#your post about raven and art popped up on my for you page and just... idk

[wh0dunit]

⁽ ʷⁱᵗⁿᵉˢˢ ⁱⁿᵗᵉʳᵛⁱᵉʷ ⁾ . . . * featuring @ofsoul ( raven )

lavender, lilac, mauve, mulberry.  over half of the tubes of paint in the shopping bag are some sort or shade of her preferred color. but she's got a variety in the other four! and the world can always use more pops of purple. the flimsy plastic bags hanging off her arms strain with their rainbow of contents ( little did she know that all that extra gym time would pay off in the mundane, too ).

" so my mom told me about this thing where you take white sheets . . . " steph does her best to describe the enormity of her chosen canvas with a wide sweep of her hands, the bags rattling and stretching. " and you throw paint all over it. supposed to work out your stress or somethin'. "

grin turns sheepish and gaze wanders elsewhere. she's hardly a wallflower that wilts at first sight of direct inquiries, but this feels reflective of weakness. a roundabout admission to imperfection. " but it's no fun alone, you know? "

[ilearhmajeste]

I can't speak your languages with a rib cage

Your afraid because choices you made didn't leave you a government phone.

Your hurt though because I left knd need were having hell yeah that's flat and he still have fart

There something in there heating the ground unevenly. Possibly Texan folk dancers

Yes I'll hold for night vision. Two went to pepsicollainduztrail vat 2 terms sounds like a good education to me. Mont gomerg and meacobra who taught you oboe

I just lie and say I did it in both

This has never happened are there any Mexicans exploding over there where are we going!

I get it your a girl and pretty much nine get that u know bugle or shh piano plays you off

You know which sides button by sleep

Sorry forgot picture it's useless without. Seen to be absorb piper

If you wanted to hide behind woman, well some men don't understand then some understand nothing but I'll post it anywhere sim tray soccent U S airforce base or we'll kill you.

Sorry I have so many on hold atm. Just like a palm pilat. Anyways so I usually use the palm of my hand fir grasping my balance as I dribble. If Joel came into the world like that I'd understand why he wants me to wrap him in love music but this . Is palm friendly wonderfloor

Ok that's not an email.

Easy wrong sid3 off side hockey stick you should bot be visible me you died and pissed me off

-me watching Fqyci on the baseball diamond I know some people who knew some people that hide behind pelosi who broke into far left

And th3 crowds watching their phones

Why shouldn't you. Where do you rather we taste. We can do billy eilish q by 1 in a crown and my compactor like a typical fudd evening

Or we got shooters out the art den. Yes black lure Mexican artists.

Hey any ideas why they just fired on that chemistry teacher? RED Dawn's past. New Day new blue. New honk noise. More people to hide behind more ceilings thag

LeVe a mrk

At some point thersz accepting that it's just tied I. To tightly tk begin with and auto caracta clintonia

Catarphrachts are the mounted option of the byzantine und

There's lkle rhe fact nobody's ever crossed withhhe south of Italy to there left and reached Isreal

Yes, to the left

Whirlpool

And options

I have teens of my own they happen to enjoy it

Whose ever ready for the 8 at once? Shares

Yeah exactly like sile.

But I have a drafter apartment and I have to worry about security guards or whatever

Keep falling into disrepair

Like spare a spade

But there's an issue at present with philemon or soft bone not sure e everyone sounds Styrofoam and air raid since they tried posting scout

I'm like you guys see thisbookm I thohvr Atticus is scouts dad but itsyre sounds like he's ceuming her into some luggage on this last few pages

But they don't think ug the eg

Eh

That's you people

They thought you'd think it was funny so they 'psyched' into you and you f whatever else you do is static registering . They practice all the time I hear them do it then I do

lol yeah puzo was 'warnjng you to mothman ends s.d dismantling your own bridges I know you make connections just do you have to charge each Too TheLimIt!! Or let some parts just stay fir stubbed toe catharticisn you gotta leave room for scarring tk effect some change it can't all he chi theh catch up yo that and poor look

She has it in chest pop position set

To be honest Raven did take off with the hydrazine bomb and didn't say anything

That's astricks it's saying from the stars

Is that building still falling

Sounds like it

Great, who gave sounds like it a damn permit!

Ok my pipe is gone.

So either I have aids or you need me to sleep because otherwise I guess I do just black between and like not out at all

Just a pink have a day late my back to y'all we have our differences buddy

That does effect shoulder check hey I'm in pentium over hear

It said go back bur what's shirtless servent

Ok then at this point what the care bears did for sharing I can only assume. But somehow you gotta admit you can't fit someone in there without breaking bones up a bit yes noon.

But.... thd battery is dead in one of the phones turn back and I'll leave one baby blue says here closer it's fine ileopoldainter frkm ok hot shit back double back space is used in worms 2 Armageddon to do back flips ya I'm lookin at gheaster bunny

...he's shorter than I so he likes yo adjust still. It was like that's my shader and

Itself

Walking away

Sorry was I blocking

Hi.

Hi hi u can't be at this spirit corner

I'll call bilabong

You got inside

Shade

[chisie12]

I got to work with the talented @princessu-sumi / @SumiMaoam (Twitter) for the @mxtxbigbang​! The result? An exceptionally cute art and a 16k fic full of fluff and cuteness!  Her art is also embedded in the fic!! 

Fandom: 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Xuanli, Yunmeng Bros and Their Sis, Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui | Lan Yuan, and Lan Sizhui with his aunt and uncle!  Additional Tags: Domestic Fluff, Family Fluff, Family Feels, Family Drama, Unresolved Emotional Tension, Mild JC Angst, Post-Sunshot Campaign But Everything Is Okay, Father Figures, Jin Zixuan Feels Like A Family Man, Finger Painting, 'Dogs', Family Bonding, Jin Ling says his first words as a baby!

Summary:

Wei Wuxian hears a rumour about a certain Jin heir not being around and decides to visit Lotus Pier with little Wen Yuan, so the child can finally (possibly) make a new friend that was his age.

.❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。

“Did you hear?” 

“Hear what?” 

“The young master of the Lanling Jin Sect is going to be away.” 

“Do you know why?” 

“I don’t know...”  

The Sunshot Campaign had ended for two years. Qishan Wen sect had been eradicated in the aftermath, but things... weren’t as bad as it should be.  

“Ah! Where’s the usual auntie?” A tall, handsome man held up a potato as he asked the stall owner, the rumours whispering around him. His raven hair waved in the breeze; the red ribbon holding it up in a high ponytail a beautiful contrast in the pool of darkness.  

“Are you here to buy or not?” The middle-aged woman ignored his question as she regarded him disinterestedly. 

“I'm buying, I'm buying!” the young man exclaimed with a wry smile. He picked some potatoes. “How much?” 

“Three taels of silver.” 

“Can you give it to me cheaper ah, auntie?” 

“No can do. It’s three taels of silver for the number of potatoes there,” the middle-aged woman said resolutely as she gestured towards his basket with her chin.  

The frown on his face deepened. The sorrowful expression startled the woman; her eyes going wide as her mouth hung open. Her heart drummed in her chest, a slight heat brushing across her cheeks, and she couldn’t help thinking: ‘Heavens, if only I was a couple of decades younger!’ 

“Alright...” The word slipped out between his lips. With a dejected sigh, he dipped his head as he opened his money pouch. “I’ll only agree because auntie is so pretty!”  

“Aiyo! You think so too? Come, come. Auntie will give you a few more potatoes. I got a lot anyway,” the woman beamed at the compliment, her attitude flipping over a hundred and eighty degrees. She leaned over and dropped some potatoes into the handsome man’s basket. “That old man I married ah; all he does is call me old!” 

“You are old, my dear!” An old raspy voice called out from within the house behind the pop-up store, followed by the rustling of newspaper pages being flipped.  

The woman rolled her eyes and ignored him, dropping another potato into the basket. 

“Eh, auntie! I don’t have enough to pay for this.” Flustered, the young man hurriedly tried to reject the potatoes but the woman stopped his hand.  

“Yi?” The woman looked down at his hand, feeling the rough callouses against her fingertips. “You’re a cultivator?” At his reluctant nod, her smile grew wider. “Like that ah, my son used to be a cultivator too. So, it’s okay. Consider the potatoes a gift from auntie.” 

“But, but...” the young man looked sadly at her before dropping his gaze onto his money pouch. 

“It’s alright. Times are tough now ever since the Sunshot campaign ended. I lost my son because of it too. I know you cultivators are trying to maintain the peace. Please, just take it.” 

The words that the young man had wanted to utter died in his throat as he saw the gentle smile on her wrinkled face. A heavy pressure wrapped around his heart; the guilt for bargaining suffocating. Sure, the Four Great Clans fought hard in the battle against the Wen sect, many killed and many died, but what of the commoners—whose children made up of the outer sect disciples? They were dead. They who were young and valiant, destined to do great things, leaving the world before their parents; what about them?  

Yet, the same was held for the reverse. What if the dead cultivators had children they left behind?  

Because what if— what if, his fairy-like sister had died in the war they had fought?  

A shudder ran up his spine, the tingles cold and unwelcoming. 

It was a horror Wei Wuxian couldn’t hope to imagine.   

With a small shake of his head, he still returned the potatoes and held her hand in his. “Thank you, auntie. I will remember your kindness.” 

The woman was stunned at the flash of his lopsided grin, bright and blooming like a purple lotus, and he took this chance to quickly leave; his absence leaving no more room for arguments. Feeling a weight in her palm, she opened her hand and she couldn’t help shaking her head, a smile curled on her lips; four silver taels sat in her palm—the accurate value of the potatoes he had taken.  

“Aiya, that boy...” 

“What are you complaining about now?” The old raspy voice called out from behind her. 

The woman rolled her eyes and started rearranging the goods on her stall. “Sect Master Jiang should be proud of having a brother like him...” 

  .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 The handsome young man slowly hiked up the mountain. The scenery was bleary and dark, signs of death permeating through the trees and shrubs. Yet, there were soon the sounds of earth being tilled, with heavy grunts and cheerful chatter floating in the air. The young man’s face lit up and he quickened his pace up the temporary stairs, careful of the potatoes bouncing around in his basket.  

“Xian-ge!” A childish voice squealed when the young man finally emerged in the makeshift village. 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes sparkled in delight at the young child of four years old dashing towards him through the tilled soil. “A-Yuan!” 

Happiness bubbled up in Wen Yuan’s chest, surging up his throat and escaping in sweet peals of laughter as he dove for Wei Wuxian’s legs. Wei Wuxian was about to set the basket on the ground when he exclaimed in surprise at the little boy suddenly clutching at his thigh.  

“A-Yuaaaan,” Wei Wuxian cried out dramatically while looking down at the child, the basket of potatoes held high up, “Why are you hugging my thigh?” 

Wen Yuan giggled and rubbed his face onto the cotton robes before looking up with a beaming grin. “Does Xian-ge have anything for me?”  

Wei Wuxian tried to step forward, but the extra weight happily holding onto him only made him stumble an inch forward. He looked perplexed at the giggling boy. “I have potatoes if you want?”  

Wen Yuan pouted and clutched tighter. “I want radishes. Why didn't Xian-ge buy radishes?” 

Wei Wuxian deadpanned and thought to himself, ‘ Should I not have planted him in the soil with the radishes?’   

“A-Yuan!” a chiding voice called. 

Rather than releasing his hold on the thigh, Wen Yuan rested a cheek on the leg and pouted at his aunt. “Qing-jiejie, Xian-ge didn’t buy A-Yuan radishes!” 

Wen Qing sighed and tried to pluck her nephew off the ground, tugging as the child refused to yield. “We already have so many radishes. The crops are growing well.” 

“What if we run out!” 

Wen Qing grumbled under her breath and tugged harder at the child. He was never this disobedient! What happened to her sweet, obedient A-Yuan? 

“A-Yuan wants radishes!” 

“A-Yuan!” Another voice called; it was gentler, softer like the spring breeze. A tall muscular man dressed in black, whose face was a pallid colour and had deep black marks crawling up his neck, walked towards them with a small smile. “A-Yuan,” he bent down and looked at his nephew, “Are you upset cause Wei-gongzi used up all the radishes last time?” 

Wei Wuxian scoffed indignantly and turned his gaze sideways. ‘ It surely wasn’t—’  

Contrary to his thoughts, Wen Yuan pursed his lips and nodded fervently. Wei Wuxian and the Wen siblings stared at the righteous, serious air Wen Yuan was putting. They were slightly baffled at the turn of events, yet the other Wens around the makeshift village laughed at the sight.  

“A-Yuan.”  

Wen Yuan tilted his head back to look up at a straight-faced Wei Wuxian.  

“Let go of my leg—” 

Wen Yuan repeatedly shook his head. 

“—or I won’t bring you to see a new friend.” 

Wen Yuan’s head immediately shifted to a nod as he scrambled off the limb. “When do we go?” 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes trailed over the robes that Wen Yuan wore; soiled with dirt and dust, colourful with patches of rough stitches. It was furthermore torn at the hems and caked with mud from the child’s curious inspection of the earth. A lump slowly built in his throat when he properly saw just how dirty the child was—unruly hair greasy from the lack of proper baths, mud on his little fingers and chubby cheeks. An indescribable feeling caused him to choke when he saw Wen Yuan’s face split into a toothy smile; an expression of pure innocence and sparkling starlight. 

‘ Even when living like this, he can still smile like that. ’  

At least Wei Wuxian had lived better when he was younger despite being orphaned. The alleys would be warm in winter, safe from the biting winds and there’d only been dust on his person in the city, and the food would be edible— clean— when he begged. Bending down, Wei Wuxian set the basket on his hip and wiped away at the muddy smudge on Wen Yuan’s cheek, causing it to simply streak across the skin. He forced the pity down, the helplessness and regret at not being able to do more, and smiled.  

“We can leave once you take a bath. Sounds good?” 

Wen Yuan’s eyes twinkled, the sight bringing on a larger wave of pain to wash over Wei Wuxian’s senses. “Yes!” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 A small hand nervously tugged at the robes slightly larger than him, the cotton thoroughly scrubbed and warm from drying in the sun. Wen Yuan craned his head back to look at this robe void of the usual patches, curiosity dancing in his gaze. It felt softer than the other clothes he normally wore. It felt newer and he also felt… happy. It felt nice and he enjoyed the feeling.  

He couldn’t help but giggle in delight as he continuously patted the robes he wore. “Can A-Yuan wear this again after bathing?” 

Wen Qing’s heart ached at his question, the innocence awfully suffocating. Yes, yes—was what she wanted to say, but they couldn’t afford new clothes and the robes he wore now were actually her own old robes that she rarely wore altered to fit him for when he grew up. She kept it for him, so that he may have clothes to wear. That’s why it was larger, that’s why it felt newer.  

‘Why can’t I provide more for A-Yuan?’  

She gently brought a wooden comb through his inky black hair, repeating the motions as she worked out the tangles. She lifted the hair still slightly curled after being washed and dried, and a small, bitter smile subconsciously lifted the edges of her lips. ‘It looks so much like my sister's… Are you still doing well?’  

“Remember, A-Yuan. You must behave yourself when you meet Sect Leader Jiang, his sister Lady Jiang and her son. Do not run around, do not talk too loudly. Always wait for them to take the food first before you eat.” 

“Why are there so many rules?” Wen Yuan whined softly. 

“Are you not going to listen to me?” Wen Qing argued in a flat, strict tone. She stopped combing and simply held onto his hair. 

“A-Yuan will listen, A-Yuan will listen,” Wen Yuan relented with a dissatisfied pout. 

“You're hanging out with Wei Wuxian too much,” Wen Qing pursed her lips as her fingers weaved and neatly tied a half updo on her nephew’s hair. “Remember to behave yourself. Be a good boy and listen to Wei Wuxian.” 

Wen Yuan let out a quiet, confused exclamation and turned to stare at his aunt. Realising what she said after a moment of staring, Wen Qing immediately shook her head and corrected, “Remember what I told you and don’t cause trouble for Sect Leader Jiang. And be polite!” 

“Aiya, A-Yuan is always a polite boy! You don't have to worry,” came Wei Wuxian’s cheery voice. “You look so handsome,” he teased as he squeezed Wen Yuan’s cheeks. “Ready to go?” 

“Ye—mmpfh,” Wen Yuan muttered barely audible through squeezed cheeks, his face looking very much like a goldfish bubbling in the water. 

With a chuckle, Wei Wuxian released his hold on the cheeks and held out a hand. “Let’s go!”  

Wen Yuan’s face had scrunched in displeasure after his cheeks regained their freedom when his eyes blinked at the outstretched hand. Slowly, a smile curved and a small hand was raised. Warmth seeped into his palm when the young man gently held his hand, excitement coursing through his nerves.  

A friend. A new friend! 

‘I hope this new friend is nice !’  

  .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “Wah…” 

Large eyes, bright and clear, sparkled like the diamonds on the water surface as the boat slowly rowed forward. The sun was shining in all its glory with not a cloud in sight, and the sea of lotus flowers blooming inches above the water was absolutely breath-taking. He had been confused and scared, afraid that this wooden banana-like thing would drop into the ocean once they got on, and he clung and clung so tightly onto Wei Wuxian in fear. The young man simply laughed unhelpfully while the kind, old boatman grinned and coaxed him to try. 

Wen Yuan had shaken his head resolutely, up until Wei Wuxian plucked the wooden butterfly on a stick from his tiny, protesting hands.  

“If Little Butterfly is safe on the boat, will you go?” Wei Wuxian had asked while twirling the stick. 

Warily eyeing the young man, Wen Yuan slowly, and very slightly, nodded his head. His fingers kept their iron-grip on his collar. 

Wei Wuxian grinned and handed the wooden butterfly to the boatman, who had carefully placed it on the seat. Seeing the ‘wooden banana’ thing they called a boat still floating, Wen Yuan had clambered to get down from Wei Wuxian’s embrace and carefully stood by the edge. He stared at his wooden butterfly, watching it for a few more seconds before his head turned back to look at the patient Wei Wuxian. A small hand tugged at his robes, the other pointing at the boat.  

“Xian-ge,” he had called; his silvery voice tinged with curiosity and permission. 

Wei Wuxian had held one of his hands while the boatman carefully helped Wen Yuan board. He had yelped and cried out in fear at the boat teetering, crying to himself: ‘ This didn’t happen when Little Butterfly got on!’  

When Wei Wuxian got on, Wen Yuan had immediately released the chuckling boatman and latched onto him. The warmth was his relaxant, the man his protector. 

And now, they were nearing Lotus Pier, the bustling crowds entering their sights. 

“Wei-gongzi!” 

“Welcome back!” 

“We haven’t seen you in so long!”  

Wen Yuan ooh-ed and ah-ed at everything his eyes could devour—from the stalls lining up at the side of the pier, to the many faces moving up and about. Some waved at them, some continued on their business. The marketplace was chaotic, with farmers and sellers trying to sell their goods. There were so many things Wen Yuan never saw before!  

“Thank you, uncle.” Wei Wuxian gave the boatman some silver and deftly disembarked the boat. Grinning down at excited Wen Yuan, he pulled the child up and set him on his hip. Stretching a hand out to gesture grandly at the busy pier, he said, “Welcome to Lotus Pier.” 

On one corner of the pier stood one lone willow tree, tall and strong; its curtain of leaves billowing in the wind. Behind it was the tall walls leading to the residence of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, the lotus symbol bright in the centre. 

When they reached the main gates, a pair of disciples stood guard.  

“Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan,” Wei Wuxian first introduced with his head held up high, a dignified expression on his usually cheeky face, “We’re here to visit Lady Jiang.” 

Wen Yuan tilted his head at the introduction. Shouldn’t he introduce his full name? 

One of the disciples cladded in purple folded their hands and bowed slightly. “I'll trouble you to please wait. I'll inform her Lady.” 

When he turned around, a gentle voice like the kiss of a butterfly spoke up. “There’s no need. I'm here.” 

“Lady Jiang!” The pair of disciples respectfully called and bowed.  

Jiang Yanli smiled at them and shifted her attention towards her brother-in-all-but-blood. “Good morning, A-Xian.” 

“Shijie! Morning!” Wei Wuxian lightly tugged the young child hiding behind him forward with a smile. “A-Yuan, this is my Shijie, Jiang Yanli.” 

“Yanli-jiejie, good morning,” Wen Yuan politely greeted with a bow of his head. “My name is Wen Yuan.” 

First came the silence as Jiang Yanli continued to smile at him, but the moment her body stiffened didn’t escape either Wei Wuxian or Wen Yuan’s eyes. Nodding at the child, she said, “Welcome to Lotus Pier, A-Yuan.” She then dropped her gaze onto the small baby in her arms. “Jin Rulan, say hi. It's your Dajiu and a new friend.” 

Jin Rulan was a handsome baby at two years old. His facial structure was similar to his mother’s, with fair cheeks rosy like blushing petals, but his pouty lips and sharp eyes were an exact mirror to his father’s. He stared down at Wen Yuan from his vantage point in his mother’s arms. 

Wen Yuan stared back. Unlike the ragged clothes he was wearing, Jin Rulan’s clothes were clearly of the finest silk, the yellow and gold shimmering bright in the sunlight, and silky black hair nicely combed and tied. The clothes looked exceptionally soft and were really fitting as well. Wen Yuan smiled. ‘He’s wearing new clothes too! It must be comfortable!’  

Jin Rulan then blinked at the sweet smile of Wen Yuan. 

“A-Lan, say hi to your Dajiu and your new friend,” Jiang Yanli repeated. 

If possible, Jin Rulan’s pout deepened. His mouth opened, short and brief ‘da-da’ syllables rolling off his tongue, but no full words could properly form. Instead, he settled with an awkward wave of his chubby hand before burying his head in his mother’s neck. Jiang Yanli helplessly smiled and slightly shook her head.  

“Come in. A-Cheng is also busy inside.” 

They entered deeper into Lotus Pier, emerald coloured grass softly swaying in the breeze and fresh blooms of more lotuses proud amongst the still budding ones. They entered the drawing room and sat by the table.  

Wen Yuan curiosity patted the pillow he sat on. ‘Even the pillows are so soft! ’ 

On the wall beside him was a large Chinese-style wooden window that beautifully displayed the lotus lake outside. Black tea was quickly served, the steam an indication of warmth drifting up brought into the air a sweet, floral scent. Wen Yuan idly played with his fingers, the wooden butterfly twirling in his hold beneath the table. He bowed his head, choosing to keep silent as Wei Wuxian caught up with Jiang Yanli. He didn’t dare speak, didn’t dare move about; he remember his aunt’s warnings. 

Seated opposite him, Jin Rulan’s eyes stared curiously at this ‘big brother’ before him. Unlike all the other people his age, trying to play with him or talk to him, Wen Yuan was different—quiet, reserved. Even after a few moments of staring, Wen Yuan paid him no heed. With a furrow in between his eyebrows, Jin Rulan slowly got to his feet, small limbs wobbly and unstable. He took a step forward, the thick cotton pillow cushioning his foot, and the strength suddenly disappeared. Wind blew in his ears, his mouth parting with an ‘ah’, and he unceremoniously dropped back onto the pillow with a soft thump. A grumble rumbled in his chest, incoherent sounds escaping his lips, and his body bent forward.  

He’ll just crawl his way there. Who had time to try to walk? 

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli paused in their conversation, watching the young Jin heir carefully crawl around the table. His palms slapped the floor, a stubborn look on his childish face. A gleeful glint shone in Wei Wuxian’s eyes when Jin Rulan crawled over towards Wen Yuan and him. Unable to help himself, he leaned forward and lifted Jin Rulan—who had Wen Yuan within an arm’s reach—up into his arms.  

Jin Rulan cried out in displeasure, squirming violently in Wei Wuxian’s embrace, but the man’s grip was like an octopus’s two arms; swiftly and skilfully weaving around the baby’s flailing limbs to hold him in place.  

“Aiya, A-Lan, do you not like your Dajiu?” Wei Wuxian attempted to coax the baby while bouncing him on his lap. At this point, Jin Rulan cried harder, to the point big fat tears began to cascade down his cheeks. “Don’t cry, don’t cry! Why are you crying? I didn’t do anything!” In a fluster, Wei Wuxian was about to return the baby to his mother when Wen Yuan raised his head and scooted closer.  

“Don’t cry,” Wen Yuan murmured as he gently rubbed Jin Rulan’s cheeks with his palm. “Xian-ge can be scary, A-Yuan knows.” 

“Hey!” 

At the unfamiliar touch on his cheek, Jin Rulan peeked his glistening eyes open to stare into Wen Yuan’s own bright, clear gaze. He blinked. Wen Yuan blinked back. He sniffled. 

Then, an idea came to Wen Yuan.  He turned around to look for it and turned back to raise his wooden butterfly and made it flutter before the baby. “Look! Little Butterfly came to say hi!” 

Baby gurgles escaped Jin Rulan as he reached out a hand towards the butterfly with eyes full of wonder. ‘Different!’ The wooden butterfly flying on the stick was different from all the other toys he’s received and played with. It wasn’t glittering ornately or made with colourful cotton fabric, it was merely a simple insect carved from wood. Jin Rulan retracted his arm swiftly, shocked at how thin, how flimsy, the wings were.  

Seeing the myriad of changes on Jin Rulan’s face, Wen Yuan giggled and grinned at the blissful innocence, dipping and raising the butterfly in imitation of its flight again to further attract Jin Rulan’s attention. A large warm hand rested itself on the crown of his head, and he was met with Wei Wuxian’s proud and gentle gaze.  

Seeing his nephew fully engrossed with the butterfly, Wei Wuxian slowly and gingerly wiped at those tear-stained cheeks with the hem of his robes. Was he relieved? That Wen Yuan and Jin Rulan could get along? They were both of entirely different social standings; a refugee and a sect heir even, and yet, here they sat with a butterfly fluttering between them.  

 Jiang Yanli chuckled at her son’s giggles, the suppressed wariness easing up at how Wen Yuan was being with her son. ‘ The family’s crimes are not an innocent child’s burden to bear...’  

“Bu—!” Jin Rulan tried calling out the butterfly’s name when Wen Yuan playfully put the wooden butterfly out of his reach. 

“Little Butterfly, mm!” Wen Yuan repeated, patiently teaching the baby a new word. 

Wei Wuxian chuckled and absentmindedly patted his nephew’s hair. “Do you want to give A-Lan to try to hold Little Butterfly?” 

Wen Yuan gasped and nodded his head a few times. “Here.” He carefully placed the wooden stick into Jin Rulan’s grabby hand. “Be careful…” He hurriedly warned, placing his hand between Jin Rulan’s eyes and the wooden butterfly when the wooden butterfly was held too near his eyes, the wings close to poking them. 

“Ohh…” Jin Rulan nodded his head earnestly and raised the wooden butterfly to fly high up in the air. 

Seeing them enjoying themselves, Jiang Yanli excused herself for a moment. Yet, the warm bubble surrounding them was suddenly popped not long after her absence when a harsh voice spoke.  

“Finally want to crawl back here, don’t you?” 

Wei Wuxian laughed nervously at the tall man in regale purple stepping into the drawing room. “Good morning, Jiang Cheng.” He looked at Wen Yuan who was regarding the newcomer curiously. “A-Yuan, this is Sect Leader Jiang.” 

Hearing those words, Wen Yuan scrambled to his feet and stood with his back straight while facing the sect leader. With a strong voice, he bowed and greeted, “Good morning, Sect Leader Jiang.” 

Jiang Cheng softened his scowl slightly at the child showing his respect. “And you are?” 

Wen Yuan steeled himself, gulped the lump in his throat and said, “I am A-Yuan.” 

“A…Yuan? Which family are you from?” 

Wen Yuan flinched and shrunk back. It was a simple questioning tone, one full of curiousity, yet he could only imagine the anger, the hate , that the sect leader would bestow upon him at just knowing— 

“I asked you a question.” A flat, solemn tone. A demand. 

Wen Yuan tightened his fists and gritted his teeth. The fear rose and bundled in his throat, his voice trying to escape, but he couldn’t disrespect the sect leader, he couldn’t not answer .  

‘Behave yourself when you meet Sect Leader Jiang ,’ came Wen Qing’s reminder.  

The reminder caused the fear to spike, but it also commanded his mind differently. Balling his hands into little fists, he dropped his focus onto the wooden floorboards and parted his lips. 

“My family name is… Wen.” 

“...A WEN!?”   

Wen Yuan squeezed his eyes and flinched back, pulling his head back to brace himself at the furious outburst. He thought right. He had noticed it before: the displeasure on Lady Jiang’s expression when they first met and he wasn’t sure why. And he was worried that Sect Leader Jiang would have reacted similarly—or worse—, so he chose to leave his family name out this time. But was something wrong with his family name? ‘No wonder Xian-ge always introduced me as A-Yuan...’  

…Just what did his family do? 

“Who allowed you in here!” Jiang Cheng roared, his voice heavy and laced with all the unbridled fury suppressed in him. Even if it’s been years, even if they won the Sunshot campaign; the Wens were his parents’ murderers!   

“Out!! Get out!” 

Jiang Cheng clenched his fist, Zidian sparkling dangerously on his finger. The purple spiritual energy violently thrashing upon his skin was a painful reminder that his mother was dead, dead from protecting their home, dead from protecting him!  

He suppressed his emotions, his chest heaving in angry breaths, yet Zidian’s energy gradually grew. Lightning began to cackle, whipping in the air strongly. He couldn’t hit a child, couldn’t bear do it, but he could always take his anger out on the disciple that allowed a Wen in! 

“Get the person that allowed them in here now!” he yelled at the curious disciples gathering outside the drawing room, frightening them to scatter away. 

A warm hand urgently pulled Wen Yuan back into a strong chest, an arm snaking around to hold his shoulders; a familiar embrace. Wen Yuan fearfully gripped onto the hems as he buried his head into Wei Wuxian’s embrace. Jin Rulan who was holding the wooden butterfly looked around confusedly before settling his gaze on the kind brother shaking in fear. 

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian called in a chiding tone while protectively holding Wen Yuan. 

“Wei! Wu! Xian!” Jiang Cheng snarled. His knuckles cracked under the pressure of his clenching fist, Zidian dangerously close to being unleashed. “You knew! And you still brought him here!” 

“Jiang Cheng! He’s only a child! He didn’t do anything wrong!” 

“His one crime is being born into the Wen sect!” Jiang Cheng roared. He swooped down to pull Jin Rulan away, his protective instincts going on overdrive. “Jin Rulan! Let go!” 

“No!” Jin Rulan cried. He gripped tightly onto the other side of Wei Wuxian’s robes, tears already gathering in his reddened eyes.  

“Jin Rulan! Behave!” 

“No!” 

“Jin—” 

“A-Cheng!” Jiang Yanli cried out upon returning in a rush with the Yunmeng disciples behind her. Her fairy-like mien was painted with a frown and in her hand was a tray filled with snacks in disarray. 

“A-Jie!” Jiang Cheng called out. “H-He!” 

“I know.” Jiang Yanli pursed her lips and set the tray down. Her expression darkened at the sight of the pair of frightened children in Wei Wuxian’s arms; her heart trembled. 

“A-Cheng,” she slowly started, waving a hand to dismiss the disciples. “I allowed them to enter. A-Yuan is only a child. You've already eradicated the Wens in the Sunshot campaign.” 

Jiang Cheng tried to protest but his older sister turned a serious expression towards him.  

“Are you not going to spare a child?” 

Jiang Yanli was usually gentle, commonly known for her soft and friendly demeanour, but she was also the daughter of Yu Ziyuan, the fierce Violet Spider—a fact always forgotten. After the brief moment she spent with the young Wen, she found him to be rather likable; he was kind and gentle, and he sincerely wanted a friend, unlike the other children her son has mingled with whose parents wanted to hug his parents’ thighs. And seeing her son actually accepting of Wen Yuan, that in itself was something she wished to keep.  

Jiang Cheng slightly winced and took a step back at the hidden ferocity in her gaze. Zidian’s prominence slowly dimmed, his fingers uncurling as the muscles reluctantly relaxed. Her steps softy padded towards her unreconciled brother. 

“A-Yuan had nothing to do with it. He didn’t even know of the campaign. Aren’t we his family’s murderers then?” Jiang Yanli continued in a voice only audible between Jiang Cheng and her. “You’ve already killed the ones that did. You've already given them justice. A-Cheng…” 

Jiang Yanli brought Jiang Cheng’s hands together and held them gently. He lifted his head; a gaze swimming with hurt and unshed tears of a wound being reopened. He called out to her softly, his voice full of emotion; a silent plea. “A-Jie...” 

“You're a great sect leader. A-Die and A-Niang would be proud of you.” She stood on her toes and kissed him on his forehead. “ I'm proud of you. You’re doing well.” 

“B-But—!” 

“Uuuu…” A soft cry sounded at Jiang Cheng’s rising protest. 

Jiang Cheng’s words got stuck in his throat at the sight of his previously calm nephew tearing up, the fat tears already glistening on the edges. “No, no! Don’t cry!” 

Him and his sister had already kneeled down before Wei Wuxian who was holding both trembling and crying children in his arms, but nothing they said could placate the baby. Hearing Jin Rulan’s cries, Wen Yuan hesitantly lifted his head, flinching when he noticed the close proximity of Sect Leader Jiang, but his heart was bleeding, aching, for this new friend, this little brother. 

“Rulan-didi…”  

The term fell from his lips before he even registered the act. This intimacy, this closeness — this protective desire. 

“Don’t cry… Rulan-didi, it’s okay. Don’t cry…” 

Wen Yuan had instinctively raised his hand to wipe Jin Rulan’s tears away when a sharp force slapped his hand away. He cried out in pain, his own tears escaping his eyes as he cradled the smarting, reddening hand. The shock had jolted his nerves, and he stared wide-eyed at the furious sect leader. He felt suffocated in his chest; he felt pained. It hurt, it really hurt.  

‘Qing- jiejie …’  

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian scolded. He held Wen Yuan closer to his chest and pulled away, bringing his knees up to cocoon them like the wings of a protective bird. “How can you hit him!” 

Yet as his words echoed in the drawing room, the only woman—the only mother —had exploded simultaneously. “A-Cheng! You shouldn’t have hit him! He’s only a child! What did he do wrong!” Jiang Yanli was enraged. Her gentle expression was twisted into one of anger, of the injustice done onto a child! There was no excuse for hitting a child in that situation, regardless if it was a light slap or not, to a Wen or not! Giving her frozen brother another glare, she reached out to check on Wen Yuan’s arm but the child was already too shaken up. Seeing her near him, he had flinched again and buried himself deeper into Wei Wuxian’s embrace; farther away from both Jiangs with repeated shakings of his head. It was as if that would chase them away, to let him be and leave him alone to his tears. 

‘ They’re scary. They’re scary. A-Yuan doesn’t want to be here. A-Yuan wants to go home.’  

Jiang Cheng paled at the glares he was receiving, the cries he was causing. “He was going to—!” 

“Comfort A-Lan!” Wei Wuxian growled. He protectively held both boys closer, feeling his robes getting soaked to his skin at the both of them crying. “Didn’t you think that you’re the one making them cry!” 

“Wei Wuxian, you! He’s a Wen!! How can you let him near A-Lan!” Jiang Cheng roared indignantly. 

“Because he’s a good child! He’s never had a friend before!” Wei Wuxian roared back. “A-Lan is his first friend!” 

Those words struck Jiang Cheng like thunder in his ears. Shame and anger rose up his throat; guilt and regret stewing in the pits of his stomach. Jiang Yanli frowned; all the words she said seemed to fall on deaf ears. She was angry at the Wens for destroying her family and her home, but… 

The cries never stopped; the sounds growing heavier and pressuring upon them all. 

“I think we should leave,” Wei Wuxian said monotonously after a while of tense silence filled with sobs. “Clearly, we aren’t welcomed here.” He moved to give Jiang Yanli back her son when Jin Rulan dove for Wen Yuan. 

“No! No!” Jin Rulan hugged Wen Yuan by the neck as their tears mixed together. Jiang Yanli felt a pang in her heart at this, her arms still awkwardly raised.  

Jiang Cheng was instantly angered, moving to pull them apart when Jin Rulan turned his tear-stained cheeks towards him. He stiffened. “A-Lan—” 

Jin Rulan jutted his lips out. The bottom lip trembled and he sniffled. He hugged Wen Yuan closer. “Friend! Stay!” 

“No. It’s too dangerous. Please let go.” Jiang Cheng felt his resolution cracking. The flames of his anger, hurt and worry dying into cinders the longer he held Jin Rulan’s puppy pout.  

But the baby only shook his head and stubbornly held on. Perhaps, as if Jin Rulan had given him strength, Wen Yuan peeked at Jiang Cheng; his eyes were equally glistening.  

Jiang Cheng flinched at the double puppy eyes targeting him.  

“A-Cheng,” Jiang Yanli finally turned her attention towards him when her son had quietened down, even if by a little. She may still be angered at her brother’s action but... “It’ll be fine. Everything will be okay.” 

“A-Jie…” 

“A-Cheng loves A-Lan just as much as you. A-Lan will be safe,” Jiang Yanli offered him a small smile, but her words felt like they were trying to convince herself more than him. “Do you think he would let A-Yuan near if the boy would hurt A-Lan?” Anything was better than calling Wen Yuan by his full name; as long as she never has to utter his family name.  

Their voices were dim in Wei Wuxian’s ears as he turned his gaze onto Wen Yuan. The child’s hands were trembling, the tremors running through the gradually dampening cotton and to his skin. His own anger died as a gentleness took over. “I won’t let him hurt you… you're safe. It’ll be okay. He only looks scary but Jiang Cheng’s actually soft on the inside.” 

“Who are you calling soft!” 

Wei Wuxian turned his head to look at Jiang Cheng, to snap and snarl, when he shockingly come to the sight of wet eyes. Jiang Yanli softly shook her head, a white porcelain hand affectionately rubbing her younger brother’s cheek.  

“Aiya, you two might as well start fighting on the spot,” she softly chided, trying to alleviate the situation. “We’ll go make lunch.” 

“Hmph. If A-Jie is making Lotus Pork Ribs Soup, you’re only allowed one bowl!” Jiang Cheng scowled in revenge, turning his gaze to the side unhappily. 

“Who put you in charge of that!” Wei Wuxian argued. 

“Since you left me and I became sect leader!” Jiang Cheng left these biting words before stomping away, his robes billowing with his motions. 

“Sect Leader Jiang… he’s so scary…” The pressure lifted off Wen Yuan’s shoulders and he slumped forward when he couldn't see Jiang Cheng anymore. 

“No… cry.” 

Wen Yuan peeked an eye open to look at the tear-stained Jin Rulan rubbing his cheek the same way he did to him before, and a warmth spread out to all his limbs. Jin Rulan searched for the fallen wooden butterfly, lifted it towards him and mimicked his earlier actions. “But…Butterfly!” 

Wen Yuan hummed and tried to smile. “Yes, butterfly. Thank you, Rulan-didi.” 

“Don’t mind A-Cheng, A-Yuan.” Jiang Yanli crouched down and gave him a soothing smile, equally proud that her son learned a new word whilst ignoring the pang in her heart. “Are you hungry? I'll have lunch ready soon.” 

Wen Yuan had flinched and shrank at the close proximity between them. Jiang Yanli’s smile faltered but she remained patient, merely waiting for the child to hesitantly peek at her. He glanced at Wei Wuxian who nodded reassuringly and he looked back at her before dropping his gaze. “...Lunch sounds good.” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “Shijie! Your soup is always the best!” 

“Xian-ge… Sect Leader Jiang said you can only take one bowl. Don’t take.” Wen Yuan had remembered his aunt’s teachings, to only reach for food when Sect Leader Jiang and his sister had already taken it, but seeing as that had been after Jin Rulan and Wei Wuxian got their helpings from the siblings, he was the last to receive his.  

At the barely audible whisper, Wei Wuxian looked at Wen Yuan’s worried face, his hand pausing at scooping a second helping for himself. “It’s okay! Jiang Cheng was only joking!” 

“Who said I was?” Jiang Cheng retorted and sharply slapped Wei Wuxian’s hand holding the ladle’s handle with his fingers.  

“A-Cheng, I made enough for everyone. Let A-Xian have some more,” Jiang Yanli said while Wei Wuxian cried out in pain. 

“But A-Jie! He never comes home! We should teach him a lesson!”  

“It’s precisely because he’s never home that’s why we must let him have more. I can always make it for you but not A-Xian.” Jiang Yanli daintily sipped her soup from her spoon.  

“Whose fault is that! He should come home more. I don’t know what’s so good about always staying outside!” 

Wen Yuan kept his head lowered while he quietly ate his food when he heard Jin Rulan struggling next to him. He saw the baby reaching his hands out towards the purple lotuses on the table. They were sweet potatoes shaped and carved out like the lotus shaped mooncakes. Using the chopsticks set aside to pick the food, he took one and placed it in Jin Rulan’s purple porcelain bowl that was painted with peony motifs. 

“Thank you!” Jin Rulan said in his childish voice and grinned. 

Wen Yuan felt his lips curving into a smile and he blurted out, “Yuan-ge. Call Yuan-ge.” 

Jin Rulan tilted his head. “Ge?” 

Wen Yuan nodded his head and encouraged him. “Yes! Ge. Yuan-ge!” 

“Gege!” Jin Rulan squealed, his giggles ringing like silver bells. 

“Yuan-gege?” Wen Yuan tried testing the water. 

“Yuan-gege!” Jin Rulan exclaimed happily with bits of purple sweet potato sticking to the corners of his lips. The name slipped out of his mouth so naturally. It was seemingly so easy to say, to call out for this older brother wearing the plainest clothes he saw. 

Immediately, three heads turned towards the baby. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng stared incredulously at their nephew, mouths gaping open at what their ears just heard while Jiang Yanli gasped in surprised pride. 

“Hehe, yes! Yuan-gege!” Wen Yuan praised the baby boy and Jin Rulan lifted the purple sweet potato like a trophy.  

“Ehh! A-Lan! Call me too! Dajiu!” 

Jin Rulan tilted his head at Wei Wuxian whose eyes were twinkling in anticipation. He stretched his hand out. “Da!” 

“Yes, yes! Dajiu. Call me Dajiu!” 

“Da!”  

“Yes, yes! Dajiu!” 

“Po!” 

“No, no. ‘Da—jiu’!” 

“Try calling Erjiu, A-Lan.” 

“Po!” 

“Ugh...”  

Wen Yuan silently looked between the exchange, from Jin Rulan to Wei Wuxian to Jiang Cheng, and back to Jin Rulan, before leaning forward to pick up another purple lotus shaped sweet potato. He quietly set it in the purple porcelain bowl next to him and quietly continued eating his rice. He had a feeling that Jin Rulan had wanted the sweet potatoes he was gesturing towards.  

Jin Rulan cheered. “Po! Thank you, Yuan-gege!” 

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng both stared at the scene laid out them before shifting their gazes onto each other. Their pursed lips parted to release a defeated sigh. 

“Well,” Jiang Cheng started while picking up his chopsticks. “When are you coming back?” 

Wei Wuxian mirrored him and teased, “Miss me that much?” 

Jiang Cheng scoffed and rolled his eyes, leaning over to pick some vegetables to place into his sister’s bowl. Bickering with Wei Wuxian easily brought his mind off the topic of Wen Yuan’s family. That and Jiang Yanli had already lectured him. “And who was it that promised we would be the twin prides of Yunmeng…” 

The chopsticks holding up some rice paused before Wei Wuxian’s lips when he heard those words. A bitter smile slowly formed. Could he really return to Yunmeng— As a demonic cultivator? He minutely shook his head: No. He couldn’t.  

‘I c an't tarnish Yunmeng Jiang’s reputation, their prestige. ’  

The lunch continued in awkward silence. 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 When lunch was finished, Jiang Cheng had excused himself to finish some sect affairs and Jiang Yanli left to handle her own matters as well, leaving Wei Wuxian in charge of the two children. 

“Don’t destroy anything!” were the words Jiang Cheng left them with in his usual scowl. And Wen Yuan was terribly certain that the sect leader refused to look at him. With a heavy heart, the child pushed the thought away and looked at Wei Wuxian. 

‘I'm sorry I got Sect Leader Jiang angry, Qing- jiejie …’  

Waving his martial brother and sister off, Wei Wuxian stood by the pathway with Jin Rulan in his arms and Wen Yuan gripping onto his black robes. Wei Wuxian’s hand dropped back to his side and he was content. His eyes trailed over the familiar eaves and awnings, the beautiful lotuses surrounding them, the floorboards and the sky; they were all a view so familiar… yet not.  

Staring at the clear blue sky, he was hit with a sudden wave of nostalgia. ‘We used to shoot down kites in such a weather.’ 

A tug on his robe. “Xian-ge, what do we do now?” 

“Do you want to see where I used to stay?” Wei Wuxian suggested. ‘It’s been awhile . Do I… even still have a place here? ’ 

Wen Yuan’s expression brightened. He nodded his head. 

Very soon, they arrived at a decently large room. Wei Wuxian pushed aside the bamboo door, the sunlight behind him casting long shadows on the floorboards. The first thing that registered was how fresh the room smelled. There was not an ounce of dust or stale air. Wei Wuxian slowly raised his head, a reluctance in his gaze. Was it cleaned? Would it still be the same? Did they remove his things?  

‘ Shijie wouldn’t have agreed but Jiang Cheng… ’  

Bit by bit, his gaze took in more of the floorboards, noticing from the corner of his eyes the golden sunlight streaming in from the open windows. A slight breeze was wafting in. It hurt to think that they’ve been taking care of the room so well for someone else . He could tell the room was regularly aired and cleaned, well taken care of for its occupant. And of course, Jiang Cheng wouldn’t stay here anymore. He’s the sect leader now. 

Then he saw the small rosewood table, its surface wiped down and gleaming. A few stools stood around the table; left just the way he remembered.  

  ‘A-Xian, A-Cheng, have some soup.’  

 Faint memories of Jiang Yanli settling the tray of his favourite soup on that table resurfaced. How long ago had that been? 

The scrolls of painting on the wall, the calligraphy brushes and rice paper on the writing table... and then he swung his gaze to the left and right, seeing a bed on either end.  

  “No! Go away! This is my room!”  

“But Uncle Jiang said I'll be sleeping in the same room as you…”  

“No! Give Princess, Jasmine and Little Love back to me! Because of you, I don’t have them anymore!” 

 A scene of old; A cold night. 

  “ I'm sorry…”  

“It’s okay! If Uncle Jiang asks, I won’t tell him what happened! I just fell down a tree!”  

“And I'll help chase the dogs away for you!”  

 A promise between brothers. 

With Jin Rulan still in his arms, he quickly made his way to the also rosewood wardrobe. He swung its door open, seeing the sight of robes of purple and black hanging inside. He easily recognised the robes of Yunmeng. He curiously pulled a black robe out, and froze.  

‘They… they…’  

“Xian-ge?” 

Wei Wuxian jolted out of his thoughts, his gaze shifting onto Wen Yuan. “I'm alright, A-Yuan.” He turned back to the robe and released his fingers to let it fall back in. “Do you want to paint? I saw my old calligraphy brushes.” 

“I want!” 

“Come, come.” Wei Wuxian ushered him to the writing table and set Jin Rulan down next to him. He flatted out a rice paper and grinded some ink. His muscles moved from memory, the rhythmic sounds falling deaf on his ears as his mind wandered off. 

‘They kept my things .’  

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “A-Lan! No!” 

Gleeful baby laughter echoed in the four walls, squealing in absolute delight at Wei Wuxian’s horrified expression. Jin Rulan locked gazes with his uncle, his hands still held up high in the air.  

Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Don’t you dare.” 

Jin Rulan giggled in response and lightly waved his hands. Deep black ink marred his fair fingers, the diluted liquid trickling down his digits and onto his fine clothes, like black roses in a field of golden peonies. 

‘That’s not going to wash off easily…’ Wei Wuxian cringed. 

Then he caught the first sign, the undefined muscles tensing and the lift of chubby fingers. 

“A-Lan! No—!”  

With an excited squeal, Jin Rulan flung his fingers forward. Wei Wuxian watched the ink fly in slow motion, finally splattering across the rice paper and onto the floorboards. 

‘That’s not going to wash off easily too. ’ 

Wei Wuxian flinched when drops of ink hit his cheeks, the cold liquid slowly cascading down like a bloody scar on his handsome mien. Jin Rulan giggled at his masterpiece.  

A head peeked out from behind the second sheet of rice paper held up high, his large, clear eyes blinking at the mess before him. Calligraphy ink was spilled over the table, splattering across the floor and Wei Wuxian’s lightly scowling face. Wen Yuan’s mouth fell open. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Do I look okay?” Wei Wuxian wrinkled his nose in displeasure.  

Wen Yuan immediately nodded while still holding up his shield of ink-splattered paper. “Yes! Xian-ge always look good!” 

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. “That’s not what I meant.” He reached forward to try clean Jin Rulan’s face. Wen Yuan, who was safe from the flying dangers quietly rearranged the brushes, rice paper and ink slab to avoid a bigger mess being created. 

“Huh?” He gingerly spread out a rice paper that Jin Rulan had been using and examined the black blobs. They seemed organised, as though they were meant to be something. 

“What’s wrong, A-Yuan?” Wei Wuxian inquired while scrubbing his nephew’s face of the ink, only to have more smear over the squishy cheeks. 

“Rulan-didi drew something?” Wen Yuan replied questioningly. He peered closer, counting the blobs. There were eight large blobs in total, standing in a line, and they were made up of smaller blobs. Two pairs of blobs—each one a small blob on top of a big one—had two lines connecting them, as if… “They’re holding hands?” 

Curiosity peaking, Wei Wuxian looked over as well. There was one particular blob that caught his attention; it was a big blob with a smaller one on top, and a long curvy line was stretched out from atop; like a head on a body with hair, maybe? Seeing Wei Wuxian’s finger pointed towards it, Jin Rulan giggled and patted his uncle's cheek with his hands. 

“Da!” 

Wei Wuxian quirked a brow. “Me?” 

“Da!” Jin Rulan slapped his cheek harder with a pout.  

“Oww— Oh , me!” 

Wei Wuxian’s pained expression softened. Warmth tickled his heart like Jiang Yanli’s soup warming him insides. “Then who’s this?” He pointed at one of the pairs with the two lines; they were slimmer and shorter than the other pair. 

“Mama! Papa!” 

Jiang Yanli and the Peacock. 

“Them?” Wei Wuxian pointed at the other pair. 

“Yeye! Nainai!” 

Jin Guangshan and Madam Jin. 

Wei Wuxian had his suspicions but… Was this a family portrait? He continued pointing at the different blobs, somehow being able to distinguish the different figures as Jin Rulan listed them one by one. He bitterly smiled when he realised Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu weren’t painted, but then again, they hadn’t the chance to meet their grandson. 

“Xianzi!” 

Ah, Fairy the Dog. 

“Shushu!” 

Jin Guangyao? Understandable since he did give Fairy. 

“Jiu!” 

Jiu?  

“What the—What happened here!?”  

“Oh, Jiang Cheng! Finished with work?” 

“Wei Wuxian! What did you do!” 

“What do you mean me! It was all A-Lan!” 

Jiang Cheng rushed into his old bedroom and picked up his nephew. Before he could say anything, Jin Rulan already patted his cheek, slapping on a black blotch of ink, and said, “Jiu!” 

Both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng immediately looked at him.  

“Jiu?” Jiang Cheng repeated in confusion. 

“Jiu? Jiujiu? Erjiu?” Wei Wuxian listed off and realisation dawned. 

The last blob was Jiang Cheng! 

“What are you so shocked for? Unhappy that he called me first?” The sect leader eventually realised the situation as well, turning his nose up into the air in absolute pride.  

“Why are you so proud? He called me too!” Wei Wuxian harrumphed. “Right, A-Lan? Call ‘Dajiu’!” 

Jin Rulan, “Hehe. Da!” 

“See?” Wei Wuxian puffed his chest out proudly. 

Jiang Cheng scoffed and rolled his eyes. “He didn’t even call you ‘Dajiu’. Just ‘Da’. He called me ‘Jiu’ and that’s better! At least we know it’s ‘uncle’!” 

Wen Yuan watched them bicker endlessly and wordlessly looked down at his own painting. His fingers tensed, the muscles straining under his wavering emotions, but he couldn’t bear ruin the rice paper, couldn’t bear ruin their moment . Wouldn’t someone— anyone —look at his too?  

“Are the two of you arguing again?” 

“Shijie/A-Jie!”  

Wen Yuan turned his attention towards the door where Jiang Yanli was entering. When she caught his gaze, he saw her give him a smile—tender and sweet—with the earlier situation seemingly forgotten, and he quickly dropped his gaze. ‘Would my mummy look at me like that too?’  

“Why is A-Lan so dirty?” 

The same question. Wen Yuan inwardly sighed and simply stared at his painting. Everyone was simply just too busy paying attention to the baby. He looked over every part of his art, feeling a small smile lifting the edges of his lips. Soon, he felt a presence looming over him.  

“You painted these pretty well,” Wei Wuxian complimented; his face was still covered in ink.  

Wen Yuan looked back at his finger painting, at the figures depicted as his family. He did think that it was good, and that he did well for his first try. 

“I see Wen Qing and Wen Ning… Grandma and Uncle Four. But who’s this?” Wei Wuxian pointed at the high ponytailed figure next to who he could guess as Wen Yuan himself.  

“That’s…” Wen Yuan averted Wei Wuxian’s gaze and murmured under his breath, “…Xian-ge.” 

Wei Wuxian was taken aback. Him? He’s part of... “Oh, A-Yuan…” He pulled the boy into his arms and cuddled him tight. “You’re the sweetest!” 

Wen Yuan gripped onto the ink-stained robes, hid his face into the chest and smiled. “Mm.” Wei Wuxian wasn’t related to him by blood, but he was every bit of a brother to him; sometimes, even as a father.  

“I'm going to give A-Lan a bath,” Jiang Yanli informed while she stood up with her son in her arms. “I'll ask someone to clean up the floorboards now as well.” 

Wei Wuxian hummed in agreement. “Wait, Shijie! Do… you think it’s okay to allow A-Yuan to bathe together too?” 

If only just to let the child experience living life properly. He was safe from the flying ink after all. 

Jiang Yanli smiled. “Of course, A-Xian.” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “Xianzi!” Jin Rulan cried. He clutched at the bathtub’s edge as his cries echoed in the steamy room. Fat teardrops rolled down his flushed cheeks. “Xianzi!!” 

“W-Why is he crying!” Wei Wuxian panicked. “Is the dog here!?” 

Jiang Cheng lightly slapped his martial brother on the back of his head. “Stop panicking. Xianzi is not here. A-Lan just misses it because the puppy usually accompanies him while he bathes.” 

“A-Accompany him b-bath?” Wei Wuxian paled. His hands froze in the midst of soaping Wen Yuan’s hair, the child’s eyes shut tight as he patiently waited.   

Tacitly understanding the panic-stricken man, Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes while his hands worked to soothe his dog-loving nephew. He stressed the words again. “ S he’s not here .” 

“Here, here? ” Wei Wuxian gulped, forgetting the bubbles rolling down Wen Yuan’s forehead and onto his closed eyes. 

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes again. “Not here, here. Not in Lotus Pier at all.” 

He turned his gaze away. ‘Because you might not come if you knew she was here.’  

Jin Rulan continued to cry. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng had volunteered to help bathe the boys, seeing as it was a rare opportunity to do so...  

‘Together.’ They had thought simultaneously. 

“A-Lan, you're going to become a dried peach if you keep crying,” Wei Wuxian groaned, unable to wipe the tears away with the bubbles covering his hands before crying out in apology at finally realising the patient child’s head covered in soap. 

Jin Rulan merely paused and stared at his oldest maternal uncle before bawling his eyes out once more, causing Wei Wuxian to cringe and shy away. 

“Stop crying,” Jiang Cheng grumbled as he continuously wipes the tears away with the pads of his un-soapy thumbs. 

“Xianzi…!” 

“Will be home when you go back,” Jiang Cheng continued, but the sole heir refused to accept it. 

A smaller figure, whose hair was washed twice today, the second time with soap, scooted closer and raised a hand. Warm water dripped from his fingers, his pats sounding wet on Jin Rulan’s head. As though finding solace, Jin Rulan immediately latched onto Wen Yuan’s free arm. When Wen Yuan stopped patting his head, he’d pout, glare and retrieve the hand to pat his head again while sniffling. 

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian: ‘ ...is Xianzi the dog or is A- Lan the dog?’  

They quickly cleaned the boys up and towel-dried them properly while Jin Rulan wasn’t crying. Jiang Cheng’s gaze had been constantly shifting onto Wen Yuan, but not once did he say a word, nor stop him from nearing his nephew. 

“Jiang Cheng,” Wei Wuxian called as he gently squeezed and patted Wen Yuan’s hair dry with the towel. 

“What?” Jiang Cheng didn’t bother turning his head, his attention now solely on fluffing Jin Rulan’s hair with the towel.  

“I got an idea.” 

“No.” 

“You didn’t even hear it.” 

“No.” 

“But—” 

“When did you have any good ideas? Saving Mianmian? Getting thrown into Burial Mounds? Choosing to stay in Burial Mounds? Telling—” Then, no more words came. Jiang Cheng closed his mouth and carefully pulled the yellow garment down and over Jin Rulan’s head.  

‘ Telling me we’ll be twin prides but breaking that promise. Leaving Yunmeng Sect when you had a home here, ’ was what he couldn’t say. Because he knew, he knew . The public and the other sects would never accept Yunmeng Sect if Wei Wuxian were to stay, for demonic cultivation was exactly that—demonic. It was something righteous, heavenly cultivators do not dabble in, and this was the only way to protect them, to protect Yunmeng. 

Wei Wuxian glanced at the now silent Jiang Cheng and dropped it back to the string of Wen Yuan’s white inner robe he was tying. With a small knowing smile, he too stayed silent. There were shuffling sounds beside him but Wei Wuxian wholeheartedly focused on Wen Yuan and the warmth in his heart. All those things Jiang Cheng listed? All he heard was worry and care in that biting tone.  

Wen Yuan looked up at Wei Wuxian with a questioning gaze. He was unaware of a cold glare watching him from the side, of the hundreds of thoughts running through the young man’s mind. He only wondered of the reason why Wei Wuxian had kept silent and not retort like he normally would; of why there was a despairing glaze in his usually bright eyes. 

Wei Wuxian sighed and picked up Wen Yuan’s robe hanging on the rack— 

—when, a calloused hand, hardened from the many hours of sword training and bearing a ring he knew all too well, stopped Wei Wuxian from putting the oversized robe on Wen Yuan. The other hand came into view. Wei Wuxian stared at the child-sized purple robe that was a distinctive characteristic of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. Shaky fingers caressed the robe, the material warm and soft under the fingertips and pride swelled up within Wei Wuxian. Yes, this was Yunmeng Jiang’s colour, its symbol; this was his pride, his home . He instinctively blinked his eyes repeatedly, the long lashes fluttering in the steam. He quietly released the robe and tilted his head back, feeling the pooling tears seep back into his eyes, the emotions drowning in his gaze. There had been a time he donned this proudly too. 

“What? Don’t want to let him wear it? The Wens are already gone,” Jiang Cheng reminded coldly when he saw Wei Wuxian not moving. Was he reminding Wei Wuxian or himself? 

With a bitter smile, Wei Wuxian cocked his face to the side to face the scowling young man. “Would it kill you to have more patience?” 

“Just say it if you don’t want it!” Jiang Cheng seethed. 

But before he could pull his hand back, Wei Wuxian had already swiftly removed the garment from his grasp and grinned cheekily at him. “You can’t take back what you give. Just don’t come crying cause a Wen is wearing the Jiang’s robe.” 

Jiang Cheng simply tutted and combed the-suddenly-obedient Jin Rulan’s hair. “The Wens are gone.” 

“Well? Do you want to hear the idea or not?” Wei Wuxian deflected the statement as his hands skilfully tied Wen Yuan’s hair into a half-updo after pulling Yunmeng’s robe around him.  

Jiang Cheng flicked his gaze sideways in a bored manner, his fingers threading through Jin Rulan’s hair to tie it up as well. “What is it?” 

Wei Wuxian’s grin widened and a giggled escaped his lips. He may not stand the real thing, but this… this he could do. “Hehe. I'll show you.” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “Aren’t I pretty good?” 

“Yeah—” Wei Wuxian started to beam at Jiang Cheng’s compliment of his intelligence. “—pretty good at disgusting me.” 

Wei Wuxian’s face fell into a pout. He stood up from his prior posture of crouching on the floor with his arms in front and between his legs; exactly like a dog ordered to sit. With a harrumph, he ignored Jiang Cheng’s judgmental scowl and bent down to come face to face with Jin Rulan on eye level. A pair of snow-white dog ears sat atop his head, the pointy ears held together with a needle and thread, and a thin, white string tied up and over Wei Wuxian’s chin kept it on. Scraps of cloth and cotton laid by his side, a pair of scissors and string on the pile. 

When Wei Wuxian turned around, Jiang Cheng’s scowl faltered. ‘Dog ears… I want them too. Really, really want them too,’ he mentally sobbed but he had to maintain his image and pride as a sect leader for he was no longer a child.  

“A-Lan, A-Lan,” Wei Wuxian continued sitting like a dog before his nephew. His eyes were bright with the sense of playfulness, dog-like whines sounding from the back of his throat, and he leaned forward, rubbing the tip of his nose with Jin Rulan’s. 

“Doggy!” Jin Rulan happily cheered. Excited fingers patted Wei Wuxian’s head, his desire for his puppy Xianzi already pushed to the back of his mind. Wen Yuan, cladded in the purple robe of Yunmeng, sat to his side with eyes full of fascination. With a straight back and bright eyes, the child released an intelligent, noble and kind aura so unlike the ‘commoners’ feeling from before. 

“Arf! Arf!” Wei Wuxian mimicked. Jin Rulan squealed and hugged Wei Wuxian by the neck, rubbing his face in the crook of his shoulder. With a victorious grin and an eye roll at his brother, he asked proudly, “Is this a good idea or not?” 

“All I see is that you have too much time on your hands,” Jiang Cheng scoffed while folding his arms over his chest.  

“Up to you then,” Wei Wuxian shrugged and grabbed another old pillow, his fingers deftly making another pair of snow-white dog ears connected by the same white string. “Here.” 

“What’s it for?” Jiang Cheng stared at the second pair of dog ears.  

“Yours! I'm giving it to you, of course!” Wei Wuxian impatiently waved his hand, causing the white string to sway. 

But it looked like the alluring beckoning of a siren’s temptation to the sect leader instead. 

“You keep standing there and staring. All I see is that you have too much time on your hands,” Wei Wuxian repeated Jiang Cheng’s words from before with a roll of his eyes. 

“You!” Said sect leader was immediately incensed.  

Wei Wuxian closed an eye and dully regarded his brother, lazily waving the dog ears in his hand again. “Do you want it or not? I'm not going to ask—”  

Jiang Cheng swiped the dog ears away.  

“—again.” 

Wei Wuxian nonchalantly shrugged. “If you wanted it, just take it next time.” 

Jiang Cheng merely responded with a scoff as he tied the dog ears tight on his head. Soft cotton teased his calloused fingertips, the pleasurable sensation tickling his senses. ‘ Oh my god. They’re so soft!’  

A tug on Wei Wuxian’s sleeve. “Yes, A-Yuan?” 

“Can Rulan-didi and A-Yuan get one too?” Wen Yuan politely asked.  

“Of course! I was already going to make them for you.” 

Very soon, the four of them had a pair of white dog ears atop their heads, with both Wen Yuan and Jin Rulan sporting also an equally coloured dog tail hanging off their tailbones with the same whits thread. Behind the closed doors and away from prying eyes, the disciples of Yunmeng would have never imagined their grouchy, stern and temperamental sect leader would be rolling on the floor with his brother, wrestling with him like a pair of playful dogs trying to assert their dominance. To the side, the baby and child pair were happily barking and circling each other like newly acquainted puppies meeting in a park.  

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “Hahaha! I can’t believe you agreed!” 

“Shut up! It’s all because of you!” 

“Hahahaha! And you fell for it!” 

A muscled hand adorned with only a single purple ring shot forward, the five fingers curled menacingly into a claw. Its target easily spun on his heel and avoided the grab, the accompanying laughter annoying to Jiang Cheng’s ears. Jiang Cheng heavily planted a foot onto the wooden flooring of the pier, his calves bursting with strength as he abruptly changed directions and lunged for the grinning young man.  

“Aiya, why are you so angry. Jiang Cheng?” 

The sect leader couldn’t find the words to properly unleash his fury, only managing to roar out Wei Wuxian’s name when his lunge failed to connect to the nimble young man. “Stop running!” 

“And let you hit me? No way!” Wei Wuxian laughed while he leapt forward, causing a confused Jiang Cheng to step back reflexively. With the same shit-eating grin, Wei Wuxian slapped Jiang Cheng on the shoulder in the blink of an eye, and immediately broke into a run. 

“Wei Wuxian!!” 

Further behind…  

Wen Yuan held tighter onto the small hand in his. The baby’s steps were unsteady, occasionally wobbly but Jin Rulan stubbornly continued on. He shook his head, the pair of cotton dog ears shifting slightly with his actions. 

“Slowly,” Wen Yuan reminded as he readjusted the dog ears on Jin Rulan’s head and tightened the white string. 

“Mm!” Jin Rulan nodded earnestly, but the dog ears slid again. 

Wen Yuan sighed and lamented on how soft and smooth the baby’s hair was before untying the string and carefully, tightly tying it into a perfect little bow. “Not too tight? Not painful?” 

Jin Rulan moved to shake his head when he paused. Instead, he simply said, “No pain.” 

“That’s good,” Wen Yuan smiled.  

Jin Rulan stretched his arms out. “Yuan-gege.” 

Wen Yuan hummed in confusion and crouched down. Did the baby want a piggyback? 

Jin Rulan shook his head, stumbling around the older child and planted his chubby hands on Wen Yuan’s head. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Ears not straight,” Jin Rulan whined, his voice high and childish. He very carefully, very seriously, straightened out the ears.  

Wen Yuan stayed still, observing the wood grains of the pier by his feet as he focused on Jin Rulan’s unhappy huffs and thoughtful hums while he tried to straighten the dog ears. Then slowly, his smile was beginning to twitch, faltering at how long it was actually taking the baby to finish. His legs were aching, his muscles were trembling, and his blood was starting to not flow between his limbs. Yet, he held on, smiling despite the pain when he heard—felt—Jin Rulan’s earnest efforts. 

The humid breeze blew, a chill on their bodies. 

“Are you cold?” Wen Yuan asked when the shudders ran on his skin. He tilted his head back when Jin Rulan stepped back, his clumsy fingers now running across the white string below his chin.  

“Not cold.” Jin Rulan giggled when Wen Yuan brought his hands up and placed it over the younger boy’s because he couldn’t figure out how to tie it. Gentle fingers carefully held each end of the white bow, and he felt the small hands perfectly covered in his palms also reach out to mimic his actions. 

Wen Yuan’s lips curled into an amused smile. With a slight strength, he tugged at both ends of the bow and Jin Rulan promptly followed; together, they tightened it.  

“Mm! Yuan-gege, done!” 

“Yeah!” Wen Yuan laughed when Jin Rulan flushed with pride. “Thank you, Rulan-didi.” 

Jin Rulan stood straighter at the praise. 

They then continued bumbling towards the still bickering and fighting duo at the end of the empty pier.  

“Jiang Cheng, Jiang Cheng. Look.” 

Jiang Cheng’s arm was wrapped around Wei Wuxian’s neck, locking the young man in a chokehold. Automatically at Wei Wuxian’s prompting, Jiang Cheng turned to glance at the direction he was pointing at; a temporary pause in their fight. His scowl dropped at the sight of the children supporting each other while they made their way over.  

“Finally,” he scoffed, though a smile played off his lips. 

“Yeah,” Wei Wuxian echoed. 

They had already noticed when the children fell back at the first instance, but instead of walking over, they chose to watch and covertly stay alert—and of course, to determine the winner between each other. Wei Wuxian ducked and slipped out of Jiang Cheng’s loosening chokehold when the boys were within arm’s reach and the sect leader let his arms drop.  

Wei Wuxian dropped onto all fours, shook his butt so that the tail swayed side to side, and playfully rubbed his nose against Jin Rulan’s pink nose. “Arf!” 

With a giggle, Jin Rulan released his hold on Wen Yuan’s arm and mimicked his oldest uncle. “Arf!” It was higher pitched, sounding more like a yip than a bark. 

Jiang Cheng groaned and covered his eyes with a palm. Hearing that, Wei Wuxian grinned and asked, “Get on your hands and knees, Jiang Cheng.” 

“No.” 

“It was a deal.” 

“It was a trick!”  

“That you still lost.” 

“But —!” 

Jiang Cheng pursed his lips and stared hard at his baby nephew crouching before him with Wen Yuan by his side, his eye twitching at the glistening sheen in Jin Rulan’s doe-like eyes. Jin Rulan tugged at Wen Yuan’s sleeve, making the older boy sit like a puppy waiting for food, and they simultaneously turned towards Jiang Cheng with similar expressions.  

“Not the puppy pout.” 

“Please,” Jin Rulan whined, leaning forward to pitifully tugging at the hem of the purple robes. Wen Yuan chose to stay in his position with his large, clear eyes blinking woefully at the sect leader.  

The uncle-nephew pair had a long stare-down. The breeze blew in anticipation. Jiang Cheng glanced at Wen Yuan, twitched and turned back to Jin Rulan. 

Jin Rulan’s eyes, so soft and gentle, blinked once very slowly. His pink lips were jutted out in high hopes, before they slowly curved downwards and the very pair of eyes widened bit by bit, filling up with waves of unshed tears. 

Thump. 

“...Arf.” 

Jin Rulan wiped the pearls of tears hanging at the corner of his eyes, staring at the sight before him in amazement. “Wah,” he lightly gasped in awe and immediately dropped to all fours. With a giggle, he raised his head, rubbing his cheek against his uncle’s shoulder—who was crouched down like a dog as well. 

Blushing roses painted the proud man’s face. He dropped his head to return his nephew’s ministration and softly bumped their noses together. He prayed, prayed and prayed and prayed so hard that there would be no one around to view Yunmeng’s sect leader like this (and never ever find out his weaknesses). The pier was already empty but it might not stay that way! 

Why would he ever say no to his baby nephew? Or dogs for that matter—even if it wasn't real! 

Wei Wuxian laughed in utter glee at the sight. He crouched down, an arm resting on his knee, and then tapped Wen Yuan’s nose with a finger. “How do you feel?” 

“Happy,” Wen Yuan smiled, his lips curving wider when Wei Wuxian patted his head, careful to not mess up the dog ears. Happy to have a friend the same age as him. Happy to spend time together laughing like this.  

‘Happy to see Xian- ge this happy too,’ Wen Yuan added.  

“I'm glad to hear that.” Wei Wuxian turned to sit by the edge of the pier and called out to Jiang Cheng and Jin Rulan softly cuddling each other. “Come. The wind’s nice,” he patted the space next to him. 

Jin Rulan’s face lit up and had rushed over. A stumble near the edge. A fall in extreme slow motion. Jiang Cheng’s, Wei Wuxian’s and Wen Yuan’s eyes widened. Their faces paled.  

“A-Lan/Rulan-didi!” 

Screams pierced the sky, scaring a few sparrows that had been perched in the willow leaves nearby. A long arm in a purple sleeve stretched out, his fingers catching onto one of Jin Rulan’s arm while a smaller hand caught onto the flowing hems. Jin Rulan blinked and “ah”-ed, feeling that the large hand on his back was steady and strong, supporting him from actually falling over the pier. 

“Don’t run like that. You'll hurt yourself,” Wei Wuxian chided as he carefully shifted his hand that was supporting his nephew on his back to bring him onto his lap once Jiang Cheng and Wen Yuan released their holds. 

“Sit! Da!” Jin Rulan happily bounced on Wei Wuxian’s lap with his arms spread wide open towards the lotus-filled sight. 

“You want to sit with your Dajiu?” Wei Wuxian deduced, holding his nephew’s two hands with his own and waved them in the air. “You love Dajiu that much? Hehe, Dajiu is the best, right?” 

“As if!” Jiang Cheng scoffed, taking the space next to Wei Wuxian. He glanced back and cocked a brow at the lonely boy clutching at his robes. “Come.” 

Wen Yuan hesitated. 

“Are you afraid of me?” 

“No, sect leader—” 

“Sect leader really makes me sound so old. I'm not even 30 yet!” 

“But A-Yuan cannot disrespect the sect leader, so—” 

“Sounds too old.” 

“Jiang Cheng, you’re being too harsh on him.” Wei Wuxian interjected. “If calling you a ‘sect leader’ is old, why not ‘uncle’ then?” 

Wen Yuan pursed his lips and lowered his head until his chin pressed against his chest. ‘Please don’t be angry, please don’t be angry… Qing-jiejie will be disappointed in A-Yuan.’ 

“Uncle!? Doesn’t he call you ‘Xian-ge’!” Jiang Cheng protested and then snarled, “Why call you an ‘older brother’ but me an ‘uncle’!” He turned a fierce look onto Wen Yuan. “Call me Cheng-ge!” 

“That is not a title befitting a—” 

“—sect leader, yes. But this sect leader is ordering now to not call me a sect leader! I'm not even older than you! I'm younger!” Jiang Cheng cut Wei Wuxian off with an unhappy scowl. 

“Yeah, like six days.” 

“Still younger,” Jiang Cheng crossed his arms and turned his attention back onto the silent Wen child. Releasing the frustration with a long exhale, he tried to gently call out: “… A-Yuan.” 

Hearing the young sect leader calling him like that startled the young boy. He quickly looked up. “A-Yuan is listening.” 

“And? Call me Cheng-ge.” 

Wen Yuan ducked his head again. “Sect leader, A-Yuan doesn't think…” Catching the merciless glare, he quickly assented. “C-Cheng-ge.” 

“Now, come here.” 

Wen Yuan stepped into his arm’s reach. Not once did he lift his head again. 

“Am I really that scary?” 

At Jiang Cheng’s sigh, Wen Yuan instantly looked up and tried to explain. “No, no. Cheng-ge isn’t scary! Not anymore!” Jiang Cheng’s expression darkened and Wen Yuan hurriedly backpedalled. “A-Yuan, A-Yuan just didn’t want to make C-Cheng-ge angry again! …A-Yuan knows he is not welcomed.”  

A hand was stretched out towards him, the silver ring shining under the sunlight. Wen Yuan blinked and caught Jiang Cheng’s noncommittal gaze. Wei Wuxian and Jin Rulan watched expectantly. 

Jiang Cheng’s fingers curled and uncurled at the tips a couple of times; a motion for Wen Yuan to come. The child was wary of the palm, his gaze instinctively shifting towards Wei Wuxian as if to ask if it was a good idea, if it was safe, if he should . 

“Why’re you looking at him for?” Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but snarl, feeling the shame and embarrassment colour his cheeks. “I'm not going to bite! Don’t tell me you’re just going to stand there and not sit with us? Or did you want to sit by yourself?” 

“But…” 

‘ Didn’t you hate me? ’ Wen Yuan flinched at the biting tone of the older man. 

“Jiang Cheng—” Wei Wuxian began, feeling uneasy at how harsh Jiang Cheng still was while talking to Wen Yuan. 

“I’m too harsh, yeah, yeah.” Jiang Cheng scoffed and rolled his eyes, but his hand remained afloat in mid-air. “I'm not letting a child sit at the edge of the pier by himself,” he then snapped. 

‘It’s dangerous,’ he thought with a piercing glare. He wasn’t sure if Wen Yuan could swim if he did accidentally fall, and even if he could —that still shouldn’t be happening on his watch! 

“I-If…” 

Jiang Cheng’s head turned back towards the stammering Wen Yuan who spoke up. 

“If… Cheng-ge doesn’t mind? A-Yuan will be happy.” 

The snipe of his words was stuck at the tip of his tongue when he took notice of the hopeful flick of Wen Yuan’s gaze, that his perception of the child was inherently important to him. In the end, he swallowed the words he had wanted to say and settled with: “Tch. Just come here.” 

Beamingly, Wen Yuan walked over to Jiang Cheng who spread his thighs open wider and carefully sat the child in between, moving so that the cotton tail was nicely positioned to the side. He wound an arm around Wen Yuan’s middle, holding him secure in his embrace as their legs dangled off the edge. A calm breeze blew.  

Jiang Cheng glanced down at the child in his arms, an odd feeling arising. He could see the carefree smile curved upon his face, the warmth of someone so small— so innocent —was somehow calming on his nerves. That thought struck him odd... because he only ever felt like this with... 

Jiang Cheng shifted his gaze towards Jin Rulan, coincidentally catching the baby’s own questioning gaze. It felt... It felt exactly like when he was holding his nephew. But this was a son from the family of murderers. 

‘ They... they...’  

“C-Cheng-ge?” 

Jiang Cheng startled at Wen Yuan’s soft voice, who had looked up when he felt the man’s arms tightened. He blinked at the clear eyes staring up at him, the sun’s rays reflecting off them and he relaxed his muscles. Harmless; Wen Yuan was harmless.  

“Eh...” Wen Yuan softly exclaimed when he saw the sudden lift of the sect leader’s lips, the smile a sight he never saw before. 

Jiang Cheng patted his head and then hugged Wen Yuan tighter, motioning with his chin to look to the front when a stronger breeze blew. It felt like he was holding onto a small sun, warm and soothing, and just at this moment, he couldn’t help but think to himself: ‘ I’m sorry, A-Yuan. You are a good boy. I... just was not strong enough like you.’  

Fully grown lotus flowers swayed. Petals were dancing in the air following the wind’s masterful orchestration, dotting the blue sky and murky waters with pastel star-like colours of white, pink and yellow.  

“Jiujiu!” Jin Rulan suddenly exclaimed as he leaned over to Jiang Cheng. In his hand was a purple lotus petal slightly brown at the tip, having gotten plucked from its bloom by the wind and blown over. 

Jiang Cheng’s eyes that were half-lidded in regret widened in surprise. He gently took the lotus petal with a small sound of thanks. He lightly rubbed the petal between his thumb and forefinger; it was extremely soft. “Call ‘Jiujiu’ again! Or Erjiu!” 

“Erjiu!” Jin Rulan giggled and patted heavily on Jiang Cheng’s arm. He suddenly reached out to Wen Yuan. “Yuan-gege~” 

“It’s dangerous, Rulan-didi.” Wen Yuan gently set Jin Rulan’s hands back on his lap while Wei Wuxian shifted to sit comfortably after his nephew moved, but there was a smile on the child’s face. 

“A-Lan, call ‘Dajiu’ too!” 

Jin Rulan craned his head up, stretching his small chubby hands to touch Wei Wuxian’s face. “Da!” 

“Yes, yes! Dajiu!” 

“Da!” 

“It’s ‘Da—jiu’,” Wei Wuxian pronounced each syllable slowly and carefully. 

“Da! Hehe.” 

“A-Lan,” Wei Wuxian whined. “How can you call Jiang Cheng and A-Yuan properly but not me?” 

“Da!” Jin Rulan suddenly kissed his palm and slapped it on Wei Wuxian’s cheek. 

The sulking Wei Wuxian immediately brightened. He gave his nephew a loud, wet kiss on the head. “I knew that A-Lan loved me more!” 

“Tch. He can’t even call you properly,” Jiang Cheng scoffed. 

“Erjiu!” Jin Rulan called out and slapped a kissed palm onto Jiang Cheng sleeve too. 

Pride coloured the young sect leader’s face as he smirked at the gloomy Wei Wuxian. It didn’t end there. 

Wen Yuan received a palm kiss on his cheek too, who with a giggle, Wen Yuan similarly returned the gesture. Wei Wuxian pouted and left it be. He believed Jin Rulan can properly call him next time! 

“Family!” Jin Rulan exclaimed, throwing his hands up into the air and one accidentally smacked Wei Wuxian square in the face. With a helpless laugh, Wei Wuxian rubbed his cheek and said nothing. 

Two adults, two children, all with snow-white dog ears and tails, then watched the lotus flowers softly danced amidst the elegant crystal sparkles glittering of the water. 

“Is… this your first time in Yunmeng, A-Yuan?” Jiang Cheng asked under his breath after a moment of silence.  

“Hmm?” Wen Yuan strained his head back to look at the sect leader. “It is, Cheng-ge.” 

The term easily rolled off his lips now, invoking a sense of joy in him. He never thought he’d be able to call a sect leader an older brother. He could understand calling Jiang Yanli an older sister, but a sect leader was different after all. And a sect leader that once hated him? Was he finally accepted? 

“A-Yuan really likes Yunmeng. There’s a lot of flowers.” Wen Yuan continued as he grinned at Jiang Cheng. “We don’t have a lot of flowers at where A-Yuan stays with Xian-ge. Xian-ge tried to plant lotus flowers but A-Yuan isn’t sure if they’re alive.” 

“I'm sure they are, okay? They’ll definitely grow!” Wei Wuxian protested weakly while Jin Rulan giggled. 

“You… tried planting them?” Jiang Cheng asked in a disbelieving murmur. 

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips and refocused his attention on his nephew. “Yeah, I did. It… just feels like Yunmeng you know. If I did.” 

‘ Closer to home, ’ he finished with a thought. 

The silence again fell over them. The warmth was comforting to the pair or children, lulling them into a slumbering state as their eyes began to droop. 

“Will you ever return?” Jiang Cheng suddenly asked softly. 

“… I don’t know,” Wei Wuxian replied in an equally quiet voice. 

“…” 

“I'm sorry.” 

The silence came again, this time heavier. Wen Yuan opened his eyes when he felt a tickle in his nose. His nose twitched a couple of times, feeling uneasy at losing the sensation to sneeze. He glanced at Wei Wuxian and blinked the sleep away.  

“Xian-ge, why are you sad?” Wen Yuan softly asked as he rubbed his eyes with the heels of his palms. 

“Huh?” Wei Wuxian broke out of his reverie. He had been certain that the sadness was properly concealed, the pained thumps of his heart ignored. A smile was immediately plastered upon his face. “I'm not sad.” 

“Xian-ge…” Wen Yuan frowned, feeling that something wasn’t right. He glanced up at the young man holding him, noticing the incorporeal pressure turning heavy before looking back at Wei Wuxian. 

Seeing Wen Yuan’s questioning and confused gaze, Wei Wuxian swore in his heart. Was it good or bad that Wen Yuan somehow had the ability to discern the smallest things? He squeezed his interlaced fingers that were wrapped around a napping Jin Rulan and locked his gaze with Jiang Cheng’s. It was questioning, hoping, expecting—Wei Wuxian bit his bottom lip.  

The pressure tightened around Wei Wuxian, almost to the point of suffocation and his nerves slowly tangled up in the pit of his stomach. He took a deep breath in, the tense atmosphere harsh and unforgiving in his heart, and then the words tumbled out of his mouth like a desperate clutch at forgiveness. “I broke a promise to Jiang Cheng.”  

“It’s not good to break promises,” Wen Yuan’s frown deepened. 

Wei Wuxian’s smile turned bitter. “You sound exactly like a Lan disciple…” He sighed and shook his head. “I couldn’t keep the promise. I'm no longer part of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect.” 

“What promise was that? Must you be in the sect only it can be fulfilled?” Wen Yuan asked and then looked up at the sect leader of said sect. “Why isn’t Xian-ge part of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect anymore, Cheng-ge?” 

Jiang Cheng gritted his teeth and dropped his gaze, casting shadows over his eyes. Instead, Wei Wuxian lied without batting an eye, the black flute on his waist somehow feeling exceptionally heavy. “I quit the sect.” 

The real reason was something only Jiang Cheng and he would know, and he’d rather take on the hate than shoulder it with his brother-in-all-but-blood. Let this be his silent contribution to the sect.  

“I promised Jiang Cheng we will be the twin prides of Yunmeng. I cannot do that if I'm no longer part of the sect,” Wei Wuxian continued. 

“Rulan-didi and A-Yuan can keep that promise for you!” Wen Yuan suddenly exclaimed. “Oh, is Rulan-didi part of the sect? Can A-Yuan join? Then we can help keep the promise!” 

Jin Rulan’s mother and uncle were from the Yunmeng Jiang sect. Maybe he was a member too? Then Wen Yuan could join and always play with Jin Rulan, and keep the promise! 

Wei Wuxian stared. His mind processed the words before he burst out into laughter, the bumpy movements arousing Jin Rulan awake. Wen Yuan was already wearing the Yunmeng Jiang robe and personally, he did find it endearing to have his nephew wear the same. Who would know? They could be the twin prides of Yunmeng! 

Jiang Cheng scowled when he noticed Jin Rulan waking up, hiding the fact that despite having given the robe to Wen Yuan, it didn’t change the fact that he was— 

“He’s a Wen,” Jiang Cheng seethed through gritted teeth.  

“He’s a child ,” Wei Wuxian easily countered. 

Jiang Cheng held back from squeezing Wen Yuan, his muscles tense and straining against his will. “His family is—” 

“—gone,” Wei Wuxian interrupted with a tone of finality. 

They stared at each other.  

‘ He is from a family of murderers. ’  

‘ He is only a child. Their sins are not for him to bear.’  

“Who are your parents, A-Yuan?” Wei Wuxian asked after raising a hand to lightly pinch a sleepy and confused Jin Rulan’s cheeks. 

Wen Yuan shook his head, painfully aware of the suddenly heavy atmosphere. He felt as though anything he said would simply make it worse. “A-Yuan doesn’t know. Qing-jiejie said that they… died when I was born. If... it isn’t good for A-Yuan to join, then I won’t join.” 

Wei Wuxian glanced at Jiang Cheng once he said those words. Being dead when the child was born meant four years ago, and the death of the Yunmeng Patriarch and his Lady happened after that. A parent’s sin could—should—be taken by their child, but not an entire sect.  

Jiang Cheng remained quiet. 

Wen Yuan carefully and slowly lowered his body back to lie in Jiang Cheng’s embrace. ‘A-Yuan said something wrong again… ’ He mentally sighed.  

It fell silent once more. 

… 

“That's always a thought.” 

“You’d actually allow it?” 

“It's only a thought .” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 Light footsteps tapped against the wood. The humid breeze picked up the locks of her silky hair not tied into the braided buns and the hems of the thin coat wrapped around her slender shoulders. A graceful smile adorned her pink lips. 

Jiang Yanli stopped by the edge of the pier, feeling her heart grow tender soft and warm at the sight. In the setting sun painting the waters and white lotuses red and orange, two young men sat shoulder to shoulder. Jiang Cheng’s head comfortably rested against Wei Wuxian’s shoulder, who had his own head resting atop Wei Wuxian’s. Hours had passed since they left for the pier and they hadn’t return, so she thought to come and check. 

She giggled at the white dog ears peeking from under Wei Wuxian’s thick hair that was slipping out of the ponytail, and the pair of matching dog tails curled on the pier. Her slender fingers gripped at the shoulder of her coat and noiselessly slipped it off. With quiet steps, she stepped forward and draped the coat across Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng’s shoulders. It wrapped around them just right with no signs of falling.  

She suddenly paused mid-way in straightening her back. Her breath hitched in her throat and her heart was filled with a mix of emotions: despair, relief… warmth. Biting her bottom lip, she slowly retreated and blinked the pooling tears away after seeing the child in purple. Yes! The Qishan Wen Sect massacred her parents and burnt down Lotus Pier, but the past was the past, and Wen Yuan… really was innocent. Hatred would lead her and Jiang Cheng nowhere; anger just a catalyst for more destruction. 

A shadow loomed over her and a thin cotton coat suddenly draped over her head and shoulders. A familiar scent; a familiar presence. Strong, calloused hands turned her around and planted themselves upon her pink cheeks. The thumbs tenderly wiped the tears away as warm lips met with her forehead. She giggled under her breath, the beads of tears sparkling on her eyelashes. Jiang Yanli held onto the coat covering her with a thumb when her head tilted up, gladly meeting the inviting lips with hers. Warmth travelled from the tall man’s shy kiss and the love suddenly burst in her heart. Stepping closer, Jiang Yanli held the coat higher with a hand, allowing it to dance with the breeze as her free one snaked around her husband’s neck, pulling the stiffening man deeper into the kiss. With a gentle nibble on his bottom lip, she lightly sucked on his tongue, massaged it with hers one last time before cheekily pulling back. 

She came face-to-face with an entirely red-faced Jin Zixuan. From the skin peeking out from his collar and to his ears and forehead, his blood boiled from shyness and embarrassment, but his gaze was adoringly tender and gentle while he stared into his wife’s eyes. 

“How was today?” Jin Zixuan asked softly while adjusting the coat to properly cover her shoulders before making their way back home. 

Jiang Yanli held his hand and smiled. “It went really well.” She hummed in surprise when the hand she held slipped out of her grasp, only to giggle when her husband’s blush deepened from snaking the arm around her waist. She stepped closer and teased. “How was staying cooped up in my room?” 

 Contrary to her expectations, Jin Zixuan smirked and leaned down to whisper in her ear. The warmth of his skin and his breath caused her cheeks to blush like red roses in full bloom, and he couldn’t help but plant a wet kiss at seeing her adorable expression. She playfully slapped his shoulder and huffed. 

Jin Zixuan laughed heartily, pulling his wife flush against his side. “I wasn’t wrong, was I?” 

Jiang Yanli chuckled and rested her cheek on his shoulder. “We should get A-Cheng to babysit A-Lan more often.” 

“Of course, he should. I want more alone time with my beautiful wife,” Jin Zixuan said proudly as they crossed the threshold into the home. 

“What happened to my shy, blushing husband? Your compliments are flowing today,” Jiang Yanli glanced at him from under her lashes.  

At hearing her calling him ‘husband’, love and warmth would always permeate through his entire being and soul, and this moment was no exception. His confidence cracked as the red blush reappeared upon his skin. “What? I can’t compliment my wife?” he snapped unhappily and averted his gaze, though he was giddy inside. 

Being married for two years really did wonders on him. He wouldn’t exchange it for anything; these years were the best years of his life. And he was still learning; learning how to love, learning how to express himself, and learning to treat her right. 

Jiang Yanli simply giggled and tugged at his collar. Jin Zixuan turned back, complying with her actions when his eyes shot open. His blush could only deepen again when Jiang Yanli kissed him—in front of all the Yunmeng disciples. Though it was brief, he swore his soul ascended to heaven. 

“W-W-What’d you do that for!” 

“Hehe. Come on, there’s still dinner.” 

With a grumble, Jin Zixuan replied while lowering his head when he noticed all the pretending-to-be-blind disciples, “I'll help you.” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “What do you mean I'll never find a wife?” 

“Tch. Of course, you won’t.” 

“Hmph. I think you're talking about yourself. How can we even find a lady that’s—” 

“Sh-shut it!” 

“Tall, soft-spoken—” 

“Shut up, Wei Wuxian!” 

Wen Yuan easily ignored the bickering around him and picked some scrambled eggs for Jin Rulan to eat. Jiang Yanli smiled and watched her son eat independently, unperturbed by the porridge smudged all over his mouth; she could always clean after. 

“You’re the Yiling Patriarch. What girl would marry you?” Jiang Cheng shot but his chopsticks picked up the braised pork ribs near to him and placed it in Wei Wuxian’s rice bowl. 

“Maybe I won’t marry a girl then!” Wei Wuxian righteously said while picking the boiled vegetables and putting it in Jiang Cheng’s own rice bowl.  

Their bickering lasted a long time. As usual.  

Meanwhile, in Jiang Yanli’s room… 

Jin Zixuan sulkily stabbed at his rice with his chopsticks and chomped down on it. Smaller dishes of what was being served his wife and company was on the tray before him.  

He was eating alone. But he wanted to eat his wife’s cooking with his wife, damn it! 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 When dinner was finished, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng offered to look after the boys when Jiang Yanli excused herself. The four of them were now in Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng’s old bedroom, and the boys were already dozing off as they laid on the floor. Pillows, not the ones sacrificed for their dog ears and tails, were placed on the ground to support Wen Yuan and Jin Rulan’s heads. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng watched over them in silence, but even they started feeling drowsy in the comfortable atmosphere and full stomachs.  

Darkness consumed them. The moon hung high in the sky. 

A shadow appeared in the dark and it drew closer and closer. Its silhouette was blurry in the haze but there was a smile on the angular jaw. He was tall, the black robes blending with the darkness. The silhouette stepped closer; inky black hair and a handsome face. A hand reached out and Wei Wuxian mirrored his action. 

“Dad—” 

His arms encircled the figure, feeling a toughness under his touch. There were warmth and a familiar scent—a scent not his father’s!  

Wei Wuxian’s eyes snapped open and he stared wide-eyed at an awkward Jin Zixuan. They were the closest they’ve ever been in their life, so close that Wei Wuxian could see the thick eyelashes of his brother-in-law trembling from his darting gaze. Jin Zixuan had one hand patting Wei Wuxian’s head, as a father would comfortingly to his son. Feeling his arms wrapped around something, Wei Wuxian looked down and scrambled away in panic. His face paled and his mind went blank.  

“W-Why!” Wei Wuxian hissed in a whisper as he heavily breathed against the wall, afraid of waking up his nephew. 

“How would I know?” Jin Zixuan snapped back equally soft and willed the blush to go away. If he knew his brother-in-law hugged in his sleep, he wouldn’t have gone to pick his son up!  

‘Jin Rulan just had to sleep next to Wei Wuxian,’ he lamented. 

He had seen Wei Wuxian’s pained expression while asleep when he bent down to pick up Jin Rulan. He blamed it on the newly acquired fatherly instincts, but he had lifted a hand and softly patted Wei Wuxian’s head. Who knew the young man would cry out “Dad” and hug him!? 

 Hearing Jin Zixuan’s explanation, Wei Wuxian grimaced and apologised. He continued to stay far away from the other man, memories of nearly killing him when he lost control of Wen Ning resurfacing in his mind. He had no face and no confidence to look at Jin Zixuan, otherwise, why would he visit once he heard he was away? 

Seeing the downcast expression, Jin Zixuan glanced at the still sleeping Jiang Cheng and Jin Rulan, and whispered to Wei Wuxian, “I don’t hate you; you know?” 

“Huh?” Wei Wuxian glanced up. 

But Jin Zixuan was focused on his son’s adorable sleeping face. Rather than repeating himself or explaining himself, he said, “You can visit.” 

Wei Wuxian’s confused gaze bore into Jin Zixuan’s resolute ones. “What?” 

“You can visit.” 

“Where?” 

“…A-Lan. At home.” Jin Zixuan wondered if this young man before him was really as smart as he ought to be. 

“But I…” Wei Wuxian’s words died in his throat. “You hate me.” 

“I don’t.” 

“The sect does.” 

“Are you pretending to be an idiot? You can easily get in and out of Carp tower anyway! So, you can visit A-Lan whenever you want without the sect knowing! Hmph!” Jin Zixuan harrumphed and stood up. He left the bedroom without even a glance back.  

Wei Wuxian sighed and glanced at the fully awake Jiang Cheng, who was staring at him with a flat look with his head propped up on an elbow; Wen Yuan was happily asleep before him, a blanket was drawn up to his chin. Seeing the smile slowly curve on Wei Wuxian’s face, Jiang Cheng flatly said, “No chance.” 

“Why not?” 

“I'm not going to invite you to come home,” Jiang Cheng snarled before dropping his head back onto the pillow and closed his eyes. “But when you come, make sure to bring A-Yuan with you too.” He kept his eyes closed as if he hadn’t uttered a word; as if he hadn’t just invited them back.  

With a chuckle, Wei Wuxian crawled back to his pillow and laid down. His gaze would flicker from the door to Jiang Cheng and Wen Yuan. 

‘Yeah, I'm home. ’ 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

 “Hopefully we wouldn’t have to resort to rumours again to get him to visit,” Jin Zixuan scoffed, grumbling under his breath, as he removed his outer robes while in Jiang Yanli’s private room. 

“A-Xian wouldn’t visit if he knew you were here.” 

“…Yeah.” 

But it had managed to work out in the end, and Jin Zixuan could (hopefully) settle things between Wei Wuxian and him. He wanted to see the young man sneak into Carp Tower and surprise his son one day—or not. Jin Rulan might learn some bad habits. 

Shrugging his shoulders, he pulled Jiang Yanli who was properly putting his robe away close to him. This time, it was she that flushed in the endearing, delicious red. She could feel his hard muscles under the thin inner layer brimming with strength. Every bumps and dips under her fingertips, she could see them in her mind. 

“Should we give A-Lan a younger sibling?” He kissed her neck at the spot slightly lower than the back of her ear, grinning at the pleasurable shudders racking her body like he knew it would. 

Without first replying to his question, she smiled and pulled her man down for a kiss. “Sure.” 

 .❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。 

[shewolfofficial]

Hi, can I make a request for a scenario please? Levi wants his s/o to meet his family ( let’s pretend Kuchel is still alive T^T ) and his s/o is internally freaking out because they think Kuchel is Levi’s female version (unapprochable, rigid and cold with strangers) and are afraid of meeting her… if Kenny pops out of nowhere the better! Surprise me! I love your art so much, keep going! 😉

Post/Reply:

Warning: None

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Calm down… It’s alright… You’ll be alright… Wait nevermind screw this would his mother even like me? Oh damn it Y/N get a grip of yourself!’ I inwardly snarl at myself as Levi walks alongside me leading me to his mother’s house. We had just returned from another expedition and Levi mentioned to me that his mother wanted to meet me sometime, basically asking if I wanted to go to his for dinner. I didn’t hesitate to accept the invite which him happy yet.. Here I am trying to calm myself down which is failing miserably.

Levi wore his suit from when his leg was injured from the 57th Expedition, black jacket slumped over his shoulders he had his hands dug in the pockets of his pants. I wore a simple little skirt, a nice looking blouse, and some flats.

Arriving outside of a somewhat-large house I stared up in awe to it. Clicking his tongue Levi perked a brow to me ‘’guessing you like the house?’’ he asked as I nodded, following him up the gravel pathway he knocked on the door before fixing the rim of his sleeve. Pitter patter was heard from inside as the door swung open startling me slightly, a raven-haired woman stood there with a soft smile, clear pale skin with gentle gunmetal eyes like her son. ‘’Welcome home dear, oh! This must be the girl you’ve been talking about!’’ the lady chirps as she lets us inside, nodding Levi hums greeting his mother.

Taking off his jacket he hung it on the rack, as his mother smiled to me. ‘’Hello sweetheart I’m Kuchel, this little squirt’s mother’’ she giggled nudging Levi’s arm resulting in him rolling his eyes. ‘’Hello Ms.Ackerman… It’s nice to meet you, I’m Y/N’’ I offer a gentle smile as she giggles arriving in front of me in a split second, gently pinching my cheeks like I was a child. ‘’Oh you’re adorable! Levi she’s a keeper, if I hear you ending up splitting with her I’ll be very upset.. I love this cutie already’’ Kuchel piped as I turned bright pink. ‘’Tch I don’t intend on leaving her, you’re going to scare her off if you keep harassing her cheeks mother’’ Levi stated plainly walking off down the hallway into a different room.

‘‘Oh don’t worry about him honey, now.. How about I show you some baby pictures hm? I still have them~’‘ she sang lightly as I chuckle nodding. Ushering me into the living room she motions for me to sit down as she fishes out the baby pictures, Levi walks in a few minutes later. ‘‘I had to take a piss, sorry, where did she go?’‘ he asks taking a seat next to me, shrugging I bite the inside of my cheek. ‘‘She went to get the baby pictures’‘ I mutter as he grumbles at the thought. ‘‘Is that woman trying to embarrass me?’‘ Levi sighs as I snicker patting his back ‘‘I bet they’re not that bad Levi, they must be really cute~’‘ I tease as he clicks his tongue. 

‘‘I’m back~ And I have the pictures!’‘ Kuchel says walking into the living room, plopping herself next to me she flicks open a large photobook as Levi grunts from annoyance. Opening on a random page Kuchel smirks, the picture was of Levi at a very young age in the bath filled with bubbles glaring down at a rubber duck with his lower lip out in a pout. ‘‘Cute right?’‘ Kuchel smiles glimpsing to me, smiling I nod as she begins to flick through the pages and photos.

// Time Skip \

We finished dinner, me and Kuchel had gotten along great and now it was time to go back to the HQ since it was getting late, taking his jacket off the rack Levi put it on. Giving his mother a peck on the cheek he walked out saying he’s getting the horses ready. 

‘‘It’s been fun Y/N, you’re a sweet girl I hope we see each other again!’‘ Kuchel says as I walk out the front door, turning to her I send a gentle smile ‘‘thank you Ms. Ackerman the dinner was great I had a good time!’‘ I reply as she nods bidding farewell one last time watching me disappear with Levi towards the HQ.

‘’Levi I’ve made a new best friend’‘

[lovesdarkness]

Playlist CH-01

Paring: Thor x OC

Summary: After losing someone close to him, Thor goes to the Avengers to try and escape his grief. While there he makes a new friend who makes it her mission to help him heal.

Warnings: Slight angst…eventual NSFW.

Word count: 3302

Feedback and comments are appreciated. If you wish to be tagged when new chapters are posted please let me know.

Chapter 1 - The Story

All of these lines across my face 

Tell you the story of who I am

So many stories of where I've been

And how I got to where I am

But these stories don't mean anything

When you've got no one to tell them to

*

Having returned to the S.H.I.E.L.D. base from a mission with Natasha, Phoenix walked off the Quinjet with her gear slung over her shoulder. She signed off on some essential paperwork before heading out of the hanger, nodding to a few agents she knew as she walked past. Feeling a buzz from her phone she stopped to read the message she had been sent. A smirk spreading over her lips she gave her head a shake as she pocketed her phone and kept on walking.

Her stomach let out a grumble as she made her way to the cafeteria to grab a few things to eat, she was always hungry after missions, and made sure to grab a few things for Mia as well before making her way down to the tech labs. She had a feeling that her friend had been holed up in the lab for days working on something and most likely had neglected to eat much, which was common for her.

Walking into the labs Phoenix saw Mia huddled over a keyboard furiously typing code for some new S.H.I.E.L.D. weapon onto it, completely oblivious to the world around her. “Oi, Labrat.” she called, a thick Irish accent slipping from her lips as she threw a package of Goldfish crackers at the back of Mia’s head before walking over, dumping her stuff on the floor, and sitting next to her. “When was the last time you left this bloody room?” She asked, opening a bag of chocolate covered pretzels and popping some into her mouth.

She laughed a little as Mia cast a glare at her, pushing her glasses back up her nose as she straightened up in her seat and stretched her arms over her head. “Honestly I have no clue. I have to get the schematics for this weapon done so I can get to making it.” she said reaching for the package of Goldfish and opening it up. “And I need to have some real food...not this shit.” she sighed as she dumped a handful out into her hand and shoved them into her mouth. “So...how was the mission? You were gone for a while, the facility must have been well hidden and well guarded. Not that that would ever stop you.”

“Yeah it was guarded well, but Nat and I still kicked ass and took names. The bad guys ran, we chased after them. We shot at each other and then we beat the crap out of them.” Phoenix said as she popped a few more pretzels into her mouth.  “The one guy I fought was pretty cute. Too bad I had to put a bullet in his head, otherwise he might have made a nice fuckboy.” she shrugged a little as she ate more of the salty snack. “Norway was gorgeous though. I'd like to go back in my free time and have a better look around.” She shrugged her jacket off and tossing it on top of the rest of her things. Leaning over she looked at the computer screen her friend had been working on moments before reading over the program.

“Yes well you can count me out of that trip any time soon.” Mia said, shoving Phoenix out of the way so she could get back to work. “I need to get the final work ups for this thing done yesterday...or else Fury is going to have my head. Now get out of my lab so I can get to work please.”

“Ah, I guess you haven’t checked your phone then. Fury sent us a message, he wants to see us in his office. Apparently we’re being reassigned.” Phoenix said as she pulled out her phone and showed the message to Mia who in turn furiously searched her desk for her own phone, finding it under a stack of concept sketches she had drawn up.

“Huh? What the shit!” she hissed, throwing her phone down and reaching up to rub her face. “He can’t do this to me now...I need to get started on this damn prototype…I don’t have time for this shit...” she grumbled as she shoved the papers around trying to get them organized.

“Well you’ll have to make time, cause he wants to see us right away.” Phoenix said as she moved to grab her bags from the floor and slung them over her shoulder. “I mean I’d love to go take a shower right now to wash all the mission sweat off me but I’ve barely got time to dump my stuff back off at our room.” she muttered as the two of them headed out of the doors. They headed back to their quarters quickly so Phoenix could dump her bags before making their way to Fury’s office. As they walked down the brightly lit hall their footsteps tapped against the polished floor and echoed down the corridor as a few other agents rushed past them with important tasks of their own. They took an elevator up to the top floor of the base, where Fury’s office was located. When they reached the tall, ornately detailed mahogany doors Mia opened them and the two entered the massive office of the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Fury looked up from the papers on his desk when the two of them walked in and trained his eye on them. “Ah Agent Masterson, Agent O’Connor. You got my message, thank you for coming.” he said as he got to his feet and motioned for them to sit. “Now I…” he started, but was quickly interrupted when Mia started ranting.

“Look Nicholas let me just cut to the chase here.” she said, green eyes blazing as she stood cross armed in front of Fury’s desk. “I really don’t have any time for your silly games here. I have some very important work I’m doing here and time is of the essence. I don’t have the time to pack everything up and jet set willy nilly to whatever place you plan on relocating me to. I have a weapon to develop, a job that you so graciously bestowed upon me and unless this place you’re sending me to provides me with a better lab to speed along my process…”

“That’s precisely why you’re being relocated.” came a voice from behind them and when Phoenix and Mia turned to see who it belonged to Phoenix had to snort back a laugh as her friend started sputtering uncontrollably. “Avengers tower has the best state of the art lab on the planet, we have all the best and newest equipment so it would be the perfect place to work on your little project.”

When Phoenix looked over at Mia she saw that her face had flushed red and she was holding her breath, something that often happened when she grew excited. Rolling her eyes Phoenix gently elbowed her and she sucked in a breath. “Tony Stark...I mean...Mr. Stark...it’s an honour...a pleasure. I can’t even…” Mia stammered excitedly as he walked over and shook her hand.

Rolling her eyes at the scene Phoenix let out an annoyed little huff. “Mia be cool...you’re embarrassing me.” she hissed softly before turning back to Tony and smiling. “Hey Tony, nice to see you again.” she said, tossing her long raven hair over her shoulder.

Tony gave a charming grin as he reached out to take her hand. “The lovely Phoenix, always a pleasure.” he said with a wink as he kissed the top of it. “Now, I’m sure you’re both utterly confused as to why we called you here.” he said, turning quickly on his heel and heading over to Fury’s desk and sitting on the edge, hands clasped in his lap. “Mia I’ve been following your work and quite frankly some of your latest designs are brilliant, and I think the Avengers would greatly benefit from your talents.”

Phoenix glanced back to Mia to see the stunned expression on her friends face, green eyes wide and mouth ajar in shock, clearly speechless that she was being offered the opportunity to work with the tech genius. She couldn’t help but bite her lip to stifle a giggle at the the woman’s starstruck reaction to the offer. Phoenix had interacted with the Avengers a few times so this was nothing new to her, but Mia still had never met them and had idolized Tony for years. Once again she elbowed her friend to remind her to breathe and Mia sucked in a breath and laughed nervously.

“Oh thank you…” she breathed, her face flushing dark.

Tony chuckled softly and shook his head as Fury turned to Phoenix. “As for you, Agent O’Connor...the Avengers have a series of missions coming up that we feel could use some of your expertise.” he said as he walked over to stand in front of her, crossing his arms over his chest. “Natasha was singing your praises during your last mission together, so it’s come to the conclusion that you’d be a great asset to the team. You’ll be assigned to Avengers tower for the time being.”

“You mean until Steve Rogers decides he can’t stand me even more than normal and sends me back?” Phoenix asked with a derisive snort, earning a stern look from Fury. Not taking the hint she continued, looking over at Tony. “Is this really about a mission or does Tony just want some fresh faces and better company around the tower?” she asked with a playful grin, making Tony laugh. Fury gave her another stern look and she rolled her eyes. “I’m just kidding. Sounds like we’ll have lots of work to do. Which means we should get back to our quarters and get packing.”

With a nod Fury dismissed them and the two women went back to their room. Wanting to wash the mission grime from her body Phoenix showered quickly and dressed before pulling out her luggage and starting to pack. Mia had already finished by the time Phoenix stepped out of the shower and was sitting on her bed reading a book, so Phoenix had to work quickly. As she was working on folding up some shirts her phone buzzed and she made a face after checking it.

“Ugh, thank God we’re getting out of here for a while. That Billy guy I fooled around with last week is wanting to get together again and he just isn’t getting the hint that I don’t want it anymore.” she said, tossing her phone down on the bed with disgust.

Having just turned the page in her book Mia looked over at Phoenix, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah? Same guy?” she asked, wondering how the woman was able to keep track of all her partners, while simultaneously having a tiny grain of jealousy. Phoenix was tall and strong and beautiful and attracted men left right and center, where Mia for the most part was fairly invisible when it came to attracting the male gaze, but then again Phoenix was an outspoken flirt who lived to party, while Mia was a raging workaholic and rarely ever left her lab except for when Phoenix dragged her out. “What’s wrong with this one?”

“This guy is so...clingy and needy. I don’t do needy.” Phoenix said with a shudder, making a face as the phone buzzed again and she silenced it before shoving it into her pocket. She sighed, going back to folding her shirts and stuffing them into her suitcase.  “Maybe if I ignore him he’ll go away. If I’m all the way in New York he can’t bug me...right?” she asked as she looked back over at her friend.

Mia let out a laugh and shook her head. “Something tells me that’s not how cell phones work sweetie.” she said as she marked her place in her book and stuffed it into a bag. Getting up she walked over to help Phoenix fold her clothes and pack them away. “I really can’t blame you though. ‘Needy’ is rarely a good trait for a guy, especially by the sound of him.”

“Can’t I just find a guy who likes to screw around a little? No strings, no feelings, no attachments. Just...lots of sex. You’d think there’d be more of them around.” Phoenix said with a sigh as she finished packing and reached up to rub her face. “After a while they all end up being needy. And honestly none of them really does it for me anyway. Probably because I can beat the shite out of them so easily.” She continued as she walked over to her closet to pull out a black leather jacket and slipped it on. There was a sudden knock at the door and when she went to open it Tony was standing on the other side, flashing them one of his charming Stark grins.

“Ladies.” he said as he pulled his sunglasses off and winked at them.

Phoenix smiled and shook her head, turning to face Mia. “This one is one of the neediest.” she joked, jerking her thumb at him before bending down to grab her things.

With Tony helping Phoenix with a couple bags the three of them headed towards the hangar and boarded Tony’s jet taking off shortly after. The flight didn’t take very long and a couple hours later they landed at the tower and once they had gathered their things and left the plane, Tony gave them the grand tour. He pointed out the living area and the kitchen should they get hungry, then proceeded to show Mia, who was struck speechless, around the the labs where she would be working. Lastly he showed them where the workout and training rooms were. They said their hellos to the other inhabitants of the tower before Tony finally showed them to their rooms.

“Alright, take the rest of the evening off to get settled in and what not. Cap says to be up early for a meeting in the morning.” Tony said, laughing at the groan Phoenix let out before leaving them be.

*

Phoenix was not a morning person at all. She never had been. So when her alarm went off at what felt like the crack of dawn to attend the meeting that Steve had called she was not exactly thrilled. Taking a cold shower did nothing to help wake her so she headed to the kitchen to get the one thing that might help. Coffee.

She was sipping on her sixth cup as she sat at the table with the rest of the Avengers and Mia going over a plan. The room the meeting was held in was bright and spacious, the walls were floor to ceiling windows so the whole room was lit up with sunshine flowing through. She noted the bar over in the corner, realizing Tony also used this as a party room for entertaining, and that there was a door that led outside to some sort of platform.

“We’ve been looking at the data Nat found during that raid of the Hydra lab up in Norway.” Steve said as they looked through photos and reports of the mission Natasha and Phoenix had been on. “We think there is one Hydra cell that is working on a top secret experiment involving genetic modification in humans, and another cell developing high powered weapons in order to attempt a hostile takeover. The problem is that we don't know where else they've set up shop. We need to figure this out fast. Nat and Phoenix, being the two who worked on that mission the bulk of this may fall to you. We were hoping the two of you would be able to figure out where their next area of operations would be located.”

“Yeah I’m sure we’d be able to find something.” Natasha said, with Phoenix nodding in agreement as she took a sip from her coffee.

As the group moved on to the next topic of discussion the bright, sun-lit room suddenly darkened. They all paused to look out the windows to see dark clouds billowing and the sound of thunder could be heard rumbling in the distance. Tony and the other Avengers knew what the thunder heralded, and a moment later there was a flash of lightning and Thor stood out on the landing pad. Though instead of immediately coming in to greet his comrades, he remained outside, looking solemnly out over the city. Everyone could instantly tell something was wrong, his whole demeanor looked like that of a man broken.

Tony frowned as he watched Thor a moment before turning back to the group. “Newbies, you stay here please.” He said to Phoenix and Mia before nodding to the others to follow him out to check on their fellow Avenger.

Phoenix cast an annoyed look at Tony for telling them to remain behind as she and Mia watched the scene. Quietly they got up and walked over to a window to get a better view.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen Thor.” Mia breathed as the two of them watched the group gathered together outside. The girls watched as they got caught up in a heated discussion with Thor that wound up with the men patting him on the shoulder and Natasha giving him a hug.

“I’ve seen him in pictures but...in person...wow.” Phoenix said with a soft laugh. She swallowed and bit her lip as she felt a knot form in her stomach, her eyes wandering up and down his  impressive form. “Jesus look at those arms. They’re far nicer than any guy I’ve been with.” She sighed before turning to Mia and smirking. “I wanna lick him...alllllll over.”

“Phoenix!” Mia gasped, her head whipping around to look at her friend as she let out a laugh. “Are you seriously sexually objectifying a Norse God?” she asked and rolled her eyes as Phoenix gave her a wicked grin. “Yeah...I guess I should have expected that from you of all people. You’re a horrible perv.”

Phoenix just laughed and stuck her tongue out at her friend before looking back out the window. She was silent as she watched the scene, observing the thunder gods body language and when he turned she finally got a look at his face she saw the immense grief in his eyes. She knew that look all too well and knew exactly what must have happened. “He lost someone.” She murmured softly. As he turned to follow Tony and the others inside she once more saw the pain and grief in his eyes and it broke her heart. She didn't understand why but part of her wanted to take him into her arms and comfort him in any way she could. Biting her lip she turned back to Mia and grabbed her arm. “It looks like they need some privacy. Come on let’s go.” she said, nodding her head towards the door. Mia nodded and the two of them hurried towards the door.

Hearing voices enter the room as they were about to exit Phoenix stopped a moment and looked back, watching Thor with sympathetic eyes. He happened to look over and as their eyes met she gave him a small smile. His hollow eyes held hers briefly before looking back at his comrades, and with a heavy heart Phoenix left the room.

It’s true, I was made for you

I know that it’s been a while since I updated, I promise I’m still working on chapter 2. I’m sorry it’s been so slow going...I’m going thru a lot right now.

[rosaofswords]

Year Ahead Spread Update - October 2018 ft. the Haunted House Tarot

Year Card: The Fool October Card: Judgement

Suggested Listening: Hercules - Sara Bareilles

I’m getting a little tired of saying “this was a hard month” but, you know what? It was hard. But good, actually. 

I got a lot of big things done this month, most notably finally getting my driving licence. But on the smaller scale, I was really intentional about my mental health this month. 

In hindsight, the biggest change was not in what was happening (I literally ended October with another dental nightmare situation) but in how I turned around my response to the situation. 

I’ve been feeling the “call” to work with hero archetypes for a very long time now, probably about this time last year, if not way earlier. (I do some light pop culture paganism with Sailor Venus and Superman from time to time.) But I hadn’t really sorted out the hows and whys until this month. 

After my Moon month and feeling very cornered, stuck, and victimized, stepping into that heroic archetype was more than just empowering. It was life changing. I still struggle to make myself the hero of my inner narrative, definitely, but I am taking a much more active role in getting there than ever before. 

Again, I have to praise my morning pages practice. I made a point of being extra vigilant about doing them in October after the crazy of September, partially because it’s part of my mental health maintenance but also because it forces me to make time for myself. Not for work, not for family, not for the cat: for me. It takes about 45 minutes (sometimes longer if I’m not focusing, I admit it) over my first cup of tea, and it makes so much difference. Sitting down to three pages of whatever is on my mind, generally pretty mundane stuff. Each morning I am faced with my initial mindset of “ugh I feel awful/this thing is bothering me/woe is me/everything sucks/bed is so much warmer than not bed” and either get the complaining out or, increasingly more, manage to talk myself into actionable steps or a change of mindset. 

Let’s talk about the Tarot though because that’s what this blog is actually about supposedly:

The Haunted House Tarot shared the stage with the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot-In-A-Tin for a lot of this month. I started with the Smith-Waite largely because I was still very overwhelmed after September between the dental stuff and being really short-staffed at work for awhile there. I actually used the Little White Book. For the Smith-Waite. And I liked it. 

I’m pretty pro-RWS in general, but I didn’t really get any meanings that stuck with me from using it early on in my reading career. To be honest, I read with the RWS and Aquarian Tarots for 14 years without having most meanings stick in my head. (Exception: my beloved, the Four of Swords.) It wasn’t until the Linestrider came out (which I bought for the art, with no intention of actually doing a lot of reading) that I finally felt the pieces fall into place, which really just goes to show how important the visual language of a deck can be. But, now that I have that foundation... going back to the LWB for the the Smith-Waite was fascinating. The Star card caught me particularly off-guard because it spoke about having hard/bad things happen to push you back towards your best path. It’s a hopeful card, but that doesn’t mean it comes without heartache and struggle-- which was a really critical concept in helping me grasp this Hero Mindset I was talking about earlier. 

The Haunted House Tarot was bought largely because of a post I saw here on tumblr (I’ll look back later and link it, probably) that intrigued me. I got it to use as my game-master deck for my Pathfinder RPG group. BUT: I fell in love with it as soon as it arrived. It’s a little really cheesy, but that actually works in its over dramatic favor. This deck is basically a gothic novel, which is perfect for both a narrative deck (each suit does tell a bit of a story) and for tarot over all. What is tarot if not a little bit... extra? One of the things about working with this deck that really got me was how often Raven, our white-dress clad heroine, slipped from the role of potential victim to a self-liberating badass. (At least in the cards that came up for me.) This was fantastic imagery for continuing working on this Hero Mindset as well. 

Anyways, It’s been really interesting. I’m finding that The Fool is very much a part of the hero energy I’ve been working with, which makes good narrative sense. Finding that ability and mindset for myself was my Judgement rebirth moment. It’s a thing.

Looking forward to November: I’m working with the Queen of Pentacles. Who, you know, is basically my aspirations in life. I just want a garden, a rabbit, and constant visual reminders that I am making progress. 

[glamoursarusrex]

BAT FAM SHORTS: THE FAMILY MEETING

Hey, y’all this is my first public screenplay. I had to fix formatting to fit this platform. So that’s why this is so long. This is heavily inspired by bat family art work I’ve seen. I’ll be posting more under #Bat Fam Shorts. I hope you enjoy!

INT. Batcave Conference area - day

BATMAN (38), wearing his uniform, is at the head of a long table holding a clip board. Seated around the table are his kids in full uniform. Starting with Batman's right is BLACK BAT (13). The rest of the right side are SPOILER (15), RED ROBIN (15), SUPERBOY C.K. (Conner Kent) (15), ORACLE (21), and RED HOOD (18).

On Batman's immediate left is NIGHTWING (22). The rest of the left side are RAVEN (17), SUPERBOY J.K. (Jon Kent) (10), ROBIN (12), an empty chair, and THE SIGNAL (16). ALFRED PENNYWORTH (74) stands behind Batman and to the side. Batman flips a page on his clip board.

BATMAN: Alright, before we start this meeting. I'm gonna take roll call. Nightwing?

Nightwing waves his hand. He has a big smile.

NIGHTWING: Present!

BATMAN: Oracle?

Oracle is ferociously typing away at her laptop. She doesn't look up.

ORACLE: Here.

BATMAN: Dammit, Barbara. No coding at the table.

ORACLE: I'm not coding.

Oracle turns her laptop to show the family.

ORACLE: I found dog memes.

Nightwing, Spoiler, and The Signal coo with delight and cheer. Damian nods and politely claps.

BATMAN: Settle down.

The table is still a flurry with chatter.

BATMAN: I said quiet!

At that, everyone silences.

BATMAN: No technology at the table. And that goes for you too, Red Robin.

Red Robin looks up from his machine he's building.

RED ROBIN: But, Bruce, technology is what I'm here for!

BATMAN: Yes, for patrols, not at the table. No technology or weapons at these meetings.

He glares at Red Hood and Robin who put their swords and guns away. Superboy C.K. leans over to Red Robin.

SUPERBOY C.K.: I guess Batman really does have no chill.

BATMAN: Conner, what the hell are you doing here? You're Superman's kid.

SUPERBOY C.K.: So's Jon.

He points to Superboy J.K.

BATMAN: I promised Lois, I would babysit him while she's at work. Nevertheless, this meeting pertains to my kids, only.

SUPERBOY C.K.: Then, what's Raven doing here?

He points at Raven who is reading a book.

BATMAN: She dresses in dark clothing and is named after a bird. She is practically one of my own.

RAVEN: My mind and soul are constantly at odds with the sinful temptation of my father's tainted siren's call.

BATMAN: Yeah, good for you, dear. Let me see... Black Bat?

Black Bat signs to him.

BATMAN: Louder.

She rolls her eyes and signs with bigger gestures.

BATMAN: Thank you!

He looks to Spoiler.

BATMAN: And you are?

SPOILER: Spoiler.

Batman looks to her confused.

SPOILER: You know? I was originally your Robin...Batgirl.

BATMAN: Oh. What was your name? Sarah?

Spoiler shakes her head.

BATMAN: No? Sally? ... No. Susan!... No. No. It's  Scarlet!

SPOILER: It's actually Steph-

BATMAN: Wait. I got this. It's Samantha.

Spoiler sighs in frustration.

SPOILER: Sure. Whatever.

Batman looks back to his list.

BATMAN: Signal?

THE SIGNAL: Here.

BATMAN: Robin?

ROBIN: Here, Father.

RED HOOD: You're gonna want to keep the meeting short, Bruce. Or it's gonna cut into his nap time.

ROBIN: Did you really need to stoop that low?

RED HOOD: Only to get to your eye level.

Some of the bat kids snicker at this. Robin fumes.

ROBIN: You're the burst appendix of this family, Todd!

Red Hood mockingly pats Robin on the head.

RED HOOD: Aw! Is that your first big word, little guy?

Robin fumes and pulls out his sword. He points it at Red Hood. Superboy J.K. holds him back.

ROBIN: How about I rearrange your organs, imbecile?

RED ROBIN: Guys, maybe now's not the-

RED HOOD and ROBIN: No one asked you, Drake!

Oracle turns her laptop with a youtube video towards the boys.

ORACLE: Why fight, when you can see these two puppies wrestle?

Nightwing excitedly points to Alfred. He jumps up and down in his seat.

NIGHTWING: And Alfred's making us cookies later, right?

ALFRED PENNYWORTH: I'm sorry, Master Dick. But I believe that the behavior of your brothers indicate that the bat kids do not deserve cookies.

Nightwing's lip quivers. Tears roll down his face. He flops his upper body onto the table and cries.

NIGHTWING: No cookies? What is life worth, anymore?

Without looking up from her book, Raven pats Nightwing on the head.

RAVEN: There there. Who's the big bird?

Nightwing sniffles then calms down a little.

NIGHTWING: I'm the big bird.

RAVEN: Yes, you are.

The Signal does a sharp intake.

THE SIGNAL: If you're the big bird, then Sesame Street's really gone downhill.

The other bat kids but Raven and Nightwing laugh at this. Batman bangs his fist on the table.

BATMAN: Can't we have a semblance of order at just one of these meetings?

The FLASH (35) superspeeds into the scene. He looks at Batman paniced.

FLASH: Batman, what's the emergency?

BATMAN: Flash, how good of you to finally show up. You're late for our meeting.

FLASH: What meeting?

NIGHTWING: The meeting with the bat kids.

Flash looks at the group confused.

FLASH: Whoa whoa! Bruce, I'm not one of your kids.

BATMAN: Don't be ridiculous.

FLASH: Dude, we're almost the same age.

Batman glares at Barry.

BATMAN: Bartholomew Henry Allen, do you want to be grounded?

Flash runs and sits in the seat between Robin and Signal.

FLASH: No, sir!

Batman looks wide eyed at his list. He looks around paniced.

BATMAN: We're missing Spoiler! Where is she?

Spoiler face palms and sighs in frustration. Batman hits a button on his utility belt. Red sirens pop out of the ceiling and scions ring.

BATMAN: We're missing a bat kid! Nobody panic.

He pulls out a bat shaped megaphone from behind his cape. He speaks through it.

BATMAN: I repeat, nobody panic! Oracle, track her communicator!

ORACLE: Uh, Batman-

BATMAN: Do you want your bat sibling to die?

Oracle looks to Spoiler confused.

ORACLE: I guess not...

BATMAN: Then, send the goddamn signal!

Signal gets up. Batman motions for him to sit down.

BATMAN: Not you, the other signal.

Oracle types on her laptop. A beeping comes from Spoiler. She pulls out a blinking communicator. Batman leaps onto the table and lifts her up to meet his eye level.

BATMAN: Start talking! Why do you have Spoiler's communicator, Sandra?

Spoiler struggles in his grip.

SPOILER: Because, I'm Spoiler.

BATMAN: No you're not. Stephanie is Spoiler.

SPOILER: My name is Stephanie!

Batman looks at her confused.

BATMAN: You're who?

SPOILER: Stephanie Brown.

Batman scrunches his brow.

SPOILER: I'm Spoiler! Geez, you would think the world's greatest detective would recognize his own children.

BATMAN: Hm.

Batman looks at the rest of the table.

BATMAN: Can anyone confirm?

SPOILER: Oh my God!

Evryone gives physical or verbal affirmations except Robin who gives an evil smile.

ROBIN: I've never seen that woman in my life!

Robin gets hit with a tranq and slumps on the table after after impact. Red Hood quickly puts his Tranquilizer gun and acts like nothing happened.

RED HOOD: Where did that come from? Who knows? Brucey, she's the real deal. Just smell the waffles on her breath.

The other bat kids snicker.

RED HOOD: Or checkout her unwashed and wrinkled cape.

SPOILER: Thank you, Ja-

RED HOOD: She also has her mismatched boots.

Spoiler looks down at her boots.

SPOILER: They're mismatched?

RED HOOD: Red Robin also gave her a hicky on the back of her-

SPOILER: Thank you, Jason! I think he gets it!

Red Robin clears his throat and ferociously tinkers with a computer card. He avoids eye contact. Batman puts Spoiler down.

BATMAN: I guess you are her. But why didn't you say something earlier?

Spoiler fumes. She curls her fist and moves towards Batman. Black Bat grips the back of her neck. Spoiler falls onto her snoring. Black Bat rocks her in her lap.

ALFRED PENNYWORTH: Master, I think it is quite necessary that you move on with the meeting.

THE SIGNAL: Yeah. Why are we here?

Batman hops from the table and looks back on his clipboard. He pauses.

BATMAN: Uh. I don't remember, anymore.

RED ROBIN: What do you mean, "you don't remember"?

BATMAN: I guess, I lost my train of thought. But, I think this gathering had merit. Everyone's here and we only have two unconscious heroes this time. I call it a success. You can return to your duties.

The bat kids groan. The Flash looks around confused.

FLASH: That's it? That's what your meetings are like?

NIGHTWING: Welcome to the Bat Family!

Fade to: Black

[benito-cereno]

The Haunting of Netflix House 5: The Netflix Dimension

What’s up Octobocops, it’s Halloweason. Let’s get spooked. Here are some movies of the horror and horror-adjacent genres that you might watch by yourself or with a party of friends or with the spirit of a long-deceased duke who lives in inhabits your house. This is part five; you know the goddamn drill by now.

Previously, on The Haunting of Netflix House:

2013: The Haunting of Netflix House

2014: The Haunting of Netflix House 2: Your Sister is a Netflix

2015: The Haunting of Netflix House 3: The Season of the Netflix

2016: The Haunting of Netflix House 4: The Netflix Master

A couple of notes for those who are new to the list:

This is being posted on October 2, 2017. For humans of the future who find this, the links may not all be up to date. Some might even expire by November 2017. Click at your own risk.

I try to offer both breadth and depth of options on this list, but it is by no means exhaustive. I’m sorry if a favorite of yours got left off. There’s a chance I just haven’t seen it yet. Feel free to reblog and add some of your favorites, but please make sure a movie is actually currently available on Netflix before jumping my shit about some nonsense I “forgot,” please and thank you.

This list is based upon movies that are available on Netflix in the US. I have no idea what is streaming on Canadian Netflix or British Netflix or Slovenian Netflix. How would I know this. Why would I know this. Please do not expect me to know this. Feel free to be the Canadian/British/Slovenian Benito and make your own list applicable to your own countryhumans.

Horror movies, by their nature, have horrific things in them. Most of these movies are violent; lots of them deal with torture, abuse, and mental illness. If some element of this jumps out to me while I’m writing these up, I’ll mention them, but if you are sensitive to or have issues with certain types of content, you might look an individual movie up on Common Sense Media first to check for content warnings.

While there are always good horror movies to be found on Netflix, if you really like scary movies, you should just get a Shudder subscription (or even just the free trial!). It has an unbeatable, well-curated selection.

All right let’s get to the goddamn movies what say

Classics (this section seems to get smaller every year):

Jaws (this is about a shark)

The Fly (the Vincent Price version, not the Jeff Goldblum one)

Gremlins (technically a Christmas movie, obviously, but maybe you’re a rebel)

The Sixth Sense (is this a classic? I mean probably your mom has heard of it, so)

Horror Comedies:

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (highly recommended)

Little Evil (new from the maker of Tucker and Dale; great cast; more than the Omen spoof it looks like; recommended)

Troll Hunter (not horror in the traditional sense; not a “Halloween” monster; found footage style; subtitled; awesome)

Young Frankenstein (maybe you’ve heard of this one)

The Host (subtitled; not a “Halloween” monster)

Ravenous (fucking rules)

Housebound (recommended)

Patchwork (in the vein of like Re-Animator and Frankenhooker)

Deathgasm (the best the best the best; watch immediately)

The Bar

Haunted House/Ghost shit:

The Awakening

The Pact (recommended)

The Babadook (highest possible recommendation; how have you not watched this yet)

Under the Shadow (recommended; basically the Iranian Babadook)

The Canal

We Are Still Here (Barbara Crampton is in this; her name will be mentioned a few more times on this list because she is apparently a major selling point for some people)

Last Shift (haunted police station; recommended)

The Legend of Hell House (love this one; love Roddy McDowall)

I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (very slow paced but atmospheric)

Coraline (yeah, the scary stop-motion one)

Vampire shit:

Stake Land (non-traditional vampire rules; not really my jam but some people love it; no idea if the sequel is good)

Byzantium

Night Watch

Werewolf shit:

Late Phases (old blind guy vs werewolves; pretty good)

When Animals Dream (hit some similar thematic notes to Ginger Snaps, but completely different tonally; subtitled)

Zombie shit:

Train to Busan (this rules; subtitled)

Witch/Demon/Pagan shit:

At the Devil’s Door (from the maker of The Pact; not as good, still interesting)

The Void (Lovecraftian cult shit; very cool visuals and practical effects)

Baskin (subtitled; super gory; also, the protags are asshole cops who tell transphobic stories and say homophobic slurs and talk about bestiality at the beginning, so heads up; worth a watch if that doesn’t bother you)

The Devil’s Candy

Hellions (this is not *great,* but it looks good and is heavily Halloweeny)

The Wailing (fucking amazing; subtitled)

Found footage shit:

V/H/S (lots of sex, violence, and sexualized violence

V/H/S/2 (same)

V/H/S Viral (same but in a different way)

The Den (ChatRoulette the horror movie; highly highly highly recommended)

Creep (recommended)

They’re Watching (not super amazing, but it’s wild af and I kind of love it; what if House Hunters International renovated a witch house?)

Man Vs (pretty okay)

Slasher shit (needless to say, these are gory):

Wes Craven’s New Nightmare

Curse of Chucky (way better than you think it is)

Clown (the haunted clown suit movie so good that Marvel said, “Yo, this guy should be in charge of Spider-Man”)

The Windmill (it’ll do fine if you’re just looking for a new slasher; tbf it is probably  the best windmill-themed slasher ever made though)

Other shit:

Monsters (really good; not “Halloween” monsters)

It Follows (hey, what’s up, it’s the best horror movie of the past decade; highest possible rec)

Sleepy Hollow (what section do Headless Horsemen go in? Dunno; the movie not the show)

The House at the End of Time (highly recommended; subtitled)

Honeymoon

Starry Eyes

White God (DOG REVENGE)

They Look Like People (this is a slow burn, but super highly recommended)

Extraordinary Tales (animated anthology of Edgar Allan Poe stories narrated by famous people; a mixed bag, but cool)

Darling (okay, so: this is a really beautiful and atmospheric film that I, generally speaking, recommend; however, it is kind of “artsy,” there is not a lot of dialogue, it is in black and white, there are some light strobing effects, rape does not occur on screen but is implied to have happened in a character’s past)

The Hallow (scary fairies)

Tales of Halloween (an anthology, so a mixed bag; okay overall, but it’s definitely Halloween-y)

The Invitation (highest possible recommendation)

Beyond the Gates (I actually did not like this very much, but some people might find it interesting, especially if you like--wait for it--Barbara Crampton)

Turbo Kid (this is not really horror, but if you like horror, especially splatter stuff, you will probably like it; it is good as shit)

Gerald’s Game (new shit from Mike Flanagan and it’s really great. Deals with lots of hard issues like abuse and such so maybe take a look at content issues if you are sensitive to that kind of stuff. Also definitely not for the squeamish, so head’s up. That said, it’s really really good)

80s/90s shit:

Hellraiser (not my style, but maybe you like this stuff, iunno)

Children of the Corn

The Craft

Non-Supernatural Thriller/Violence shit (these are violent):

Hush (Mike Flanagan directs; home invasion with a deaf woman protagonist; fucking rules)

The Silenced (haven’t actually watched this yet, but it looks good; don’t *think* it’s supernatural?; presumably subtitled)

The Eyes of My Mother (black and white; super bleak; beautiful and highly recommended)

Kristy

Dig Two Graves

We Need to Talk About Kevin (very bleak)

The Bad Batch (from the director of A Girl Walks Home Etc; only kind of horror-adjacent; Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves are in this)

Sun Choke (visually beautiful but super art-housey, also lots of mental illness and abuse stuff in this one; also *Barbara Crampton*)

Zodiac (biography of Ted Cruz)

I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore (so fucking good; very funny also)

Nightcrawler (basically a vampire movie, but with a camera instead of fangs)

Horror and Horror-Adjacent Documentaries (all the good horror docs got moved to Shudder):

The Nightmare (a doc on sleep paralysis and night terrors that is so-so as a documentary, but super effective as a horror film)

Witches: A Century of Murder (history of British witch trials, reenacted; two parts)

“But, Benito!” I hear you cry. “I don’t have Netflix for some reason! What about some other streaming services?” Yeah, all right. Here are some quick hits that are definitely not exhaustive. Just a couple of party jams you might enjoy if you’ve burned through the Netflix list.

What’s on Hulu though

10 Cloverfield Lane

Monster Squad

Fright Night (the original; a must watch if you haven’t seen it)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

From Dusk Til Dawn

An American Werewolf in London

Hatchet

Pumpkinhead (check this one out if you haven’t seen it)

The Blob

I Saw the Devil (amazing)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (either version)

Shaun of the Dead

The Loved Ones

Wolfcop

The Thing

Rigor Mortis

Borgman

The Descent

Bloodsucking Bastards

Willow Creek

Berberian Sound Studio

Plus a bunch of shit that’s also on Netflix

What about Amazon Prime you idiot

The Girl with All the Gifts

Them (not Them!)

The Witch

Hell House LLC

Neon Demon

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Nosferatu

Green Room

Little Shop of Horrors (the Corman one, not the musical)

The Blackcoat’s Daughter

The Bay

Society

The Last Man on Earth

The Last Exorcism

What We Do in the Shadows

Amazon Prime is hard to navigate so that’s all. If I left off a favorite, it’s not because I don’t like it. It’s because it didn’t pop up in the first 20 pages of search results.

Tell me some good Shudder ones

The Innkeepers

A Tale of Two Sisters

The Gorgon

Lake Bodom

Prevenge

All the Phantasms (maybe not Ravager)

Shrew’s Nest

Noroi: The Curse

The House of the Devil

Black Sunday

Let the Right One In

Murder Party (highly recommended, esp for Halloween)

WNUF Halloween Special

Ghostwatch (play this at your party if you want to fucking win Halloween)

This list could be a million more entries long. Shudder rules.

What about Crackle/Vudu/YouTube/etc

Please shut up

As usual, please do me a solid and only circulate the current version of the list, so people aren’t clicking on dead links and thinking I’m an idiot. Again, this list is not and could not be completely exhaustive, and if I left off your favorite movie, I swear I was not targeting you personally. And, again, some of these movies are more interesting than they are good AND horror is a highly subjective experience, so your mileage may vary on some of these.

If you enjoyed this list, perhaps consider checking out some of my other Halloween-related posts:

a primer for spooky stories

a primer for Lovecraft specifically

a list of “essential” horror movies

a list of “essential” silent horror movies

a list of “essential” horror comedies

a list of suggested horror double features

a primer for Hammer horror

a list of cool movies starring Christopher Lee and Vincent Price

this list of resources, including short films and even more scary movies

a suggested Halloween playlist

a primer for spooky classical music

the scariest 20 minutes in radio history

free to play spooky games

and my general Halloween tag, which includes short films, movie trailers, comics, stories, and more

Also maybe consider checking out my Letterboxd profile, where I rate and review movies of all types (but primarily horror) all year long and from all sorts of sources, in case you’re wondering what’s good on more than just Netflix. Also also, maybe take a look at some of my comics, several of which are appropriate for Halloween times.

Happy Halloween, nerds!

[ivoryrosespn-blog]

Hypnotized

A/N: Hey loves, this is my first Jughead Jones imagine! I’m so excited to post more writing on this page:) I’m uploading this from the mobile app so there is not bold or italics but when I get my computer fixed I’ll come back to edit my writing so it’ll be obvious where the lyrics are. Thank you for your support ❤️ ————–

Jughead Jones wasn’t one to truly believe in love. He saw how all of his friends had fallen in and out of love with their partners, eventually he thought, love runs out. He saw love as just a chemical reaction that burned out as soon as another attractive face came along, he had no ideas how wrong he was. But when a girl named y/n y/l/n ran into him in the hallways, Jughead felt love for the first time.

It was very cliche how it happened. Jughead was walking to class with his headphones on listening intently to his favorite artists when out of nowhere a beautiful girl had ran into him, causing Jughead’s books to fall to the ground. This earned jeers and laughs from the jocks. He sighed and lowered himself to the ground, she began to apologize also bending to the ground. Her hand grazed his as she gave him his textbooks. He looked at their touching hands and up to her eyes. In those y/e/c orbs Jughead saw the entire universe. He’d seen stunning shades of eyes before but none have ever compared to y/n’s. She blushed at the awestruck boy before her.

/Jughead’s POV/

“I’m sorry about that. I’m y/n y/l/n.” She said cheerfully as she stood to her feet. I snapped out of my trance at her voice, looking into her face I felt my heart flutter.

“Jughead Jones, it’s quite alright.” The breath seemed to escape my lungs when I caught myself admiring her. She had a sharp jawline, a y/b/t body type, mesmerizing eyes, I thought I caught freckles dotting her nose as well. It was strange really, I’ve never seen anyone quite like her in my entire life. Her beauty rendered me speechless.

All of me is in your hands I could go to Rome, go to Japan And find nobody, not even anyone, like you If the stars fell out of the sky I know I wouldn’t have the time Cause all I know is that I’m just too into you

“What class are you going to next?” She asked.

“I’m going to h-history.” I stuttered. I cursed myself for being such an idiot. Normally there was no way in hell that I’d care what others thought about me, but standing here in front of y/n I wanted to seem like the king of the world. Consciously I straightened up. My eyes flicked to her lips as she began talking again. They were plump and pink shining from the chapstick she applied religiously.

“Hey, I’ve seen you before…do you visit Pops regularly?” She questioned while leaning against the locker.

“Yeah, I go there to work on writing.” I felt a blush creep onto my face. What the hell am I doing? I of all people never stutter or blush! Y/n’s eyes lit up, she flicked her eyes to my lips and I subconsciously bit them.

“Wow. I’ve always wanted to be a writer. What do you write about?” Her voice was smooth like honey, her eyes shone with stars when she looked at Jughead. She twisted her foot nervously as she gazed into his murky eyes.

/Regular POV/

Unbeknownst to him, y/n had been trying to work up the courage to talk to Jughead since the day she saw him in Pops a month ago. Y/n thought he looked like a model even with the bags under his deep, poetic eyes. She would watch him from her booth her eyes trained on his lips which were always between his teeth as his beautiful mind tried to find the next perfect sentence. She had studied his slender fingers as they typed furiously across the keyboard, hard at work. His raven hair was always hidden from the world under his signature grey beanie. Y/n had developed a secret crush on him and now she couldn’t believe that she found herself talking to him.

/Y/n’s POV/

When I looked back up into Jughead’s eyes I could feel the butterflies in my stomach take flight. I smiled giddily to myself as I nervously twisted my foot into the tiled hallway flooring. Jughead was so attractive even when he wasn’t trying. His voice was low with an edge of mystery when he spoke.

“About Riverdale and the murder of Jason Blossom.” He revealed with a small smirk. My heart drummed in my ears when I locked eyes with Jughead.

When I look into your eyes They hypnotise me, I can’t move; There’s nothing more to say now, There’s nothing more to say Hypnotized

I froze instantly as If I had been turned to stone. Jughead stared deep into me, both of us at a complete loss for words. His lips parted in what I believe was awe. I felt myself being drawn to him. The world around us faded into the background we were the only beings in the universe that mattered at the moment. The shrill ring of the bell made us jerk back into reality. I blushed a deep shade of crimson. Jughead chuckled to himself.

/Jughead’s POV/

Never in my life had I kissed a girl but that moment when y/n and I locked eyes I felt thrown into a trance. The noise of the bustling hallways cancelled out, the blur of blue and gold lettermans jackets faded to black and white, in that moment I felt gravity pull our bodies together. As I stared into those gleaming y/e/c eyes I felt the urge to kiss her. I was giving in slowly leaning forward but the shrill shriek of the school bell made me jump back. Y/n looked down at her shoes attempting to hide the blush that slipped onto her high cheekbones. I chuckled lightly my mind racing along with my heartbeat.

“Hey…” I began. Her eyes flicked back up to mine.

“Yes?” Her smooth voice sang.

I scratched the back of my neck. I felt my cheeks heat up as I gathered my courage.

“Do you want to come to Pops with me tonight on a date? I know we just met and all but-” Her giggle cut me off. I froze waiting for her reaction.

“I’d love to Jughead. I gotta get to science class but I’ll see you tonight. Here’s my number.” Y/n passed me a slip of paper and waved before turning on her heels and walking down the hallway.

I sighed in relief smiling at the number before tucking it in my jacket pocket. A smile snuck onto my face and didn’t leave all day.

—

At lunch I smiled down at my sandwich thinking about my date later on tonight. Archie, Veronica, Kevin, and Betty were conversing amongst themselves. My eyes scanned the cafeteria for her. Y/n sat at a table with a group of artsy looking students. Her delicate eyes crinkled at the corners as she tossed her head back in laughter. Her sea of y/h/c hair flowed behind her head. Her pearly white teeth gleamed in the fluorescent lighting of the noisy cafeteria. Y/n wiped happy tears from her eyes as she shook her head at her friends. Her glossy, full lips flashed a smile. For a fraction of a second her eyes floated among the ocean of faces inside the lunch room. Her orbs met mine and a chill rushed down my spine. In the blink of an eye she turned back to her friends.

If the sky turned pink I know that I wouldn’t blink Cause all I know’s that I’m just too into you

Betty waved her hand over my eyes.

“Yo hoo! Earth to Jughead!” I didn’t move a muscle. Her voice sounded far away like she was miles under the ocean and I was on top of the Empire State Building. My chin rested in my right hand as I gazed dreamily at my newfound crush. I was hypnotized by her beauty. It’s ironic really, me of all people falling hard and fast in love with a stranger. Suddenly, I felt a pair of strong arms shaking my shoulders back and forth. Archie stared into my face his features contorted in concern. All of my friends stared at me with worried expressions.

“What?” I blinked several times and slipped back into my regular sardonic facade.

“Dude you were totally spaced out. I’ve been calling your name for five minutes.” Archie said.

“Yeah you were making dreamy eyes across the cafeteria at the art table.” Betty laughed.

“Who caught your attention? Is she cute?” Veronica prodded. I rolled my eyes and pushed my food around with my fork.

“C'mon Jughead! Who is she?” Kevin pressed with a sly smirk on his face.

“Don’t freak out guys…” I said, raising my hands slightly in mock surrender, “But I have a date to night with y/n y/l/n.” I muttered hoping they wouldn’t hear me. Archie’s eyebrows flew up towards his forehead.

“You what?” He practically screamed. I jumped and spilled water on my shirt.

“What the hell Jughead? Since when do you go on dates?” Betty said with an air of disbelief.

“Oh my god Jug! You have to tell us everything! What’s she like? Is she nice? She’s obviously pretty, how’d you meet? When did you meet? Are you dating her? Have you used her yet? Are you going to kiss he-?” Veronica rambled.

“Veronica!” Everyone stopped her by whisper shouting in unison, before she could ask anymore questions. I felt an embarrassed blush flush my cheeks. I pressed napkins against my shirt and rolled my eyes.

“This is why I didn’t want to say anything! Just forget it guys.” I huffed. They always overreacted to anything I told them. I slung my bag over my shoulder grabbed my lunch tray and left the table. I dumped my lunch in the trash and began to walk to my next class.

—

That night y/n and I met at Pops at seven o'clock. She marveled at me all night long, listening intently as I talked in depth about my story. All of the stars danced in her irises she put the moon to shame with her radiant smile. She sipped a strawberry milkshake while asking me what my favorite constellation was. The entirety of the date we discussed topics ranging from classic American literature to what our favorite candy bar was. Y/n was endlessly fascinating. She told me about how she started painting pictures at the age of six. Her first being a woman with four heads and purple skin. We laughed above our burgers genuinely enjoying each other’s company. By the end of the night her hand was laced in mine her smooth fingers drawing invisible figures onto the back of my hand.

My face ached from smiling so much that night. When the date ended y/n drove me back to Archie’s house in a souped up chevy.

The classic chevy’s engine grumbled to a halt as she parked on the sidewalk in front of Archie’s.

“Jughead, I had an amazing time with you tonight. Thank you.” Her lips shined from the lipgloss she applied earlier as she spoke. I tore my gaze from her lips and met those breathtaking eyes of hers.

“Y/n tonight I got to thinking… I’ve never felt so connected to another person like I have felt with you. From the moment I met your eyes I wanted to be your everything. Forgive me for being forward, but will you be my girlfriend?” The words escaped my lips before I could register what I had said. Her pearly white teeth beamed at me she held my gaze and I felt it. That feeling that gravity was pushing us towards each other; All noise and objects melted away as it was just our two souls floating in the universe. This time she leaned in, her gentle hand cupped my cheek as she inched closer to my face. Her soft lips grazed mine. I tilted my head and captured her in a sweet kiss. Her lips tasted like strawberries as we moved in a perfect motion. The kiss deepened as I brought my hand to the back of her neck. My nerves eased when I felt her lips push gently against mine.

We pulled apart for air. She didn’t let go of my hand.

“Jughead Jones, I felt the same connection. All my life I’ve been waiting to find another soul like mine. Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend.” She placed another kiss to my lips. My mouth tingled with a slight burn laced between them. A smile creeped across my face. I looked out the window of her car to see Archie waiting on the porch, the night sky consumed the world in darkness the only lights being Archie’s porch light and y/n’s car headlights. I pressed a kiss to her hand. We broke into identical blushes when our eyes met again an electric shock ran through my body.

“Goodnight y/n. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I grinned. I stepped out of the car and waved as I watched y/n drive away into the night.

I climbed the porch steps and leaned against the railing next to Archie who had an amused smile plastered on his face his arms folded over his chest. I shoved my hands in my pockets. An energy bubbled in my chest as I smiled at my shoes.

“So, how’d the date go?” Archie asked. The ginger turned his brown eyes upon me waiting for my answer. I sighed dreamily. Looking him in the eyes I said

“Archie, I’m in love.”

——–

/Regular POV/

As y/n and Jughead delved further into their relationship, Jughead found himself changing. He smiled more often, he could walk the halls without tense shoulders, he was openly kinder to people. Not that he was rude before he just…changed for the better. Y/n made him feel like he was on cloud 9, whatever that was. He never lost the feeling when he looked into her eyes.

You taught me how to be A better man, a better being And I’ve been thinkin’

Jughead had taken her on several other dates to Pops. The two of them would spend hours there laughing hysterically and sipping dozens of milkshakes. Y/n never once complained about only going to Pops. She fell in love with the small town diner just as she had fallen in love with Jughead; at first sight. They were inseparable. Jughead had never been the type to always talk about their significant other but he just couldn’t stop himself. All of his friends found it adorable, this side of Jughead Jones was happy for once in his life.

/Y/n’s POV/

‘Hey love.’

The screen of my phone lit up with a text from my boyfriend Jughead. I smiled feeling my heart flutter. Quickly I typed back.

'Hey sugar:)’

'Meet me at the drive in, I have a surprise for you.’

The butterflies in my stomach took flight.

'Aww Jug, did I ever mention that you’re my favorite person ever? Because you totally are.’

'You’ve never failed to mention it. Hurry up babe I don’t want to wait any longer:)’

'Okay! See you in 10.’

I slid out of bed and pulled on a sweatshirt and a pair of comfy jeans. I quickly combed my hair and slipped on a pair of red sneakers. I brushed my teeth and chewed a piece of gum before looking myself over in the mirror. Satisfied with my smiling reflection I dashed for the front door.

“Dad I’m going to the drive in be home soon!” I yelled as I ran down the stairs.

“Okay be safe!” My dad called from the kitchen. I grabbed his chevy keys. The night smelled of fire as I stepped outside. Walking to the car I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

One new message from: Kevin Keller

I unlocked my phone to view the message as I sat in the drivers seat.

'Oh. My. God. Girl!!!!’

'What happened Kevin?’

'I’m at the drive-in with Archie V and B and Jughead has this huge grin on his face. He keeps telling us to “be ready” when you get here!!!! Hurry up I’m dying to find out what he’s gonna do.’

'Be there in five minutes Kev, omg I’m crying!!! Thanks for the heads up.’

'No problem girl. hurry!!’

I revved up the engine and sped towards the drive-in with my heart hammering in my chest.

—

When I pulled my chevy up to Archie’s truck I felt a rush of anxiety. I cut the engine and steeped out of the car. Jughead shot me a cheesy grin as he engulfed me in a loving embrace.

“I missed you y/n.” He breathed into my ear. I inhaled his earthy scent from his jacket. I could feel his heartbeat in his chest.

“I missed you too Jughead.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek when we pulled away. He intertwined our hands as we walked towards his group of friends.

“Y/n!” They all cried in unison. Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Kevin all rushed to give me a hug. I laughed against Archie’s chest.

“Hey guys! It’s great to see you all again.” I cheered. They all beamed at me with toothy grins. Archie waved us over to Kevin’s truck. I climbed into the back taking a seat next to Jughead. He passes me a bag of my favorite sour gummies and I snuggled into his chest. Kevin sat to my left with Veronica and Archie and Betty sat on the truck hood above Jug and I.

“Hey guys?” I asked. My eyebrows crinkled in confusion when I surveyed the lot and saw that the only cars that occupied space were the cars of Archie, Kevin, and I.

“Yes?” Betty answered.

“Where are…. the other cars?” I questioned.

“The screens all ours tonight, love. I have a special movie I want to share with you all.” Jughead answered. I looked up into his eyes. He smiled down at me and placed a kiss to my head.

Even though I know that I don’t deserve this I know that I’m worth it, I want prove to you

The screen came to life. From all of the speakers came a familiar song.

Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I can’t help falling in love with you….

I turned my full attention to the screen. Pictures of Jughead and played in a slideshow. My hands covered my mouth.

“Awwwww.” Betty cooed at us.

“Jughead it’s beautiful.” I whispered.

Shall I stay? Would it be a sin? If I can’t help falling in love with you….

A video of Jughead and I walking hand in hand appeared on the screen. The next picture was of Jughead asleep on my lap with a small trickle of drool coming out.

We all erupted into laughter. I could feel happy tears pooling in my eyes at the next images.

The next video clip was of Jughead and I playing in the snow. It was taken last winter when I invited him over to my house for Christmas. We were building a snowman together. The video showed Jughead setting up the camera and then walking towards the snowman with a top hat in hand. He held it out for me and when I reached for it he yanked it back. This happened a few times. Jughead held the hat above his head and I jumped for it. My fingers just barely grazed the top hat when I came crashing down on top of the snowman. It crumpled into a heap of snow. I looked at the camera with a stunned expression before Jughead and I burst into laughter.

Like a river flows Surely to the sea Darling, so it goes Some things are meant to be

The next pictures showed Jughead and I outside of Pops leaned against my chevy. He closed his eyes with a dopey grin plastered on his face while I pressed a kiss to his cheek. After that picture, one of us lying on the football field with flowers in our hair popped up.

I giggled to myself. The slideshow played on. Momentarily the song faded away and Jughead’s voice came over the speakers. It was a video of Jughead and I slow dancing at the school dance.

“This here is the most ethereal being that has ever graced this earth. This lovely girl is y/n y/l/n. This is us at our school dance, I remember being so nervous that night. When I saw her in that dress I felt like the luckiest guy in the world. That night I knew that there was no holding back, I had to do this. Y/n if you’re listening to this, I love you more than anything.”

Jughead’s voice and the video of us faded away, the original song started playing again as more pictures flashed on the screen.

Take my hand, Take my whole life, too For I can’t help falling in love with you

I heard a sniffle from behind me and turned around to see Betty weeping against Archie’s shoulder. She smiled down at me. I returned the gesture and cuddled back into Jughead’s chest. All around me I heard sniffles as the slideshow continued.

The next picture was of us at a park in the fall. The colorful leaves fell around us as we kissed under a maple tree. Next was a picture of Jughead, Veronica, Kevin, Archie, Betty, and I at Sweetwater River in the summertime. We were all soaked head to toe but smiling nonetheless. Then a picture of me asleep on Jug’s shoulder flashed across the drive-in screen. Everyone awwed in unison. I blushed a deep red. The last few pictures were of us being goofy with our eyes crossed and tongues stuck out at the camera.

For I can’t help falling in love with you.

The music faded away. The slideshow showed a video of us laughing together at Pops diner we were both clutching our stomachs as tears streaked down our faces. The slideshow ended and we all began clapping.

“Jughead that was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. It was absolutely amazing. I love you!” I cried pressing a kiss to his lips. He smiled against my lips.

“I love you too y/n.”

“Awwww!” Betty cooed while wiping happy tears from her eyes.

“I have another surprise. Everyone follow me.” Jughead announced. We all climbed out of Kevin’s truck and walked with Jughead behind the huge screen. I gasped at the sight before me.

In a clearing behind the movie projection screen was a circle of trees. There were fairy lights hung around the trees, and a small table with a bottle of pink rosé on ice and several champagne flutes. Jughead led us near the table but suddenly dropped to the ground. I felt my arm tug down being as I was holding his hand. My brows furrowed in confusion as I looked him over.

“Are you okay? Did you fall?” I inquired trying to help him to his feet but he remained on one knee.

“The only falling I did y/n was falling in love with you.” He beamed. Our friends stopped inspecting the beautiful display of fairy lights and turned to Jughead. Betty started crying happy tears again when she realized what was happening. Kevin and Veronica were shaking each other with excitement, Archie looked absolutely dumbstruck.

“Y/n Y/l/n since the day I met you I knew there was no turning back, I knew that from that day in the hallways that you were the one. I couldn’t stop thinking about you nor did I want to. You’re the most intelligent person I’ve ever met and you’re beauty is ethereal something I can’t fathom. Y/n you’re so genuine. You’re a true angel. I love you y/f/n I don’t ever want to lose you. Will you marry me?” Jughead had a brilliant twinkle in those breathtaking eyes of his. His features were alight with joy. Tears brimmed my eyes as I shook my head yes.

“Jughead Jones I love you, of course I want to marry you!” I cried. He broke into a grin and I pulled him into a hug as applause from our friends rang through the nights air. Jughead snaked his hand around my waist as he led us all to the table with the rosé. We sat with our fivers interlocked, Archie, Betty Veronica, and Kevin began gushing about Jughead and I. Archie opened the bottles and poured us each a glass. I held the flute in my right hand. Jughead slipped the engagement ring onto my left hand ring finger it sparkled under the fairy lights reflecting our pearly smiles.

When I look into your eyes They hypnotise me, I can’t move; There’s nothing more to say Hypnotized

Jughead tipped my head up with his chin and captured my lips in an intoxicatingly alluring kiss. His plump lips were buzzed with alcohol but nonetheless the kiss was sober as ever. His lips were telling a story, one of love and obsession, one of how the colors seemed brighter with her by his side, a tale of two hearts merging into one steady heartbeat the melody that intertwined their souls. His story ended when air was needed. We separated and his hand came to cup my cheeks. His eyes locked with mine and this time I didn’t fight the feeling of the Earth slipping into a void. I embraced the feeling of us being the only two people on Earth, we emitted such an intense energy that we fell into a hypnotic state of mind. No words escaped my lips, no movement was made, we just stared intently into each other’s eyes completely consumed with love.

I’m hypnotized When I look in your eyes There’s no disguise; You got me hypnotized

[dioskourixx]

In The Blood Ch.9

“So...how was you guys’ Spring Break?” I asked. Raven, Sophie, and I had met up for lunch in between classes the first day back. Himchan and Yongguk were kind of AWOL, so it was as good as time as any to talk with just us girls. Sophie was the first one to respond, speaking in between small bites of her pepperoni Hawaiian pizza.

“Mine was great actually. I had so much fun in Tennessee. Oooh! You guys should definitely come with me next time! My uncle wouldn’t mind at all. And the animals are just so darn cute! The horses are so big now since last time I saw them. Oh! And I got to see a couple of the ducklings hatch. It was so cool!” Rae and I laughed softly at our bubbly friend.

“Well then,” Rae started as she picked around her spaghetti. “Sounds like you had a rather busy and adventurous break. I’m glad you had fun. I just mostly shopped around Washington and slept in. You know, catching up on my beauty rest and what not.” She chuckled as I rolled my eyes at her last comment.

“Wait a minute. I thought you and your parents were going to go to New York. What happened?” I asked, remembering how excited she seemed for the shopping trips she was bound to have in the big city. I heard her groan.

“You know that my dad is a history geek right? Always spouting off random facts and whatnot. Well, for some reason, he felt like New York was just a place for people to become mindless zombies of sales, and figured Washington would be more enlightening and beneficial. I, of course was not happy. Mom was kind of neutral.” This time Sophie spoke up.

“Well if it’s history he was seeking, you could've tried to persuade him by mentioning the Harlem Renaissance. Lots of history and art with that argument.” Sophie sipped her drink in a matter of fact manner as Raven groaned into her hands, muttering to herself that it would’ve been genius.

“Ugh! Enough about me,” Rae declared as she stopped wallowing in self pity. “How was your Spring Break Haze?”

“Not much, actually. I mostly just sketched and read.” I could already see the disappointed looks they were giving me.

“Don’t you do that on a regular basis, Haze? Is that all you did?” Sophie was the first to speak. I took another bite of my food before I told them that I also went to see a movie.

“The one you and Yongguk were supposed to go see?” Raven asked. “How’d that go by the way?” I looked down at my plate.

“I didn’t go with him.”

“Oh really?” It was Sophie’s turn. “So, you went by yourself?” I bit my bottom lip.

“I went with Ethan actually.” Immediately there was eyebrow wagging and “ooohs” from both of them. Raven spoke up after having her fun.

“How’d that happen? How did it go??” So, I ended up recounting the whole thing. Starting with meeting him coincidentally at the sandwich shop and him tagging along with me to the sci-fi movie.

“....then he walked me back to my dorm and he kind of...kissed me.” A confused Raven looked back at me.

“So? What’s the big deal? He’s kissed you before hasn’t he? On the first date? Unless this kiss was more on the hot and heavy side. If that’s the case then I need details miss.” I scoffed at her.

“What? Of course not. It wasn’t like that. It was on the forehead.” This time Sophie spoke up.

“Then, what’s so special about this kiss Haze? I’m confused.”

“I’m not sure Sophe. It just felt different. His demeanor was different. Instead of being shy like how he was the whole night, he seemed more...confident. More bold. I’m honestly confused myself. I can’t really pinpoint him just yet.”

“Well aside from all of that, it seems like you two are getting along well.” Sophe said in between small sips of her coke.

“Yeah...it seems so.” I caught a small smile play on Raven’s lips at this revelation as she took another forkful of pasta.

I saw Yongguk the following day in class. As we prepared to start taking notes on the lecture, my phone let out a soft buzz from my back pocket. Fishing it out, I saw that I had received a text message from Ethan.

“Good morning Beautiful :)” I felt the familiar smile I seemed to get lately find its way on my lips. I quickly typed out a “good morning” back, turned my phone on mute, and set it down on my desk. The teacher had just started talking about the midterms we had taken before Spring break. Apparently she wasn’t finished with the grading, but promised to finish soon and have the grades posted by the end of this week. My phone’s screen lit up briefly, before it faded to black once more. Another text message.

“How’d you sleep?” I responded with a simple “fine,” and asked him the same. The teacher began lecturing as I placed my phone back on my desk. Yongguk proceeded to get his pen out, ready to take notes and I followed suit, taking a sip of my morning coffee I bought before class. The teacher’s voice droned on as I tried to pick out the key concepts of the lecture. About ten minutes passed by before my phone lit up again. Ethan.

“I slept fine.” Before I could type out a response, another message popped up on my screen.

“So...I sort of have a problem. Maybe you can help me.” Now this definitely piqued my interest. My fingers started dancing across my keyboard before I had time to stop myself. I mean, I was in class after all.

“What kind of problem?” I placed my phone down on my desk, once more, only this time it was face down. Hopefully, by me not seeing my phone brighten whenever I get a text, I’ll be less inclined to respond immediately. I will say, that I managed to go a good twenty minutes before I couldn’t help but to snatch my phone up and read Ethan’s next message. I managed to jot down a few notes before then though. One glance at Yongguk’s paper though, told me that I missed a good bit of key points. Bright Screen.

“So there’s this really pretty girl that I want to invite for dinner this week, but I’m a little nervous. :/” A small burst of giggles left my lips as I read the message. Is he being serious?

“Well, why are you nervous?” I typed back. I went back to try to take more notes. God knows that I missed a huge portion of the lecture. The screen lights up again.. Only this time, I ignore it. The information seems really important, and I already don’t have sufficient notes as it is. No. I need to focus. That message will be there at the end of class, but for now, I need to take notes.

I’m not exactly sure, how many minutes ticked by, as I struggled not to let my curiosity of what Ethan sent back, win. Concentrate Haze. Stop looking at the damn phone! It was only a minute after chastising myself, that I rolled my eyes in annoyance towards myself and simultaneously picked up my phone to read Ethan’s reply.

“Well, it’s because I want to cook for her, and I don’t want to mess it up. Plus, I’ve never cooked for a girl before. What if she doesn’t like it?” Why was he being so...adorable right now?

“Lol. I’m sure she will be happy with the fact that you’re even trying to cook for her. Girls tend to appreciate the effort given. As for what to cook...what does she like to eat?” I exchanged the phone in my hand for my pencil as I was about to take notes...again. That is, before I saw what time it was. There was only seven minutes left. There was absolutely no point in trying to jot down the remainder of the lecture. I just hope Yongguk pulled through this time around. Bright screen.

“I’m not sure. :/. Let’s say that you were the girl I was planning on cooking for...hypothetically speaking, of course, what would you want to eat?” I didn’t have to ponder for long.

“Pasta and salad. It’s simple, easy, and hard to mess up.” As I sent my last message, everyone around me was packing up their belongings and headed for the exit. I followed suit, placing my notebook with my half assed notes and barely used pencil inside of my backpack. Once Yongguk and I were on the outside, safe from the herd of students, I turned to Yongguk wearing what I imagine looked like a sheepish expression.

“Soooo….Any ch-” Yongguk began shaking his head in amusement and laughed at me.

“I already know what you’re about to ask me and the answer is yes. I do have good notes this time, and yes you can copy them down.” I let out a relieved breath.

“Thanks Yongguk. I was somewhat distracted today.” A wide smile found its way on his lips as he nudged me in the arm.

“Yeah, I noticed. Was it this Ethan guy? You know, I’m not sure if I can approve of him, if he’s already hindering your school work young lady.” I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

“Come on. I’ll treat you to breakfast while I copy your notes.”

“Deal. But I’m buying.” he proclaimed. I shrugged at his offer.

“Fine by me. Let’s go ‘Dad.’” I said with as much sarcasm I could muster up.

A few moments later, I was nibbling on a piece of French toast while copying the final page of  Yongguk’s notes. Yongguk sat across from me, grumbling about the amount of people that asked for his tutoring help. After a while, I guess he figured out that I wasn’t wholeheartedly paying attention to him. It wasn’t until he brought up the movie he had missed, as I finished writing the last bit of notes, that I finally looked up at him.

“I’m sorry I had to miss it,” he said, but I just waved him off. It wasn’t really a big deal after all.

“It’s fine Gukkie. I ended up going with someone else, so we’re good.”

“Oh, so what you mean is that you replaced me with some second rate being. Alright, who was it?” I shook my head at his silliness.

“I went with Ethan, actually.” I looked down at my plate of French toast, as I waited for Yongguk to say something.

“Oh really? Wait, I thought you said he was going to be out of town until the end of the break. How’d that happen?”

“I’m not sure, actually. I was just as surprised as you are. We met as I was getting food before the show. It was pleasant coincidence.”

“Hmmm...Pleasant huh? Sounds like I’m already getting kicked to the curb.” I couldn’t help but laugh as he started to pout.

“Oh shush you big baby. No one is kicking you to the curb as you like to put it. Like I said, it was a coincidence.”

We continued to talk as we moved on from the subject of Ethan. I was in the middle of laughing at some corny joke Yongguk had told, when I noticed him stiffen in his chair. My giggles died off my lips as I regained my composure. I started to ask what was wrong, until I heard a familiar voice behind, saying my name. I turned back to see Ethan standing behind me, looking casual in his plain jeans, but still handsome.

“Ethan. Hi. You remember Yongguk don’t you?”

“Of course. Nice to run into you again.” he said smoothly. Yongguk gave a quick nod.

“Yeah...you too.” Yongguk started packing his belongings and stood up from the table. Before I could ask where he was headed too, Yongguk spoke first.

“Haze, I’ll see you later, okay? I gotta get this tutoring schedule in order and stuff. I’ll text you alright?” But before I could respond, he had already started walking towards the doors that lead to courtyard outside.

“So,” Ethan began. “When’s your next class?” I looked at my phone for the time and realized that time had gone by quickly and that my next class started in half an hour.

“Then can I walk you to class? I’m not busy with anything.” He looked at me expectantly.

“Sure. I’d like that.”

With ease he picked up my bag after I had packed it and carried it while we walked.

“So, how was your break?” I asked after walking for a couple of minutes.

“It was alright,” he stated. “A little weird though. It felt like I was being watched most of the time.”

“Watched?” I asked, clearly puzzled. He laughed at my worried face.

“My dad was in the military and sometimes his PTSD and paranoia consumes him. He was very...watchful during the break. Another reason why I left earlier. But enough about that...How about dinner? At my place? I’ll cook.”

I pretended that our little text conversation hadn’t happened earlier and feigned surprise. I let out a small gasp.

“You cook?” Ethan gave me a sideways smirk before he answered.

“Sweetie, I’m full of surprises. Stick around long enough, and you might get to see them all.” Okay. To say that I was unnerved...again, would be an understatement. I don’t understand how he can go from cute, shy, and  dorky to...well, this. I found myself flustered before I was able to respond.

“Oh really? I might just have to take you up on that offer.” Ethan flashed his white teeth in his signature smile.

“Good. You won’t be disappointed. Now, come on. We gotta get you to class,” he says while slightly picking up the pace.

[goddamnitdazai]

Love Letters From Hell

I couldn’t find this on my old blog, but I noticed it wasn’t in the line up so I’m just re-posting it here.  Pairing: Punk!Dazai x Reader  Modern AU - No abilities Genre: romance, drabble, fluff. 

Flesh oozed and slopped onto the floor in thick crimson splatters. The gnashing of teeth followed by periled screams of the damned rang between the alleyways as the victims took their last look at the living world before the beat of their heart was silenced by the un-dead swarming them. Feral and ravenous their eyes bore no similarities to that of their former lives as humans walking the earth beneath the glowing sun. Their skin hung in grey splotches falling off like chips of paint with highlighted bone sticking out from their unhinged jaw. Whoever did the make-up for this movie was your new idol, you decided, as you quickly thumbed through the movie’s IMBD page on your phone. Eyes frantically switching from your laptop to the phone in your hand you felt the sudden rush of summer air blow through the cracked window. Heat skated through the t-shirt hanging off your shoulders and the tiny black fan perched on your desk barely reached your toes at the foot of the bed. Even with your hair tugged high above your head you could still feel the dry temperature creeping up the back of your neck. The screaming from the laptop died out as the scene switched to an eerily empty park. “You dumb fuck you’re about to die.” You whisper harshly to the actors on screen. Most horror movies had become unbearably predictable, but the make-up had continued to evolve to astounding detail. No longer were people dependent on CGI to make a freshly skewered head look instant-stomach-heaving good, no this was an art that required hours upon hours of work. The blood, the gore, ah it was beautiful in your eyes. A goal worth fighting for, worth the long nights and exhaustion.  With this wave of enthusiasm and appreciate came the following cliff dive into blood-curdling annoyance. Harsh words banged around in your head as you paused the movie and rolled off your bed with your arms stretched to the ceiling. Unconditional love from parents to children was bullshit, apparently. Rolling a sweaty palm across your forehead you padded towards the window and stuck your headphones in your ears. Summer skies were always the most beautiful despite the less than astounding neighborhood. But it was affordable and safe-ish, but nothing a metal bat couldn’t handle. Unless you were ambushed, then you were fucked nine ways to Sunday. With a quick swipe of your hand you managed to reach the apple sitting on the bedside table—a reminder to yourself to eat, from yourself—but you’d forgotten, again. Soft music pumped through your ears and settled your mood as you plopped down on the roof and leaned your back against the side of the house. The only good thing about living in the garbage part of the city was being able to see the towering skyline of Yokohama. Bright, luminous, and absolutely breathtaking, and though silly it made life a bit more bearable because it gave you something to look at rather than look for. Tokyo’s skyline was nothing to scoff at, but Yokohama felt less suffocating. It sufficed for now. Apple in hand you munched lightly and let your eyes flit the other direction towards the nearly endless horizon. Over the shanty like houses with mismatched shutters and overgrown lawns a sprinkle of light fluttered through the darkness. Slowly all the thoughts racing through your head began to disappear, back to the tiny box where you tried to store everything that made your heart sink. After the bars closed and the drunken inhabitants wobbled their way into their houses the street became utterly silent. Stars twinkled above the navy blue canvas like a coat of scattered glitter. All was peaceful and that apple was damn near perfect in flavor. Nearly all of your anxiety had been drained by the stillness of this perfect night—until a squeal so familiar and loud nearly made your jaw crack in half. His bike roared and shook the trees as he zipped down the road. You’d heard him three times in the last week, and it was always at some ungodly hour. This generally happened while you were lying in bed attempting to sleep and there his happy ass would come, loud as all hell with that damn motorcycle of his, cruising down the road with his music blaring. By the time you managed to gain enough energy to hop out of bed he’d be gone, evaporated into the night like some cryptic teleporting jack-ass from hell. You’d found his bike once outside of some dive bar at the end of the road and left a nice little message about waking up the neighbors at four am. Since then he’d oh so generously made his loud appearance home before four am. His pettiness—however annoying—was impressive. As if he sensed your narrowed eyes and snarl the owner of said bike rolled his palms over his handles, thus sparking an even louder sound to emit from his black motorcycle, as he drove past your house. Something snapped in your chest like a string on a harp plucked too hard. Your wrist nearly snapped as well from the momentum you’d exerted flinging that partially eaten apple at his forehead. Before you could even rationalize your entire existence up to that point you scurried through the window as a yelp flew from his mouth. Hiding under your covers from monsters was childish, but it had always seemed to work before, right?                                                                                 ------- Morning came with an abundant declaration that nearly burned your eyes straight out of your sockets. The hellish assault of sunlight had woken you from your post – panic haze and caused a very rough start way too early in the morning. As you trudged towards your small kitchen with bedhead to the nines and your pajama shorts hanging around your hips a flash of a green apple slamming a possibly dangerous biker in the face projected in the back of your mind. Groaning you held your cup of coffee with both hands and laid your head on the kitchen counter. He deserved it, but what if that apple caused him to crash? Oh god what if he rolled off his bike and flew into a telephone pole? How would you explain that to your fellow cellmate? Does it make you a better criminal to kill someone with fruit? At least you’d get sleep in jail. Refusing to let the bitter morning go to waste you slid on your shoes and walked towards the front door with your coffee in hand. Overgrown tendrils of grass had risen their way up throughout the lawn. Curling and looping around the metal fencing and tickling your ankles as you stomped down the concrete steps. The cracked pathway was barely visible beneath the dirt and apparently ever-fruitful lawn, and unfortunately at some point you would have to cut it. Milk white clouds no thicker than a string floated carelessly across the sky. A vivid blue with tinges of tangerine igniting the world, and for a moment everything was calm again. The breeze rolled through your hair and picked up the strays dancing against the nape of your neck and brushed the scent of flowers beneath your nose. “Morning, neighbor~.” A shiver ran down your spine as your eyes popped open and immediately shifted to the left. There, strung along the top of the metal gate as if he owned the entire world, was that asshole.  At least this meant you didn’t commit a felony murder. It took a moment for your eyes to fixate on the tall, thin man before you and the fact that he had an apple in his hand. Smirking he took a bite and let the metal of his lip piercings clink against the skin of it. Beneath the soft cotton t-shirt jet black ink poked out up to his collar bone and littered both his arms. Intricate patterns and beautifully etched designs paralleled each other. He raised his free hand up to his chin, perching it within his palm while the other dangled over the top of the fence. “Why the hell is your bike so loud?” You snapped while bringing the coffee cup to your lips. His smirk broadened; your stomach folded in on itself. He took another bite of the apple before tossing it up in his hand. At first he made no noise as he straightened his posture and lifted his left hand to the back of his neck. Dramatically his mouth opened and let out a yawn. His shirt lifted off his stomach; you suddenly found the grass beneath your feet mind-numbingly interesting.  Though groggy and still miffed about your wake-up call from the brightest light known to man there was no denying this dude was unaware of his good looks. The way he tilted his head as he looked at you, chocolate brown locks swaying over his eyes and how he made it a clear habit to nibble on the right stud in his lip. He was baiting you.   “Some people like to sleep at night y’know.” Did your voice just crack? Probably, you weren’t on top of your game this early. “Says the girl screaming ‘not that door you dumbass’ at three in the morning.” An unwelcomed combination of a laugh-snort-hmph escaped your lips at his comically high imitation of your voice. This man had a talent of getting his way and getting away with everything. But not today, hopefully. Straightening your back and crossing your arms over your chest you stared back at him and hoped you looked somewhat pissed. His brow arched and lips broke into a wide smile. The apple in his hand had been tossed over the fence in the street where birds picked at it before flying elsewhere. “Are you going to keep revving that god damn thing so loud? It rattles my whole damn house.” “Ah, my apologies miss but,” he cooed while running his tattooed fingers through his hair, “but if we’re being fair you hit me with an apple so that makes us even.  “ His tone had changed, like he was egging you on to continue this little tiff. The way he stood with a prominent dominance and sweet smile that probably dropped a hundred panties made it evident he was not going to let you win so easily. His eyes glimmered in a haze of honey – brown with a tint of darkness pooling behind them.  This was a man who rarely lost at anything and more likely than not had never been told no by anyone. However, he seemed to have underestimated your willpower against his blatant charms. For this moment your panties remained on your own bedroom floor.  It was early, you were pissed, and the sun was too damn bright. Oh no, today was not the day fucker. “Once. You’ve woken me up at least three times in the week. So I can either throw three more apples or,” you tapped your finger against your lips, “or you could mow my lawn as an apology. If we’re being fair.” “Is that a euphemism? You could have just asked me to come watch a movie~” He teased as his tongue darted out to his bottom lip. “Come a little closer to me, it’s hard to hear that sweet voice of yours from so far away.” You were on the verge of a sensory overload, but this was a game you were playing to win. He was still on the edge of success but his eyes were nowhere except your hips as they swayed his direction. Inch by inch the contours of his face became prominent, chiseled, perfect. He put up a thick mask but he couldn’t hide everything. The slight thinning of his eyes as they grew a bit hazy; how his fingers curled around the fence while the rest of his body stiffened. He seemed to tower over you. Two lions, one goal. Never losing his gaze you ran the tips of your fingers up his chest to his chin and gripped it. A flash of light cut across his eyes. Amusement perked his brow higher and that smirk returned halfway up the side of his face. “Yes my sweet?” The day he dropped that teasing tone would be the day he died. “Mow my front lawn or the next thing I throw is a rock and it’s not going to hit your face. My sweet.” Calmly you reinstate your point by knocking your knee lightly against his groin through the fence before twisting your hips and walking back towards the house. “My name is Dazai. Dazai Osamu, my sweet!” he called back with a laugh as the door to your house shut loudly. The air of victory surrounded you for the next few hours until a very deafeningly loud sound woke you from your afternoon nap. Bat in hand you kicked your front door open only to be greeted by a very sweaty, shirtless Dazai Osamu mowing your lawn. He glanced up at you as he pushed the old pile of rust across your lawn and gave you a sultry wink. His pettiness was next level, and it made you too damn weak for anything good to come out of it.

[httphopewrld]

hot summer (sneak peek pt.2)!!!

He was a boy across the street—no—an attractive boy across the street who happened to be a tattoo artist. You didn’t want to do anything about it, but your friends encouraged you to either stop sulking or make a move. And you chose the latter. 

Pairing: tattoo artist/neighbourjungkook! x female reader

Genre: fluff and smuuuuuut

Rating: 18+ because there’s some smuuuuuutttt (it’s the most detailed I’ve ever written, soooo proceed with caution) and swearing

Warnings: smut, soft sex, dom!/sub!jungkook, dom!/sub!femreader, penetrative sex without protection (don’t be silly, wrap your willy!), bullet vibrator, oral fem receiving, creampie, fingering, making out, and swearing. There are mentions of domestic violence, but it is not detailed. It is in the perspective of the reader, who is witnessing this from a distance.

Word Count: 9,000-10,000 (each because there will be 2 parts)

A/N: Uni has been a lot, so I will be post the full part 1 on Monday. Thank you so much for waiting, and for all the support and love I’ve gotten from the previous sneak peek! Here’s a little more to keep you on your toes ;)

Also, if you’d like to be on this fic’s (and future ones) taglist, comment your username, and I’ll update this fic and have your username in future fics too! 

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

You looked across the traffic, into the apartment building across from yours. A boy sat back into his chair, holding a book in his hands. He began to read, of course, in a simple manner. His eyes scanned the pages, imagining the words written in his mind.

He was man, most likely, in his early twenties, but referring to him as a “man” felt odd. 

You were fascinated by him. He was good looking, even from kilometres away. If you leaned against your balcony’s rails, you could see his dark wavy brown hair, his slightly sun-kissed skin, and his all-black clothing ensemble. He wore no shirt, probably from the heat or being in the comfort of his own home. 

You stepped away from the railing and back into your apartment, drawing back the curtain and turning your back to the balcony.

How long have you been gawking at this stranger? Had he glanced up from his book and saw you standing there? 

You drew all your curtains closed, paranoid, and embarrassed. 

People crowded the city’s streets. 

The sun was out, which meant everyone became runners, joggers, and walkers. People, families, and friends came out from their hideaways and into the sunshine. You, on the other hand, sat safely on your balcony. 

Crowds made you nervous. You liked meeting people, but the thought of pushing through a dense mass of strangers made you shudder. 

So, you watched people push and brush pass each other from ten floors up, sipping at your iced tea. 

You gazed at the apartment from the other night.

It was empty. 

You could see simplistic black and white art and photographs decorating the walls and modern furniture. His bedroom is to the left, with a gaping window that allowed anyone to look in. The same applied to the rest of the apartment: big windows and no curtains. 

You sipped your iced tea. 

You could imagine this man’s wardrobe. Minimalistic shades, and maybe some pops of colour. Chunky black sneakers and dark accessories. He must’ve been an artist of some sort. 

Your phone rang. 

“Hello?”

“Y/N!” Your friend, and roommate, Ashly, chimed on the other end. “Are you busy at the moment?”

“Not at all,” you replied, setting down your drink, “what’s up?”

“I was thinking of having a get-together. There’d be wine, snacks, and music. It’d be small, maybe five people, including ourselves?” 

“You want me at your party?”

“Well, it isn’t a party—just a few girls and gossip.” 

You pondered for a moment. “Where is it?”

“The get-together?”

“Yes,”

“It’d be at our place in two weeks.” Ashly sighed. “Is that enough time, mom?”

You chuckled. “Yes, my child.”

“Awesome! We can plan when I come back from work.” 

“Okay, see you soon.”

“See ya!”

“Bye.” You hung up and looked back at the apartment. 

The boy had come back. He wore a back cap, which he quickly took off and ruffled his hair, and, like a few days ago, adorned a full black ensemble. Despite the warm weather, he had worn a black leather jacket, jeans, and sneakers. 

You watched him shuck off his jacket and toss it on the couch, and head to his bedroom. 

He, with a lack of better words, flopped onto his bed and appeared to take a nap. 

You chuckled to yourself—definitely a boy. 

.

.

It had been a week since you looked back at the apartment. 

You had just come back from work, and Ashly usually arrives back home an hour later. 

The apartment you shared with Ashly was a carbon-copy of an IKEA display. You joked about it before, saying, “if someone were to flip through a 2019 IKEA catalogue, randomly choose a page, you’d probably think our place looked the same—or you’d find one of our pieces of furniture.” 

It wasn’t a bad thing. IKEA was a popular place to shop at, and it was excellent quality. 

Your furniture was various shades of white, navy blue, grey, silver, and light brown. The colour palette continued to your cutlery, kitchen items, and your bedrooms.

The place was cozy and didn’t leave room (pun intended) for a frivolous lifestyle. 

The boy’s apartment was similar yet different. There was a sense of minimalism, like yours, but the furniture was dark—almost raven black. 

As remarked before, there were black and white photographs and inky modern furniture. There were no colours in his home, just assorted shades. 

His front door opened, and two bodies tumbled inside—his and a female. 

Their bodies entangled with one and other and gripping each other’s clothes. The female’s clothes were the first to come off, exposing her bra and lack of underwear. The boy seemed pleased because he smirked before attaching his lips to her vagina. 

You were shocked, scared, and worried all at once. You wanted to look away but found a curiosity within. 

This man—boy—didn’t appear to have any desire to shut the world out. 

You watched as this boy perform oral sex to this female—in the right way because the girl appeared to be moaning a lot—and you couldn’t look away. 

It was like watching live porn, in a weird and public sense. It was, slightly, pleasurable too. 

They took off their clothes shortly after the girl seemed to orgasm and engaged in penetrative sex. He took her from behind, against his couch. You, and whoever else stumbled upon this erotic scene, had a perfect view of their naked sides. 

“Oh, my lord,” you gasped. 

You felt the familiar tingle in your lower region. 

Realizing this, you cursed under your breath and closed your curtains. 

“What the fuck,” you exhaled, leaning forward on the dining table. 

“I just watched my neighbour have sex,” you muttered, “and enjoyed it.”

You paced the room as if giving a lecture to a child. 

“You were turned on by your neighbour having sex!” You shouted at yourself. “What the hell?! Were you fantasying? Him?! What the fuck, Y/N? Might as well be Joe Goldberg, and whip out your—”

“Y/N?”

You stopped in your tracks and turned to your front door. Ashly stood in shock. 

“Are you alright?” Her Australian accent was thick with concern. 

You smiled, “Never better.” 

She let out a pulse of nervous laughter before tossing her keys in the small dish on the kitchen counter. 

“What were you saying about Joe Goldberg? The guy from You? And why are the curtains closed?” Ashly leaned her hand against the counter, and her other on her hip. She resembled a mother about to lecture their kid about a text from a stranger. 

You chuckled.  “Nothing of importance—anyways, how was your day, Ash?”

“Oh, no, no, no, no, Y/N. You’re not escaping this one.” She walked up to you and firmly placed both her hands on her hips. “What is all this that about?”

“Look who’s the mother now,” you muttered, making Ashly raise her eyebrow. 

You inhaled a lungful of air. “The boy in the apartment across from us is having sex right now, and they’re bare-ass naked in front of their big-ass windows. I had to close the curtains because I felt like I was intruding on their sexual activity, and it was just weird that they didn’t close their own—but I feel like that boy doesn’t own any curtains—so I just closed our curtains.” You said in one breath.

Ashly’s eyes widened with shock, “What?” She walked past you and threw open the curtains. 

“Ash, don’t just rip them wide open!” You rushed over and closed the curtains. 

She glared at you before cracking the drapes a bit to take a look. “Oh, my God.” She gasped. “They are having sex.”

“Still?” You crouched down and peered through the break. 

“Oh yeah,” she nodded, “and harder than ever.” 

You both watched, only for a few seconds before closing the curtains again, the boy drill into the girl. The boy faced the windows, leaving everyone to see his face and the top of the girl’s head as she tilted it back with pleasure. 

“Well, he seems very good at what he’s doing,” Ashly commented, walking away as you closed the drapes. 

“Ash!” You said in a loud whisper as if the boy across the street could hear.  

“I’m just saying, the girl seems like she’s having the best time of her life, being pounded by that dude!” She defended.

“Jesus Christ, Ash, shut up!” 

“I’m not wrong,” she shrugged. 

You looked at her sheepishly, and you both burst with laugher. 

Both of you spent dinner recapping your days: Ashly was currently dealing with an HR (Human Resources) problem in her company—she couldn’t go into details because of confidentiality, but it had to do with a problematic employee who was spouting racist nonsense online, which could affect the company’s image; and was immorally wrong because racism and any discrimination based on sexuality, race, religion, and so on, cannot be tolerated. 

Your day and work-life were conversely dull. 

You managed finances and taxes for your corporation, and the only exciting event to date was the incorrect money evaluation from a co-worker, which lead the company to believe there was wiggle-room for spending; when in reality, they were spending too much.

You pushed the pasta around in your plate while looking at the covered windows. You watched the curtains sway in the wind. Ashly had opened the windows a few minutes ago to let the hot air out of the apartment. 

It was the hottest summer since you moved to the city five years ago, including the weather and the recently noticed neighbour across the street. 

You continued to think about him and the way he had sex with that girl. It was romantic, yet aggressive and needy. 

Fuck. You cursed. 

“Hello?” Ashly waved a hand in front of your face. “I know that HR can be boring to listen to, but please try to look interested.” 

You chuckled, “Sorry, Ash. I just zoned out a bit.”

“Oh, I know,” she replied, “but thank you for the apology.”

She sighed. “Well, I’m ready to watch some Netflix.” She looked at her watch, “And as it is almost eight o’clock, I think I’ll only be able to last for a ripe two hours until my old body starts to shut down.”

You laughed, taking both of your empty plates and cutlery to the kitchen. Ashly joined you, bringing the drained wine glasses. 

“Care to join me?” She asked while you loaded the dishes. 

“It’d be the highest honour, m’lady.” 

⋅. ✯ .⋅

Reminder:

if you would like to be on my taglist for “Hot Summer” and my future fics, please comment something like:

(ex.)

Hello! I would like to be in your taglist. My username is _____. Thank you!

Thank you!

- Mae (httphopewrld)

[bellarkefanfiction]

Soft Shock

written by: Annie | @clarkescrusade

prompt: “Can I please have a college/uni au of this: "my best friend just called me to ask what color he should wear to prom and I was like “um?? idk??” and he was goes “well we have to match, so like what color is ur dress??” but he never asked me to go so I was kinda confused so I told him “hey, yeah since when are we going to prom?” and the line goes silent for a bit and he very quietly whispers “shit. I forgot to ask u” " by @vangohing 

word count: 3197

If Clarke was smarter she probably would have noticed with the first text.

Bell:

You like these flowers?

Clarke stared at the blurry picture of the corsage with confusion on and off the whole day, unsure what it meant. The entirety of her fifteen minute break at the art supplies store was spent wondering not only for what purpose Bellamy could possibly need a corsage, but also why he needed her opinion on it.

“What does this mean,” she asked Raven, as soon as she entered the swinging door of the break room. Clarke held her arm straight out, the phone grasped tightly in her palm.

Raven snorted after grazing her eyes over the message. She moved to the beaten down fridge and grabbed out a Coke, popping the top and taking a long drink before responding, “You expect me to decipher your and Blake’s neverending shit storm of a relationship? I’m a genius, but not even I can do that.”

“You’re useless.”

“No,” Raven replied. “Worrying about that text is useless. It’s probably nothing.”

The weekend passed quickly and silently, and Clarke tucked away the weird message without much more of a thought, or at least she tried her hardest to. She responded with a simple ‘looks nice’ and hoped that did the trick. The thumbs up emoji he sent in response did nothing to help her confusion.

It was weird, not hearing more from Bellamy. After the brief conversation he seemingly disappeared for the weekend. Clarke had an essay due on Monday for AP European History so it was fine, but usually he would have texted asking if she wanted to meet at the library to do it together. Or messaged her about how stupidly restricting their prompt was. Anything but radio silence.

By the time Monday finally rolled around, Clarke was more than ready to climb her way out of the weekend essay hole she had been residing in. She saw Raven briefly in the hallway, but she only gave a quick wave as she needed to talk to Mr. Sinclair before class. Which meant a few minutes later, Clarke was in her front row spot in AP Euro and there was Bellamy, thick-rimmed glasses sliding down his nose as he was lost in some book.

“Hey, Bell,” Clarke said.

He looked up from his book, tucking the bookmark within as his cheeks flushed briefly. “How was your weekend?”

There was something off that Clarke couldn’t put her finger on. “Fine, mostly just worked on the essay,” she said, eyeing his profile. He turned his head toward her, sending a soft smile. God, how could she even for a second think something was wrong between them. This was Bellamy and Clarke, the two of them– they were always going to be strong. Ever since Clarke had stood up for Octavia on the swingset in elementary school when some older boys were making fun of her and Bellamy had looked at her like she hung the moon, they were bonded for life.

“Did you see Raven this morning?” Bellamy asked.

Clarke’s eyebrows met in the middle. “Yea, but she was in a rush… why?”

“She’s asking Wells to prom today,” he replied through a crooked smile.

“You’re kidding me!” Clarke said. “He’s been planning his promposal for months, and he’s going to get upstaged.”

“Ignoring the fact that I can’t believe you just dropped the word promposal casually into a conversation, when was he going to ask?”

“Sometime this week, I think,” Clarke tried, but suddenly she couldn’t remember what he had said the last time they talked.   

Bellamy shifted in his seat, running a hand through his hair. “We should all go together. You’re cool with Raven and Wells, right?”

Confusion set heavily over Clarke. “What do you mean? Of course I’m fine with it. You know I’m way over whatever that awkward thing between Wells and I was freshman year.”

“Not that,” Bellamy said. “I meant for the actual-”

“Phones away, class,” Mr. Pike said, interrupting the conversation.

Bellamy’s eyes widened in desperation, the words caught in his throat, before relaxing and sheepishly turning back front. Clarke wasn’t sure what was going on with Bellamy, but it was starting to get weird. Whatever it was, she was sure it would pass.

Except it didn’t, well it did for a little while. The rest of the week flew by normally. Raven had beaten Wells to the punch by asking him to prom on Monday, which Wells counteracted by asking her on Wednesday anyways. He had already planned it all out with Sinclair, the whole thing going down during her Autoshop class; Raven laughed so hard at the whole thing she was almost crying by the end of it (Clarke witnessed it in an Instagram video Jasper posted: #wellven #getontheirlevel).

All the strangeness with whatever Clarke had thought was going on with her and Bellamy seemed to vanish, totally forgotten. It was nice to slip back into normalcy, joking texts and after school study sessions.

“Are you excited about prom?” he whispered, one afternoon in their favorite corner of the local library.

Clarke looked up from her book, pen poised between her lips and eyebrows scrunched together. She saw that he had been looking at some text from Wells on his phone, though she couldn’t quite make out what it said.

“Um… why would I be?” she responded, hesitantly. At this point her plans consisted of staying home to eat chinese food and having a Harry Potter marathon. She had assumed Bellamy would join her. That was how they had spent Homecoming earlier that year, albeit Lord of the Rings as opposed to Harry Potter.

There really wasn’t any hope of anyone asking her, and that was fine. After the disaster of Junior prom (Lexa ditched her for some elite LaCrosse camp/banquet/something-or-other and didn’t let her know until she had been sitting in her dress for an hour in the living room, her mom worriedly popping in every few minutes to check what was happening. Bellamy had showed up when he found out, decked in an old suit, holding up flowers he had ripped from the garden and a smile that held no pity– it actually turned out alright), she wasn’t sure the school dance thing was her scene.

Out of nowhere, though, Bellamy’s face completely fell. “Oh, um… I don’t know. I just thought– it doesn’t matter.”

They lapsed back into an uncomfortable silence, Bellamy’s eyes purposefully pointed away from her. Clarke kept glancing up from the pages, trying to figure out the reason behind his overly composed face and whether she was missing something. Obviously she was, but she couldn’t figure out what.

The next day she asked Monty and Raven about it after school as they laid around in her room, doing homework. “It was really weird,” she said, working her bottom lip between her teeth. “Do you think it means anything?”

Raven flopped down on the bed between Clarke and Monty, the three of them laying across it sideways. She sighed. “Do you think maybe he wants to ask you?”

“Why would he ask me?” Clarke asked. A warm, anxious feeling settled in her gut. “He’s never asked me before.”

“You two did go together last year,” Monty pointed out.

Clarke rolled her eyes. “That wasn’t exactly under normal circumstances! And, he didn’t even ask me– he just came as my pity date.”

“He came ‘cause he’s your best friend and he felt bad,” Raven said. “That’s different than pity.”

“Whatever, semantics.”

“You two also went to Homecoming together,” Monty said.

Clarke raised herself up onto her elbow. “No, we didn’t. We stayed home and watched movies and ate chinese food and fell asleep on the couch.”

“Ok, you still spent Homecoming together,” he remedied, flopping back down onto the bed.

The room went silent for a moment, the three of them staring up at the glow-in-the-dark stars Bellamy, Clarke, and her dad had stuck up the year she had gotten into astronomy. The three of them had hung a thick blanket over the window to block out all the light, laying down on her carpet to examine the constellations they had created. The memory made her breath hitch for a moment. She had felt so safe then.

“Is it so hard to believe that Blake would want to ask you?” Raven asked.

Clarke shrugged, not sure how to answer. Monty sighed exasperatedly.

“Not to diminish all of your problems, but I’m not even sure if Miller is going to ask me. Do I have to ask him? Guys, dating a dude is so hard sometimes, how am I supposed to know this stuff?”

Raven chucked first, then the other two followed suit. Any residual tension melted on the spot. Clarke felt lighter, and the whole prom situation dissipated. If something happened, it would happen, but she decided to stop thinking about it.

Bell:

O said the first attempt was horrible and I had to give it another go. What do you think about this one?

Clarke was still asleep when the text came through. She woke up Saturday morning around 10 and noticed the blinking light of a notification. Lazily swiping open her phone, another picture of a corsage awaited her, this was a bit more delicate, a bit more classic. It was a step up, but a step up for what?

It looks nice! She texted back. What in the world was going on, Clarke wondered, her brain still moving at half speed so early in the morning. Why did he keep sending her pictures of corsages?

The thought dawned on her all at once… prom. He was asking her about corsages because of prom. Something sticky and uncomfortable seemed to latch onto her bones. Who was he taking to prom? Clarke hadn’t heard anything about it, but maybe he had just forgotten to mention it because he assumed someone else would tell her. She wasn’t sure why the thought of him in that suit from last year and the wild flowers felt so hers, but for a moment her heart clenched at the idea of someone else getting to experience it.

Clarke:

Is Bellamy taking someone to prom?

Raven:

Trust me, you’d know before me. Try asking O.

Clarke finally sat up in her bed, the dull light coming through her blinds leaving her feeling too hot in her sweatshirt. She went to the bathroom, stopping briefly to look at her mess of hair and the sleep in the corner of her eyes. Before flopping back on her bed, she wiped it away.

Clarke:

I know you’re probably busy with your dance comp but… do you know who Bell’s taking to prom?

The answer didn’t come through for several hours. Clarke was stocking the paintbrush aisle when the familiar vibration of her phone went off in her back pocket. She scrambled for the phone, nearly forgetting about the brushes.

Octavia:

Duh. No need to be secretive about it.

The Blakes were weird, Clarke decided. She tried to think about who he could have asked, but the only person she could remotely imagine was Gina or possibly Harper. She knew Harper and Monroe had already agreed to go together, though, so that took away that option. Raven and Wells were already going together, too. Murphy wouldn’t be caught dead going to the dance. The only person that could possibly leave was Gina.

Clarke wasn’t entirely sure why that set her stomach in such tight knots.

Knots that would barely leave the rest of the weekend. The more she tried to not think about the whole situation, the more the knots seemed to remind her they were there. She wished she was oblivious to the whole thing, then at least she wouldn’t have to think about it and what her feelings in relation to it meant.

For once, Clarke arrived to AP Euro before Bellamy. She sat down in her seat, unreasonably tired. He came in a few minutes later, yawning and pushing his glasses back up his nose. A warmth spread through her chest that was familiar and new all at the same time.

“Good weekend?” she asked.

He slumped into his seat, smiling smally over at her. “As good as a weekend can be when you’re stuck in a hotel primarily filled with overly enthusiastic teenage girls.”

“I fail to see the part of that scenario that sucks,” Clarke joked.

He rolled his eyes. “Besides Octavia’s stuff, everyone else was trash.”

She laughed. “You would think that.”

He shrugged. “S’true.”

Clarke nodded along, struck again by how much he loved his sister. The warmth in her chest seemed to grow. Her mouth perched open briefly, ready to say something she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to. “So, um… Gina?”

Bellamy was slow to respond, hindered by some mixture of confusion, sleep deprivation, and thought. “What about her?”

“I just think it’s cool, the two of you,” Clarke said, stumbling over her words in a way that was far from the nonchalant, cool air she had been hoping for.

“I’m not sure what I did to warrant that, but thanks I guess? We’re friends.” His face looked adorably pained as he tried to figure out what Clarke was talking about.

“I wasn’t trying to imply.” But the rest of the words were stuck in her throat. She was glad when Mr. Pike came in and took over, silencing whatever jumble of a thought would have fallen from her lips.

Things had never been this complicated with Bellamy before. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Through puberty there had been a handful of strange moments. Like the chunk of time where all they did was fight with one another. Or when they were both struggling with their sexualities. Or when Clarke had, for the briefest of moments, been incapable of not staring at Bellamy’s developing muscles when he started working out to impress Roma.

But for the most part, their relationship was pretty straightforward. They were just Bellamy and Clarke, best friends, partners. Now, though, Clarke was starting to wonder what that really meant. Whether there wasn’t something else, a current, running below all of that. Was she just jealous because he suddenly wasn’t only hers or was there something more to it? Honestly, Clarke was pretty sure she was shit at feelings. She certainly didn’t want to bring the whole thing up to Raven just to have her tell her again what a mess Bellamy and Clarke were.

The school week came and went. Miller finally asked Monty to prom, which seemed to take a huge weight off of Monty’s shoulders. On Friday the final text came through.

Bell:

What color should I wear to prom?

The strange sudden warmth and anxiety that had been warring inside of Clarke all week seemed to vanish, replaced by something entirely new. It was red hot and scalding. It was angry and frustrated. Why did Bellamy have to ask her all these questions when he should be asking his own date? Clarke started to type before deciding that digital words couldn’t possibly say what she wanted. She hit the call button and tapped her fingers against her thigh anxiously.

“Hello?” he answered, a little surprised.

“Why aren’t you asking Gina?” she spat out with much more venom than intended.

“What?”

“Why would I know what color you should wear?”

The line went dead, the only sound Clarke’s ferocious breathing in contrast to Bellamy’s long, slow breaths.

“Well, we have to match?” he started slowly. “So, what color is your dress? You could just send me a picture if you want.”

Clarke’s mouth dropped open, trying to decipher what he had just said. He wanted to know what the color of her dress was but she wasn’t going to prom, he would know that. The only reason he would want to know her dress color would be…

“Bell,” she began slowly, stewing over the words before breathing them out. “Do you think we’re going to prom together?”

A huff of a breath released over the phone. Then there was no sound at all, and then, “Shit, shit.”

“What’s happening?”

“I forgot to actually ask you, didn’t I?”

A laugh of relief bubbled up. He wasn’t taking Gina to prom, he had wanted to take her, the idiot had just forgotten to ask her in the first place. Clarke hung up the phone, grabbing her keys from the saucer by the door, and drove the five minutes over to his house.

Her fist knocked harshly against the door. He appeared after only a few seconds, sheepishly looking at her through the curly hair that fell over his forehead and into his eyes.

“You idiot,” Clarke began, a rush of something warm and sweet and intoxicating filling every crevice of her being.

He sighed. “Please don’t make fun of me. I’m really upset. I planned out the perfect way to ask you and everything,” he rambled. “I knew last year was horrible and I wanted to make it up to you so you’d have a good experience so at first I thought about writing it out in stars on your ceiling but then I worried that might be kinda stalker-ish so instead I–”

Clarke stepped forward, grasping onto the sides of his face and rubbing her right thumb over his cheek. The words caught in his throat. She dragged his face up so he was looking into her eyes and not at the ground before surging forward to kiss him sweetly.

His body stiffened underneath her palms at first, but then he grabbed right back. His right hand grasped at her waist, his left tangling into her hair. Their lips moved together. It felt almost like they had done this before, but in a way that reassured her no one knew her the way he did. She wanted to push and pull with him forever, she thought briefly. This amazing man who wanted to make everything in her life as perfect as he could manage.

“The fact that I forgot to ask you to prom explains why you said you weren’t excited about it,” he breathed out as they finally separated their lips, foreheads leaning against each other. Clarke was pretty sure if she still didn’t feel the weight of him against her in some way she would have thought the whole thing was a dream, vanishing away like dust. “And Wells and you must not be talking a lot as of late because he was under the impression we were going together, too.”

“We’ve both been busy…” she trailed off, thinking about that text she had half seen when Bellamy and her were studying. “I thought you were going with Gina,” she admitted.

“I want to go with you,” he replied, tucking hair behind her ear. “Always with you.”

“Bellamy,” Clarke whispered conspiratorially, “do you want to go to prom with me?”

“Fuck you,” he said without heat. “You beat me to it.”

“Do you mind?”

He shook his head, leaning forward and pecking her forehead, her nose, her cheeks.

“Not at all.”

[themusechronicles]

Quiet Moments || A TMC Fanfic

Fandom: Shadowhunter Chronicles

Ships: Malec

Plot: Sometimes all you need to grow affection is quiet moments.

Part of the Dorm Life Drabble series [aka: my gifts for @ofdemonicmagic]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Being roommates with a music major wasn’t as terrifying as Magnus had originally suspected. Alec’s preferred instrument was an acoustic guitar, thank Nyx, and more often than not, Magnus found himself listening quietly to the lilt of Alec’s voice as he practiced the assigned music or worked on covers for his hobby posting covers on youtube. Sometimes he would just sit and watch, enjoying the way the slightly younger male got into the music. It was beautiful and inspiring. Magnus would never forget the first time he picked up a charcoal pencil and began rough sketching Alec leaning back on their couch, fingers strumming as he taught himself “Thinking Out Loud”. Drawing Alec was something Magnus did to try and keep his feelings for his roommate and friend in check. Today had been rough, professor Fairchild critiquing works meant to be reminiscent of Van Gogh and only a handful of his classmates got a decent amount of praise. Magnus himself had gotten a fair bit of it, but he hadn’t been satisfied with his work, and he had admitted as such. Professor Fairchild - his favorite of the art teachers he’d had - had smiled as she patted his shoulder and explained that it was okay to not like every work he created.

“Sometimes things didn’t fit our usual style, Magnus. It’s okay to not feel complete when we try something new for the first time.”

Magnus had smiled and offered to let her keep his painting, since he didn’t feel he would do anything with it. The lovely woman had agreed and before he’d left, he had helped her hang it next to the vast window near her desk - the forest creek beautiful, but to Magnus not complete. So he’d walked back to the dorm room and gone to put his things in his room, waving at Alec as he passed the other on the couch, smiling back when the blue eyed man smiled and waved as he held his guitar. He set his bag in his room and grabbed his homework, going to the other couch and opening his textbook to read about the Rococo period with Alec's voice in the background. After finishing the needed chapter and filling several pages in his notebook with notes for the next day, he stopped to get a snack from the kitchen, pausing as he actually began listening to the song Alec was singing. Why was his roommate so damn beautiful? It should be illegal and to top it off, Alec was so talented it was unreal. Magnus was in awe as he watched Alec, the other so lost in the music that he didn’t notice Magnus staring for a long moment. Dark eyes closed and Magnus had to shake himself as he moved back to his spot, pulling his sketchbook from the pile of stuff on the coffee table between them, pulling out one of his finer pencils and glancing up as he began to draw his roommate.

Alec wasn’t sure how to respond when he finished the practice of the cover he was working on to find Magnus drawing on a sketchpad. “Mags?” The nickname pulled Magnus from whatever he’d been working on, and he smiled, dark eyes so loving Alec melted inside. Why was Magnus always so perfect? But after a moment he figured he should say something, so he opened his mouth. “You alright?”

“Yeah. I just...I heard you singing and it just kind of...sparked something. I needed to draw it.” Magnus replied, eyes going back to the page and smudging something the lightest bit.

“What is it?”

The artist shrugged a little. “Nothing major. Just a doodle, really.” he replied, waiting a moment with his lip caught between his teeth. “Will you sing again for me, Alexander?” The inquiry came with a smile and Alec forgot completely that he hadn’t been singing for Magnus, or even to his roommate. But he nodded and moved to make sure his guitar was in tune again, letting the song flow from him as he played.

“Pick up the pen, put it on the paper, Write on my skin, bring me to life. Can’t start again, there ain’t no eraser, All of my flaws, you got them so right.”

He didn’t notice as Magnus twirled his fingers to rotate the pencil before the other went back to work, Magnus shading and drawing without looking.

“Everything is blank until you’ve drawn me. Touching on my body like you know me. Write on me, color outside the lines. Love the way you tear me up, baby take your time. Write on me, give me some wings I’ll fly. Love the way you tear me up, I’ll never change my mind.”

Magnus didn’t need to look up to get the details right. He’d been drawing Alec for almost two years, after all. But it all came to life as he brought the image to life, drawn in by the music. The faintest smile curving Alec’s lips as he sang, the easy way slender fingers moved along the neck of the guitar, even the way the light filtered through raven hair. Magnus smiled as he filled in places and left others empty, the image perfect as he set the pencil down and closed the book, getting up t wash the pencil residue from his hands. “Should I give you some time to film so you can post?” he asked, looking over at Alec from the little kitchen island as he washed his hands off and dried them.

Alec looked up and smiled. “No, I’m not posting this week. The state contest is this weekend, I won’t have the time to edit. Besides, it’s not quite where I want it to be.” he answered, looking up as he put his guitar away. “How’d the critique go?”

“Good, I just didn’t feel like my piece was complete. Professor Fairchild has it in her room now.” he replied, smiling. “She loved that I went with the nature aspect. Most everyone went with self portrait style.”

“I don’t see why you didn’t do the self portrait.”

“I’m not good at drawing myself, Alexander.” Magnus replied, bringing a soda from the fridge over and handing it to Alec. “Are you nervous about the competition?”

“Not as worried as I was. We finally got results, and I was second chair.” came the reply as Alec popped the cap from the soda bottle and took a drink. “I mean, yeah, I’m still practicing, but I’m not as super worried about it like I was last week.”

“You’ll be fine, Alexander. One more patch and trophy, right?” Magnus teased, not missing the blush on Alec’s cheeks as the other bit his lower lip.

“I’m glad you don’t put much emphasis on my singing. That’s all some people see.”

Magnus arched a brow from where he had situated with another textbook. “Alexander, there is so much more to you than people believe. Maybe it’s because I have such a close relationship with you day to day, but I know there’s more to you than that angel’s voice of yours.” He gave an encouraging smile and Alec smiled back and when he looked back to his book, Alec moved to pick up his own textbook and the two fell into comfortable silence. Magnus didn’t comment on the fair blush painted along Alec’s face, and Alec didn’t mention the way Magnus’ eyes had lit as he’d said the words ‘close relationship’.

[wellthatwasterrifying]

100 questions with 100 answers

One time in 2012 I answered all of these questions and I wanted to redo them because it felt fun to see what all had changed 

http://wellthatwasterrifying.tumblr.com/post/24306127834/100-answers-to-100-questions

The old one. ^^^^

The new one vvvv

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

  Honestly I don’t use iTunes very much anymore. I use a lot of spotify but here’s iTunes

“Who’d have known”- Lilly Allen

“Forever” - Youngblood Hawke

“A Poetice Retelling Of An Unfortunate Seduction“ - Bright Eyes

“Shot of Love” - AC/DC

“Something in the Way You Are” Kimbra

This feels silly because I haven’t listened to most of these in years

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

  I’ll keep it with Brendon Urie. /shrug

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

  “Like Gansey, he had studied the ley lines for years”

4) What do you think about most?

Lately I think a lot about the future and what I want from it. Are the choices now leading to the future I have imagined or will what I’ve imagined change drastically in the next few years? Are the decisions I’m making now good enough? Of course they are.  

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

 Oh it’s much less academic than what I had in 2012, almost shamefully so. 

“I can ask him tomorrow but we are good with pretty much anytime Friday”

6) Do you sleep with ____ or without ______  on?

  I sleep with music on or without the TV backlight on.

7) What’s your strangest talent?

  Honest to god I can’t think of one. But I think that speaks more to my lack of being able to think on the spot than my lack of a strange talent. 

8) Girls…. (finish the sentence); Boys…. (finish the sentence)

 Girls are hurricanes; boys are sea shores. 

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

 Yeah I have. Good times.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

 Probably the last time I answered this. LIE. It was when I was thinking of ideas for a bar.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I still don’t think I have anything that I’d call a phobia, but I’m not fond of speaking in front of large groups.

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

 Most likely

13) What’s your religion?

 I’m a Christian. Baptist. Southern Baptist. Only in the sense that I was raised that way, it doesn’t really impact my life or sway any decision that I make anymore. I don’t believe that there is some omnipotent being controlling or judging every decision we make. 

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

  Lately it has been studying because there’s a super nice little court yard area outside of the pharmacy building that I really enjoying sitting at

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

 I prefer to be behind the camera. Forever behind the camera.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

  I don’t have a specific favorite anymore. I’d still probably say Say Anything out of reflexive habit, but overall I don’t listen to any one particular artist anymore.

17) What was the last lie you told?

  "It was only 3 scoops.“

18) Do you believe in karma?

 Yeah. Yeah I do.

19) What does your URL mean?

  There was one time my tumblr post started getting posted on my twitter account which my mom followed. So she sent me this text message about how my account must have been hacked because it was not a “teresa’s daughter” post. That was a terrifying moment. 

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

 I’d say my greatest weakness is my inability to believe in myself sometimes, I put myself down instead of realizing that I am actually pretty amazing. My greatest strength though is realizing other peoples strengths and pushing them to utilize them to their greatest potential.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

 BREEENDON URIE [told you he would be back again][and again]

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

  shhhhhhh

23) How do you vent your anger?

  I don’t have a great way to vent my anger anymore.  I used to write it down, but now I just internalize it until it bubbles over. Like I said not a great way. I’m working on changing it into “talking” about  my feelings.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

 A collection? Not unless the sheer amount of books I’m trying to amass is considered a collection.  lmao I’m still collecting books. 

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

 I prefer talking on the phone

26) Are you happy with the person you’ve become?

  I am really happy with the person I’ve become. I do still have a lot of things to work on but it would be boring if I weren’t a work in progress.

27) What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?

 I haaaaaate the sound of Jenny doing flea bites. Drives me crazy. I love sleepy voice.

28) What’s your biggest "what if”?

 What if I had realized I was holding onto the wrong thing sooner

29) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

  It’s possible

30) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.

  Both touched the arm of the chair. Because I’m in an arm chair.

31) Smell the air. What do you smell?

   The smell of some vaguely gross carpet that is in the process of being fixed. 

32) What’s the worst place you have ever been to?

 The farm my sister was on all those years ago. Still true. 

33) Choose East Coast or West Coast?

 East Coast, but I’ve never been on West Coast.

34) Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?

 BRENDON URIE [and again]

35) To you, what is the meaning of life?

 I think the meaning of life is to find as many of the moments that make you feel like exploding from happiness, that bubble up from the inside and pour over. 

36) Define Art.

 Emotional outlet for those who can express themselves through a medium. Damn. I was smart in 2012. What happened!

37) Do you believe in luck?

  A lot of where I am now feels like luck

38) What’s the weather like right now?

 I wanna say overcast and maybe drizzling

39) What time is it?

  11:02pm

40) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?

  I do drive and yes I’ve crashed. whoop whoop.

41) What was the last book you read?

  The Raven King, again.

42) Do you like the smell of gasoline?

  Not very much but I do like the smell of it on someones clothes after they’ve been messing with a car or something. 

43) Do you have any nicknames?

  I do. The kids at work call me Aims and sadly the people at school call me Boose because I was trying to tell them my last name is said like rice but I shorted out and told them it sounds like juice. So I’m forever known as Boose.

44) What was the last movie you saw?

  Venom

45) What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

 I accidently cut my hand on a pocket knife and had to receive stitches. I was only like 6 though, so that’s no big deal. Still the worst

46) Have you ever caught a butterfly?

 Are there people who haven’t done this? Like not having caught a firefly, sure, but a butterfly??

47) Do you have any obsessions right now?

 BOTW

48) What’s your sexual orientation?

 Straight. Honestly probably Bi.

49) Ever had a rumor spread about you?

   Yeah but I can’t remember what it was anymore

50) Do you believe in magic?

Only in a young girls heart.

51) Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?

Not intentionally. I seem to have gained some unhealthy habits from my parents and may have accidentally gained their ability to have a hard time letting things go. But not for everything. Right?????

52) What is your astrological sign?

 Sagittarius! I’d hope this was the same, except there was that scare where they talked about adding another sign and that would have changed mine.

53) Do you save money or spend it?

 Save it. Mostly.

54) What’s the last thing you purchased?

 It has been a few days since I’ve bought anything…gas?

55)  Love or lust?

 Sometimes I think lust would be more fun, but love is more worthwhile.

56) In a relationship?

yeeeeeees (but I want to know who I was dating in 2012??? Zach??? noooo Matt????)(was that you matt???)

57) How many relationships have you had?

7?

58) Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

 No. No I cannot.

59) Where were you yesterday?

I went to my parents for family day/jackson’s birthday.

60) Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

  Gummy worms

61) Are you wearing socks right now?

 yesh

62) What’s your favorite animal?

 Dogs. I really think they might be my favorite. I feel so guilty not changing this to cats because blueberry is the light of my liiiiiife. 

63) What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?

  I notice little things about them

64) Where is your best friend?

  At her home.

65) Spit or swallow?(;

 HA. Wouldn’t you like to know!

66) What is your heritage?

 Dutch on my dads side and Irish on my moms. (supposedly)

67) What were you doing last night at 12 AM?

Laying in bed debating whether or not I should sleep.

68) What do you think is Satan’s last name?

[                                      ]  Did I even type anything here in 2012?? I tried to copy and paste and now I’m thinking I was playing a trick on myself.

69) Be honest. Ever gotten yourself off?

This is like the butterfly question. Hasn’t everyone?

70) Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend?

 Sometimes, but I also know I’m a bit odd.

71) You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?

LMFAO. I wish you knew my boss now. I’d save the dog. Thomas can suck it.

72) You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?

A) I wouldn’t make it public but I would tell my core.

B) I’d spend as much time as I could with the people I love because that’s what this is about for me.

C) yes

73) You can only have one of these things; trust or love.

 Trust.

74) What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

Stonewallin’ by Jane Decker(?)

75) What are the last four digits in your cell phone number?

 2259. This wasn’t true in 2012. What was I doing???

76) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?

 I think it’s communication and trust. Knowing that they’re there for you and vice versa. 

77) How can I win your heart?

 Listen to what I have to say

78) Can insanity bring on more creativity?

 Depends on how insane you are

79) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

 To go after what I want and not look back. I will climb this damn mountain. 

80) What size shoes do you wear?

8.5 I think…

81) What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

 “She was…”----this is actually still fine because right now all i can think is “She tried...”

82) What is your favorite word?

  incorrigible

83) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word; heart.

 felt

84) What is a saying you say a lot?

 This is true. Awwwww man. 6 years later and I still say this a lot. How do people put up with that?!

85) What’s the last song you listened to?

  Them Dirty Bones - Mike Waters

86) Basic question; what’s your favorite color/colors?

 Red!

87) What is your current desktop picture?

  Hipster shit.

88) If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?

 There isn’t anyone I would kill…

89) What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on?

 Why

90) One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by MUMMIES. The mummies aren’t really doing anything, they’re just standing around your bed. What do you do?

SCREAM my head off. Or panic and have a heart attack. 

91) You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?

   Teleportation without having to have visited the place before.

92) You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?

  That one.

93) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

 blogger. or that one time in the parking lot at UGA where I felt like the world was falling apart again.

94) You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

 BRENDON URIE [again again]

95) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

  Iceland

96) Do you have any relatives in jail?

 Yes

97) Have you ever thrown up in the car?

No, but I almost did once instead I threw up in a CVS parking lot which felt fitting

98) Ever been on a plane?

 YES

99) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

  get a grip

100) Give me your top 5 favorite blogs on Tumblr.

sheissuffering

Cooncomic

thatoneismine

burgertv

done

I don’t know. I’d say I only have two favorites

[mysteryshelf]

BLOG TOUR - A Conspiracy of Ravens

Welcome to

THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF!

DISCLAIMER: This content has been provided to THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF by Saichek Publicity. No compensation was received. This information required by the Federal Trade Commission.

About the Book

THE BATTLE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN. THE WAR HAS BEGUN.

James Hicks has spent his entire life and career fighting on the front lines of terrorism for the clandestine intelligence organization known as The University. Hicks has learned that enemies can appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, and allegiances shift like the wind. But now, Hicks has finally discovered his true enemy: the criminal organization known as The Vanguard.

This shadowy group has operated as a deadly organization comprised weapons dealers, drug runners, and money launderers for decades, but has now decided to add regime change to their catastrophic agenda. But knowing the enemy is one thing. Being able to defeat it is another matter entirely. When Hicks uncovers a solid lead on his new adversaries, his world explodes. His home base is attacked, his operatives in the field are wiped out, and, for the first time, The University finds itself in open combat against an unknown enemy. In a battle that rages from the streets of Manhattan to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., to the dark alleys of Berlin, Hicks will have to use every resource at his disposal to defeat A Conspiracy of Ravens.

Interview with the Author

What initially got you interested in writing? 

I’ve always been a big fan of movies, even when I was a kid. My parents favored the classics, where studios churned them out like clockwork. The plots were usually engaging and so were the actors. I also come from a family of storytellers – priests and nuns, mostly – so I was introduced to the realities of the human condition early on.

  In college, my desire to tell stories of my own grew and I took my first creative writing class. I wound up graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, but that love of storytelling never left me and I’ve been blessed to go on to have several books published.

  What genres do you write in? What drew you to writing these specific genres? 

I’ve written crime fiction, mysteries, thrillers, a war novella and I’m currently working on a western series. Eventually, I’d like to try my hand at horror, too, but not yet.

  I’ve written in these various genres because each of them allows me to tell a story about some aspect of the human experience. My crime novels set in the 1930s depict desperate people at a desperate time. I write about criminals and murderers who turn out to be the heroes of the story. They might not be someone you’d like to meet in a bar or have over for the holidays, but for the purposes of reading, they’re compelling characters.

  My spy thrillers allowed me to delve into modern day paranoia and fears of excessive government intrusion into our lives. Is someone really watching us? Who’s trying to hurt us and why? Who are the people trying to stop them? In my James Hicks series, I take a different angle on the thriller genre wherein I make Hicks believable because he’s not always likable. It’s hard for me as a reader to relate to a character who is too good. That makes them predictable. A character like Hicks allows me to show the reader the shadow world in which he lives while doing what he can to protect our way of life. I never think the reader is always going to like him. I just want to keep them interested in reading him. So far, that tactic seems to work. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some readers tell me, “Man, that Hicks is a real S.O.B., isn’t he?” I take a certain pride in that.

  My new western series is about a sheriff in Montana in 1888. I think westerns always reflect the times in which they are written. In the 1950s, they portrayed rugged individualism and family values because that’s what post-war America wanted. In the 1960s and 1970s, we saw revisionist westerns that focused more on the brutality of life back then. Heroes weren’t always heroes and few people rode off into the sunset unscathed. In the 1980s, action was the order of the day until Lonesome Dove came along and showed us how beautiful a western could be. Today, and this is certainly the case with my western, my protagonist is Aaron Mackey, a sheriff who finds himself at odds with his times. His decisions aren’t always popular, but necessary. His job isn’t to be liked. It’s to protect the town he grew up in and has been elected to serve. He’s a man driven by his own code, and sometimes that code means he does the right thing. Sometimes it might not seem that way to the other characters, but Mackey doesn’t care. He reflects a lot of the rebelliousness of our current day, where we question everything and for good reason.

  How did you break into the field? 

I had always dabbled in writing since college. I pawed at a couple of books, the first being a business thriller called TENETS OF POWER. In hindsight, the book was too long and too involved to be interesting and I didn’t have any luck in finding an agent for it. But all of my hard work didn’t go to waste. I’ve since harvested that book for plotlines in other works I’ve done, particularly in my 1930s novel PROHIBITION.

  I had workshopped PROHIBITION for a few years, then in the early 2006, I began sending it out to agents. Once again, no one bit. The feedback was always the same. No one cares about period fiction anymore.

  Then, in 2008, a friend of mine encouraged me to enter the book in TruTV’s Search for the Next Great Crime Writer contest. Much to my surprise, it beat out over 200 other novels to win the prize. I was supposed to be published by Borders, but when they went out of business, I was out of luck.

  I was fortunate enough to find Ron Fortier and Rob Davis of Airship 27 who loved the book and published it. It received great reviews and caught the eye of Jason Pinter at Polis Books. A few years later, Jason republished PROHIBITION and its sequel SLOW BURN as well as my spy-thriller SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL. I’ve been with him ever since and he’s been great to work with.

    What do you want readers to take away from reading your works? 

That I’ll never give them anything less than my best. People might not like my subject, my style or my characters, but no one can ever say I mailed it in on a novel. I believe the publishing business IS a business, so if you’re buying my product, you deserve my very best. I haven’t yet tried to write the Great American Novel and I’ve never written a book that was meant to change anyone’s life. However, when people tell me they couldn’t put the book down and can’t wait for the next one, I feel like I’ve done my job. 

  What do you find most rewarding about writing? 

I find the feedback I receive from readers to be the most consistently rewarding part of writing. The feedback has been mostly positive, but it’s been negative, too. Most of those complaints came from people who didn’t like the genre or were expecting a different kind of book. A few complaints were pointed observations made by people who know the genre very well. I took those complaints to heart and kept them in mind when I worked on the next book.

  When it comes to the art of writing itself, there’s no greater endorphin rush for me than the thrill of feeling a story take off as I’m typing it. I know it might sound weird to someone who has never written a book or a story, but these characters really do take on a life of their own. I recently started writing a novel and quickly realized I had started in the middle of the book. I had to go back and tell it from the beginning. It’s more work, but I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as the story telling itself through me. Again, we’re not talking high literature here, but I want every story I tell to be the best it can be. But when you hit that scene just right or that idea pops into my head, man, there’s nothing better than that.

  What do you find most challenging about writing? 

I find the editing process to be the most challenging part about writing. It’s also the most important part of the process. Almost anyone can sit at a keyboard and bang out a story. The editing process makes you cull it down and mold it into something cohesive and compelling. After that, I have to read it again to make sure all of the seams have been covered. And again after that. After the third pass, I can’t read it anymore because it all blurs together for me. Often, by then, my mind is already straining at the bit to move on to the next work anyway, so I rely on beta readers to help ensure I haven’t left anything out or left a gaping hole in the plot.

    What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field? 

If you’re going to be a writer, you’d better be tough. You’d better be ready for rejection and you’ve got to take criticism. That’s not always easy, especially when you’ve labored over something for months or years. You develop an attachment to it and bristle at even the slightest hint that it’s not as perfect as you envision it.

  But a mentor of mine told me long ago that writing isn’t about the writer, it’s about the writer and their relationship to the reader. I might know what I mean, but if it’s not on the page, I can’t expect the reader to divine what I mean. People are entitled to their opinion and readers are right more than they’re wrong. As long as the critique is coming from an honest place, the writer must consider it.

  The other piece of advice I’d offer a new reader is to write in secret whenever possible. That sounds crazy, I know. Conspiratorial, even, like something out of one of my spy novels. But believe me when I tell you that the act of becoming a writer is very intimidating to some people. You’re attempting to do something that most people couldn’t do even if they had the courage to try. People tend to enjoy tearing down those who attempt what they cannot. The less people who know about what you’re trying to do, the better your story will be. There will be plenty of time for the critiques I mentioned above, but first, just sit down and do it and keep doing it until it’s done. When you’re ready, show it to the world. It’ll be your scariest, but most rewarding moment.

  What type of books do you enjoy reading? 

I like thrillers, mostly. I read westerns when I’m writing a western, just to make sure my spy thriller voice doesn’t bleed into that genre. It keeps me honest and keeps me engaged. I’m not worried about another author’s work bleeding into my own. In order to write, you have to read a lot because one never knows what will spark that next idea for your story.

  Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you? 

I think people would be surprised that I’m as quiet as I am. People read my work and expect me to be a larger-than-life character. I’m really not. I prefer to keep to myself and I listen a lot. Wherever I am, I overhear how people speak to each other. I listen to their concerns and watch them on their phones on their way to and from work. Observation helps keep me grounded and, as always, gives me inspiration for my next novel or short story.

    What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work? 

All of my works are available online on Amazon, BN.com and all of the usual places in both print and e-book formats. I’m also on Facebook as Terrence P. McCauley and on Twitter as @tmccauley_nyc. My website is www.terrencemccauley.com. Feel free to drop me a line or ask me a question. And if you’ve purchased one of my books, please leave a review. They help, believe me.

  About the Author

Terrence McCauley is the award-winning author of two previous James Hicks thrillers: SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL and A MURDER OF CROWS, as well as the historical crime thrillers PROHIBITION and SLOW BURN (all available from Polis Books). He is also the author of the World War I novella THE DEVIL DOGS OF BELLEAU WOOD, the proceeds of which go directly to benefit the Semper Fi Fund. His story “El Cambalache” was nominated for the Thriller Award by International Thriller Writers.

Terrence has had short stories featured in Thuglit, Spintetingler Magazine, Shotgun Honey, Big Pulp and other publications. He is a member of the New York City chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers and the International Crime Writers Association.

A proud native of The Bronx, NY, he is currently writing his next work of fiction. Please visit his website at terrencemccauley.com or follow him at @terrencepmccauley.

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BLOG TOUR – A Conspiracy of Ravens was originally published on the Wordpress version of The Pulp and Mystery Shelf with Shannon Muir