#whilst trying not to perish from embarrassment

[squeakadeeks]

Transient lore overview

Figured at this point I have enough separate OC verses, let alone actual OCs themselves that its worthwhile to make big overview pages that describe all of their settings, characters, themes, connections, etc.

Transient is a OCverse i've been working on for a few years now ft. Sulu, Function, Felis, Splish, and Alpha in a fantasy space setting. In my head the intended format is an episodic cartoon comedy series, akin to things like regular show, futurama, adventure time, etc with no overarching ""plot"" per se, just following characters as they interact and develop.

Sulu:

Sulu is the main character, he travels throughout sea-space solving problems and helping people however he can. He is very competent and gives things his all until a problem is solved.

He spends a large portion of his time alone, but he frequently links up from his friends Felis and Splish when the need arises. He has a warm, comforting, friendly personality but doesn't often stick around long enough to form deeper bonds. Hes akin to a benevolent trader joes staffer that gives you a soothing sense of ease as he guides you where to the munster cheese is stocked, but like two ships passing never again will your two paths meet.

Sulu as a character is very dedicated and compassionate, and is genuinely motivated in helping others. That being said, there is a deeper layer to his unwavering dedication. Its a two-pronged coping strategy and distraction from his own struggles. He often ignores any ill that happens to him as a result of obsessively working and puts off addressing his own problems to an extremely problematic degree. His struggles with depression and self neglect end up devolving into the primary conflict.

Function:

Function is the closest thing to an antagonist the series has. Function is an entity originally from the realm of pure math that got wedged in what he refers to as "the meat world" (ie the physical world). By nature his intent is to increase disorder without bound. He's still adjusting to being stuck in the physical world and doesnt always understand the harm he's causing by driving chaos into systems. Although most of the time he is still uncomfortable in having a physical form, he adores thematics and getting attention from others. He has an expressive, energetic, rambunctious personality.

At first he poses a serious risk as a genuinely harmful figure in a cotton-candy marshmallow world, and Sulu has to frequently neutralize his actions. This causes a comical nemesis-esc relationship between the two, but in time as he adjusts and copes with his situation he settles down more into a goofy, campy 90's anime rival archetype and the two form a more genuine bond. He becomes great friends with Alpha, forming a "chaos crew" as the two largely goof around and make the most of things. He has a significantly hard time processing emotional turmoil as he's still trying to wrap his head around basic day-to-day functioning, let alone complicated interpersonal conflicts.

Alpha, Felis, Splish:

The other core cast consists of Felis, Splish the fish, and Alpha.

Felis is Sulu's current best friend, as they spend the most time together and work in tandem often. Felis is genuinely an out-of-place-astronaut, as all the other denizens are aquatic creatures. Felis has a classic goofy cat-like personality, they like to be entertained and pal around, but can struggle with serious matters and completing long-form tasks.

Splish is a space safety ranger and works hard to keep everyone safe and happy and within the rules. He employs Sulu's help on the very frequent occasion when he is out of his depth. He doesn't really comprehend serious matters at all, as he belongs squarely to the "marshmallow head" class of sea-space critters. (Felis is capable of processing serious things, but often elects to not engage)

Alpha is a character from Sulu's past, in particular his former closest friend. She and Sulu were incredibly close in their teens and early 20s, but she eventually lost contact as he splintered off and isolated. Alpha gets frustrated with his lack of care towards his own health and functioning, especially how it affects others around him, seeing it as not taking proper responsibility for himself. She clicks with Function not just because they both have very similar bombastic personalities, but also because she admires how dedicated Function is to adjusting to his new circumstances and improve himself. She is wickedly driven, she loves new experiences and exciting things and is overall incredibly active, but can be somewhat introverted. sort of a "i want to do cool things, but only with the 2 people i have allowed into my inner circle". Holds grudges like the dickens.

Setting:

The setting itself is supposed to be a fusion between underwater and space, there are lots of fish, whales, coral formations etc scattered throughout open space. The various planets act more reefs, collecting lots of life and activity. From afar things look more like ""space"" with planets, stars, galaxies, etc, but the actual deinzens tend to resemble either fish or cartoony space aliens. The overall palette is very bright, colorful, and pastel tones to reflect the cheery, cotton-candy environment.

Concept:

Most of the types of problems Sulu, Felis and Splish work on are lighthearted or comical in nature, such as chauffeuring constellations around, babysitting in a stellar nursery, fishing for asteroids, a mediating in a break up between a binary star system, trying to fix the cowlic generated by the hairy ball theorem, cleaning up a milk spill in a galaxy, a magnetar that keeps demagnetizing people's credit cards, things spontaneously gaining more degrees of non-trivial rotational symmetry, neutron star bowling, and other sorts of whimsical space/math problems.

Every so often something more serious pops up, like a quasar posing a legitimate threat or instability in the laws of physics such as a power on a spatial dependence term flickering back and forth, but 90% of the time its cartoony situations, a la regular show. Another equally descriptive statement would be "Cyberchase but with 30-40yr old queer anime people."

Elephant in the room, Sulu is indeed intended to be an outlet/projection/expression of my own struggles with depression and how severe depressive episodes get entangled with my work and social life, but on a more surface level I also enjoy working on this thing because 1) i like drawing fish, 2) i love using vivid colors, and 3) I love being obnoxious about math and physics jokes while stuck in the throes of a physics phd myself.

[delicrieux]

☆ﾐ 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚢 “𝚘𝚑”

PART 24: OH...HI

after months and too much longing, you finally meet corpse in person.

─── corpse husband x reader ─── soc. media + written fiction! ─── word count: 3.8k

author’s note: we did it joe.

ultimate masterlist.  ҉  myso masterlist   ҉   previous. ҉   next.

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You woke up. That’s a lie, you didn’t sleep. Too much to plan, too much can go wrong and you’re...Not nervous, no, that’s not quite accurate. Excited. Yes, excited, so excited that two Redbulls and three coffees (so far!) make you jitter around the apartment like a butterfly that can’t find a flower bed to rest on. 

Rae has almost had enough of your...random spurts of energy. So what if you ran a few laps, climbed a few tables, sang karaoke a bit too loud and yet another noise complaint had been issued? It arrived exactly an hour after your concert via your displeased landlord. Rae was, of course, the one to apologize because you were too busy trying on miniskirts. After that ordeal was taken care of, no sooner than Rae shut the front door with an exhausted sigh, you emerged from your room clad in your prettiest outfit. You present it to her with a bright smile and flourish. 

She is not impressed.

“Will you quit it?” She questions, arms crossed over her chest. Your grin does not damper -- you’re used to such harsh treatment, having accepted her backhanded way of showing love long ago. Instead, you flick your wrists, showing off an ungodly amount of rings. You’re not certain of the exact number because you can’t count, “Y/n.” Her voice gains an edge, but you persist. Show off your shoes that have cute lil’ charms that jingle jangle not unlike the spurs on a hot cowgirl’s boots, “Y/n.” Her eyes narrow in displeasure, her stern tone making you falter in your dramatic stride down the imaginary catwalk, “Just stop.”

Okay! So maybe you’re not as used to her coldness as you thought you were. Your expression sours, and you quit the act, even if a part of you - one you barely fight off, goodness, you almost perish in that battle - wants to continue but even more annoying. As if you could somehow block her rationality with manic energy. 

“What?” You ask, trying to keep the mood lighthearted despite her squared shoulders and tight frown, “I’m just having a bit of fun!” You say with a joyous little laugh, reaching for a glass of much needed water.

“No, you’re panicking.” Her words make the glass still, hoovering by your painted lips, but it’s short lived. You take a greedy gulp and it tastes fresh with a pinch of lipstick, “Look, I get it...” She shakes her head softly, “You’re meeting the guy you like for the first time, you jumped the gun straight to dating and now you’re...Anxious. It’s normal, you know.”

“But I’m not anxious.” You persist, and you really do mean it. You don’t like how she looks at you as if you’re the one that’s misunderstanding your own feelings. You set the glass down with a soft clink, heaving your own sigh, “I’m not, I’m really happy actually.” You explain softly, “It’s just...my way of dealing with it. I’m more... Worried about Corpse, to be honest.” You add, a tad quieter, “But, like, it’s all good!” You exclaim, strolling up to her and landing your hands on her shoulders, “I prepared.”

And it’s true! You had spent the night scouring the depths of the internet. Read every WikiHow article on how to deal with someone with extreme anxiety, how to not make things painfully awkward, and how to talk to boys (just in case. The last time you stumbled upon that particular article was way back in middle school when you had a crush on that one guy you saw in your school’s cafeteria every now and then. Naturally, that led you down the rabbit hole, and according to WikiHow’s How To Tell If A Boy Likes You guidebook, you found out that he was absolutely enamored with you because he glanced in your direction, like, two times. Safe to say that love story went nowhere. The point still stands). 

So you forward all of this information to Rae, nestled in her bed whilst she lazily folds her clothes; clarify that you know that nothing much can happen, and that this whole situation is delicate, and that you must tread carefully because you don’t want to overwhelm him. She pauses her actions, glancing behind her to watch you staring idly at the ceiling, so peaceful, so thoughtful. And it’s not the eerie calmness you had displayed during your murderous spree in the last Among Us game, no, it’s just...quiet understanding. 

“I’m actually impressed.” She says. You merely hum, counting the dust slowly descending in the cascading light, “You’re not as clueless as I thought.” Your lips quirk into a shy smile at the compliment- “Or as tactless.” - and turn downward just as quick.

“That implies that I’m always tactless.”

“You are.” She states and you sit up, a soft frown pinching your brows, “Not like, in a terrible way. You just...don’t think about your actions. Or the repercussions. You just know that you can get away with everything.”

“And I can!”

“That doesn’t actually mean you should do something just because you can. You know I’ll always support you. Literally everyone will always support you. But I’m not gonna coddle you. You’re just...a lot. Online and especially in person. But the fact that you’re actually taking this seriously and taking his feelings into consideration is...well, the bare minimum, but still, good job.”

...Much to think about. You don’t like thinking, it makes your head hurt. Though, that could just be the lack of sleep. You cross your legs and plop your head in your hand, tired eyes blinking owlishly, “Do you...think I should change what I’m wearing?”

Prompted by your question, she gives you a careful once over, “I mean, it’s signature you.”

“Signature me is a hoodie and some sweatpants.”

She smiles, “Then go change. Your outfit is a bit distracting for just...Hanging out indoors, no? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind either way, though.”

“I just...” You bite the inside of your cheek, mulling your words over. Truly, the last time you were so attentive was when you went Psycho Mode in Among Us, which, to be fair, wasn’t that long ago. Perhaps there wasn’t a chance to let your mind dull - it’s almost as sharp as your butterfly knife, “I figured that if, like,” You vaguely motion with your hands, “if I be, like, all over the place, and wearing something cute, he’d be, like, distracted? And less anxious? No...awkward silence?”

“First meetings are always awkward, it’s natural.” She chimes, “I mean, if you’re so nervous-”

“I’m not nervous!”

“-then just don’t overthink it. I know it’s easier said than done, but you’re you, and Corpse is Corpse, and he likes you for who you are, and even if it is a bit awkward, I’m sure it’ll, like, blow over in a second. It really doesn’t matter how you look, Y/n.” She grins, “Plus, it’s not like you’re greeting him in your underwear or something.”

You will not admit that that was your plan B, not when you just landed in her good graces. You nod, “...I’ll go change.” 

And so you do. Pick out your cutest hoodie and some sweatpants. Put away your jingle jangle shoes with a broken heart, instead of them donning your fluffiest socks; slip off some rings because they keep falling off of your fingers. It’s almost like all of those transformation scenes in rom-coms that are still popular for some reason, except you’re hot before and after, so there’s really no transformation at all. 

Now you wait. Just wait, all other activities are excluded from this. Rae comes back to find you sitting on the edge of your bed, back straight, hands neatly folded on your lap. She compares you to a Sim’s character and you allow her. After mercilessly mocking you and snapping a few pictures - for blackmail, you assume - she helpfully informs that she is leaving because she doesn’t want to get in the way, but your psychic abilities which you acquired just now tell you that she simply doesn’t want to witness this train wreck. Not that it’ll be a train wreck, it would be if you were nervous, but you aren’t. 

You just aren’t. You fidget with the rings adoring your hand; toy with the hem of your hoodie; bounce your leg up and down. It’s just caffeine, okay?! Fuck this, Twitter time.

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[ADDING A MUSICAL INTERMISSION, LISTEN TO THIS IF YOU WANT (I WROTE THIS CHAPTER WITH IT IN MIND)]

The waiting commences, only now it somehow feels more intense. The sun is setting, and you really want to be one of those cute girls that fill their camera roll with pictures of the sunset and the roseate sky, but your hands are trembling and holding up your phone feels like too much of a hassle. You’d rather just sit there, alone in the apartment, in the pin-drop silence, extremely uncomfy and tense, as if waiting for the end of the world. 

A notification sounds off and your life flashes before your eyes. Hastily, you check it, a sticky mixture of delight and something else, something unpleasant constricting, making your stomach churn. He’s here. Holy shit, it’s happening. You order your anime plushies to stop fucking panicking, they’re like, totally embarrassing you at the moment! You wonder if they have their own little group chat, but instead of Totally Spies it’s called Total Embarrassment. Yikes, okay, that was harsh. After a good scolding, and a heartfelt apology for getting so heated, you smooth down the non-existent wrinkles on your modest outfit, and quickly waddle over to the electronic apartment thingie something something... you unlock the main door, okay!? This is for some reason feeling very not cash money, so you break out in a little dance number.

The doorbell does not sing that shrill, unpleasant tune; rather, there’s a soft knock on the apartment’s door, and you pause your shuffling, your renegade, and perk up at the imposing future hidden behind a slab of wood. Your heart beats a melody all on it’s own, and it’s loud, uncoordinated, like a musician that’s still familiarizing themselves with their instrument. And there’s that knock again, as uncertain as you’re feeling, and your clammy fingers latch onto the lock and turn it and now there is no more hiding - such a possibility is no longer an option; no more sporadic dances or sitting in disheartening silence and letting your thoughts weight you down.

You’re not quite sure what you were thinking about before you saw him in the threshold, head tilted slightly, fluffy dark hair obscuring the bags under his eyes, hunched, one ringed hand clutching onto the strap of his duffel bag, the other frozen mid-air, ready to knock one more time lest you didn’t hear him the first two. No, truly, you can’t, for the life of you, remember what all the fuss was about. 

“...Oh.” It’s a soft sound, so quiet, but not surprised, rather...relieved. Faint shimmers of a smile reach you, hidden behind a black face mask - the panini chic! You must stan a respectful king - but there’s something about the way he looks at you that makes you question it’s sincerity. He fails to return your gaze, rather choosing to stare somewhere over your shoulder. His eyes seem unfocused. Apprehensive. A wild thought occurs to you that he expected you to trick him somehow, and wild thoughts invade the land of your mind often, but never in such a way. You clutch the handle just a bit tighter.

His hand retreats to his side, up to his mask and you think he’s about to unhook it but he stills, and there’s panic there, as if he had been moving unconsciously, as if he hadn’t realized what he’s doing. He plays it off by idly scratching his cheek, muttering an equally quiet, “Hi.” to fill the silence.

Finally, your WikiHow knowledge can come in handy, along with your common sense, “Hey, pretty boy.” You mutter, pulling away from the door, “Make yourself at home!” You slide to the kitchen, your socks acting not unlike ice-skates cutting through the Arctic frost covered ground. You hope that with you occupied and not watching him as closely he’ll feel slightly more at ease. 

You’d like to hug him. Kiss him, definitely. But if he’s so uncomfortable that he can’t bring himself to shed his mask in your presence, then there’s really nothing you can do. 

You hear the door shut and lock behind you as you pull out two glasses from the cupboard, humming a song you can’t quite recall the name of. You ask him if he’d like something to drink - it was a short flight, yet a flight still, and planes always make you thirsty, and there you go talking his ear off. You end abruptly, but smoothly, like a true diplomat; if he notices, you have no way of knowing - he doesn’t provide even a hint. He’s hard to read, and literature was never your best subject. But you’re trying.

He sets his duffel bag down on a nearby chair, “I, uhhh,” His voice is raspy and low, another indication of a pathetic lack of sleep, “I...got you something, uhh, I dunno-dunno if I should...give it now, or?” He sends you a questioning glance, but it doesn’t linger. Your offer of drinks is momentarily forgotten, though you hardly mind. 

You grin, “Sure! I love gifts, gimmie gimmie.” You make grabby hands, and he snorts, and it would’ve sounded endearing if he didn’t sound so fucking tired. He unzips the bag, and you pad your way to him, mindful of personal space (something you, in most social situations, chose to pretend does not exist). You note his hands quivering lightly, just like yours had in the agonizing wait, but he hides it well. You wish you could hold them. You’re afraid to try.

He pulls out a black hoodie and you recognize the custom art on it instantly - it’s his merch. He presents it in awkward flourish, murmuring a “Tadaaaa” under his breath; your heart skips a pleasant beat, and you have to bite down on your lower lip lest you smile appears too big. The fabric is soft under your fingers, and you accept his gift with a dramatic bow, and he turns his head away with another little laugh. You’re chipping away at the ice around him; it’s a slow process, but it’s worth the effort.

Truly, your own hoodie is shabby in comparison - icky, how could you have ever worn such a thing in the first place?! You’ll have to do extensive research in fashion magazines and Printerest so such a slip-up may never happen again. You discard it hastily and put his on instead; it smells like washing detergent with hints of cologne, one you instantly pin point belonging to him, “It’s, uhhh, it’s mine? I hope you, uhh, I didn’t have any spare ones, so-I hope you don’t...mind.”

He’s finally looking at you, but he’s still tense, still hesitant, and you shake your head softly, “No,” You admit, “I like it even more now.” You pull on the hood, toy with the strings and yank them quickly; your face is concealed, save for your nose, “Comfy.” Your commentary is unmatched, best of it’s kind - eloquent and effortless, much like yourself.

Another small laugh reaches your ears, and it sounds a bit livelier than the others had been. Success!

“Stop that.” He says gently, and you see moving shadows; his hands loosen the strings and your face is revealed to him once again. He’s close now, and he doesn’t move away; his hands come to rest on your shoulders, warm even through layers of fabric, “I came all this way to see you, don’t hide your face from me.” 

Your eyes narrow playfully, your finger rapidly tapping away on his clothed cheek, “What’s all this then? Hm? Hm?” Instead of swatting your hand away, which you figured he’d do, he complies and finally tugs that fucking mask off. Your breath catches in the back of your throat and you halt your ministrations - truly, seeing him smiling on screen is nothing compared to him smiling in person. You can’t quite contain yourself any longer - your excitement might burst out in another dance number otherwise - as you throw your arms over his shoulders and pull him flush against you. He’s quick to return the embrace. Maybe it was all the encouragement he needed.

“Wow,” He mumbles, only slightly offended, “so I finally show my face to you, in person, and you just-...you just look away?”

“I’m hugging you, dumbass.”

“...Touche.”

Things fall into place after that, like a dozen puzzle pieces fitting together. He won’t let you go - he doesn’t want to. You put on some music, something easy and indie and that doesn’t require too much effort to listen to, as the two of you contemplate what to eat. Cooking by yourselves was dismissed due to the unstable relationship between yourself and cooking utensils. The stove and you had had a falling out recently, but this feud had started long ago, back in pre-school, with only short intervals of friendship. He listened to your extensive explanation absolutely enraptured and only moderately confused. 

So you settled on ordering pizza from Domino’s. You have no trouble calling or receiving phone calls, because you have no trouble doing anything, and he admitted that he only really calls you because he gets too anxious to do more, so you’re tasked with ordering the food. You accept this mission with pride.

You stand tall, gazing out the window into the wild California domain: massive buildings and towering eucalyptus trees, bleeding skyline and the sun slowly getting swallowed up by the ocean. Corpse looms behind you, with his arms snaked around your waist and his chin resting on your shoulder, looking at you through the corner of his eye. You wait patiently for the underpaid, overworked staff member to pick up, and once they do, you have the audacity to grin brightly and chirp, “Hi! I want pizza.”

Conversations flow smoothly, and you make hot chocolate - because you are hot and you crave chocolate - and he insists he wants one too, because you want one, and you don’t hesitate to overflow his cup with whipped cream and an ungodly amount of miniature marshmallows. A premature heart attack, just for him. Whoever said romance is dead has clearly never met you. When the doorbell chimes, you’re astounded that an hour flew by so quickly.

After the delicious meal, the movie night must commence. So what if you watched 10 Things I hate About You yesterday, you insist that you have already forgotten the plot. You lead him to your room and he tries not to stare, but can’t help himself. Pretty boy in a pretty girl’s room. His eyes linger on the massive posters of Chrollo on your walls, and you sense his displeasure rolling off of him in waves. 

“What?” You huff, fluffing the pillows, “You don’t like my husband?”

He jabs his finger into his chest, into the spot of his heart, “I’m your husband.”

“Side hoe, then-”

“-No.”

You didn’t lie when you said you love to cuddle, or that you’re clingy. It’s a good thing he’s just as clingy as you are, because when he lays down and you latch onto his side. He doesn’t complain, rather wraps his arm around pulls you close. His thumb draws lazy circles on your side; with your head resting on his chest, you feel each rhythmical rise and drop. 

The opening credits play on the projector, the room dark enough for your pile of plushies to look like a whole fucking human just standing in the corner. A ghost! Sucks for it, you’re not scared. You feel safe. Protected. So comfortable in Corpse’s hold that you’re honestly wondering how did you manage to be so long without him. To think all of this started when Sykkuno followed you on Twitter. What a lucky accident.

“Can I ask you something?” Your voice cuts through the bopping 90s soundtrack and Julia Stiles’ voice. He hums. You take it as a yes. Tilting your head upwards, you find his eyes again, a thorn of displeasure picking you as you note that that apprehension you had seen previously is still very much there, “...You really wouldn’t date me if I was a worm?”

His chest rumbles with a laugh and his lips split into a grin, “I would.” He presses your side for emphasis, “I really would.” He repeats, reassuringly. You, however, are not convinced.

“But I’d be a worm.”

“I know. We’d... roll around in the dirt together, or something.”

“But you’d be human.”

He frowns softly, “Why couldn’t I be a worm, too?”

“Those are the rules.”

“What kind of shitty fucking rules are those?”

“I dunno, it’s like the Thanos snap or something. I just turn into a worm. I’m the only one.”

“That’s fine.” He smiles, “I’d take you out on a fishing date or something.”

Shocked, offended, and heartbroken, you hit his chest and pointedly turn away with a pout, which he finds very funny for some reason, but you fail to see the humor anywhere except the movie. Despite the fact that he’d sacrifice you for a fish, you smile shyly and close your eyes. He did say you would take a nap together, and if he really thought you’d stay awake for movie night, well, then he’s just an idiot. You had decided you would fall asleep as soon as he was next to you. It’s a miracle you managed to stay awake for so long.

“...Sleeping already?” You don’t appreciate his teasing tone.

“’m not sleeping...” You murmur, “’m resting my eyes.”

“Sure.”

You’re not quite certain (of anything, really) how much time drifts by, but you’re nearly lost in unconsciousness, in the warm, nice feeling that comes along with him like a cloud. Perhaps he thinks you’re asleep, he has to, else he wouldn’t say anything at all, “You’re stuck with me now, you know.” It’s such a soft admission, riddled with the same notes of anxiety that always prevail in his speech; with the same hopeful sincerity he had been gazing at you the whole evening. 

Moving your lips is such a hassle, but you manage, “’m...stuck...” You mumble, “’m...stuck...what are you doing step-”

“No!” He laughs, and your lips quirk into a lazy smile, “No, no, no. Just no. Do you talk in your sleep?” You fake snore at that, loudly, “You’re like a little dragon.”

“...Fuck you.”

“Fine, a kitten, then.” That’s better. You feel something chapped, but soft, press onto your forehead, “Goodnight, Y/n.”

God, you’re so fucking happy. Does he know how happy you are? How happy he makes you? But you’re too tired for screaming and flailing around, too tired to even crack an eye open. You want him to know all the same, “...like you.” You whisper, but you don’t know if he hears you over the movie, “...I like you.”

His reply is instant, breathless, “I like you too.”

Good, you want to say, and maybe you do - can’t tell anymore. Sleep takes you too quickly.

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tags (in italics is those i couldn’t tag! make sure all’s ok w your settings!) : @littlebabysandboxburritos - @fairywriter-oracle - @tsukishimawh0re - @ofstarsanddreams - @bbecc-a - @annshit - @leahh19 - @letsloveimagines - @bellomi-clarke - @wineandionysus - @guiltydols - @onephootinfrontoftheother - @liamakorn - @thirstyfangirl - @lilysdaydreams - @pan-ini - @mxqicshxp - @tanchosanke - @yoshinorecommends - @flightsandfantasy - @liljennyx3 - @bingusmode - @unknown-and-invisible - @sinister-sleep - @fivedicksinatrenchcoat - @mercury--moon - @peterparkerspjsuit - @unstableye - @simonsbluee - @shinyshimaagain - @ppopty - @siriuslystupid - @crapimahuman - @ofthedewthesunlight - @mythicalamphitrite - @artsyally - @corpsesimpp - @corpsewhitetee - @corpse-husbandsimp - @hyp-oh-critical - @roses-and-grasses - @rhyrhy462 - @sparklylandflaplawyer - @charbkgo - @airwaveee - @creativedogs - @kaitlyn2907 - @loxbbg - @afuckingunicornn - @fleurmoon - @yeolliedokai

more tags are in the comments bcs tumblr only allows me to tag 50 people max 💙

[animeyanderelover]

Hello again! Can I have prompt 46 with Ash? Tnx

Recently I told my friend that I had a lot of requests about him and she laughed about it. She doesn't really like him, but she gives him credit since he looks good.

Tw: Yandere themes, unhealthy mindset, unhealthy relationship, possessiveness, obsessiveness, delusions, extreme paranoia, isolation, desperation, mentions of kidnapping,overprotectiveness, mentions of self-harm, Stockholm syndrome

Prompt 46: "Can I...can I kiss you?"

It was nothing less than a miracle that someone like you existed, someone who was cleansed from all the sins of this world and the corruption of humans. You were radiating with everything Ash had wanted for this world, a world that he wanted to give to you. It was the minimum from what she should and would do for you, it was his duty as your very own guardian angel. A role he was utterly dedicated too, devoted to his very own angel who forgave him his sins every time.

It was true, you had forgiven him his crimes already a long time ago as everything around you had started to fade away and you had lost count of how long exactly you had been stuck in here. Somewhere around one and a half years would be your expectation, looking on how the seasons had changed through the large and closed windows which symbolized your loss of freedom. But you didn't mind anymore.

You only needed and wanted Ash, your guardian angel.

There was clear tension in his body, you could feel how he stiffened up under your embrace. He had never really received that sort of affection before from anyone nor would he have ever wanted it from all those worthless lives walking around freely. You were the only person he actually wanted any sort of touches from. That was how pure you were, even causing someone like him craving something and falling victim to his own desires. And it was his own fault for being so weak-minded. He didn't deserve you yet letting you perish outside would be an even greater sin. He had to keep you safe.

"My Queen...what are you doing?"

Being able to keep his composure was important in front of you, though he remembered to have failed multiple times in the past already. Severe punishment was the only thing he could think of to atone for his failures for not being good enough, for proving himself to be so incredibly useless. Even now he could feel some unhealed wounds aching a bit, but you didn't have to know about his weakness and incompetence.

You blinked slightly confused up at him when he asked you such an obvious question, but it soon turned into slight giggling that instantly plunged Ash's heart into painfully warm emotions and forced his eyes to get wet. It had taken a while until you had been able to look so happy after he had quickly rescued you from all the evil waiting to devour you. The distress he had felt back then could never be put in words and no burns, knifes and broken bones had been able to make up for what you had been suffering under. Even now it remained as a anxiety deeply stuck in his heart. But looking at you now, smiling at him and not staring with wide eyes filled with fear at him, was worth much more than his whole life could ever repay you.

"I’m hugging you. It’s just that you always look so worried and stressed over my safety and never appear to take a rest. Just now you did as well so I thought this might help you a bit. A strong hug can be more worth than thousand words after all. That’s what my mother told me at least when I was younger.”, you replied softly, pressing your face deeper into his chest with a content look on your face.

There was nothing Ash could think of for a few moments, instead he seared the scene in front of him deep into his brain, how you were currently buried into his chest, looking so happy and peaceful. So stunning and precious.

Tears were quick to escape his eyes only seconds later, his insides stirring up with warmth that stung him and yet baked him with something he hadn’t felt in so long. Comfort and peace.

This was exactly why he had to protect you with his very own life, no one was allowed to snuff out the light you carried inside of you and that was able to even share it’s warmth with him. You possessed too much kindness to understand, but normal humans only destroyed what they touched, ruining it with their greed.

He wouldn’t let them do the same to you.

He would kill everyone who would even do as much as getting too close.

He just had to guarantee that you would live.

But first of all he had to calm himself down or otherwise he might worry you even more than he seemed to have done already. The tears were quickly wiped away with his sleeves before Ash was able to look at you again, still feeling like he wanted to continue crying. His heart felt like it might burst at any moment.

“You have so much warmth and love inside of you that I don’t think I deserve any of it. You shouldn’t even be concerned about me, I merely do what I have to do as your guardian. If you were to fall victim to this damned place, I would perish as well. What use is an angel who can’t even protect their chosen one?”

Pain was twisting his voice and face a bit when he dared to imagine how a world without you would be, a world filled with grief and darkness for him. Letting his guard down would be a fatal mistake, he had seen the worst of this world and the humans and he knew that it would happen again. That was why he had to be like this for you were his heart beating outside his chest. If something were to ever happen to you...

The angel hadn't even noticed that he had already started crying again, fist tightened and body shaking whilst getting lost in fears of losing the one good and bright thing this world had still left.

"But for me you're more than just a guardian angel. You're my angel and I want you to feel happy as well. I want you to feel loved as well. You do so much for me, but I feel like I only cause you stress and uneasiness. Shouldn't you be happy because of me?", you asked him in slight protest, feeling sadness whilst seeing the man you had come to love like this again because of you. You had never seen him truly relaxed nor had you ever been able to show him your feelings. He wouldn't let you, not thinking that he deserved you.

His reaction was instant, suddenly falling on his knees upon hearing from what you had said that he had disappointed you yet again, the visible look of your sorrow only stabbing his fear deeper into his very soul.

"I-I am so sorry! I didn't know that you felt this way only because I was so selfish to only think about myself like this! I don't deserve your forgiveness and accept any sort of-"

When he felt the soft sensation of your hands cupping his stained cheeks, he abruptly stopped his rambling, trying to not choke on his own breath that had gotten irregular.

"You don't have to apologize to me. I don't want to hear you saying such things about yourself. Don't you understand? I am unhappy whenever you are like this, seeing yourself as so worthless and not deserving of my love. That's what hurts me so much. You're rejecting my feelings. I love you, Ash. And I want to know if you do too. Because if you do, please stop talking like this and behave so distantly."

Your voice conveyed every bit emotion that was going on inside of you in that moment, something that Ash noticed with widened eyes as well.

Silence was cut short by him when he realized that you wanted something crucial from him which he would gladly give you. He had never considered that you would ever consider his love as something you wanted, consider him as someone you loved. When had been the last time someone had been truly kind to him and loved him? He couldn't remember anymore.

"Of course I do. You should never doubt my feelings for you. I love you more than you could ever imagine. It's impossible to function without you.", he managed to reply with a shaking voice as he grabbed both of your hands in his own.

"Then why are you acting like this? Everyone deserves someone who loves them. Without love it's a very painful life, isn't it? That's why I am hurting as well. Let me love you and I promise that you'll be able to feel peace as well.", you muttered slightly embarrassed out, leaning your head down so your forehead could rest against his own.

Slight sobs were starting to catch up to Ash as he was staring in pure awe at you.

"Thank you. I'll be better and make sure that I won't cause you sadness anymore.", he pressed out, tightening his grip on your hands only the slightest bit so he wouldn't hurt you.

"I'm glad to hear that.", you replied with a sincere smile on your face, joy stirring your heart up just by seeing that for the first time since he had abducted you, Ash was looking relieved and less tense. He just looked extremely grateful.

"May I ask you for a favor then?", you requested with a certain idea in mind.

"I'll do anything for you.", Ash replied, sounding very emotional.

"I want to do something for you for once since you normally do anything for me."

Hesitation and clear dislike instantly shadowed his face, the thought of him asking something from you going against Ash's belief in all the wrong ways. You shouldn't have to do him favors.

"It doesn't have to be something difficult. It can be a really simple thing. Just...something that I can do for you this once. Please.", you begged slightly, seeing the angel already struggling. You knew how he felt about such things, he hated letting you do something for him and he had never done it before either. Ash saw it only upon himself to serve you which was another thing that sometimes made you feel guilty. You wanted to do more for him as well.

"Can I...can I kiss you?"

Maybe that had been more a slip of his tongue, but he had been slightly panicking since hadn't want to sadden you again nor had he wanted you to do physical work for him. It was supposed to be the other way around.

So when he had stared for a moment at your face, eyes locked on your lips, he had considered somewhere deep in his mind possibilities which he had been fantasizing about a few times before, but hadn't thought that they would actually have a change of happening.

In his opinion they were still sinful, it would take a while for him to get used to the idea that you wanted to receive physical affection and love from him. The first impulse when he realized what he had said was instantly apologizing, only to be interrupted before he could even start saying anything.

You had already leaned down to fulfill him his wish before he could take it back again.

[laurensxox]

Fandom :: The Arcana

Pairing :: Julian Devorak x Reader (Not Apprentice)

Requested? :: no

Warning/s :: Julian's Route (Upright) and New Tale Spoilers, Named Apprentice, Female Reader, Chronic Illness, Swearing, Author is projecting their longing

Genre :: Angst

Summary :: Julian spends the night reminiscing over childhood memories and longing to go back to the past where he was in Nevivon again, playing as carefree as one can be with the one person he truly cared about other than his younger sister

Author's Note :: Stark, if you're reading this, I'm fighting you for this dramatic, self-sacrificing dumbdumb-

Song Inspiration :: Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars

Portia's Cottage :: Just After Sundown

A chuckle left the auburn haired man as he watches Pasha relay stories of their childhood to their friends, informing them of how they were raised by a group of grandmothers and how their parents actually perished from a shipwreck caused by a rather strong storm. Mazelinka quickly add in how much of a troublemaker the two of them has become as the years pass by, didn't even waste the chance to tell them about the tooth fairy situation which caused Julian to go beet red in mild embarassment. Their friends were in no need to know that story!

Shaking his head, he let a more genuine smile form on his face. As embarrassed as he is right now, he was happy to see everyone laughing jovially without the fear of Lucio's plans with the Devil weighing on their shoulders. A warm sensation forms in his chest as he tries to hold in his laughter as Pasha nearly slips on her feet with her excitement to share their history. It was nice to be able to just laugh and and thrive in the positive energy inside the cottage! Even Muriel, their very introverted friend, seems to be relaxed as he lets Allen (Apprentice) braid his hair using flower stems while Asra leans on his side.

Looking at the trio and sensing the strong forming bond between Pasha and the Countess, Julian couldn't help the small pang of longing swell somewhere within himself. He couldn't stop his mind from pushing forward memories he tried to bury and lock away.

"Ilya, help! I'm slipping!"

"Don't worry, I'll catch you!"

The longing pang quickly turned to pain as the memories rushes back to the surface. He could feel his hand start to tremble as the formerly locked away memories barrels it's way to the front of his mind. Jumbled memories of playing tag and tending to scraped knees should have made him feel fond but it makes feel nothing but longing. Longing for a time and companionship he knows he'll never be able to have again.

Taking a deep breath, he hadn't noticed that he had closed his eyes until he opened them. With him being occupied with trying to stir himself away from the path of self-loathing once again, he hadn't noticed how quiet the cottage had gotten, its other residents looking at him with concerned eyes. Not even the Familiars scattered in the room made a noise.

He forced a laugh to ease the sudden change of atmosphere in the cottage, hoping it sounded convincing enough to clear the concern away from his family and friends' eyes. While he has come to terms that it's okay to ask and receive help instead of keeping things to himself, he still struggles with it. And it was obvious with the way he tries to act like he was okay, that he wasn't just bombarded with memories he doesn't want to remember.

"What is with that look, my dear friends? I am perfectly well, no worries!" he exclaimed, giving them his usual smirk and raised eyebrow, internally hoping it'll be enough to convince them that there was nothing to be concerned about. "There is nothing in this world that this handsome and smart devil can't handle!" His little comment about himself seems to be the right thing to say as his friends immediately rolled their eyes in fond exasperation. Although, by the look of his sister and honorary grandmother, he guessed that they have seen right through him and he can already see his funeral-

He gave a small sigh and let a small weary look replace his earlier expression, "I'll just head outside to take in a quick breath of fresh air," he said as he quickly exited the cottage before his two family member could say anything. Knowing that they'll probably just follow right after him, he quickly made his way away from the cottage and into the hedge maze by the palace gardens. It took him a while to get to the center but he was relieved to see it empty. Consul Valerius has taken to drinking his usual wine there in this time so he was quite happy to see that for once, the Consul broke his routine. He needed to be alone right now.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs surrounding a rounded table, he crossed his arms on the table and used it to rest his head upon. Taking another deep breath to calm his racing heart, he closed his eyes.

Maybe he needs to stop locking away these memories, he has only done so before due to his need to focus on finding the cure for the plague and then having to focus to not get caught by the patrolling palace guards when he was still a wanted convict. The memories and the longing for his childhood best friend used to be a big distraction for him while he was still working under Valdemar.

He didn't need to do any of those anymore... So maybe...

The soft rapid footsteps echoed in the small forest near the town of Nevivon, followed by the childish giggling of two children. Both children wore a tattered white sheet of cloth, the corners wrapped around their necks in a way that resembles that of a cape. Whilst in their heads rests crudely made paper crowns.

Young Julian and his best friend, (Y/N), were already considered too old for these kind of games by some of the grandmas and fellow children but the two gave them no mind, choosing to continue living in their fantasy world until they were truly too old for it.

The two children stopped once they have reached the center of the forest where a small meadow hides in. It was decorated by dozens of wild flowers and the breeze were always refreshing. The two has deemed this as their spot when they had first found it years ago, back when they were much younger.

They call the meadow as their kingdom, where they are the rulers, side by side as King and Queen. The wild flowers are their loyal subjects and sometimes, when Pasha joins them, she acts as their ambassador.

Young Julian kneeled as they reach the very center that they always keep clean, it was their designated throne room. The young boy carefully plucked a blue hued flower from the ground, he didn't know what kind of flower it was but it was pretty, a perfect gift for his 'Queen'

As if mocking the reminiscing man, right across from him and innocently clinging to the hedge wall was the very same flower that he had picked back then. He didn't know if he wants to sneer at it or be fond of it. He wished he has a glass of Salty Bitters right now, maybe he should have headed to Rowdy Raven instead of here.

"Would you have approved of the man that I have become, (Y/N)?" he whispered as he stares at the flower, as if it would miraculously turn into his childhood friend and answer him. Maybe that was possible? Allen did transform him into Asra back then, would the illusion work on a plant as well? But then again, that will be all it'll ever be. Just an illusion.

The grandmas all exchanged fond gazes as they watch their resident troublemakers sing songs with all their heart, their love for the dramatic was very much obvious at that moment.

Little Portia was banging on pots like drums by the sidelines, sometimes singing some lines as well when prompted by either her older brother or the girl she was starting to see as her older sister.

He stood up from his place and started to make his way out of maze. He wasn't going to go back in the cottage nor was he in any hurry, he just felt too restless to stay sitted in one place. He has gotten used to always moving around with all his running from guards and fighting a Major Arcana. But before he went back to trying to find his way in the maze, he stopped in front of the flower that he has been staring at.

It was a small flower with 6 petals that looks blue and violet at the same time, the bud in the middle was light green in color and it was the only flower growing in the hedge. From what Julian remembers, these flowers grow in bundles. So to see one so alone, well, it didn't help the growing hole inside him.

Gently plucking the flower like he did so in his childhood, he observed the flower a little more before making his way back into maze, taking the small flower with him. Surely, the Countess would not mind him plucking such a small wild flower, now would she?

Julian looked up from his book as he felt something soft being places om his hair, looking up, he saw (Y/N) placing what looks to be a bunch of flowers weaved together in a circlet manner on top of his head. Something similar on her own head as well.

"What are you doing, peanut?" he asked the girl, gently closing his book and waiting for the other to finish adjusting the flowers. He had taken to calling her 'Peanut' after he had caught her trying to sneakily take the peanuts in the communal pantry. He didn't snitch to the grandmas, of course.

"Just adjusting your flower crown, bum-bum" she answered, making small more adjustments before appearing satisfied that the flower crown both looks good and will surely stay on her friend's head when they begin to trek their way home later.

The Doctor surprisingly got out pretty easy, definitely faster than when he was first trying to get to the heart of the maze. Looking down at the flower, he let a sad smile adorn his face.

"I suppose even after all these years, you're still my lucky charm, huh, (Y/N)?" he mumbled under his breath, giving the one of the petals a small kiss before continuing to walk.

He didn't really have a destination, the palace grounds was vast and there are still some areas of it that he hasn't been to. Maybe a little exploring wouldn't hurt? He hopes Pasha wouldn't get too worried if he takes too long to get back to her cottage, he does often find himself in troubling situations.

"You know what? I wouldn't even ask how you manage to be in this situation." (Y/N) said, crossing her arms as she narrows her eyes at the boy dangling before her.

Julian had, at that moment, managed to get himself tangled in the vines surrounding the branches of the tree. Truth be told, he was trying to climb the tree in order to get fresh fruits for his sister and best friend. But when he finally managed to get on a branch, a crow suddenly flew out of its nest and caused him to go off balance, fortunately being caught by the vines, no matter how tangled up he got.

He wouldn't tell her that though, lord knows she wouldn't let him live it down.

"Why, my dear peanut, I was just trying to see how strong these vines are and if they would make a good rope!" It was honestly a good excuse for him, but apprently not good enough for (Y/N) as she just raised her eyebrow at him, clearly not believing him.

After a good bit of exploring, he manages to find himself near the fountains where he saw the trio couple making their way back to the palace. Were they on their way home already? How long has he been outside? Shaking his head, he called for their attention and made his way to them.

"Going home already?" he asked, raising a brow as he observes the many colorful flowers adoring Muriel's hair. It was quite a new look on the tall man but it surprisingly suits him. Seeing his friend give him a narrowed look, he moved his gaze to the two magicians.

"Yeah, I'm feeling quite a bit tired already and Asra wanted to do a quick inventory of the stocks we have left in the shop" Allen explained, moving to lightly keep their wild green hair out of their sight. It was getting a little long, they might need a cut soon. "Though, we don't plan to stay there for the whole night, just a quick inventory and dinner then straight to Muri's where we'll sleep for tonight" the apprentice added, giving the taller doctor a smile.

"I see, I see! Well, don't let me hold you back for any longer, have a safe walk home!" he exclaimed, moving to walk further before he was stopped by a gentle grip on his wrist. Turning back, he saw that it was Allen who held him back. He could see the concern swirling in their green eyes but the smile never faltered away from their face. "Yes, dear?" he asked.

"You know you can talk to us if there's something bothering you, right? You don't have to if you're not comfortable but just remember that we're here, okay?" Moved by their words, Julian pulled them into a sideway hug and let out a genuine laugh. He was so lucky to have his friends. Sometimes he still thinks he doesn't deserve them but he knew to keep it to himself for now. He didn't fancy sitting through another lecture session about his self worth by his sister again.

"Aw, Allen, don't you worry about lil 'ol me! I'm quite alright now!" That was a lie, he was far from alright, but his friend doesn't need to know that. "I may talk to Pasha and Mazelinka about it so no need to worry that cute little head of yours" That seemed to settle the Apprentice as they pulled away from the hug and gave his arm one last pat before moving to stand between their partners.

"You should do that now before Portia wears a hole in her carpet with how much she's pacing when we left" Asra said before he and the other two gave the auburn haired man one last wave and left.

Deciding to do as his magician friend said, he started his way back to his sister's cottage. Earlier was such a good day, it wouldn't do to plague his sister with worries and sour up the light mood. He already did that earlier before he walked out, best not make it worse.

Looking up at the dark sky, he smiled as he admires the scattered stars. It was a beautiful night, the full moon was giving the world such a soft look and it made things seem so peaceful. It made him feel like he was back to laying in the meadow near Nevivon. Like he was laying next to... Next to...

He wasn't able to wipe away his tears before they begun to fall down his cheeks. A sob fought its way out of his throat as he falls to a crouch.

Fuck, he wants to go back. He really really wants to go back-

Julian observed the wide sky and the many stars on them, it was a beautiful night and the night breeze was cold and as he lays on the equally cool grass of the meadow, it soothes his heated skin. It made him sigh in contentment, what more could he want?

Looking at his left, he smiled as he sees his sleeping sister. The little girl had decided to join them that night in their nightly star gazing but it didn't take long before she fell asleep, not used to staying up later than her bedtime. He'll have to carry her home later on.

The sight on his right took his breath away. Blush rushed to his face as he seems to see his best friend in a completely different light.

There, laying beside him, was (Y/N). The moonlight was softly hitting her face, and it made her (eye color) so much more brighter like gems, like the stars that littered the dark sky above them. Her laugh as she continues to talk about the astrology that she learned from Mazelinka, sounds like soothing bells to his ears.

Since when has his peanut became this... pretty?

He longs to be in her arms again, he longs to hear her voice again. No doubt it would still sound like music to his ears. He wants to make flower crowns again, he wants to play king and queen again, he wants to stargaze with her again, he wants to sneakily steal cookies, hangout by the hot springs, pick flowers for the grandmas, share lessons with Lilinka, he wants to...

He really wants to see her again.

Julian sat on her bed by her side, his hand gently holding her weaker and much fragile one, her illness eating away her strength. Her ring finger still holds the flower ring he had made earlier that week, it was already wilting but the girl refuses to take it off.

"I made up my mind." he said, breaking the solemn silence in the room. It made the other look at him curiously, waiting for him to elaborate.

"I'll take the offer to study medicine in Prakra" he explained, finally looking at his best friend and secretly, the girl who has his heart in her gentle grip for he doesn't think his bestfriend could ever be harsh, other than when she's twisting his ear for getting in trouble without her

But he can't, he knew he can't. She probably hates him, gotten word of his 'crimes' and no longer sees him as her best friend. But as a murderer, a plague doctor who assisted his superior on experimenting to dying plague victims in search of the cure.

She probably already has a family of her own now, has 3 children like she once said she wanted. Probably has a nice spouse that always makes her laugh and will never hurt her. A spouse that doesn't have their sins still haunting them in every step and breath they take.

"You're leaving me?" the pain in her voice was clear, she was hurt at the thought. They had planned to wait for her to be cured before they decide to go out of their hometown to travel, to study medicine like they always dreamed of.

"Not for long, I know we planned to study together but..." He took a deep breath, "I'm doing this for you, (Y/N), I want to study now for you"

Silence filled the room once again.

Julian clutched up at his coat, the place right over his heart where it hurts the most. He had completely fallen to his knees, tears continues to drip down to the ground from his eyes, his other hand gripping the ground.

Whispered apologies leaving his mouth over and over again.

"Promise me you'll come back? That you won't forget about me?"

Julian stared at his love's dull but hopeful (eye color) orbs, hisbhand momentarily leaving hers to gently caress her cheek.

"I'm so sorry... (Y/N), I'm so sorry..."

"I promise"

"I broke our promise... I'm so sorry, my love..."

[...]

Meanwhile, in the same meadow of Julian's memories, sits a much grown up version of the girl in his memories. Body trembling as sobs come right after one another, clutching a bundle of those same blue wildflowers to her chest. Her eyes tightly shut as tears falls to the ground of her childhood. The girl looked up, staring at the same moon that Julian was previously admiring.

"Where are you, Ilya? I thought you'll come back... You promised... You promised..."

Anyone interested in a reunion sequel? 👀

My apologies if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes, I just woke up when I finished this lol

Anyways, I hope you all liked this! Let me know what you think, don't be shy! 💙

[wheredafandomat]

2012: P4

Previous Chapter

Whilst being manhandled by the minutemen and dragged through the TVA, Loki couldn’t stop himself from staring at her. She had y/s walk, her hair, her face, her eyes, her smile, her laugh, it was y/n except this y/n didn’t have that look of unconditional love in her eyes whenever she’d catch Loki’s vision.

“Send him to processing and we’ll meet him in the courtroom” y/n said to the minute men whilst walking past Loki

“Y/N” he whispered watching her walk away.

Walking into the courtroom, Y/N and Mobius were greeted by an annoyed Renslayer watching Loki try and demonstrate his magic to no avail. Y/N laughed watching Loki embarrassing himself. He reminded her of someone.

“Loki Laufeyson I sentence you to—”

“He’s a Loki?” y/n whispered to Mobius

“Yes”

Jumping up, y/n started walking towards Loki and Renslayer. Loki watched her as she marched towards him.

“Judge Renslayer, if I may interject. This vari— Loki might be able to help me and Mobius with the case we’re working on”

“Might?”

“He will help, he could be of great use”

Glancing up in Mobius’s direction, Renslayer was met with a wide smile.

“Fine”

“Thank you” y/n beamed before dropping her smile to turn to Loki.

“Come on” she ordered turning around.

Without another word, Loki was trailing behind y/n. When he tried to open his mouth to speak, he was met with a death glare from her.

“Please just silence for now ok” she said putting her fingers to her temples

“Are you taking me somewhere to kill me”

“Kill you?”

“No” Mobius interrupted following the pair

“I’m taking you somewhere to see your file” he said

“Oh”

“We’ll, as much fun as that sounds, I’m heading to the library so I’ll see you two later. Oh and Loki”

“Yes”

“Stay out of trouble” she said giving a slight smile

Before Loki had time to return the gesture, y/n had already turned around and was leaving.

Once in the room with Mobius, as promised, Loki was shown his file. He saw his childhood with y/n. He watched himself place the flower in y/n’s hair. He watched the mischief they used to get up to. He watched them fall in love and grow older together. He watched when they—

“Um, maybe we could skip past this bit” Loki said embarrassed by what was on the screen

“It’s just two people making love”

“It isn’t just two people it’s me and— just skip it”

He watched as she tended to him after coming back from battle. He watched the conversation they had about what he would do if y/n met her end before him.

“I’d simply perish. I couldn’t live in a world without you in it. I’d fall at your feet and join you in Valhalla. We’d walk the valley of death hand in hand knowing we’d lived a wonderful, victorious full life.”

Listening to himself say these words to y/n, Loki could no longer keep the tears in as he stared at the screen in awe.

“Why doesn’t she remember me?” Loki asked quietly trying to hide his broken voice

“She doesn’t know you Loki. The y/n that is here, she is a variant of your y/n. Some of the people who work here are variants who were spared just like you were in the hopes that they’d work for the TVA”

“Oh” he replied flatly

Focusing his attention back to the screen, Loki watched as he fell from the Rainbow Bridge and landed in the clutches of the mad Titan. He watched as he was tormented, broken and put back together in order to do Thanos’s bidding. He watched as he destroyed New York and he closed his eyes when he saw y/n’s lifeless body in his arms.

“No more. Please I do not wish to know” Loki begged

“I can’t force you to watch the rest of your file if you don’t want to”

“It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that- if I see it, it makes it fixed. If I do not know, perhaps I can change it.”

Loki and Mobius continued their conversation. Loki tried to keep Mobius talking, he didn’t want to go to the library, he couldn’t face y/n. Every time he’d look at this y/n, he’d feel himself going dizzy recalling all the things that he and his y/n went through together. His eyes would widen with hope all for it to be ripped away by her returned look of emptiness. What had happened to this y/n to make her so cold? He thought.

“If it’s any consolation, the thing that landed you here in the TVA, your nexus event if you like, was the fact that you took y/n’s life”

“Thanks for the reminder” Loki scoffed trying to stop himself from crying again

“It means that it wasn’t supposed to happen. It means that there could be an infinite amount of you out there who are with their y/n”

“And what, I’m just cursed? Why me?”

“I don’t know Loki, but for whatever reason, it’s landed you here and we need your help”

“My help?”

“Y/N and I are currently tracking down a variant”

Loki’s eyes snapped up at hearing y/n’s name

“Why do you need me?”

“We believe that the variant we are hunting is you”

“Great”

A/N: Btw, this fic very loosely follows the plot of the Loki series so expect loads of things to be different 😉 Anyways I hope you liked the chapter and let me know what you think 💚💚

[thecmbynartist]

chapter 4: the untold truth and the dwarves are roasted, not by the dragon

Gandalf, are there other wizards like you?´´ Asked Bilbo curiously.Raindrops were trickling down the dwarve´s faces as they were drenched. "well my dear Bilbo there are five of us.The greatest one of course would be saruman the white,The other two i have forgotten, " "there´s still one that you haven´t yet named,´´Added Dori. That would be radagast the brown,´´ Replied Gandalf.The group talked ,laughed, joked, gambled,until they stopped suddenly. We camp here tonight,´´ anounced Thorin.Gandalf´s brows furrowed at him. Thorin this is madness! there are traces of orcs here!´´cried gandalf in astoundment. Have it your way, we need to all rest.´´Replied Thorin firmly to the old wizard.Gandalf gave a look of utmost loathing, before he rode off in a hurry,leaving a bemused [y/n]and bilbo alone with the dwarves in the wilderness..That evening, whilst they ate, an eerie screech seemed to pierce the calm emptiness. ``Orcs,´´mumbled Balin under his breath.

``Could you tell me a bit more on why they are here?´´asked Bilbo to Balin. Balin explained about azog, and he rambled on late into the night. ``But of course, that is history,´´ended Bofur in a melodramatic way, Thorin gave a dark glare at them all. ``Azog is dead.´´He said simply, and wandered away from them.[y/n] thought to herself,``Why hadn´t Gandalf told Thorin the truth?Azog is still alive, and another darkness lies in those shadows.Fili turned suddenly to face her and said,``What about you,[y/n]? how did you become Gandalf´s apprentice?and what´s that mark on your neck?´´[y/n]´s cheeks were hot with embarrassment and she quickly clamped her hand over it in a flash. ``That was quite some time ago.the legend came from the old kingdom of the north, where the dunedain used to be. Arnor,was a prosperous kingdom, before the they came.a witch known as the necromancer back in the second age was once seen within those lands.rumor was that 'one would be chosen amongst the people of arnor to perish by the hand of dark beings'.in the dead of night, i slept badly, terrible dreams tormenting me, that the next day i awoke with an accursed mark on my neck . soon, terrible things happened within the span of a few months. my brother aegnor disappeared, my father was murdered,´´[y/n] said sadly.``My mother was terribly grieved, and she did something i  could never forgive.She left me on the steps of isengard,and married a rich merchant in gondor, and was never seen again.Gandalf took me in, and since then the mark has been only a scar, and the legends were only in memory,´´and with that, she soon fell sound asleep....

[y/n] awoke hours later,but no one was around. the fire had already died away, leaving a trail of ash. "hello? anyone?"there was no answer."oh well." and she hid under her cloak once more.She started become really paranoid, until she heard shouts coming from the forested area. with her heart in her mouth, she unsheathed her sword and charged in.She was aghast at what she saw...6 dwarves were bound up placed on a barbecue like kebab sticks whilst thorin and the others were tied in sacks and complaining.She spotted Bilbo trying to reason with what seemed to be 3 giant trolls, their skin mottled and peculiar.

"You shouldn't be eating them,"persuaded Bilbo."They have um...parasites, yes terrible ones!"He lied to the cannibal brutes.

"WHAT?!We don't have parasites, you have it-"protested Kili, But Thorin seemed to understand what Bilbo was trying to do, and nudged his nephew in the back, giving the dwarves the look toplay along with their little game.The dwarves started to act out in melodramatic voices. "Well WE have pesticides,"chirped in Ori and Dori. "we are RIDDLED with them for sure"Piped up Fili and Gloin. "We got LOADS of them!"Chanted Bifur,Bofur and Bombur in unison.The trolls stared at them, unsure of buying into their riff-raff.Their beady eyes swiveled to look at [y/n], who was trying to free the ponies. "She ain't Dwarf, so probably not infected, said a one with crossed eyes who lunged and grabbed her , letting her dangle from her hood. "Let.Me .Down! you idotic trolls!"she cried contemptuously, trying to break free of its grasp.Oh Gandalf where are you?' Thought [y/n], trying to prod the trolls in the eyes with her sword. As if her prayers had been answered, a familiar figure rose from the shadows and spoke,"Dawn take you all, and be stone to you!' said a voice that sounded like her master.The large boulder behind him crumbled away like dust, letting the rays of light pierce through and shine upon the trolls. "Who's that?" asked one, letting go of [y/n] as if he had been burned.And indeed he was burnt, all he trolls started to turn to stone, leaving them frozen like deer in headlights. Gandalf hurried to help everyone . "Almost forgot that trolls did not like the light,"Grinned [y/n]. Gandalf gave her a wry smile.   Bifur found a cave that held all of the troll's treasure.Everyone was in awe of what they discovered.chest of gold that was overflowing with precious things. "These are naught of orc weapons," said Thorin, examining a sword of strange fashion. "indeed not, these are made in gondolin!"Exclaimed [y/n], taking a closer look at it.Thorin gave a look of disgust and dropped the blade, but gandalf said suddenly to him. "Do not cast such a good blade aside. it can serve you well," Thorin glared at him, but reluctantly took it.  Back outside,Gandalf presented Bilbo with a small elven dagger that was the size of a sword to the hobbit.He reminded Bilbo that elvish weapons would always glow blue when there are goblins and orcs.There was a sudden sound of howling. "We're being hunted." Said Thorin, his eyes wide. "Hunted?" asked bilbo. "Orcs," grimaced [y/n].

~and that was chapter 4! small fun fact, aegnor means fell fire, idk y i chose it, maybe has something to do with dragon fire or smaug but anyway, see you in the next chapter, fellas!

navaër, mellon nîn~

[utapri-headcanons-imagines]

today is my birthday, so i'm doing something a lil' self indulgent! -mod shay

What HE★VENS would do for your birthday!

_________

Eiichi Otori

Eiichi would treat you like ROYALTY. He would immediately call you to sing you happy birthday to you! After that, an entire day is planned for you two! Eiichi takes you out for breakfast then he takes to wherever you want. Theme park? Yes he will take you there. Beach? Yes! That too! After an entire day of fun, he takes you to a really nice restaurant. There the ultimate gift is given, he gives you plane tickets to the place you've been dying to go. He wants to travel with you, so of course he will spoil you with a special trip!

Kira Sumeragi

When you two meet up, he already has a gift ready. Kira made you a very nice ceramic bowl with all of your favorite colors. He gives you a small hug and smile (he's not that affectionate, so this is a treat)! The rest of the day, you two go around and explore the city. At night, he cooks you a nice dinner and he even has a cake made for you! Kira can't help but to be a little bit playful and rub some frosting on your cheek.

Nagi Mikado

Nagi takes you on a shopping spree! Anything you want it's on him. He drags you to all of the best shops in Japan. There, he spoils you with the best of jewelry, games, stuffies, clothes, and so much more! He holds your hand the entire time, trying to make you laugh and smile. Even though Nagi spent most of his money on you, he still got you a gift! A little puzzle he made! You have to solve it! Once you do- by yourself - it reveals messages about everything he finds cute about you! Such a clever boy!

Eiji Otori

In the morning, you hear a knock at your door. Once you open it, a man with a giant bouquet of flowers greets you. Once you bring the flowers inside, you read the card. It's a present from Eiji, he grew all those flowers for you! You give him a call, nearly in tears and Eiji is so embarrassed. He drives over to comfort you and wish you a happy birthday. Eiji gives you a non-perishable gift, he gives you a photo album. The album is filled with letters, notes, and photos of the best memories together. You proceed to tear up more and Eiji gives you another hug.

Yamato Hyuga

Yamato is at your door by the afternoon. He's dressed nicely with a suave-ish smile on his face. He then laughs and takes you by the hand. Yamato carries you to his car and then takes you on a night cruise. There, you two eat dinner whilst looking at the beautiful ocean. After, he gets changed and takes you night hiking. He carries you bridal style with a bag. When at the top, cake is given and a present. The present? A fitbit, you laugh at the gift and so does Yamato. It's a joke! However, the next one you're given is a beautiful opal bracelet.

Van Kiryuin

He took you out the night before. Van throws a giant party for you, when it's midnight and breaks a bottle and makes everyone sing in the room. You're completely red faced as a giant cake is brought out. Of course, on your actual birthday it's more toned down. You two are just at his place watching a movie. He gives you a necklace with a matching ring. The gem is jasper, having it being his favorite color. He puts it on you then takes you to a restaurant to get cake.

Shion Amakusa

Shion sees you at night. He takes his to one his favorite spots to go bird watching, but instead of birds there are stars. The two of you lay there for hours. Shion and you talk about anything, as you stare at the stars. A small cake is there with a handmade gift. A poem from him, as you read it, he quietly hums. Shion even sings you a small song that he made from his heart. He holds your hand, you two end up falling asleep.

[chwrpg]

COHEN JAMES. college sophomore; nineteen. charlie gillespie. TAKEN.

and, as cameron james once said:

“Just 'cause you're beautiful, that doesn't mean that you can treat people like they don't matter.”

BEFORE THE PARTY;

Cohen James’ had been yet to be sold on his recent move to Rosewood, Illinois. Why is that? You might be asking yourself. The answer being that he just wasn’t really to be tied down. That was what Rosewood represented to him. Being chained down, given that his return to Rosewood came with a whole lot of responsibility that he wasn’t too sure he was ready for.

You see, before Cohen found himself in Rosewood— he’d been enjoying his best life. He’d decided to take a leap year from college, promising his family members that once the year was over he’d settle down. He’d be the perfect little pencil pusher they’d wanted him to be. But the second he landed in his destination of choice, he threw his phone into the nearest garbage can. He just wanted to be free. From that moment on, he relegated himself to doing good out in the real world. He joined a number of non profit organizations over seas, helping those who actually needed help. He built homes, he cooked meals, he taught. He found all of that to be actually fulfilling, whilst also allowing him to see the world and actually see it.

Now, Cohen knew he was lucky to have been born into the James’ family. He’d essentially won the silver spoon lottery, his family being one with old money. Like old-old money. But with all that money, came so many responsibilities. Yes, he often flew to these amazing countries with his parents but he never really got to enjoy these trips because they were solely for business. So he saw the world through hotel rooms, car rides and plane flights. It all became rather mundane. That entire world, from the people who simply lived to flaunt off their excess to the pressures of fitting in— it’d terrified him so for that reason, he’d taken off. 

But he’d find himself pulled back into the fold, at the request of his grandfather. Given his cousin, Calvin’s bypassing of his duties as the future head of their family’s printing empire— those duties fell upon him. And solely him, as they were the sole grandchildren. A part of him wanted to do like his cousin, turn down the offer but he knew that’d simply break his grandfather’s heart. This was something he wanted in their family and in their family alone, so Cohen made a choice to honor that and found himself on the next flight to Rosewood. 

So that’s how he’d found himself in Rosewood, stuck in stuffy business suits and all. At least he’d gotten to keep his longer locks, at his grandfathers insistence. Sure, the man might have meant business but he was also a pretty dope old man if he had to say so himself.

And if he had to be honest, Rosewood hadn’t been all that terrible. He’d heard pretty great things about the town, from his older cousin and now, his cousin’s best friend— Penn Orville. The guy had become his unofficial but official guide to all things, Rosewood. Under his tutelage, he’d learned all about the social factions that the town had to offer. From the Greasers to the Elite, he’d been given the breakdown. 

But he hadn’t said anything about one, Birdie Stratford. 

It’d just taken one look at the woman and he’d found himself enthralled by her immediately. The words ‘I pine, I burn, I perish’ having had left his lips in his drunken stupor when describing his feelings towards her to Penn. 

Although getting a date with the woman wasn’t going to be as easy as flashing that notoriously adorable grin of his, no. Apparently her father was well-known for being a bit overbearing on his daughters, to the point that it was a well known fact that Birdie wasn’t allowed to date. Well, that was unless her older sister, Kenya dated. A little tidbit Birdie had dropped on him during one of their study sessions. 

Cohen thought that’d be easy to do. If she was Birdie’s sister, there was no way someone wouldn’t want to date her. That was until he got to meet said sister for himself. He was sure Kenya was a lovely person, but she wasn’t exactly the most friendly person he’d encountered in Rosewood. He liked to think that there were some people that wouldn’t mind dating a difficult woman though. People jumped off of planes and skied off of cliffs all of the time, this could have been like that for someone. But when Penn and himself attempted to find some potential candidates, most of the guys simply laughed and in the case of one guy, screamed at the thought.

Out of options, he was beginning to accept that perhaps Birdie and himself just weren’t meant to be. That was until Penn suggested him, Pete Verona. The two turned their attention onto the guy, who was literally playing with fire at the moment. A part of him thought that the guy might have been a bit too off-putting but that almost applied to Kenya, so perhaps they’d be a match made in off-putting heaven. So Cohen garnered the courage to approach the guy, who was quick to turn down whatever he had to say. But that didn’t stop Cohen from trying to get the guy to warm up to him, which happened when they realized they had a mutual love for comic books. 

Sure, the two were pretty different from each other but they actually got along pretty well from that moment on.

Pete eventually found himself receptive to the idea, so long as Cohen paid for the expenses that came with dating Kenya. He happily obliged if that meant that he had a chance to woo that Stratford sister that made his heart race. Not only that but Cohen found himself slipping Pete a bit more money, not that he’d asked for it... but Cohen knew that things were rough on his side of things and he wanted to help out his friend however he could.

Now with all his bases covered, Cohen shot his shot. He invited Birdie to some party happening that weekend and rather than turning him down as she had often, she’d agreed. Again, she’d agreed and it’d felt like a dream. So much so, he had to pinch himself to assure that it hadn’t been one but no, he was very much awake. 

He was in the game, baby !

DURING THE PARTY;

Cohen felt as perhaps he was blowing it. This was his chance with Birdie, the chance he’d been working for and it just wasn’t anything like he’d pictured it to be. He sort of thought that he’d have Birdie laughing at his jokes and that maybe she’d want to just hang out with him for the remainder of the night. But that wasn’t how the night was going. 

They’d spent the last hour wandering the party, greeting a ton of different people. Now, he didn’t have a problem with meeting people, he loved meeting new people but for some reason... it felt more like Birdie was flaunting him. Weird, right? A part of him was flattered, he’d like to think that this was a sign that she liked him. You don’t go around introducing your date to everyone unless you liked them. And sure, the conversations often turned to that of his new job and where he liked to spend his summers— which was a bit too shallow for him but it was small talk. 

The two eventually seemed to have come to a stop, Cohen making a light joke about having met just about everyone in Rosewood thanks to her. It wasn’t all that well received, but at least she smiled. He couldn’t stop thinking if he was doing something wrong. He had to be? Maybe he should ask her? But before he could, everyone’s attention turned to what was happening on a table not so far from them. 

Birdie’s sister was dancing on a table. And not just dancing but like breaking it down. He was beyond impressed by her moves, despite the fact that Birdie looked like she’d rather die in that moment. He didn’t see what there was to be embarrassed about, as he let Birdie know. Actually, he thought it was cool that she could let loose.  

But as soon as it appeared like he’d managed to get Birdie to drop whatever guard she’d had up towards him, he’d heard some pretty disparaging words towards Kenya. Things that someone should never say about anyone, yet alone, a lady. So Cohen couldn’t help but react and that led to him being punch in the eye by who he’d come to find out was a major fashion model. What a great icebreaker that was gonna be, but the best part of it all to him was that Birdie— yeah, the same Birdie that he’d been pining over... well, she punched that jerk right back. 

alternate faceclaims and prompts.

[kingdomblessed]

———— 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐢 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 ?

the courts offer bread and salt to NEERA GREYJOY of HOUSE GREYJOY. many say that the TWENTY-SEVEN year old LADY / CAPTAIN of PYKE is known to be ADVENTUROUS and TENACIOUS, though ill tongues whisper that SHE is TEMPERAMENTAL and RECKLESS. when her name is uttered , one is reminded of arms tightly coiled with muscle and covered in old scars, each earned with pride ; riding a storm with a wild grin on your face whilst desperately working to survive ; a mind whirling over new discoveries and what more the world might have to offer ; the rage of the ocean, coming down on you with all its might. may she be blessed and protected in this war of crowns. ( fc: anya chalotra )

(  STATISTICS  )  ✧  (  PINTEREST  BOARD  )  ✧  (  MUSE  TAG  )

hello hello ! it’s danai again, bringing you the second of my children ! 

trigger warning for mentions of childbirth & death.

 the  firstborn  child  of  the  former  lord  greyjoy’s  fourth  wife,  neera  was  yet  another  greyjoy  in  an  already  busy  line  of  succession.  on  top  of  that,  she  was  followed  after  barely  a  few  minutes  by  a  twin  sibling,  expanding  the  family  even  further.  her  mother  died  while  giving  birth  to  the  pair,  and  they  were  handed  off  to  a  wet  nurse  without  much  care.  it  was  what  set  a  precedence  for  the  rest  of  neera’s  life.  she  was  seen  as  nothing  special,  and  despite  what  she  did  —  as  long  as  house  greyjoy  was  not  embarrassed  by  the  matter,  no  one  would  give  a  fuck  about  it.  

 though  she  was  not  a  particularly  important  figure  in  her  family  growing  up,  neera  was  still  a  greyjoy  through  &  through.  headstrong,  bold,  and  as  temperamental  as  the  sea.  with  her  reckless  nature,  she  frequently  got  herself  into  trouble,  but  also  learned  to  fight  her  way  out  of  it  just  as  quickly.  after  destroying  her  betrothal  to  quentin  tyrell  (  though  it  was  a  group  effort,  really  —  the  two  are  likely  one  of  the  least  compatible  pairings  in  all  of  westeros  ),  it  seemed  her  father  finally  noticed  neera  would  be  better  off  in  a  different  position,  instead  of  trying  to  force  her  into  becoming  a  lady.  

 giving  her  a  rundown  ship  and  a  small  crew  of  those  mostly  deemed  useless,  neera  was  told  to  come  back  with  loot  worthy  of  the  greyjoy  name,  or  not  to  come  back  at  all.  the  challenge  was  something  she  immediately  latched  onto,  and  neera  found  herself  from  being  somewhat  content  as  an  unimportant  greyjoy  to  wanting  to  prove  herself  among  the  best  in  her  family.  after  sailing  off  at  the  young  age  of  eighteen,  she  did  not  return  until  five  years  later,  carrying  a  ship  full  of  wild  &  exotic  treasure  and  a  head  full  of  unbelievable  tales.  her  family  had  thought  her  to  have  perished  long  ago,  and  through  her  two  years  of  travel,  there  were  many  times  she  nearly  had.    

 from  fighting  her  way  through  a  horde  of  dothraki  in  the  forest  of  qohor  while  carrying  the  golden  treasure  of  one  of  their  most  feared  khals  to  losing  half  of  her  men  to  demons  from  the  city  of  stygai,  neera  had  seen  so  much,  travelled  so  far,  it  was  no  surprise  how  she  had  changed.  most  of  their  time  had  been  spent  between  the  thousand  islands  of  the  shivering  sea,  and  the  ship  was  reinforced  with  sarnori  craft,  having  found  many  pieces  left  behind  there.  the  hull  was  filled  with  strange  artifacts  from  all  over  essos  and  beyond,  dreamwines  so  strong  they  made  a  grown  man  fall  over  in  seconds,  gemstones  the  size  of  a  fist,  and  even  bewitched  items  that  could  either  cause  great  fortune  or  great  tragedy.  intermingled  with  the  ironborn  of  her  crew  were  now  dothraki  warriors,  green  tinged  and  sharp  toothed  folk  from  the  thousand  islands,  and  even  a  sorceress  from  asshai.    

 neera  was  welcomed  back  into  her  family  with  joy  &  pride,  and  despite  her  odd  gaggle  of  a  crew,  they  quickly  proved  themselves  fierce  enough  to  be  considered  one  of  the  most  dangerous  ships  in  the  ironborn  fleet.  whilst  being  happy  to  return  home,  being  instated  an  important  piece  of  house  greyjoy,  and  even  earning  the  admiration  of  her  family,  neera  feels  somewhat  hollow  when  she’s  not  away  travelling.  knowing  the  damage  her  crew  can  do,  she  has  not  been  allowed  far  these  past  few  years,  and  is  frequently  sent  out  on  set  out  missions  for  her  family.  while  she  feels  loyal  to  them  and  has  learned  to  care  for  her  siblings  again  after  being  apart  for  so  long,  she  chafes  under  the  lack  of  new  adventures.  if  it  was  up  to  her,  she  would  have  taken  her  crew  and  left  for  travel  right  away,  but  with  war  looming,  she  fears  she  might  not  soon,  if  ever,  get  the  chance  again.  

[chinawof]

First Kicks | Self Para

@hemsworthitmate

Yesterday had been emotional, for whatever reason, she couldn’t quite place it. Still, it had been odd but nice to be back in her family’s LA home. It was familiar, comfortable, and warm, contrary to her harsh reminder that she wasn’t welcome or wanted there - in a sense - but with her family locked down in Georgia for a while longer, China knew they would never have to know she had been there.

Aside from a few missing things in her’s and Lauryn’s bedroom, of course. 

China had gone with the intention of taking a box or two of her things, and maybe some clothes for when she would fit in them again, to have in their new home in Atlanta, but it seemed more difficult than that.

There’d been an overwhelming amount of memories and photos around the place, and it took all of half an hour of them arriving before she was a crying mess on her old bed. 

Thankfully Liam was there, the support she needed. With calm words, strong arms, kisses, and distractions.

By the time she’d settled there was a small pile of her belongings in a cardboard box, each ones memory that had come attached told with a soft smile and a glint in her eyes as it was tucked away to come home with her.

Her efforts simmered down a little the later it grew and tiredness came along with it. Chi hadn’t even remembered to send Sof and Boo a message to let them know they’d probably not make it back tonight before she was fast asleep in her favourite place in the world; against Liam’s chest.

She awoke a few hours later to the sound of snores. The pups and Liam also fast asleep around them, the little family unit they were. For now, satisfied and happy, she let herself drift back off, one hand on the growing bump of her stomach where their son rested, the other over Liam’s chest where she could listen to his heartbeat.

The next time she woke was to a different sound, but this one was slowly becoming her new favourite. Sun was streaming in through the windows and she could feel two carefully placed hands on her stomach accompanied by gentle whispers in a strong, Australian accent. 

Her smile grew, but she tried to keep as still as possible so as not to disturb Liam and Bean’s bonding time, which, she realised, hadn’t worked to plan, because the whisper of, “Hey, mama’s up,” met her ears. 

China let her eyes slowly come to rest on Liam’s blues, giving him a wide smile before there was a yawn and a hand rubbing sleep away from her eyes, “What time is it?”

“Eight.” Liam answered, but still hadn’t moved from where he was or what he was doing, which made her laugh a little. 

“Shall we get breakfast, or are you busy talking away there?” Chi rolled her eyes and chuckled a little more. 

“We were having a great conversation,” Liam feigned hurt, followed by a laugh of his own.

“I’m sure you were, even if it was very one sided,” Chi still didn’t move. Neither had he, hands firmly in place. She moved her own to gently hold his. Her thumb running over his fingers.

She had worried, for a little while yesterday, that something could be wrong with Bean; he’d been a lot calmer than his usual swimming around in there. The butterflies and small movements hadn’t happened at all yesterday, but she tried to forget her worry; if something was wrong, after all, she would know about it. Or so she hoped.

There wasn’t much time to dwell, as her stomach gave a rather loud grumble that brought a redness to her face with the embarrassment. 

“I think mama’s hungry,” Liam spoke to her stomach, a chuckle and a glance to China who found her hands moving quickly from Liam’s to hide her face. 

“We missed dinner, okay. It’s not my fault.” She defended, muffled by her hands. They moved away slightly to glance at Liam when she felt him lean down to press a kiss to the bump protecting their Bean, before he moved at last to join her at her side, a kiss to her hands before she moved them and he pressed a kiss to her lips. 

“We did. Bean was just complaining about it all to his dad,” he told her proudly, earning him a cock of her eyebrow in questioning, but there was a sparkle in his blues and a silly smile on his face that she loved so dearly.

“Oh, he was?” She laughed, and lent up to steal a kiss of her own. 

“He was,” Liam nodded, their foreheads still touching before he kissed her a little bit more passionately this time.

There was an array of memories of the two of them fervently making out that flashed through her mind as they kissed for a moment. All interrupted by another stomach growl, this time followed by Chi giving a small groan of frustration and an apologetic bite of her lower lip.

“Food first, fun second?” She offered. Normally it would have been odd to even think about doing those things with Liam in her family home. But they’d been at Boo and Sof’s for so long now and hadn’t had much of them time to do that; mostly because Chi didn’t want to do that within her friends’ home. But frustrations were a thing, and apparently they needed it. 

This time Liam kissed her forehead and nodded. “Definitely,” He agreed and stood from the bed before her, offering a hand to help her up to her feet; slowly and gently so she didn’t make herself dizzy or stumble. 

They found their way into the kitchen, China trying to remember what was where, and what they could throw together in a way of breakfast. Anything perishable was long gone from the house, but she found some ‘just add water’ pancake mix and a few tins of different fruits to go with it. It’d do, at least, for the time being. 

While Liam worked on making pancakes, China opened the back door at last to let Dora and Delta outside to get some air. She laughed as Delta clung onto one of Cujo’s toys, carrying it around with pride in place of her ducks that, once again, mama had forgotten and left at The Cave. 

Chi took some deep breaths of air, welcoming in the morning dew of the grass which looked like it had been rained on the night before, before she headed inside to help out with breakfast, opening the fruits and making a weird mix of a fruit salad whilst she watched Liam with the pancakes. 

He was talking to her as he cooked them, trying to tell her little instructions on how to pour them just right and when to turn them over in the pan so they didn’t burn - like she had a habit of doing. Chi smiling as she watched him looking so comfortable and happy. 

Delta and Dora eventually wandered into the house again, probably looking for their own breakfast. China moved from the counter to get Cujo’s bowls from his mat and set up some food and water in them and two normal bowls so the pups could eat. 

Liam glanced at her as he realised what she was doing, finishing putting the last of the pancakes onto plates for them. She gave him a grin, taking the bowls of water and setting them down first, petting the two pups heads as they eagerly moved to have a drink, before she took their food and set it beside the bowls of water.

Straightening up wasn’t quite an easy thing to do any longer, her back was aching, but it wasn’t uncommon now. Chi pressed a hand to her lower back and helped herself straighten up, her eyes locking onto Liam’s as he set their plates on the table. 

Just then something weird happened.

There was a feeling in her lower stomach. It wasn’t the butterflies she had been feeling for a while now. It wasn’t nausea. Or even hunger. It was quick, powerful... and most definitely, China realised, a kick.

Her hands moved to cradle her growing bump, eyebrows knitted in confusion at the feeling, tears in her eyes because that meant he was okay. And... she felt him. Properly felt him, for the first time. 

She was so taken aback she didn’t realise Liam worriedly crossing the kitchen to her side, or the hand on her lower back supporting her, until she heard him speak close to her ear. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” 

“I... um,” China looked up, damp brown eyes locking onto his sapphire ones, “I think he was saying hello?” She let him know, before a teary smile broke out onto her face. Liam looked her over, still worried, and Chi realised he hadn’t gotten what she meant, so she added a soft, “I think... I just felt him kick.” 

“Really?” Now there was a sparkle in his eyes and his own grin as Liam’s hands found hers. A joy there she remembered from when they were in Australia when he first found out about the baby. God, she knew, he was going to make a wonderful papa. 

She gave a nod after a moment, her eyes cast down to their joined hands on the bump. “I think so,” she whispered out, a shake to her voice from the tears that hung in her eyes.

“Think he will do it again?” He asked her, a hopeful side to his tone, almost filled with a childish excitement China couldn’t wait to see in her son when he was old enough.

“Maybe,” She surmised. She guessed, eventually, that he would anyway, after all, once it started, China knew he wouldn’t stop with the kicking now until he was born, “It’s probably all the excitement built up from papa’s stories this morning,” Her grin was unmistakable, and as she looked to Liam, a tear slipped out of her eye that she quickly wiped away, leaving only his hands resting there.

“Or he’s as hungry as his mama is and he isn’t happy about it,” Liam laughed, but didn’t move. His eyes didn’t falter. His hands staying firm in case he missed it.

“I’d kick and scream too if we didn’t have pancakes to look forward to,” Chi nodded in agreement, eyes looking to their plates awaiting them, but it happened again. Stronger, lasting a little longer this time. “Oh,” She let out from the sudden weird feeling, her eyebrows pressed together as her hand moved again to the bump, this time landing atop one of Liam’s where she’d felt the kick.

“Was that...?” He trailed off and looked to her.

“Uh huh,” Chi nodded, hoping maybe he had felt it, too, but there was a softening of his eyes that told her he hadn’t. Not yet, anyway. “He’s probably too small yet for you to feel it,” She softly spoke, almost upset at his disappointment. They knew it wouldn’t be a them experience for a while, definitely still a few more weeks according to the books Liam had given to Chi to read, but it still didn’t stop them wanting Liam to feel the movement. 

“Of course,” Liam nodded, and his disappointment slipped away into a gentle smile, “Which is why we need to make sure he’s fed so he can grow all kinds of stronger for me to feel it.”

China laughed, glad the tension had gone, “You’re right. We do need to eat,” she agreed. But before she moved away, her hand gave his a squeeze of reassurance. “Once we’ve eaten why don’t we head back and see if the gel arrived, hmm? Maybe we can catch him on that new scanner of yours doing his kicks,” Chi smiled at the thought; at least if he couldn’t feel it, he could watch it happen.

From the lighting up of Liam’s eyes, she guessed it was enough to build his excitement back up, “I like that plan,” He agreed.

“Me too,” China stole a quick kiss and after a moment they moved to the table.

The dogs, who had been watching them both the whole time returned to eating their own breakfast, too. 

[cleganegirl]

And So The Story Goes - Sandor Clegane/Reader

Hello! I absolutely LOVE your writings and I love Sandor Clegane so much! I'm so glad your blog is dedicated to him! Could I possibly request a writing where the reader is the eldest Stark sister, and she is in love with Sandor and they both admit their feelings for each other and consumate their love right before the Battle of Winterfell? Pretty please!!😁

Warning: Smutt and swearing....

The long night was drawing nearer, Winterfell your harm was up in arms, men and women preparing for another battle, saying bye to their loved ones, maybe for the last time, prepping the Castle for the oncoming attack, it was all bustle, yet, you stood at the top of the tower stairs, watching it all. Who would have thought you'd be back here. You younger brother Robb perished at the Red Wedding along with your mother, your fathers head was taken from his body at Kings Landing some months before your mothers' untimely death. Arya went missing for years, Rickon was murdered by Ramsey and Sansa, well, Sansa had seen horrors that no human should and yet she arose from those ashes, not a scared and timid rabbit as before but a burning and bright phoenix. You were the Eldest Stark daughter, you watched them over them all now they were back in Winterfell, even Jon whom your mother had detested, his heart was a Northman heart no matter where he was born. You watched as the Dragon Queen arrived with him, saw her beauty first hand but noticed the cruelty in her eyes, was she born with it or had she seen horrors too. Either way, your sympathy was with her. Her soldiers followed her through the gates, and with them a giant man upon a giant horse, you had recognised him immediately, the years hadn't been kind, he had more scars added to him and he seemed a little withered with age but he still made the air in your lungs escape, he still made the air seem incredibly dense, like you couldn't breathe no matter how hard you tried. Your hands would become clammy and no matter how confident you were you found yourself blushing like a child. Your memory of that day, of their arrival, was all that kept you going, the fact he was here, near you, somewhere made you feel safe but vulnerable at the same time. "Shouldn't you be down there with those clucking hens?" Sandor emerged from the shadows, he stood beside you, resting his hands on the fence in front of you both. "Clucking of hens," you repeated, "you assume I'll be wanting to help with their trivial tasks, I'm not one for cooking, sewing or whispering empty promises of safety." You turned to look at him, the side of his burnt face facing you as he carried on watching the people in the courtyard. "Aye, you were never good at that in Kings Landing little wolf, but you've grown since, grown very well." His head turned to look at you, his eyes trailing along the length of your body and back up to your face. "You've gotten older Dog but I'd still calm the war inside of you if you'd let me." Your voice was softer, you couldn't remain cold to him, no matter how hard you tried. "I thought that notion would have left your head a millennium ago, Little Wolf, this old dog can't learn new tricks now," he turned to leave, he wasn't used to maidens throwing themselves at him, and he couldn't process how to react without being a grumpy bastard. "Sandor!" Your voice cracked, your eyes watered with a distant memory of being left in Kings Landing by him many a year ago. "Don't leave, not tonight, don't leave me again!" He turned to look at you, his resolve dissolving at the pit of his stomach, the red-blooded male growing in his place, yet there was something else, something softer, something that wanted to push the strands of your hair behind your ears and whisper silly petty love songs into your ears. "Well, come here then little wolf," Sandor held his arms out for you. You took a run at him, a small jump at the end and he had carried you into the air, your legs locking around his hips as your lips crashed into his. His beard rubbed you raw and yet you didn't care, the swelling would ease all too quickly and tonight will be a distant memory, if you survived it that is. He carried you to your chambers, you didn't ask him how he knew where they were, it didn't seem to matter in the grand scheme of things, yet, here you were, lying on your fur throws, on your bed, your skirts pushed up against your hips as Sandor kissed your thighs gentle at first and then more vicious as he smelt the arousal from between them. "Sandor, I need to be honest, this... Is... My," you stopped, the embarrassment catching in your throat, Sandor looked up at you, over your skirts as he tried to figure out what you were saying. "My little wolf, you're a virgin? You haven't..." You nodded, "with another?" He added you nodded again, instead of carrying on with his mission between your legs he pushed himself up to face you. Inches away, his brown eyes searching yours, for a sign of some sort of practical joke, something to say that this was all at his expense, instead what he found was a teary look that told him all he needed to know, "You don't want me to be your first, I'm no lord or a Ser, I'm not even handsome, you get yourself dressed and find a pretty lad for a pretty lass." You shook your head, "That isn't what I'm after, Sandor, it's you and always has been, that's why I'm still intact, I waited, against all hope that I'd see you again so that I can say this to you." The air had gone dense again, there was nothing to inhale, you gulped, trying your best. It was tonight, tonight was your last chance, you'd never let him leave this room without knowing how you truly felt. "I love you, Sandor, and I always have." Your cheeks marooned with embarrassment as Sandor sighed, his cheeks mirroring your own red colour. "I love ya too, Little Wolf," and he wasted no more time, his lips claimed yours viciously. Teeth nipping at your lips, tongue dancing with your own in your mouth. His hand found the bunched up skirts again and dived in under them, he found your small clothes and pushed them to one side. His fingers all though they were thick and long were delicate and soft, his hands calloused and large knew exactly the amount of pressure to apply on to you. They rubbed small circles, left and then right, your back arched in pleasure,  the electricity flowing through you made you jerk and your limbs to shake, his gently, he slipped one finger inside of you, your moistness slicked his digit enough to allow easy entry, he curled it towards the ceiling, finding a hidden spot you knew nothing of, he stroked it as he rubbed the outside with his thumb and soon you were moaning as the electricity still serged through your body. Quicker and quicker his fingers moved, deeper and deeper the current ran through your body, you watched his face, as his eyes never left yours, you came on his hand, moaning his name, not the brutal nickname he was given by a spiteful ruler but the name his mother blessed him with and the name that left your lips most nights whilst you were alone in this bed. He brought his hand up to his face, he licked and sucked his fingers clean, obscenely smacking his lips, "I didn't think anything other than wine could taste this fucking sweet, Little Wolf." He bent and kissed you hard, the taste of him and the taste of you mixed together, you were the sweet to the tang of the wine still soaked onto his lips. You sat up onto your knees, "undress me, Sandor, please." He didn't need to be told twice, his need to devour the sight of you naked was too much, with fumbling hands no longer nimble and quick as they were at your most intimate of places he struggled to untie the bindings of your dress. "Fuck, fucking fuck sake, you ladies and your fucking dresses." He panted, exasperated at the thought of not being up to untie your dress as quickly as he'd like, "fuck it!" He took a handful of fabric in both of his large hands and pulled hard, the dress fell apart in the most dramatic of sounding rips, beads flying across the room, it pooled around your waist, your breasts bounced free from the corset bussom. "Fuck me," Sandor whispered at the sight of your skin, his hands reached out immediately, cupping a breast in each one, allowing them to sit in the palm of his hands for a few moments before following the softness down to your puckered nipples, his finger and thumb caught the plump bulbs in his between them, twisting and pulling them gently, enough to peak your arousal again, your moans following moments later. His head bent down to claim them between his lips, tongue flicking out to lick at them, alternating with sucking at them, you brought your hand down on to his crotch, you palmed him through his breeches, the size of him worried you, he was thick and long, how could you fit that into you? He must have caught the worry in your eyes, he had started to undress himself as he spoke, "Don't worry Little Wolf, I won't hurt you, not tonight anyway." He winked at you cheekily, you took this opportunity to push your dress out of the way since he was now fully undressed it was only right you copied too. You crawled up to where he sat, you had wanted to try this since Theon Greyjoy had mentioned it, but you were uncertain Sandor would enjoy it. You dipped your head before he could reject the idea and took him into your mouth, slowly at first, getting used to his size, your tongue swirled across the head of his cock, his hands tangled in to your hair, "fuck, girl, where did you learn that!" You bobbed your head up and down, your tongue stroking the head as you got to the tip and then to swallow the length as best as you could again, Sandor was moaning almost consistently, it went from moaning to groaning and a few growls. His hands were still bunched into your hair, he pulled your head up and away quickly, "fuck, I'd have blown my load if you had of carried on, I don't want that to be our first together," he rolled you both over, him on top of you as his hands rubbed your nipples again. Sandor lay on top of you, your legs wrapped around his waist, he lay his forehead against yours, as he thrust slowly into you. You groaned, your back arched involuntarily, and Sandor stilled instinctively, "if I'm hurting you, I'll stop." You shook your head, "it doesn't hurt terribly, just fuck me like you this will be our last night." Sandor bottomed out entirely, pushing his full weight onto his hands that were at your side, using his knees to steady himself he picked up a good pace, his thrusts steady and even, his eyes not leaving yours the entire time. His name was on your lips more times than your own ever had been. You bucked back into him when his thrusts weren't fast enough, grinding yourself against his pubic bone, enough to cause friction, to give you more stimulation and add what you'd hope would be more pleasure to him. His thrusts became shorter, faster, harder, his head had dipped into the crook of your neck, he grunted with each thrust, his own orgasm close almost as close as yours. He pushed hard into you once more, and unravelled the knot that had tangled in the pit of your stomach, "Oh, Sandor! I love you! Sandor, Sandor, Sandor." You screamed his name as your orgasm claimed your body, his followed behind, with a series of grunts, "Y/N, fuck," there was no declaration of love from his lips but you didn't need it, he had said it once tonight. You both lay quietly, the furs pulled up over your bodies, his hands caressing your shoulders as you lay with your head on his chest, neither of you said a word to each other. The company was all you both needed, no words, no gestures, just this, this moment of two souls becoming one. There would be no sleep for you both tonight, you thought, the castle will sleep for you both and tomorrow you will sleep in the arms of Sandor when the war is over. However, the castle didn't sleep either as the howling of a Wolf and a Hound haunted the cold winters night air.

Tag list:

@forgottenpassword123 @sillywiseone @stickgremlin @peg379 @thatcutewerewolf @a-goodfella @thefeatherofhope @zoella-anzienta @dedrickskull @oceansofbluemilk@sister-beehive  @madebyleftoversouls @interneet @oohmyahh @crawl-up-from-hell-blog@writingsofa-hobbit @kirscheblumen @comshepa @ghostlyradical–tupperware@superlameblog-url @slytherh0e @killedbymyowninvention @later-lettuce2@perfumelover @moonprismpower-420 @redantte@sharkec13 @realllllllllyyyyyyyyy@animekath @worst-shit-in-the-7-kingdoms@theizzardqueen @houndcrush @asmraf24@devilsbastion @fanfictionrecommendations-com@mynameisnoneya1991 @mihijah@llamaseverywherelove@thephenomenalkingofthebrogues394 @handsomeguyslover @awolfhasnoname @i-is-surrounded-by-idjits @misfitgardens @thevillainpie @royalydamned @idiedinzimmer483 @thatlittlered @shurakaramzin @crazynocturnalkiki @queenoffereldencousland @highlandhilda @apocalypse-haven  @hellbycoelho @kseniabarsukova @doctorfruitbowl @anita-e-taylor @chrisftdorito @whimsicalsnai l @thatnerdyaquarius @carry-on-wayward-sun @apocalypse-haven @gameofcleganee @onyxskeleton29 @maxinikins @well-aint-that-strange​ @bckybrnesrp @lokimysunandstars

[animeyanderelover]

Hi just wanted to say I enjoy all your posts and you did such a wonderful job on the last request I sent for hxh gon and killua poly headcanons I thought I'd ask again this time for a prompt for Kurapika Kurta. With a s/o who has been kidnapped but is a writer and in the spare time of their capture writes a lot in journals stories poetry . I thought it go great with this prompt in particular 44. “Escaping is all you think about, isn’t it? Always dreaming about it, always thinking about it?”

You don’t know how happy I am to hear this😊. Felt in a softer mood and that’s reflected in here.

Warnings: Yandere themes, unhealthy mindset, unhealthy relationship, possessiveness, obsessiveness, overprotectiveness, mentions of kidnapping

Prompt 44: “Escaping is all you think about, isn’t it? Always dreaming about it, always thinking about it?”

It was a rather peaceful evening for you. Probably because you hadn’t tried anything the last few weeks, not trying to escape, not trying to somehow poison him. You had just stayed in the house and here and there helped cleaning up. And you could tell that Kurapika was clearly relieved that you hadn’t tried something. He hated punishing you. He was of course still cautious in case that all of this was just an act, but you from all the people knew the best that you weren’t lying. You had admitted defeat. A person could only endure that much pain and witnessing people getting killed before giving up. You admitted that your mind was filled with the thoughts of escaping, but you had decided to give up. You knew when a situation was hopeless. You wouldn’t be able to get out of this alone. At least you had one thing where you could let all your thoughts out because there was no way you would ever let Kurapika know what was going on in your head. You were talking about writing poetries, songs and just in general your thoughts in your journal down which was of course kept a secret from Kurapika. He was already watching over nearly everything you did so to have a bit of privacy with this journal was nice.

That didn’t necessarily mean that Kurapika was a bad person all the time. To some degree you could even understand why he was acting like this. Having his whole clan perished had for sure left some deep scars in his mind. You could understand that he was too afraid to lose someone else he loved. That was probably another reason why you had decided to at least physically stop trying to escape him. You felt bad for him. This boy was the result that showed what the cruelty of the world could turn people into. You guessed since you were a poetry writer and often needed to think about things in another aspect you were able to sympathize with him to some degree. Somewhere deep down in your heart you wished him to be happy. If you were honest with yourself, you couldn’t even hate him really. You didn’t love him, but you didn’t hate him as well. You tried to draw a clear line between your feelings so that you wouldn’t actually end up falling for him. But sometimes he made it incredibly hard for you to not bring your heart to flutter in your chest. It were those moments where he didn’t stare at you with those intimidating scarlet eyes of his and didn’t ramble angrily that he only did this for you and that he wanted to protect you. No, it were those softer moments where he showed that he genuinely cared for you. And this evening happened to be one of those moments.

“Kurapika! Please stop! It’s a bit embarrassing!”, you giggled out, not really meaning it. Kurapika on the other hand was too busy with placing soft kisses all over your face and neck, smiling warmly when he heard your giggling. Both of you were currently lying on the couch, you were lying on top of him. This scene looked almost normal and you could have almost thought that Kurapika was a normal and loving boyfriend. But his slightly too possessive grip he had around your waist reminded you that he was never really able to truly let all his dark feelings disappear for a moment. But in this moment it was not so painfully visible than in others. “(y/n).”, you heard him softly speaking your name. You looked him directly in his grey eyes which were shining with pure love at you. “I love you.” You swore that your heart nearly melted for a moment, the sincerity in his voice being a bit too much for you to handle. “I-I don’t know what to say.”, you somehow stuttered out, feeling heat rushing to your cheeks. For a short moment you were worried that he would be offended by this, but he wasn’t. Instead he gave you a small smile. “It’s alright. With time you will learn to love me and I promise I’ll always protect you.” Dear heart, stay still. “You know, you can be a real softie.”, you told him slightly amused, slightly flattered. Since you were lying on top of him you were able to feel his calm and steady heartbeat and the regular and long raising and fall of his chest. It told you that he was completely relaxed now.

One short glance out of the window told you that it was already pretty late. You really wanted to write down a new poetry you had come up with today. It was only an idea so far, but you knew that as soon as you would sit in front of an empty paper with a pen in your hand you would be able to make something out of it. But for this to happen you needed to get out of his grip as nice as this all was. You wanted to finish your day with writing something in your journal and then going to sleep just like everyday before. “Kurapika,”, you began and he hummed quietly,”I’m a bit tired. Can I go to bed?” Kurapika didn’t seem to like the idea very much since he had you right now all to himself. He pushed himself a little bit up so that his face was only a few inches away from yours. “Please just a few more minutes. Let’s stay like this a few more minutes.”, he pleaded. You didn’t say anything what he took as a yes. He closed the distance between your faces to press his lips for a short moment against your before lying back down and pressing you slightly closer to his body.

Your mind was racing with a million thoughts whilst you were brushing your teeth. The two main topics your thoughts were circling around were the poetry and Kurapika. Thinking back to the very intimate time the both of you had just shared together made your heart speed up a bit. You definitely preferred Kurapika when he was like this, he was so much more calm and understanding with you than when he was angry. You hurried up to finish your business in the bathroom and hurried back to your room. You walked towards the bookshelf and searched for something until you pulled out a certain book, tossing it aside and stretching your arm out to reach the thing behind it. Due to the black cover it was nearly invisible and you knew that Kurapika wasn’t interested in this section of the books. After a few tries you were finally able to get a hold on it and pulled your black journal out. You didn’t know if you were being too cautious with it, but you really didn’t want Kurapika to find it and read it. All of your thoughts, feelings and secrets were entrusted in this book here. You grabbed a pen and opened up the next free page, collecting all your thoughts before starting to write. It was always helping you to sleep better when you just emptied your mind at the end of the night out.

I have often dreamed of a far-off place

Where a hero is welcome

Will be waiting for me

Where the crowds will cheer

When they see my face

And a voice keeps saying

This is where I’m meant to be

I will find my way

I can go the distance

I’ll be there someday

If I can be strong

I know every mile will be worth my while

I would go almost anywhere to feel like I Belong

I am on my way

I can go the distance

I don’t care how far

Somehow I’ll be strong

I know every mile will be worth my while

I would go almost anywhere to find where

I belong

You read shortly through it, satisfied with what you’ve done. But now you had to hurry a bit. Kurapika could come in now at every moment. You quickly pulled the book out and stuffed your journal in it before putting the book back in it’s place. You couldn’t help, but feel relieved like every time when you managed to keep your journal a secret from him. You knew that he always checked at evening the area around the house to prevent possible threats from coming near it. Not like he would let them pass anyways. You had measured the time he needed for this, giving you each evening a time window from half an hour. Now you just had to wait for him to come back. You just layed down into your bed and waited for him. You glanced out of the window, looking at the dark forest surrounding you. And for a split second you thought you saw something moving, but you weren’t sure if it was just some tree or animal.

When you woke up the rays of sunlight were already tickling your face. You must have fallen asleep before Kurapika came home because you couldn’t remember that you had felt him joining you in bed. Did you fall that fast asleep? “I see that you’re awake now.” The moment you heard his voice was the moment you knew that something wasn’t right. His voice sounded tensed up. Another thing that you realized that didn’t seem right was the fact that he wasn’t lying next to you. He normally always stayed with you in bed in the morning until you were awake. You slowly sat up and looked around. Your heart stopped beating when you saw what had happened. In a mountain of books sprawled randomly on the floor was sitting Kurapika. He had emptied the whole bookshelf. But that wasn’t the thing that striked fear inside your heart. It was the book with the black cover he was holding in his hands, flipping through it’s pages. He looked calm, but his burning scarlet eyes told you differently. How much had he already read? Obviously enough or else his eyes wouldn’t have started to glow.

You were just staring at him, feeling your own heart drumming against your chest. You didn’t move, not even when he slowly stood up and walked over to you. Under his burning gaze it felt like your skin was crawling. His calm appearance and his glowing eyes made your whole body froze. He slowly sat down next to you, lifting the book until it was right in front of your eyes. Your eyes shifted back and forth between the book and him. Months of your thoughts were written down in this journal. Diary entries, confessions, hopes, everything! Why was he acting so terribly calm when his eyes showed clearly that he was mad?! “H-how?”, you stuttered out, not able to bring more than one word over your lips. “I saw you through the window.” The window? Wait, the window! That meant that you saw yesterday him! “I never knew that you had a journal. You’re really structured with it. You wrote even the time down. It’s really fascinating what you write down in here. I didn’t know you were into poetry.” You somehow knew that from the way he said it that he must had read the whole thing. He was still holding the journal in front of you and you forced your shaking hands to grab it and press it tightly against your chest.

It became eerily quiet and you were sure that you could cut yourself on the tension that was raising between the both of you. But the thing that terrified you the most was this bone chilling calmness from Kurapika. You would have preferred if he would have just screamed at you. “Escaping is all you think about, isn’t it? Always dreaming about it, always thinking about it?” You tried to make yourself as small as possible. His voice made you wish that a hole under you would just appear and swallow you. It was calm, but you could hear it in his undertone. The many emotions that he suppressed on the surface, but that his eyes reflected. Anger, disappointment, sadness, his eyes told you everything. You couldn’t stand his gaze anymore and looked at the book which you were pressing tightly against your chest. There was no need to answer his question. He knew the answer anyways. What was he going to do now?

“Give me the book. You aren’t allowed to keep it anymore.” You tensed up when he said this and tightened your grip even more. “W-why?” Your voice was quiet. “Because you broke my trust. I thought you had finally learned your lesson, but I was wrong.” He stretched his hand out, a silent demand to give him your only freedom you had left. “No.” It was barely a whisper, but Kurapika was still able to hear it. “(y/n).”, you could hear that he was trying to hold back,”Give. Me. That. Book.” You shook your head weakly. “Please don’t. This journal here is the only thing that keeps me from breaking apart. Isn’t it enough for you that I already stopped trying to run away? It’s true that I often think about escaping, but I don’t act on these thoughts. But I need this book. I need a place to write all my thoughts and feelings in which I built up during the day. Or else I’ll drown in all the shit in my head. I didn’t break your trust, not completely. Please believe me, I won’t run away. You already took away my family. My friends. My home. My freedom. Please give me at least this bit of freedom.” Silent tears had started to roll down your cheeks. You slowly lifted your head and looked him directly in the eyes. “Don’t let me fall apart.”, you pleaded with a shaking voice.

Again silence fell over you, your heartbreaking pleas hanging heavily in the air. You could tell from the look in Kurapika’s eyes that he was battling with himself about what to do now. His muscles were so tensed up that he had started to shake, sinking his head until you couldn’t see his eyes anymore, being hidden behind strands of his hair. You didn’t do anything, afraid that you would worsen the situation even more. So you just waited, the tension nearly suffocating you whilst waiting for Kurapika’s reaction. For you it felt like hours of torture, but in reality it was probably only a minute until he finally reacted. A reaction that surprised you. Before you could even process what exactly happened you were suddenly pulled against his chest in a more than just possessive hug. “Kurapika?”, you mumbled softly out, feeling slightly confused with his reaction. Since you were pressed right against his chest you could feel how tensed up he was and how his whole body and breath were shaking. His heart was ramming painfully against his chest. You slowly lifted your head up and instantly something wet dropped on your face. You needed a second until you understood that those were tears. Kurapika’s tears. He didn’t look you in your face, his gaze was still hidden from you under his bangs, but you could clearly see his tears falling down his face and dropping on yours.

“I’m sorry.” His voice was shaking, overflowing with emotions. “I didn’t know that you were suffering. But please. Please let me help you. I know that I am most likely the source of your pain. I know that I took everything away from you just to keep you with me. But I really just want to protect you. Please don’t torture yourself with your own thoughts. Tell me and I’ll promise I’ll try my best to heal these wounds I caused you.” That’s when he finally lifted his head to look you into your eyes. They were still burning in their scarlet color. But all the intensity was gone. Instead you could see the pain and the fear swirling around inside of them. The pain and fear of a man who had lost everything. “But you need also to understand that if I lose you...I’ll fall apart as well. Without you I’ll break. I’m already broken beyond repair and I know how it is to drown in your own thoughts and feelings. I know how it is to be eaten alive on the inside. I was in so much pain, but you... You helped me with my pain. You healed me. You do so much for me by only being near me. So please let me return the favor. Tell me what hurts you so I can ease your pain as well. I hate it more than anything when I see you suffer. Let me carry all your pain. I’m willing to break under it because as long as you’re okay I know I’ll be alright as well. You’re my angel, you heal me with your mere presence. And I’m your guardian, I’m here to protect you from every threat and even from your own thoughts. So please let me help you. Let me get destroyed. Not you.”

You were left speechless, staring with wide eyes at him, the tears falling nonstop from your face. It felt like an invisible knife was plunging in your heart over and over again. You had never seen Kurapika like this. You had never seen him so...so vulnerable. He was showing you his pain. His suffering. His own torturing thoughts. He had always tried to stay strong for you, but now you saw how hurt and broken he really was. You didn’t know how to react for a moment, just looking at him with tearfilled eyes before you did the only thing that felt right in that moment. Hugging him tightly back. Kurapika’s breath hitched for a moment when he felt how you were hugging his torso before tightening his grip around you a bit more and burying his face in your neck, wanting nothing more than just calm down in your presence. You had always known that Kurapika had suffered, but in that moment you realized that he was hurting so much more than you had originally thought.

( The song I used here is “Go the distance” from Michael Bolton. )

[atopearth]

Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms Part 9 - Souma Kazue Route

It’s saddening to see Souma pressure and strain himself so much by training day and night hoping to improve his swordsmanship so that Yamazaki and Gen’s deaths won’t be in vain, and so that he’ll truly be able to protect Chizuru and Kondou. I hope he doesn’t collapse. On the other hand, Miki’s new clothes and hair looks pretty good! He’s like a pretty boy lol, a pretty crazy boy I guess haha. Not surprised he intercepted Souma and them when they were escaping from the fight at Kofu castle since he’s aiming for Kondou but dang, he’s got an army with him… Thankfully Amagiri came and saved them! But it seems that they’re not out of danger yet, since the Imperial army found their hideout and are planning to root them all out. It’s kinda difficult to have to personally watch this part where Kondou decides to surrender himself to them so that everyone else can escape. He’s basically sacrificing himself because really, how hard would it be for them to realise who he actually is… It’s saddening that Nomura is staying with Kondou to act as his retainer since Kondou is pretending to be a hatamoto stationed at a nearby town.. Knowing that they’ll both probably die is so saddening… Like, I do want to see how everything unfolds on Kondou’s side, but dang does Chizuru seem like such trouble LOL. She and Souma split up with Hijikata to escape easier, but then they kinda get discovered so Souma distracts the soldiers so she can escape, but no, she slips or whatever and falls right back to where the mansion they just escaped from was, and now she’s with Kondou and Nomura again lmao. I don’t know whether to think it’s silly or funny lol.

Nice to see Souma come to save them, so cute when he blushed at Chizuru saying she knew he’d come. Knowing that Kondou decided to stay captive until his death to allow Chizuru, Souma and Nomura a higher chance to escape was pretty disheartening, especially since they were in hiding and didn’t find out until after his death that he had actually been beheaded and that they had hung his head out in a way to shame him and deter others, it’s just so disgusting…😫 I thought them running into Ibuki was a blessing, but then realising that them meeting Harada there and him using himself as a distraction for the rest of them to escape since he’s injured and wants to be useful one last time makes it so hard to think of it as something good… It doesn’t seem like a fatal injury so he should just lie low and recover! But I guess he knows that this is a very important time for everyone so he wants to do what he can no matter what….but still..! It was so tough seeing Souma lament over how he is the one who has survived at the expense of other people’s lives when he thinks that the others are so much more useful than him. It’s so tormenting to hear him in such agony, especially when he swore to protect Kondou and yet Kondou gave his life to protect them instead… I guess the only thing that saved him a little bit was Chizuru telling him that she’s glad he’s alive and with her, and that she’s worse since so many people died to protect her when others came for her, which is true lol. Omggg, I was so glad when Heisuke appeared saving them from a pack of Furies, I was so worried that Okita was going to sacrifice his life too, like I know he’s dying already, but dying by the hand of Furies is absolutely terrible.

I’m glad he encountered Saito (even though he just missed Hijikata again on their journey to delivering the sword representing rebirth of the Shinsengumi given by Kondou to Hijikata) and Saito questioned whether he was really ready to stay here and die with the Aizu men when he has things he still must do. Everyone is fighting a losing battle, they all know they have lost all chances of winning, they know that they’re probably gonna die, but somehow seeing everyone so fearless, so unperturbed, and so determined to see their cause and their beliefs to the end even with death looming over them just makes it seem so admirable and yet so saddening. Hijikata hasn’t exactly given up since he’s still trying to talk to people for support but I’m sure he’s the most aware of how dire the situation is for them. And everything just became even more disconcerting after meeting up with Hijikata who has had his negotiations stalled as he brings the news that Okita, Sanan and Heisuke died at the hands of the new Furies Chizuru’s father created… Why is that every step they take, more and more lives are perishing? Will going to Ezo be the last hope that might bring something about?

It was so sweet that Hijikata arranged Souma and Chizuru to be working in close proximity (with her being his Page) because he knew that she only came to Ezo because she loves him and wants to be beside him and support him. Hijikata is such a bro🥰☺️ Omggg when Hijikata was so frank and legit just asked Souma how he felt about her in front of her and demanded he give a proper answer. The good thing is that Hijikata is observant and could tell from their reunion that just as Chizuru had grown fond of him, he did as well considering how soft he has become for and towards her. Why you so cool Hijikata?! I’m glad he’s being pushy about it since they’re both obviously being quiet and wishy washy about whether this is the time to talk about romance when there’s a war, but seriously, if this isn’t the time, when is the time?!? Who knows if you guys will even survive until the next day! Lmao when everyone was eavesdropping on his confession and loll at Iba threatening that if he doesn’t treat her well, Souma will have to answer to him. I love how everyone is teasing them and their relationship, it’s really nice to see something positive come out of all the negative that has happened. Aww, so cute and innocent when they were about to kiss since Chizuru gave him her permission but he was too embarrassed and his heart couldn’t handle it hahaha. It’s just saddening that right after this sweet moment, Kazama comes along😔 Ooh, so they actually came to like “rescue” her because they and Sen wanted to know whether she was really in this hopeless place of death of her own will, but seeing her willing to bite her tongue and kill herself than go along with them shows her resolve to stay with Souma no matter what. Didn’t realise that Kodo actually got killed by the Shinsengumi Fury corps though.

Omg! I honestly didn’t think Nomura wouldn’t make it back when they went to try and get an ironclad from the Imperial army…. I thought they would lose but I didn’t think they’d lose him too… He and everyone was so confident when they left to fight….I was kinda annoyed when Chizuru made Souma recap what happened in the middle of the night when she couldn’t sleep, like give the guy a break! But I guess maybe it would help relieve him a bit by talking about it. Anyway, it seems things just weren’t on their side, whether it be the bad weather or their people and resources. Nomura was the first group to charge on to the ship and thus the first to experience and die by the hands of the Gatling gun. Even though he took some soldiers with him, it was futile against them all. Seeing Souma want to save Nomura by lowering a rope to him but he severed it because he knew he wouldn’t make it back and didn’t want Souma to die in vain with him just made my heart broke, I just couldn’t stop crying over it. Only Hijikata and Souma are alive now…😭😭😭🤧 Or not. Right after Hijikata discharged Souma and told him to live a life with Chizuru instead of wasting it here in death alongside him since most people are thinking of just surrendering, and Hijikata could only continue to do what he could since he can’t surrender when he considers all the people that died following him and the ones that are still alive that would rather die than surrender. The only happy thing is that in his dying moments (Hijikata was ambushed by artillery😢) he got to see Souma and hand the Makoto flag to him so he could keep the Shinsengumi spirit alive.

I was wondering when Miki was going to appear, but at the same time, I kinda wondered if there was any point for Miki anymore, and just as I thought that, it seemed he really didn’t feel like there was any point to life anymore since most of the Shinsengumi who caused his brother’s death and him to be discarded by the army were dead and there was no meaning to anything anymore. The only things left for people like him and Souma who are now remnants of this war is really just to see what the world has become and will become after all their fighting and all those lives that were lost. In the end, was everything they fought for useless? Is this outcome good? I feel like at the same time, it’s kinda their responsibility now to see everything to the end and see what the future holds now after the war.

With the war having ended, Souma has decided to surrender on behalf of the Shinsengumi as the new chief and thus leaving his life to the Imperial army to decide as to his fate… I’m surprised that Souma only had to go to a secluded island for 3 years, I really thought they’d make him stay there forever. Nice to know that Chizuru waited for him whilst studying medicine under Dr Matsumoto, it may have been hard but it’s nice to know she did something she would have enjoyed doing whilst waiting. Something Souma would be proud of since he did what he did to protect the rest of the Shinsengumi and she continued to save others with her skills. The first three endings were actually kind of different and I think it could have been quite interesting if they could expand on them, well mainly the second and third since the first one was just her dying together with Souma, which would have happened technically if they weren’t saved. But the second where she was captured by Miki back to her father, well I guess that’s kinda typical as well if I think about it, since then she’ll just be used for more experiments etc as her father wanted. Third might not exactly be a bad ending though since she got taken back to the Demons by Kazama, so if she got to see Sen, I’d assume she’d still get a pretty nice life, it would just be without Souma lol. Kinda interesting that in one ending she was able to actually kill Miki when he got close enough stabbing her to death, she was able to avenge Hijikata and Souma and prevent him from taking their heads back as a prize so I guess although they all died, at least they weren’t shamed like that by Miki. That unrequited love ending was so disappointing though, usually it has the most effort put into it but dang was it basic. He just told her to live her life without him since he’s basically going to prison and she accepts it but wastes her life away by living in her idyllic fantasy. It wasn’t really sad nor bittersweet, I just felt so…apathetic towards it tbh.

Overall, I really enjoyed Souma’s route. I really did. But I think if you’re someone who likes a lot of romance, you won’t enjoy it as much because I really think the romance is shoved to the side for this one, but I also kind of think it’s understandable because of how Souma is and how the story was conveyed. Souma’s story is deeply rooted and engrossed into embellishing the spirit of the Shinsengumi and their beliefs. You as the reader grow alongside Souma to understanding and also mentally fighting for the Shinsengumi’s beliefs and honour, hoping to develop the new tomorrow they wanted, so obviously in hindsight of all the important things they’re doing for the war and for the future, romance would not be as important or relevant to their lives when they have more important things to think about, and that was fine with me, because I really thought the message of the Shinsengumi was brought out really well, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was a part of them and wanted them to succeed. The romantic moments were still pretty subtle and cute though with how Souma was so shy and polite, treating Chizuru well and trying his best to protect her even when he was weak, and having her to support him and his decisions to carry out what he thinks is right and what he thinks he needs to do for the Shinsengumi and as the last chief of the Shinsengumi. Miki was also a nice touch to it (even though I kinda feel like the writer forgot about him until the end lol) because of how much he reflected that even though the ideals of the Shinsengumi were one to be respected because of how admirable they could be in how adamant they were towards their beliefs, it also showed that the things that everyone did weren’t necessarily right or wrong, everyone fought in their own way for the future, everyone was hurt by it, everyone lost a lot of their comrades and it was all for a future they wanted to create. Whether the future created is one that is good or not, what they wanted or not, it is a future that came about after they tried their best and the ones alive have the responsibility to see it and watch over it in their own way. So yeah, even though the romance wasn’t particularly romantic or my favourite, I liked that it was in the background of something bigger that I enjoyed much more, and it was so worth it!

[thecardsimagine]

I came back on tumblr just for arcana stuff lol! I just found your blog it looks really wonderful! Idk if you're still doing requests but do you think you could do a scenario where julian finds out his s/o is super buff. I'm a female but gender neutral is totally cool too! Thank you!

Hi! I am glad you enjoy my blog! ^-^I hope I got the request right though, had some trouble with it but I tried my best. English isn’t my first language so sorry if I misunderstood >-

How he could not have noticed it sooner was a mystery, even to a doctor like Julian was. It’s not like he’d ever keep his hands off his s/o, though to him, her handshake was always just snuggly tight, and he never noticed anything besides the pleasant back rubs she’d give him whilst hugging.

Not even her clothes revealed enough to ever make him come to the conclusion just how fit his s/o was. Not until now at least. Now that she was standing in nothing more than a bit of coverage on the beach, waving for him to finally come into the water with her.

His s/o was probably the best-trained person he had seen in a while - and he was a doctor and regular at bars full of rowdies. From the six-pack to the biceps, she was trained down into her calves and up to the shoulders and he had never noticed. Never.Blind for love? Maybe, but it was a surprise nonetheless. A pleasant surprise even though very much unexpected.

Julian couldn’t help but regret his choice to never work on his own muscle mass more than necessary. Of course, he could find many excuses: The plague, Lucio, the running away, and more. But in the end, he may have let himself go a little, both his body and perception of people. And now for the first time, he found it a little embarrassing to undress.

“Are you just going to stand there and stare at me?” his s/o laughed as she made her way back to him. Water pearls caught in her hair rolled down he puffy cheeks, dripping onto her prominent shoulders. Others drove down her stomach, falling over her belly button to ultimately perish in the fabric of her panties.

Even though he couldn’t see himself, he could feel the heat shooting into his face, having followed the journey of the water droplets for just a tad too long. “I-I’m sorry, I got lost in thoughts,” he quickly brought forward, trying to look her straight into her eyes and no further than these shining orbs. Of course, it was impossible to hide the blush on his face, his s/o grinning to herself when she caught the admiration in his eyes.

“You know...” she mumbled, coming closer, tugging onto his shirt. “If I get you out of your clothes you might get to touch something in return?” Biting his lower lip, Julian nodded, his ears most prominently flushed in red by her flirting. His s/o couldn’t help but laugh, quickly opening up his shirt and leaning in for a kiss, feeling the eager response to the affection from his side.

“But first...” she whispered against his lips, a longing sigh escaping him as she pulled away. With a sudden sweep under his feet, Julian found himself swaying in his position, only to be caught gently by his s/o’s arms. “Huh?” he managed to say before his s/o started to laugh again.

“First you need to swim, my little pirate,” she declared and the next moment he opened his eyes, he was underwater. With skillful strokes Julian breached the surface again, taking a deep breath before he too, couldn’t help but laugh, paddling over to his s/o who was already in the water again herself.

Holding on to her tightly, he managed to stare her right back into her face, his s/o still grinning from her successful ambush. “Damn, [Name],” he muttered, kissing away some water pearls on her face. “You always know how to sweep me off my feet.”

Their laughter was only short-lived, as they joined each other in a deep kiss, giving Julian a bit of time to let his hands wander, exploring what he had only seen from afar until now and admire even more what he felt under these curious fingertips of his.

[runephoenix6769]

Winter Solstice.

Happy NaNo WriMo.. Lil Teenage Winter Schnee fic.. 

(Part 1 of 3) 

The 36th Remnant fencing championship was in full swing as Winter prepared in a private dressing room her father had commandeered, much to the teenager’s protests.  For the last few months, she had worked her way through the table of 64 competitors and up into the top ranking 16.  

Now it boiled down to this bout between her and another competitor to see who would be crowned Remnant’s 15 year and under World Champion.  Her coach, Violet fussed over her, checking her body wire under her chest protector as Winter prepared a fresh bib to the lower part of her mask.

“Now remember,” Violet began, as she popped her fingers under the rim of the wire making sure that it didn’t dig into Winters lower stomach due to a sudden unfortunate growth spurt, “ – Keep your blade up, his bind is weak. “

Winter mutely nodded.

Her coach continued,

“Be mindful of his Balestra. Break ground if you have to. Or change the beat.” Her coach held up a water bottle with a bendy straw, “Drink!”

A commotion could be heard at the door, the voice of a steward attempting to protest.  At the sound of her father’s voice, Winter’s heart began pounding in her chest as she tried to keep her face neutral and breathing in check.  Violet gave her shoulder a soft motherly squeeze,

“Try to stay focused, Leibling.” Handing Winter her gloves, she asked “- Do you want him to come in?”

Slipping her hands into her gloves, she shook her head,

“No, I do not want him here. I need to stay focused and I can not if he is breathing down my neck.”

She sat on a nearby bench, the button on her blade, as Violet exited the dressing room.  Taking a breath to steady her nerves as she had been taught to do, she cast her eyes around the room. Posters adorned the walls, faces of previous Huntsmen and Huntresses champions smiled down at her, finally coming to focus on an advertisement for Atlas Academy.

Typical military jargon and propaganda her father would call it, as it depicted a rather handsome and stern General standing broad-shouldered and at military ease  asking what you could do to help the world.  Become an Atleasian Specialist! Airships flew out in the background and uniformed youngsters, stood at prideful attention to the side.  

Stepping up close, she examined the dates and details.  Application would be by transcripts from a pre-attended combat school, or proof of experience in the field via open bouts.

She wondered what it would be like, to go to a school like that, surrounded by people her own age from different walks of life. To have a group of friends she could share her day with. To attend classes about Grimm and learn new things, rather than the academic and social etiquette education she received at home from her numerous private tutors.  After her Opa had passed, she had broached the subject once, about attending a boarding school.  Her mother had done her best to bat for her, understanding the girl’s loneliness behind those huge walls of the estate with only a young baby sister to keep her company. Her father had scoffed at the idea, why waste money on sup par accommodation, service and education, when the best was available at his fingertips?

She would remain at home where she would learn what it was to be a Schnee and the Heir to the one of the biggest conglomerates in the world.

“Are you thinking about going?”

Winter whirled round, embarrassed at being caught and unaware of her coach’s return.  She gave Violet a wane smile,

“No. I do not have the necessary experience required,” Her brows knitted together, “Besides, Father says that as the Heir to the Schnee Dust Company, I am to attend business school.”

The older woman gave her a soft smile and pitiful eyes.  It was a look Winter had begun noticing much more of late. Not just from her coach but other people. It was a disturbing change from the over eager wannabe hangers on, or the hateful glares that had recently turned venomous.

The tannoy crackled to life causing Winter to flinch.

“Competitor’s 13 and 43 to the arena. 5 minute notice.”

Numbers rather than their names, yet another concession that had been made due to her attendance, security for the event had been beefed up, much to the annoyance of the other competitors.

Yet another demand by her father due to the rise in violence threatened in their direction.

It had been all over the news, collapsed dust mines, a valiant effort made to save them, undercut by an expose by Lisa Lavender on the SDC’s business practices.  It had poured dust on an already volatile open flame.  Mass protests had sprung up outside any SDC office. Miners were striking all over the world. A call to boycott using any products of the SDC or any of its subsidiaries had sprung up all over the CCT.  She had been forced to close down her own Grimmstagram account due to the sheer number of death threats.

Recently the White Fang had infiltrated one of their offices in Mistral, whilst a car bomb had killed one the board members and his family. On the news, she had watched as the Faunus had cheered, waving effigies of her father hanging from a rope,  as behind them one of the warehouses burned, gleefully clapping the explosions as the dust crystals had over heated. Workers, human and faunus alike had perished.

Luckily in Atlas things seemed a little calmer, yet it paid to be cautious.  

Tucking her mask under her arm, she waited patiently by the entrance to the tunnel that would lead down to the out of the arena, as Violet quickly collected her gym bag. Satisfied she stepped out to be met with huge private body guards. They flanked her as she made her way down on to the arena floor.

Stepping out into the light, she blinked as Violet guided her to their allocated bench.  Dutifully, she handed over her sword as an official began making checks that no tampering had occurred.  Unseeing, she lifted up her arms and stood tall as another checked her body wire and chest protector for any sort of loose wiring or attempt at cheating.

In her mind’s eye she played over the bouts she had watched over and over in hours of study, Footage from other matches, she went over her opponent’s weaknesses, and counters she had practiced.  Satisfied, the official gave her the all clear and she was handed back her sword.

Another official guided her towards her waiting pen, with her private body guards hot on her heels, as Violet stayed behind to check the paperwork.  The arena was huge, a heavy crowd had turned out, much larger than was usually normal. The clacks of metal upon metal echoed as the bout for bronze played out.  Her mouth ran dry as the teenager began to check her gloves fit snugly, pushing in between each fingers with the opposite hand.

Rummaging in her gym bag, she fingers closed round the water bottle. At the far side of the room a commotion broke out. Leaning forward so she could see, she was surprised to find Violet and the opposition’s coach going through the motions of a hushed but heated argument.

The cameras set round at numerous vantage points turned to take it in, Winter immediately ducked her head, pretending to be searching for something as she became acutely aware of a camera pointed in her direction.

Taking a quick breath she set her features, forcing herself to look passive and unfazed as she fingered the coquille of her blade.  Violet banged through the door. Using her hand to hide her mouth from the camera’s glare, the young teenager asked in apprehension,

“What is wrong?”

Violet held up a piece of paper to hide her face,

“Its nothing.”

There came a loud beep indicating a successful hit and a deafening cheer went up from the crowd. Violet crouched down, keeping the paper in place,

“Remember what I said.”

Winter nodded,

“My strength lies in my circular parry, his bind his weak, he favours a compound attack.”

They said in unison,

“Whatever you do don’t let him get a cadence!”

The tannoy called out,

“Bout 16, 15 years and under World Championship title. Number 43 Khenet Chausie of Vacuo and Number 13, Winter Schnee of Atlas.”

A loud murmur went up from the crowd sounding like the sudden flight of a flock of starlings. Violet gave Winter one last sip of the water bottle before slinging the gym bag over her shoulder.  Slipping on her mask, she waited as her bib was attached and placed correctly, feeling a reassuring pat that all was secure.  Tucking her sword under her arm, she stepped out into the arena, approaching the officials table at the base of the dais.

Ignoring the knot of apprehension in her stomach , she instead concentrated on the boy opposite her. He had an inch or two on her, but she noticed it was all chest, in his breeches his legs seemed short but looked powerful, no doubt helping the balestra he was famed for, however, shorter legs meant shorter strides, making breaking ground more difficult.

“Miss Schnee.”  An official barked, struggling to be heard over the rising noise of the crowd.

“Sorry?”

“I asked, Semblance?”

Straight to attention, she made her voice clear. No doubt her father would be watching somewhere in a private box with potential business associates.

“Glyphs.”

“Ah,“ The official gave her a knowing smile, “The famous hereditary semblance. And your summoning?”

Inside her mask, Winter’s nose twitched. Her summoning was a shambles, having only defeated a small rat and quite by accident. The thing had given her a fright in the barn and she had skewered it on the spot, but she would be damned if she was going to let him know.

“Adequate.”

She watched as the official made note of it.

“And you?”

The Vacoan boy seemed to leer at her,

“Light clones.” The Vacouan boy seemed to leer down at her through his mask, “Nearly mastered it too.”

“Right,“ The official continued, “No use of semblance of any kind? Understood? The use of Aura for deflection will be classed as an annulment of hit. Each play will be analysed by the officials over there,” He gestured to the far side of the arena. “- And here. The floor judges on the dias will make final call on each bout. First to five wins the match. Is that understood?”

The two teenagers nodded.

“Now get up there and most importantly, have fun.”

As she stepped out on to the dias a quite hush began to descend upon the crowd.  A middle lines man beckoned them to approach.  Meeting in the middle, the linesman put his arms round both their shoulders drawing them close,

“I want a good clean match, ok.” Again the teenagers nodded. “Shake.”

The linesman stepped back. Winter offered out her hand only for the Vacoan boy to take it giving it a hard squeeze.  He pulled her a little closer, and she heard him mutter in his thick accent,

“Murderer.”

She looked up and from inside his mask she could make out burning golden eyes. Before she could react, he gave her hand a hefty shake before letting go and turning back towards his starting point.

For a brief few seconds, the floor tipped.  In her gloves her hands began to shake and she struggled to keep hold of her crosse grip. She tried to calm herself as she could hear her heartbeat in her ears and her mouth suddenly became dry.

Holding up her finger to indicate she wished to approach her coach, she waited until she was given the all clear. With all eyes of the arena and the CCT on her, she tried to remain as calm as possible as she steadily walked to her coach.

He’s a faunus.  How had that not come to light? She tried to think of all the footage she had watched over the last few months.  There had been no indication in his movements other than his cadence. Maybe that’s why his compound riposte was so deadly?

Violet stepped up, making a show of removing her bib as Winter rambled,

“Violet,  I think he’s a faunus.”

The older woman lifted the bottom of her mask,

“So….”

“What if...”  

The twisted metal of the car and surrounding debris came to the fore. What if someone was here?

“Look at me.” Coach demanded. “He is doing it to psyche you out.”

“But what do I do?” Winter began to babble, “- I cant ..”

Violet shoved the straw under the mask and into Winter’s mouth, giving the bottle a squeeze.

“Yes you can!... This is exactly what he wants, you on the back foot. He wouldn’t be saying it if he wasn’t scared or didn’t think you were a threat. “ Winter gulped, as Violet gave another swift squeeze. “ You go out there and you thrash him like you would anyone else.” Using her sleeve, Violet wiped her chin, before fixing the mask and reattaching the bib. “-You ready?”

Winter looked out at her from her mask, for the first time feeling naked and vulnerable under the camera’s intense glare.

Violet’s tone became forceful,

“Forget everything else…. Go out there and kick his arse… You’ve got this.”

Taking a deep breath, Winter nodded in quick succession.  Turning back, she kept up her mantra.

Winter, you’ve got this.

She stepped up to the line, dropping her hand to indicate she was ready.  Not a few feet from her Khenet looked relaxed. Setting her stance she kept in mind her fencing line.

“On guard.”  The floor judge called out. They both stepped up to the line, “Allee”

They both advanced, with a swift appel and an angulation, he rushed with a balestra as Winter attempted to circular parry his blade in defence only for him to sneak past her with a beat and hit her in the chest.

The beep of her defeat rang out and the crowd clapped.  In annoyance Winter shook her head, checking her foil as she returned to her position.

“On guard” the floor judge called out again. “Allee”

Winter approached, in a flurry, pressing the attack, suddenly he feinted, leaving Winter wide open as she tried to use her longer legs to the advantage but she was too far open and in deep to retreat.  

The buzzer rang out indicating yet another hit. The crowd applauded loudly. Someone even hooted.  

Trying to ignore it, she began berating herself.

Get yourself together Winter.

What would her father think? She could imagine what would happen if she lost. The belittiling, the loss of his favour, the constant barrage of nit picking. The hour long, standing ram rod straight as he gave her a dressing down about their place in the world as Schnee’s and how she was single handed destroying their reputation.

They came at each other again, Blades clashed, as he tried to goad her into another mistake, yet she pressed him on the back foot, she lunged forward hitting him square in the chest.

The anger bubbled in her stomach.

How dare this upstart call her a murderer?  She would be a fool to let him in her head. She was Winter Schnee, from a line of fencing and swordmasters.  

She came at him a second time, taking advantage of his lunge as she feinted, hitting him in the shoulder.

There came a round of applause, marginally quieter than her opponents.

“Final bout.”  The floor judge announced.

A tense hush came over the crowd and Winter could feel the electricity in the air.

Her grandfather’s voice echoed in her head, as she approached.

“Remember your training Winter. Head up, shoulders back, right foot forward, - slow your breathing, wait for the right time to strike.”  His movements seemed to happen in slow motion, “….And … Now!”

Winter lunged, her arm extended, until she felt the tip of her sword make contact. The buzzer rang out, and the floor judge called it, indicating a honest hit.

The crowd let out applause, as Winter turned her name lit up the screen. Ripping off her mask, she spun round, unable to quell the ear to ear` grin on her face. She was Remnant’s  36th Junior Fencing Champion.  

The arena suddenly went from rapturous applause giving way to a cascading, disturbing quiet.  Standing on the dias, Khenet had removed his mask, to reveal a pair of twitching tawny brown ears, stuffed with ear plugs.

She paused for a brief moment, remembering that all eyes of the world were watching. Elegantly, she peeled off her glove, before sticking out her hand.  Khenet stared at it for a heavy few moments. His coach in his heavy lilting accent gave him an encouraging push.

“In the spirit of sportsmanship, you will shake her hand.”

Khenet grasped it, pulling her towards him and wrapping an arm round her shoulders. As he waved at the applauding crowd, he growled in her ear,

“Next time, Schnee, you might not be so lucky.”

@winterschnee-frozenelegance

[voidcrow]

Before Venturing Forth (Rev. 2)

(( This is a tweaked version of a prologue I wrote for a roleplayed run of Baldur's Gate a while back. I wrote it before I actually knew what was going on in the story and upon coming back to this, I felt it needed some corrections. I'm nothing if not a stickler for consistency. ))

Candlekeep. 1358 DR.

In all of Faerun, there was no grander a library than this. Some say that there are also none where the visitors' need for a peaceful study environment are given more respect. As such, the only real noise here at the moment were the echoes of a solitary monk chanting prophecies.

Laciel found the chants calming. To have heard them for nearly the whole of her ten years of life so far meant that they were familiar-- a part of home-- and helped to dismiss the devious impulses so she could focus on her studies. She loved this place dearly, but could not help fantasizing about it burning to the ground at times.

Currently laid upon the lectern before the elven child was a spell scroll, and beside it a second roll of parchment onto which she was beginning to transcribe the runic array on the former.

Noticing a subtle shadow creep over her work, Laciel turned around to find someone standing over her shoulder-- a red-headed human girl, right around her own age. Warm sentiment washed over Laciel as she noticed this person, having regarded her for years as a surrogate sister.

"Imoen?" The elf had questioning eyes. "I thought Winthrop had you on dusting duty at the inn."

"And now I'm finished." Imoen nodded. "Yep. Old Puffguts is gonna be able to see his reflection in those shelves."

A deadpan expression came to Laciel's eyes as she looked at the human. Slowly, a silent grin spreads across Imoen's face before she stuck her tongue out at Laciel, prompting a chuckle from the latter. "You really stink at lying," said the elf.

"Says you. So what'cha doing with your free time?"

Laciel turned back to the lecturn, smiling. "Yesterday, I finally did it. I memorized a spell. Cast correctly, it'll create a dazzling illusion. Now I'm seeing if I can memorize a sec--"

"Neeerrrd!"

Laciel pouted.

"It's so nice outside today, Laci." Imoen put her hands behind her. "We could be out in the gardens instead of in here with these dusty ol' books."

"What if I like the books? What if Daddy catches me goofing off instead of doing something productive?"

Imoen placed a hand on Laciel's shoulder and shook it. "Come onnn~. I don't want to pace around out there by myself."

The elf huffed with bemusement. "Then just go back to dusting the inn's furniture, like you were told."

"Hey, I know!" Imoen's mousey voice squeaked as she raised it; in her excitement, she wasn't wholly mindful of being in a library. "Why don't you try casting that spell you memorized while we're out there? If Gorion sees you doing -that-, he won't be mad. He'll be impressed!"

"I am not impressed with her progress," Gorion wearily rasped.

The aging human, clad in gray robes, was addressing someone that seemed an even older man than he. "Laciel is eager to learn the ways," continued the sage, "but her mind races back and forth. There are some lectures where I doubt she is paying any attention."

The man Gorion was addressing looked at him from the shadow cast by the brim of his red hat. "Thy foster child is exactly that-- a child," said he, while grasping his upright staff with both hands. "Did the discipline of the arcane come so easily to thee, before thou came of age?"

"No, but if the news you came to deliver me is accurate, Laciel will not have the luxury of time as I did." Gorion's expression was grim. "Are you certain of it, Elminster?"

Elminster Aumar gave a simple nod. "I am, friend. He hath perished."

"Then Alaundo's prediction about the legacy he left behind is certain to become a reality."

A child's voice could just barely be heard shouting "Daddy!"

Elminster continued addressing Gorion: "Until that day, do not let thyself be ruled by paranoia. Relish the peace thou and Laciel haveth here whilst it lasts, and leave thy worries for the future to me."

Gorion's brow lowered. "I would rather this not be your burden to bear."

"Daddy, look at me~!" echoed the young girl's voice.

"Thou art short on years left on this mortal plane; live them in peace, and keep in touch with thy Harper contacts." Elminster gave a smile of reassurance. "I shall watch the Sword Coast for signs as I travel. If I suspect the fated hour has arrived, no later shall I inform thee."

The girl's voice was next heard alongside the hum of mystical energy. "Veritas..."

Finally, the two elders turned to look at the source of the voice, finding the two children about twenty yards off. Gorion was the first to react, asking: "What are you doing out here?"

Laciel's hands were glowing, her lips curled into a grin. "Credo..."

Gorion looked surprised. "Are you--?!"

"Oculos!" Runes appeared in front of the young elf, but quickly became twisted and jumbled, and the energy of her spell dove into the grassy ground.

Things were mostly quiet after that. At least until that patch of grass split open, and a skeleton-- held together by sinews and bearing glowing yellow orbs in the sockets of its skull-- pushed itself up from it.

"That's not dazzing!" exclaimed a panicking Imoen.

With a twisted cackle, the skeleton began to chase the two girls across the courtyard. Immy screamed in fear, but Laciel seemed to laugh with a strange glee as she fled for dear life.

Gorion drew a wand from his belt and shot a single magic missile from it, casually destroying the undead creature. As Laciel and Imoen stopped to catch their breath, the sage approached his surrogate daughter, and crossed his arms once he was standing over her. "I wish you would have waited to cast your first spell until tomorrow's lesson."

Finally appearing sheepish, the elf avoided eye contact with Gorion. "I was trying to do an illusion. Honest."

"Indeed. I could tell by your incantation."

Laciel looked up to the sage and lofted one of her eyebrows. "So what even happened just now?"

"Do you remember when I taught you about wild surges?"

Laciel let a silence go by as she pondered. "Oh, yeah." After another pause, she got another puzzled look. "How could one or two mistakes in the spellform make it go from conjuring harmless sparkles to animating the dead?

Gorion let his arms down. "Quite easily, as a matter of fact. Now, hopefully, you better understand the importance of absolute precision."

"Yeah, kind of," pouted an ashamed Laciel. But when her eyes wandered to the scattered bones that remained of her accidental summon, her embarrassment quickly gave way to a chipper smile as she asked "Can I keep the skull?"

"Wh--? Nu--!" Gorion stammered, "Why?"

"As a memento of my first summoning."

"Your first wild surge, you mean. What would you want to keep as a 'memento' had you unleashed a poison cloud, or... or caused a cow to fall and crush Imoen from above?"

"Well, obviously I'd want the cow's skull."

Gorion sighed.