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blakeswritingimagines · 2 months

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Dog Days Are Over

Summary: Losing a part of you never seemed too difficult but luckily for you, the big brown-eyed dork attempts to play knight in shining armor.

Word Count: 1.3k

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

A bright ray of sunrise shone into the shared chambers, as Jacaerys sat up and rubbed the tiredness from his eyes. He yawned, stretching his muscles. It was a beautiful day. You lay next to him, peacefully asleep, your silky locks draping over the pillow. He smiled to himself recalling the wondrous night together. You mumbled something as you were still sleeping, your breathing was slow but your hands were moving slowly as you were dreaming about something. He couldn't get over how utterly beautiful you looked even when sleeping. You slowly open your eyes and your smile widens as you see Jacaerys looking at you. Your bright eyes twinkle under the sunshine and you quickly wrap your arms around him, pulling him closer as you kiss his lips gently.

It was like the first time every time. The soft brush of your lips, the warm embrace of your arms wrapping around him. Your touch felt like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. He pulled you closer, cradling your head in his hands. Your beautiful hair tumbled loose from its braids, cascading down your back. "Good morning, my love," he whispered in your ear once pulled away from the kiss. "Good morning darling." You replied with a smile before resting your head on his shoulder once again. You wrapped your arms around his body. Your fingers ran up and down his chest, exploring the muscles. You kiss his neck tenderly and lean closer to him. The touch of your breath makes him shiver.

The feeling of your breathing on his neck sent chills down his spine. His body shuddered with pleasure as you stroked the muscles he worked hard to have. Your fingers danced across his skin, sending shivers of ecstasy through his body. You had never felt so close, so real, so tangible within his grasp. He felt your body pressed firmly against his as he kissed the top of your head. He got out of bed, still feeling the lingering traces of your touch on his skin. He dressed quickly in a plain tunic and trousers of soft leather, with a belt and sword strapped around his waist. He walked out of your shared bedchambers and made his way down to the courtyard.

You walk through the gardens with your dog by your side. The sun is shining and birds are singing. You enjoy the calm and peace. You think about what happened last night. Your thoughts are full of pleasure. you think about how gently Jacaerys touched you, how soft his hands were and how his lips melted into yours. Your thoughts also remind you of how he looked at you. His eyes were full of love and passion for you. It felt like a dream come true. As he stood watching his men drilling, his thoughts would often drift to the wonderful night that had passed. The warmth of your lovemaking, the gentle caress of your hands, the look of love in your eyes, each and every one was a precious memory that he would cherish for eternity. The sun shone brightly overhead, filling the sky with its glorious light. A cool breeze blew through the gardens. It was a day that seemed like the very embodiment of perfection.

As a week passed, you have always been someone Jacaerys could rely on, sharing his laughter and joy. However lately, he's noticed a change in your disposition, a darkness that he hasn't seen before. You've been acting withdrawn and distant, and even when you're together a sense of sadness seems to surround you. He worries about your wellbeing and he wants to help, but he's unsure how to approach the situation. Even as he asks the question after another long quiet day. "Are you alright darling?" Lightly nodding your head "Oh, I'm fine," You reply quickly with a smile. The last thing you want to do is worry him. You hope you can keep pretending everything is okay. He is so sweet and caring and you don't want to burden him with your problems. However, the truth is you've been feeling unhappy and alone lately. You know you should talk to him about it but you're afraid he won't understand your struggle.

Despite your attempts at concealing the true nature of your feelings, your partner is no fool. He can see through your fake smile and your forced nonchalance. His kind eyes are full of concern and worry, as he stares at you. "Are you sure?" He asks, his gentle tone conveying his concern. You take a deep breath, trying to compose yourself. You know you can't keep pretending everything is okay. You needed to be honest with him. You look at him and his sweet concerned look melts your heart. You feel guilty for not being able to pretend everything is okay. You know he knows you well enough to understand that something is wrong. You want to tell him the truth. You feel like you should. So, you take a deep breath and finally, you speak your mind.

You tell him about how much the death of your dog affected you. You can't help but get emotional as you reminisce about all the moments you shared together and how much the pup meant to you. Jacaerys listens to you and he understands how much it hurts to lose a close friend. He leans closer and holds you in his arms. He hugs you tightly and kisses you, reassuringly. You lean into him and wrap your arms around his neck, sobbing on his shoulder. While he listens to you talk about your grief, he offers words of comfort and support. He holds you tightly in his strong arms, offering his warmth and protection. He kisses your forehead and wipes away your tears, assuring you that everything will be okay. He tells you how brave you are for letting yourself be vulnerable and expressing your emotions. He gently pushes your hair out of your face, as he whispers words of encouragement and affirmation. "I know it's been hard, but you're very strong and you'll get through this. I'm here for you, always." He said softly and confidently, holding you tightly as if his words could shield you from all the hurt and pain in the world. He wiped away your tears again, kissing your forehead and letting his lips linger a bit on your warm skin.

You let him hold you tightly and you bury your head into his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. It feels so good to feel his love and comfort. You feel safe and protected in his arms. After some time, your tears stop and you pull away from him, wiping away at your wet cheeks. But you're still emotional, so he wipes away your remaining tears. He leans forward to give you a sweet kiss on your lips. You kiss him back, wrapping your arms around him. "I am here for you," he says quietly, as he strokes your hair and looks into your watery eyes. "I understand how much you loved your dog and how much you miss him. But even though he is gone, he will always be in our hearts. His love and memory will forever remain with us." His gentle and compassionate words are exactly what you need to hear in this moment. His warm and understanding presence is comforting and comforting.

"Thank you for being here for me," You reply softly, his words mean a lot to you. You lean your head against him and he hugs you tightly. His warmth is soothing and you feel like you can be yourself around him. You feel lucky to have found someone who understands you and is always there for you. He holds you close and you close your eyes, enjoying his presence. As you lean your head against him, he sees your lips curling into a small smile, almost imperceptible, but he can tell from your eyes that you were truly grateful for his kindness and understanding. You wrapped your arms around him tightly, holding him close, as if you never wanted to let go.

"I'll always be here for you," he replied softly before kissing your forehead. "Your pain is my pain. Your joy is my joy. I am here to stand by your side, to listen and support you, no matter what comes our way."

#jacaerys velaryon x reader #prince jacaerys #jacaerys velaryon #jacaerys x reader #hotd jacaerys #hotd x reader #hotd imagine #hotd fanfic #hotd #house of the dragon #house of the dragon imagine

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bardofhype · 1 year

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hi limbus company fandom

so i had a thought. and that thought was "what if the sinners and all their identities had voicelines for when it was your/the manager's birthday" and what was supposed to be a funny "what if" scenario rapidly expanded into me actually thinking about it. so. because it ended up so long, i'm putting all of this under the cut so that no one has to scroll for a mile to read it all in the tag. you're welcome btw /lh

Yi Sang Base LCB: "Another year prolonging your stay in this world… may the rest of it be to your ideal pleasantness, Dante."

Seven Section 6: "The director informed me it was your birthday today, and instructed me to hand you this parcel as a gift. … I cannot tell you why she has it memorized. I try not to bother the director with such queries."

Blade Lineage Salsu: "How old are you now, Dante? … You do not know. I see. Yet another mysterious facet of you to be intrigued by…"

Faust Base LCB: "This is for you, Dante. I hope you enjoy it. … Hm? What is it for? Yes, Faust expected you to ask such a thing. It is your birthday, Manager."

W Corp Cleanup Agent: "Due to the nature of my occupation, personal occasions and celebrations are not common around the work environment. However, I am not bothered with taking a small portion of time to wish you a happy birthday."

L. Corp Remnant: "Birthdays were rarely given much worth in my old place of work- if we were lucky, a few of us would simultaneously take our breaks in order to have a small celebration. Perhaps it may not be so different here… but I hope you have a proper celebration nonetheless."

The One Who Grips: "How fortunate you are, to have lived another full year in this world with your humanity intact! Such a wondrous thing indeed… though, must you still wear that mask, even on such a glorious occasion that's just for you… ?"

Don Quixote Base LCB: "Manager Esquire!! I doth heard today is your birthday! I have collected up the others, and we are planning a stupendous secret arrangement for thee! I hope thee shalt be prepared!!"

W Corp Cleanup Agent: "Doth my ears deceive me? Is it truly your birthday, Manager Esquire?!?! What ho!!! I shall pay for thy next ride on the Warp Train, friend- the greatest gift I could bestow anybody!"

Shi Section 5 Director: "Happy birthday, Manager Esquire!! I have acquired thee a cake and gift! … Ah, I seem to have surprised thee- was I too quiet, walking up to you? Aheh, 'tis a habit of mine!"

Ryoshu Base LCB: "Congratulations. You're now one year closer to the B.D." (boundary of death)

Kurokumo Wakashu: "That's one more year you've survived now. IFFY." (impressive feat for you)

Seven Section 6: "The director told me to give this to you. Use it wisely, or I'll CUT on you." (crudely utilize tranquilizers)

R.B. Chef de Cuisine: "Word travels fast through these streets- H.B.D. I made a special pie this morning, just in case you dropped by… enjoy."

Meursault Base LCB: "Congratulations on another year. … I was only expected to give you a statement like that for today, nothing more."

Liu Section 6: "I was asked to deliver this cake to you. The candles were lit by my flame, so please do not feel obligated to blow them out immediately."

W Corp Cleanup Agent: "I was told today is a special occasion for you. Here- it is a first-class ticket you can use on the next Warp Train you board."

N Corp Groẞhammer: "You may take a day of rest today. For The One Who Grips has deemed it so- and for today is one you must experience in all its purity."

Hong Lu Base LCB: "It's your birthday today? How exciting~! Tell me, Dante- are you going to choose the acres of land, the pony, or the-- Hm? My siblings and I were able to choose between several gifts on our birthdays, was that not possible where you're from?"

Kurokumo Wakashu: "It's a special day today, is it not, Lord Dante?~ Come with me… ah, haha, no need to be so scared. I'm simply going to treat you to the finest dining I know of. Come on then~"

Tingtang Gangleader: "Happy birthday, Manager Dante~ Why don't we hit the casino floor, hmm? I've heard birthdays can be days of immense luck for the fortunate."

Liu Section 5: "Ah, you're just in time- I just finished brewing some high-class tea. Would you like some? I'll even let you have an extra cup for your birthday~"

Heathcliff Base LCB: "Mm. Happy birthday, clockface. As a gift, I'll try not to make too many wounds for you to turn the clock back for today. You're welcome."

Shi Section 5: "If you're expecting much out of me today just 'cause it's your birthday, you can bugger off. I'm not doing anything bloody special for you. … 'Less you're in the mood for some right scran."

R Corp 4th Pack Rabbit: "Oh? It's your birthday today? Bloody brilliant- come with me. As a gift, this hare's gonna teach you how to graze some grass!"

N Corp Kleinhammer: "O-oh- happy day of birth to you. I'll… see if I have time to do something better than that between all the gatherings today…"

Ishmael Base LCB: "Happy birthday, Dante. I'll try to do work without much complaint today."

Shi Section 5: "Happy birthday, Manager. This is for you. … Huh. Did I really catch you by surprise that much?"

LCCB Assistant Manager: "Today's your birthday. An important occasion that's going to make it all the more terrible if one of us slips up… I can assure you that won't be a worry with my presence here."

R Corp 4th Pack Reindeer: "Ah… happy birthday- kgh. Can you make sure not to stir up too big a racket in celebration?"

Rodion Base LCB: "Happy birthday, Dante~ Surprise! I got you something. Open it up whenever you feel like- just make sure to tell me when you do."

LCCB Assistant Manager: "Today's your birthday, yeah? Figured- so I got you something good as a gift. … Hm? Where'd I get the money for it? Oh, don't you worry your silly head about that~"

N Corp Mittelhammer: "A glorious day for you, is it not? The One Who Grips tasked me with delivering you a present today- how lucky for you, fuhu. Treasure it as much as you can, her gifts are worth slaying thousands of heretics for!"

Kurokumo Henchwoman: "Surprise, Dante~ I got you a little something with my protection fee today. Put it to good use now, you hear? Or else my sword will be a bit rash in the next battle~"

Sinclair Base LCB: "Ah- I-I completely forgot it was your birthday today, Dante- I promise, I'll be sure to buy something for you at our next stop."

Zwei Section 6: "I have a package for you, Dante. For all the good you've done for the team… you deserve this gift. Happy birthday, and may I continue being your shield!"

Jefe de Los Mariachis: "I'm doing a special performance tonight- you'll be there for it, won't you, Dante? It's a routine I've been practicing just for you, after all…"

Blade Lineage Salsu: "I hope you have a nice birthday today. I'm afraid I won't be around much- I'm needed today."

Outis Base LCB: "Happy birthday to you, Executive Manager. If you'd like, I will gather the others and have them sing your praises for the rest of today."

Blade Linage Cutthroat: "I see it is a special day for you, Executive Manager. I shall leave you to it, then- I wish not to impede what you have in mind for it."

G Corp Head Manager: "For today, I will grant you a day of rest. Only today, though- try to get out of your duties on any day but this one, and you will regret it."

Seven Section 6 Director: "I'm very glad I was able to catch you- here's some money. Treat yourself to something good today. You've earned it."

Gregor Base LCB: "Oh, hey, happy birthday, Manager bud. You think Vergilius is gonna put a little less pressure on you today 'cause of it… ? Ha, wishful thinking, huh."

Liu Section 6: "Hey, Manager bud. Come find me when it gets dark, alright? It's your birthday and all… and fireworks are much more impressive against a black sky."

G Corp Manager Corporal: "Greetings, Manager Dante, and a very happy birthday to you! I have cleared your schedule for today and have prepared several squadrons to help celebrate this special day of yours!"

R.B. Sous-chef: "Glad you stopped by. I've made a few special pies for a certain someone's special day today- put a little extra love into them, haha. Enjoy."

#limbus company #yi sang lcb #faust lcb #don quixote lcb #ryoshu lcb #meursault lcb #hong lu lcb #heathcliff lcb #ishmael lcb #rodion lcb #sinclair lcb #outis lcb #gregor lcb #not sure if i should tag this with dante lcb too. slash shrug #sorry if any of these seem OOC #there were a couple i had to look at the voicelines for bc i either didn't remember them and/or don't have the specific identity #so. apologies again if i butchered some of them

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laluvlidovezgal · 4 months

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JUST LIKE A DREAM.

TW! manga spoilers.

bittersweet! wistful.

t. muichiro x gn. reader.

HE FOUND HIMSELF ENSNARED IN THE RAPTUROUS EMBRACE OF A PLAIN, UNADORNED NOTEBOOK. its pristine pages beckoning him to whisper tantalizing secrets.

seating himself in the seiza style-his limbs folded gracefully—he wielded a quill like a maestro's baton, while his other hand languidly cradled his cheek-a solitary pillar of repose in the vast expanse of contemplation.

with a sigh of resignation, he embarked upon the wondrous dance between ink and parchment.

...hey.

he paused, his countenance adorned with a mask of impassivity, concealing a tempest of thoughts within.

why, he mused, did he feel compelled to extend his greetings to a humble sheet of paper?

yet, a flicker of ephemeral memory flickered through the corridors of his mind—a faint echo that whispered of customs and courtesies, of beginnings and origins.

though he found himself adrift in the enigma of it all, he yielded to the notion that a simple "hello" would serve as the key to unlock the labyrinth of his newfound routine.

anyways..

that butterfly lady gave me this.

i don't know why, she just did.

he blinked, his brows ascending with a subtle grace, as a revelation had alighted upon his consciousness like a silken butterfly.

i don't know why, she just did.

actually, i do.

she gave me this because she said that journaling..

it'd help me with my memories somehow.

if i recall correctly..she told me to write down anything i figured is worth noting, saying it'll help me 'treasure' it or something.

as he neared the culmination of his literary pilgrimage, he sighed yet again, his breath a gentle zephyr that whispered secrets to the dull room.

whatever. it doesn't matter.

the final words dripped like honey from his quill, an offering to the vast expanse of time and oblivion. yet, even as he penned the denouement of his day, a knowing knowledge clung to his intellect—one he had unfortunately grown accustomed to.

i'll forget about this, anyways.

on the contrary—to his own astonishment—he found himself ensnared within the confines of familiarity, as if destiny had conspired to recreate the tableau of days past.

an unexpected sense of accomplishment fluttered within his being, though he nonchalantly brushed it aside, for its allure held no sway over his seemingly impassive demeanor.

wow.

this again.

never thought i'd actually come back to this.

i guess that person was just so weird that i instantly went here subconsciously.

and yet—a query lingered, teasing the fringes of his consciousness.

how did he manage to recall the precise location where this artifact had been bestowed? his gaze faltered, searching the surroundings with an air of detachment, even as his countenance remained stoic and unyielding.

alas, pondering the intricacies of remembrance proved an exercise in futility.

the answer—it seemed—resided in the glorious mist of poorly scrapped away details.

in reality, for—in a moment of abandon-he had actually just left this vessel exposed upon the very table that bore witness to its initial unveiling.

with that profound comprehension nestled in the recesses of his clouded mind, he simply blinked before returning to the task of diligently jotting down the words he had momentarily paused, delicately inscribing the words that had eluded him mere seconds ago—fully aware that they would soon inevitably slip from his memory.

a pensive cloud descended upon his countenance, casting a shadow upon the dainty tapestry of his thoughts.

his brows, like twin sentinels of vexation, furrowed once more, mirroring the tumultuous musings that swirled within the depths of his mind.

speaking of which, what's their deal anyways?

he simultaneously pondered, his memory a fragmented mosaic that teased the edges of his recollection. who exactly was this vexing interloper that had managed to impede upon his path? the tendrils of remembrance danced just beyond his grasp, tantalizingly close yet frustratingly distant.

bothersome brat getting in the way like that.

the realization dawned, an ember of understanding amidst the haze. it seemed that this individual, by the mere virtue of their skills, bore the mark of a fellow demon slayer. though their intentions remained obscured, he acknowledged that their presence, even as an ally, posed an inconvenience.

yet, he couldn't help but acknowledge that the situation would have been far more dire had they been an unsuspecting civilian thrust into the fray.

"had I not intervened, you would've gotten hit instead."

the echo of their words reverberated within his mind like a daunting scene, conjuring a vivid portrait of their visage. a flicker of irritation danced in his eye, an involuntary twitch that betrayed his lingering frustration.

at least that weirdo refrained from whining and coercing me into helping them seek the aid of that butterfly lady.

even still—a veil of perplexity settled upon his thoughts, shrouding his mind in a haze of bewilderment. the actions of that imbecile confounded him, defying all logic and reason. how dare they insinuate that he lacked the agility to evade the blow? and even if he hadn't, was it not just another day, with the ebb and flow of danger an ever-present companion?

furthermore, the question lingered like a specter; why did they possess such fervent concern, enough to willingly absorb the impact intended for him? a cynical frown danced upon his lips, for he harbored a deep-seated suspicion that their motivations were rooted in a desire to don the mantle of heroism.

ordinarily, such trifling matters would have been dismissed with a mere shrug, relegated to the realm of inconsequential distractions.

and yet, that singular event, like a pebble tossed into a still pond, sent ripples coursing through the depths of his being. it stirred a dormant fire within him, kindling a smoldering embers of annoyance that refused to be extinguished.

the enigma of their actions gnawed at his consciousness, an incessant itch that demanded his attention. why did their interference provoke such a visceral reaction? what lay beneath the surface of his irritation? the answers eluded him, concealed in the murk of his own introspection.

eventually, a flicker of relief danced upon his countenance, as if a gentle breeze had brushed away the creases of consternation etched upon his features. for, in this fortuitous moment, salvation arrived in the form of ginko, his loyal companion, his assigned kasugai crow.

entering the room through the open window with a graceful flutter of ebony wings, the avian harbinger announced his imminent departure towards yet another mission, a clarion call that whisked away the tendrils of disquietude that had begun to take hold.

had he been pondering for that long?

he blinked, extending a hand adorned with purposeful gentleness, he bestowed upon ginko a few aimless caresses to the sleek feathers that adorned the crow's head. a momentary respite amidst the chaos, a fleeting connection between two souls bonded by the trials of their shared endeavors.

and then, with a seamless transition, his expression reverted back to its stoic neutrality, a mask of detachment that shielded the depths of his thoughts.

his gaze, once adrift and almost forgotten, refocused upon the near-forgotten notebook that lay before him—its pages, blank with very few words but brimming with the promise of untold tales, unlike before—it now beckoned him with an irresistible allure. who’s to say that this encounter, this outpouring of his thoughts upon its parchment, would be his last? the question lingered, suspended in the air, as if the notebook itself whispered of secrets yet untold.

however—a hint of exasperation tinged his thoughts once more, a testament to the minutes squandered upon this wearisome endeavor. the weight of time wasted settled upon his shoulders like an oppressive burden, threatening to drown him in a sea of regret. had that butterfly lady bestowed this upon him merely as a means to pass the hours in such a pitiful manner?

what’s with everyone pissing him off lately? a disapproving click of his tongue resounded, accompanied by an inward huff of frustration, as if to dismiss such thoughts as inconsequential.

yet, even as he brushed aside the notion, a lingering seed of doubt remained. the origins of this diversion, this seemingly trivial pastime, stirred a restlessness within him. but he swiftly quelled the rising tide of contemplation, for there were matters of greater import to attend to.

with a languid motion, his hand lazily fell back to his side, a symbol of resignation to the inevitability of his next mission.

ginko—ever attentive—observed his movements with unwavering focus through her beady eyes.

as he rose to his feet and walked away without a word, she hastened to follow, a silent guardian ensuring he treaded the correct path this time.

perchance, had he paid greater heed—he would have discerned the inadvertent significance he ascribed to that encounter.

possibly, if he could decipher his emotions amidst the shroud of negativity, he would come to comprehend the profound influence this ostensibly unavailing—or so he perceives it to be—undertaking continues to hold within the recesses of his hazy recollections.

a sense of weariness pervaded his being, his form slouched over the table in an exhausted posture. his arm, draped atop the surface, cradled his lower face in a gesture of weary surrender.

heavy-lidded eyes, devoid of their usual sharpness, stared blankly at the notebook before him, its pages a repository of familiarity and untapped potential.

his restless fingers found solace in the quill, an instrument of creation and expression. yet, instead of purposeful strokes, they engaged in aimless fiddling, a subconscious act of seeking comfort in the familiar. the quill danced between his fingertips, its weight and texture grounding him in the present moment.

as time trickled by, his hand slowly maneuvered with deliberate relaxation.

the quill hovered mere inches above the pristine expanse of the paper, its poised tip a conduit for the thoughts that swirled within his mind. the ink droplets within the quill began to fall, each one a testament to the passage of time and the stillness that enveloped him.

then, with a leisurely descent—the quill found its mark upon the page, leaving behind a trail of ink as he transcribed the words that lingered in his thoughts. beginning another silent conversation between the depths of his mind and the blankness of the paper.

if i had known that i’d be assigned with that idiot on the mission, i wouldn’t have even waited for their arrival.

eh. i guess they were somewhat useful..for baiting the demon.

the words upon the page bore the unmistakable mark of apathy, as if they had been woven with little to no effort. lines connected words haphazardly, yet he remained unperturbed by their disarray.

a mere blink was his response to the warm embrace of the rising sun's rays streaming through the window, causing him to momentarily shield his eyes. his lids fluttered, adjusting to the light.

shifting slightly, he raised his head, casting a glance towards the window. the sight of the morning's arrival beckoned his attention, a gentle reminder of the passing hours that had slipped away unnoticed.

would you look at that... it's morning already, and i haven't even managed a wink of sleep yet.

a yawn escaped his lips, an involuntary reflex brought forth by the weariness that engulfed him.

craning his head to the right, he raised a hand, fingers reaching out to massage the tense muscles at the back of his neck. the physical sensation provided a fleeting respite from the mental strain that weighed upon him.

tearing his gaze away from the luminous frame of light, his attention returned to the page before him.

the letters—now seemingly slid onto the page without care—formed words that appeared smudged or messy. yet, his response was one of detached observation, his eyes trailing along the inked lines as if merely skimming their surface. his mind adrift in a sea of fatigue and contemplation.

a wistful breath escaped his lips, carrying with it a tinge of reflection. to think that in the end, he found himself aiding them, joining forces with those he once regarded with a mix of skepticism and reservation. vague memories of their coordination and shared battles flickered in his mind, a testament to their surprising competence.

irony hung in the air, as he ever-so begrudgingly acknowledged the decency of their skill, granting them the credit they deserved.

but to say that he still harbored a grudge would be an overstatement. time had a way of blurring the sharp edges of resentment, softening the sting of past grievances.

he had moved on—or at least strived to do so—simply because he no longer wished to expend mental energy on such affairs.

of course, the reasoning behind their initial encounter still eluded him. the circumstances that had brought them together remained shrouded in mystery, a puzzle piece that refused to fit neatly into the larger picture.

yet, despite this lack of understanding, he had chosen to extend his assistance.

it was a matter of reciprocity, an unspoken agreement that demanded the return of the favor. they had aided him, and so he, in turn, had done the same.

but let it be known that his actions were certainly not born out of deliberate intention. it wasn't a calculated decision to seek their gratitude or favor. no, he had been driven solely by his sense of duty, a commitment to vanquish the demon that had threatened their lives. their expressions of gratitude that followed were—in his perception—unwarranted and unnecessary.

don’t get him wrong, it wasn't a matter of rejecting their appreciation out of disdain or arrogance. it was simply a matter of perspective. he saw his actions as obligations fulfilled, his purpose aligned with the task at hand. the gratitude they offered was an unexpected byproduct, an outcome that held little significance in the grand scheme of his mission.

unbeknownst to him—his head gradually dipped lower, a subtle surrender to the weight of exhaustion. his eyes, utterly heavy with weariness, would occasionally flutter open, a futile effort to rouse himself from the encroaching grasp of sleep.

but little did he know, there existed a vast realm of his true intentions beneath the surface of his consciousness, waiting to be explored, waiting to unveil its secrets—a landscape of an undiscovered reality and hidden depths lay dormant, longing to be discovered.

yet, in his current state, he remained oblivious to the elusive wonders that lay within.

oblivious to the possibilities that awaited him, he continued to battle the encroaching embrace of sleep, unaware of the treasures that could be unearthed once he relinquished his conscious hold.

but perhaps, in due time, the mist would lift, and he would come to realize the vastness that lay hidden within, embracing the unknown with open arms and truly delving into the depths, and alas reaching a benevolent understanding of his own subconscious.

soon enough, he found himself absentmindedly twirling a petal between his fingers as he entered the room. his focus remained fixated on the delicate blossom even as his hand closed the door behind him, and even as he made his way towards the mirror.

gradually, he lifted his gaze, his eyes settling on the flower crown adorning his head. the sakura petals, masterfully intertwined, caught his attention, their beauty captivating his senses.

with an almost contemplative look, he then raised the petal he held to eye-level, keenly studying its intricate details.

of all people, who would have thought he'd be adorning something as whimsical as this? it seemed that over time, through some inexplicable force, he had found himself repeatedly crossing paths with an individual he had once deemed a nuisance.

bizzarely, he discovered that he often engaged in small conversations with them—or rather—they spoke while he found himself lost in his own thoughts as usual, staring at the wispy clouds.

however, that habit of his had not lasted long with them.

he recalled a time when he unexpectedly began sparing a not-so discreet glance for the person who stood beside him, whilst internally pursuing his own musings while they carried on with their activities.

perhaps it was because he secretly wished for their presence to vanish? he had made his feelings abundantly clear, even voicing his desire to be rid of them. yet, they stubbornly persisted, undeterred by his dismissive attitude.

and so, he had resigned himself to their constant presence, reluctantly accepting the fact that they would be a part of his daily life.

today, it was he who stumbled upon them—a reversal of their usual encounters.

he couldn't help but note the uncharacteristic silence that enveloped them, a departure from their usual chatter.

enveloped in a realm of heightened intrigue, his inquisitive spirit awakened. his gaze, like a wandering star, was drawn to the focal point that held their rapt fascination.

with an arched ascent, his eyebrows mirrored his amazement. majestically poised, a resplendent tapestry unfolded before him—a bountiful cherry blossom tree, its branches bedecked in resplendent blooms. the sakura petals—akin to balletic maestros—pirouetted gracefully through the air, composing a symphony of ethereal enchantment.

in that instant, he comprehended the rationale behind their entranced stare. the vision of the grand cherry blossom tree, its delicate petals dancing with elegance, possessed an irresistible charm that surpassed his customary indifference. it stood as a tableau of organic marvel, another spectacle capable of evoking a latent response within him, even if he had not fully embraced it until now.

blinking in a manner reminiscent of an owl, he returned to the present moment.

ultilizing both hands, he delicately removed the flower crown from his head. unusually, he handled it with an exceptional tenderness, treating it as though it were a fragile treasure he was determined to preserve with utmost care.

however, inexplicably, he decided to place it adjacent to his notebook. then, his attention shifted back to the petal he had held throughout the entire process, and a subtle downturn of his lips coupled with a slight furrowing of his brows betrayed his disappointment.

the petal appeared slightly crumpled... perhaps he should have focused on it first before removing the crown?

his head instinctively tilted as he contemplated the past. unbeknownst to him, the fact that he was investing such reflection into a... gift—as they had claimed it to be—went entirely unnoticed.

an idea flickered to life within the recesses of his mind, though it may not have been grand in scale.

with a sense of purpose, he resolved to safeguard this newfound notion within the pages of his trusty notebook instead of just noting them down much like the previous, yet now said to be countless of times he did so. it wasn't that he had no intention of exploring the idea further; rather, he held a silly belief that by preserving the delicate petal within its confines, he would be able to summon fragments of today's events whenever he cast his gaze upon it.

it was, undoubtedly, a risky endeavor.

the transience of memory and the fragility of moments made such attempts at preservation inherently uncertain. yet, undeterred by the potential pitfalls, he was determined to give it a try.

there was a spark of hope that momentarily alighted within his ever-so dull eyes as he carefully placed the petal between the pages, allowing it to find its place amidst the inked words and scribbled thoughts.

in his mind, the notebook was like a vessel of recollection, the doorway through which he could access the essence of that particular day.

with each passing glance, he believed he would be transported back to the sights, sounds, and emotions that had colored his experience. it was a belief steeped in a touch of magic, a genuine desire to capture the essence of fleeting moments and keep them alive in some tangible form.

of course, he understood the inherent risk of such an endeavor. memories could be fickle, subject to the passage of time and the distortions of perception—that he knew all too well, yet, he couldn't resist the allure of the notion, the tantalizing prospect of preserving a piece of today's events within the pages of his notebook.

thus, he closed the notebook—sealing the petal within its protective embrace. only time would reveal whether his whimsical idea would bear fruit. but for now, he carried a glimmer of anticipation, a belief that perhaps, just perhaps, he had found a way to capture the essence of the present and carry it with him into the future.

one day, on the verge of departing for the swordsmith village, he found himself casting a final glance around his room.

as his eyes scanned the space, they landed upon a particular object resting undisturbed on the table, alongside a vibrant, circular rosy crown. yet, his gaze lingered upon the sight of the flowers, a momentary pause in his preparations.

was there something he was forgetting?

he brushed off the thought, convincing himself that it was nothing of importance.

or was it?

perhaps a faint inkling nagged at the back of his mind, suggesting that there was more to it than he initially believed.

without realizing it—he was drawn across the room, his steps guided by an unseen force.

he found himself crouching down near the designated area, his hand reaching out to flip through the pages of his notebook. however, his action was halted as his eyes caught sight of a roseate petal nestled within the notebook's pages.

curiosity sparked within him, and he raised an eyebrow as he gingerly plucked the petal from its sanctuary. absentmindedly, he twirled it between his fingers, a gesture that felt oddly familiar, inducing a sense of déjà vu.

but where had he witnessed such a scene before?

as he pondered, a realization dawned upon him. It wasn't a memory of witnessing someone else engage in this action; rather, it was he himself who had performed it.

a surge of recollection washed over him, memories resurfacing from the depths of his mind. the twirling of the petal, the sensation between his fingertips—these were gestures he had made before, though their significance had slipped from his conscious grasp.

In that singular moment, the forgotten fragments of his own past intertwined with the present, weaving together a tapestry of connections that transcended time.

recognition dawned upon him with a sudden clarity. it was from that day—the day where a sensation so tender and poignant stirred within him, almost like a bittersweet ache, evoking a warmth that eluded his understanding, leaving him unable to grasp its true essence.

the memory resurfaced, vivid and potent, as he held the petal in his hand. it was a symbol—a relic that carried the weight of a significant moment, a moment that had shaped him in ways he had yet to fully comprehend.

as his gaze shifted between the delicate petal and the floral circlet, he couldn't help but acknowledge their significance. they were gifts, given to him by that same person whose presence had once been a source of annoyance, but had since become intertwined with his life in ways he never anticipated.

a subtle flicker of a smile danced across his features, fleeting yet unmistakable.

it was a ghost of a smile, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. just like that very same day, beneath the sakura tree.

after a few more contemplative moments, he gently placed the petal back within the pages of his notebook. it was an act imbued with a renewed sense of curiosity and introspection.

as he carefully tucked it away, he recognized that this petal held more than just a fragment of his present—it also served as a tether to his past.

standing up, he straightened his attire, smoothing out the wrinkles that had formed during his moment of reflection.

leaving the room behind, he stepped forward, his footsteps carrying him away from the familiar and towards the villa—yet, as he ventured forth, he carried with him the knowledge that within the depths of his own experiences, there were secrets waiting to be unveiled. these hidden truths, veiled within the recesses of his own identity, held the potential to guide him closer to understanding who he truly was.

muichiro’s brows knit together, his eyes narrowing slightly as he winced, perusing the passages he had penned not long ago—but in that period, he found himself at the nadir of his existence, akin to a vessel housing an empty soul, where the flicker of life seemed to wane within him.

immersed in the depths of his own written words, a wave of self-critique washed over him. the realization of his perceived deficiencies bore down heavily upon his psyche.

was my prose truly so lackluster?

his countenance contorted into a visage of melancholic discontent. he couldn't help but introspect on his conduct and acknowledge the impoliteness he had exhibited. it pained him to recognize the echoes of his late twin brother within himself, bearing the burden of both his loss, and their shared flaws.

a tinge of remorse lingered as he ran a hand through his hair, grappling with the repercussions of his actions.

yet, amidst the remorse, his spirits gradually ascended as he reminisced on a separate recollection—the instant when he emerged from his coma, their unwavering presence by his side.

that memory bestowed a glimmer of solace, softening his somber expression. they had been dumbfounded, incapable of containing their emotions upon witnessing his awakening.

in that fleeting moment, they had clung to him fervently, as if he were their vital lifeline. though their embrace—much to his dismay—had swiftly slackened upon realizing his frailty, the impact of their initial response eternally etched in his consciousness.

reflecting upon that juncture, a smile graced his lips. he held no remorse for his instinctive reaction to embrace them, despite his own corporeal anguish.

a gentle flush tinged his cheeks as he sensed that familiar flutter in his heart, impelling him to tilt his head inquisitively.

“that feeling again...” he mused—this time, aloud—as he rose a hand to the region where his heartbeat, almost amplifying with its errancies—resided. his gaze descended, fixated upon that enigmatic yet captivating feeling. curiously pirouetted in his eyes, a pure and guileless yearning for comprehension.

he contemplated the prospect of unraveling the enigma at the butterfly mansion, where he might unearth the veracity behind this inexplicable sensation.

maybe, it was naught but a lingering malady, an unseen affliction that had eluded his awareness. he mulled over the displeasing notion, recognizing the imperative to illuminate the puzzle that lay dormant within him.

little did he fathom the profundity of what lay ahead, the intricate tapestry of emotions and connections that awaited him.

if only he comprehended the significance of that flutter in his heart, the profound impact it would wield upon his odyssey.

several weeks had elapsed, and once more he found himself clutching his notebook, as if it were an extension of his being.

resting against the wall, he clasped the item firmly in his grasp, his gaze wandering towards the window as he settled into a seated position. with his knees drawn up to his chest, they formed an improvised tabletop, providing a stable surface for him to write on.

the room was bathed in the spill of moonlight, bestowing upon it a tranquil luminescence that infused the scene with ethereal allure. positioned at the precipice of the empty page, his quill poised like a delicate dancer, he sensed a surge of anticipation welling within him.

it had been a while since he had last visited the notebook, let alone written in it.

initially, this realization held a tinge of sadness. however, he began to view it as a form of success—a testament to his growth and progress—he no longer needed the notebook as a vessel for his memories, as he had learned to hold them within himself without the fear of them dispersing from his mind.

although he had been reluctant to let go of the notebook in the beginning, fearing that he would regress to his former self, he gradually grew accustomed to relying less on its pages. this change was thanks to a certain someone who had provided him with remarkable encouragement and support along the way.

speaking of that someone..

a gentle smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he reminisced about the unfolding events.

at long last, he had mustered the courage to convey his heartfelt gratitude to them for rescuing him on that fateful day of their initial encounter. in retrospect, he finally recognized how his own negativity had obscured the fact that his concern and guilt had driven his actions, leading to harm befalling their well-being.

with the weight of unexpressed appreciation lifted from his shoulders, a profound sense of contentment and relief settled within him.

it felt really good.

and relieving too. i’m glad to finally be able to appreciate them properly now.

the words resonated within him, echoing the profound impact this newfound expression of gratitude had on his relationship with them as he lowered his quill onto the waiting page, he began to write, capturing the essence of his gratitude in ink. the words flowed freely, a testament to his newfound ability to express his appreciation and to cherish the moments that had led him to this point.

in that quiet room, with the moon as his witness, he continued to write, allowing his emotions to spill onto the pages, creating a tangible record of his gratitude and the growth he had achieved.

naturally, he expressed his gratitude to shinobu as well, for she was the catalyst that set the entire endeavor in motion.

however, he couldn't deny that his experience with that particular individual had left a deeper impact on him, resonating within his being in a way that he couldn't easily dismiss.

we made origami today.

was if their first time? i wouldn’t believe it at all if they said yes, they did amazing.

the corners of his mouth lifted even further, a radiant smile spreading across his face. pride swelled within his chest as he reminisced about the moment when he, much like they had done beneath the sakura tree during the day—left his creations with them as a souvenir—a heartfelt gift.

his eyes fluttered, lids half-lowered, as his smile softened. the memory of their laughter resonated in his ears, a joyful sound that echoed through his mind. it was a honeyed melody, harmonious and timeless, etched into his memories like a cherished tune he would never grow tired of.

in that moment, he felt a deep sense of connection and shared happiness. the blossoming of their laughter and their appreciation had filled him with a profound sense of fulfillment.

i made them laugh, their smile truly is adorable.

i want them to stay happy.

an undeniably childish wish.

..i wanna be the reason they do.

a selfish, yet reasonable desire.

i could just say it outright, but...

his thoughts trailed off, contemplating the words he longed to express.

his heart swelled with a mixture of emotions, and yet, there was a hesitancy that held him back. the idea of openly conveying his yearning to be their source of joy brought forth an inexplicable feeling, a blend of anticipation and seldom vulnerability.

with a heavy sigh, he leaned his head back, seeking a moment of respite.

however, to his dismay—he misjudged the distance and inadvertently hit the wall with more force than intended. the impact elicited a wince and a deadpan expression as a wave of discomfort washed over him.

“ouch..”

rubbing the back of his head with his free hand, he closed one eye, gritting his teeth in response to the pain. regret filled his thoughts as he berated himself for not considering the consequences of his actions.

"just why didn't I take that into consideration?" he muttered, a tinge of frustration evident in his mellow voice.

it was a momentary lapse, a reminder of the fallibility that resided within him. the physical discomfort mirrored the emotional unease he felt, a reminder that expressing his feelings came with its own set of risks and uncertainties.

no, he had abandoned his initial notion of visiting the butterfly mansion to have his ‘condition’ assessed. as due to being one of the hashiras, it was now his duty to train the lower-ranked individuals, aiming to help them awaken their own marks while enhancing their abilities.

in essence, he found himself devoid of the time needed to pursue his plan. although it was indeed a missed opportunity, he chose not to dwell on it excessively.

besides, none of his attributes seemed to have weakened, so he simply disregarded the occasional peculiar sensation blooming in his chest whenever thoughts of them arose, dismissing it as a mere figment of his imagination—a hallucination.

he let out a resigned breath, a sense of acceptance washing over him. his hand fell back to his side, but as he blinked, his gaze followed a petal as it slipped out of his notebook's grasp, gracefully descending onto the floor beside him.

his mouth formed a small "o" of surprise, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. he blinked thrice, processing the unexpected turn of events. however, his features soon softened, morphing into a tender expression as he retrieved the fallen petal.

solicitously cradling the delicate leaf between his fingers, he twirled it once more, marveling at its beauty. the petal really did hold a certain allure, captivating his attention and stirring memories within him.

"it’s as beautiful as i remember..” he whispered softly, a touch of nostalgia coloring his voice. in that simple petal, he found a reflection of past beauty, a reminder of moments that had touched his soul.

as he held the petal, he couldn't help but reflect on the transient nature of beauty and the fleeting nature of time. just like the petal, moments of beauty come and go, leaving only memories behind. yet, in that fleeting beauty, there is a sense of profound appreciation and wonder.

while the world could be cruel, he yearned to bask in the fragments of ephemeral glory and find joy in the fleeting moments. he’s now understood that life was a continuous stream of passing experiences, and he made a conscious effort to cherish each and every memory that crossed his path.

in the midst of this realization, an idea sparked in his mind—a realization that he had never written about the day beneath the sakura tree.

how had he overlooked such a profound and cherished memory?

a surge of exhilaration and eager anticipation flowed through him as he envisioned immortalizing that extraordinary day within the sacred confines of his notebook. the memory, a veritable trove of exquisite beauty, served as a poignant emblem of life's fleeting nature and the timeless significance of shared experiences.

with a determined resolve, he opened the notebook to a fresh page, his quill poised to bring the memory to life through ink. the sakura tree, with its delicate blossoms fluttering in the breeze, held a significant place in his heart. it was a sanctuary of beauty, a haven where he had experienced a profound connection with another soul—with them.

….

as the final words pirouetted gracefully upon the page, he tenderly closed his eyes, his velvety lashes caressing his cheek in a delicate dance. in this ephemeral interlude, he granted himself a stolen breath, a cherished opportunity to savor the essence of the memory once more. the day spent beneath the resplendent sakura tree had been etched with profound artistry upon the sanctums of his heart, and now, like a cherished relic, it had found its eternal dwelling within the cradle of his notebook's pages.

a contented smile graced his visage as he delicately sealed the notebook shut, its once blank canvases now adorned with fragments of his existence—a treasury of treasured recollections.

on that day, they looked exactly like a dream—all i’ve wanted, all i’ve ever needed.

the parchment succumbed to the deluge of your cascading tears, becoming drenched and sodden, as if thirstily drinking in the sorrow that overflowed from your heart. with a poignant gaze, you traversed the final passage, each word a painful reminder of the bittersweet victory that had come at the cost of his absence.

weariness weighed heavily upon your eyes, threatening to seal them shut, yearning for respite from the harsh grip of reality. your trembling lips contorted, caught in a delicate dance between joy and sorrow, forming a wistful smile that held the essence of longing. in the sanctuary of your other hand, cradled with tender reverence, lay the very petal you had once bestowed upon him. under the caress of the sun's gentle rays, it gleamed like an iridescent gem, casting a luminous glow that illuminated your tears, turning them into shimmering crystals of anguish.

geto, one of the many sentinel who had witnessed the entwined trial of your beloved and tanjiro, could offer naught but a humble bow, his head lowered in utmost deference. he understood the futility of his desire to provide solace through an embrace, recognizing the unfathomable depths of the pain that gripped your soul. as you clung tightly to the notebook he had dutifully delivered, he stood as a silent witness to your inconsolable sorrow.

in the realm of young love, tragedy often unfolds with a poetic grace.

like a tapestry woven from wisps of a dream, your intertwined forms swayed in the breeze, as if caught in the ethereal embrace of destiny. and as the wind whispered its gentle secrets through the tendrils of your existence, the memory, forever enshrined, would reside as an indelible impression within the chambers of your collective memories, transcending the boundaries of time and spanning an unfathomable infinity.

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a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 8 months

Text

“A Better Future” Part 3

Part 1 | Part 2

Pairing: Thranduil x Fem. Reader (Elf/Noldor |Third Person POV)

Themes: Angst

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol use and drinking | Thranduil being a bit of a jerk

Wordcount : 2.2k words

Summary: Y/n settles in Amon Lanc and is offered a chance to serve during a special festival.

A/n: Inspiration for Amon Lanc

Rules and tag form here | Prompts for requests here.

Y/N’s POV

Rise.

Toil.

That was y/n’s lot in the halls of king Oropher. She would rise an hour before dawn, and then set herself to work.

She did not mind her duties—that much she could say. Y/n would awaken and bathe before garbing herself in the livery worn by all those who served. White shift, a green dress, and a neat white apron, all lined with simple gold embroidery. Even the cowl she used to cover her hair was as white as snow, and lined in gold embroidery as well. The food was better than anything she had before, and her tasks, as many as they were, were bearable.

Y/n would spend what little spare time she had during her duties studying the great halls. Slender spires and thick curtain walls, beautiful domed towers and manses rose atop Amon Lanc. A winding pathway led to lush forests and a mighty river beneath it. Magnificent gardens and fountains, and carvings of the Ainur dotted the grounds within. Then there was the palace itself. Y/n had never seen anything grander in her life. She wondered if Doriath was the same before the second kinslaying.

"Take this to the king." A cook came forth holding a tray laden with food. "And make haste. The steward says he is of a mood this morn."

Because of my presence, no doubt. Y/n picked up the tray and walked down many a lofty hall and corridor, threading her way around courtiers and warriors and elves going about their day, not stopping until she had reached the high, white doors to Oropher’s chambers. A warrior standing at attention by the door announced her arrival. Oropher bids her to enter. When the doors swung open, y/n took a deep breath, composed herself, and walked in.

It was not the first time she had seen the inside of the king’s private rooms, but her eyes flew wide all the same when they took in the general splendor. Oropher had been seated at a little table, his son by his side. The king did not even acknowledge her, but the crown prince seemed to follow her every move.

"Good morrow, your grace." Y/n set the tray on the table and gracefully dipped to her knees. Oropher merely hummed and gestured for her to arrange their meal.

Oropher made an impatient sound after picking up a piece of parchment. "This is the first Mereth Nuin Giliath since the sacking of Doriath." He gave it to his son to read. "And already it is turning into quite an affair."

A slow smile worked its way across Thranduil’s face. Y/n dared to raise her eyes and glance at him. The crown prince was his father’s exact in many ways, all high cheek bones and silver-gold hair, and a demeanor of great strength. The similarities, however, ended with their eyes. Oropher’s were a glorious silver, and Thranduil’s were a radiant blue. Flashes of red-hot anger coursed through her when she glimpsed how they had braided their hair, and nearly raised her hand to touch hers. What was left of it, that is. She turned away, her cheeks aflame, when Thranduil shifted in his place and found her looking.

If he was displeased, he did not show it. "We have partaken in feasts far greater than this," the prince was quick to remind his father, "and planned even grander ones besides. We can manage, I am sure."

Oropher sighed and turned to face y/n. "You may leave," he commanded sourly.

Y/n dipped to her knees once more before leaving, her anger ebbing and giving way to curiosity. Mereth nuin giliath, Oropher had said. The feast under the stars. She had only heard wondrous tales of it from those fortunate few who traveled to Doriath, and now, she would get to see one with her own eyes, and perhaps even be chosen to help the others serve at the tables. Giddy with excitement, y/n picked up her pace and rushed to the kitchens. The cooks did not like it when the other servants tarried on the upper floors too long.

This was how her days were spent. Rise, and toil. Rise, and toil. Serve and scrub and wash and clean, and even help the cooks at times. Y/n learned far more than she ever did. For instance, Oropher and his son preferred a light, golden wine when breaking their fast. Thranduil’s steward, Feren, preferred mint tea instead. The king’s general rose earlier than most, and his first task of the day was to wander down to the kitchens, to wheedle one of the cooks into giving him a dish of sweet rolls and pastries. Y/n would keep to the shadows and watch while Angon batted his lashes and simpered at Nitiel. Nitiel would swat him on the shoulder with a clean cloth, then swat his hand away when he tried to snatch a fruit tart. Angon laughed and took one anyway.

The general wanted to marry her, so the others said, but his family disapproved. They thought Nitiel was of too little importance to join a noble family like theirs. Still, Angon persists in his courtship, and the gossips declare that he will wed his lady in such a way that no one will be able to say no. Y/n knew what that meant. She moved deeper into the shadows and walked away as Angon leaned over the table, believing him and Nitiel to be alone. Y/n heard a wistful sigh and a fit of giggles, and then more laughter. She smirked. Angon managed to steal another tart.

The days passed by as if in a dream, and while many of the servants were kind, many of those that lived on the upper floors were not. Y/n heard the harsh whispers and the names.

Kinslayer

Murderer

Y/n was neither of these, but it hurt to hear them all the same. She tried her best to ignore them, but every time she glanced into the small silvered looking glass in her chamber and touched her shorn hair, tears came to her eyes.

Mother used to braid my hair and tell stories, she remembered. Father would pick up a lyre and hum softly while she did so. Such happy times darkened forever by the oath’s taint. Oh, if only father had refused his masters. If only he had said no and walked away.

It was too late now. Her father did not refuse his masters. He did not say no. Y/n pulled out a little bag from her pocket and drew out a worn pin after opening it. It was made for her by her father when she came of age. Her mother had painted it with tiny flowers found only in Valinor. The filigreed silver had acquired a green patina due to age, and the painting had all but faded. Y/n treasures it still. It was the one thing she refused to sell, as it reminded her of happier times. She turned it over her fingers, her heart aching desperately when she remembered she was here, and her parents were waiting for her in the Halls of Mandos.

I will not see them, she thought, not for many and more years. Not until the long years of my life are finally spent and I must answer the Doomsman’s call.

Someone huffed outside her room. "Is something amiss?" Y/n put the pin back into its bag when Nitiel knocked and entered.

"The crown prince wishes to see you," Nitiel replied at once. "His steward is without and waits to escort you to the gardens."

This cannot be good. "Did he say what the prince wants of me?"

"He did not," Nitiel shrugged, adding, "It cannot be anything bad, I think. The king would have dealt with you himself if that were the case."

Y/n hid the bag inside her pocket and straightened her apron. "I will come with you."

She followed Nitiel into the kitchens, dipping to her knees when Feren turned to face her. "Ah," he said, pleased. "There she is. Come with me, my lady. The prince wishes to speak with you."

When he offered his arm, she took it and let him lead her out of the kitchen. Feren talked pleasantly enough about the weather, about the autumn flowers that were blooming in the gardens, and about the feast everyone was talking about.

"Who do you think will attend, my lord?" Y/n mused.

"Feren," He said, not unkindly. "Just about everyone in Greenwood the Great will come. I hear the King of Lórien himself is hoping to attend."

Y/n had only heard tales of Amdír, having gone out of her way to avoid straying into his kingdom’s borders. She pressed Feren to tell her more. Thranduil’s steward was more than happy to oblige and kept up a lively chatter until they were in the gardens.

"I hear there will be contests as well."

"Aye. For anyone who is a warrior. The wagers are quite staggering already."

Y/n pondered this and studied Feren more carefully. The elf had light brown hair and a comely face. He was built like an archer, tall and lean with strong arms. He moved like one too, silently and swiftly.

"Will you partake?" she inquired after a while.

Feren smiled. "I am," he began, "in the archery contests. Although I am uncertain how I will stand against more skilled archers than I."

"You will do well, I am sure," y/n answered, and she was rewarded with another smile.

Thranduil was seated comfortably beneath an emerald canopy. There was no one else with him. His father was nowhere to be seen. The crown prince was garbed in embroidered blue velvet slashed with cloth silver. An ornate, gilded sword hung to his side. A table had been set in front of him and filled with all manner of food and drink. A book was open and left to the side. Y/n wondered what it was.

"Lady y/n, my lord," Feren announced softly.

"Thank you, old friend." Thranduil rose, and Feren bowed. He made his excuses and left y/n with the crown prince.

Thranduil tilted his head curtly. "Lady y/n," he said, gesturing for her to sit by him.

Y/n was amazed. First it was Thranduil’s icy but polite manner of address; now it was his invitation for her to sit with him. She obeyed, not wanting to insult him in any way.

"Your highness," she said, dipping her head and keeping her gaze firmly on her lap.

A thick and uncomfortable silence settled over them. Y/n did not mind. She took the opportunity to look around and admire the flowers in bloom, and the greedy little bees that hovered around them, their tiny legs fat with pollen. Birds sang in the trees, and just beneath their song, she could hear the faint roar of the river.

After what felt like an age, Thranduil poured a cup of wine for her before refreshing his own. "I trust you are content with your new appointment?"

"I am," said she, not daring to even take the proffered drink. It could very well be some sort of test, for all she knew. "And I am most grateful to you and your father for letting me stay here."

Thranduil studied her keenly and declared, with haughty disdain, "One such as you ought to be." He ignored y/n’s quiet gasp and continued. "But I did not ask you here to exchange meaningless pleasantries. I have more valuable things to do with my time. Y/n. I believe I do not have to tell you about Mereth Nuin Giliath?"

"It is all anyone talks about in the kitchens," y/n divulged, a little stung by what he said at the beginning. It made her feel like she was undeserving of help.

"Good." Thranduil leaned into his ornate wooden chair and sipped on his wine, not caring if y/n was drinking her own. He certainly made no attempt to ask her to help herself to the food. "Good. Then I must tell you that we are a few hands short, and my father has decided to let you serve and aid the others during the feast and frolics over the coming days. I trust you can manage this."

Y/n did not show the giddy excitement on her face, thinking it might anger him and make him take back his offer. "I can, your highness."

"Good," Thranduil said, turning towards the wide arching doors leading back to the palace. A warrior who was near walked over when the prince beckoned him. "You will be given livery befitting the occasion. Now you must excuse me. Good day, y/n."

"And you, your highness," y/n said and rose. When she walked by Thranduil, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"Should misfortune strike anyone during the festivities and you are suspected," Thranduil warned menacingly, "I will show you no mercy."

The prince’s threat was no idle threat. It was a solemn promise. And his grip hurt. Cold fear and pain flashed in y/n’s eyes. She tried to pull her hand away but found that she could not. Thranduil was far too strong. Unable to do anything else, y/n mewled softly and shuddered, whispering, "You are hurting me."

Thranduil let go, his eyes widening at the bruise that had already begun to form. "I…" the prince began, rising from his seat. Y/n rubbed her wrist and sniffed. She glimpsed at the prince and found something akin to shame in his eyes.

"Forgive me," he entreated, taking a step toward her. "I..."

Y/n took a step back. She wanted to go back to the safety of her chamber and nurse her wrist, and was grateful her sleeves were long enough to hide the bruising. There would be no end to the questions of others if they saw, and y/n did not know how she would tell them if they did.

"No need for apologies, your highness," she mumbled sadly and pulled down her sleeve. The prince made no further effort to come near her after that. "One such as me is underserving of your words. Pray tell the king I will be honored to serve during the festivities."

Thranduil merely nodded, and let her walk away.

Tags: @deadlymistletoe @lemonivall @coopsgirl @tigereyesf @thranduilseyebrows @cupids-got-me @jane0error @asianbutnotjapanese

#thranduil #thranduil x reader #x reader #reader insert #thranduil angst #reader angst #greenwood the great #thranduil imagine #amon lanc #the silm #the silm imagine #💫a world of whimsy writes

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moonlit-midnight · 1 year

Text

A gentle sunrise (to guide you back home)

Characters: Azul Ashengrotto.

Genre: Friendship, Romantic Fluff, Angst with a happy ending.

Summary: After three years of a beautiful friendship, Azul thought he lost you forever when you disappeared for eleven years.

Warnings:

Reader is a female and has long hair.

Set in the real world where portals exist. People can cross back and forth, but the inhabitants of the magical worlds can’t cross into ours.

—

You and Azul Ashengrotto crossed paths at the age of fourteen.

It happened during your older brother’s wedding when you decided to wander around before the ceremony started. Time slipped off your mind upon stumbling on a purple portal in the stairway leading to the rooftop.

The enchanting gateway was glowing brightly as if beckoning you to cross it, so without hesitation, you stepped inside the portal.

You thought you were going to land on solid ground, but you fell straight from the sky, only to be caught by a pair of strong arms.

Fluttering your eyes open, you were greeted by the wondrous view of the sunrise sky, and dreamy sea-blue eyes looking at you with a wonderstruck gaze.

Judging from his appearance, the boy belonged to the merfolk.

You knew because this was possibly the realm that your parents stumbled onto once upon a time. Growing up, they would tell you tales about their adventures in a strange world called Twisted Wonderland and the magical beings that dwelled in there.

“Are you alright?” The teenage boy chimed in, still holding you in his arms.

“I’m okay, thanks to you.” You said, heart hammering in your chest.

“Did you perhaps come from the mortal realm?”

“How did you know?”

“You have no trace of magic. This is also the seventh time a non-magical person tumbled down Twisted Wonderland this week.” The boy said in a soft tone, hoping he didn’t offend you.

Ah! So this is really the world that my parents always gushed about fondly.

You felt your face growing warm upon realizing that you were still snuggled securely in the young merman’s arms. As if he was able to read your mind, he carefully lowered you down on the shallow rock pool that he was in.

“Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” The silver haired boy muttered timidly.

“No worries. I’m the one who’s sorry for disrupting your activity.” You said, giving him an apologetic look.

“It’s alright, I was admiring the splendor of the sunrise. It’s a glorious scenery, isn’t it?” He motioned you to sit next to him.

“It is a glorious view indeed.” You sat beside him, eyes skyward.

After watching the majestic beauty of the sun rising over the horizon, you excused yourself, thanking him once again for saving you from falling.

“May I know your name?” You asked before departing.

“Azul Ashengrotto.” He waved at you, flashing you a smile.

“I hope to see you again.” You returned a sweet smile as you went back home.

★ —

Two days later, you ventured into Twisted Wonderland again.

The portal was still in the wedding venue, and you were lucky it was located close to your house.

Since it was summer vacation, you would visit at least four times a week and spend two to three hours with Azul.

As if it was fate, he was always around every time you arrived.

In a span of five months, you bonded. Azul was your kindred spirit, and you were his favorite companion.

As many months passed and seasons changed, your friendship blossomed beautifully.

During your times together, Azul would transform into human form to make it easier spending his time with you.

On spring mornings, you would wander by the ocean, collecting seashells and gathering colorful beach flowers that got washed ashore.

On summer nights, you would stargaze at midnight and venture through the woods chasing fireflies.

On autumn afternoons, you would visit old bookshops, and bask beneath the warm sun after sweeping off dead leaves.

On winter evenings, you would sit by the fire, talking about the stars and the deep blue seas.

Your adventures might not be grand and fancy, but it was fun and it meant everything to you and your dearest merman friend.

★ —

On a warm, spring afternoon, you two were sitting on the sand.

You watched the fluffy clouds go by in the sky while Azul was weaving yellow beach flowers into a crown. He loved adorning your hair with those.

“Your heart,” Azul began.

“What about my heart?” You asked in a sing-song voice.

“I love your kind heart.” He gently placed the flower crown on your head.

“I love yours too.” You kissed his hand, thanking him for the pretty crown.

A comfortable silence fell upon the place as you returned to gazing at the infinite blue sky.

Azul on the other side was observing you quietly.

Recently you noticed his ocean blue eyes often fixed on you.

He struggled at eye contact with others, but he liked staring at you as if you were an artwork worth admiring.

“Hey Azul, I wonder why do you like staring at me as if you’re looking at the stars through a window?” You teased him, catching him off guard.

“I can’t help it…” Azul trailed off.

You gave him a soft look, signaling him to carry on.

“You’re breathtaking, and you’re honestly the most beautiful human girl I’ve met, both inside and outside.” His voice was shaking, but he was honest.

“So are you. I’ve always been fascinated and charmed by you.” You hugged him, whispering to him that he was the most spellbinding creature you’ve ever seen in this land.

Azul never doubted your genuine words, always filling his heart with light and sincere happiness.

“I’ve been thinking if you would like to go on an adventure under the sea? I brewed a breathing potion last night.” He asked, slowly pulling away from the hug.

“Finally!” You raised a fist in the air. “Took you two years and half to ask me. Of course I’d love to.”

You were thrilled to embark on a new, unforgettable adventure with Azul, but little did you know that this spring afternoon would be the last time you’d see each other.

★ —

It’s been eleven years, and not a day goes by where I don’t miss you, my dearest friend.

Across many separating years, the twenty seven years old silver-haired merman didn’t forget about you.

Azul was still missing you, and aching for your presence.

He had a hope more powerful than the sea waves that you’d come back one day.

There were still lots of memories to create, adventures to embark on and new places to explore. He didn’t want to die until he had seen everything with you.

He would keep on waiting because there was no way he lost you forever.

During his time in NRC, Azul tried many ways to distract himself from his heartbreak caused by your sudden absence. It almost worked, but that was until he started his third year, you began haunting him in his dreams.

They were pleasant dreams, but the ghost of your beautiful face and your soothing voice often sent him crying.

Years after graduating and establishing his own business, you continued appearing in his sleep.

Azul was happy to see you in his dreams, but still, the closest he could get to you still wasn’t close enough.

★ —

Azul wasn’t a fan of attending extravagant parties because these occasions suffocated him; the blinding lights, the unnecessary gossip, the loud chatters, and the nosy strangers asking him personal questions.

On one chilly, autumn evening, he was invited to his colleague’s engagement party, and he only showed up out of respect since he was good friends with the man.

The party started nicely, but Azul forced himself to leave in the middle of it when the place grew too crowded and the voices became too loud.

Once outside the venue, he loosened his tie and ran to the beach nearby the place.

The instant he reached there, he carelessly plopped on the white sand, hugging his knees close to his chest.

He stayed like that for a long time until his senses caught a whiff of an oddly familiar scent of sweet pea and freesia.

Slowly raising his head, his eyesight was met by none other than you; his long lost human best friend.

“Hello, Azul.” You were seated in front of him, gentle hands resting atop his knees.

His breath hitched at the sight of you.

He quietly took in your features; your soulful eyes full of wonder, your kind face lit with delight, and your hair tied in a messy bun as usual.

It was you indeed, and you looked even more beautiful than before.

“This is not a dream, right?” Azul blurted, eyes brimming with tears.

Shaking your head, you beamed a tender smile before taking him into your warm embrace.

You felt him shuddering as he cried in your arms, so you tightened your hold to assure him that he wasn’t hallucinating.

“I’m here for real.” You whispered and kissed his temple.

Later that night, you told him the unfortunate events that unfolded during your absence.

Eleven years ago, on the day Azul promised to venture with you under the sea, you got caught in a horrific car accident on your way home from school.

The taxi cab you rode collided with a truck, and the impact was severe that it put you in a comatose and caused you critical injuries.

You woke up after a year and half, but despite your survival, you suffered from slight memory loss due to the trauma and harsh impact on your head.

Your new life wasn’t easy. You became homeschooled until your final high school year because it was hard being around people while you were in a slow stage of recovery.

You got accepted in a decent university, but you withdrew after a few months, and thankfully your dear parents were supportive of your decisions.

Your mind wasn’t in your studies, so you pursued something you were passionate about since childhood which was baking.

Your oldest maternal aunt hired you in the bakery shop she owned, and since you were good at baking, you eventually became a full time employee.

Fast forward to the present time, you were fully recovered and you restored the remaining memories you lost.

Once you remembered the name Azul Ashengrotto, you wasted no time to go through the purple portal hovering in the backyard of your house.

For the past eleven years, it was always there, but you never bothered to cross the portal since you lost your memories of Twisted Wonderland, and your condition didn’t allow you to venture through the many other portals scattered across the human realm.

“I thought I lost you forever. I’m glad you recovered, and I’m glad you’re back.” Azul released a sigh of relief.

“Me too,” You breathed softly. “I’m happy to be here with you again.”

“Say… do you have someone in your heart?”

“Yes, there’s a good man who holds my heart dearly.”

“Hmm, good for you.”

“What about you Azul, are you dating someone?”

Azul stared at you for a long time, pondering on your question.

“No, I’m not. I haven’t thought of pursuing a love life all those years.” He gazed at your kind eyes with an aching yearning. “I was waiting for you. I’d rather be blue over you than be happy with someone else.”

Hearing his confession, you felt your heart blooming with endless delight.

Who would’ve thought that the merman you fell in love with when you were sixteen reciprocated your romantic feelings all these years?

“I love you, Azul.” You declared, a sunshine smile touching your face.

“I love you too, dearest.” He echoed the same radiant smile, pulling you in a gentle kiss filled with years of longing and endearing affection.

#🌸hannah’s musings #twisted wonderland #twst #twst fanfic #twst scenarios #azul ashengrotto #azul ashengrotto x reader #azul ashengrotto x fluff #twst x azul #twst x fluff #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x angst

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gnostichymns · 3 months

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We may not know where our wishes will end up. But together, they will light up the night sky and turn it as bright as day.

ABUNDANCE:

[NEW YEAR MARKETS] - With so many vendors setting up shop, now is the best time to purchase a trinket as a reminder of the new year, or to get some much needed errands done.

[WANMIN MEAT CART] - Despite how short a trip it is, Chef Mao has some classic recipes right on the water, along with some brand new cuisines just for the Lantern Rite. Try some classic Mora Meat pastry, Dragon Beard Noodles, or his latest: Rex Lapis’ Delight!

[XINYUE KIOSK DESSERT CART] - If sweet treats are more your thing, just a few spots down is a stand specially reserved for Xinyue Kiosk’s brilliant desserts! Buy one dessert, get one free “New Moon Cake,” with not one, not two, but SEVEN original fillings.

[TEA TASTING] - Third-Round Knockout is offering a rare, once a year opportunity to personally taste test some of their newest flavors. Jasmine Pearl, Dragon Cinnamon Oolong, Aged Golden Dawn, Phoenix Fire Oolong, why not indulge in some of the finer things in life?

ELATION:

[DRAGON DANCE] - Join the Lantern Rite parade! With so many dragon puppets needing twice as many hands, join the show and dance until you drop.

[MAHJONG] - How about one of Liyue’s quickest games? Mahjong, known for its lightning rounds and fast-paced gameplay, is a classic this time a year. Surely you won’t be here all night…

[SHADOW PUPPETS] - Puppet shows are quite popular this time of year, using lights and small paper designs to convey thrilling tales. Comedies, Romance, Tragedies, woe, these poor hearts will be forever changed.

[DRESS UP] - Red and gold, the colors of each festival this time of year, are absolutely stunning. Glimmer and shine for the kamera, dress up and serve on the runway.

BEAUTY:

[LANTERN MAKING] - Each year, we send up glorious lanterns with our thoughts, prayers, and hopes for the future, and what makes them so special is that no one lantern is the same. Create your own work of art to carry on into the vast expanses of the night.

[CUSTOM FIREWORKS] - Art is passion and desire, fleeting as it is eternal. With brilliant dyes, light up the night in a wondrous explosion for just a moment, and create those lasting memories.

[DRAGON CHARMS] - Representing good luck and strength, creating a little charm of the dragon itself can often inspire hope while passing into the next year. Though, many Adepti now have become popular faces of such ornaments.

[JADE TALISMAN] - Pure and indestructible, jade is the embodiment of virtue and benevolence. Taking days to etch at a time, these talismans are truly a rare and valuable gift.

HARMONY:

[WORSHIPPING ADEPTI] - The protectors of Liyue are often secluded and forgotten about per their distance, though for the Lantern Rite, small shrines of each prominent Adeptus are made. With incense burning, make a prayer or offering to the illuminated beasts.

[PROSPERITY TOSS] - A common tradition to signify the end of the year and the birth of a new one is to create a bowl of fruits, vegetables, fish, and other fresh foods, and to feast. Many restaurants host these during the Lantern Rite to bring us together.

[RED ENVELOPES] - Though much more common, a sign of good faith and friendship often comes in the form of a red envelope. Containing a small sum of mora, each envelope is a gesture of amity.

[FEED THE KOI] - Koi represent harmony and wealth in Liyue, and a common tradition is to visit when the moon is at its highest. A small sacrifice, in the shape of some crackers or bread crumbs will often please these simple creatures.

#GHLanternRite2024

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sisyphusofdishes · 2 months

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meliodas that has the biggest damn cape you´ve ever seen. he had it when they first found him in the ruins of danafore, he looked half dead and about ready to collapse, and did not need that extra ton of weight on him but no matter how much they pried, he would not take it off. the thing was huge and dense, and should´ve been around 2 to 3 times his body weight. there were large red blotches all over it that meliodas insisted were blood stains from other wounds, however if you looked at it from a certain angle, it almost looked like the cape itself was bleeding.

after the sins were formed, they were all incredibly curious about, where did it come from, what was it made of? but meliodas would´nt answer. he didnt like them touching it, and always seemed to be able to know, even if you only barely scraped with the pad of a fingertip.

they tried numerous times to catch him without it, but it stayed with him everywhere, in the bath, in the shower, even while he slept. they asked Merlin about it once, and were awarded with only a knowing smirk

when it got too cold, Elizabeth would like to hide under it, soaking up all its warmth. most blankets work by trapping your body heat inside, but as time went on Elizabeth noticed that the heat seemed to be coming less from him and more from the cape. Meliodas didnt coment.

when the day finally came that the cape was revealed, it brung just as much confusion as it did exitement. it had been around three months since they had found out he was a demon, curtosey of a certain little brother. the sun was hot against thier faces and the wind was cold against their hair as it whisked through the sunny meadow. the clicks of a stretched back echoed through the air as meliodas felt his muscels stretch. Well i suppose since you already know about the other thing, you should be able to handle this! meliodas announced. confusion filled the air as the others tried to figure out what in the goddamned hell he was talking about. he flipped his shirt inside out, and wriggled it up his torso. more confusion. that is until the shade was spread, and the wonderful blue and golden peacock hues danced around their eyes. The captain's cape wasnt a cape at all. they were wings. big glorious wings, dark as night, with all the brilliant feathered hues of the moon dancing on their surface. they were filled with wondrous spiral designs , shifting and gliding across them with their demonic power.

from then on meliodas was the designated errand runner, as the group was certain that no one could go faster than he could with wings that big. meliodas almost regretted telling them after the 1 billionth milk run. almost

#meliodas #nanatsu no taizai #seven deadly sins #fanfic #ban steps on it once and meliodas resists the urge to pulverise him #when tristan gets teeth he gnaws on it like a teething ring #short but im too tired too care

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thecameronchronicles · 2 years

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H-2-Oh!

TW: Smut. Language.

SUMMARY: After you scare Drew from being dehydrated and ending up in the hospital, he makes it a point that you understand how important hydration is…

WORD COUNT: 1300

*Requested*

Hydration

You didn’t mean to do it on purpose, but with the chaotic schedule constantly on your dockett, you always managed to bypass that reminder to drink water. And until now, it never seemed to affect you aside from a few headaches and dizzy spells that acted as reminders all their own. But with the last few days having been too busy to remember, you would be lingering on set, waiting for your cue, until everything suddenly went dark following an abnormal weight in your head. When you awoke, you found Drew at your side, a look of disappointment across his face as the doctor would explain how you were severely dehydrated. With a saline solution pumped into your veins to make up for what you neglected yourself, you were discharged within the hour with a change of care from those around you. The usual compassion was accelerated as you had every member of the cast and crew now reminding you nearly every hour to drink, going so far as to set alarms on their phones and watch you consume it as you’d scared all of them that greatly. But none more than your boyfriend, Drew.

Waking up to the sound of the bathroom door coming open as Drew emerged with a towel wrapped around his waist and another set within his hair, the medium length returning after having cut it for ‘Hellraiser’, your lip became captivated between your teeth at the sight of him. The spare droplets missed by his quick dry acted as an accentuation to his toned physique. Your eyes could remain on him indefinitely, a high allowed just by the sight of him as the pulsation between your legs worsened as those wondrous eyes looked to you with amusement.

“You alright there baby?” He teased as you snapped out of your daze and slowly nodded before he moved closer to the bed.

“You want something, there?”

You nodded, moving to your knees as he rested his own against the side of the bed, allowing your hands to trace the width of his shoulders before lowering, a sudden grip to your wrists surprising you.

“Did you drink today?” You rolled your eyes, the question having been asked in abundance from everyone.

“I will.” But as you went to kiss him, he would move away, forcing you to collide with his cheek.

“Drew…” You groaned, “Please…” Your neediness knew no bounds when it came to him standing before you as vulnerable as he was, a simple pull of a loosely tied towel to reveal his glorious erection to you. And yet, you were being denied…

“You want me?” You slowly nodded as he teased a kiss before moving into the bathroom, pulling a dixie cup left for mouthwash, now filled with water, before extending it to you.

“You can’t be serious…”

“Compromise, sweetheart…” You rolled your eyes, downing the contents as if it had been a shot, before wrapping your arms back over his shoulders as he offered a sweet kiss. In seconds, you were on your back as he made this possible by a swift lift to the backs of your thighs as you gasped into a chuckle.

“So beautiful, baby…” He grinned as you felt his lips descend your body, kissing between your breasts and down your stomach, his tongue dipping into your navel before making a continuation between your thighs.

“Oh fuck…” You breathed to that talented tongue making quick flicks against your clit, your hand wrapping in his hair as his fingers came around your thighs, his dominant hold using his pointer finger and thumb to pull your clitoral hood further apart.

“Jesus, Drew!” He grinned against you once more before nodding against you, moaning, and sending those devilish vibrations direction to your core and to the edges of each and every one of your nerves.

“I’m gonna-” He continued to bob his head, feeling your body react as he’d become accustomed to, only to withdraw a second prior to that wash. By the time you’d lifted to view him, he had returned with another cup.

“SERIOUSLY?!”

“You scared me that day…I thought-I know I won’t let it happen again…So if you give me what I want…then you get what you want…”

“I’ll drink after, I promise…just please…”

“You’ve said that before and that still happened…” You leaned back on your elbows, cocking your jaw and rolling your eyes before he would hover over you.

“You need it for what I’m about to do to you…More so if you keep up this little attitude.” His fingers slipped beneath your chin.

“You want to come? Drink for me…” You narrowed your eyes before ultimately offering your submission as you took the contents of the cup as it remained in his hand, your eyes keeping to his. The second the last drop was consumed, the cup was crushed in his hand and he pulled you around him and into the bathroom, setting your bare ass on the sink as you shuddered to the cold. This was quickly rectified by the warmth of his mouth captivating your breasts, your eyes pulling to a roll as he moved that tongue from yoru hardened nipples and beyond your clavicle before rising to your neck.

“Drink…” He motioned to the cup at your side, his lips devoted to your neck, tongue feverish against your skin as your eyes screwed closed as you obeyed, his hands stationed in a passionate guidance as you finished yet another cup.

“Drew-”

“I know what you need, baby…” He removed his towel, hosting you around him and burying his cock perfectly within your need. Your immediate clench forced him forward against you, his palm resting on the mirror behind you.

“Babe-”

“Sorry…”

“Do it again…” He requested as you bit your bottom lip before nodding, doing so with a sneer as he took you harder against him.

“I love you so much…” He spoke into your neck, the harsh grip wrapped around the back of your head taking you into him.

“I love you Drew…”

“But I need more-”

“More?” He nodded, turning you into a bend over the sink.

“I want you to watch what happens when you drink for me…How good I can make you feel…and I want you to remember that if you don’t…you won’t get this…” You smirked.

“You think I’m joking?” He threatened to withdraw as your nails came behind you and embedded into the backs of his thighs.

“So drink one more for me…”

“Drew-”

“That’ll be at least eight ounces…Just one more…” You paused before obeying, the second you were hydrated, his thrusts returned, only now, without end. One pump after another sheathing in and out of your sex, melodious groans and moans filling the space between the sound of skin-to-skin rushing together in the rise of that orgasm.

“Fuck baby! I’m close!”

“I’m gonna come!” You recipcoracted as he pulled you even together against him, the final moans silenced in the kiss he offered in the final moments prior to that release. The warmth and slickness now between you now a trophy for this compromise as he brought you further against him.

“Is THAT what it takes to get you to listen to me?” He teased as you leaned against the sink, recovering from his motions as you shook your head.

“I think we disagreed about uh…Shit, I’m sure there’s something…”

“You never have to compromise, Drew…You just have to ask…”

“I’m gonna hold you to that…Now come on…” He extended his hand to you.

“Where are we going?”

“Hydration…” You rolled your eyes as he motioned to the sink.

“Trust me…you’ll need it…” He winked as you groaned to how true his words had been.

Taglist:@hopebaker @iovdrew @penny4yourthoughts @magnificantmermaid @pickingviolets @lovedetlost @trikigirl271 @my-baexht-ls @slut4starkey @slvtherinseeker @obxiskewl @obxxrxfes @bluesongbird @slut-era @ailee-celeste @rafesbae

#drew starkey #drew starkey smut #drew starkey x reader #drew starkey fluff #drewstarkey

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theladyofshalott1989 · 29 days

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In honor of the first anniversary of Like Moths to a Flame on Wattpad, here's a smutty one-shot for y'all.

The idea was sparked by an episode of Fellow Travelers on Showtime. It’s a bit of a departure from my usual style, but it was an absolute joy to write. While it's set within the Like Moths to a Flame series, it can be read as a standalone. Enjoy! :)

Mood: “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish

You can read it at the link above OR I have also posted it below (after the cut). Warning: It is explicit!

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On the second Tuesday of February in the fortuitous year of 1899, Sebastian Evans-Sallow returned home to a hell of a surprise.

Our esteemed protagonist froze in the middle of the entryway, his hand on the doorknob. Staring slack-jawed at his husband, he somehow managed to form the words: “What in Merlin’s name are you wearing?” His voice cracked very noticeably in the middle of his shocked inquiry, which was deeply unfortunate, but upon deeper reflection, was perfectly understandable. Sebastian hadn’t recalled his voice doing that since he was a pre-teen. He chuckled in spite of himself.

Damien shouted out in alarm, throwing himself clumsily through the nearest doorway. “You weren’t supposed to be home for another half an hour!” He punctuated his proclamation with an exasperated huff. It was, frankly, adorable.

“I wanted to get ready before the event,” Sebastian said, having recovered enough now to enter their humble abode. He shut the door quietly behind him and tiptoed through the hall.

“Well, you need to leave and come back in ten minutes! It was supposed to be a surprise!”

Sebastian scrambled to find a hiding place. Ah yes, one of the bookshelves should suffice. He pressed his torso against the side of the nearest one, finding an angle that would hopefully keep him out of Damien’s line of sight. It was just in time as mere moments later Damien popped his head around the corner of the doorway.

“Sebastian?” Damien called out.

Sebastian didn’t reply. He brought his fist to his mouth and bit down on his knuckle to hold back a laugh.

Damien gradually eased himself through the door. “Bash, did you leave?” Their orange tabby cat, Tabitha, slunk behind him. Wherever Damien went, the cat followed. She was clingy like that. To be fair, Damien also encouraged it.

Sebastian observed his two housemates, his beloved husband and his stubborn feline-child, with bated breath. Tabitha certainly knew he was in the house - the cat was annoyingly observant - but he hoped that she and he had an understanding. If Tabitha didn’t give Sebastian away, there would be treats. Lots and lots of treats.

“He left. Good,” Damien said to the cat, making an attempt to reach down and gingerly pat her head, but failing rather miserably. “Can’t have him ruining the surprise for himself.” He straightened back up. As to why he failed in his cat-patting endeavor? Well, one would if they were unaccustomed to wearing a corset. Which Damien was wearing right at this very moment.

What a time to be alive! What a glorious day to come home early! What a… Damien turned around and Sebastian got a good look at him, not just a side profile, for the first time. His breath hitched. His trousers suddenly became uncomfortably tight. Merlin’s arse, Damien was a bloody wonder. This man could do things to him. How did Sebastian ever win over this alarmingly beautiful man? His husband was absolute perfection.

Was Damien seriously considering wearing a corset, and presumably a dress, to Sirona’s Valentine’s Day ball? Or was this wondrous ensemble just for Sebastian? If it was just for him… they very well might not be attending the ball tonight after all. They wouldn’t have any energy left.

Well, Sebastian would just have to wait and find out. Although how much longer he could wait before he burst, he couldn’t say.

Damien made his way back into their bedroom. Sebastian heard rustling and a string of muted exclamations, although nothing worse than “Blast!" since Damien was a proper gentleman. When he was presumably finished, Damien floated back into the living room in a full dress, lace finish and everything, the full works. It was positively sensational.

Sebastian nearly lost it then and there. He stuffed his fist back into his mouth, this time biting down harder than he intended. And then, Damien spun in a circle. Scratch that, Sebastian was done for. He fell back on his arse with a loud thump. The noise brought Tabitha straight to him - damn cat! - alerting Damien to his hiding place.

“Bash!” Damien exclaimed, placing his hands on his narrower than usual waist. He pouted prettily.

From Sebastian’s vantage point on the floor, Damien looked so different, and yet so ravishing, that he struggled to compose his face. A part of him needed to laugh, quite badly, more from astonishment than ridiculousness, for Damien was too lovely in that baby blue dress to elicit anything but pure joy. The other part of him needed to ravage his husband immediately. That part of him, thankfully, took over entirely.

Sebastian scrambled up and threw himself at Damien. At his sudden movement, Tabitha yowled and bolted from the room. Damien let out a shocked gasp as Sebastian grabbed him by the waist and backed him up against the wall.

“Hello there, beautiful,” Sebastian said, his chestnut-brown eyes boring into Damien’s golden-brown ones. He bit his bottom lip as he analyzed Damien’s reaction.

Damien's eyes widened for the briefest of moments and his lips parted slightly, awaiting an expected snog. His pupils darkened in kind. Damien’s body, which was wedged against the wall, pressing against Sebastian’s, responded as Sebastian knew it would, but the many layers of his dress were stubbornly in the way. Sebastian released his hands from Damien’s waist and dropped down, lifting the dress, but finding it more difficult than he anticipated.

When he finally managed to tame the heavy layers, Sebastian eased back up and, breathing harder than he intended, asked, “Is this ensemble just for me or was it meant to be shared with the rest of the world?” His lips hovered over Damien’s lips, teasing him mercilessly.

Damien moaned before replying, “You, Bash. Only for you.”

Sebastian grinned wolfishly, leaned back in, and made contact with Damien’s perfect mouth. “Good answer,” he replied between kisses. “Top marks.”

They attacked each other greedily, hands exploring each others’ bodies as they were often wont to do. Even though they’d been together for what felt like ages now - Sebastian could barely remember a time when Damien wasn’t his constant, cherished shadow - Damien’s touch was still exciting, electrifying, truly invigorating. The dress was a nice touch though: different, captivating. But it was time for it to come off.

Sebastian abruptly stopped his focused ministrations. Where did one begin? The dress was practically a prison. There were far too many buttons and ties to be practical.

“How did you manage to get this damned contraption on?” he asked as his eyes scanned Damien’s unusually confined frame.

“Well, my dear,” Damien said, “there is this very handy thing called magic. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it.”

"That does ring a bell," Sebastian replied with a smirk, finally finding a series of buttons scattered across Damien's chest that hinted at a potential escape route. “I might have heard something about it in passing.” He began undoing the buttons, planting a kiss on Damien’s bare skin, a light patch of hair tickling Sebastian's nose.

“I think you have it sorted. Mostly.” Damien provided Sebastian assistance by untying some ribbons on his right side, revealing another slew of buttons that had been hidden under a plait of fabric.

“Ridiculous,” Sebastian mumbled under his breath. With the dress now loosened, he pulled it down past Damien’s hips, and the hefty garment cascaded around Damien’s feet. Damien promptly stepped out of it as Sebastian stripped off his own, far less constrictive, clothing.

Duty done, Sebastian clutched Damien by the shoulders and spun him around, shoving him firmly against the wall once more. Damien tensed very briefly, but quickly relaxed, melting under Sebastian’s grip.

The corset remained on. The hardness of it, the unique sensation of it against Sebastian’s chest, was a new, welcome experience. Sebastian traced his hands up and down the whalebone, stroking hard so Damien could feel the pressure of it, the pressure of Sebastian’s all-consuming desire for him.

Satisfied, Sebastian then nestled his head in the crook between Damien’s neck and shoulder. “Ready?” he whispered.

“Always.”

Sebastian dropped his hand to Damien’s bare arse and squeezed, eliciting a quiet chuckle from Damien’s lips. Sebastian brought his hand back up to his mouth, licked it generously, then brought it down to his cock. He lubricated himself quicker than usual, since he was already practically drowning in pre-cum. Once ready, he declared, “Brace yourself, love,” and entered Damien, thrusting immediately, just as Damien liked.

Damien groaned in appreciation, craning his neck to the side to lock eyes with Sebastian. Eye contact was key, even from this angle. Damien and Sebastian preferred to climax while observing the minute reactions on each others’ faces. Sebastian never ceased to enjoy the subtle wrinkling at the corners of Damien’s eyes, more pronounced now in adulthood, as the pleasure hit.

And with years of practice, Damien could now orgasm in this position, with Sebastian inside him, without even touching himself. Sebastian was still rather chuffed by that fact. The first time it happened, shortly after they were engaged, Sebastian had been so inspired that they spent the entire night in congress. They had been lucky it was the weekend, for in the morning they were so exhausted - having each orgasmed a handful of times - they slept the entire day away. It was one of the best nights of Sebastian’s life.

Sebastian was pulled out of his reverie by the familiar sensation of his cock hardening further inside Damien, building up in anticipation of release. Damien’s breaths came more hurriedly and Sebastian watched as the muscles in his jaw tightened. Damien was close; Sebastian was too.

“Come for me, my love,” Sebastian murmured into Damien’s ear. Damien didn’t hesitate. He came as commanded, moaning with pleasure, his body shuddering under Sebastian. Sebastian followed forthwith, his breath stolen away from him as he reveled in the explosive bursts, sending a shiver of ecstasy down his spine all the way down to his curled toes. Ah, bliss.

Once his wits were somewhat recovered, Sebastian released himself from Damien, then pecked him lightly on the side of his neck. Damien turned around slowly, almost lazily, a dazed expression on his face. Sebastian didn’t blame him. He had once asked Damien to describe what it was like to orgasm without ejaculating. Damien’s response had been astonishing.

“It’s more intense, completely incapacitating,” he had said, a wistful look in his eyes. “Time stops, your face blurs, everything around me turns into a swirl of colors. It’s… beautiful, like a work of art.”

Sebastian hoped that someday he’d be granted such a mind-altering experience, but until that day, he was more than satisfied. He had his health, a wonderful home, and a fulfilling job, but most importantly, he had Damien. Damien—his kindred spirit, the love of Sebastian’s life. Whether clad in a man's or a woman's attire, Damien had the power to bring Sebastian to his knees with pleasure. Figuratively speaking, of course. What more could he ask for?

#sebastian sallow x m!mc #sebastian sallow x male mc #sebastian sallow x mc #hogwarts legacy oneshot #sebastian sallow smut #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow x damien evans #sebastien #like moths to a flame series #smut with feelings #smut

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autville · 7 months

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curious question: what does autville look like?

a curious question indeed!

it's a very foggy morning here in autville. the many trees are still holding onto their lush summer greenery, but they'll soon turn to the glorious golden colors of autumn!

I am sitting on the window perch inside one of the town's cozy stone cottages, which I call my home. my cottage is the perfect distance between the bustling town hall in the center square and the quiet orchards at the town's edge. the cottages in this neighborhood are close together to minimize those pesky lonely feelings...while still allowing for that sweet, sweet sense of ample personal space.

some autville residents live together in shared cottages, and some live more solitary lives, often in the company of (sometimes several!) animal companions. as I type this, my own cat is currently napping right in the middle of my bed. feline companions are plentiful in autville, perhaps because many of us believe that cats are pretty heckin autistic themselves...but that is a topic for a separate news bulletin.

however we choose to spend our days as individuals, we as town residents of autville frequently gather for community events like our weekly same foods feasts at the pavilion (I usually bring macaroni and cheese!) and special interest roundtables at the town hall, during which we take turns sharing wondrous fun facts about whatever we're interested in.

autville does not exist in isolation, of course. there are plenty of accessible modes of transit into the nearby hustle and bustle of all those more neurotypical realms, if that's your thing!

...it's not really my thing, though. I prefer to spend my free time researching disability studies at the endless library, perusing rotating exhibitions at the museum of special interests, or lounging about and stimming freely in the meadows...weather permitting, of course.

anyway, I thank you for this question, dear reader! cartography isn't one of my special interests, but I'm sure I can find a friend in town to create an official map of autville...

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lostalioth · 2 years

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𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥

→ premise: loki gives his subjects a small treat by allowing them to watch him fuck you, making his princess feel like a pretty show girl for their king.

→ pairing: loki laufeyson x fem!reader | king!loki

→ warnings: eighteen+, smut, king kink?, public sex [loki fucks reader on the asgardin throne in front of lots of people], nicknames [baby, princess, my love].

→ a/n: 03 kinktober! I’m behind and had to get this out fast, day 4 should be coming tonight as well. this was meant to have master kink in it but i forgot and it was switched to king sort of.

Loki adored you from the very moment the two of you began dating, he couldn’t stop himself from constantly showing you off, bringing you up in conversation and gushing about how in love he was. He just had a hard time believing that a woman like you wanted him, he always had a hard time understanding the idea of any woman wanting him. Therefore he couldn’t keep his hands to himself even when it was needed, seeing as he’s king. His father often scolding him for being so handsy with you in public around his people.

That was how the little show you and Loki were putting on for the other Asgardians began. He simply wanted to show off the gorgeous ball gown you were wearing for the annual asgard dance. How that ended in his cock being slipped out of his black slacks, his button down shirt completely open exposing his pale. Your wonderful dress discarded revealing your black lacey matching set, and his cock buried inside you as you ride him in front of almost every asgardian on his throne was a mystery to you [not really ;)]

The golden throne is ice cold on your legs in contrast to the blazing heat where your body was connected to the god.

“Such a good girl for me my love all spread out for everyone to watch the way you twitch on my cock. They all can't stop looking at you baby, if only they got to experience this glorious pussy” he groaned as he leaned back and moved his eye off the audience and glued to your hips. How they were desperately bouncing and grinding, trying to milk his cock.

“Just wanna show them how good i treat their king, how i make him cum” you whine and bounce your hips harder the more that knot in your stomach tightens but its not anywhere near ready to snap not when you can't get loki's long, throbbing cock to reach that spot on your own.

“My little show off” he scoffed with affection and watched with a mocking smirk at you trying your best to fuck your self on his cock. Loki decided he would give them a real show finally, picking you up with his hands hooked under your thighs and holding onto your ass. He turns your bodies around laying you back on the throne's fragile seat he wastes no time in thrusting his cock back deep inside you. It doesn't take long before he’s hitting and abusing that wonderful spongey spot inside you making you let out a spring of loud wanton moans that sounded almost like you were screaming bloody murder.

“All these worthless little subjects are gonna get watch just how messy and beautiful you look when you squirt on my cock baby, they aren't deserving to see such a wondrous sight but i could care less” “my princess deserves an orgasm that’ll knock the wind from your chest for looking so ravishing in that dress and delicious in these skimpy undergarments” he smirks and dives his head in the crook of your neck to leave small bites and kisses up and down it making you whimper and buck your hips.

It wouldn’t be long now before the knot in your stomach snapped and it was gonna snap hard.

→ a/n: this is quite short and shitty cause i rushed and was losing motivation for it :\ it was meant to have a lot more and be better

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hollowsart · 28 days

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@masterserris thought you might enjoy this silly thing

I don't know where I was going with this, but think of it like a Valentine's Day special comic story concept:

Spider-Man: Alright, Mysterio! I've been following you for awhile now and can't be having you ruining my Valentine's day-- What's with the get-up?

Mysterio: Please, not now! You're going to ruin everything I have meticulously set up for my date! I've been planning for WEEKS for this moment! I can't have her see you!

Spider-Man: Hold on hold on hOLD UP-- Your Date? Her? Buddy, what are you planning? What is all this?

Mysterio: Ah. It's for my girlfriend. Do you like it?

Spider-Man:

Spider-Man: You have a girlfriend? You gotta be pulling my leg, Beck. For how long have you had this girlfriend? And what is she-- Some kind of fellow criminal wanted around the globe? A low level thief in the night running from the law? A clown?

Mysterio: How dare you disrespect her like that! She is none of those things! She is far superior! She is above the miserable life that I live!

Spider-Man: Does she know?

Mysterio: I've only known her for about.. a month. Two. She found out when we first met. It's a funny story, really. A cliche, but oh, I could never have written a better screenplay than this reality.

Spider-Man: Only a month, huh? And she already knows? Tell me, oh mighty Mysterio-- How DID you meet this elusive girlfriend of yours?

Mysterio: She will be here in 30 minutes, do you really think I have the time to--

Spider-Man: I have more important matters in my own life, pal. I'm willing to sit here and humor you.

Mysterio, huffs: …Very well. I will tell you.

Mysterio: It was after I escaped from one of our last glorious battles. You had shattered my helmet and nearly broken my nose. I had to seek shelter in an alley to recover enough to get to proper safety. However, due to your assault on me I was on the cusp of unconsciousness when I was discovered by her.

Spider-Man: You were trying to rob a building with explosives! What else was I supposed to do?

Mysterio: Do you want to hear my story or not?

Spider-Man: FINE, Fine, continue with your wondrous tale!

#ghostie mumbles #spider man #spiderman #mysterio #quentin beck #I gave up at a point cuz I didn't know where else to go with it sdkhdfsdfskfd #it ends with beck & his gf having a wonderful date with no issues thanks to spidey's help to ensure it goes off without a hitch #//long post

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xxladyballadxx · 1 year

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Marriage

💍Dion Lesage x Reader💍

(k/n) - the name of the kingdom you live in

Your family had arranged a marriage for you and you didn’t want to shut this down because you wish not to bring disappointment to your family or dishonor them. You will be marrying this young, dashing man named Dion Lesage, a crown Prince of the holy empire of Sanbreque. Said to be quite skilled in both martial and intellectual arts. Loved by both of his people and troops. He is also the dominant of a powerful winged beast named Bahamut.

Growing anxious because you believe that he may not like you. That he will not accept you as his wife. What if he doesn’t like me? you thought to yourself, feeling worried that you might mess the whole thing for your marriage.

The time has come where you and your family got invited to Sanbreque to go and meet the emperor and his son, Dion. On the day of your arrival at Sanbreque, you were greeted by an emperor's servant at the main entrance. Your e/c eyes locked on a beautiful castle, which is twice bigger than your home.

Your mother informed you that you must behave while inside the emperor’s home. So you better keep your goofy, silliness side of yourself hidden since she wants you to look formal and presentable towards the Emperor of Sanbreque and the Crown Prince.

This is the part where your face turns heavily red as you lock your eyes on a charming, dashing young prince. There he was, standing with his father on the throne. Dion Lesage, looking all glorious and brilliant. By the eikons, he is drop-dead gorgeous and you were already falling for him. At first, you thought he would not take a liking to you. Dion turned out to be a sweet, loving man. Unlike his father. He found you quite stunning and has never laid his eyes on a beautiful angel sent from heaven.

The dinner with the emperor started to bore you out, your parents talking about politics with Dion’s father and things like that. Dion wanted to spend time with you alone so he escorted you to his wondrous garden. Dion may have that cold-looking appearance. He’s quite kind and gentle towards you which you didn’t surprisingly expect at first.

Even though your mother wanted you to behave and act normal, you accidentally showed your childish-goofy side to Prince Dion and it startled him a little BUT he actually found it very adorable and your silliness caused him to laugh in joy. Dion began to adore your silly-childish side and honestly; he never met anyone like you. Dion is not the type to laugh like a silly fool and it’s been a while since he hadn’t laughed like that in a long time. No one he crossed paths with has ever made him laugh like that. Somehow, you managed to break out his soft persona.

Since the first day you met Prince Dion of Sanbreque, everything changed. You and your daring Prince Charming got along very well. Two of you grew fond of each other. He loved your humorous jokes you made. Dion, however, wasn’t much of a jokester. His jokes were dry but you just laughed it off with him anyway.

Despite revealing your childish-goofy side to the Crown Prince of Sanbreque, your parents were pleased to see you and Dion spending more time together. Before you headed over to Sanbreque with your parents to meet Prince Dion for the first time, you filled yourself with doubts and worries. Causing yourself to think that you might get rejected.

All those troubled thoughts are no more. Prince Dion of Sanbreque, the greatest champion loved by all people, has fallen for you and accepted you for who you are. Princess (Y/n) of (K/n), you just met the love of your life who will change your life forever.

This is dedicated to my good friend @aria-lesage 🖤 ❤️‍🔥 I hope you like it and I’m sorry how short it is ;-;

#ffxvi #final fantasy xvi #final fantasy 16 #ff16 #fluff #final fantasy xvi x reader #dion lesage x reader #dionlesage #dion lesage #x reader #dion x reader #final fantasy 16 x reader #ffxvi x reader #dionlesagexreader #dion lesage x you

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calabria-mediterranea · 2 months

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"Catanzaro must be one of the healthiest spots in Southern Italy; perhaps it has no rival in this respect among the towns south of Rome. The furious winds, with which my acquaintances threatened me, did not blow during my stay, but there was always more or less breeze, and the kind of breeze that refreshes. I should like to visit Catanzaro in the summer; probably one would have all the joy of glorious sunshine without oppressive heat, and in the landscape in those glowing days would be indescribably beautiful.

I remember with delight the public garden at Cosenza, its noble view over the valley of the Crati to the heights of Sila; that of Catanzaro is in itself more striking, and the prospect it affords has a sterner, grander note. Here you wander amid groups of magnificent trees, an astonishingly rich and varied vegetation; and from a skirting terrace you look down upon the precipitous gorge, burnt into barenness save where a cactus clings to some jutting rock. Here in summer-time would be freshness amid noontide heat, with wondrous avenues of golden light breaking the dusk beneath the boughs. I shall never see it; but the desire often comes to me under northern skies, when I am weary of labour and seek in fancy a paradise of idleness."

By the Ionian Sea: Notes of a Ramble in Southern Italy, George Gissing (1901)

Thomas Miles Richardson Jr - Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy (1857)

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a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 6 months

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“Flesh and Blood”

Part Seven, and the end - A new beginning

Pairing: Prince Aemon the Dragonknight x Fem. Reader (Northerner /House Stark | Third Person POV)

Themes: Soft / Happy ending

Warnings: Canon Targaryen incestuous marriage (Daena x Baelor) | Mentions of alcohol use

Word count: 2.5k words

Summary: A new era begins as Daena is anointed as Baelor’s queen.

A/Ns : Inspiration for Daena’s anointing was drawn from Anne Boleyn’s coronation. The painting is Queen Elizabeth I portrait in her regnal glory with Justice, Mercy, Prudence and Fortitude supporting her majesty.

Minors DNI | 🔞 | You are responsible for the media you consume

The day of Daena’s anointing dawned bright and golden and crisp.

Riotous cheers carried as far as the Godswood and beyond it. It was as if all of King’s Landing was at the gates to the Red Keep. It pleased Aemon to think the people all looked forward to the festivities. It frightened him as well. He was to aid both the Lord Commanders of the Kingsguard and the Gold Cloaks while they escorted the queen to the city square for her anointing, and no one could afford to be negligent even for a moment.

There was a knock on the door. “Enter,” he said, and he looked at the ornate chest in his hands. The time had come to give his wife her gift.

“You sent for me, my lord.” Lady Emma walked into the chambers he shared with his wife, the silks of her robes rustling softly with each step she took.

“You look glorious, my lady.” Aemon greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. “And I have a favor to ask of you. I was hoping y/n would wear this for the day’s festivities, and since she is still in the bath, I wondered if you could pass it on to her and offer my excuses.”

Emma sniffed and lifted the lid, so curious was she to peek at its contents. Her eyes widened when she saw what lay within. “Is this truly a gift, my lord?” She asked shrewdly. “Or is it a bribe?”

Aemon flushed and looked away. “My lord father hoped it would serve as a bribe, ” he confessed. “An overture of sorts to flatter the future Mistress of the North and convince her to continue with her marriage. I, on the other hand, wish to give it as a gift. These jewels once belonged to my mother. It would honor me to see y/n wearing them.”

She nodded. “I cannot truly blame your father, and I understand. I will be more than happy to give them to my niece. Now go,” she urged, when the Red Keep’s bell chimed six times. “The queen is expecting you, I hear.”

Aemon drew himself straight and said his farewells. He smiled when he heard laughter ringing in the bath chamber. Syrena was regaling her sister with her journey to King’s Landing, of all the wondrous sights she saw, and of all the dashing sailors that caught her eye. They had been awake late the night before, talking and talking to no end, it seemed. He did not mind. His wife seemed all the happier now that her sister was here.

And she will need to savor these moments, he thought to himself. They will be few and far between once Cregan yields to the Stranger, and she has to rule the North after he has gone.

He passed the room y/n once slept in. Marna and Lyanna made use of it, for his wife now shared his featherbed after she returned with him once they were all done with the hunt. The dragon and the maiden tapestry had been safely put away for the journey back to Winterfell. Y/n thought of having it hung in their shared chambers after they arrived.

Uther was seated in the entry hall, alert and impatient. “You are looking very much like a knight and lord today, my lord.”

His armor was new—heavy plate enameled in crimson and black, with a cloak of the same colors trailing behind him. A three-headed dragon, also enameled in a deep, rich red, rested on the crest. Aemon was silently grateful that it was already autumn. He would not have been able to endure the rigors of the day had the anointing ceremony taken place during the height of summer.

“Kinsman,” He clapped Uther on the shoulder. Y/n’s cousin was resplendent in a parti-colored doublet of black and silvery-grey. His hair had been shorn for the occasion. “Your mother’s work?” He observed. Uther had longer hair when they arrived and made themselves comfortable in the tower he shared with y/n. If Lady Cerwyn did indeed cut his hair, she must have done it the night before.

Uther made a face. “Mother was insistent we all look our best this morn,” he complained. “Now I am but a shadow of the creature I once was without my glorious locks.”

“The ladies will all mourn such a loss, I am sure.” Aemon suppressed the need to laugh when Uther glared. “Will I see you at the queen’s breakfast?”

“Of course you will." Uther fussed with what remained of his hair. “Go on, kinsman. I will make certain the others are not late.”

Flags and bunting, all in black and red, and all bearing the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen, fluttered in the wind. More would be found all over the city. Little bells that were strung up with the flags tinkled whenever a gust of wind rose. Aemon looked around and found the Red Keep a hive of activity. Servants ran to and fro on behalf of their lords and ladies, and the High Septon was heard imparting final instructions to his own retinue. They would walk first, ahead of the Queen and her guard. Members of the court and their guests would follow after.

Daena was still seated by her silvered looking glass when Aemon came upon her in the Maidenvault. Her sisters fussed over her, fixing her hair, her robes. Daena looked the image of a queen this day. She was dressed in a parti-colored gown of black and crimson velvet, and her robe was black and crimson velvet as well, richly embroidered, and lined with ermine. Her golden three-headed dragon pendant hung heavy on a golden chain. Aemon bowed deeply.

“Your grace,” he said. “You wished to see me.”

Her sisters curtsied, made their excuses, and left with the maids. Once the queen was satisfied that they were alone, she closed her eyes and sighed.

“I am trapped,” she wailed softly. “All my life, I have dreamed of such a moment, and now I feel like I am about to be locked into a golden cage for the rest of my days.”

“Is it because of Baelor?” Aemon probed doubtfully. “Do you not want to endure all of this because of him?”

“No,” Daena sniffed, and she brushed the back of her hand over her eyes. “Yes. You do not know how wretched I feel every night I convince myself to lay with him. And I cannot do anything about my fate until I have given him a son, and your father succeeds in convincing him to renounce his vows to me.” She turned to face Aemon, her eyes full of unshed tears. “It should have been Daeron escorting me through all of the feasts and frolics. I could have been happy with Daeron. Tisn’t fair.”

Daeron was the husband you yearned for, and Baelor was the husband you received. “It is not,” Aemon agreed. “But you must endure. At least for a little while. At least until you have given the king a son. Then you will be free of him and can live your life with whomever you choose for your next husband.”

A streak of daring flashed in her violet eyes. “True. Perhaps I could keep someone waiting in the wings, so to speak. Perhaps someone could aid me in providing the throne with an heir if Baelor is unable to fulfill his duties.”

“Your grace,” Aemon said sternly. He understood what she meant and liked it not. “Take care with how you conduct yourself. The last time someone thought as you did, the realm plunged into a civil war, and our dragons all died. I implore you not to walk down the same path our grandmother did. It could lead to the ruin of our family. Besides, what you propose is treason.”

Daena pursed her lips. “Gods be good, but you sound so much like your lord father,” she muttered. "Oh, very well. I will conduct myself in a manner befitting a queen until I have been safely delivered of a son.”

“Good.” Aemon was full of doubt. Daena was restless and, at times, too brash and willful for her own good. Still, her conduct during the feast of the warrior and the hunt showed otherwise. He finally decided to keep faith in her, at least for the time being. “Keep your sisters with you. Their future husbands’ will not refuse the honor of having their wives attend the queen as her ladies-in-waiting. Now tell me, where is the king? Why is he not here to lead you to the small feasting hall?”

“Baelor is at his prayers,” Daena explained, then sniffed again. “He refuses to be seen until he has to welcome me after I return from my anointing. It will be your father escorting me about until then.”

Seven save us all. The nobles will talk about this; Aemon was sure of it. He wondered if Baelor had even considered the folly of such an act. His kinsman was supposed to escort his wife everywhere to show one and all that she was his true and lawful queen. If he did not, the rumors were certain to start.

The people will either think him unfit to rule, he mused, or suspect Daena has sullied herself in some way, hence his refusal.

“All the more reason to comport yourself accordingly and win both the court and the small folk to your side,” he counseled. “It will make a regency go easier for you if you do.”

“That is what your father said as well.” Daena picked up a square of white silk and dabbed her eyes. “Ask my sisters to come back in. I will not go out with puffy eyes.”

When the bell chimed eight times, Aemon was seated beside his wife while they all broke their fast on honey cakes and gammon steaks, rashers of crisp bacon, freshly baked bread and the finest fruits of the season. There were pitchers of mead and pitchers of ale and pitchers of water for anyone who had a thirst. Aemon glanced at his wife. Y/n looked splendid in her dress of white silk slashed with cloth of silver. A gray crescent diadem of stiffened damask sat neatly amidst her hair. The jewels he gifted her glinted in her ears and wrists and throat. She thanked him profusely, then flushed when he ran his thumb along her cheek.

In a matter of a few weeks, y/n had changed. Her eyes were brighter, and she looked more content now. Even her appetite had improved, her maid told him. It pleased him no end to see her so happy.

“How is the queen?” asked y/n. “Is she well?”

“Overwrought,” Aemon replied. The truth will have to wait until much later, when they were alone and in bed. He did not want the other guests to hear. “And regal. Her mother and father would have been proud of her, had they lived to see this day.”

“Uther wants to fight in the melee again. He thinks he will win a second time." There would be jousting and plays, and even a Dornish camel race, as part of several days of celebrating. Wagers had been placed, and the purses offered were quite heavy. Knights from the previous month’s tourney had stayed on for the next round of jousts as well, with even more knights pouring into the city to add to their number. Already, there was talk that this tourney would be the greatest tourney in an age. “Aunt Emma likes it not.”

“She is his mother; of course she will not like it,” Aemon replied, taking her hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze. “And I hope I will see you when I joust?”

“Of course,” y/n flashed him a radiant smile. “I have been looking forward to it for days now.”

Aemon brought her hand to her lips. Serena, who had been studying them both with a careful eye, cleared her throat and said, “I hear women have been allowed to participate in the archery contest?”

“Yes.” Aemon flushed, then smiled warmly. “And all because of the queen. Her grace was insistent on adding her name to the list. An exception was made and any woman with skill could partake if she wished.”

Serena clapped her hands with glee. She was going to add her name, Aemon was certain of it. Her sister had been praising her skills as a huntress for a while now. “Would you be partaking as well, wife?” he asked.

“Not this time,” y/n sipped the last of her wine and replied. “I would like to just watch.”

“Fair enough.”

While the breakfast was light and full of good humor, the procession into the city square was somber. A magnificent carriage drawn by white draft horses caparisoned in black and crimson moved along at slow pace while members of both the Gold Cloaks and the Kingsguard rode on either side of it. The crowds parted and cleared a path whenever the procession neared them, all shouting good wishes at the queen.

If there is any jeering, it would be from the dissatisfied few that no one would hear. His cousin being so well-received was a good omen. Aemon kept pace with Lord Commander Hardyng. The High Septon walked ahead of them, his attendants swinging gilded censors full of incense. It felt like hours had passed, but no one grew weary. Excitement was thick in the air. The cheers grew even louder when the procession neared the city square and the carriage stopped so all could proceed on foot. Viserys alighted from the carriage first, for he had to bear the Valyrian steel diadem that had once belonged to Rhaenys, first of her name. Daena followed, her sisters holding onto the edges of her train. Pages garbed in scarlet silks walked on either side of her, holding a canopy of crimson velvet over her head. The rest followed.

A dais and a wooden throne crafted especially for the occasion loomed ahead of them. Aemon helped Daena up the steps, then took his place beside her sisters and kept a watch on the crowds that had gathered to witness the spectacle. The High Septon offered prayers of blessings and gratitude to the Seven and the queen, then bid her to kneel before him. Daena bowed her head and gracefully dipped into the cushion before her. When the High Septon said the vows, she repeated them loudly and clearly enough for all to hear.

“I will do my utmost to aid my husband and our king in his duties to the realm,” she then declared. “I pray this day will lead to a new beginning, a new future, and one that will enrich this realm and all those who dwell in it.”

Then she closed her eyes, and consented to be blessed with the seven oils. She kept still while the diadem was affixed to her hair. After, she took the High Septon’s hand and rose to wave at the crowds that had waited all morning in the square.

Whatever her fears may be, she does not show them now. Aemon took his place beside Lord Commander Hardyng again, this time for their journey back to the Red Keep and a sumptuous coronation feast. He closed his eyes, his thoughts on y/n the entire time.

A new beginning had come upon them as well. And he was grateful for the opportunity to share it with her.

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