#winter duet

[muppet-on-a-spit]

i was gonna let this go, but I’ve noticed that it seems to be common fanon knowledge that Ryan was just gone for the summer *maybe not even* but he was most certainly gone for the better part of a year. like, first of all, I think if Min could have thrown it in Ryan’s face that he was gone for only 3ish months, instead of saying “not even a year” he would have. second, too much happens in that time for it to be less than 10 months. Maybe Ryan’s storyline could have fit in a summer, but not Min’s. He becomes shift manager at a new job (Ryan didn’t know he was working there, so he was hired after he left), applies to college after procrastinating for a while, and also Hears Back. No way would a college let him do that over a summer, unless he really pled a special case, which I honestly can't see Min doing, and I doubt could happen anyway.

so, how does this work, time wise? we know that Ryan leaves in June (approx). we know it’s Not Winter when he returns, and likely not the dog days of summer either, judging by their clothing. I think it's around late April, largely judging by Min's college app. You often hear back from schools in the early part of the year, and he's known where he's going for at least a little while, so that fits. The weather lines up (snow is gone--which is plausible, light jackets), doesn't conflict with anything they say, and lines up with the college app schedule.

[umbralsound-xiv]

Unpacking.

In the absence of her, i at least sought to do something useful. Even if that was simply relocating some of our things from our old room to our new home, here.

Sayuri exhales a drawn-out sigh as she reaches the quiet part of the Lavender Beds, hands raising up to lightly rub at her temples - grateful for the newfound silence. Her mismatched gaze fall onto the house the moment it comes into view, lips curling into a soft smile at the sight. It didn't take long for her to reach the door, or to make entry into the house itself - shutting the door behind her.

The house is spotless upon entry; the dishes cleaned and put away, all surfaces wiped clean, even the dishcloths were neatly folded beside the sink. The broom too, had been moved; now propped up at an angle against the wall after the floors were swept. Eir himself was absent, however; though the faint sound of shuffling sounded from the lower floor at the sound of the front door. A pause, before a, "Welcome home, my Moon!" Calls from downstairs.

The call prompts her ears to perk, her smile growing a little wider. Her steps lead to the stairs, which she begins to descend - gaze curiously wandering the area in search of the Viera the moment she is able to view it. "Thank you." She hums.

The lower floor of the house is… Decidedly not quite as tidy as one might be led to believe, considering. Boxes of things are set here and there; and Eir is perched in the middle of them, offering a grin as he lofted his gaze to her. "…I took the opportunity to bring some of our things over, since we have scarcely had chance to do so. Though i have not had proper time to unpack the contents into their new homes just yet…"

"I would've gladly helped to bring things if you waited." She smiles, slipping between the boxes to bring herself to his side - right hand extending out to gently drag the tips of her fingers through his hair. ".. So now I will happily help you find place for it all, instead."

"I know." Eir hums, head gravitating towards the icy affection. "There is plenty to bring, still. I just thought to make a start…" His silver gaze trails to meet her own, regarding her with a fond, warm smile. "All went well with Bexy, i hope?"

Her head sinks into a nod. "We checked a bit on Q'kura's progress with a cure for my aether. I had to give him some blood to test on." Her left hand raises into Eir's view, a bandage notably wrapped around it with a slight red stain in her palm. "Aside from that, we caught up.. and I got to speak with Vex a little before I left."

"Oh? And how are they both? They are well, i…" Eir's voice trails away as his attention settles on the bandaged hand, lips upturning into a small frown as he reaches for it. He doesn't say anything, any question futile, and knowing well it was all in aid of a cure. The smallest of sighs leaves him then, glancing up to her more properly. "…And how goes the… Progress?"

"They are." She confirms, head tilting a touch as he grasps her hand. She opts to sink down next to him, keeping a soft smile. "I'm fine, Eir. It's just a little cut." Head leaning forwards, she sough to gently nudge it against his shoulder. ".. No luck yet, all he had to start with was theories, but.. Both Bexy and Vex says that he's behaving, and doesn't seem to have an ulterior motive."

"…I trust them enough to know. Vex most of all, in that situation especially. She… She would know if he was up to something…" Slowly, Eir pushes his head lightly against her own, taking the wounded hand gently in both of his. "…Soon. At least things are in motion, now…"

Or at least... I hope she would. I do not trust that man, not after what he has done. But i trust Bexy, and Vex. ...Things are in motion. How long has it been since she was able to use her aether without such pain...?

"Having been among the slavers as long as she was.. I can imagine she knows several of them quite well, whether or not she wants to." She returns a gentle push of her own head against his, her undamaged hand raising to cup over his while he holds her other. ".. Granted they work. Alas, he is.. our best bet at figuring it out. The woman who did it to me certainly wouldn't help figure it out, even if she was placed in Q'kura's shoes."

"Do… You think he feels guilty?" Eir asks, gently tracing his thumb over the ring that adorned her hand, raising his head to peer between the lock of hair that divided them. "…Do you think that is why he is… Helping?"

".. No." Sayuri's ears pin back a touch, head shaking. "He's scared of both Bexy and I, and he knows he has little choice but to help."

"…So long as he does. That is all that matters to me." The hand is uncovered, and a kiss is planted on the bandage that wraps the wound. "And we will find another way if not. I will not stop until you are happy."

".. Either that or a guaranteed death." Sayuri half-grumbles, leaning her head over to rest against his shoulder. "Hopefully.. He is enough. I am.. very tired of this constant ache, however dull." A small sigh leaves her, lips tugging into a faint frown.

"I know." Eir hushes, turning his head to gently press his lips to her forehead. "You are allowed to be tired. On the suns you want to rest, i will be here to take care of you." A pause then, offering a faint smile. "…And even on the suns you do not want to rest. Perhaps, those even more so…"

She offers a small smile, ears wiggling in response to the kiss placed upon her forehead. "..I'd be tired even if I wasn't allowed. Breaking rules is something I excel at." She muses. ".. At least if I disagree with it." Her head nudges against him gently. ".. And I appreciate that."

Eir pulls in a little gasp as he pulls her into an embrace, half-laying her across his lap. "Rebel." He utters, stifling his amusement as his expression softens. "…Tired enough that you want to rest, or shall we tackle this feat of unpacking together?"

"I used to be." It leaves her with a laugh, arms coiling around him as he pulls her into his lap. A low hum leaves her in thought, head tilting. "..Maybe a small rest, then we could unpack? And.. maybe make some food after we made a decent dent in it..?"

I can somehow see her as a more rebellious younger woman. She certainly has the capacity, these suns. ...The whole thought brought some amusement to me.

"We can…" Eir murmurs, gently brushing the hair from her face, eyes gazing down to her… Which slowly widen, features brightening. "---We most certainly can! What would you like to eat, hm?" He curls an arm beneath her to lay down a little more comfortably. "…Do you want to rest here, or in the pillows?"

She beams a smile up at him, tilting her head into his palm. "Hmm.. I'll think about it." She nestles herself against him, pausing. ".. If we move to the pillows, we might not get up again."

"That is a fair observation…" Eir murmurs, lightly brushing a thumb over her cheek. "I brought the things we have most need of. Clothes more than anything. But our lantern from Kugane is here too, and a few other things besides. We will have to decide which drawers belong to who, hm?"

Sayuri briefly turns her head to press a soft kiss against his thumb, nuzzling her head into his palm shortly afterwards. "Mmhm." She hums, gazing up at him. "I don't know if you have a preference of which, but I'm fine with either the upper or lower ones."

"…Or we could divide them down the middle. Less chance of tripping each other up if we dress at the same time." A flicker of a smile graves his features as she pecks his thumb. "Even deciding little things like this… It is exciting."

She tilts her head in thought at the suggestion, eventually sinking it into a nod instead. "Fine by me." She snickers, smiling. "Does it feel very official now?"

"…It does. Though i still have to pinch myself in the morning…" Eir manages a half chuckle, gazing down with a smile. "Then… Would you like the left half of the dresser, or the right? I do not particularly mind…"

There is something... Heartwarming about deciding such pleasant little things. Things as simple as which drawers we will put our things in, to decorate our home together.

At that, Sayuri reaches for his arm - aiming to capture a tiny section of skin to give the briefest squeeze, ensuring that the pinch would be as light as possible, and claw-free. She flashes a grin his way, emitting a low hum. ".. I don't particularly mind either, but.. that's not a helpful answer, so.. The right half."

"Then i will take the left." Eir replies with a soft murmur, huffing quietly as she lightly pinches him. "…I am still not dreaming. I have a beautiful wife, and a beautiful home in which to live with her…" Twirling a lock of her hair around his fingertip, Eir slowly tilts his head. "…Sometimes such luck is difficult to believe."

She snickers quietly, letting her fingers gently trail along the area she just pinched. "Well, you better believe it. Because it's right here, and not going anywhere."

"Except on the occasional holiday." Eir replies, watching as her fingertip traces over his skin. Slowly, his fingertips seek to comb through her hair, gently scritching at her scalp. "I brought our pyjamas. I thought that might be a priority." He chuckles.

A small huff leaves her, head tilting into the scritches with eyes lidding, a content exhale leaving her. "Mmh.. Good idea.." She murmurs.

"Other clothes, too. More casual wear. Some of my dancing clothes. It is not too far a run between places, just a few minutes at most." Pausing, Eir quietly considers between the quiet affection he gives her. "Anything you would like me to bring on the next trip…?"

".. Me. So I can help." She snickers quietly. "Other than that.. I can't think of anything specific right now."

"You were out anyway…" Eir quietly protests. "I wanted to do something… Productive while you were away. This seemed like the most fitting thing, after i had cleaned and swept the kitchen. But we can go get other things soon, hm? Right after… We have sorted all of this…" Looking around, there is still a good handful of boxes to be organised…

".. I knoooow." She pouts, leaning herself further against him. ".. Mhm, best finish up these before we bring anything else, lest we end up living among boxes."

"…It could make a fun little pillow fort." His eyes trace over the open space they currently sat in. "We have so much room to make one, in here…"

A soft snicker leaves her, gaze shifting up to him. "After everything we want moved has been, I'd love to make one."

...That sounds like a great deal of fun. But only after we are complete with moving... ...Else, we might not leave for some time.

"Then, when we are finished, we shall. Perhaps we can have a little picnic beneath the blanket, hm?" Eir smiles warmly, though red crawls onto his cheeks. He doesn't say anything, simply settling a kiss on her forehead.

Sayuri lofts a brow, a small smirk creeping onto her lips. "That sounds lovely." She hums, oh-so innocently. Her ears wiggle as his lips press against her forehead, her head pushing against his a little further in response.

Slowly nuzzling his head against hers, Eir sighs quietly. "…It does." Eir replies, gaze lifting to her own. "…Are you rested enough to help? Or do you want to lay here a little longer, hm?"

"…Five more minutes." She murmurs, nudging her head against him a little further, not quite willing to get out of his arms yet.

"Five more minutes, then…" He scritches through her hair a little further, humming a small note of amusement, a curl of something at his lips. "…You are cute when you are sleepy…"

Another huff, Sayuri's lips pull into a disagreeing pout. "..'mnotcute.." She half grumbles.

"Oooh, yes you aaaare…" The hand retreats from her hair to her pouting lips, running an index up and down her lower lip. "My adorable wife."

Sayuri's lips part, immediately attempting to capture the offending finger.

The digit is caught, and wiggles between her lips. "…You know, my opinion is unchanged…"

Her eyes narrow faintly, gaze locked upon his. In true shithead fashion, her tongue slowly moves up to press against his finger.

"T-that---" Eir's words stammer in his mouth, lips briefly pursed before they curl into a smile. "Still cute. A-and other things. But cute."

A sharp exhale leaves her nose, slowly parting her lips to release the captive finger. "..Nnnno."

"A-dorable." Eir remarks, pressing the once-captive fingertip to her nose. "Yes you are. And, your five minutes are up."

A new pout is swift to take to her lips, ears drooping faintly. ".. Awh.."

"You can sleep as long as you want later… In the pillow pile, no less. But we should at least make a start before dinner, hm?" A fingertip raises to one of her ears, in an effort to keep it upright.

A quiet groan leaves her, only to be replaced with a soft laugh as his finger lifts her ear. "Mmh.. it's not sleep I want, but fiiiine." She drags herself up a touch straighter, seeking to press her lips against his cheek in the process.

"Then what is it you want, mm? To lay here in my lap, all cosy and comfortable for the rest of the sun, surrounded by disorganised clothes and boxes?" Eir's tone was teasing, expression lifted in glee as she rose, softening as her lips pressed to his cheek. "I could be convinced. But I doubt it would be very conducive to progress."

"… The first bit, yes." She huffs, poking her tongue out at him childishly. ".. But, you are right."

"We can be as lazy as we like, afterwards. For now…" Pecking her cheek, Eir reaches for the closest box, dragging it nearer to him while he still remained seated. "We should get started. It should not take so long, i think. And you can think about what you might want to eat while we tidy, hm?"

".. I am not -lazy-. I am -comfy-." She grumbles, leaning her head over to gently bump it against him after the kiss placed upon her cheek. ".. I will try to think of something."

We unpacked all kinds of things. Pyjamas, for one. Our lantern from the East. Dancing clothes, an orchestrion... But, mostly clothes. I had seen to prioritise them.

Though empty boxes still dotted the room, they were at least unpacked. "…Have you thought on what to eat? We can re-use these boxes for the next trip, at least…"

Sayuri tilts her head into his palm, gently nudging against it. "Mmmh.. Hard to decide.." She murmurs, lofting a brow and then pouting - seemingly at herself. ".. Onigiri?"

"…I do not remember how to make it exactly, but it sounds pleasing. We have rice, and anything you might like for the filling. I did get a few things from the market this morning." A pause, as he gazes over her, noting the small pout. "…Do you know how to make them?"

She beams a smile, nodding - almost proudly. "My mother taught me, because sometimes that would be my main source of food in my youth.. and with me not always being hungry at.. opportune moments, she wanted me to be able to get it once hunger did strike. Even if it was in the middle of the night."

"Then perhaps, you can teach me, hm? Then i can make them for you whenever you please. Early morning or middle of the night." A hand extended, he intends to lead her to the kitchen with a warm smile.

"You spoil me." She snickers, reaching her hand to grasp his - quite happily following along in his guiding.

"You deserve to be spoiled. Besides! You do with me more than enough." Eir beams, ascending the stairs with Sayuri in tow, soon stepping into the kitchen; which is mercifully far more tidy than the room downstairs. "I wager we need a pan for the rice. Beyond that, i am not quite sure…"

"It depends a little on what kind you make. I personally enjoy stuffed ones. Rice, seaweed, salt.." She hums, pausing. "..Do we have salmon?"

"We do not have salmon, but we have raincaller? I have eaten it once before, and remember it tasting similar enough." A pan is plucked from a cupboard, the hefty sack of rice retrieved from nearby. "And got seaweed thinking it would be nice to have in."

"That should work, then." She hums. "The raincaller needs to be grilled and broken into flakes." Her head turns to regard Eir with a smile. "There are.. plenty of fillings to choose from, in the Far East.. Perhaps I should get a hold of them at some point so that you could try your way to one you like in particular?"

"I am likely to like most fillings, but the one I like most… Suppose we will find out?" Eir smiles brightly, pulling raincaller from the icebox. "I can prepare the fish? I at least know how to do that. And I suppose I know how to prepare rice, but wager there are other things I am unsure of that need to be added…"

A soft snicker leaves Sayuri, head shaking faintly. "No. Not with the method I was taught, anyway. I'm sure there is a more.. spiced up version, and we can always add them as we see fit if we wish." She stretches herself over to grasp onto a bowl, then taking a hold of the sack of rice. "But feel free to handle the fish." She beams.

Eir nods, orders received with a smile. He takes to the filleted fish, laying them evenly spaced on a grill tray. "Well, i would much prefer to know how you were taught. How else am i supposed to make you comfort food in your time of need?" He muses with a warm smile. "At least this is something we can cook once, and have plenty more for leftovers later."

".. Byyy… making me anything you wish, because knowing you made it for me makes it taste amazing no matter what?" Sayuri beamed an innocent smile, beginning to pour some of the rice into the bowl and carefully shutting it once more, the bowl finding a new place underneath the faucet - intent on rinsing it before anything else.

"That is very sweet. But i am sure you would prefer something you are familiar with if it is comfort food you want, hm? Everything i cook for you will be made with love anyway." Walking to the oven, he pecks Sayuri on the head before the fish are set inside to cook. "What is your favourite thing to eat? I know you have told me before, and recall it being something from Kugane. I will endeavor to learn to cook it."

"I will take anything you give me." She hums, ears wiggling happily at the peck. She briefly turns to face Eir, letting the rice soak in a fresh batch of water in the meantime. "Unadon." She replies, pausing. ".. I could probably get the recipe from my mother."

"Then, when you do, i will practise until it is perfect." Smiling, Eir leans against the counter, watching Sayuri as she worked. "Else… Is there anything you need me to do, in the meantime while the fish cooks?"

"It's.. a very simple recipe, other than the fish and rice, the only other thing to add is a bit of salt while putting it together. And put the dried seaweed around it." She carefully pours the water out of the bowl after having let the rice soak in it, proceeding to then turn the bowl upside down to empty the rice into a pan.

A simple but pleasing recipe. We had eaten it a time or two during our visit to Kugane, but i had not known for the tale of why she liked it.

"…Only a handful of ingredients, too. I suppose that would vary what we put in the middle, hm?" Fingertips lightly tapping, Eir cannot seem to settle while there is seemingly work to be done. "…Shall i get us something to drink? I purchased some different things to try that were at the market. Orange and peach, elderflower and grape, or rolanberry and lime…?"

Her head sinks into a nod. ".. My go-to was just to put some sort of fish in it, as apparently.. I quite enjoy fish, and we often bought some from Isari back in Othard. A bloody chore to get it accepted into Monzen, though." She pauses, tilting her head back to peer Eir's way. ".. I'd like to try rolanberry and lime."

Making his way to a shelf now laden with colourful bottles, Eir's head is tilted over his shoulder. "…Why so? Were they not so fond of fish, there?" Two glasses pulled from a tall cupboard, the cork is popped and the beverage poured.

".. Monzen was beyond the gates that held Garlean contraptions. Sometimes, getting them to accept that a shipment of fish was only that, and didn't have rebel weapons hidden underneath it, was a pain in the ass."

"That… Mm. I remember seeing. When we were in the East." The drink is nudged a little closer to Sayuri with a smile. "…It was no different anywhere else they conquered. Forever fearful of spies… Infiltration. That is why they took me."

She flashes a smile his way, reaching over to grasp onto the glass. "I mean, technically they weren't.. completely wrong. Kazan was.. very subtly supporting them. But we sure never smuggled weapons among fish." She shakes her head slightly, raising her glass to take a sip.

"I am glad in the efforts he took, he was never caught." Taking a sip of his own drink, he eventually sets the glass down to bring out the large, flat sheets of seaweed from a cupboard. "The only other Doman i have ever met would have done anything to pick apart the Empire. She would have found her moment eventually, i think…" A hand idly reaches to rub a scar on his arm; long faded with the many cycles since it's arrival.

Shio. I think, if she had not turned so bitter, she and Sayuri may have gotten along, once. I am glad that her adoptive father was never caught aiding them... ...I dread to think what would have happened. It had me thinking... During my conscription. Had i discovered rebels, or a plot... What would i have done? Would i have been brave enough to turn a blind eye...? I... Do not know. But perhaps now is not the time to think of such things.

".. For a long time, I wanted to do the same. Kazan.. never blamed the conscripts. He was always very understanding, and I certainly wish I shared more traits with him than I do X'aoki." She half-grumbles.

"You are plenty understanding. I am still here." Eir smiles, though it tapers a little at the edges, eyes flitting to the floor. "…I expected you to tell me to leave or… Worse, the sun i told you. Instead, you agreed to marry me."

".. I.. am kind of glad that you waited with telling me until after Bexy and I visited Garlemald. That's.. when I started rethinking my stance on it all. Besides.." She turns to face Eir, flashing a loving smile. "I very swiftly decided I loved you more than that fact made me upset."

A few slow steps see him close the gap between them, gently tilting her chin up to close his lips against her own. As Eir retreats, his gaze drifts away, still a little tinged with guilt. "We were not dating until long after your return. I… Suppose we never actively dated, come to think of it…"

Sayuri presses her lips back against his after the tilt, ears wiggling in response. Her head tilts a touch, brow lofting. "..I.. suppose we never did." She pauses. ".. You did kiss me though." She grins.

"I did." The smile is quick to return to him, then. "I do not regret doing it, only the location. I would have done it far earlier had i been a braver man."

"I'm quite happy for when and where." She beams. "Emotions were quite high, at the time."

"…I wish it would have been more… Romantic. On a walk, or somewhere nice. I had… Wanted to, for some time. Wanted to do so many things, but had not the courage to say…"

"It just means we can take many romantic outings to make up for it, hm?"

"We can." Eir beams, features warmed a little by the prospect. "Have you anywhere in mind? We could take a---" Halting, Eir glances to the picnic basket settled on the side table by the door. "…---Something to eat."

"Hmm.. nowhere specific currently, but I'm sure I can ask Bexy if she knows any spots. Which she does, knowing her." Sayuri grins, tugging the pan of rice aside from the stove, draining it from water and relocating the rice into a bowl.

At her movement, he retrieves the fish from the oven. Soon turning them over into another, far smaller bowl, he begins to flake the fish as per instruction. "Most likely. She is quite the romantic, you know? One of the books i am reading belongs to her…"

"Oh, I know." She snickers quietly, taking a moment to step over to Eir while the rice cools a little, her arms wrapping around his waist to let her embrace him without disrupting him. "And she finds joy in teasing me with extremely flowery words, especially when she was helping me figure out my vows."

A soft hum leaves him as Sayuri's arms curl around him, content in her embrace. "Your vows were lovely. But i know overly flowery things are not quite your style." A small tug of his lips, as he finishes his task of preparing the fish, turning to face her again. "Though i understand the joy in teasing you. My Moon." A pause, before he continues. "My beautiful moon. Light of my life. My smoochable snowflake."

".. Old habits die hard." She mumbles, gaze shifting up to him. Her lips draw into a pout at his words. "Snowflake.."

"Yes. A smoochable one." Eir demonstrates exactly that by planting a kiss to her own pouting lips, pulling away to grin at her shortly after. "I am not wrong."

Sayuri's tongue pokes out after the kiss, one hand extending up to press a finger against his nose. Gently.

"Snowflake." Eir whispers. He doesn't seem to have any intention of letting it go. "I could think of all kinds of fun things to call you if you simply let me."

"… I feel like I will regret asking if I do."

"Mm…" Eir considers, before smiling. "…Probably. Though for your sake, i will keep it to 'Moon' for now. I have grown quite fond of that affectionate little nickname for you. It would seem, so have you."

A soft snicker leaves her, head pressing against him. "I enjoy it. I do find some slight irony in being called Moon when I'm a Seeker of the -Sun-." She smirks.

Cooking was much more of the same sweetened bickering we had grown so accustomed to. Nicknames, and sweet little nothings while the rice simmered away. ...We could have gotten distracted with the kissing, though. But with food on the stove, that was less than wise.

"I suppose you are right…" Eir murmurs, finally and reluctantly pulling back from her to hover his hand over the rice. "…It is still hot, but cool enough to be handled." He opens his mouth to add a quip, opting to behave and just grin at her instead, adding nothing more.

"Good." She beams, only to tilt her head in response to his grin, lofting a brow. ".. I can't tell you how many times I've been fussed over for making this while things were still hot, because people just.. forgot that I don't really get affected by it."

"…Sometimes i forget you cannot feel temperature at all…" Eir trails, pulling the bowl a little closer to her. "…I cannot promise my onigiri will look as lovely as your own, but i will try my best."

".. Try not to panic if you ever see me putting my hand into an oven unprotected." She snickers quietly, leaning her head over to bump it against him gently. "And, well.. I have cycles of practice." She reaches for two smaller bowls, settling one in front of Eir and the other in front of herself - the ladle previously used being set in the larger bowl of rice as she grasps their container of salt, setting it between them. "Start with the rice, and put the flakes of the fish in the center." She shovels some rice into her bowl, shortly followed by bits of raincaller being placed in the middle of it, atop the rice.

"I will try my very best, though the concern on my face may say otherwise." Eir gives a small note of amusement, smiling faintly. Watching as the rice is dished out, and the fish he had prepared set within, he's quick to set his hands to work, attempting to form the fish and rice mixture into something vaguely resembling a triangle. The filling is contained, though the rice is somewhat lopsided. "…This is… A little more complicated than wrapping a samosa…"

A soft snicker leaves Sayuri, as she fishes the rice and raincaller bits out of her bowl and into her hands, gently forming the rice around the fish and shaping it into a neat triangle. A hand reaches for the seaweed strips, which she proceeds to gently wrap around the onigiri before settling it down. "The shape isn't important, as long as it tastes nice."

Pouting at his own creation, he turns to slowly remold his own, though it's clear a triangle isn't quite what he'd decided to aim for in the end. Though still vaguely resembling the shape, two of the points are rounded into bumps, folding the sheet of nori around the width. "…There." Eir's is set beside her own; a little uneven, but decidedly heart shaped. "Made with love."

She passes a glance over to the heartshaped onigiri, emitting a soft laugh at the sight. She spends a moment in thought as she loads more rice and fish into her bowl, laying the fish bits in a crescent shape before folding the rice around it, as she proceeds to spend a little longer in her attempt to make a crescent moon shaped onigiri, which she forces to hold its shape by coiling the nori around it in such a way she's certain it won't unravel, settling it down next to the heart-shaped one. Show-off.

Eir hums in amusement, seeing the decorative onigiri beside each other. "You have very talented hands, my Moon." Eir praises, gazing to her warmly. Though after a moment there's a hesitation as his gaze darts back to his bowl, more rice and fish added for another attempt.

[the-golden-ghost]

TRUE BARRED OWL DUET THIS ISN'T A DRILL!!!!

[muirneach]

when i think i see my brother but its another toronto man with a baseball cap black jeans black north face puffer and t shirt 🙄

[mykl]

"This is Spring, right?" say all the daffodils.

(The first daffodils i spotted this year.)

[the-blind-assassin-12]

as you dive in, who teaches you to fly?  who prepares you and tells you why? don’t fret, dear, just close your eyes with morning comes a new sunrise i’m feeling tangled and all worked up take a hold, i’ll fill my cup take a swig and rush your bones we’re all kings & queens of the throne

can we just leave it behind, or is heaven on the other side? are you worried? speak your mind i’m not ready, take your time rest your head & close your eyes  let me sing you this lullaby ‘cause i’ll be counting sheep tonight

i’ve read the stories, i’ve heard the tales there’s always an end - that never fails.  at the start it’s you & me all in place as it should be

can we just leave it behind, or is heaven on the other side? are you worried? speak your mind i’m not ready, take your time take me back, back to the start tell your tales, your favorite parts ‘cause we’ll be counting sheep tonight

[dreamboundedstar]

Wanted to share this before the winter season was over because it gives me heavy winter vibes (probably because it mentions winter in the song XD) Other than Winter vibes it gives me heavy Zekina vibes. I hope my sharing it inspires someone to do something involving Zeke and Tina in it. lol

[penguin--person]

Oh what a tragedy a terrible woe

!!! holding!!! head scratch..

[sandythereadingcafe]

Boxset Release

THE LUNA DUET by Pepper Winters

The Luna Duet Boxed Set Edition includes the complete forbidden romance.

LUNAMARE -

I met her when I was sixteen. She saved my life, all while simultaneously destroying it. Without her, I would've died that day. Her family took me in. They hid me. Fed me. And did all they could to keep me safe. Her father's one and only rule was "Don't ever touch my daughter." I managed to obey for four years. But then, one night...everything changed, and I broke my promise. I'm in love with her, and she's in love with me, but I have secrets I haven't told her. Secrets about why I ran away from home, why I have to remain hidden, and why I'll die if I ever get sent back there. Being with her isn't just a risk to my heart but to my very existence. I'm not allowed to love her. I'm not allowed to keep her. But I can't stop. I can't stop... And then...it's too late.

and

COR AMARE -

I made the worst mistake of my life when I was twenty-two.

I let love and fear destroy everything I ever wanted, and now I have a choice to make.

Run and hide or stay and face the consequences.

I'd always known I wasn't allowed to love her.

I'd always accepted that I wasn't allowed to keep her.

But that didn't stop me.

I broke every rule and choked on every secret to have her.

The only problem is, those secrets aren't just hunting me anymore, they've found me.

I can't run.

I can't hide.

For a moment, I had it all. I had all my dreams and the girl I would kill for.

But now, I have to pay the price.

I have to pay...

And I won't survive.

A story that spans a lifetime. This book deals with dark, heavy subjects and it is advised you check the Content Warnings on the Author's website.

LUNA DUET BOXED SET

Amazon us: https://amzn.to/45dECfi

Amazon.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CK842R8D

Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CK842R8D

Amazon.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CK842R8D

Paperback us: https://amzn.to/3RU0Z6i

Paperback uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CK3QV9FV

Paperback ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CK3QV9FV

Paperback au: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CK3QV9FV

[umbralsound-xiv]

The First To Remember.

The night had been an uneasy one, Sayuri vaguely tossing and turning in her sleep as if she struggled to get comfortable without making too much of a fuss about it. A prolonged stillness lingered, the only movement she offered being an irregular twitch here and there - seemingly having finally found her peace nestled against Eir. Only that she hadn't.

Her breathing grew shallow, the sound of it almost sounding strangled - a choked whine leaving her as her features contorted in clear discomfort. With it came the usual stir of her aether, accompanied by the pain its activity yet caused. Sayuri's body tensed up to the point of trembling, the arm that laid across Eir's frame to curve around to his side tightening its embrace significantly while her other arm's hand let her clawed fingertips sink into the mattress.

Ice began to emerge upon the Seeker's frame, dotting up across various areas upon her body with the most notable patches being upon her arms and neck. The more the element began to show, the more the Seeker's pained sounds increased, both in volume and frequency.

Soft plump pillows and silken sheets had drifted Eir into an easy sleep, cradling his now wife in his arms. The first sound of discomfort was responded to with a small pull closer; still asleep, it was simply something he did reflexively, now. But as her distress grew, the gentle cold he'd found comfort in now became a biting signal; a warning - Not for any displeasure to her aether, but a herald to the unpleasantries that often visited her in the dark. Eir is wrested from his slumber, brow knitting at the sudden wakefulness only to furrow deeper at the sound of her distress, he holds her all the more close, cold be damned. "Shhh… Shh… I am here, i am here…" Quiet, uttered words of reassurance that often calmed her, though his sleepless silver eyes now moved for her own, worried.

Nightmares, again... I was not unused to them. They plagued both of us, and with all we had been through, that was hardly a surprise. I am only glad i can offer her comfort... That she need not endure them alone.

The otherwise pinned back ears offered the faintest twitch in response to his voice, even if she didn't fully seem to stir - not until a whimper turned into a faint cry and her mismatched eyes finally batted open as she drew a deep, struggling breath in response to the pang of agony that shot through her, arms withdrawing to instead wrap around herself as she curled up in some attempt to press against the areas that hurt even if she was unable to, due to the sheer amount of them. Tears welled up in her eyes, both from the pain and that which caused it, coaxing the faintest sob from her.

The suddenness of it all and subsequent tangle of limbs as she retreated and he reached for her still ends with him sitting, having pulled himself up and around her, over her; cradled in his embrace as she curled in on herself. Eir rocks her gently, a careful hand reaching for her tears. "You are safe…" He speaks, to remain present in her ears, as soft and gentle as his motions, "It was just a dream… Just a bad dream…" Eir visibly wilts at the sound of a sob, pulling her in a little further but not so far she couldn't see his face. Moonlight had poured into the room from a silk-veiled window, it had illuminated them enough to see, even if not by so much. "Shhh…."

Her eyes shut anew, pinching shut while he brushes aside the tears that are on the verge of turning into droplets of ice. Her body leans against him, ice-clad arms cramming in between her stomach and thighs in her curled up position. Each breath is inhaled shakily and exhaled heavily, body offering the occasional flinch as a particularly sharp stab of pain assaults her. Sayuri's head turns to press against Eir's frame, seeking out his offered comfort with slight desperation.

Head dropping to settle atop her own, he kisses her crown, one hand raising to slowly rub at the base of her ear, while the other that cradled her more closely seeks to brush where ice met skin at her shoulder. "Breathe, love… I know it hurts." Eir's very words were tinged with sadness; there was nothing he could do to take the pain away, and the best he could do was dampen it. "You are safe…"

Sayuri's ears twitch faintly, her head pressing up against his - taking solace in the closeness he gave her. She fought to correct her breathing, and despite her own distress.. she withdraws an arm from it's captured spot, raising a shaky hand up to him to gently curl it against his head at the sorrow in his tone. "..I--.. mh.. o-okay.." She mumbles, not sounding particularly convincing - considering her sentence barely left her.

Eir turns his head into the touch of her hand, smiling as much as he could muster. Skin prickled and the cold biting more than comfortable, if it hurt he never showed it. "You are…" He encourages, shifting her so she sat a little less horizontal. "…We are here. On our honeymoon… In Thavnair. Together, just you and me." Soft, warm whispers are replaced with a kiss to her fingers, though it's hard for him to hide the worry in his expression as he did. This was much worse than usual, and he clearly knew it.

Something felt... Wrong. Her nightmares are frequent enough that i am used to their severity, but i do not recall the last time they were so... Bad. Her aether cannot be helping matters. Her ice is always present in difficult moments, but when it pains her...? ...I wish there was more i could do than simply hold her and tell her it was going to be alright...

A nigh incomprehensible mumble left Sayuri, but it certainly sounded as if she echoed Eir's words. With twitchy fingers, she sought to cup his cheek and gently brush her thumb along it. A sharp flinch signals another, worse stab of pain, the ice upon her person becoming more jagged in response even if she did her utmost to calm her volatile aether, which seemed to have very little intent to listen to her commands.

"Hey---! Hey…" Eir sounds half panicked at the flinch, looking over her with worried eyes. "I have you, I---…" Eir swallows, briefly looking over the room for anything that might help. "…I am not going anywhere. I promise. I am here, always. No matter how bad it gets." His words were a whispered oath, as he set his head to her own. "Breathe, love. Talk if you need to. I am here, however i am needed…"

The panic in his voice, however slight, is definitely not lost on her. She forcefully pulls herself from the curled up position she had held, stretching out her legs and moving her arms to wrap them around him a touch awkwardly, refusing to settle her icy forearms anywhere near him and keeping them stretched out behind him. "..H-hurts.." The word is a whispered whine, her head pushing back against his. "..A-.. l-lot.."

"I know… I know. You have had a fright, love. But it is okay. It is okay…" He doesn't care that the ice is pointed, embracing her fully in hope that soothing her mental distress will help with her physical affliction. "I love you… I love you…" He swallows the waver that creeps up his throat, but something steels him. "…I will not let anything hurt you…" Slowly rubbing at her ear, he aims to soothe her, cradling her all the while.

I... ...I would try, at least. Were someone to come for her, i would fight until my last breath. I promised. I promise i will never leave.

She allows herself to sink against him in an attempt to relax, her breathing slowly but surely beginning to turn more normal, if not a touch heavier for the strain. Her eyes remain shut for the time being, head slightly canting into his palm in response to the ear rub. ".. I l-love you.." She echoes back, her elbows lightly squeezing around his sides in her awkward embrace.

Turning his head, he settles a gentle kiss to her forehead, not stopping the affectionate rub at her ear for a moment. "I love you… So much." The soft curl of his lips against her skin is felt, where a quiet, more relieved sigh lingers as she seems to steady. "My wife. My Moon…" He gazes to the window, watching her namesake in the sky, a little further beyond over her; beyond midnight. "…Happy Namesday."

...I had plans, this sun. Her namesday. The first she would remember proper, having had the date stolen away from her for so long. I wanted it to be... Special. ...I had intended to wait, but now just felt... Right.

The ice upon her person slowly begins to thaw in the heat, and with Sayuri's inability, or unwillingness, to attempt to control her aether to aid in it's dismissal, she is simply left to wait for it to disappear on it's own. With the jagged edges less sharp, she finally moves her arms to wrap them around him, albeit carefully. Her ears twitch faintly at his words, a slow exhale leaving her. ".. W-what a.. start.. t-to it.." She mumbles.

"…But it is just the start. Just the start." Embracing her, Eir shuffles on the bed to face the window, bathed fully in the moonlight. Though not wearing a thread, the silk sheets are still half covering him; he seeks to wrap the remainder around the both of them, comforted by the softness of the fabric. He takes a breath… And some waver steals his words, as though anxious, unsure. It takes only one look at Sayuri in her state; teary eyed and curled around him, laced with jagged frost… But he begins. It is soft, and barely more than a whisper, but Eir begins to sing; a lullaby-like melody in Thavnairian tongue. All the while, the hands settle at her shoulders, slowly brushing at the edges of the ice in a hope to aid in dismissing it. His eyes don't dare look to hers through fear he'd stop if he caught her gaze, fixated on the moon above.

Sayuri keeps herself clung to him as he shuffles about, the only movement she offers being to place herself a touch more comfortably and further nestle herself against him. Her eyes peel open as the foreign words in shape of song grace her ears, quietly listening to him as he peels away the ice upon her shoulder, the skin slightly reddened beneath where it had just clung to. She seems to have been taken a little off-guard at the signing, but swiftly sinks herself against him with a drawn-out exhale once the surprise settles.

A verse continues; it isn't called out loudly, a song for her ears only. Very gently aiding her with the ice, each removed lump is settled off and away, though he's careful not to force it. He pulls the sheets over her shoulders to embrace her, head nudging briefly to her own as he continues, a free hand seeking her own; to run a thumb over her knuckles and settle over the digit that held the ring.

Her own hand begins to peel at the ice clinging to her arms, much less gently than Eir did, certainly. It abandons the frost as his hand seeks it, gently seeking to coil her fingers around his while her other arm pulled her a little closer to him. Her ears flick faintly at the sound of his voice, even if she did not understand a single word that left his lips.

In that moment, he simply held her. Slowly swaying ever so slightly, each verse a memory. He'd practiced it silently, mouthing the words when she wasn't looking, but it had been some time since he'd sang it, however quietly. He fills his lungs…. And hesitates, as the song draws to a close… And finishes the last two lines in Eorzean. "…So look to the skies and the moon above; It reminds me of me and you, my love. As sure as day follows night, and night before day; I am here with you always, and always i will stay." As the song drifts, the silence lingers, and Eir is quick to divert his gaze from the window, from her; anywhere that sees him able to dismiss the red at his cheeks even in this low light.

It... Had been so long since i had sung for someone... I dare not even think the amount of cycles that had passed since. ...But i hope it helped, in some small way.

The lines in a tongue she definitely did understand made her ears twitch twice before tilting back. Had she been able to feel warmth, she certainly would have in this very moment, her arm tightening further around him to tug herself closer while her hand squeezed his. Her head shift enough for her lips to graze his chest, settling a soft, chilly peck upon his skin.

His skin prickles; though the heat of Thavnair and the cold of Sayuri waged a war over the temperature, the small, soft affection is enough to send a little shudder dancing over his skin. Finally steadying himself enough to take a breath and break the silence, his eyes look for her own in the dark. "I… Planned to do so tonight, to sing for you. I… Did not know what to get you as a gift. You could buy anything you ever wanted. A meal would be perhaps… Too daunting. So i…" He looks away again, fleeing to a dark corner of the room. "…Wanted to give you a memory, instead. To keep with you, always."

She gazed up at him, one ear remaining tilted while the other straightened itself. While she had certainly calmed down, it was clear that she still held some discomfort, her breathing remaining on the heavier side for the time being. ".. I would.. treasure anything.. you gave me.." She murmurs, leaning her head down to nudge it against him faintly. ".. I will.. treasure this.. Thank you, my love."

His smile warms as her head brushes to his own, hands in hers. "…This is your sun. Yours. The first of many happy namesdays to come." He plants a kiss on her cheek, soft and sweet. "…We could do anything, or nothing. I care not so long as you smile."

A faint, weary hum leaves her, a small smile managing to take to her lips as he kisses her cheek. ".. When you.. are with me.. how can I not?" She murmurs, squeezing his hand.

His eyes find hers then, even in what little light shone, he could faintly see their hues. Slowly, softly, his lips brush against her own, reminiscent of the first kiss they shared, one hand in her own, the other slowly returning to her shoulder to remove the ice.

She stretches herself up with some strained effort to meet his lips with her own, the agony and terror which had previously been in her eyes forced down by affection for the Viera, even if the former two were not quite gone yet. Thavnair's heat serves well to aid Eir in his task, as the half-melted ice is peeled away with more ease now that she had mostly calmed down.

Eir works to remove all he could from her form with the same gentleness he'd kissed her with, more of an act of affection rather than the desperation he'd done it with previously. "…I am here, my love." Reaching to caress her cheek, he quietly asks. "…If there is anything i can do, you need only ask."

Sayuri's head tilts into his palm, a soft sigh leaving her as she nuzzles her head against it. ".. Mmh.. You.. already are.."

Slowly tracing his thumb over her cheek, he smiles, leaning to peck her on the lips again. "Which part? The ice? The singing? Having you close? Kissing you?" Eir beams, "Or all of the above?"

Her ears offer a faint but joyous wiggle in response to the peck, a small, weary smile resting on her lips. "All." She murmurs. ".. I didn't.. know you could sing.."

"…You have caught me only once, i think. I did not hear you return into the room. But suppose i was not singing for very long." Shyly holding her gaze, he admits, a little bashful. "…It is not my greatest talent, but i am glad it was enjoyed. My plan was to… Sing later. Perhaps after a sun full of lovely little things of your choosing, when we would return here for the night, but… I think that you, perhaps, needed it now. We need not go anywhere should you wish… This sun, it is entirely of your choosing. What would you like?"

".. O-oh.. I-.. mh.. Sorry.. my head feels.. a little off." She mumbles. "..I forgot." She huffs at her own forgetfulness, nudging her head into his hand anew. ".. I like it." Her smile grows a little wider, eyes lidding ever so slightly. "..I-.. I am not sure I.. can make that decision right now.." Her gaze lowers a touch, offering a somewhat accusing stare at a tiny fleck of ice clinging to her bicep.

"Then you need not make one." He follows her gaze, making an attempt to dismiss the small fleck with a brush of his hand. "…It is late, still. A rare time the city is so peaceful…" Eir slowly reclines to the side, slumping into the pillows; taking Sayuri with him in a gentle embrace. "And i am in no rush to get out of bed… Unsurprisingly. Even if we do not sleep. We will have plenty of time for rest, later."

Sayuri sinks into the pillows with him, dragging herself closer to him in the process. She simply lays there for a moment, ear slowly tilting back as her gaze wanders his frame. "..You.. did not get hurt, did you..?"

"No… No. You did not hurt me, love. You were cold, but it is nothing compared to how it would be not to hold you." His arms loosely wrap around her, allowing her to move if she needed, covers hitched to his chest. "Even if you did, you would not have meant to. Much as you would blame yourself…"

Her ears flatten a touch, opting to pull herself closer to him instead. ".. Just.. making sure.." She murmurs, settling her head against him. ".. And yes. I would."

"I know. That does not mean you should." Eir tucks her a little closer, head buried in the pillows. "…I cannot imagine you want to try sleeping again so soon, but i am here if you wish to. I… Do not know what manner of horrors visited you in your sleep. But i will always be here waiting, for when you wake."

She shook her head faintly. A small frown takes to her features, her arms tightening somewhat protectively around him as she keeps herself close. "..Compound.." A single word, something which explains so much and yet so little, considering the wide array of horrors that happened within those walls.

...Of all the horrors she has endured, this one i understand the most... To think such a horrible place exists. To think she... She came back for me there. Knowing how it haunts her. How it plagues her memories, i almost feel guilty, and yet... I know she would have never done anything different.

"Oh, love…" He embraces her tightly, arms wrapped around her, hand lacing through her hair to gently rub at her ear to offer some form of comfort; anything he could manage. "…Sometimes when i sleep. I find myself there, too. But not this sun…" Eir quietly fills his lungs, exhaling a waver of a sigh. "…You deserve a happy life, Sayuri. I will see that it happens. I promise."

She buries her head against him in response to the rub, exhaling a slow sigh while her arms squeeze around him. ".. I know you will." She murmurs. "..And I will do my best.. to return it."

"Then you must always be doing your best. I am always happy with you." Eir beams, leaning to kiss the crown of her head. "…I did have a few ideas this sun. We can do all, some, or none of them. I just…" He pauses, if only to give her a small squeeze. "…Want your first namesday in memory to be a nice one, no matter how it started. A poor night does not make for a poor sun."

Sayuri's ears wiggle softly, her head pushing up to meet the kiss gently. ".. Mmh? What did you have in mind..?" Her head tilts slightly, gaze lingering upon him. ".. It will be. You're here."

"…If we are not to sleep… We can watch the sun rise…" Through Eir's idle suggestions, he slowly combs his fingers through her hair, smiling faintly as his gaze met her own. "I could braid your hair with the flowers we picked yestersun. Then, if you feel like going out, we can go to the market. Perhaps a persimmon to share for breakfast?" Eir pauses then, thinking. "…Then, a walk. To the beach, maybe. We could dance, perhaps take a few things for a picnic?" A smile, then. "…I could carry you there. Later, we can watch a performance. Or visit a perfumery, or the markets again. And when we are home… Well. I was going to sing for you, and…" Eir trails off, leaving something unsaid. "…We can do as much or as little. I would be happy staying in bed, too!" Eir chuckles softly, humming.

Her head leans back slightly as his fingers comb through her hair, ears twisting and turning slightly as she listens to his suggestions - a soft smile settling on her lips in response. ".. It all sounds very lovely. I.. can't promise how much energy I will have, but.. I'd like to try it. All of it."

I promise you, Sayuri... I will make this sun a happy one. I will do all i can to ensure it is so... This sun, and every single one that follows.

[whats-in-a-sentence]

ENT. When Spring unfolds the beechen leaf, and sap is in the bough;

When light is on the wild-wood stream, and wind is on the brow;

When stride is long, and breath is deep, and keen the mountain-air,

Come back to me! Come back to me, and say my land is fair!

ENTWIFE. When Spring is come to garth and field, and corn is in the blade;

When blossom like a shining snow is on the orchard laid;

When shower and Sun upon the Earth with fragrance fill the air,

I'll linger here, and will not come, because my land is fair.

ENT. When Summer lies upon the world, and in a noon of gold

Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold;

When woodland halls are green and cool, and wind is in the West,

Come back to me! Come back to me, and say my land is best!

ENTWIFE. When Summer warms the hanging fruit and burns the berry brown;

When straw is gold, and ear is white, and harvest comes to town;

When honey spills, and apple swells, though wind be in the West,

I'll linger here beneath the Sun, because my land is best!

ENT. When Winter comes, the winter wild that hill and wood shall slay;

When trees shall fall and starless night devour the sunless day;

When wind is in the deadly East, then in the bitter rain

I'll look for thee, and call to thee; I'll come to thee again!

ENTWIFE. When Winter comes, and singing ends; when darkness falls at last;

When broken is the barren bough, and light and labour past;

I'll look for thee, and wait for thee, until we meet again:

Together we will take the road beneath the bitter rain!

BOTH. Together we will take the road that leads into the West,

And far away will find a land where both our hearts may rest.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" - J.R.R. Tolkien

[overflowingshelf]

December 2022 Reading Recap

Happy New Year! I'm behind on all my recaps, but here's my December reading recap. I did a LOT of reading in December - 14 books to be exact! Check out what I read:

Hello, 2023! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!  I took some time off from the holidays from blogging to spend time with the family, but I’m back and ready for action! I did a TON of reading in December (14 books to be exact) to help me hit my reading goal of the year, finishing up book 100 on New Year’s Eve. Hopefully, you hit all your bookish goals! I will do…

[gumycandyyy]

୨♡ Ｗｉｎｔｅｒ Ｋｉｎｇ ＨＣＳ ♡୧

I am ashamed of tumblr for not making more fanfic of this funky fruit.

We got some general HCS and then some romantic ones under the cut! (I went a little overboard with the romantic ones, hehe!)

Gender-neutral

୨♡ Ｇｅｎｅｒａｌ ♡୧

-Man's self care routine is off the charts

-I'm serious, he has like- 80 different bubble bath concoctions.

-Smells like mint

-or some kind of cold scent.

-I feel like he loves dressing up fancy, so he has a closet full of sparkly suits

-maybe even some dresses if he's feeling special.

-Doesn't actually need to wear glasses, he just likes how they look.

-While he loves his winter wonder world, I feel like he'd enjoy rainy weather more than snow.

-He got rid of all his madness and sadness, yes, but I think he'd cry at something especially cute. Happy tears, y'know?

"Why are you crying, sir? Are you okay?" "Oh, it's nothing. *sniff* Just those two rabbits that are cuddling."

-He is really bad at any percussion instrument

-like.. REALLY bad.

-His hands are too delicate for such a garish instrument as the drums!

-He loves playing duets on the piano, but rarely has anyone to play with.

-I mean, he could always concoct up an ice creature to play piano with him, but that's honestly quite dull.

-His favorite movie would probably be an old Christmas movie, like It's a Wonderful Life.

-He gets kidnapped by the Candy Queen so often, that occasionally he brings a book or something snuggly to help him wait for his ice scouts to rescue him.

-He once got so bored while kidnapped that he tried to read to some of the mutilated candy people

-That was the last time he saw his favorite book.

-Safe to say he doesn't bring his favorites anymore.

୨♡ Ｒｏｍａｎｔｉｃ ♡୧

-Will literally spoil his love interest rotten.

-You want that thing you saw earlier?

-Consider it yours

-You'd like for it to snow outside?

-A sprinkle or a blizzard?

-Literally anything, this man will go to the ends of the universe to get you what you'd like.

-Love languages are definitely gift giving and physical touch

-probably acts of service too.

-Loves dancing.

-Loves dancing.

-Whether it be a slow dance or ice-skating, he will take every opportunity to dance with you!

-He adores short people.

-Good, because he's tall as a giant.

-if you're shorter than him, he will no doubt use you as an armrest.

-He always makes remarks on how cute you are.

-Even if you're only two inches shorter than him.

-If you're taller...

-hoo boy.

-Expect him to be all over you.

-figuratively and literally.

-Will want you to carry him everywhere, sit in your lap, rest against you, whatever.

-Just let him touch you.

-He'll talk about how strong you are, how you'd be the perfect chair, etc. etc.

-He does the stupid "How's the weather up there?" jokes.

-Loves your body, no matter what it looks like.

-You're skinny?

-You're easy to carry around and dance with.

-You're chubby or fat?

-Literally will always be holding onto or resting on part of you. He loves squishy people.

-Somewhere in the middle?

-He could not care less. He loves you regardless of what you look like.

-And he makes sure to emphasize his point by complimenting you endlessly.

-He will never leave your side.

-Even if you need space, he doesn't.

-So why wouldn't you?

-Back to our regularly scheduled fluff-

-Candy Queen hates your guts.

-She thinks you're an obstacle, keeping her from the Winter King.

-No doubt tries to kill you.

-Multiple times. a day

-Her plans are always foiled, but if she gets too close to genuinely hurting you, Winter will be so upset.

"Oh, Dearest, please tell me you're okay!" "You are?" "Phew. I don't know what I'd do if you were hurt in any way."

-His petnames for you are probably

-Darling,

-Dearest,

-My love,

-There are a lot more, but those are the main ones.

-LOVES kissing you.

-Anytime, any way.

-He finds it adorable when his nose bumps your face.

-Favorite place to kiss would probably be the back of your hand.

-He is a gentleman after all.

-Overall, he just adores you.

-And he sincerely hopes you love him just as much as he does you.

Headcanon requests are open for Winter King! Don't be afraid to send an ask, and be shameless! I know I am! (No smut tho. Some spice is okay, however.)

Have some free WK art for coming this far!

reblog for a beginner writer?

[lovings4turn]

જ⁀➴  𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄  . . .  (𝐋. 𝐍.)

— whilst you love the excitement that comes with dating a formula one driver, you cherish the quiet, private moments with lando far more

+ part of my 'be my valentine' mixtape series ! inspired by 'kiss me' by sixpence none the richer, which is one of my fav songs of all time <3

whenever you told someone that your boyfriend drove formula one cars for a living, their initial response was always to 'ooh' and 'ahh' over how luxurious that must be for you. you must be so well travelled, spoiled with tons of gifts, showered with champagne any time he did well on track.

and you would agree - it was true, after all - but those were never your favourite parts of dating lando norris.

what you loved most about lando was how himself he was, no matter how bright the spotlight that shone on him became. it was lando being so quintessentially, well, lando, that had led you to the dreamlike date you were currently on together.

no longer phased by late night texts requesting your company at any hour of the day, you'd wasted no time in getting yourself dressed up for a mystery date the moment lando had messaged you about it.

and now, sat beneath the stars on the hood of his car, you felt like the luckiest person to walk the earth. how lando had found such a pretty, secluded location, you'd never know. part of the beauty was not knowing.

bar the moon acting as your chaperone, it was just you and lando for as far as you were aware. for one night, you were granted your own part of the earth, a land that could be your own.

lando, cheesy as ever, had began to play some romantic old love song from his car speakers, a gesture that was only briefly delayed by the house song he'd accidentally queued up first.

once you'd controlled your giggles, lando had held out his hand, stooping down into a bow and playing the part of a gentleman.

"can i have this dance?" he asked, grin so wide his eyes began to crinkle up at the corners.

hesitant was a feeling you never experienced around lando. your hand was in his before you had time to think.

neither of you were particularly well versed in the art of dance, but you knew each other like the back of your own hands, and each step and movement was fluid, second nature after years together.

the silver moon cast a glittering glow over your intertwined frames, a spotlight for your personal duet that caught lando's face perfectly in it's light.

"you're staring," lando mused, eyes sparkling in amusement as he realised he'd caught you.

"you're making it hard not to," you admitted, eyes flitting down to the curve of his top lip briefly before you met his eyes once more.

"so i'm a distraction, am i?"

it was a joke, yet his fondness for you outweighed the humour in the tone of his voice.

"well, you said it not me."

lando laughed at this, a sound that never failed to make your heart skip a beat.

"i think i can be even more of a distraction," he hummed.

in one swift move, lando's lips were on yours as his hands gripped your waist firmly. the kiss was soft, yet passionate, the movements of his tongue somehow tracing everything he could never say to you into the cavern of your mouth.

being at the track with lando was fun, as was the winter trips to ski lodges and summer holidays in resorts. but without a doubt, your favourite place to be with lando was underneath the haze of the milky twilight, lips locked as his heart bore roots into your own chest.

[the-blind-assassin-12]

if there is a god, will they wash away all of my sins?

or if she is one of nature, will she pour rain on my wounds and skin?

i’m living on borrowed time and they know I don’t mind.

i’m spending it all on you and I don’t mind - it’s just borrowed.