives of AJ and DD properly but idk. it just makes more sense, at least to me, in comparison to other pairings

[yagirlbeppie]

Everyone: *sad that neither Muichiro nor Nezuko have their memories and Nezuko’s eyes have changed color so now them reuniting will be even harder*

Tanjiro, about to come in clutch cause he damn well remembers a boy named Muichiro breaking his little sister’s heart:

Fr though I think Tanjiro having a role in helping them get back together would be pretty interesting as he’s the only party involved who can still articulate properly. I’m imagining him holding a very strong grudge against Muichiro though cause he still hasn’t forgiven him for hurting his sister.

Hey there~

Thanks for your suggestion! Though now that you say this, maybe it wasn't portrayed correctly on the chapter so let me explain :DD

Since it was a matter which only concerned his eldest daughter, Tanjuro decided to keep all that information to him and Nezuko (as some kind of father-daughter secret). So, Tanjiro doesn't know about Muichirou's name. He only knows that his sister has a pen pal, and that she is betrothed to said pen pal. Any more details are unknown to him. And as you've read on the most recent chapter Nezuko reffused to tell him about it, so... yeah. Thats it.

Thanks for reading!

[bfdreaming]

I was talking to my sister about Shen Yuan and Elder Scrolls. We agreed that he'd be a fan of Michael Kirkbride, would like Morrowind best and be annoying about it, and was very upset when Martin sacrificed himself.

I was talking about an isekai where he is transported to Weynon Priory along with post qi deviation Liu Qingge (mainly because I really enjoy putting those two in Situations).

SY's willing to reveal himself to a fellow isekaied person, even if he came from somewhere else (LQG does not understand why he keeps calling his qi deviation Truck-kun). In fact, he's going to be relying heavily on LQG's combat ability while LQG relies on SY's knowledge of the world.

LQG is mostly pretty content to follow SY's lead, since he seems to know exactly who needs help and exactly how to help them. By speedrunning all the quests in the area, they quickly acquire a decent sum that will keep them going for a while. Now SY reveals his grand plan: save Martin! Mostly by speeding up the timeline on the main quest. In the game, timing doesn't matter since it's all scripted, but in reality, they can surely cut out a lot of legwork. At the very least, perhaps they can prevent the Amulet of Kings from being stolen by staying at Weynon Priory while the Hero goes off to Kvatch-

No. The Priory has only a few people who can easily go into hiding if they need to. LQG wants to go to Kvatch.

They have a big argument about it. SY, who in practice tends to try to protect people, in theory would like to be as far from any Oblivion gates as possible. LQG gets that, but SY can wait in a nearby city if he wants. SY protests that LQG is one guy with a sword he's still adapting to; he can't possibly save Kvatch by himself. LQG says the Hero apparently did. SY says that's different, and can't articulate why. (What's different is that he cares about LQG while the Hero is an abstract concept.) He adds that in the grand scheme of things, isn't it more important that this critical magical object doesn't fall into the wrong hands?

LQG says there's a simple solution to that. He goes straight to Jauffre and says the piory is not sufficiently defensible if cultists attack, so the Amulet of Kings should not be kept there. SY facepalms.

What LQG knows that SY doesn't is that Jauffre has been eavesdropping on a lot of their Secret Isekai Conversations. He is surely aware by now that SY knows things he shouldn't. For his part, Jauffre personally witnessed the two of them fall out of weird portals, both near death and wearing strange clothes, and one with unfamiliar abilities. SY might as well have some kind of supernatural forsight. If they were spies, they'd be less conspicuous.

So Jauffre simply aggrees, no questions asked. LQG nods, SY gapes, and they head off towards Kvatch.

(They drop by Battlehorn Castle on the way there. Now they don't have to buy a house! Even if the interior needs work.)

When they get to Kvatch, it seems Martin has made a new friend named Yue Qingyuan! He fell through a portal in the chapel and Martin is intrigued. They're trying to figure out where his homeland is in relation to Tamriel. Currently they're considering Akavir, the realm of an unknown daedra, or a different calpa.

Anyway, LQG and SY arrive. SY is unwilling to explain the true source of his foreknowledge with Martin, but YQY is also isekaied so it's fine, right? Right! Obviously they should stick together. LQG vouches for SY, and YQY vouches for LQG, so Martin is willing to believe there will be an attack, but he figures they'll need help to properly organize a defense and an Oblivion gate opening will be a hard sell. They don't know how it will open, anyway, so it might be impossible to prevent.

Martin, who is well respected locally, informs the Count that he's recieved a tip that a cult of Mehrunes Dagon will be attacking the city with many daedra. Between the Count, Martin, YQY, LQG, and the local guard captain, they reinforce their defenses on the downlow and put together an evacuation plan. YQY and LQG clear out the nearby Fort Istirus. At SY's suggestion, the guards get their weapons enchanted with shock damage. (Martin nods approvingly and SY's heart definitely didn't flutter, okay.)

The time comes. The Oblivion gate opens, and they're as prepared as they reasonably can be. The Count quickly concludes that evacuation to Fort Istirus is indeed necessary, and most people survive. The Count sends word to other cities to alert them of the incursion. (Shen Yuan had suggested recruiting Jiub, a retired warrior, for assistance until the emergency is dealt with, so he also survives. But can his manuscript survive SY's criticism?)

Anyway, as SY is trying to convince LQG not to try to take on the Oblivion gate by himself (expressing his worry as anger), Jauffre arrives with the would-be Hero in tow.

It's Shang Qinghua, Airplane version.

[scamallach-1]

I always feel I need accurate and thorough communication in order to navigate social situations and to understand others on a deep level (such as in long term relationships or best-friendships). I talk a lot, explain thoroughly, because I don’t know how to stop when it feels entirely necessary to function with others. But what if your partner or best friend doesn’t speak much? What if they struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings into words? They process thoughts and feelings differently than you? They’re “working with a different set of autistic traits than you”?

How will you gather the appropriate data from them to know how to resolve conflict with them, surprise them with a gift, know when to provide care, know when to give space, know what their ever-shifting tones and body languages truly mean, and in turn how to properly and care-fully respond? When my brain goes “I need to know how they are feeling and what they are thinking at all hours in order to best accommodate and mutually communicate and function with them” and they’re telling me, with great effort as it is, that they don’t know how to tell me or show me, what can we do?

(I’d had another nightmare, with recurring themes, about writing a scribbled letter to my best friend and partner, asking “How are you?” but I couldn’t send it. I had no stamp and no mailbox and no cellphone and no landline. I looked out the window for his truck and he wasn’t home. Didn’t know where he was or when he would be back. I had no clock either to know what time of day it was. I had no clue. I panicked, feeling helpless, spinning out in fear and disorientation.)

Then I started thinking about entitlement. That it could be very true that no one really is entitled to knowing their partner or best friend’s thoughts and feelings at all times. That it must be a privilege to get to know things like that about others, even if they’re closest to you.

Then I started thinking about how to navigate relationships on those terms. Then I started thinking about trust, then about faith. I’m learning a lot about faith lately, especially. Faith in spiritual sense and faith in things like resistance fighters and faith in principles and in other people. It might be that I need to develop my faith in my partner and friend (as well as in many others around me) in order to undo this big social anxiety I have. I feel it could be a key to unlearning the need to always be gathering my loved ones inner thoughts and feelings so literally in order to function without causing me extreme fear and without causing them anxiety too. I want to understand though I’m working with the tools I have so far.

How do other autistics out there develop, navigate, trust in their faith? Anyone willing to share would be so helpful.

[crypt-void]

I agree. I'm not really one to get into discourse often, but they're kids on a platform with a lot of information being thrown at them. I think it's only fair that the ones that do come here to seek out their community should feel welcomed. They're still learning, it's okay.

I understand the frustrations of older members of the community who have been here longer and are caught off guard hearing stuff like "therians don't actually think they're animals," but I also remember not being able to properly articulate my thoughts at 14, and let alone to a bunch of trolls on the internet saying death threats because I wanted to wear some cool accessories. They're trying to figure themselves out. They're going to get some terms mixed up and feed off the information being fed to them from others on the platform. Plus, a lot of people still think Tumblr, for the most part, is dead. I did! They might not think there's anywhere else they can go to find community! That would suck!!! So for some of them, tiktok is all they've got.

The older folks I might be a little firmer with. Some of them do know better to do their research before just yelling into the void. However, some of them don't, and when they show up, they might learn that they should.

I will also add that some of these adults are also just finding out what they are through tiktok and that some big-time creators might not want to educate others on their community over and over again. There are different cases for everyone as to why they're not well informed about some aspects of the community when others think they should be, as well as why they aren't correcting their audiences as quickly and efficiently as we may want them to.

It's so easy to press record and say a bunch of stuff and post it to the masses. It takes more time to actually type out your thoughts for a closer knit community like on here (that isn't to say any people who make tiktoks don't work hard on them, just that your thoughts come out a lot faster when you say them rather than when you write them.)

Give them some time to gather their thoughts and explain their identities. The last thing I'd want is for someone to feel like they aren't welcome when they're just innocently looking for answers.

with tiktok getting banned soon, kinblr might see an uptick in ex-tiktokers coming here to seek out the 'kin community

because of that i just think we should be a little nicer ? ? i saw a post saying that "Tiktok Therians tainted the word Therian with hate" n like. i get disliking kintok for the misinfo and the harassment and the hate of beings with more complex 'kin identities but TAINTED??? to say they ( a community made up if mostly teenagers ) TAINTED therianthropy is actually insane to me

i am not a kintok defender in any way but can you all take like a few chill pills and go have an apple or something ?? holy shit i feel your frustration but your anger is misguided we should not be biting each other

we should be holding paws ( or claws fins hooves idk whatever u use to grab shit ) and like. singing kumbaya

[jarofstyles]

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

Hello my loves and welcome to princerry! Prince H is here and he is a beaut, isn’t he? I’m not positive there will be more parts to him but we enjoy him thoroughly.

Check out our Patreon for exclusive writings and early access!

——

Prince Harry was bored.

As cruel as it may sound to some, he was a man of particular taste, and none of these women who had come to the ball had suited it.

It was the same old thing over and over again. Talk of how good their embroidery was, how they’d make a good wife without explaining how, their skills in baking, their favorite trips… but nothing of substance. It was all rehearsed. Dull. Mothers of the women putting overly confident words into their heads and having them appear a bit too cocky. Harry was exhausted of the same old thing over and over again.

What he was looking for was a connection. A spark. As much as he knew his match had to be one to benefit the throne, he was hopeful to find a love match. A love like his mother and fathers who are still smitten to this very day. A lucky arranged marriage. He wanted to be unable to keep his hands off of his wife. To have a best friend in her as well as a lover. Stimulating conversation. None of that was happening here.

“Is that all, Father?” Harry said under his breath. The king sat proudly at his side while picking at the grapes provided for them. A ball was a dime a dozen but the gatherings these days were of more importance. Looking for a future queen was serious business.

“I am not sure. I’ve seen you met quite a few, danced with many. Were none of them appealing at all, truly?” He sighed. Of course, Harry’s slightly fickle nature was notable among his family. It shouldn’t be a surprise.

“I’ll be surprised if I can feel my toes tomorrow. No one properly taught half of these women to dance, which would be an easy fix if they could string enough words together to form sentences. I was falling asleep while on the floor.” He scoffed quietly, just loud enough for his father to hear. “Why is it that so many women of nobility are raised with not a thought but child rearing and sewing needles? Women are capable of much more.” It vexed him.

“Because, Harry. Not all men are like you. Unfortunately, a good deal of them prefer to have a pretty face, a quiet mouth and a good show for others.” The king sighed, taking a sip of wine. The list was crumpled in his hand slightly of the eligible ladies, all but one crossed off.

“Oh! There is one you have not met.” He said, showing Harry the list. “Lady Y/N. I do not believe I see her… but her family is lovely. I’m sure she is too.”

Harry let out a breathy laugh. “I surely doubt it. If you’ll excuse me, I need a walk to calm my nerves.”

-

The garden air was warm tonight. The gravel crunched under his feet as walked through, observing the flowers and trying to calm his displeasure. The gardens always eased his burdens. How could they not? They were the most beautiful in the world, and one of the largest.

It felt hopeless. How could he find a wife that fit his requirements when none of the women born to take that place could possibly be a good queen? He wasn’t only looking for a best friend and lover, but a good queen. Caring and kind. Soft in nature but unable to be pushed around. Tender but firm. Well read, articulate but aware of societies unfortunate rules. It shouldn’t be so difficult to find.

He sighed, leaning his head back to look at the stars as he walked. The beautiful stars, silver glittering the sky. They always reminded him that magic existed. It had to for those to be as enchanting as they were.

His stroll was sidetracked, though, but a gentle humming. Feminine. Soft, slightly muffled by the fountain but he could hear it. Who would be out here when a ball was happening inside?

He rerouted, listening closely and walking slow towards the seemingly siren sound. It was an unfamiliar song to him, but the tone of the woman’s voice has him wanting to know what the words were. Step by step, he got closer. Listening to the best thing he’s heard all night until he found her.

A full ball gown, sat at the edge of the fountain. A book in one hand, another tracing the surface of the water inside the fountain. Shoes kicked off on the ground and legs disappeared under the long gown. Hair down, skin glowing in moonlight. It was most improper, but Harry couldn’t find it in himself to be put off.

“What are you singing?” He asked, making her jump. The girl looked up at him, seeing the prince illuminated by the torches lit in the gardens and recognized him immediately. Harry could see the recognition on her face, but she did not stand. She did not bow.

How peculiar.

What was even more peculiar was how much he liked it. So used to bows and ‘your highness’ crooned all evening, a slight tilt of the head and curious eyes was a welcome reaction.

“It’s a song of my ladies maids used to sing me.” Her voice was quiet, but her words sure. Not a shake in them. Her book was placed on her lap and hand taken from the fountain. “It calms me when I’m feeling overwhelmed. She is not here to sing it to me, but I thought I’d try it for myself. It works.”

“Ah. I understand. Music can soothe the soul, just like the gardens can.” He approached slowly, taking in the mysterious beauty who sat pretty on the marble fountain. She had to be nobility, from that dress. From her speaking. But who? He had not seen her tonight.

He definitely would have noticed.

“Is that why you are out here?” The question came out a bit too curious. “It’s a bit too cold. You may catch a chill.” Harry approached, taking his jacket off and handing it out to her.

“It was quite warm when I left the ballroom. I did not think to grab my shawl but… I thank you. I will return this before we head inside.” She sighed, the soft material covering her shoulders. The color complimented her gown very well. “I should ask you the same. Why are you out here when there is an entire ball inside in your honor?”

The casual manner of speaking to the crowned prince was something some would be completely horrified with… but Harry felt the most human he had in months. Everyone so afraid of questioning him. Stepping on eggshells, wanting only his approval. It was so trivial and boring. He wanted true conversations. It was the most normal conversation he had had in forever.

“I suppose there is. May I sit?” He asked, not wanting to disturb her… but very much wanting to know who this mysterious woman was. At her nod, he placed himself probably a bit too close, but she did not move nor complain. “I fear I have grown weary of the search for a bride. Not that the women aren’t lovely… for someone else.” He smiled wryly. Y/N picked up on it and furrowed her brow.

“Would you elaborate?” Her fingers traced up and down on the spine of her book, needing to fiddle with something. The prince was so much more handsome up close. Regal and sharp and so very interesting… she did understand the ladies gossip much more now.

“Well…” it surprised Harry. Most would simply nod and give a look of understanding but… she would like to know. She asked. “There is no substance in the matches. Our society trains women that all men like brainless, nodding beauties. While I can appreciate someone’s beauty all day, it will fade.” Teeth tugged at his bottom lip, crossing his arms in his silk button up that had been hidden by the coat. “I have been raised seeing women as more so. My mother made sure I was aware of the capabilities of women and how they were just as smart, if not smarter than men.”

“I knew I liked her for a reason.” The girl giggled, leaning in a bit closer to him. “I have to say it surprises me deeply that that is the reason you have yet to choose your queen. In a pleasant way.” Her smile reached her eyes and Harry felt like he was hit in the stomach. Since when did a smile have the power to steal breath?

When he caught it, he cleared his throat and met her with an equally as dazzling smile. “Yes, you do. She is incredible. She taught me so many things.. and is also why I fear my standards are high. I’d like a woman who will teach my children the same thing. Respect, nobility, honor. All the while being affectionate.I think I was spoiled by my parents being a true love match, and wish the same for myself. ” He chuckled. It was a high list for someone of his status but it wasn’t necessarily out of the realm of possibility.

“That is noble.” Her eyes had softened, obviously enjoying what the prince had said. “To find a man who wants to love is a rare thing. At least, in this situation.” She gestured to the palace. “Love is something I’ve always wanted myself, but knew I should not get my hopes up for. It’s very difficult for me because I know my parents love me but will marry me off to the first suitor they deem powerful enough to give me a good life.” There was a pause, a swallow. “And a good life in their eyes is comfort, money and title. I do not fault them for it. It’s how we are all taught. But that does not mean it isn’t discouraging.” She ran her hands through the ends of her hair.

“I see.” Harry looked her over with interest. “And you are… Lady Y/N, I presume?” Her head snapped over to look at him, eyes widened. At her shock, Harry explained. “You are the only other lady of nobility I have not danced with tonight. My father sang praises of you and your family, but I figured you must have retired early.” God, he was glad she did. This was favorable to the ballroom.

“I apologize.” She whispered. “Yes, I am. But you may call me Y/N.” There was a curious tilt to her head. “It is what my friends call me, prince.” Using his title made him wince slightly, but burn in another. One he hasn’t felt before.

“Y/N… you may call me Harry, then.” He murmured, placing his hand out to hers. When placed in his own, he brought it to his face. Gloveless hands could be scandalous, but Harry enjoyed brushing his lips against her soft knuckles. Pressing his lips against the warm skin, he let it linger while they stared. It was a slow descent, her hand released and drawn back to her body.

“Harry…” she tested it out on her tongue, making the man swallow. His name sounded much richer on her tongue. He actually liked hearing it for once.

“Everyone has been walking on eggshells with me the entire night… well, since I’ve begun my search. You are the only one who has treated me as a human and not a marvel to gaze it.” Though he wouldn’t mind if she found him to be as beautiful as one. He certainly thought of her as art.

“Well… we are but humans, aren’t we?” She placed the book down next to her and shifted to face him fully. “You are of a high title. The highest, almost. It is natural for one to be nervous about getting on your good order bad side. But… I know you breathe and sleep and eat, same as I.” She shrugged, brushing hair away from her chest. It was so distracting.

Was everything about this woman going to blow him away? Her beauty, her mind, her understanding… his heart and mind were at a race at which could run the fastest.

“We are.” He retorted. “We are but humans, Y/N. I know it is a risk for you to be out here. Reading in the garden is not what your parents wanted but you did so anyway.” He smiled at the rebellious spirit. “Though… I am very happy you did. You have a backbone and that is admirable. Leaving a luxurious ball to read….” Eyes squinted at the cover. “A book on flowers?” His smile grew. “In a garden. A wild spirit. I like it a lot. It is rare to find people who are able to be so authentic to themselves. You did not care to meet me in there.”

Harry never imagined he would be happy that someone did not want to meet him before. There was a first time for everything, he supposed.

“You are not interested in the riches and gossip. Am I correct?” There was an eagerness to him. Wanting to know every morsel of information he could have on her. Hanging on to her words.

“You are.” A sheepish smile rose on her lips. “I am trained on how to be a lady. The silverware, the embroidery, the languages, the instruments. How to keep a home, how to be a hostess... But I never craved being at the top of the pyramid.” That was even more appealing to him. There was no hidden thirst for power. Nothing of the sort.

“I wish to be more than a housewife though. I am learning to care for a garden so I can make my own floral arrangements. Mother said it was a servants job but I see it as art. We buy the arrangements from the shops, have them delivered. Pay top dollar. Why would it be a shame to know how?” She questioned; rambling a bit.

And Harry was a moony eyed fool who would listen to her talk about the threads on her dress.

“Would you tell me more of yourself?” He continued to surprise her.

“I do apologize for not being proper and meeting you inside but… this is who I am.” She pointed to the book and the shoes. “I am capable of being a lady but I wish to be me. I like being bare foot in the grass. I like books and writing poetry. Trying to make food from other kingdoms, despite how much I am discouraged from being in the kitchen too long.” A sigh left her mouth. ��I enjoy the sunshine and swimming. I’d like to travel and meet people who live there rather than just nobility. I enjoy songs and music and I sing quite often as I walk. It is a habit I do even without notice.” Her fingers fiddled with the ribbons on her dress.

“Again, it was not you who I did not wish to meet. It was what this stood for. I imagined us all fighting for your attention and knowing I am not like the women in that sense, I felt I had not a chance.” She admitted. Her face was shy now, embarrassed to have admitted that to him.

“That is quite alright.” He reassured. “I did not enjoy it either. Balls can be lovely when they aren’t focused on showing me off as prized meat for the women to fight over, only to repeat the same phrases to me as we dance.” That got a real laugh out of her; head thrown back and teeth showing. Carefree.

“Yes, yes! Saying how much they’d love to be your wife, how they can teach your children french or how their needlework has won rewards.” She was in a fit of giggles. “I’m very happy you see past all of that. Half of those girls don’t know what they are truly saying. Repeating what they were taught.” Her head shook.

“When it was announced you’d be looking for a wife, a queen… chaos ensued. The dress shops on back order of silks, etiquette classes full. I saw a grown woman have a full strophe at the jewelers when the blue sapphires were sold out. Someone said they were your favorites.” Her humor of it had Harry laughing as well. Harder than he had in a while.

“Mm… no. They are not.” He chuckled. His eyes fell to her neck, taking in the single red jeweled pendant. “I’m partial to rubies.”

Her laugher faded, looking down to the very thing strung around her throat. Harry was thinking about how many jewels he could hang from her. “Though…” his eyes met hers. Electric. “I do think that there isn’t a jewel that would do you justice. You are very beautiful, Y/N.”

His compliment flustered her, flattered her. Trying to hide her smile but being unable to, a squeak of a giggle left her throat, looking down to try and collect herself. Harry was having none of that, though.

He scooted closer, ever so gently curling his index finger under her chin. It was lifted, Harry’s eyes meeting hers yet again. “Please, don’t look away.” He murmured. “You’ve such beautiful eyes. One of the only people who dares to look me in my own. I enjoy you.” He let his finger give the side of her face a stroke before letting it fall.

His heart was in his throat. He felt it. The tingle crawling up his body, the damn spark he had been waiting for.

“Would you allow me to court you if I proposed it to your parents?” The words fell on top of them. “If you wish to, of course. I ask you first to give you choice.” That was something he knew she usually had very little of.

The girl froze for a moment, looking at his face for any sign of jest. Terrifyingly, she found none. A heat to his eyes, a hopeful but slightly nervous twitch of his lips. The prince was seriously asking her to court. To attempt it.

“I….” She swallowed, breathing heavier than she had anticipated. “I would enjoy that very much, yes. If my improper nature out here has not scared you away, of course.” All the things she had been scolded for had grabbed her a chance with the crowned prince? Her mother would be reeling.

Relief flooded him as she said yes. It wasn’t a one sided attraction, thank gods. She was just as flustered as he was, just as confused at the feelings but just as willing to go for it. The night had not been a total bust after all.

“I do believe that they’ve charmed me more than I can confess.” He stood, grabbing her shoes and kneeling on the floor. It was incredibly inappropriate. If anyone else had seen this, the prince knelt at a woman’s feet? There would be gossip for ages.

All it did for Y/N was raise her affections for him. Allowing him to slip the shoes on for her, letting his bare hands touch bare legs. So, so wrong. But neither of them could help, nor care.

He rose to full height and helped her up as a gentleman should, but he knew that this was just the beginning. Again, he rose the hand he held to his lips. Both hands cupping the hand, pressing a longer kiss to the knuckles. Followed by two more. The heat rising in the air between them steadily. There would be no worry of passion between them.

“Allow me to escort you on my arm. I’d like to speak to your parents and my own… set up arrangements to see you again. As soon as possible.”