#yes this is based on castle in the sky

[underlove-official]

What is UnderLove?

"UnderLove" is an AU created by Radicalrainbow, based on the renowned role-playing game Undertale. In the universe of UnderLove, the struggle between love and hate shapes its story. It introduces a unique twist with love-centric magic and the contrasting power of hate. Characters’ appearances are heart-themed, adorned in shades of pinks, reds, and whites, with frilly trims, fluffy details, and prominent heart motifs embracing a Valentine's/Lovecore theme. Yet, this AU can show more than just one side of the coin.

Underlove's history

History of the Underground: Long ago, humans and monsters lived separately and in disarray upon the surface. Humans were known for their ruthlessness, hostility, and HATE, which led them to push the kind and loving monsters away.

Tragedy struck one night when the king’s life was brutally taken, leading Asgore to ascend to the throne. Blinded by his own growing anger, Asgore sought to avenge his father, and the once kind and loving monsters turned hostile as war was declared against the humans.

The war raged on, with magic clashing and bodies falling. Eventually, humans emerged victorious, and with the help of a powerful mage, they sealed the monsters underground. The Underground was filled with despair and darkness, but the magic of LOVE gradually began to bloom again, restoring harmony among the monsters.

The royal family made certain that their people remained full of LOVE, fearing the resurgence of HATE that had swept the surface. Royal guards were tasked with protecting the Underground by preserving love and happiness, removing those who began to corrupt with hatred, and dealing with any humans who entered their realm.

Chara’s Arrival: After many years after banishment, their peace was interrupted when a human named Chara fell into their midst, seeking refuge from human cruelty. The Dreemurr family adopted Chara despite their initial wariness, it came to be the best decision of their lives as the two kids grew up together.

Tragically, Chara fell terminally ill from consuming red rose seeds, causing them to cough up petals and roses. Before the illness could fully silence them, Chara expressed a dying wish to see the surface sky one last time.

Asriel, their adoptive brother, absorbed Chara's soul and carried them through the barrier that separated their world from the humans. However, upon reaching the surface, they were met with misunderstanding and rage, resulting in the tragic demise of both Asriel and Chara.

The Dreemurr family, torn apart by the loss of their beloved children, decreed that any human who fell into their realm would be imprisoned in the depths of their castle dungeon.

Official Character Illustrations

FAQs [to be updated]

Question 1: What inspired "UnderLove"? Answer 1: [I've always favored the theme of Lovecore and the holiday of Valentine's Day!]

Question 2: How is "UnderLove" different? Answer 2: [UnderLove started off as a simple theme overhaul, with the characters and locations falling into its theme. Yet I wanted it to be unique, so the story follows a different path from Undertale and other AUs]

Question 3: Can I create fanart for "UnderLove"? Answer 3: [Yes! Absolutely! I'd love to see artwork done of these characters! Just make sure to tag me or use the hashtag #UnderLovefanwork so I can see it!]

Question 4: Can I draw my OC depicted in "UnderLove"? Answer 4: [Of course! I'd love to see what their designs turn out to be and how they'd interact with the cast of characters.]

Question 5: Does "UnderLove" have a wiki page? Answer 5: [Yes it does! I created it a while back and I intend to keep it as updated as possible for UnderLove]

Ask Guidelines

Respect: Be kind and respectful in your questions. Any asks that reflect HATE or are disrespectful will be ignored. No NSFW Content: Please refrain from submitting any NSFW content or questions as this blog and AU are intended for all audiences to enjoy.

Topic: Try to keep asks relevant to the blog and UnderLove in general. Any asks that are off-topic may be passed over to my main blog @radicalrainbow

Repetition: Before submitting your ask, check if it has already been answered via the hashtag on the blog #AsksofLove

No Roleplay Asks: While I love the enthusiasm for the characters and its story, this blog is not set up for roleplaying.

Patience: I try to respond to asks as quickly as possible, but response times may vary depending on the volume of questions and the progress of the story. If your ask doesn’t receive an immediate response, please be patient!

UnderLove's story

The official story of "UnderLove" will be told as a written narrative across multiple chapters. Each chapter will feature illustrated titles, and the written story will be accompanied by drawings that bring key scenes to life. These illustrations will help you better visualize the scenes that are being told. Artist Collaboration While I will be the main artist creating these illustrations, I’m excited to announce that other artists can collaborate on this project! If you’re an artist and would like to contribute: Contact Me! Reach out via my Discord handle or send an ask to the blog (please note that anonymous asks won’t be considered). We can discuss how you can get involved and the specific scenes you might illustrate.

All contributing artists will be fully credited, and I’ll link back to your social media profiles so the community can see the amazing work you’ve contributed!

Written Story chapters

Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

Chapter 2:

Chapter 3:

There's alot more to come to Underlove, so stay determined and keep an eye on this blog for the upcoming story, official artwork, fanart, and updates! Your support and love fuels this story's creation!!

In this world it's Love or be Loved!

[houseoflibra-if]

"House of Libra? It's best not to talk about them, lest you wish to end up silenced like how they once were."

House of Libra.

Once the peacekeepers of the kingdom, now reduced to nothing but a lost tale. They were well respected by many for maintaining the balance of the lands, yet betrayed by those who wished for too much.

However, without House Libra keeping the balance alive, the world succumbs to the ire of the Zodiac Aura. A powerful dose of magic pulses through the lands, mutating anyone without protection. But protection can only last so long, and it's only a matter of time before the Aura consumes the lands whole.

Your family remains as one of the only branches of House Libra left alive. Due to the natural essence of your house, your family is less affected by the Zodiac Aura. No matter, as House Libra grows smaller, the world continues to eat itself alive.

It's up to you to restore the peace in the lands, for you were born under the Equinox sky.

"Never forget my words, little star. This House may have fallen, yes, but we will rise again."

House of Libra: Resurgemus is an upcoming interactive fiction inspired by the zodiac signs. You will have the freedom to explore the story and its characters with depth, so questions and various asks are greatly encouraged! This series will be 16+ (TBC), on Twine.

Features:

Play as a male, female or non-binary person. Have the freedom to choose your appearance based on what you like.(Please take note that I am a new writer, as such I do not have much experience with writing non-binary characters/pronouns. Please bear with me!)

Shape your character and personality, should you be kind, cold or a sassy boss, the choice is yours.

Build relationships- or break them if you wish. The choice is yours, but your actions will have consequences.

Have a say in the way your back story is woven. Choose your desired trauma that will affect certain plots of the story.

Choices matter. Your actions and words will influence the ending you achieve, so be wise with how you wish to shape your story.

Romance ranges between the 4 given options, shower them with your own type of affection for they will adore you nonetheless. Or you could lead them to their deaths. Woopsie.

Choose your relationship with your family. Are you a loving family? Or do you constantly need family therapy? Choose their fates as well (but don't kill all of them, that's kinda mean.)

Gain new skills and various powers that will aid you in your journey. But be warned, will they great power comes great responsibility. And a greater chance of messing things up.

Various endings will (hopefully) be available based on your choices.

This IF will be more focused on interactions and choices compared to stats. I don't think I plan on having stats. Maybe a sanity bar, but I'll see how well the coding goes.

Romance Options

Avira/Aurelius Lozenges, [RO]

Age: 26

The eldest child of House Leo, Avira/Aurelius is the epitome of the zodiac's charms. Charismatic, ambitious and loyal to a fault, there's no wonder why they're called by the admirable title of House Leo's Golden Lion. They are expected to take over the ruling throne once their father retires.

Although, with every envied perfect child comes a chamber of secrets, and they are no different. Guarded eye(s) and tense shoulders, they seem constantly restless under judgmental gazes of everyone in the kingdom.

Perhaps, you may be able to give them the freedom they long for. After all, a lion in a castle is still a caged lion.

Romance trope:

Love at first fight

Tame a wounded beast

Cocky/Arrogant -> Soft/Sweet

Castora/Castor Dioscuri, [RO]

Age: 24

The renowned child of House Gemini, they are known for their sharp mouth and playful personality. Castora/Castor remains as the number one It Girl/Guy of the kingdom as they're not only captivating in nature, but they too posses a brilliant mind like no other. Having them on your side would be quite advantageous, no?

There's something off putting about them though, as the House of Gemini have always borne children that are twins no matter how different. Yet, Castora/Castor remains as the only member of House Gemini to be born alone.

Will you dig deeper into their depths? Or will you drown in their eyes, just like everyone else? With them, you are never alone.

Romance tropes:

Slow burn

Frenemies -> lovers

Closed off heart that's waiting to be loved

Esme/Esmeray von Aquaria, [RO]

Age: 28

Some people call them cursed.

And to others, they were simply unlucky as a child for straying too far.

Esme/Esmeray is a child of House Aquarius, yet they couldn't despise it enough. Known for being one if the most influential houses due to their unyielding intelligence, a child of House Aquarius must be perfect in the eyes of others.

Yet Esme/Esmeray is the exact opposite of that. Cursed by the effects of Zodiac Aura when they were younger, they carry the mark of the Waxing Moon. This affected their life despite protection given, and they will not rest until they slay the beast that hurt them so.

They have a cold and distant personality, paired with one of the brightest minds in the kingdom only to be rivaled by the child of House Gemini. Will you be the one to thaw this icy heart? Or will you suffocate in the depths of Aquaria?

Romance trope:

Grumpy/sunshine

Cold -> absolute simp

Heated arguments and soft confessions

Nyoka Constello, [RO]

Age: same as player character

The forgotten children of the banished zodiac. Nobody remembers how this House used to flourish as they are now called the Followers of Ophiuchus. Scorned by the lands and cursed by the stars, the last surviving followers live in hiding. Now, they are nothing but tales woven in time.

Well, that's for everyone else. Nyoka just so happens to be your childhood friend, having been born under the same moon and stars aligned. They used to be docile and caring, but times have changed and so have they. Don't fret, little star, for they still have a soft spot for you.

They have an unusual appearance, with a long and sturdy sea-snake tail paired with sharp semi-curved horns. Their dark eyes seem to pull you in, rivaling the stars above.

But the mutation is spreading, and they've no clue how much time they have left. Save them, if you must. Or watch the one you once loved die.

Romance trope:

Angst. Just angst. And maybe fluff.

Childhood friends -> strangers -> lovers

"Perhaps we were soulmates in another life."

Here are some things you need to know:

I am a new writer (this is my first interactive fiction project.) so not everything will be smooth sailing.

I estimate the demo to come out mid this year, but personal matters may change some things.

This is my passion project. Please don't expect me to dedicate all my time onto this as I have a life as well.

I'm very new to coding, so learning twine will take a while. I'll have to do a few test runs before releasing the demo.

I adore feedback and asks about the game. It helps me improve as a writer while getting to build my characters more.

I want to have fun with everyone, so hateful criticism will not be tolerated. Treat me with respect and I will return the gesture.

That's all for now (I think). Have fun reading!

Demo (TBA) || Character Post (TBA) || World building (TBA)

Credits to Doshiart on picrew for the character portraits!

[yaut-jaknowit]

this gave me idea about The King thought Male Yautja was just "Kidnapping" His Daughter but it turns out that she didn't want marry to four bastards princes(which yautja killed them) who is tries to kill king or steal golds from Kingdom or even forcing princess to marry him,so she could finally marry peasant although yautja has actually crush on princess but princess told him that she already had found true love (please angsty because that's sappy ending) (sappy means both sad and happy)

A Knight In Shining Armor

Pairings: Achoshi (Male Yautja) x AFAB!Princess!Reader

Word Count: 4275

Summary: In a kingdom where you are the princess, you are protected by the knight. A faceless, towering, imposing figure you saved a year ago. By his honor code, he is bound to you until the debt is paid. When four suitors present a problem to gaining your hand, he clears the problem. Only to come up empty handed in the end.

Author Note: This is such a sweet and sad ask. I rarely get angsty asks like this. Its good though! I like the variety.

Masterlist

Ao3

Red blood drips down callused hands. Stone floors stained by the life essence pooling at the knights massive feet. Four heads. All carried in two hands. Their lifeless eyes peering ahead of them, never to see the light of day again. The skin cool and taunt.

Screams and gasps of horror echoed back at the beast. He does not flinch. The silver of his mask reflects in the midday light shining through the open windows. The day may be bright, but a shadow has fallen onto the court. Death is heavy in the air. All due to one creature who no one has seen his face. He is a force to be reckoned with.

The king’s knight.

Guards on either side of the royal family arm themselves and wielded their weapons. The beast pays them no heed. Each step towards the dais is a threat on the king himself. The skulls in his hands swing and further dirty the ground the castle stands on.

Once he deemed the space closed between them, he tosses the heads at the base of the dais. Shouting from the crowd rung out. Anger laced in their voice. His dark eyes are on king. Not worthy of the title. If only the young woman to his right hadn’t trapped him into servitude.

Under the mask, his eyes drifted over the woman who was nearly damned by the stupidity of the king. A moron who nearly lost his life this morning when the moon still hung in the night sky. The king was lucky to have him bound to his daughter. So, he is forced to roam the castle, guarding the royal family from harm. A wish bestowed upon him by her.

It was his own stupidity that got him into this mess.

In all of his royal glory, the king stands to his full height on the dais. A sharp gaze pointed down at the knight. “What is the meaning of this?!” he snaps and thrusts a finger towards the decapitated heads of former princes of neighboring kingdoms.

As the guards advanced, the beast made no move. He shows no interest in the weak oomans that dare to threaten him. Even after he saved the royal family from heartbreak and total damnation.

From your seat, your brows are furrowed together in both hurt and confusion. The knight you saved little less than a year ago has killed the suitors your father had brought forth. Each of their heads laid at your feet. Yes, you were relieved not be forced to marry any of them but… for him to kill them and do this. You were shocked at the brazen action of a man who’s face you’ve never seen.

The edge of the chair bites into your butt. You are ready to spring into action and defend the knight. There has to be more to the story than meets the eye.

Only a raised hand prevents the guards from reaching him. “Shall I have no time to speak?” he grounded out. The timbre of his voice feels ancient.

Out of everyone, you’re the only one to hear his voice the most. He is reserved. He keeps to himself. His voice is used when he deems necessary. You watched the eyes of the court widened at his demanding tone and hearing him in general. It is an honor to hear him speak.

On top of the dais, the king’s jaw clenches. “Guards, do not attack unless I give the order,” your father reminds his men. Even he knew to start a war against the unknown knight would be trouble for his kingdom. A war he’s rather not be dragged into if he could help it. “Now, are you going to explain why you’ve brought the head of my daughter’s suitors at my feet?”

You’ve never heard your father so angry before. You feared what he could do the knight if the answer wasn’t up to par.

He looked lax as if not threatened by the weapons at the ready. The knight simply gestures to the heads. “I found them in the vault. Bags of gold in hand. They attempted to rid you of your wealth,” the knight answers truthfully and went straight for the point. Like hunter going for the throat.

It must have been a one verses four fight; the masked beast looks in pristine shape. There wasn’t a scratch or bruise on his thick, scaly hide. A warrior with skills no one has seen in all of the kingdom’s years. A beautiful blend of beast and knight you were more than thankful to have within your court; despite how much he dislikes being around the majority of people. He willingly gives up his time to be around you.

The general, a few paces to your left, tensed up. It was his guards who failed to protect what the king holds closely. You could care less about the riches. Yet, your father on the other hand.

His head whipped over to the general who looked white as a sheet. “General Sorrengail!” The name was grounded out like two rocks rubbed together. “My gold had been nearly stolen from me during the night. Not only am I learning of this now during the middle of the day but from him! Where were your guards?” The raging heat in his voice could rival the breath of a dragon.

“S-sir! There must have been a mistake. My guards reported nothing unusual,” he attempted to save himself from the burning gaze of the king. The wrath was something not many survived from. “He must be lying! He could’ve killed them on his own accord. He’s a beast!”

Finally, you stand up and leveled your gaze on the general. “That is enough, General Sorrengail. I’ve heard enough from you. He would not lie,” you easily defended the masked knight. The man decorated in armor to protect the king sputtered, taken aback by your sudden voice. “If you have an issue with my knight, speak to me about it.”

Sorrengail narrowed his gaze on you for a fleeting moment before a rumbling growl warned him. The man scoffed and looked over your shoulder at the king. “Sir, I shall discuss with my guards and perform a thorough investigation. We will get to the bottom of this,” Sorrengail promised then bowed.

Despite not getting permission to leave, the general marches down the dais and off to the corridor to your left. You watched until his red cape disappeared behind the wall before finally sitting down in your seat. This is your knight he dares to threaten with lies. You would defend him again. The same way you saved him from meeting the gods.

Your father bristled when Sorrengail abandoned his post then returned his attention on the knight. “If what you say is true, I have no choice but to thank you. You’ve out down my guards. I am thankful you have stumbled into not only our lives, but specifically my daughters.” Without you, the knight would never been known to exist. You smiled softly down at him. The corners of your mouth meeting your eyes.

Once the energy that buzzed in the room soothed, the king sat back down in his throne. One of his hands motions for the knight to leave. “Take… the heads. We will convene at a later date to come to a conclusion,” the king explains. Instead of looking down at the lifeless eyes of the princes he once thought of highly, he kept his gaze on the beast.

A grunt leaves the giant. He consumes the rest of the space until he reaches the base of the dais. Each head was picked up and attached to his belt. With a simple bow of his head, he spins on his heel and struts out of the chambers.

You watched him go, praying to your gods this won’t end badly for him. He doesn’t deserve the scrutiny. You already knew from the beginning those princes weren’t worthy to be your suitors. Not that you wanted them anyhow. Slimy, gross, greedy men who thought they could win over your hand.

It would’ve come down to you in the end. But it’s like picking which sword you would rather be stabbed with.

None of them.

.

Heated discussions occurred everyday for the past two weeks. General Sorrengail’s title was on the line. If what the beast states is true, he could loose not only his position but his head as well. Not that you mind. His snooty attitude always irked you to the point you wanted to throttle him. Yet, you somehow reframe.

When the day came, the court was called. The king, the general, the beast, and the princess, yourself. Other important people milled into the room. Everyone held their breath.

Someone was going to lose their head today.

Your father sat upon his golden and stone throne. A stern, displeased look on his face. It could be the day he would be assigning a new general.

Both accused stood at the base of the dais, looking upon the royal family. Small but mighty. The general held air an of uncertainty, worry filling his frame. He danced from one foot to the other but held his head up. He tried to maintain an façade of the title he holds. Yet, you could easily see through the smoke to find his anxious self.

On the other hand, the beast stood still. Like a hunter perfect for the hunt. Neither was he tense. His shoulders lax as he calmly looked up at you. Only you. Those dark eyes felt like they wanted to consume your soul, claim it as his. He refrains.

Two warriors who stand on the other side of the fence.

At the end of the chambers, the door creaks open to reveal a group of guards. Two are chained. They are led to stand behind the beast and the general. Each bowed their head in deep respect and shame for the royal family in front of them. No words are said. A disgrace to utter even a sound.

General Sorrengail finally takes the opportunity to plead his case. “If we may, your highness?” he questions. A subtle dip of your father’s head is the answer he needs. Sorrengail motions behind him for the two guards to move forward. Each listen on their own accord, hesitantly. They refused to lift their eyes from the ground.

“These were the guards in charge of watching your vault, sir. Each insist there had been nothing wrong with the vault that night,” Sorrengail announced, projecting his voice for everyone to hear. His goal was to clear his name and win over the court and king. “There hadn’t even been a speck out of place.” Quietly to yourself, you scoffed and rolled your eyes, catching the attention of the beast.

The king looked down at the men. “Is this true?” he demands in voice that holds no room for arguing.

Both of them jolted but rapidly nodded their head. It felt like they were lying straight out of their asses. You full heartily believed in the knight. He had no reason to lie. Plus, you were thankful for the save on your marriage life. The last thing you wanted was to marry any of them. It would’ve been terrible.

Even your father looked at them with a rough expression. He, too, felt what you experienced with them.

“Knight?” His attention swept over to the relaxed knight who kept his attention on you until then. The beast looked upon your father.

The knight pulls up his gauntlet and begins to press on the metal. He’s shone you the magic before. An amazing sight to experience every time. There was nothing in the kingdom you’ve ever seen do that before. As the princess, you’ve seen and experienced a lot.

A sight that was indescribable came to life, floating upon the gauntlet. “I can show you the past with a little… magic. I can show exactly how it happened and when I saw them attempting,” he explains and takes the steps, two at a time, until he is right in front of the king.

Astonishment flashes in the old man’s eyes. A new life filling them. One you haven’t seen since your mother passed away.

As if you were in the very moment, magic reveals what the knight saw that night. Each man carefully walks up to the front door of the vault. The guards that stood accused before you willingly let them in. You gasped and covered your mouth. Not only were the princes bad but so were the guards. The betrayal sat hot on your heart.

Not that you knew them personally, but to know the people suppose to be protecting you had betrayed you was a bitter taste. Your face twisted with hurt, gaze turning towards the guards.

“Lies! He lies! He is nothing but a mindless beast. He deceives you, my gracious king,” General Sorrengail spats viciously. Heat blazed in his eyes. “This-this magic shows false record of the night. It is fabricated to deceive you. I have been your general for twenty years. He hasn’t even been here a year.”

If it came down to it, you would trust your safety and heart to the knight over Sorrengail.

A gasp fell over the court. How could someone say such a thing in front of the king, your father?! Your face morphed into a snarl, ready to defend at a moments notice. Again.

Before anyone could stop it, the beast had his hand secured around General Sorrengail’s throat. A deep, threatening snarl that had you scared tumbled from his barrel chest. “I have had enough of your yapping. You constantly bicker and whine. You are not worthy of the title as a warrior. I will be more of a warrior than the one you wish to become.”

The coldness in his words made you shiver. You’ve never heard speak in such a way. His voice is always soothing. A rumble that seemed to take the ache out of your bones.

This was completely different. A one-eighty.

Once the words left his throat, a deafening silence overcame everyone. A mouse could be heard sneezing. You gripped the armrests of your chair for way to ground yourself.

“Knight, release the general. I have heard what I needed to hear.” The king, in all of his glory, stood up from the throne and stood at the edge of the dais.

A growl leaves the knight’s throat before he drops the struggling man. He falls down to his knees and rubs at his red neck. Coughs rack his body.

Everyone’s attention fell upon the most important man to walk the lands. “Let it be known, I find not only my general but his guards at fault for this breech. All three will be executed before the sun falls tonight,” he announced with a voice that left no room for arguing.

It was final.

“The knight has come to our aid again,” you spoke up, wanting to show your appreciation to him while in a room full of the court. What you said was the truth though. There has been a few times he saved you. But, this is the first he’s killed for you.

The king dips his head. “Yes. What my daughter states is the truth. It is an honor to have him with the ranks of my kingdom.” You smiled softly at his words and looked back at the knight. He’s become stern, like a brick wall. But, his eyes brighten at the sight of you gazing down at him.

“Before the night falls, blood and heads will rain down.” Gruesome but the truth.

Sorrengail and the guards look in front of them in horror. Terrified of what is to come to them. Death is in their very future. A death well deserved for what they’ve done.

It happens. A cheerful night of celebrating their deaths. It is quickly forgotten about a week later. Nearly an entire month has passed since the heads had been dropped at your father’s feet. Word about it has completely disappeared. It had become old news. You had been the returned topic of suitors and marriage. The usual for a princess soon to hit their twenties.

Everyday of the week, the knight had been visiting you. He loves to accompany you throughout mundane tasks such as reading, writing, learning. The usual for a princess. An educated royal was dangerous. Not to the kingdom nor their people, but to their enemies. Something your father taught you.

On this particular day, the knight finds himself at your side. The garden is your strolling grounds. Each flower and bush carefully maintained by the workers. A place you looked to explore over and over again.

No matter how many times you find yourself back in the confines of the walls.

You hopped onto the ledge that barred the dirt from spilling onto the tile pathing. Your arms were slightly spread out to help with your balance. But, the knight stepped closer to you, guarding you from a fall. An action you couldn’t help but roll your eyes at. He was sweet. It wasn’t like you couldn’t take a fall or even keep your balance on a stone ledge less than four inches tall.

The two of your explored the gardens all over again. You took random paths. It was an expansive place. Many things to explore and rediscover once more. A giggle left your lips when you stopped to pivot on your heel. The towering knight stops and becomes your object of attention.

“You’re more quiet than usual, sir knight,” you teased him and poked his shoulder. The faceless creature was quiet majority of the time. You’ve come to realize when it was just the two of you, he grew out of his bonds and allowed himself freedom to converse. Yet, now, he was the same as he was with everyone else. It made you concerned for his wellbeing.

A grumble sounded from his barrel chest. His fingers twitched at his sides. He turned his head away to look at a flower bush to the side. Then, his attention returned to you.

“I have something I wish to show you, princess,” he states after a minute of debating whether or not to go through with this. Your face brightens at his words. You stand up higher on your toes and clasp your hands together in front of you. The knight raises a hand to quell your excitement. “But, you must trust me.”

Such a silly thing for him to state. You gave him a deadpanned look. “I trust you with my life and heart. You know this well.” The time the two of you’ve known each other has been less than a year but, your trust in each other has grown beyond speculation. He is your knight.

Those dark eyes of his looked into yours for a long moment. As if they found what they searched for, he reached with a hand to cover your eyes. He gave you plenty of time to retreat or deny him this.

The warmth of his palm covering your eyes was welcoming. Another hand slid against the small of your back. It guided you off of the stone ledge to stand in front of the towering figure. He softly pushed you forward and continued to lead you through the gardens, in the darkness. You tried to map the area out mentally but it felt like he was taking you in circles at one point.

It wasn’t long before he came to a stop. You felt his heat wash over your back as he leaned in close. His mouth hovering next to your ear. “Keep those pretty little eyes closed for me,” he whispered into your ear and caused you to shutter against him. A resounding growl left him.

Underneath his palm, you kept your eyes closed. He slowly peeled his hand away before letting them both fall away. You turned your head towards where you believe he was. “What do you have hidden for me?” you asked in a soft tone to make him relent quicker. You were a princess. A princess doesn’t wait for their presents.

He chuckled deeply under his breath and moved to be in front of you. “That is something you will find out shortly, princess.” Your bottom lip stuck out in a pout, arms crossing over each other. “Ah, no pouting, little one.” You made a whole show of rolling your eyes despite them being closed. Two fingers pinched your jaw and tugged in close to the knight. Your hands slammed down on his chest to steadied yourself. Yet, somehow, your eyes didn’t open. “Be good and stay here.”

A huff escaped you. He took it as agreement before pulling away. The knight walked a few feet away from you. Something scrapped against stone. Your head tilted, trying to figure out what the sound was but came up empty handed.

A sharp hiss entered the air. One you’ve never heard before. You perked up and faced the sound coming from directly in front of you.

Silence fell over the two of you for a fleeting moment. The knight took in a deep breath. “You may open your eyes.” His voice came out much more clearly.

You blinked open your eyes to find a sight you could never even imagine.

Four human skulls sit on a stone bench. All in pristine shape. Then, your gaze roamed up. Your jaw drops as you looked at him. His metal mask was gone, attached to his hip. Something you never expected to see was his face. One of your hands covered your mouth as you took a step back. He was no man. He was nothing of these lands.

“W-what are you?” you whispered into the tense air. Honesty, you weren’t scared. Not completely at least. But, you were apprehensive of him. That wasn’t what you were expecting under his mask.

Something flashed in his dark brown eyes. Too quick for you to pick up on. Instead, the unmasked figure bowed his head and took a knee. “My princess. Before you act on fear, allow me to plead my case,” he asked from you. Only for a moment, he raised his head to meet your eyes.

And, you stayed. “Tell me. What are you?” you demanded, voice firmer this time. You stood your ground and straightened your back.

He keeps kneeling behind the bench. “I am a Yautja. I’m… not from here. My name is Achoshi,” he released this information freely to you. This… Achoshi wants to keep your trust. With his arms, he motions to the skulls. “I present the skulls of the suitors I killed. I show my worth to you, my skill. I wish to court you, princess. Claim you as mine.”

All of this information was far too much in the span of a minute. He wasn’t form here. He’s a… Yautja. Whatever that is. He’s been hiding his face this entire time, actively deceiving not only you but your father as well. If it was any other person, you would demand for their head to be taken off of their shoulders. Yet, you let the tension in your shoulders lax.

Then, there’s the fact he’s trying his hand in courting you. If only he knew beforehand. Even some secrets the knight can’t know of all the time.

“Achoshi, is it?” you attempted the foreign name on your lips. He gave you a nod. You timidly walked up to his kneeling form. Despite the complete differences between the two of you, you reached out and cupped his strange jaw/mandible. “I apologize… but I love someone else. I am grateful for the path you’ve opened up for me though. I can stand a chance now to plead my case in front of my father.”

The rejection burns in the pit of his stomach. But guilt is a stronger emotion. He missed his chance of winning your hand over before another had came through and swept you off of your feet. Achoshi bowed his head. The strange dreads that hung from his scalp slid off of his shoulders at the moment. Then, he stood up. Your hands sliding off of his jaw.

“Then, I must apologize. I appear to be too late.” The hurt in his voice broke your heart but you stood strong and firm. The love of your life already captured your heart.

Once more, you reached up to run your fingers along his jaw. Over the course of a month, you’ve given this thought plenty of time to stew. But, it was time.

“My sir knight, Achoshi, I release you from duty. Your debt has been paid in the eyes of the royal family. You are no longer chained to servitude.” Your own words slightly shocked you. You hated to let him go but it was time for him to be free. It would be cruel to keep him locked at your side until death took either of you.

Achoshi softly cupped your cheek, eyes zoned in on yours. “I’ve paid my debt long ago. I stayed merely because of you, my princess.” You gasped, heart rate jumping.

His hand left your skin, drawing away all the warmth it held. With one more look at you, he disappears from sight. You stumbled a couple of steps away. A few more moments passed until his presence was completely gone. You were left alone in the garden you so loved.

[esther-dot]

Jonsa Reunion

Safe and Sound 1k (I just have to highlight that this was posted in 2014)

Sansa escapes Baelish and finds her way to Castle Black.

Kiss of Undeath ficlet by @haraways

Sansa brings Jon back with a kiss.

Without You I Am Nothing 1k by @asbestosmouth

Castle Black is monochrome, but Sansa blazes like the fires of Rh'llor. Jon cannot help but burn.

Gifsets: Jonsa Hug by @joanna-lannister, Jonsa Hug by @c-sand, The Girl in Grey, Jonsa Hug 1, 2 by @kitnjon

Art: Jonsa Hug, Jonsa Hug by @vierverdeen, Jonsa Hug by @themarmic

Jon Comes Back Wrong

grave-dirt 3k by @charmtion

The edge of the world. The yawning dark. In his chest, a strange sluggish beat.

back in the pulse 2k WIP by @chispas-and-broken-bindings

(Who are you?) A dead man. A monster. The mistake of many and one. (And what have you lost?) Everything. (And what have you found?) You. (And what will you do with me?) Protect you. Always.

Made of Echos and Ice 1k by @thewolvescalledmehome

Ever since coming down from the Eyrie, Sansa has had the same dream. A wolf with white paws pacing in the snow. When she learns of the betrayal at the Wall, Sansa decides to do something about her dream.

i fall to pieces (when i'm with you) 70k by usuallysunny

"Go North. Only North. Jon is Lord Commander at the Castle Black. He'll help you." He'd had good intentions, this broken shadow of a man who used to be Theon, and he couldn't have known. Sansa finds a Lord Commander at Castle Black. He has steel-grey eyes, her father's eyes, and a dark beard framing a strong jaw, and he looks and sounds and moves like Jon... But he's not Jon.

Always Her ficlet by @temporal-tempest

Jon Snow came back darker, unreachable until her hand touched his face. This is what happens when you threaten that which has become the only warmth in a dark heart.

At Castle Black

My eyes were wide open 10k by @eruherdiriel

She hesitates, then reaches for his free hand, his other still tangled in Ghost’s fur. Their palms meet, hers warm against his chilly one, and the relief that rushes through him at her touch almost makes him close his eyes and forget the throbbing pain. “Do you remember what happened?” All he recalls are knives in the dark and cold, bitter cold. * It is in dreams that Jon begins to remember who he is.

Kisses Remembered, Kisses Forgotten 2k by QueenOfSloths

She remembers the kiss that he took. The only thing she doesn’t remember is him taking it. There are times when she is almost certain that she gave it willingly.

'cause i know that it's delicate 4k by @noqueenbutthequeeninthenorth

Set during "Book of the Stranger," immediately after Sansa arrives at the Wall. He goes to build the fire back up, and for a few minutes he stays silent, kneeling at the hearth, not looking at her. Finally he clears his throat. “I know,” he begins, “it’s not exactly what you’re used to — ” “You’d be surprised what I’m used to.”

make your fingers soft and light 10k by @ladyalice101

Jon goes quiet again, and his hand retracts, but just as quickly he is touching her again, oil on his fingers. He works methodically, moving from one wound to the next, one scar to another, from the base of her back to the top of her spine. It’s so gentle, so caring, and the longer it goes on the more Sansa relaxes, the safer she feels. Her eyes dip close under his rhythmic ministrations, and her mind goes blank, and she starts to feel the familiar lull of sleep edge around her mind. “This is supposed to make the scars fade?” Jon asks as he finishes up, his warm hands leaving her back, making her feel cold and startling her from her reverie. “Yes.” She isn’t sure she imagines the tightness in his voice when he speaks again. “If you are to do this every night, then I will gladly assist you.” // Jon rubs a soothing balm into Sansa's scars every night. But that's it. Nothing more. Definitely not. He's just there to help her do what she can't do herself.

as the night came down in a Nordic sky ficlet by @miazeklos

During her first night in Castle Black, Sansa reunites with the true North, and Jon welcomes her home.

Cold Nights at Castle Black ficlet by @estherruth-jonsatrash

They were grown now, childhood behind them. Yet they had been sharing a bed more like children, with the cold at Castle Black leaving them in need of warmth. At least at first.

How I wish you would take me for granted ficlet by @trollslanda

Sometimes her hands would shake- Solely in private, when she broke her quiet surface to gasp for air. Around others she still had a mental block, passively guarding her, bringing out the Stark iron. It made her keep her back straight and eyes steady, put up a solid front. Sometimes it felt like she was rusting from the inside and her brittle bones would never be whole again. --- Set shortly after Sansa has arrived at Castle Black, when she's still learning to feel safe. As it turns out, Jon is really good at that kind of thing.

Remedy ficlet by @wildflower-daydreamer

The night Jon and Sansa reunite at Castle Black.

To break and to mend ficlet @dreams-for-spring

In those moments nothing else matters and they forget what they have lost; in those moments they are more than the sum of their broken parts.

In the quiet of the night 4k by dreams-for-spring

It becomes a habit; each night she unlatches her chamber door, and each night Jon enters just as bashfully as before. Some nights he brings terrible sour wine, and others bitter ale for them to share as they sit around the hearth speaking of everything that has happened–everything except what has passed between him and his black brothers. She knows that is a topic he is not ready to share. Still, she does not find sleep when he leaves, but at least for those brief hours she is not alone, and something small inside of her begins to burn brighter with each night that passes. She tries to ignore the voice that tells her it is hope; hope is a dangerous thing for people like them.

Tous Deux On est Repartis dans le Tourbillon de la Vie 1k by @melimelo-ao3

He couldn’t even begin to picture what she had endured, what she had lived through. Yet, hearing her pleading in the night, he would give anything to know, to be able to understand her, to soothe her. He had only ever wanted to soothe her.

Gifsets: Where Will We Go by c-sand, Brienne Reacts to Jonsa, New Dress by @jonstarks How Could We Know, Sansa Tries Ale, Where Will We Go, Sansa Making Jon's Cloak, I Made This for You by kitnjon

Traveling the North

Five Times They Touch 1k by @justchunkit

She doesn’t touch him for days. Weeks. They travel from keep to stronghold, living in close quarters as they’d never done even as children. She is so close, but an icy veneer has covered the exhausted girl he’d started to know, and they can hardly exchange a good morning without it evolving into an argument.

Some Love Stories Need a Little Help 2k @graceverse

Or how Tormund effectively makes Jon share a tent with Sansa

Unnatural 2k by @amymel86

Once he is close enough, she leaps at him, arms wrapping him up and his nose buried in her copper hair. The shuddering exhale he expels is the most amount of sound he’s made in days but all he can hear is Sansa’s sniffling and the way their two hearts talk to one another in beats of the same song.

Gifsets: Arguing, Eye Contact, Jon Reacting to Sansa by jonstarks Side by Side by @baelerion

Pre Battle of the Bastards

we may only have this night 2k by wearycities

She summoned an image of Jon in her mind. When he saw her, at Castle Black. His eyes, his face. His hands letting go of the railing, like it had burned him. She could not stop thinking about his hands. She had turned the memory over and over in her mind on countless sleepless nights, wondering what it meant. After her argument with Jon the night before the Battle of the Bastards, Sansa returned to his tent.

The Madness of Dead and Broken Things 1k by @estherruth-jonsatrash

The first time, Jon tells himself it’s the last time. Jon gives into his feelings for Sansa the night before the Battle of the Bastards, telling himself he'll die the next day. He isn't prepared for the after of survival.

the night before the fight ficlet by @sailorshadzter

jon & sansa spend a night together before the battle of the bastards. pre parental reveal hookup, read at your own risk. nsfw.

Before the Storm 1k

Snowflakes fell from the grey sky, covering the ground in white even more than it already was. Grey and white, Sansa thought to herself. The Stark colors.

A gaze across a field 1, 2 ficlets by fedonciadale

Sansa's thoughts as she contemplates the possible outcome of the battle.

Gifsets: Arguing, You Don't Have to Be Here, I'll protect You I Promise by jonstarks, Pre and During BotB by baelerion, Jon Pummeling Ramsay by kitnjon, Jon Pummeling Ramsay by c-sand

Post Battle of the Bastards

Bloodstains and Stitches Chapter 1 and 2 by @trollslanda

Two scenes set after Battle of the Bastards: 1. In the courtyard, Jons pov. Post-battle calmdown and fluff I guess but also there's dead bodies and stuff. I dunno. 2. Sansa cleaning his wounds and stitching him up, her pov. A pretty sweet scene where they get a moment to breathe.

A Little Friction ficlet by @justchunkit

“You don’t know anything about me.” “Because you won’t tell me anything!” After the Battle of the Bastards, Jon and Sansa try to get to know each other.

Of Justice and Ghosts 1k by @lurikko

He knows his sister is watching him carefully like they are the only two humans left in the world, as they in a way are, and that makes his every remaining piece crumble.

Ghosts that We Knew 7k @the-prophet-lemonade

In the wake of the Battle of the Bastards, and the proclamation of the North's fealty to the Starks once more, Jon and Sansa see the ghosts of their family all-around. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to separate the past from the present when so many that they love are dead. A series of vignettes based around "nostalgia", and Jon & Sansa compared to Ned & Catelyn and the rest of their family.

they say that we’re out of control and some say we’re sinners 14k

Doesn’t have enough time to reminisce on the past because she’s turned around, and he’s seen her face, and it’s her. Can’t be anyone but her even underneath all that smudged dirt on her pale cheeks. Would know the red of her hair anywhere, he thinks. Doesn’t linger on the why, and instead descends down the steps and towards her. She’s turned her body so she’s facing him now, her eyes tracking his every move, his doing the same. They���re so in sync it’s terrifying, really.

Five Kisses 1k by @ben-barnes-is-my-husband

The five kisses that Jon and Sansa have shared.

Undisclosed Desires 4k Nina36

“Why did you stop?” She asked. I was ashamed. He was yours. I was terrified that you saw who I am. He was yours to kill. It was what you needed.

bet you didn't know that i was dangerous 4k by @ladyalice101

“I mean that your brother took a woman to bed, and when he had his way with her, he said your name into her ear over and over again.” // In which Littlefinger tests for Jon's weaknesses, and discovers a secret.

Soiled 5k by @orangeflavoryawp

"'Talk to me, Sansa,' he pleads, voice wavering, and she shuts her eyes to the sound. Like a gale. Like a mountain coming down. This is how it empties from her. 'What do you want me to say?"' she bites out, voice quaking." - Jon and Sansa. The start of their descent.

Dark in Bloom 8k by orangeflavoryawp

"His gravity wavers, the axis of his world tilted to the measure of her lips." - Jon and Sansa. The stain of desire bleeds slowly between them.

Hallowed 5k by orangeflavoryawp

“’Tell me,’ he growls, more demand than he’s ever given her – crown or not – and the feeling is heady in its fervency. Sansa stares him down, mouth a harsh frown. She doesn’t resist his hold, doesn’t ease into it either. ‘He says your affections for me aren’t… brotherly.’” - Jon and Sansa. An encounter with Lord Baelish brings the truth of their desires to light.

but still you stumble, feet give way, outside the world seems a violent place 3k by @parkersedith

When she looks at him, she cannot see anyone other than Jon, especially with him wearing a simple breeches and tunic, divested of all ornaments, even Longclaw. She can only see Jon, not her bastard half-brother, not the King in the North, not the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, not a wildling, but only Jon, the Jon who took Winterfell back with her, the Jon who fought their battle, the Jon who has been there, at her side, ever since she found him again. or; instead of roaming winterfell when she cannot sleep, sansa goes to jon, and to jon's bed. it's not quite as illicit as it sounds, and gives them a chance to finally, truly, talk

In the quiet of the night 4k by @dreams-for-spring

It becomes a habit; each night she unlatches her chamber door, and each night Jon enters just as bashfully as before. Some nights he brings terrible sour wine, and others bitter ale for them to share as they sit around the hearth speaking of everything that has happened–everything except what has passed between him and his black brothers. She knows that is a topic he is not ready to share. Still, she does not find sleep when he leaves, but at least for those brief hours she is not alone, and something small inside of her begins to burn brighter with each night that passes. She tries to ignore the voice that tells her it is hope; hope is a dangerous thing for people like them.

love is more than telling me you want it 2k

When he smiles at her, she feels warmth flooding back into her bones. She’d almost forgotten what it feels like, she’s been cold for so long. Sansa and Jon learn to be something other than ships passing in the night.

Gifsets: Jon Looking at Sansa by jonstarks, Sansa Looking at Jon by baelerion, Forehead Kiss by joanna-lannister, Winter Is Here by kitnjon, Forehead Kiss by c-sand

PRE CANON - WESTERN - FAIRYTALES - REGENCY - LITTLE WOMEN - HOLIDAY - next week -> ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

[lulublack90]

Prompt 12 - Rub

@jegulus-microfic May 12, Word count 757

Previous part First part

James, good to his word, snuck down to the dungeons and collected Regulus under the invisibility cloak while Sirius and Peter made their way outside. He took Regulus to an area on the lawn that was in a black spot from anyone looking out of the castle. The only person who might catch them there was Hagrid, but that wasn’t likely, as Sirius had mentioned to him that there was a bit of gambling going on in the Hog’s head that he might be interested in. They’d sat together, peering at the Marauder’s map as Hagrid’s little label disappeared out the main gate.

Padfoot bounded across the lawn and transformed just before he got to them. He looked Regulus up and down. 

“You ready?” He asked. He’d been trying harder these past few weeks to be better around Regulus and while neither of them seemed overly enthusiastic about each other, James could see they were more relaxed around each other and after tonight, he hoped that Sirius would come to accept that Regulus maybe didn’t tell their parents about everything they got up to.

Regulus nodded stiffly at Sirius.

“Yes.” His voice was just as stiff. Sirius let a grin spread across his face, James thought it even met his eyes, which was a first between them. 

“Good luck,” He winked, before turning back into Padfoot and loping across the grass to the base of the Whomping Willow. 

Regulus swallowed and looked up at the sky. Typically, it was cloudy tonight. They might have to wait a while for the full moon to be visible. 

Twilight fell around them and James flung the invisibility cloak over them again when Madam Pomfrey appeared out the entrance door, escorting Remus to the shack. 

“He doesn’t look good,” Regulus observed. James nodded solemnly. 

“He hurts around the full moon, but especially just before. The transformations are hard on him. Maybe once you can transform he’ll let you join us if you want. But I’ll warn you now, it’s heartbreaking to watch what his body goes through each month.”

They stood quietly for a while, gazing at the sky and watching for Madam Pomfrey. They had to stand quite close as the cloak was only so big. James tried his best not to touch Regulus, but their shoulders kept brushing. He inhaled, trying to calm his breathing, but it didn't help. 

Madam Pomfrey appeared, and she hurried back up to the castle. Once the doors were firmly closed, James removed the cloak and took a step away, pretending he was struggling to roll it up.

When he’d stopped messing with the cloak, he looked back over at Regulus, who was staring towards the Whomping Willow. Just then, the clouds rolled away and revealed the full moon behind.

It shone brighter than James remembered, then again it had been a while since he stared at a full moon with his human eyes. “Okay, it’s time.” He smiled encouragingly at Regulus. Regulus paused with the leaf in his hand. He gulped. “You don’t have to do it if you’re not ready,” James said gently. Regulus huffed at him. He tilted his head up, so he was staring squarely at the moon and put the mandrake leaf in his mouth. It was very anticlimactic. 

“Is that it?” His face twisted into a frown. James chuckled. 

“Yep, but it gets more exciting later.” He fully turned towards Regulus. “Let me have a look, so I can make sure you’ve got the leaf in a good position.” Regulus automatically opened his mouth and James peered in. 

Ever so carefully he raised his hand and moved the leaf further under Regulus’s tongue. He was surprised Regulus hadn’t bitten him, but the leaf would have fallen out in his sleep otherwise. 

His thumb was resting on Regulus’s lip and James unconsciously started to rub the pad along the delicate skin. It was only when Regulus drew in a gasping breath that he realised what he was doing. “Sorry,” He mumbled as he withdrew his finger. 

Regulus moved his jaw around, testing the leaf in his mouth. 

“So this thing won’t fall out now? Even when I’m eating?” He asked, ignoring James's apology. 

“Yeah, it should stay put. That’s how we had them when we did it, and we got through the whole month with them barely moving.” James told him. But before he could do anything else, Regulus had stepped into his space, and under the full moon he pressed his body into James’s and stole a kiss. 

Next part

[spirintom]

Herobrine headcanons 💎

sorry I wasn't posting for a pretty long time... needed to get over my hyperfixation on this guy

💎"He has changed"💎 Enjoy!

----------------------------------

----------------------------------

He has existed for a long time. Too long, to be honest. 

People were afraid of him even before legends and rumors were spread - every visit to the Overworld was accompanied by fear. When he appeared, the sky noticeably darkened, a strong wind blew, and it seemed as if even plants were hiding from his shining cold eyes. The world rejected him, everything living and non-living was afraid, and only Nether felt... like home? maybe... 

But that was a long time ago. Too long, to be honest... 

Now the world seems to be getting used to the man. Peaceful creatures curl up to his warm hands, ask him for food, play with him, look as if they understand him. 

And he developed a bad habit - to carry seeds, a couple bunches of wheat, and other treats for them... Perhaps that's why they follow him that much. But the mobs love him, and that pleases him. 

Herobrine himself seems somehow softer. 

Although villagers still fear even think of his name. And this is completely fair. Earlier he used to be excessively hot-headed. He ravaged cities, killed players who dared to look at him. 

So his name became a noun. Now all the world's troubles are attributed to him, not forgetting to recall the old ones. 

Not that he was mad about it. That's absolutely fair. 

But Herobrine has changed. 

Now combat achievements and strength hardly concern him. Of course, the man can still destroy a pretty large village with a slight move of his hand, but... is that really necessary? (And was it necessary at all?) 

Herobrine has changed. 

Now he prefers to enjoy the world: wandering at night or in the early morning, sipping coffee, watching some players, reading, studying redstone mechanisms, perfecting his enchanting or potion-making skills, spending more time with old friends. 

Sometimes in snowy biomes, near villages, he builds snowmen. (Of course, to puzzle and scare village children! Yes-yes. We believe him.) If he finds a spot with flowers, he picks some and leaves them outside random player's house. 

And sometimes (very rarely) he submits to curiosity and goes to some abandoned player’s base and explores it. Herobrine admires, looking at cities, castles, statues, and other structures that, according to him, used to destroy the nature of the world. 

He is especially pleased with one specific base. A small temple on a hill surrounded by cherry trees. There in the mountain, behind thick tangles of vines, lies the entrance to a cave with hot springs and a small pool of lava. The man loves to come there to relax. (how lucky that he’s immune to lava!) 

In these peaceful moments, he catches himself thinking that he understands Notch - understands that creating can also bring joy. The man, of course, grumbles something under his nose, but smiles. 

 Sincerely. Softly.

---------------------------------- 🩵Hope you liked it! Also sorry if there were some mistakes (i'm using a translator)

[pablitosgf]

beach day ! — op81

pairings ! — oscar piastri!girl dad x fem!mom!filipina!reader

warnings ! — none, pure fluff

info ! — in which oscar, y/n, and their daughter ilia have a fun beach day.

authors note ! — SEND REQUESTS PLEASEE IM BEGGING 🙏🏼 (yes im this desperate!) this is based on the y/n and ilia from my 3 part mini series, which are what?!, shock!, and again?! so make sure to check those out if you'd like <3, however this can be read as a standalone

format ! — writing

“Are you ready for the beach, my love?” you said with a warm smile rolling onto your lips, looking at your daughter with full adoration. She had your dark eyes, she had brown hair (though they weren't as dark as yours, hers was lighter), but she had her father's fair skin tone, no touch of your morena skin tone. Not even a sprinkle. She was as light as day. A smile rolled onto her lips too as your daughter, Ilia, happily nodded.

“I’m so excited! Will I be able to make sand castles with you and Papa?” Ilia exclaimed, jumping in place as your hands clasped with her small ones like a puzzle piece. Her excitement only made your smile wider, she and Oscar were your life, your happiness, and your will to keep on going. Your daughter had her swimsuit on already, it was blue (her favorite color) with frills, and had a woven hat on.

You nodded looking down at her, “Of course, we’ll make it very big. Won't we Mahal?” you said, looking at your husband who just came down after he finished getting ready. Oscar wore his cap (no, not his McLaren one if that's what you were thinking) a creme off-white button-up shirt, and some blue shorts.

His eyes met yours and soon Ilia’s he too nodded with a smile, “Yes, it’ll be very big and taller. Taller than you, Ilia.” Ilia gasped, she raised her right hand up high to show how tall it would be, then looked up at her hand. You and Oscar chuckled.

“This tall?” Ilia asked, tilting her head to the right as she furrowed her eyebrows.

“Yes, that tall anak.”

“So tall it’ll reach the sky?” she said as her eyes went big, making you and your husband chuckle again.

“Yes, darling.” Oscar stepped into the conversation again.

“Okay then, let's go!” Ilia said, her hand still clasped with yours As you held onto the bag filled with toys and other beach day necessities. Your eyes widened as she ran to the door, dragging you along with her.

“Woah, woah! Okay, Missy!” you chortled, unlocking the door and pushing it open. You followed Ilia as she went to the car, urging you to open it. “Wow, I guess you’re super duper excited!”

“Of course I am, Mama!” Ilia climbed into the car once you opened it, waiting for you to buckle her into her carseat. Closing the door, you open the passenger and climb inside, waiting for Oscar to come. In the meantime, you set the beach bag down in a safe place. Once Oscar arrived he began driving his way to the beach, passing scenic roads.

You and Oscar were conversing with Ilia about what she did during preschool, she was pretty extroverted and talkative, but you and Oscar definitely were not. I guess it’s true, two introverts make one extrovert.

You looked outside your side of the window, “Ilia, look we’re at the beach!” you pointed at the sand-filled grounds and the people in the water splashing and playing. Glancing into the mirror you saw Ilia shake in her car seat, you laughed to yourself and nudged Oscar to look into the mirror as well. Oscar locked eyes with yours and burst out laughing.

Eventually, the three of you got settled, and you were lying down reading a book with flip-flops and the bag beside you as Oscar and Ilia tried to make a really big sand castle. Occasionally you looked up from your book to see what progress they had, and to say the least Oscar did 99% of the work while Ilia was just patting it carefully here and there and praising Oscar. You smiled to yourself.

You could tell Ilia was getting bored by watching Oscar shape the sand castle. “Papa, can we just go play in the water now?” she whined.

“One minute, honey,” he said, finishing his last touches. When he was finally finished he stood up after a long time of not and smiled happily. “Isn’t it nice, Ilia?”

“Yeah, Papa it’s super nice. Can we go now?” Ilia said in a hurry, she looked over at you, “Mama, want to come?” she asked, having a hand out for you.

“Of course, my love!” you grasped her hand and Oscars as you three ran to the water.

You splashed Ilia and Oscar in the water, and you got payback from the two of them. You smiled happily as you watched Ilia get on Oscar’s back. This was the life, you were happy this was your life. You wouldn't change it for anything.

yourusername

liked by oscarpiastri, lilymhe, and 678,936 others

yourusername family beach day 🌊

view all 473 comments

oscarpiastri that sand castle looks amazing i wonder who made that!!

⤷ yeah, i wonder! i think it was ilia.

oscarpiastri yeah uh no, she did nothing.

⤷ OSCAR

oscarpiastri what? 🧍🏼‍♂️

lilymhe tell lia i miss her🥹💔

⤷ she misses her auntie lily 🩷

kellypiquet maybe we could have her and penny have a playdate?

⤷ omg, yes!! message me rn <3

[wisepuma23]

Knives and forks clink against the dinner plates, metal scraping and laughter, their base drips with water from above. Drip, drip, drip. Impulse watches. It seeps into the center of the table, a growing patch on the wooden grain. Right between the steaks and loaves of warm bread. Nobody pays it any mind. Drip, drip.

(…Nobody but him.)

Etho says something he doesn’t catch, a bark of laughter from Tango. Beads of water splash onto the surrounding food.

Impulse’s hold on his fork goes tight. 

He needs to fix that. 

“Impulse buddy, you with us?” Skizz shakes his arm, “You agree Scar’s acting weird right?”

“Yeah yeah,” Impulse answers on auto-pilot, “I heard rumors he’s been trying to get kills. Yellow Scar, man.”

Tango cackles and the conversation cycles on. Impulse steels his jaw, he can’t zone out again. Keep pretending, he reminds himself. It wouldn’t be good to stab his teammates at the dinner table. He’d have to clean the table out. Maybe pull out the entrails from the cracks in the grain of wood.

(Drip, drip.) 

No, focus. 

Focus.

(A faint, metallic scent permeates his senses– gone in a moment.) 

Impulse bites into a piece of steak. Buttery juice slides over his tongue and between his teeth. The taste of blood makes his grip on the fork creak. For what feels like the first time in millenia, his glamor itches at his skin. The careful control over his form twitches and squirms like a coiled snake poised to strike. 

Show them what you really are, hums in his mind. The dripping echoes like a wardrum. Show them your true face.

 Impulse licks at his lips, “You did a nice job, Tango. It’s delicious!” 

“Aww!” Tango coos, his flames crackling a soft orange-red, “Etho lent me some seasoning but he won’t tell me where he got the happy happy sauce.” 

Impulse takes another bite, canines digging into flesh and bone, and the rip is loud. Or is it loud for him? Again, infernal magic bubbles at the back of his throat. He swallows, appraising the flavor. It doesn’t drown out the sickly sulfur like he hoped. 

“Bdubs?” Impulse guesses with a tease.

“Oh come on,” Etho groans, “Ah I guess that was way too easy.”

“He married me too, remember?” Impulse laughs at Etho’s expression, “Can’t blame me for forgetting the best meals I’ve ever had! Bet he’s feeding his family around now.” 

Etho waves him off as they cackle at the blush rushing up past the mask. Impulse cuts another piece off the bone. Rip, snrk, clink. Idly, he wonders if human skin still made the same noise. 

The clink of metal against the plates, the dull pounding of water. The snap-crackle of Tango’s fire. Buttery-sweet blood coats his tongue.

He remembers the musky smell of Etho's burning hair and flesh, his screams turned into bloody gurgles as he flailed in lava in the first game. Just minutes before everything ended. 

Impulse tears off a chunk of meat.

(Snrrk, clink.)

People die in so many ways. It’s why he loves the variety poison provides— stomachs twisting and lungs seizing— and yet he wonders if anybody’s tried skinning someone, if the server would even allow it.

Impulse swallows a dark laugh, is vivisection on the table? His glamor shivers.

Metal catches the light, the smooth shimmer taking him back. To sharp arrowheads and snapping magma, to a castle reaching into the sky.

He remembers a golden clock.

(Rip, snrk, clink.) 

Impulse remembers the way Bdubs’ flesh bubbled and blistered from the Wither. The way his Red bloodlust sang at the way his corpse crumpled to the ground. Bdubs’ skin growing dark, mottled with blackened streaks and bruised from the Withering and regular battle. 

The worst of it healed over, scars stitched into flesh. But he’d be a liar if he said he didn’t revel in it, the stained canvas left on Bdubs’ face and arms. 

He kissed that face. Peppering them along wither-cracked ribs and arms, tracing every dark and poisoned line with a smile. I’m sorry, he had said. I’m sorry.

He meant it. (Yes, really.)

Impulse hadn’t meant to curse Bdubs with chronic pain and scars, especially since he had to feel the echoes of it through the soulmate bond. He loved Bdubs. Loved him since the beginning.

And he remembers the rip-schk! of the ax in his back. 

The way his blood pooled on the grass as everything went dark.

The phantom feeling of Pearl’s wolves tearing flesh from bone in long strips and bites. Riiiip-snrk-crunch.

Blood dripping from between their teeth.

(Drip, drip.)

Impulse stabs his fork a little harder into the next cut, picturing a handsome face with a cute and crooked grin. Damn him. He glares down at his plate. No, focus. Pretend, he tells himself, you’re good at that, aren’t you?

There’s a hand over his, warmer than it should be. He looks up.

Tango has cocked an eyebrow up with a cute little nose crinkle, “You in?”

Impulse blinks, the words registering in his head.

“Yeah, sure,” He grins, “A walk sounds great. I think I’m tired of Skizz’s stink overpowering the place. We really need to install some ventilation.”

“Hey!” 

And they laugh, bright and loud as Skizz pouts, checking his armpits. The glasses shake as Tango rattles the table with a smack, a cackle on his lips. Etho’s eyes twinkle with amusement.

Impulse’s focus drifts. Back to the present, away from the blood.

(Drip, drip.)

And yet.

(Rip, snrrk, clink.)

…The hunger prevails.  

[feelmyskinonyourskin]

Stray

Pairing: Frank Castle x Reader

Masterlist

Summary: Based off of my commentary on this post from @itwasthereaminuteago, about how Frank just brings home dogs from jobs.

Warnings: Fluff, pure fluff.

WC: 900

The raindrops hit against the windows of your apartment in a calming rhythm, a welcome white noise to accompany your relaxing evening. You were snuggled up on the sofa, your favorite fuzzy throw blanket rested across your lap as you settled in for the night, content to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book while you waited for Frank to return.

No that you were lonely tonight, quite the contrary, as you were surrounded by your four rescue dogs.

Rosie was the brindle boxer-lab mix Frank found on the way home from a job. She was left in a box after she had been abandoned on the side of the road somewhere in rural Appalachia. Now, she rested right in front of the fireplace, content to let the glowing embers warm her snoot as she slept in a curled up croissant shape on the floor.

Max and Leo were found together, Frank rescued them from an underground dog fighting ring run by one of the gangs he was hunting down. Max, a shepherd-pittie mix with ears shooting up to the sky, sat right in front of the window, tilting his head to take in every new sound coming from the outside. Meanwhile, Leo, a tan and white pitbull, was content to join Rosie in lounging about. His body draped lazily across the recliner in the corner, lip occasionally twitching as he dreamed, probably about chasing squirrels in the park you liked to imagine. 

Nestled into your side rested Jeff, a tiny dachshund mix some mob boss used like a Bond villain with a white cat in his lap. When Frank brought him home, he was shivering and so scared of everything, quivering with fear every time either of you went near him. Now that he had been in your home for a while, his personality was quite the opposite. Despite him being the tiniest of your pack, he was the most confident and always happy to snuggle up with either of you, just like he was now. 

The familiar sound of keys in the door caught the attention of all five of you. Rosie, Max, and Leo sprinted towards the door, eager to greet Frank as his heavy boots squeaked across the floors of the entryway. Jeff, however, was unbothered and after watching his three siblings rush down the hall, resumed burrowing further into your embrace.

You looked up from your book, watching as Frank appeared in the living room, three dogs trailing behind him.

He was soaked from head to toe, dark curls sticking to his forehead as he approached where you were sitting. He kept one arm tucked inside his jacket, as he leaned down and gave you a sweet kiss in greeting

“You’re back earlier than I expected.” you commented, eyeing him as he stooped down to give the dogs attention, wondering just what the heck he was doing with his arm

“Yeah, well musta got some bad intel cause I waited at that warehouse for four hours and no one showed. I’ll try it again tomorrow.” he replied as Max and Leo licked at his chin

“Frankie?”

“Hm?”

“Whatcha got there?” you asked, having a bad feeling you already knew the answer

Frank stood tall in front of you, sheepishly ducking his head toward the floor before looking up at you and responding.

“Look, I know you said we don’t have any more room…”

“Frank…”

“But she was shivering behind a dumpster and in this weather I couldn’t just leave her!”

He finally pulled his arm from his jacket, revealing a gray staffordshire terrier puppy trembling in his hand. She looked so young, and was small enough to fit in Frank’s enormous palm.

“Francis, we live in a one bedroom in Manhattan. Where are we gonna put another dog?”

He didn’t answer, instead just looking at you with those signature brown eyes that made you melt every time.

You looked at the poor thing in his grasp, her brown eyes seemed to be exactly the same as Frank’s, silently begging you to say yes.

You sighed, knowing that your protestations were useless. You got up from your spot on the couch, annoying Jeff who moved to the other side of the sofa with a huff as he curled back up. 

Frank wordlessly handed the puppy to you and you pulled her close to your chest as she sniffed at your ear, excited to meet another new person. You kissed her forehead and a wide smile spread across Frank’s face, knowing that you were sold and this dog was now part of the family.

You crouched down, letting Rosie, Max and Leo sniff and greet their new sibling. Her tail thumped against your chest as she excitedly greeted her new-found family.

“What are we going to name her?” you asked Frank as he also crouched down to scratch at everyone’s ears and help them greet the new puppy.

“What about Chelsea? Since that’s where I found her?”

“Chelsea. Perfect.” you replied

After everyone had gotten their sniffs in and settled down, she fell asleep in your arms. You gingerly moved back towards the couch, trying your best not to disturb her. Frank and the rest of the dogs joined you to snuggle up and enjoy the rest of your first evening together as a pack of seven.

[eatmeandbirthmeagain]

Hey dear, how are you?👋🫶🧡

I had an idea for a short fanfic, and as I like, it has to do with the theme of Saladin's friendship with Baldwin. Anyway, the idea is related to the drawings that @chicken-blitz13 and @somethingstrangeishere created, specifically the ones where Saladin and Baldwin are playing polo. How about a fanfic in which Baldwin and Saladin meet for diplomatic negotiations (on not too global, but relatively small territorial issue, let's say) and during these negotiations one of the rulers casually drops the phrase "If only disputes were solved by games instead of battles...". (Or something like that). And then they get the idea that it's actually not a bad thing. As a result - Saladin and Baldwin decide by lot who chooses which game to play. As a result, they play polo. And then it's up to you, it'll be interesting to see who wins!😉

Always love you, thank you in advance💕

Drawings:

Credit @chicken-blitz13 and me

♡ Mallets And Hooves - King Baldwin & Saladin ♡

♡ Fluff ♡

A/N: HELLO GIRL!!! I am soooo sorry that it has taken FOREVER to get to this i've been so busy 😭. I loved writing this so much, I always enjoy writing these two as besties (they deserve it for real). I did change it up a little i'm sorry but I hope you like it anyway! I really hope you enjoy my friend! As always, this is based off the film Kingdom Of Heaven, not the real historical figures. Enjoy!

P.S. THIS IS NOT A SHIP FIC RAHHH!!!! I also really love the art 🤭and thank you to @chicken-blitz13 for coming up with the fic name 😭

TW: Leprosy

It was a warm evening in Jerusalem when the diplomatic negotiations first took place.

Earlier in the day Saladin had arrived at the castle with his own royal officials to begin the trade route negotiations and after a few hours of rest, the men were ready for the discussions.

Baldwin had been nervous about the affairs prior to the sultan's arrival, mostly because this was their first meeting since his victory all those years ago and he was yet to decide on how the other man would react after seeing him again.

Fortunately, the two had become acquainted quickly and soon the tension was all but gone. If only the same could be said for the other royal officials who had quickly taken to bickering about the affairs while Baldwin and Saladin exchanged glances of empathy and apologies for their counterparts behavior.

They had been at it for hours, so much so that the sun had grown low in the sky and due to the insistence of the other men, a conclusion had yet to be reached.

The sultan rubbed his eyes and sighed as Baldwin yawned behind the iron mask that covered his bored expression. It was truly draining for the both of them and the end seemed nowhere in sight.

Baldwin had not been paying attention for the most part but his attention was grabbed as one of the smaller rulers mumbled, “if only disputes were solved by games instead of battles…”.

The idea of a game of polo lifted the young king's spirits immensely, “alright, enough for now. Meeting dismissed, we shall continue tomorrow” Baldwin said loud enough for them all to hear.

He turned to the sultan for approval and was met with a tired nod.

The officials grumbled in annoyance and stood to leave, collecting their papers as they went.

Baldwin stood and approached the chair next to Saladin who seemed hesitant to get up just yet. The young king sat down and sighed.

“If only he were right..” Baldwin mumbled.

“Sorry?” the sultan replied.

“If only disputes were solved by games instead of battles!” 

Saladin chuckled. “Yes, that would certainly make things much easier” he said, looking out into the distance.

“Would you like to play a game of polo before the food is prepared?” Baldwin offered, a small smile creeping onto his face.

A similar smile came to the sultan at the kings strange request, “that would be wonderful”.

-----------------------------

The two left for the stables, talking about what they would discuss tomorrow and complaining of the behavior of their own men.

“Children! I swear that's all they are” Saladin said, throwing his hands in the air as Baldwin mounted his own horse.

The young king laughed, “yes it definitely seems that way" “I will speak to all of them tonight about their behavior. We are here to make peace, not war” the sultan said honestly as he mounted his own horse. 

So the two set off with the sun casting an orange glow over the desert.

They began to play as the sun got lower and lower in the sky until it was near impossible to see the ball in front of them. The game came to a perfect tie, the two of them laughing about that as they rode back to the stables.

Baldwin's body ached but it was worth it. As of that evening, he considered Saladin a good friend and not somebody to bicker about stupid things with as their officials and advisors did.

When the two arrived back at the castle, dinner for most was prepared in the dining hall and Baldwins in his chambers.

When Saladin saw the young king walk past the table and to his rooms, he followed.

“My friend! Are you not going to dine with us?” he said, confused.

Baldwin simply tapped his mask with a gloved finger in reply.

“I can assure you, nobody would want to see what's under this” that statement made the sultan's heart ache for the young man. He must be so lonely, eating alone in his rooms every night.

“Well in that case, I shall take my food and go with you” he said returning to the dining room before Baldwin could protest. 

---------------------------

The two walked to Baldwin's chambers in silence with Saladin trying his best to concentrate on balancing two plates and a cup in his hands after the refusal of a servant's help, insisting that he did not wish to waste her time her.

Once inside, the two sat down at the small table on the royal balcony.

Baldwin hesitated at removing his mask in front of the other man and Saladin noticed this right away.

“I can assure you my friend, your appearance could never bother me. I admire you for your leadership and respect you as a friend. Nothing could change that” he said with a small, reassuring smile.

The young king sighed and pulled back the head covering to reveal his hair before slowly peeling off the mask, exposing his bandaged face to the cool night air.

Saladin grinned, “ah, you see! Nothing but the face of a brilliant leader, and a good friend”.

He raised his glass to Baldwin. The young king smiled and raised his glass in return.

“To peace between our people, as peace has come between us” the sultan said happily.

“To peace between our people” Baldwin repeated, equally as happy as his new friend.

[krashlite]

The brainrot took over and I spent all morning rambling/psychoanalyzing BigB and Grian cause they make me crazy

So it’s been established that Grian + Scar and Ren + BigB are soulmates. No matter what they will find each other- even outside of DL. Fate chose them and continues to choose them

Grian + BigB on the other hand are not soulmates, they just chose each other. It’s rare that they cross paths but typically they’ll stay nearby whenever they do.

3L had blue sword boys (BSB) which was the two of them and Martyn, though Martyn was the only one out of the three that called on the alliance. The desert’s first plan happened at BigB’s castle- an action that steered Scar away from BigB and towards Dogwarts even though aiming for BigB probably would’ve gotten them more immediate results- something I know damn well Grian shoots for. I like to think this was because B was Grian’s backup plan if Scar did die. “Your job isn’t to steal cookies, it’s to do murder” if that was the sole reason for changing targets then why not just attack BigB instead of stealing his cookie?

They didn’t cross paths on the battlefield iirc, even when the desert stormed Dogwarts for the final time. BigB was absent when the desert went sky high and was largely uninvolved in most of the war. Though he sided with DW he didn’t fully stand against the desert, he didn’t stand against Grian. And when the desert stormed DW, BigB was mostly on the outskirts of that fight, which I think was because he’s scared of combat. EDIT correcting myself here but BigB was in fact shot by Grian, even if unintentionally

The next time they see each other is when Scar comes along to sic Bdubs on BigB. The whole time Grian is begging BigB to “do something!!” And saying he can’t watch. EDIT 2 I watched the clip back and Grian specifically told him “don’t go out without a fight.” DON’T GO OUT WITHOUT A FIGHT.

Even after BigB panics and attacks him, Grian is still distraught over the fact that he’s gone. He even justifies BigB attacking him as it being revenge for the arrow

I’m also fascinated by B’s decision to attack Grian instead of the other two reds. Grian was the only yellow name left, which was probably the reason why B went for him over Scar or Bdubs. It could be a fun idea for BigB to see that he was never truly on the desert’s side and attack Grian as a response to that. Yes Grian was pleading for him to do something, but he made no actual attempt to save him. Grian was going to let them kill BigB, and B knew this

Anyways

-

LL they didn’t really interact much- which does come into play during DL

-

In DL Grian and BigB found each other day 1, but alas, not soulmates. But there’s a couple things established in their first interaction. Grian suddenly dropped like 6 hearts bc of Scar and started panicking asking for food. This established pretty much immediately that Grian’s soulmate wasn’t going to save him and BigB was.

BigB, on the other hand, though Grian’s disappointment, reads that Grian would have truly valued his company- not to mention how he knows that G would’ve taken the lead on things B feels he’s weakest at, considering they have past experience

Enter Ren! Ren is someone who truly does value and care about BigB but he is very bad at actually expressing this. He tries spinning negatives into positives instead of working through them- which isn’t a flaw necessarily but it is something that clashes with BigB

I would like to specifically point out that instead of listening to BigB when he said he doesn’t know how to build and teaching him some basics- Ren instead leans into the fact that BigB is bad at building. He decides they should make the ugliest base as a sort of inside joke but I can’t help but feel like BigB was a little hurt by that. He laughs along, but damn.. Ren intended this as some harmless fun but fails to recognize that it’s not what BigB wanted, nor what he needed. BigB does learn to love the base for all its goofiness because he loves Ren, and wants to be there for him

Box pretty quickly becomes about what Ren wants- not through malicious intent but because they have different personalities. Ren is very loud and outgoing while BigB is more reserved.

Ren is someone who tends to jump into things headfirst while BigB tends to follow. Ren also has a habit of not listening to people- something he did in past seasons as well. DW almost crumbled because he failed to listen to Martyn, he got tunnel vision in LL while building the shadow fort and failed to save Cleo- not even realizing she’d died when the betrayal happened on his front doorstep

BigB, on the other hand, needs to be listened to. Again, he’s a lot more reserved than other people but truly shines when he has a spotlight on him. LL was wonderful for this since, after his betrayal, the main plot thread of the fairy fort centered on him- on how his mistakes led to their demise and how it was up to him to fix the situation he caused. BigB stayed closer to his team than ever before, making sure that they knew he was trustworthy. However, B also ran away from the true issue, which was that he had betrayed Cleo. BigB was too scared to try to make amends with them after Cleo burned the fort to the ground, fearing for both his safety and the safety of his team.

Back to DL! BigB overcompensated for past mistakes by fully mirroring whatever Ren did, all the way down to getting a matching pair of sunglasses and dog ears. He didn’t agree with Ren’s decision to ban Pearl from Box, but stood by the decision since Ren had made it. Largely, BigB didn’t feel heard in the relationship- something that’s later discussed in couple’s counseling

Putting a pin in that!

On Grian’s side of things he is in! An entire mess. Not only is he paired with a past fling, but Scar is almost constantly causing problems for him. He’s taking large chunks of damage, getting himself into stressful situations for Grian, and Grian has to drag him everywhere in order to get them to get along. Scar wasn’t even going to base with him, he was perfectly content in them living in separate bases when Grian needed to stay with his soulmate. It comes down to safety for Grian- he doesn’t think he can rely on Scar to keep the both of them out of harm’s way. In fact, Grian has to hurt himself to be with Scar, even in their first interaction with the stalactite!!!!

Grian feels less like Scar’s partner and more like Scar’s mother, having to constantly watch after him and make sure he’s out of trouble. I think Grian even remarks that being with Scar is like watching over a toddler.

Scar’s behaving like this both to try and get Grian to be less uptight about every little thing and also as a means of getting back at him for said little things. Grian didn’t want the pandas in the house? Fine, he’ll hop in some powdered snow. Grian’s upset by him taking damage? Fine, he just won’t eat for a bit. Scar knows it’s not as serious as Grian’s making it out to be but does nothing to reassure Grian.

All this does is push Grian away, so it’s absolutely no surprise that Grian runs off. He tried! So hard! To fix the relationship and doesn’t see Scar putting in the same amount of effort. Again, Grian is his partner, not his caretaker. He shouldn’t be expected to constantly clean up after Scar

No G wasn’t perfect but goddamn

BigB on the other hand, has already been established as a Safe person. Both this season and in past seasons. Remember, Grian was completely absent from the fairy fort plotline, never actually crossing paths with the consequences of the betrayal. This affects both of them. Not only does Grian perceive him as safe, but BigB knows he has nothing to prove to Grian. He is loved regardless, while with Ren he feels the need to prove himself CONSTANTLY with little acknowledgement.

They both felt undervalued with their soulmate but were valued with one another. However, neither one of them wanted to actually leave their soulmate, which is where things get tricky. They were fully in the wrong for cheating on their soulmates, even if they did have a reason for doing so

But anyways

BigB got caught between Grian and Ren, the more he leaned to one side the more he lost the other. This is the same issue he had in 3L- coincidentally landing between the same people.

Both of them kept the other a secret to protect their peace more than their soulmate. Grian even goes as far as to gaslight Scar when Scar clearly knows he’s being cheated on. BigB also lies about Grian’s involvement in his and Ren’s 2nd death, leading Ren to focus solely on Bdubs.

Ren does this to find a target to defend BigB from rather than actually addressing the root of their problems- Ren’s inability to listen. He thinks that if he just Shows BigB how good of a soulmate he is, he can keep BigB at his side when that’s not what BigB needs. So now Box is caught in a cycle of trying to prove themselves to the other

Scar, on the other hand, doubles down on his behavior instead of making any changes. The only thing he does change is how much he listens to Grian. He basically becomes Grian’s lackey, which was meant to address the fact that Grian feels like he has no control over his circumstances. However, he fails to recognize that the reason G thinks he lost control is because Scar himself is a rogue element.

So both sides continue to get worse in trying to course correct- which causes both of them to get into increasingly dangerous situations

-

Also side bar, in writing this I realized if you swapped Grian for Ren they would be perfectly functional on both sides- since Ren’s course correction matches what Scar needs and Scar’s course correction matches what Ren needs. Ren needs support while being a protector and Scar needs someone to stand by him. Grian needs someone who’s safe and BigB needs someone to guide him

It’s a really funny coincidence but anyways

-

Ultimately it was Grian’s impulsiveness that did them in- all four of them. He set the trap at Box trying something ambitious, and he went to get a warden for a last hoorah. I like to think he was emboldened by the fact that the soulmate feature had less emphasis to him in those final episodes. He was thinking about BigB and not Ren and considered Scar entirely separate from him. It also doesn’t help that two of the three soulmate couples that stayed together- were either dead(ranchers), or distant from him(clockduo). Boat boys fed into his chaotic nature through being silly goofy guys

Even after Grian ended his season, BigB still forgives him. He still cares!!

I’m not normal about this season whatsoever

-

In LimL they really don’t properly interact until the very end but we’ll get to that.

BigB’s POV really reinforces that Grian is a loose canon. This was established in DL but LimL reinforces this in a more Romanticized kind of way. Grian’s sort of framed as being dangerous in a fun way and not the “oh this one’ll kill me and dump my body off a bridge” kinda way. He’s a Bad Boy, not a Bad Guy

On the other side of things, Grian’s POV reinforces that BigB is “safe.” The only conflict he has with the Nosy Neighbors is the Judge Judy and Executioner plotline- which Grian doesn’t take seriously whatsoever. Meanwhile, the Bad Boys have conflict with literally everyone else on the server

So when Jimmy and Joel die, it is zero surprise that Grian comes running to BigB again! BigB can’t save him, he can’t even save himself, but goddamnit Grian still trusts him and BigB’s too nice for is own good

And once again!! It’s Grian’s impulsiveness that gets them killed

I would like to also point out the moment where B has 45 seconds left on his timer and while Pearl is desperately trying to save him, Grian sort of stands off to the side and gets ready to crit BigB out if he has to. Remember- Grian was fighting a losing battle to save his boys, it getting to the point where it just wasn’t worth the cost. He hesitated because he didn’t want to lose BigB but wasn’t quick to save him like Pearl was.

And honestly it’s no surprise that Pearl was so quick to give him time. She spent the last season completely on her own and had nobody to turn to. Everyone she tried to stay with turned her away, and BigB was arguably the only person who didn’t outright shun her. Remember, he was only going along with Ren’s decision and I think she knows this. Now in LimL, Pearl has him as someone she can fully rely on, someone who stays at her side no matter what and I also think she panicked at the idea of being alone. Grian has a habit of making selfish decisions, and she knows that won’t bode well for her if it’s just the two of them. Plus she fully understands the power of a sacrifice and what it means to others. Hell, her victory was given to her THROUGH A SACRIFICE. Pearl knows damn well the amount of kindness it takes to do something like that, so her jumping to save B makes complete sense

I also like to think this calls back to 3L, with Grian not moving to save him from Scar and Bdubs. In both situations, Grian thinks BigB was going down anyways and is too scared to do anything to save him. But while BigB couldn’t do anything then, he can do something now. Grian is grateful for the extra time but I can’t help but think this pushed BigB away

Pearl was the last of that trio iirc, with both BigB and Grian dying in clumsy ways

-

SL they coincidentally wound up on the same corner of the map and most of BigB’s silly goofy behavior was directed at Grian but I really need to watch their POVs again to do a proper analysis so we’re putting a pin in that until later

[mxliv-oftheendless]

Lord of the Rings Characters as Studio Ghibli Characters

Because my mom and I just watched all the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies and I am also obsessed with Studio Ghibli, I thought this would be fun! So here we go!

Frodo – Nausicäa (Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind

Both simply want to protect and save their homes (Frodo with the Shire and Nausicäa with the Valley), and although they can fight, they consistently choose not to, and choose to be kind instead.

Sam – Pazu (Castle in the Sky)

Both have similar arcs! They have a friend they are ride or die for, but when the friend sends them away, they have to make a choice to go home or go back for their friend anyway—and they choose to have courage and go back.

Merry – Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service)

(Merry was kinda hard ngl) I think he and Kiki have growing up in common. They learn the hard way that life isn’t how they thought it was or would be, whether by being thrust into a dangerous quest or going off to grow up alone; and although this sobers them up a bit, they never lose their optimism and instead figure out what they can do to keep their heads up.

Pippin – Chihiro (Spirited Away)

Like Merry, Pippin was thrust into the whole Quest unexpectedly, as was Chihiro (and yes I’m aware Pippin knew a little bit in the books but bear with me). But both have a common goal of helping others (for Pippin it’s Frodo, and for Chihiro it’s her parents), and maybe they don’t know exactly what they’re doing, but they survived their journeys.

Gandalf – Zeniba (Spirited Away)

Zeniba is just as powerful as her twin Yubaba, but rather than use her power for greedy purposes, Zeniba chose to live a quiet, simple life in the forest. Similarly, Gandalf is one of the Maiar—an all-powerful wizard who consistently implies he could decimate everyone in his way. And yet, he interacts with people, he loves hobbits, he uses his power to entertain and delight people; he consistently chooses a simple life.

Aragorn – Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle)

Both run from something—Howl from any supposed “national responsibility” and Aragorn from his family history. But both come into themselves and both find a reason to fight. Although I think Aragorn is FAR less concerned about his appearance lol

Legolas – Haku (Spirited Away)

Legolas was also hard, but I went based on vibes and Haku fit those vibes. They’re both beings that have a strong connection to nature, Haku being a river spirit and Legolas being a Wood Elf.

Gimli – Dola (Castle in the Sky)

Gimli and Dola both appear gruff and crude at first, insensitive and not caring about anything except their goals. But as time goes on, it is revealed they are very caring people who love their friends and families, and they’re actually pretty soft inside after all. And both have a love for treasure!

Boromir – Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke)

Both Ashitaka and Boromir have a lot going on—Ashitaka obviously has his curse that’s eating away at him and has to spend the entire movie contemplating his own imminent death, and Boromir has the weight of his father’s expectations and the desire to defend Gondor and save his people. But they are both very noble people who try to do the right thing even if they may not know what exactly the right thing is, and at the very end they stick to their morals and end their films with honor.

That’s all for now! I may do a part 2!

[my-great-big-book-of-fan-fiction]

The Taming of Man: chapter Five - Dragon Shifting!Katsuki Bakugou x F!reader

Once again, I expected this to be wayyyyy longer, and once again, I realized just how much writing that entailed. I hope this was enough plot progress for you, I really am liking the relationship between Katsuki and reader so far <3

Words: 2,743

This is incredibly based on the song The Willow Maid by Erutan, I highly recommend giving it a listen for the best experience.

Warnings: Cursing, reader is She/Her and will be AFAB in later chapters, Katsuki is painfully bad at lying

The grass...well, was is really grass? It was fiery red, it crunched beneath your feet, it wasn't like the soft and gentle sea green grass you were used to. The air was dry and lightly scented of smoke, causing your nose to crinkle, and the sky was a perpetual shade of pepper orange with not a cloud in sight, only undistinguishable animals circling above, maybe vultures or falcons. The few trees and bushes around were barren and tinted a warm shade of desert red, their big thorns branching outwards and daring anyone to touch them.

Before you, maybe a football field's distance out, was the palace, Katsuki's home. It was tall, so tall you nearly fell over looking at it, the many towers shooting upwards making it looking like a red stalagmite formation. Closer than the palace was the large wall surrounding the structure, scraggly like the side of a mountain, no doubt holding a massive courtyard inside. It reminded you of your own palace, the aesthetics different but the size and awe it induced from others the same.

"This is..." you started, looking around and drinking in every detail, unable to put together your words.

"Forrmidūl," Katsuki finished bluntly, grabbing your hand in his calloused fingers and pulling you away from the regal structure. you wanted to go and see shit? fine, but there was no way in hell you were going anywhere near the castle. The crap he would get over having a girl by, especially a girl so pretty, wouldn't be worth it, his mother would already be planning a spring wedding.

"W-wait, Katsuki," you whined, not taking your eyes off the building. The more you looked at it, the more you realized that those circling birds were way higher up than you thought before...meaning they were way bigger...

"Are those...?" You squinted, unable to get a good look with the sun blaring in the corner of your eye, but thankfully Katsuki turned around to see what you were looking at.

He just rolled his eyes, it was so obvious to him, how couldn't you tell? "Dragons, dumbass," he scoffed, dragging you towards nothing in particular, he didn't care where you were going as long as it wasn't there.

"Dragons," you whispered, a big smile playing on your face as you watched their silhouettes dance in the sunlight.

You and your stupid face, always so easily impressed, always so smiley. He'd never met anyone who smiled so often, it made his heart beat faster and his hands get all sweaty. He was pissed off, that had to be it. All the symptoms were there, it couldn't be anything else...it shouldn't be anything else. You weren't even from the same realm. End of story. That should be enough for him to not like you, to not want to keep his hand in yours just a little longer, to not want to breath in your scent and hold you close and make you smile and-

"Where are we even going," you finally asked, putting your attention on his inexplicably red face and strong grip on your hand. "How'm I supposed to know? It was your idea, wasn't it," he snaps, turning around to face you with a deep frown and furrowed brows.

You just giggled a little and shook your head, it was almost impressive how irritable he was. "Well it's your country, I don't know what's here...I thought you'd have something planned." Your reasoning was annoyingly sound, and while yes, he'd been thinking about this all night, it was less for planning and more stupid worry about keeping you safe.

He seemed to be thinking for a moment, looking down and away while his face stayed angry. "We'll go to the market," he decided begrudgingly, sounding unhappy with the idea. You, however, seemed perfectly happy, smiling widely and saying, "Fun, like a shopping date," absentmindedly. You didn't realize how much those words would effect him.

"N-No, not like a shopping date," he said quickly, turning tomato red and seeming to fumble his words a little. It was just then that he realized he was still holding your hand, and it was then that he immediately let go.

"Ok, ok, not like a shopping date," you laughed with a smile, finding his floundering cute. He sighed and grabbed you again, this time by your arm, and began pulling you to the palace. If you were going to the market, he'd have to fix some things...and that meant having to do a little sneaking around. "Where are we going now," you asked, making him grumble with annoyance. You asked too many damn questions. "I need to get you a jacket or something, you can't be walking around looking like...that."

"Like what," you asked, clearly offended, you hand on your hip as he dragged you along. "Like a foreigner," he scoffed, stopping at the wall surrounding the courtyard. "People'll try to take advantage of you, especially when you look like a blue-blooded b-" he stopped himself, mulling over how exactly you would feel being called a rude name for perhaps the first time in his life, before continuing with- "person."

You caught that, and you had to admit you appreciated his attempt to be at least a little nice. "But aren't you a royal too," you pointed out, watching as he began to scale the short wall, using the rocky terrain to his advantage. "Yeah," he said, his voice slightly strained from his efforts, however able to reach the top before he continued with, "But not a foreign one."

He reached his hand out for you to take, he wouldn't expect you to climb after him in shoes like that, and although you were already scaling the wall, you gladly took his hand and allowed him to hoist you up with ease. "What's the difference," you asked, to which he grumbled at how annoying he found your questions. "The difference is they respect me because I've earned it, now jump down and wait for me at the bottom."

You understood now, being royal wasn't enough for people to respect you here, not like how it was where you were from. You hopped down, the distance not any farther than the wall surrounding your home, and looked up at him from the base of it. His golden hair seemed to shine in the sunlight, his ruby red eyes practically piercing you with the way they bore into yours, and his muscled body concealed by his clothes.

He followed after you, jumping down and bending his knees on the impact. Without another word, he took your arm again and began walking forward, a grove of fruit trees surrounding the two of you. They weren't from here, imported in from other countries as Forrmidūl was a land that had little to offer agriculturally. Even the soil was imported in, the sandy and dry dirt of this place completely inhabitable by these plants.

You weren't walking nearly as long as you were going through the Farbenreich forest, but it took a hot minute before you reached your destination, an extremely large barn, practically its own mini palace. Katsuki pushed the giant metal hatch open, moving the heavy door with ease. The barn wasn't wooden like the ones you were used to seeing for the alicorns and pegasai, but instead made of all kinds of metals.

You'd realize why when, as he swung the door open, you saw giant dragons in their own stalls, curled up in nests and sleeping. There were Wyverns, Wyrms, Western dragons, Lung dragons, Amphitheres, nearly every land dragon namable was there. Katsuki walked in like nothing, clearly used to this, while you followed with a look of awe and astonishment.

He walked all the way to the very back of the barn, making sure you were following, and opened up the gate to a stall that went all the way to the vaulted ceiling. "You're staying in here until I bring you something to cover all that," he said gruffly, holding the gate open for you. Inside was a giant red dragon, sleeping in a curled up ball atop a nest of treasures. It's nostrils were as big as your head, flaring as it slowly breathed in and out, its wings tucked against it's body. It's scales had an iridescent sheen to them, shimmering orange in some lights, reflecting gold in some of the many coins and jewels it lie upon.

"woah..." you whispered, you're own eyes reflecting the glittering beauty. Katsuki watched your awe for a moment, drinking in the way your face held an astonishment that, for reasons unknown to him, made his chest swell. "What's their name," you asked softly, hesitantly turning your attention to Katsuki.

He cleared his throat and quickly looked away from you, his eyes now on his dragon. "His name is Versengen...now get in there already, I don't wanna get caught."

You obliged him, however with some sass in your body language, and took a seat on the giant pile of treasures. The great beast behind you formed a semi-circle around your body, it's curled position leaving it's head about 6 feet from your right, and the very tip of it's spiny tail a yard from your left.

"Uh...what if he wakes up," you ask hesitantly, the breath of him pushing your hair to the side with every exhale and pulling it back in with every inhale.

"Just don't look 'im in the eyes and you'll be fine," he scoffed, already leaving.

"What do you mean 'don't look him in the eyes,'" you called after him nervously. He was already out the door. "Katsuki," you whisper-shouted. No response. "What happens if I look him in the eyes?!"

As Katsuki left the front of the barn, all he could think about was how much this inconvenienced him, you and your constant asking for shit. Oh katsuki, teach me about your world. Oh Katsuki, take me on an adventure. Oh Katsuki, look how perfect and pretty I am...ok, maybe he made that last one up, but the rest of it was true! He was so wrapped up in his own head, he bumped right into Kirishima walking towards the barn as Katsuki walked away.

"Oh, hey dude," Kiri said nonchalantly, his hands full with a giant bucket of raw animal meat. "Watch where you're goin," Katsuki grumbled, to which Kirishima laughed but didn't argue. At this point, he knew it would be an uphill battle.

"What's that for," Katsuki asked, gesturing towards the bucket. Please don't let it be what he thinks it is. "This? I'm gonna go feed Versengen," Eijiro answered innocently.

"No," Katsuki shouted, successfully confusing Eijiro. "No...I already fed him," Katsuki lied, about as convincing as someone blunt as himself could be. "Really," Kirishima asked, a little suspicious but also seeing no reason as to why he would lie. "Alright then...I'll just go put this back..."

Katsuki would owe Versengen a feast later. He just kept walking towards the palace, now beside Eijiro, who was doing nothing but staring at Katsuki. "What," Katsuki huffed, scowling at his servant. "Nothin...Hey, how's it going with that girl?"

"There's no girl, I already told you," Katsuki barked, immediately turning red. "Right, of course not," Kirishima said sarcastically, grinning at Katsuki widely. Bakugou was silent for just a second, trying his best not to inadvertently give himself away. "Hasn't anyone ever told you to mind your damn business," He finally huffed, looking askance.

Eijiro laughed and shook his head, amazed at how strictly Katsuki stuck to his lie despite the truth being so obvious. "Whatever makes you happy dude," Kiri sighed, making Katsuki even angrier. How dare he not believe him!

"I'm serious! there's no girl," Katsuki yelled, nearly foaming at the mouth. "Yeahhhh, for sure," Kirishima sighed with a laugh, turning to go through the back kitchen door. If Katsuki didn't have something to do, he'd be following him, but lucky for Kiri, he was busy.

"Damn shitty hair...not believing my lies..." Katsuki grumbled, hands in his pockets as he made his way around the palace. He entered through a side door, now inside the base of one of the many towers. It took a while, but after trekking through the vast and dark, barely candle-lit castle, he finally made it to his chambers. He grabbed the first thing he saw that might work, a simple red cloak that would surely cover your body. Shoving it into his bag, he began to retrace his steps back through the castle. You owed him for all this crap.

Katsuki had just about reached the barn, sliding up the hatch, when he heard a practically ear-splitting shriek. Oh. Fuck. No, you couldn't be hurt. holy shit, what was he going to do if you got hurt? He burst through, dashing to the back of the dragonhouse and practically kicking the door open.

There you were...perfectly...fine?

Versengen craned over you, his long tongue running over your face in broad and happy strokes, you squealing with laughter. Katsuki let out the biggest sigh of relief, before stomping over and scowling at you. "You scared the shit out of me, don't scream like that," Katsuki shouted.

Versengen practically whacked him on the side of his head with his tail, moving a little to be in between the two of you in a protective way. "You can't side with her," Katsuki huffed, crossing his arms and glaring at him. Versengen wobbled his head from side to side, his breath becoming so loud it practically shook the stall and filled it with steam as the scales around his neck extended in and out, like the gills of a fish. "Don't give me that," Katsuki scolded, as if he were talking to a small child and not a ferocious dragon.

"Ok, as cute as this is," you started, standing up, "I kinda really wanna go to the market now." Katsuki's attention returned to you, and he grabbed the cloak from his bag. "It's not cute, he's being an asshole," Katsuki said pointedly, eyes still on Vergensen as he passed you the item of clothing. The beast just made a sound similar to a chuckle, a throaty, breathy sound being released in short bursts.

You put the cloak on, holding it together by the ruby clasp and pulling the hood up over your head. The fabric went all the way down to your feet, nearly touching the ground, and the hood partially covered your eyes. It was almost too big for you, enough to be annoying but not enough to greatly inconvenience you.

"Awww, but he is cute," you cooed, stepping out of the circle the dragon made around you and rubbing his snout in circles, the texture smooth but the scales threatening to cut you where they layered atop one another. Versengen let out a deep rumbling sound, not a growl but a continuous purr, his head lowering down as you relaxed him just enough to put him back to sleep.

Katsuki watched you handle his Dragon so effortlessly, you truly had a way with nature. Flora and Fauna alike bent their will to you, doing as you wished not because you forced them, but because you were so good-hearted. "C-come on, let's go already," he grumbled, grabbing you by your elbow and yanking you away. "Hey, you can turn into a dragon, right," you asked, eyes thankfully still on Versengen, if you saw how touched Katsuki was that you two got along he might just die of embarrassment.

"Yeah, so what," he said sharply, taking you to the front of the barn and peaking out to make sure no one was watching. "Do you purr too," you asked teasingly, grinning at him cheekily. He twitched, clearly not expecting that, before responding with, "Why the hell do you care?!"

"Take that as a yes, then," you said with laughter, giggling as you both ran out of the barn. You clambered up the wall, Katsuki once again hoisting you up while saying, "Don't just assume shit!"

Hopping down and waiting for him to follow, you said, "Oh, so you're saying if I were to pet you the way I pet Versengen, you wouldn't purr?"

"..."

You reached your hand out, a wide and playful grin on your face.

"Don't fucking touch me."

Katsuki was already sick of your bullshit, and you hadn't even been together longer than a few hours.

Ahhhhhhh I love Versengen and the dynamic he has with Kat <3 As always, let me know what you thought of this chapter and please like if you enjoyed! I'd also like to say that if you have any questions about this series, drop it in my ask box and I'll do my best to answer without spilling some of that juicy plot 😏

Taglist<3: @sky-angel101 @the-galaxy-fiend @chixkadee @ssplague

[vavialdavi]

Frozen fandom, I have a message for you!

Y'all really need to calm down on the asumptions cause it's possible that none of them turn on canon. I'm gonna adress the two big ones: Norse myth and Hans (by extension Helsa)

Unless, we've heard completely different speeches, Jennifer Lee never mentionned Norse myth. The castle in the sky could be Asgard as much as it could not. Let's not forget the question castle ruins in Ahtohallan. Ahtohallan already being its own entity. Norse myth could play a role in F3 and F4 as well as it could not. Yes, Frozen has inspirations and references to Norse myth, but it's not the only one . One thing you tend to forget is the great inspiration of Saami culture the Frozen franchise have, especially in the second movie. It would be more logical if they keep that way for the new movies instead of going after Norse myth as their main base. Nothing's confirmed.

Y'all have the right to make every theory you want but, keep in mind that at the end of the day, they remain theories. Mrs Lee told us to not hold onto that concept art. Let's consider all possibilities. It could be completely wipped off and we wouldn't know before 2027. Don't forget they were still chanoine the script a few months before F2 premiere and that Elsa was villian before Mrs got involved in the project. We're never sure with Frozen.

I'ma be fully honest, I don't want Hans to be a relevant character again and I'm quite fine with him being a joke along the franchise. The idea of a redemption arc with him having a positive role in the sisters' story, the possibility of Helsa even more make me sick. BUT all I'm about to say could also apply to my views on Honeymaren and elsamaren.

"Coming out of Frozen 2, we still have some questions. A lot of questions. That is just page one. Now you see why it will take two films to answer them. Just a tease, once again just a tease." These are Mrs Lee's words

This more looks like a list of the questions they've received. Rather than the ones F3 and F4 are gonna answer. Mrs Lee didn't say that. Considering the fact that the first two are already answered. Ahtohallan. The fifth spirit is the human spirit, Elsa and Anna are the bridge between spirits and humans (one side of each). Just watch Frozen 2 and the Myth short, please.

But let's say, all of these questions are gonna get answered. Some of them can just be mentionned a few seconds. And It's still not a confirmation of Hans's return and even less of a potential redemption arc. You can theorize what you want but Hans could also remain a blatant franchise joke. Or we could just see a memory of him in Ahtohallan showing what he became. Mrs Lee didn't confirm which characters are coming back for the sequels (even though it seems clear our five MCs and the Nokk are). We don't know anything about Hans's future.

1- Long story short, I'm not telling y'all what you should believe or not, I'm just asking to not act like what is NOT confirmed is. Don't hold too much on your asumptions cause you might end up not appreciating the actual movies if none of them happens. As an elsamaren shipper, I feel what I say.

2- I also fear y'all might start a new misinformation wave. Critical thinking and media literacy being concepts unknown in most of the fandoms, it can turn out really bad. I haven't forgotten how dirty some of you did Honeymaren just you didn't like the idea of lesbian Elsa. To this day, there are still being convinced she is her cousin. I remember really well how many people fall for that ai fake news made by a SATIRE disney account that Elsa was getting married to a woman in F3...

[ninjatrashpanda]

Figured I could share this here.

I'm currently working on a Tevan Little Mermaid AU/Retelling and these are four "blueprint" scenes I have written so far (as in, they're scenes I had clearly in my head and decided to write down, but they'll probably be different in the finished product.) Any thoughts are appreciated.

Also, full disclaimer, yes, I cast Hen as the sea witch, but she is not the villain! I based her on the original fairytale's version of the witch, who was a true neutral party who did what she was paid to do, no more, no less.

Also, Eddie's a seahorse and Bobby's a crab. Feel free to read under the cut.

"Buck, for Neptune's sake, slow down!"

Without missing a beat, Buck turned on his back, his tail still cutting through the ocean without slowing down even an instant. He felt a slight ping of guilt upon seeing how far Eddie had fallen behind, his little fins flapping on his back, but he couldn't afford to care right now. Chimney had told him that the prince's ship was coming back to town tonight, and that they humans would shoot their colorful exploding lights into the sky in his honor. He had to see it, he just had to!

"I can't slow down!" Despite himself, Buck quickly rushed back to grab Eddie and press him against his chest before turning again dashing in the direction of the shore again. "I've calculated everything to the last minute! We're gonna arrive just as the ship comes to port, watch the exploding lights for a bit, then go home! We have to capture the right currents at the right time for it all to work out!"

Eddie, pressing his little body snug against Buck's chest, grunted at that. He didn't understand. Buck knew that, had never had much of an issue with that because Eddie was still always down to explore the shipwrecks and sunken treasures the humans had lost at sea.

"Your parents don't want you at the surface, Buck!" Eddie tried with a huff, but Buck chose to ignore it and push on. They were almost at the last current, the one to take them to the beach in front of the castle. He couldn't stop, not now. "They'll go insane if they find out you went!"

+

"Look, Eddie, there it is!" Buck exclaimed, excitedly pointing over to the large vessel. It was still several yards away, Buck knew better than to get too close, despite what his parents and Bobby thought. He respected the old crab more than he cared to admit, but Bobby still had the incredibly annoying tendency to see him as nothing but a silly little guppy instead of the 18-year-old merman he was.

A small splash at his back told him that Eddie had also breached the surface, but Buck's eyes stayed locked on the royal ship, which was still on its course toward the human city's port. Dusk was turning into night rapidly, so the exploding lights should begin any moment now. The anticipation of the spectacle Chimney had described to him warmed Buck's chest from the inside out, his patience wearing thinner and thinner with each passing second.

"Buck, come on," Eddie started to plead once more, and Buck had to actively bite back the groan that threatened to escape him. He knew Eddie didn't think of him as stupid. Eddie was worried for his safety, and was rightly scared of what Mother and Father would do if they ever found out he had come up here. He was still tired of having the same Neptune damned conversation for the who-knows-how-oftenth time. "Let's just go back, whatever the bird said, a bunch of lights can't possibly be worth all this!"

+

The witch—Hen, her name was Hen, Buck reminded himself—quickly made her way around the room, collecting ingredients, from a diverse array of corals, and various bottles, to what looked like some strange kind of seaweed, all of which she put together by her large cauldron.

"Here's the deal, little prince," she addressed him once she seemed satisfied. Her figure, though shorter than him, was imposing, commanding respect and authority. Buck was almost envious of how confident she was. "I'm not a fairy godmother. My magic has its price, and it has its conditions, and I don't control any of it. Every spell has its own unique consequences. If the spell is strong, so are the drawbacks, you understand?"

Buck's brow creased in confusion. Price? Drawbacks? What was that even supposed to mean? Granted, Buck had never been taught much about magic, but he had figured Hen would just cast an incantation, and poof, he was human and able to live on land with Prince Thomas happily ever after. But now magic had consequences he had to consider?

"Buck, this isn't worth it," Eddie whispered in his ear. He had diligently kept his post above Buck's shoulder throughout Hen's explanations, his eyes always narrowed, always studying every move of every single finger and tentacle Hen was moving. Buck wasn't sure what exactly Eddie planned to do to protect him, given his rather tiny size, but Buck appreciated the sentiment. "You can't trust her."

And as eager as Buck was to be human and to be with Prince Thomas, he knew he had to contemplate this. Eddie certainly had a point. Hen was a sea witch, who lived in a cave in the darkest part of the ocean floor, the entrance of which was decorated with the skull of a... creature, he had no clue what the hell that thing was, but it wasn't any kind of fish he was familiar with, and everyone in the kingdom shunned and warned of her (the teachers told the guppies daily to stay clear of her, even). And yet... Buck somehow felt that he could trust her.

+

Tommy hummed lowly to himself, every row of the paddles bringing a new tone, while his eyes kept studying the stranger. There was something about him that intrigued him—and no, it had nothing to do with the fact that he was beautiful, or that Tommy had found him naked on the beach with only a small crystal around his neck, no matter what Gerrard said—but Tommy couldn't quite put his finger on why there was a small part in the back of his head that seemed to scream every time he looked at the young man.

"Y'know, I don't even know your name yet," he said, a soft smile playing on his lips. The stranger, who had been almost entranced by the trees and flowers along the lagoon's bank, looked over to Tommy, his wide sapphire colored eyes shining in the light of the moon. "I could, I don't know, guess. And you nod or shake your head?"

The man's surprised expression softened, a light, almost bashful smile making the corners of his eyes crinkle in it's stead. The slightest hint of pink blushed over his cheeks, making the butterflies in Tommy's stomach go ever wilder. He nodded, and gestured for Tommy to begin.

[sapphire-writes]

A Late Night Game

Pairing: Aemond x Reader

Summary: Y/N, Aemond, Aegon, and Helaena do not wish to rest, but instead play a game together after a feast. Based on heads up, specifically in Marie Antoinette (2006)

Word Count: 962

Warnings: none, pure fluff

A/N: Was going to try and put this in my fic A Song of Flames & Fury but don't think I'll have a place for it but couldn't get the thought out of my head! Thought I'd try my hand at an imagine, let me know if I should do a part 2!

“Am I in the room right now?” Helaena asked the piece of paper stuck to her forehead reading Maegor the Cruel. 

“No,” Aegon, Aemond, and Y/N said in unison. 

The feast had long ended, and the Targaryens had been alive with spirits so high they could not think of sleep. The hour of the nightingale was soon upon the foursome as they lay sprawled throughout the royal chambers of Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena. The four of you often found yourselves in each other’s company long after the festivities of the Red Keep had ended. 

Helaena sat draped over a chair, with Aegon seated on the floor below her. Y/N was beside him, her head in the lap of her husband Aemond. A game, Helaena had suggested, to pass the time. They had all written the names of historical figures, animals, and creatures within a bowl and stuck one to their forehead with the help of some spit. Aemond was always in a competitive mood and agreed to participate as well. 

You had been married to Aemond for little over a year. After your father agreed to a betrothal to unite your houses you had been shipped off to King’s Landing. Aemond had been taken with you right away as you shared several interests in history, philosophy, and art. Aemond’s eyepatch is not on his face, he is completely comfortable with you and his siblings seeing his sapphire. 

One of the greatest joys that came with marrying your prince was the family that came with it. Helaena had accepted you instantaneously, calling you ‘sister’ the moment you stepped foot in King’s Landing. 

Aegon enjoyed your presence as well. Especially how you called him out on his tomfoolery. You found that Aegon was not as vicious as the stories you had heard about him. He reminded you more of an immature sibling. 

“You’re next,” Helaena said, nudging Aegon with her foot where he sat on the floor. The candles burn bright, illuminating the room as the sky outside turns lavender with the promise of sunrise.

“Ah yes,” he said, clasping his hands together and leaning forward, tongue between his teeth seemingly very focused. 

“Am I…large?” he asked, holding his hands out to demonstrate the size he was thinking. 

“Quite,” Aemond answered, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked at the paper that read Vhagar stuck to Aegon’s head. 

“Am I a man?” Aemond asked causing Aegon to snort. Y/N shoved him, glancing at the paper that reads The Mother. 

“No, you’re not,” you answer and Aemond’s eye narrows. 

You raise your hands in play defeat. 

“In the game, my love,” you reassure him, “am I a princess?” 

“Highly unlikely,” Aegon answers and you frown. 

“It must be yes or no Aegon,” you protest. 

“No then,” he answers, “am I larger than a castle?”

“Yes,” you and Aemond say together. Helaena giggles, kicking her feet back and forth. 

“Larger than the Crowlands?” Aegon continued, causing you to point your finger at him, eyes wide. 

“You get one question, we’ve been over this!” you tell him laughing as he buries his face in his hands. 

“I need to know now!” he says tearing the paper off and staring at the name. 

“Oh how clever,” he scoffs crumpling the paper and tossing it at Aemond who swats it away. 

“I do not believe Vhagar to be larger than the Crowlands, brother,” Aemond answered.

“Am I a dragonfly?” Helaena asked, staring at the ceiling. Aegon knelt to face her. 

“You’re not an insect, Hel, we’ve already told you,” he said, and she took a sip of the wine she dangled in her delicate fingers. She snapped the fingers on her other hand. 

“Right right, a Targaryen. Yes. Am I me?”

“Gods I hope not!”

“Aegon you’re out! You’re not playing!” you tell him and he pouts. 

“I can’t play now either? You’re cruel, you should have been Maegor,” Aegon said and your mouth drops open along with Helaena’s.

“Aegon!” you and Helaena say in unison. Helaena tears the paper from her head looking at it, before tossing it at her brother. 

“Foul play!” Helaena scolds and Aegon can’t help the giggles that escape him as he rolls on the floor. 

Y/N sits up and faces her husband, eyes narrowing with anticipation. Aemond smirks at you, and you flush. You truly believe no matter how long you are married, his gaze will always have you flushing like a maiden. 

“Am I from the North?” you ask and Aemond hums.

“No. Am I in the room right now?” he asks.

“One would say so,” you answer, and his eye narrows. 

“You are always in the room-”

“AEGON!”

“Right, sorry!”

“Am I from the Stormlands?” you ask and Aemond jerks his head up in confirmation. 

“Am I a god?” Aemond purrs, and you lick your lips at the sensuality of his question.

“Yes,” you breathe, and a satisfied smirk appears on his face. 

“Am I a historical figure?” you ask and he nods his head as though he has already figured it out.

“Am I the Mother?” he asks and you curse. 

“Yes,” you grumble, not bothering to look at your paper before discarding it. Aemond continues to smirk at your competitive nature as Aegon cheers. 

“Finally!” he calls from his spot on the floor. 

“You win,” you tell your husband as he climbs atop you, placing a kiss on your lips.

“Do I get to claim my prize?” he murmurs against your lips, before deepening the kiss causing fire to pool in your belly.

“I guess the game is over,” Helaena, says softly, a smile playing on her lips. 

“Good, I need more wine anyway,” Aegon said, finding his feet with a groan.