#I knew he had a weak relationship with the hermits but

[witch-hazels-musings]

Omg!! I didn't know about this event xD

Ok I think I get it right with the instructions. Lest see.

Oh great sage(?) Can I pull the Hermit, the devil and the tower with scaramouche please? I need angst in my life!! I like to suffer!!!

Thank you in advance!!!💕

The Devil (insecurities), The Hermit (loneliness), The Tower (catastrophe), The Emperor (support) :: scaramouche x harbinger!reader | neutral fate | combined requests

warning: sfw, slight angst : harbinger reader*, (mentions: Tartaglia, Signora, Dottere), mentions of a battle (not specific)

It wasn’t easy working your way up the ranks to become a harbinger. There were times you thought you’d certainly fail, especially considering your skills were far from anything spectacular. You’d come from nothing, thought of yourself as nothing but the Fatui managed to chang that. They believed in you, the Tsaritsa believed in you. Suddenly, you knew where you belonged the day you stood side by side to the most powerful members of the Fatui. On that day your head had never risen so high, your shoulders had never been more sturdy, and your heart had never pounded so hard in your chest. 

From nothing you grew into something, and you vowed to prove it to them all just how powerful you’d become. 

The only problem was getting a long with the other Harbingers. Of course you’d worked with them in other capacities but to work next to them, along side of them, you never would have expected them to be so ... annoying. 

Tartaglia was young, about as young as you. It was nice to have someone who could relate to you, but you still found him annoying. If it wasn’t for his constant begging to fight you it was his unorthodox way of handling things. You found his brashness uncouth for an organization as prestigious as this. 

Signora was alright but you tried not to get in her way. She had a nasty habit of biting peoples heads off if they crossed her and you found it easier to just watch her from the sidelines. 

Dottere on the other hand, was the most unpleasant person you’d ever come into contact with, and considering the company you kept, that was saying something. Every time you spoke to him it was like worms writhed uncomfortably in your stomach. You might have done some things in the Tsaritsa’s name but he was a monster, and the faster you could get away from him the better. 

Scaramouche was one of the only ones you could tolerate being around for long periods of time. Even with his manipulation and power hungry mentality, you found his often silent demeanor comforting. He preferred to work alone but when the option to pair up on a mission was given, the two of you would always look at each other with understanding. 

Your relationship started long before you became a harbinger. Though the interactions were small, miniscule compared to the times you spent with him now, they made a lasting impact on you. 

Practice was never easy. You were pitted up against ridiculous situations with absolutely no help at all. It was method to weed out the weak, and you were anything but. 

Still, you were getting more and more frustrated with every increasing loss. The damage was starting to wear on your body and the failure weighed on your brain. 

“If this is all you can give, you aren’t worth my time.” Scara’s voice pulled you from your stupor. His eyes cold, unfeeling, arms crossed as he stood above you. “Here I thought you might actually show me something interesting. How disappointing.” 

You weren’t sure why his words cut so deep, weren’t sure how they set a fire in your chest so intensely that you dragged yourself off the ground, turned away from him, and tackled the test like it was as easy as breathing. You weren’t sure why he inspired you so much but, when you turned to show him your resolve, he smiled at you in a way that made your heart pound. 

Now the two of you were inseparable. Even when the mission didn’t require two harbingers you managed to find a way to make it happen. You would sneak away to see him. Find some excuse to be in the same part of Teyvat as he was, assist him in the background so no one would notice. You never expected him to do the same for you but were shocked multiple times to find hints of his involvement in the shadows of your dark dealings. 

Enemies began to grow weary about you, they would tremble in fear because they knew that once you attacked another was surely to follow; and they say lightning never strikes the same place twice. 

Months went by and you swore they were the best times of your life. You were at the top of the food chain, partner at your side, and nothing in the world to stop you, until ... 

Whispers began to spread of your unorthodox relationship. It wasn’t proper to allow to harbingers to fraternize they way you both did; it was dangerous, stupid, and could lead to a shift in loyalties. 

It was because of this reason the Tsaritsa, in all her power, cut your bond with a swift, unapologetic strike and left the both of you stranded on opposite sides of her blade. 

--

“You swore to the covenant. To disobey them is a sign of treason.” The Tsaritsa’s voice echoed in the grand hall. It rippled, crashed, and froze the air itself with every word. You tried your best not to shiver at it’s touch. With your head bowed, you couldn’t properly see her but it wouldn’t have mattered since she was always standing behind a veil of ice. What were you so afraid of, you wondered. 

Glancing to the left, you saw Scaramouche kneeling in a similar manner. It was difficult to make out his expression but there was no mistaking the tightness of his fists. 

“To reclaim you commitment, you must prove your loyalty, your fealty.” Her voice caused the floor below you to shimmer. It was like her power had become a part of the room itself ... is this what an archon is truly capable of? “To the death the two of you will battle, to the victor goes the title of: Harbinger.” 

Your heart stopped beating, eyes shifting back and forth as you quelled the tremble in your spine. She wanted you to do ... what? 

“Rise.” Her voice compelled you, willed you to do as she pleased and soon you were standing, weapon in hand, only a few feet in front of the man you loved. His eyes were distant, vacant, unlike the ones you’d seen many times over. It was unreal, this was unreal. A bad nightmare, that’s all this was, all you had to do was wake up!

Desperate, you scanned the room only to see the disinterested eyes of the other harbingers staring back. One, the red head, whose foot was propped up on the ice wall, head down, arms cross refused to look at you. Another whose grin was so unsettling it seemed colder than the fortress of ice you stood in, while another appeared far sadder than you expected her to be. If you had more time, you might have seen her cry. 

“Well, go on.” the Tsaritsa hummed, amusement rippling through her voice as if the sound of it could push the dagger further into your heart. 

You gripped your weapon, eyes darting around the room at the other remaining ten Harbingers until it landed on the veil which covered your archon. Scara didn’t move. It was like he looked through you instead of at you. Was his dissociation a preservation method for the horror of this moment? 

Biting the inside of your lip you willed yourself to speak, and though it was painful, cryptic, you hoped he’d understand, “and here I thought you might actually show me something interesting,” you smirked, a single tear rolling down your cheek as the realization flashed in his eyes. “Guess I’m going to disappoint you after all.” 

Scara took a step back, weapon ready but you were too fast and by the time the other Harbingers took action, you were already dashing toward the shattering veil of the Tsaritsa with a cry so powerful it forced the world to freeze as your weapon came barreling down toward the archon. 

Fate Made Event (May8-31) | Anthology | @coleluuviida | @shailina-aphrates 

#hazelsevents #fate made #genshin impact #genshin impact X reader #genshin impact musings #genshin impact fiction #genshin scaramouche #scaramouche x reader #genshin impact scaramouche #scaramouche

[rendiggitydog]

So GenerikB huh?

#discourse #bad vibes #I should have known for a million reasons #but nostalgia made me hopeful #he’s always been a prankster but this is miles further than a prank #glad I caught it before donating but I feel so bad for folks who did #and Genny even said in his confession he never encouraged people to give money #but like as a streamer he knows people we’re going to regardless #and the way he keeps blowing it off I garauntee he won’t offer refunds #I knew he had a weak relationship with the hermits but #they hadn’t interacted in so long I was hopeful things were on the mend #nope this was the official dealbreaker if there wasn’t one already #curious to see if any of his closer friends like Bdubs will make a statement #I’m sorry about this I avoid negative posts as much as I can #but as a previous gennyb fan this hit home #real s8 fanart coming tomorrow hopefully and good vibes only from there! #might take writing/art prompts as well coz im feelin like it #rae chats

[lucqing]

lazy days,

pairing: diluc ragnvindr x keqing tags: fluff, lazy days, established relationship, big domestic, sleepy cuddles~ ao3 a/n: sorry for the delay! i come bearing gifts! ~o~ To be fair, she may have forgotten that he had stayed over the night before, wiggling away from his touch when he sat by the edge of the bed. To be fair, she was only avoiding him like the plague because she knew if she gave in, he’d drag her up and out of the confines of her sweet, sweet bed, dropping dreary tasks and reality overtop her head as if they were a bucket of cryo infused water (she looks at him anyway; he’s too pretty for her not to)

or, keqing and diluc on a sleepy, lazy day.

~o~

It’s one of those days, one of those rare, lazy days when the world outside was muddied and grey and the world inside was just as ugly. 

 She has half the mind to disappear under her covers even more than she already has, until not even her head can be seen, or the body beneath rumpled sheets is anything but recognizable. There is still so much to do for the Qixing, so much to do before the day’s out, and yet she can’t bring herself to move, stretching her limbs before staring at the blank ceiling in her room.

 Rain, while one of her favourite types of weather, was an absolute shit show on days like this, the yelling from the docks reaching her ears as fishermen and merchants did their best to meet the day’s expectations before the heaven’s downpour became too much. Archons, she’s so ready to go back to bed, covering her eyes with her hands just as the door to her bedroom is pushed open.

 She stares, dumbly, at his equally idiotic smile, and her chest tightens uncomfortably at the beautiful red hair that falls past his shoulders. Unfair, unfair, Diluc is so unfair to her, resting the tray she didn’t realize he was holding on the nightstand next to her head. To be fair, she may have forgotten that he had stayed over the night before, wiggling away from his touch when he sat by the edge of the bed. To be fair, she was only avoiding him like the plague because she knew if she gave in, he’d drag her up and out of the confines of her sweet, sweet bed, dropping dreary tasks and reality overtop her head as if they were a bucket of cryo infused water.

 (she looks at him anyway; he’s too pretty for her not to)

 “This is strange,” he tells her, pushing unruly lavender strands out of her eyes. He doesn't wait for her to answer, however, and she watches as he slides to the middle of the bed so he could fix her in between his legs, fingers moving through her hair. “You usually always wake before me, you know that, Keqing?” he asks, and she offers a half-hearted hum as she grabs the teacup from off the tray. She doesn't have to look at him to know he’s smiling. “There was thunder and lightning earlier this morning,” he adds, making conversation, and she feels her shoulders sag at this fact, his nails barely grazing her scalp. “It’s a shame you missed it. They almost looked purple today.”

 She pulls her head away then, turning around so she could look at him properly. Suddenly too aware of the fact that she just woke up, she covers her mouth before fixing him with a glare. “What’s the meaning of this, Diluc?” she mumbles, weary as his fingers curl themselves in the ends of her hair.

 He shrugs, donning that stupid smile again. “Nothing in particular,” he says flatly, and she relishes in the healthy, pink coat that stains his cheeks. “I simply decided to treat you today.”

 She frowns, unimpressed. “Liar,” she deadpans.

 His face reddens as he motions for her to fix herself. Got him. “Alright, fine. It wasn’t my intention to treat you today, but you say some of the strangest things when you’re near awake, my dear,” he admits, and now it’s her turn to blush as he begins to chuckle, bending over to rest the teacup on the nightstand so she doesn't spill it. And then she pinches his thigh, laughing in his stead when he curses.

 “And pray tell, Master Ragnvindr, what did I tell you?” she inquires, leaning into his touch.

 He pokes her thigh in weak retaliation, before resuming his work on removing the tangles in her hair. He hums thoughtfully, pondering. “Well, Lady Yuheng, you told me, and I quote: ‘Ningguang’s gonna be  so  mad at me if I don’t finish all my work today, but,  bloody hell,  I’m tired as fuck and don’t feel like doing --’”

 She elbows his stomach before he can finish, rolling her eyes when he begins to wheeze through his laughter. His hands fall away from her hair as he rests his head on her shoulder, exhaling once before calming down. “I don’t sound like that, you little shit,” she spits, but there is no venom in her voice, only love and endearment as he wraps his arms around her waist. Instinctively, she buries her fingers in his hair, teasing the scarlet tresses as his sighs tickle her back.

 Then, quietly: “thank you, Diluc,” she whispers, bashful as he smiles against her skin.

 “Any time, Keqing,” he replies, the sound of the rain hitting the window only seeming to dull as time went on.

 It’s one of those days, one of those rare, lazy days when the world outside was muddied and grey and the world inside was just as ugly. 

 She still wants to disappear under the covers where not even the Qixing will find her, and the desire to run away from her responsibilities and become a hermit still rears its ugly head in the back burner of her mind. But in truth… In truth, they barely seem like good ideas compared to spending the early morning in the arms of her lover, his steady breaths serving as an anchor as the sky continues to weep with no signs of relenting.

 (it almost seems pathetic to her, to place so much faith and trust in a man she barely gets to see, and yet she chooses to revel in it, eyes slipping shut as gravity pulls them under.)

 FIN

#sorry about the wait TAT! #diluc x keqing #diluc ragnvindr #keqing genshin #diluc genshin #my wriring #lucqing #luqing #i love them haha #mod rupe #this was a gift for another friend #don't you love lazy mornings? #all the hugs and kisses to my precious readers~

[punkpoemprose]

December 12th- A Convenient Arrangement Part 4

Universe: Canonverse Arranged Marriage AU Rating:T Length: 5336 Words A/N: Brain-rot I tell you. Brain-rot. Yes I’m aware it would be easier to catch up writing or finishing the drabbles and oneshots I have in my drafts but I can literally only think about this AU anymore.  I do have other ideas I really want to tackle though, so maybe I’ll try one of those next. We sure will see won’t we?

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]

Anna had not been particularly pleased by the knock on her door before the rising of the sun. That was, of course, until she’d heard it open, and saw a somewhat familiar figure through her one open eye. They’d been married for just a little over a full day and a half, and already seeing him there, hearing his voice, brought her comfort.

“Anna,” he’d said quietly, “We’ll have to leave soon if we want to get back before dark. I think I’d like to show you some places on the way.”

So she’d dragged herself from bed, and now in the closest thing she owned to travel clothes, she sat at his side, watching the sun rise in his wagon. She’d offered to have the horse master prepare the royal carriage, but he’d shrugged at the idea. She could already tell that he was the sort of person who wouldn’t have others do for him, what he could do for himself.

She could appreciate that. She’d spent many years trying to dodge the staff when they’d wanted to bathe her or dress her or clean up her quarters for her. She’d given her poor governess a run for her money in her younger years, and now there was some special satisfaction she found in the tacking of her own horse or the styling of her own hair.

She wore it down today, in a pair of braids to make it almost proper. Being with her husband she supposed she should be allowed to wear it however she liked. She did feel a bit bad for the surge of annoyance she’d felt the day before when she’d watched him brushing his reindeer when she just spent time ruminating on her own insistence at doing things on her own. She was stubborn, and he seemed to be as well in many ways.

The odds of that causing problems were likely high, but she still liked their odds.

“What’s it like to live so far from the city?” she asked, just to break the quiet between them as they made their way along the road, few others traveling along as they did.

She wondered if Kristoff knew that normally she’d be accompanied by guards for any trip like this outside the walls of the castle’s gates. She wondered if he knew that he now should be afforded the same guards, and whether he knew that she’d intentionally had him exit a rear gate so as to not catch attention when they’d left.

The last thing she wanted on her first day left entirely alone with her husband was to have an entourage of guards a few feet behind them at most. She’d thought to leave a note in the servant’s quarters for Kai and Gerda, as well as one under her sister’s office door before they set out, at least so that no one would think she was kidnapped, but she was still uncertain as to whether they’d send a platoon out after her anyway.

“Simple,” he said, “Quiet. When I’m in camp with the other harvesters or in the market selling ice it’s so loud. But at home it’s peaceful. Sometimes someone who knows me well enough to know where my home is will stop by to visit, usually family or another harvester, but otherwise it’s just me and Sven and the forest.”

It sounded nice, she thought. To live out in nature and see untamed plants and animals each day. But the quiet aloneness was something that made her uncomfortable to think about. She’d spent too many years in solitude, quiet, alone. She couldn’t imagine wanting that.

But he was free to go where he liked, and he has family and he has friends.

His self-imposed solitude was different than her enforced one.

It’s better to have a choice.

His hands were on the reins, leading his reindeer off the well-traveled road and toward a smaller wooded path ahead. The city was shrinking behind them, and while she thought that it might be nice to get away for a short time, she also couldn’t help but fear what would come ahead for them. The forest was probably less dangerous than the conversations they might have now that they were well and truly alone, away from the ears and eyes of staff and dignitaries and citizens of her castle and kingdom.

She wished that he’d let a hand fall, so that she could grip it for comfort.

***

She was leaning into his side a bit as Sven climbed the familiar path up and into the mountain. Trees lined the dirt road and in some places, he felt the wagon’s wheels crunch over fallen branches and encroaching shrubs. Had he been alone, and had he had his hatchet he may have spent some time clearing the road. It was used by only a few during the summer months. There were others that lived in his section of the mountain, but they were mostly older and while they helped keep the path, it was a job he took mostly for himself.

Hermits have to stick together.

But he wasn’t a hermit, at least not anymore. She was warm at his side, and he enjoyed the contact. It was not a cold morning, the summer sun rising was already warming their surroundings, but the shade of the branches above was keeping it cool. They hadn’t been speaking for a while, and he wasn’t sure what to say. She’d been doing most of the talking, and he’d answered her when prompted. He’d told her about ice harvesting and the work it required, about his preferences for hands on work over more cerebral tasks despite doing well enough with them to keep himself and his ice business afloat.

She’d told him about growing up in the castle, being trained for duties she’d not been asked to fulfil when the gates had been closed, and how she wasn’t truly certain what was going to happen next. She’d mentioned that they’d be expected to make appearances, and that while they didn’t rule, they’d be prepared to do so in the event that Elsa could not.

“My sister has no interest in providing the kingdom with an heir,” she’d said, “The throne will be mine someday, whether I want it or not. People are going to want me to ensure someone will fill it after as well. Our kingdom is peaceful, the monarchy is well liked, but a power vacuum could be deadly nevertheless.”

It had been the last thing she’d said before the quiet had overtaken them. They’d spoken briefly of heirs and children on their wedding night, mostly to assure her that she’d never have to provide him with any, but he wasn’t sure now if it were something that she might have taken the wrong way. He tried to recall whether he’d qualified the statement with a willingness to someday have children if she wanted them, but he was uncertain.

“Do you want children?”

She was quiet, but she didn’t shift from his side. He took it as a good sign and let his hand drop from the reins, knowing that Sven knew the path ahead and that he could control him well enough with a single hand.

She took it, her fingers lacing through his as they both kept their eyes on the path ahead.

“I never thought about it much,” she said, “Well I thought about it sometimes, but not about whether I would want to or not. Princesses married, they had children, they raised future monarchs, and with Elsa being as she is… well I just always knew it would be my duty. I was very romantic as a child though, I liked to dream of weddings and things. I always thought I’d marry for love like my parents did.”

He squeezed her hand, trying to be as reassuring as possible.

“I’m sorry you didn’t have a choice.”

She looked at him then, he saw it out the corner of his eye and so he turned to her in return. Her eyes were rueful, her smile weak. “I’m sorry you didn’t either. I never asked… was there someone else that you…?”

“No.”

He thought maybe he answered too quick, especially when there was a spark of surprise in her eye. He couldn’t imagine why it would, he surely had to be blundering enough in his attempts at supporting her that she could tell he’d never been in a relationship before. But then again, she’d been alone for so long, and while he didn’t know much about her last relationship, he knew that she was also new to their situation if nothing else. Maybe she wasn’t sure of what being in a relationship was supposed to be like either.

“Sorry, I… no. I’ve never been interested in anyone before you.”

She flushed, her face going bright red. He wasn’t really sure what he’d said that elicited the response until she looked down at her feet and quietly replied.

“So you are interested? In me… that is?”

It was his turn to flush then. He looked away from her, toward the brush along the side of the path, taking note of the plants they passed, staring at trees and stones and anything but her. Because he was interested.

She’s beautiful.

She’s kind.

I’m not worthy of her.

She’s my wife.

“How could I not be Anna?”

***

The light breeze that swept its way across the small clearing buffeted the loose hairs around her face, tickling at her nose. Her sleep addled hands had done their best in braiding, but clearly she’d missed some pieces.

Kristoff’s hand was in hers again, helping her down from the wagon. It was a lucky thing too, her legs feeling like jelly with how long she’d been sitting.

She fell a bit, into his chest, and she didn’t mind at all when his other arm wrapped around her back, stabilizing her, holding her until she righted herself. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the various conversations they’d had on their way, but particularly the one where he’d told her that he was, in fact, interested in her.

It shouldn’t matter really. They were married after all. But the idea that her husband might have an interest in her beyond the title and duty to be wed, meant something. She was interested in him too.

He’s funny, and kind, and…

She had to tune out her own thoughts in order to quiet the commentary on his arms and chest and the attractiveness of his features. She lost the battle though, at least thinking about his strength, when she righted herself again and let her hand run down his chest.

“I hope you won’t be too disappointed,” he said, not dropping her hand as he led her toward one of the two buildings that filled the space. “It’s nothing fancy.”

She knew that she couldn’t possibly be disappointed. All she’d wanted from this trip was to get away from the castle for a bit, to get to know him a little better. She’d already been given that and more. His hand was in hers; he’d said that he was interested in her, and nothing had fallen apart around her yet.

The grass in the field around them was a bit taller than it was in the pasture where she rode her horse, but the ground was mostly level and easy to walk on. He’d already unhitched Sven who was munching on it happily. He wasn’t tied up, but stayed in the bounds of the space without difficulty.

The animal was smart. She could tell that he was either well trained, or had a bond with Kristoff that at least made him appear so. She wondered how old the reindeer was, and how long Kristoff had been his “best friend”.

She thought that maybe sometime the information would come up naturally. Or at least she hoped so. There were some mysteries she wanted him to answer for her naturally, rather than offer in response to her many questions.

The building was small, larger than the other that appeared to be a stable and storage space, but still smaller than even her smallest drawing room. It was built of logs, long, but thin compared to the trunks of the trees around her, and bare of bark. They were stacked high, perhaps ten feet, and appeared to be expertly aligned to create the walls. Into the face a few small windows were inset into the wood, and the roof, made of thick wooden shingles that were well aged with the sun and weather. A few appeared to be split, maybe as a result of the freezing and thawing of the winter’s snow and ice.

She’d seen winters split the flagstones in the garden path at the palace and supposed it might to do the same to shingles. She took note of the simplicity of the structure, just a rectangle of wood with the space broken only by the windows, the single front door, and the stone chimney that had been laid up the end.

Nothing about it was perfect. The logs that made up the walls were tightly laid together, and she had no doubt that it was weather tight, but the logs were cut to different lengths on the end, almost lined up, but not quite. The chimney had a slight lean to it, and the door and windows were not even close to centered on the buildings front. It had been made by eye, she could tell, and it was lovely.

She wanted to ask if he’d made it himself, but she felt as if she might be disappointed to learn if it hadn’t been. She was already imagining him, maybe a year or two younger, without a shirt and hauling the heavy supplies across the clearing himself.

She supposed his family must have helped. That’s what families did, or at least that was true to her memory of what having a full family was like. It was fuzzy around the edges, even with her parents death not having been long ago, because Elsa hadn’t really been part of the family since she was quite small.

When they made it to the front door, he opened it for her and helped her take the step up into the interior which was lit warmly by sunlight through the two windows that had been visible to her on the front of the building as well as another slightly larger one on the back. Small dust motes danced like fireflies in the light, and she realized rather quickly that it was a home of practicality rather than fashion. The main room was, less of a room and more a space. She saw a stove, a small fireplace, a table with a single chair, a chest, and a cot in the space with little else.

“It’s not fancy,” he reiterated, stepping into his home behind her, “Nothing like what you’re used to, but it’s mine.”

She thought for a moment about what it would be like to live there.

She’d want to hang curtains, maybe polish the stove a bit, and add a rug to the center of the floor, and maybe some hooks on the wall to hang jackets in the winter, but otherwise it was someplace she could, at least, imagine staying for a few nights.

She didn’t really think that she needed much. The amenities of the castle had always been nice, but she thought that she might be able to, perhaps, be happy without them. Running water was, however, one thing that she knew she’d miss if she were ever to live anywhere without it.

“It’s perfect,” she said, and she meant it, because it was his, and that’s all it needed to be.

***

He’d left her with express permission to do all the exploring and digging through his home that she liked. He had nothing to hide from her, and he supposed that it might make her happy to see his home and his things. He was getting to know her home, and while he supposed he wouldn’t be spending much time in his cabin anymore, he thought it only right for her to get to know his too. Her zeal after being given permission was something that surprised him, as if she had wanted to know if she could explore but had been too scared to ask.

I don’t want her to ever be afraid to ask something of me.

Still though, with her joy, there had been some visible sadness when he’d told her that he needed to leave for a short while. Normally he would ride Sven the moderate distance to the valley where his family lived, but instead he left the animal in Anna’s care, or perhaps he left Anna in his care. Sven was, for a very long time, the only living being other than his family that he trusted without a second thought. He was starting, even after such a short time, to put Anna in that category as well, and so he knew that he could trust the animal to keep her company or get her back to the city if need be, just as he also felt comfortable with leaving her to keep the creature from running off or getting tangled up in anything he shouldn’t.

She already seemed to like him, he’d noticed the way she’d scratched his head gently before they’d left in the morning, and somehow a small pile of carrots had appeared in the wagon while they were on the road. It may have been bribery on her part, though it was unnecessary. Sven in his own way, had already shown that he liked her too. It was another reason why he thought that being married to Anna might be something he would not only be able to bear, but to enjoy. Sven was an excellent judge of character.

When he reached the valley it appeared empty, void of everything but the occasional mushroom, tuft of grass, and bit of moss growing on the oddly placed stones in the space. He knew better of course, but to the untrained, unknowing eye, who probably couldn’t find the valley in the first place, it would just be another stretch of the mountain to pass through.

“I’m home,” he called.

He could feel the love in the space as a few stones slowly unsettled themselves from the dirt and rolled toward the shaded area of tree line he’d just emerged from. The mossy stones were large but didn’t come up much higher than his knee as he walked back into the shade to where they’d settled.

“I’m sorry to wake you, but I have something I need to tell you.”

The rocks rocked a bit, then popped apart into small humanoid figures. The one he called his mother gave him a sleepy smile as the one he called his father yawned, and the one he called his grandfather looked on expectantly. Grand Pabbie was always the first to have his wits about him when he woke, being the oldest and least effected by the exhausting light of the sun.

“It must be urgent,” the old troll said, already reaching out to grasp Kristoff’s hand in support, his brow scrunched as he tried to determine what was going on.

The two trolls that he called his parents came to shortly after, reaching for him and clasping his larger hand in between their smaller ones.

“I wanted to come and tell you yesterday, or before I even left but… I’m married.”

“Married?”

His father looked skeptical, as if he were about to start checking him for head trauma. Then rubbed his eyes with his unoccupied hand.

“Married like wed? To another human?”

His wife, Kristoff’s mother, bumped the troll with a look of cut-it-out-right-now-or-so-help-me on her face, then turned to give Kristoff a radiant smile.

“It doesn’t matter if she’s human or not… or if he is… or if it is. Our baby is in love! When do we get to meet… uh… your spouse?”

Kristoff flushed and it had nothing to do with the warm afternoon air.

“I’m not in love… or at least I’m not… I think I could be but we’re… We’re just married…” He found it much more difficult to explain than he could have imagined on his walk over, and so he just settled for the most basic information he could manage, “She’s human. Her name is Anna. Actually, well… Princess Anna.”

“Oh God,” his father said, “He’s kidnapped a Princess. I told you that we needed to stop pressuring him into finding someone Bulda. We’re going to have to move the valley, raise the protection crystals, explain kidnapping to the kids...”

The elder troll gave the other two an exhausted look, and then shook his head as he and Kristoff watched the two begin bickering. It was a loving sort of argument, but a boisterous one nevertheless.

“Princess Anna…” Grand Pabbie said thoughtfully, “The daughter of Agnarr and Iduna, yes? Is she the one with ice powers? I’m old and I can’t quite recall which one had which name. Elsa was one and Anna the other as I recall. One should be Queen by now I suppose. I know King Agnarr and his wife have passed.”

Kristoff shot the old troll a confused look. Of course, the trolls knew some of the goings on in the kingdom below and surrounding their valley, but Kristoff wasn’t aware that he knew of the girls beyond anything he’d mentioned. In the time before the last three days, he’d rarely if ever mentioned much about the human world below to his family, assuming that they wouldn’t be interested.

“I’m sorry Pabbie, I don’t understand… Ice powers? You mean those rumors about the Queen…”

Pabbie gave Kristoff an uncharacteristically wry smile.

“You have trolls for family, and you thought people telling you that the Queen of Arendelle had the ability to control ice was too wild a tale to be true?”

He would have laughed at himself were he not so confused.

“They say she froze the land, but I never noticed anything. My cabin wasn’t struck by an ice storm and while I didn’t leave home often when they say the event occurred, I’m sure I would have noticed the drop in temperature, or my clearing being covered in snow.”

“You wouldn’t have noticed a thing unless you left our area of protection and your cabin is well within it,” the old troll answered, “I forget sometimes that while you’re our kin, you’re not of our blood. You couldn’t feel the surge of magic when it occurred, or when it ended. I imagine an act of sacrifice, or perhaps one of true love. I lack the details. But you say you married the Princess then? So not the one with the ice powers, the one with the red hair. A strange thing that is given your history.”

“You don’t mean?”

His mother was the one who asked, done bickering with his father. She released his hand to cross the space to where her father, Grand Pabbie, was nodding sagely.

“I do. I doubt he recalls as we do Bulda, but there’s fate at work here.”

“Fate?”

Kristoff felt, not for the first time amid his adopted family, utterly confused. They often spoke cryptically, jumped to conclusions, or otherwise reacted to things in ways that befuddled him. They were kind, loving creatures, but he knew that in some ways they would never understand each other as completely as they loved each other.

“Kristoff,” his father asked, “How much do you recall of the day you became our son? And your wife… Anna… does she have red hair with a streak of white in it?”

Nothing can ever be simple, can it?

***

When Kristoff returned it was well into the afternoon. Anna had managed to not only fully make her way through the features and belongings of his home, but also of the stable and storage space. She’d taken in the neat rows of his small garden, and picked wildflowers from the clearing around his home, accompanied by the loose reindeer. She’d made them into a crown which sat delicately on the beast’s head, well designed to account for his antlers.

She’d seen little that surprised her amongst his things. Clothes, tools, a ledger of his business expenses and earnings, some miscellaneous personal affects like soap and linens and various things she’d never found interesting until it was his. His little home was neat, and tidy, and while a bit dusty in some places, overwhelmingly clean. She thought perhaps, from the variety of things she found of his, the worn but well cared for tools and the simple but clean stove with few pans, that he took pride in his simple life. It was reinforced by what she knew of him.

The standout in his things had been in the bottom of the chest that held his clothes. Amongst shirts and trousers and vests and winter things, she’d found three small but lovely crystals. One was blue, one was yellow, and one, which she thought for half a moment had glowed at her touch, was pink. She’d run her fingers over their facets, noted their clarity, and had then settled them gently back in with the rest of his things. She had plenty of jewels of her own, but nothing so simple and lovely. She wasn’t certain as to why they sat in the bottom of the chest, and while she thought that she might sometime ask him, she still felt nervous about the fact that she’d snooped at all, even with his permission.

She’d been feeding Sven carrots when he arrived, looking almost harried in a way she was unused to seeing him as he quickly broke through the tree line and walked towards her. She couldn’t help recoiling a bit from him in surprise when he walked up to her and with speed and little tact, lifted one of her braids from her shoulders and studied it.

She dropped the carrot she’d been holding, and the reindeer huffed as his owner held, not tightly, onto her hair and held it up a bit to the sun.

“Where did you get this?”

It took her a moment to understand. So much time away from people who didn’t know her had lead her to sometimes forget that having a shock of white hair mingled with the rest was something that was uncommon. It stood out rather well from her red hair, and while she’d often forgotten about it when styling her own hair, she supposed that they had intentionally hidden it as well as they could for the wedding. She probably shouldn’t have been surprised that it would have taken her hair being styled down for him to take notice of it.

She was just surprised to see him so interested in it while being so agitated. It almost scared her for a moment until she caught sight of a gleam in his eye. There was interest there, and nothing malicious in the least. She thought that she might be able to refuse telling him and that he would drop it, but there was no reason for it.

She wasn’t vain, and he may as well think that she was silly.

Everyone else always has.

“I think I was born with it. I don’t remember it ever not being there. Though once, when I was young, I  dreamt it appeared because I was kissed by a troll.”

Kristoff ran his fingers over it gently then. She saw him look almost adoring as he did so, her eyes glancing between the soft curve of a smile on his lips, and the stroking of his fingers against her braid. He set it carefully, almost reverently, back on her shoulder before he smiled more solidly and reached down to take her hand in his.

She let his fingers lace through his and felt her heart race a bit as he moved even closer to her and  loosened his grip on her hand to rub his thumb in slow circled over her palm.

“Anna.”

His face inches from hers so all she could see were his eyes, his lips. He was suddenly her whole world.  

“Yes?”

Her response was barely louder than a breath. She might not have believed that she said it at all if it weren’t for the way his smile broadened. He made a sound like a soft chuckle, but seemed almost as breathless as her, when he whispered.

“Do you believe in fate?”

I want to.

“I… I don’t understand.”

He gave her an understanding look, and then took a half step away from her, still holding her hand, beckoning her to follow him back towards the forest he’d exited moments before.

“I don’t think I could explain it… But Anna… Would you stay here with me a night if it meant meeting my family? They have something to tell you.”

She knew that she should be worried, that warning bells should be going off in her head. She wondered if her parents were rolling in their graves, screaming stranger danger. She wondered if she had been crazy to trust him and follow him into the middle of nowhere.

He won’t hurt me.

You thought that once before.

Her thoughts were warring again, but her feet were following him.

Trust him.

When you trusted before you almost died.

She could feel the ice in her blood, in her chest, but she could also feel the heat of his hand, the slow circles he was still drawing, almost absent mindedly. She didn’t let the cold overtake her, the memory of someone putting out fires and laughing at her foolishness put aside until there was only this moment, there was only Kristoff.

Trust.

So she did.

“We’ll have to send word to the castle somehow, if we plan to stay longer than dark… I don’t want my sister to be worried about me, but I… I would like to meet your family. Yes.”

His grin was the brightest she’d ever seen alight his face. His brown eyes practically glowed with the afternoon light and the warmth of his expression settled on her like a blanket on a cold day.

Kristoff. My husband.

She followed him to the forest edge, leaving behind the clearing and entering the shaded wilds knowing that he would carry her through.

#kristannaadvent2020 #A Convenient Arrangement #kristanna #frozen fanfiction #arranged marriage au #I'll proofread this someday #Maybe #We sure will see

[prurientpuddlejumper]

A New Arrangement [Part 5/9]

<- Part 4 | Part 6 ->

Summary: There is nothing unprofessional about your entirely professional relationship with Frederick Chilton.

1,100 words

“Ooooh, got a hot date today?” Roxy wagged her eyebrows suggestively.

“What are you talking about?”

”You always look super cute on days you see,” she silently mouthed mask guy, and punctuated it with another brow pump for good measure.

“Oh my god,” you waved her away, “It is so not like that!”

She laughed impishly, slapping her desk. “You just turned so red! You’re totally into him!”

“I am not! Do not go telling everybody that!”

“What?” she stopped giggling and batted her lashes at you innocently. “So he’s a hermit. He’s super rich. Go for it babe, live the dream.”

Your eye twitched, and she started laughing hysterically again.

You were not attracted to Frederick Chilton. How could you be attracted to someone you’d never even seen? There was a headshot of the sleeve of his book, but it was impossible for your imagination to imbue that staged black-and-white photo with life, or apply it to the man in front of you. He was just a voice behind a mask.

That voice, though.

It was so soft, like the velvety chestnut fluff of a teddy bear. You felt caress over your skin rather than heard it. And it was so carefully spoken, his grammar as unnaturally formal as the cover letter of your first resume out of college—nerves jittery at the prospect of being rejected yet eager to show off your education.

Sometimes his vowels would stretch out like a cat, yawning and flexing its round toes, giving his words an air of drama. This happened especially when he was being smug or petty. You first noticed it while discussing his desire to have a hall named after him at the university his old rival worked at.

“He dumped me for a man he claimed was ‘going places.’ Now he teaches,” he said, stretching the word. “I would like him to give his little lectures in Chilton Hall. That should really piss him off.”

You joined him in wringing your fingers with spiteful glee as you did your best to make it happen—you couldn’t imagine what idiot would dump him. Actually, scratch that, you could. The way he flaunted his money, his massive ego, his penchant for the dramatic… it was all rather douchey. But douchey in a charming way that charmed you. Maybe because you saw that the puffed-up ego was just a defense mechanism. A small lizard displaying a large frill around its neck to startle predators. Behind the bluster was a sweet, scared man you would never tire of spending time with. 

Not that you were attracted to him. 

You weren’t, you groaned to yourself, head on your desk as the last hours of Friday ticked by. Getting someone’s name on a college building was not easy, or cheap, and did not exactly fall within the standard purview of end-of-life-planning. At all. You were exhausted.

“Karaoke tonight?” a message pinged on your screen from Roxy.

“Yessssss,” you eagerly typed back. “Get me out of here.”

Having plans only made the rest of the day crawl even slower. Your focus wandered. You imagined Dr. Chilton just-so-happening to be at the same bar and hearing you belt out a love ballad that would make him blush behind the mask.

But you knew you wouldn’t see him until your scheduled appointment next Tuesday.

How could you be attracted to someone who never left his house? If he walked into the bar dressed up like the phantom of the goddamn opera, everyone would stare. Then again, like he said, people would stare no matter what he was wearing.

How bad could his injuries possibly be? You googled “severe burn” and quickly closed the browser. Bad. The answer was: pretty bad. Not as bad as they could be, though. He had functioning eyelids that you could see behind the mask, which meant he was fortunate they were not fused together like melted candle wax.

You cleared your search history for the third time that day. Your manager did not need to think you were obsessed with a client. You were not obsessed. He was just… fascinating.

Karaoke was a distraction, but all the noise and crowds and drinks couldn’t get your mind off him. Four days felt like an eternity. He would be alone that whole time. Unless he has more physical therapy, you thought angrily. Why were you angry? You weren’t! It didn’t help that Roxy kept teasing you, prying about eccentric mannerisms you regretted ever telling her about. 

She wasn’t wrong. He was weird. You couldn’t like someone that weird. Mask aside, you would think he’d wear something more comfortable than a suit in his own home, but he obsessively needed to maintain his image. His status. He couldn’t be seen without his mask on: literal and figurative.

Frankly, he looked ridiculous.

Though, anyone would have to admit, it was also rather sexy. Crisp pressed slacks, a stylish shirt and tie, and an audacious mask. Stretched out on a leather couch. It was like some millionaire anonymous sex thing, and it sent the occasional shiver down your spine toward… regions you would not discuss.

You shoved the thought down.

It wasn’t as though he felt the same way toward you anyway. He’d made his disinterest abundantly clear, and trying to seduce him would be callous to his recovery. Being burned had left him physically weak, frequently exhausted, and devastatingly shy. Sex was the last thing on his mind. It was a miracle that was willing to touch you at all.

He could touch you now. He had touched you. You touched! It happened the session after he invited you to sit next to him so you could more easily share the laptop screen.

As you sat beside each other on the couch, your legs touched, as legs are wont to do in the natural course of sitting. He flinched away the first time, but the cushions were soft, tending to draw you in toward each other where your weight made a deep depression. The second time, he left it there, the warm steady pressure of your legs pressed together raising goosebumps that were thankfully hidden under long pants.

The next meeting, he leaned against you to see the screen. Your fingers brushed over the keyboard, and something awoke. A sleeping tiger.

He needed physical contact like he needed air to breathe. He attempted to be discreet about it, but you could tell he was always sitting as close to you as possible, touching you “accidentally” as you passed the laptop for him to sign a document.

He was so skittish. So careful with every touch, growing bolder little by little only as you reciprocated, sighing as his shoulder grazed yours, leaning into it. Then his hand, casually falling onto the couch cushion between you, next to where your hand rested. A pinkie extending. Yours extending back.

The couch was more comfortable than the office chairs, but sitting for any length of time was still challenging. One day, he seemed particularly weary and was starting to zone out.

“You can lay down if you need to. We can do it like this,” you indicated for him to put his legs over your lap, so you could both still see the computer. He did. Your hand rested on his knee, and he didn’t flinch or brush it away.

Next time, it was his head that was in your lap. 

The filling out of forms and projecting of expenses turned more and more into cuddle sessions. You learned with a thrill of pleasure how solid his chest was, how broad were the arms always hidden under stiff sleeves.

There was nothing unprofessional about it. He got tired easily. It was perfectly natural that you should be comfortable relaxing together. It was easier for both of you.

There was nothing unprofessional about it.

It wasn’t as though he liked you. He was just a little touch-starved, and some friendly cuddling was healthy. You didn’t like him either. Maybe your heart raced a little when he was near, but who wouldn’t be nervous around a weird mask-guy? And if you looked forward to your meetings all week, you were just attached to him as a client.

You were attached to him as a client.

The reason you could do your job, so steeped in death, and still sleep at night was because you didn’t bond with people easily. You weren’t cold—you were kind to clients, sympathized with them, and wanted to help them—but you didn’t think about them after clocking out. This was different.

As your last appointment rapidly approached, you were never in your life more certain of how much you were going to miss somebody.

#frederick chilton #Frederick Chilton x reader #raul esparza #hannibal #my writing

[i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle]

Chapter 17: The Royal Ball, Part 5 - The M.I.L.F. Club

Twilight returns to the table with most of her Canterlot friends, still without Moondancer as she’s probably going to be spending the rest of the night with her special somepony, Prince Theandri the 2nd. The ponies at the table notice Twilight has tears in her eyes, but also see she’s smiling.

Minuette: Welcome back, Twilight! You look like you might be in a mix of emotions, what went on over there?

Twilight: Nothing but liquid pride, Minuette. I am so proud of Moondancer right now…

Twinkleshine: So… what did they want to speak to you privately about? Moondancer did say you could tell us what it was, when you returned.

Twilight: Admittedly it was strange they even did that, but what basically happened was Moondancer confessed her feelings. Not for the Prince... since that was already known when he was at our table, but for me. It turns out Moondancer held a secret crush on me.

Lemon Hearts: I KNEW IT!

Lyra: Wha..? Lemon, you knew about this?

The rest of the group including Twilight also surprised that somepony else had known

Lemon Hearts: My name isn’t Lemon Hearts for nothing!

Twinkleshine: Heh, I thought it just meant that you loved lemons.

Lemon Hearts: Well that’s still true of course! 

But I always had that strange feeling that Moondancer wouldn’t have considered her courtyard party a bust and then become a house hermit, if she only wanted to see Twilight again platonically.

Lyra: I guess in hindsight that makes sense. If I had invited you all to a party, there’s really only one pony here that I would be upset if they didn’t go without saying why, and that’s Bon Bon. I’d understand if you all suddenly had other plans, but I’d want to know why my Bonny couldn’t make it.

Bon Bon: I would never abandon a party you hosted without telling you why, I promise.

Bon Bon gives Lyra a smooch, d’awww’s coming from the rest of the table.

Twilight: Does make me wish I was able to get telltale signs of romantic feelings easier. But I couldn’t quite help it, when I wasn’t even exactly into friendship back then either. It would of helped to have that even a little earlier, so I could of told the Prince I wasn’t interested, as I ended up just egging him on and probably added to his frustration on our “date”.

Twinkleshine: How did that confession go? And did Moondancer actually confess to you IN FRONT of her current date?

Twilight: She did, but that was actually what the Prince wanted her to do. He wanted to make sure she wasn’t betraying her true feelings, and if hypothetically I had decided I’d be open to give a relationship with Moondancer a try. Give her the decision to choose between us.

Lyra: Dang, he helped set that up... Even if that could of meant losing another chance at a special somepony?

Minuette: The Prince really is a nice guy!

Twilight: He sure is, he even said again in the hypothetical situation where me and Moondancer started a relationship here instead. He’d fully support us, Moondancer’s story really moved him to that point. But luckily for him I suppose, I never really felt the same way about Moondancer back then and I don’t really do so now either. The act of kindness he showed though makes me even happier Moondancer is ending up with him.

Lemon Hearts: Yeah, good for Moondancer. She absolutely has a keeper.

Twilight: Anyhow, thanks for the good, long chat all of you. I think I’m going to see my family’s table. Where my parents, my brother, Princess Cadence, and my niece Flurry Heart are.

Twinkleshine: No problem, Twilight. Always a nice time talking with ya.

Minuette: Seeya, Twilight!

Twilight and most of her old Canterlot friends wave off to eachother. And heads off to join her family, most of the rest of the Elements are also with their families tables while Twilight was with her Canterlot friends. Rainbow Dash for perhaps for the first time in a while had a nice chat with her parents, Rarity talked about gossip with her mother, Fluttershy sitting down with her parents and brother, and Pinkie had jokes aplenty to tell her sisters and parents. Spike’s immediate family is only Twilight, but he’s spending time with friends like Thorax, Ember, and Gabby. He’s just as much a part of Twilight’s family and would gladly join the table Twilight’s heading to, but he also wants some of his own individual time at the ball for himself.

As Twilight approaches her family’s table, it’s Flurry Heart who first notices she’s approaching.

Flurry Heart: Auntwi! Auntwi!

Princess Cadence: Yes that is Auntie Twilight, isn’t it Flurry! Hello Twilight!

Shining Armor: Hi Twily!

Velvet: Good to see you, at this lovely ball.

Night Light: Thank you so much for inviting us, we’re loving it here.

Twilight: Good to see you’re all enjoying the ball. I’ve been having a pretty great time myself.

On stage, the same Palace staffer from before comes up on stage

Velvet: Oh! Looks like you got here just in time for the next performance announcement.

Twilight: Sweet! I wonder who’s coming up next.

The crowd quiets down as the Palace Staffer reaches the mic in the middle of the stage.

Palace Staffer: Thank you all for remaining a wonderful audience, we are very proud to announce that our next performer is none other then the world renowned singer, Coloratura!

Big cheers are heard upon hearing Coloratura’s name, she’s super popular in Equestria of course. But even as far as Saddle Arabia her music seems to have touched many a heart. Particularly loud cheers coming from a certain apple farmer.

Applejack: WHOO! Let’s go, Rara!

Back at Twilight’s family table, they express excitement for this as well.

Velvet: Oh my gosh, I love Coloratura’s music. This is going to be awesome. I have all her records! Even... the ones that Coloratura has made public that she’s not proud of. She had a terrible manager during the release of those records, but she did have some pretty catchy tunes when she went by The Countess…

Twilight: Yeah, this should be pretty great

Some large palace guards move a huge piano onto the stage. In most cases, the Piano being brought out usually meant a particularly popular song was going to be performed.

Velvet: OOOOOH, Looks like she’s going to do The Magic Inside! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH

((Story continues after the break))

Coloratura walks out on stage as the whole audience claps. And she begins playing.

((The Magic Inside))

Rara: I’m here to show you who I aaaaam…

Throw off the veil, it’s finally tiiiiiiimmmeeeeee…

There’s more to me then glitz and glam… oh whoa…

And now I feel my stars aliiiiggggggnnnnnnnn…

For I had believed what I was sold

I did all the things that I was told

But all that has changed, and now I’m bold

‘Cause I knooooooooooow

That I am just a pony!

I make mistakes from time to time!

But now I know, the real me!

And put my heart out on the liiiine!

And let the magic in my heart stay true-oo-ooo

Whoa-whoaaa-a-whoa-whoa!

And let the magic in my heart stay true-oo-ooo

Whoa-whoaaa-a-whoa-whoa!

Just like the magic inside of you

And now I see those colors!

Right before my eyyyyes!

I hear my voice so clearly!

And I know that it is riiiiiiight!

They thought I was weak, but I am strong!

They sold me the world, but they were wrong!

And now that I’m back, I still belong!

‘Cause I knooooooooooow

That I am just a pony!

I make mistakes from time to time!

But now I know, the real me!

And put my heart out on the liiiine!

And let the magic in my heart stay true-oo-ooo

Whoa-whoaaa-a-whoa-whoa!

And let the magic in my heart stay true-oo-ooo

Whoa-whoaaa-a-whoa-whoa!

Just like the magic inside of yooooooou-oo-ooo

Just like the magic inside of yoooooooooooooooou

Coloratura’s performance is over and loud cheers and applause heard throughout the entire ballroom. She steps out and takes her bows after another well-received performance before she speaks to the crowd.

Rara: Thank you, thank you! It’s alway nice to perform for an audience whether they’ve been to a show before or this is the first time you ever listened to my voice. I’d like to thank the Royal Family of Saddle Arabia and Princess Twilight for setting up this absolutely fantastic ball. Though most of all I want to thank my dear childhood friend, Applejack for personally inviting me here. I owe her a deep gratitude for many things lately, so please give a round of applause for Applejack!

A spotlight shines on the table Applejack’ sitting and applause is done for the well-known apple farmer. Applejack sheepishly grins, blushes, and puts a hoof behind her head. 

Applejack: Aw shucks, it was nothing. She’s the famous musician, Ah just invited her…

Coloratura walks off stage and following up is the Palace Staffer.

Palace Staffer: Thank you so much for a wonderful performance, Coloratura. Absolutely lovely, we’re once again in another intermission before we go the next one. There are now only 2 performances left before we soon move on to opening up the dance floor below everyone’s hooves or feet to end the night.

Back at Twi’s family’s table, Twilight herself is clapping while her eyes are closed happily for Coloratura.

Twilight: Now that was indeed a fantastic performance, huh Mom?

Twilight realizes Twilight’s mom isn’t even at the table. In fact, Cadence is gone too. Though Shining Armor, Flurry Heart (Now on Shining Armor’s back), and Night Light are left at the table

Twilight: Shining, where did Cadence and our Mom go?

Shining: They went off on their own to another table, I think Cadence recently joined some sort of club that our mother is also in. And they decided that after the 3rd performance they’d move to have said meeting somewhere here

Twilight: Hm, I guess I’ll see what this club is myself. I’ll see you later, Dad and Shining!

Night Light: Bye, Twilight!

Her father and brother wave off to Twilight as she heads off looking for her mother and Cadence’s table. Though as it turned out, many of the Moms of Equestria coincidentally went off right after Rara’s performance finished. Windy Whistles, Cookie Crumbles, Posey Shy, Cloudy Quartz, Twilight Velvet, Princess Cadence, Stellar Flare, and Mrs. Cake. All of them told their husbands they planned on doing this, or in the case of Stellar she just went herself since her husband is still far away.

Soon though, Twilight finds them all at one large-sized table off on their own. Twilight approaches the table, and her mother is the first to notice.

Velvet: Oh hey Twilight! I’m happy to see you here! You’re just in time for Cadence’s first meeting with our little club!

Twilight: About this club, what exactly is this?

Windy: We’ll give you a guess, what do we all have in common… besides the obvious that we’re all mares.

Twilight ponders for a moment looking at the ponies at the table. And it becomes increasingly obvious with each member.

Twilight: You’re… all mothers?

Windy: CORRECT! Princess Twilight, and daughter of our very own co-founding member Twilight Velvet… you are looking at the M.I.L.F. club!

Twilight: …M.I.L.F. club? Should I even ask what that means?

Windy: Gosh! Why does everypony assume it’s something questionable whenever we mention our club’s acronym?! M.I.L.F. stands for Mothers In Loving Families!

Twilight: OOOOOOOOOH, okay… though how did this club even get started.

Velvet: Me and Windy Whistles are the founding members. We first met on another of my barrel riding and bungee-jumping escapades! And when things settled down, I Iearned Windy was Rainbow Dash’s mother.

Windy: And I in turn learned Velvet was your mother!

Velvet: So we thought of possibly rounding up the rest of the Elements of Harmony’s mothers that are still around and some of a few friends of yours as well. That’s why Stellar Flare, Mrs. Cake, and our newest member Princess Cadence are here too.

Cadence: Thank you all for letting me join! I’m not sure if I can be there for every meeting with an entire empire to run, but I’m more then happy to be a member.

Twilight: Not that isn’t cool that you’re all meeting each other, but what exactly does this club do?

Velvet: Simple! We just gather around, talking about what happened with our families lately. Maybe a little gossip, and sometimes even have field trips to stuff like zoos, bowling alleys, and more! I’d get more then Windy to also join me on some of the escapades I get into if I could, buuuuut I understand the others aren’t quite adrenaline junkies *grins sheepishly*

Twilight: That sounds great, but this doesn’t sound much different from just being friends.

Windy: Let’s be honest, most clubs are basically a group of friends hanging out. There’s not really much of a huge difference other then clubs perhaps being more narrow in it’s scope on what we do. But really, we just wanted to have a fun thing to ourselves.

Velvet: Besides, some of our husbands sort of have their own club together, though they deny it. And that’s when a big sports game is happening! Some of us are also into sports like me, Windy, and Cookie

Cookie Crumbs: I even married a former hoofball star!

Velvet: But we want to be fair to every member if they’re not so much into the big game, and can make some of them feel a little less left out. Besides, with enough scope... maybe our club will kind of find a purpose other then simply being a group of friends who also happens to be moms like… maybe… hm… I’m trying to think what our group could accomplish… but I can’t quite put my hoof on it…

Twilight decides to try to think and help out her mom, and comes up with an idea.

Twilight: Well... what if you used your club to the full extent of the Loving Families part of your acronym. Promote good parenting, list the do and do nots for young mares looking to become mothers, tell your stories of what it was like to raise me and my friends… though try not to share foal pictures too often…

The whole table giggles madly at that last sentence.

Velvet: Regarding our many, many combined albums of our kids’ foal pictures. We make no promises… *winks*

Twilight: Oh no…

Windy: But you are right! That is something we could end up doing as our club gets older and reaches out more.

Stellar Flare: That does sound like a good plan for the future.

Posey Shy: Sounds wonderful!

Cloudy Quartz: I’m not sure everypony’s going to take much from my experiences raising a family on a Rock Farm as it’s... an acquired taste of a lifestyle. But I’d be more then welcome and do my part.

Cookie Crumbles: I’d absolutely love to do what I can

Mrs. Cake: I’ll do my part as well!

Velvet: Yes, thanks for the wonderful idea Twilight. Though you know, this reminds me…

Twilight’s mothers looks smugly at her daughter

Velvet: You’re a mother too, Twilight. How would you like to join us?

Twilight: Huh? Well, I could… but aren’t I kind of unusual? You all gave birth to your children, I hatched Spike out of his egg and only years later I would consider him my son and adopt them, and I’m also a lone parent. That won’t feel… out of place?

Windy: Of course not! An adopted mother is still a mother, and so are single mothers.

Velvet: And at least some of us personally know how close you are with Spike. You very much embody what we’re looking for, you have a loving family even if it’s just you and Spike.

Twilight smiles as she looks around at all the mothers on the table eagerly wanting her to join.

Twilight: Ok, I’ll join. Is there some kind of initiation thing?

Windy: Weelllll… we do have an oath of membership. Albeit it’s just kind of a silly semi-professional thing we tried out, and nothing that necessarily needs to be said for us to consider you a member.

Twilight: I’ll still say it, if this is going to be a longstanding club. We should absolutely have some official wording and rules when including members. So please, let me take the Oath.

The mothers huddle all together and whisper

Cookie: So… who’s going to hold the initiation book

Windy: I think it’s only appropriate that Velvet takes this one. Twilight is her daughter after all.

Velvet: Yes, I’d be more then happy to do it!

They’re out of the huddle and finally Twilight’s mother faces her daughter, levitates a book.

Velvet: Please put one front hoof on the cover of this book, and with the other keep it raised next to your head. And repeat after me… I solemnly swear…

Twilight: I solemnly swear…

Velvet: That I have and will continue to …

Twilight: That I have and will continue to…

Velvet: Raise and support my children through thick and thin…

Twilight: Raise and support my children through thick and thin…

Velvet: Maintain a happy home to the benefit of myself and my children…

Twilight: Maintain a happy home to the benefit of myself and my children…

Velvet: And will to the best of my ability…

Twilight: And will to the best of my ability…

Velvet: Love, support and defend my loving family.

Twilight: Love, support, and defend my loving family

Velvet: I promise I will help prepare them for the future, that they so choose.

Twilight: I promise I will help prepare them for the future, that they so choose.

Velvet: To motherhood!

Twilight: To motherhood!

The initiation is over, and the entire rest of the table claps for Twilight. Who is now an official member of the Mothers In Lovely Families.

Stellar Flare: Very nice! That’s two royals in a row, they’re even going to be the only remaining active Princesses come next year.

Windy Whistles gets a jokingly sinister face

Windy: Yesssssss… mua ha ha ha ha! Our club now penetrates the highest levels of office, we’re like a… secret society or cabal who’s ultimate goal is… 

Then she suddenly goes all cheery again

Windy: Raising happy families!

The entire club at the table laughs

Windy: But in all seriousness, welcome to the M.I.L.F. club Twilight, we’re glad you decided to join us. Come on everymother, let’s give our newest member a big, group hug!

They all rise out of the chairs and surround Twilight with one big hug. Twilight smiling getting some love from her mother along with many of her friends own loving mothers.

Twilight: I suppose while I’m a member now, I can point you all to another good choice for you to recruit that I just met at this ball.

Velvet: Oh? Who is it?

Twilight: Trixie’s mother, Dandy Lion! I met her after Trixie’s show ended, she’s an absolutely peppy mother that Trixie herself loves very much. She’d be perfect for the club. I suppose there’s also Sultana Elona, but I imagine there’s a reason you haven’t got her down here right now.

Windy: Yeah, we tried to access the Sultana but they have guards to the halls towards the balcony where she’s sitting and might be awkward asking a royal to come down. Maybe one day we’ll see if we can get the Sultana to join us. That just isn’t going to be today, but we’ll more then happy to have both you and Trixie’s mom added to our ranks! Do you think you could get Trixie’s mom over here yourself?

Twilight: Sure thing!

Twilight sits up and starts on heading to Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst’s table. Dandy Lion has been there the entire time getting to know Trixie’s friends and proving to them without a doubt that Trixie’s description of a cheery, supportive mother was accurate.

Twilight: Hey there!

Starlight: Oh hey Twilight, what brings you back to our table?

Twilight: Is it ok if I bring Trixie’s mom elsewhere for a little bit?

Trixie: Depends, where exactly are you taking her to and why?

Twilight: There’s a club of mothers of Equestria that includes my mother, and many of the other mothers of my friends. Including yours, Sunburst.

Sunburst: Ahhh right, the M.I.L.F. club. I recall my mother mentioning it to me.

Dandy: M.I.L.F. club… this isn’t some weird club that will want me to do provocative things will it?

Twilight: Don’t worry, Dandy. The acronym stands for Mothers In Lovely Families.

Starlight lowers her head and she looks away from the table and whispers to herself.

Starlight: In that acronym, is two things I don’t have right now…

Twilight: Did you say something, Starlight?

Starlight: No no no no, it’s nothing Twilight. Go ahead and go along with Trixie’s mom to that club’s table. Ahehheheh... (I will be seeing you tomorrow though, to help me out with this…)

Dandy: Alright, I’ll go! I’ll be back soon Trixie, dear!

Trixie: Ok mom! Seeya back soon!

Starlight watches Twilight lead Trixie’s mom to a table where other Moms are seated. She didn’t want to admit it, but even though she plans to get the situation with her Mom solved as soon as tomorrow, she still couldn’t help but feel a little envious of the members of the M.I.L.F. club and their children. Even if it turns out her Mom is around, and there was actually some misunderstanding of why she’s been gone for so long, and they have some happy reunion. She wouldn’t have had her mother for her entire childhood like most of the Elements of Harmony and Trixie have. She can’t redo her entire childhood, even if she does find her mother.

So as she watches the club’s table, and already she can see Trixie’s mom is laughing and probably already being set up to join this club. She just sighs and tries to look away, though suddenly she catches the sight of somepony who might at least be feeling similarly. She sees Applejack is on her lonesome, perhaps Big Mac and Sugar Belle left to have a little bit of a honeymoon by themselves at a different table. She too is looking at the club of mother’s table with a rather sad face. Starlight decides that maybe talking with a friend that feels similarly, even if not for the exact same reasons, since Applejack’s mother is known to be deceased.

Starlight: Sunburst and Trixie, I’m going to see Applejack for a little bit if that’s ok.

Sunburst: Sure, no problem Starlight.

Starlight walks on over and sits next to Applejack. Applejack still kind of staring at the M.I.L.F. club’s table doesn’t make her realize it until Starlight speaks up.

Starlight: Hey uh… Applejack…

Applejack yelps a bit in surprise

Applejack: Oh! Uh… Howdy… Starlight… Whatcha want from me?

Starlight: You feeling kind of left out, as the only one out of the elements that can’t have a mom over there?

Applejack: *sigh* ….Yeah, mah face made that pretty obvious didn’t it.

Starlight: I came over here… because I actually feel somewhat similar.

Applejack: Oh, is ya mother… deceased as well? Ah’ve never heard ah thing about her, come t’ think o’ it…

Starlight: I… actually don’t know… she disappeared 2 weeks after I was born. And there’s been no real hints or clues to where she is now. There is at least still a possibility she’s still around, but even if she is. I would of never had her around for my childhood like all the other mothers over there had been or at least will be.

Applejack: Oh gosh, Starlight. Ah’m so sorry t’ hear that… wait, ya’ll still have ya father right? Why hasn’t he told ya?

Starlight: To add to my frustration he refuses to tell me who she was. He finds every excuse in the book to get out of telling my mother’s name...

This makes Applejack angry.

Applejack: How dare ya father do that t’ you! He’s failing one o’ the most basic things ah good parent should be doing… Ah ought t’ go over t’ his table and buck him in the face right now…

Starlight: Exactly, that’s how I’ve felt for much of my life towards my father. Though please, don’t harm him. I don’t want my family drama to ruin a night like this.

Applejack: How many other ponies have ya told this t’?

Starlight: I’ve mostly held it secret for a long while. As I’ve had other things to focus on. But now that we’re finally in a place where we can get a bit of a breather. Perhaps it was time to finally take the time to tell more of my complicated past. 2 weeks ago, I told Trixie and Sunburst that I never knew my mother, and I then also told your little sister Apple Bloom and the other 2 Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Applejack: Ya’ll told Apple Bloom about this? That sounds like ah rather heavy subject t’ tell ah filly like her…

Starlight: AJ, you and her parents are dead. Kind of hard for her to avoid heavy subjects. Though I admit I would of spared telling her… If it didn’t turn out that my mom is likely connected to my Cutie Mark in some way.

Applejack: What do ya’ll mean by that?

Starlight: I told them how I got my Cutie Mark, and I knew that their group talent would perhaps help me at least understand things a little more. I could tell you too, but I think if I tell you it’d be better that the rest of the Elements, or at least just Twilight so she can share it with you later. And after the ball, so I don’t end up just dragging you all into hearing about my personal drama, while all of you are just here to have a good time.

Applejack: Gotcha, ah can wait t’ hear the story. But at least tell me what the CMC deduced afterward?

Starlight: Well… I suppose first I should just give the short version for proper context. Basically, I had a magic outburst in the basement of my home that was similar to Twilight’s during her entrance exam after trying a super powerful spell from a spell book only meant for top unicorns. 

Though unlike Twilight, I hadn’t been studying magic for hours upon hours as a filly, I just simply was born with raw power. And the CMC deduced that if I hadn’t worked for my raw power, then I had inherited my magic power from someone in my parents lines. My father’s line is however full of average unicorns, so that unfortunately points to it likely being connected to my missing Mother in some fashion.

Applejack: Oh well ain’t that one heck of ah summary… Starlight, Ah wish ya’ll had told me and mah friends this ah lot sooner. We would o’ absolutely been sympathetic… Ah bet Twilight would gladly do something with her genie magic t’ help ya’ll find ya Mother’s identity.

Starlight: I did actually finally think about that a little while ago, while talking with Sunburst and Trixie here at the ball. And I absolutely plan on getting Twilight to help me but again... I don’t want to force my family drama while she or anypony else here is having a good time. So, I plan to get her help tomorrow. The fact that I’ll have it solved one way or another has helped calm me down on this matter, though at the same time it means the day is moving more slowly. Because now I’m only just less then 24 hours from knowing the answer to a mystery that’s loomed over me my entire life. 

I may need a sleeping spell in order to even get some rest tonight, cause while I don’t know who my mother was. Whoever she is, I’ll get some actual solid answers about myself and the full context of my past.

Applejack: Yeah, that’ll be good. Ah hope ya’ll find ya mother, and ah also hope she’s ah good pony.

Starlight: I’m kinda scared about the latter if she is indeed still out there somewhere, but... Somehow or someway, I’m getting answers tomorrow... And I can’t wait.

Starlight and Applejack look on over to the M.I.L.F. club table one more time. Trixie’s mother by this point already having taken the same oath and received the same group hug Twilight received when she joined. Starlight looks over at Applejack, and proceeds to ask her a question.

Starlight: Applejack, what was your mother like?

Applejack just looks over to Starlight, tears welling up but also smiling

Applejack: Mah mother was the sweetest pony in all o’ Equestria…

Applejack would proceed to tell Starlight some stories about her childhood back when her mom Pear Butter was still alive to Starlight. If nothing else, being some of the few ponies there that couldn’t have their mom around for one reason or another. Starlight and Applejack gain a stronger appreciation between eachother, as they bond over similar circumstances.

UP NEXT: Chapter 18: The Royal Ball, Part 6 - Sweetie Belle’s Performance

#Secrets Of The Dragon's Tear #Minuette #Twilight Sparkle #Genie #Twinkleshine #Lemon Hearts #Lyra Heartstrings #Lyra #Bon Bon #Flurry Heart #Princess Cadence #Shining Armor #Twilight Velvet #Night Light #Coloratura #Rara #Windy Whistles #Cookie Crumbles #Stellar Flare #Posey Shy #Cloudy Quartz #Mrs. Cake #Starlight Glimmer #Trixie #The Great and Powerful Trixie #Dandy Lion #Sunburst #Applejack

[mychemicalficrecs]

hey i love your blog!!!! do you have any frank/gerard fake relationship fics? where they have to pretend to be dating for some reason and then end up falling for eachother. thanks!

Thank you!

That’s such a classic trope and somehow I never made a list for it... Rectifying that now :D

Frank/Gerard Fake Dating

50 bucks buys a lot by mizubyte, 1k, Mature. Gerard kind of has a depressing hermit life at school, but makes up all kinds of awesome lies when he's talking to Mikey. Mikey calls bullshit and pulls a surprise visit to Gerard's dorm, giving him about 15 minutes to find that awesome pretend boyfriend he keeps talking about. Enter Frank, the stoner in the dorm next door.

While You Were Unconscious by ladyfoxxx, 11k, Explicit. Gerard is a creep with a hot neighbor. Loosely based on the movie While You Were Sleeping. Very, very loosely.

And If I Was Yours by alasse, 5k, Teen And Up Audiences. Gerard only ever saw Frank as his little brother's best friend, right? But Frank's had a crush on him forever and ever. And when Gerard tells his cheating asshat ex that he is better off without him and he already has a date for Gabe Saporta’s semi-annual Not-Birthday Party, thank you, which is totally a lie, Frank steps up to the plate.

Curiosity Killed the Cat (Satisfaction Brought Him Back) by fleurdeliser, tuesdaysgone, 3k, Teen And Up. Frank is just doing his job and suddenly he's #hotNASAmohawkguy...

Quick, date me, there's no time to explain! by Fallenstar126, 2k, General. He had known Gerard for a long time, but never once had he shown up on Franks doorstep, his hair looking like he actually attempted to style it, checking his phone every two seconds as if he cared about being late, which Frank knew for a fact, he didn't, and insisting Frank pretend to date him. At least the pretending to love him bit wasn't going to be hard, right?

I'm not your boyfriend... yet by 3cheers4sweet_romance, 3k, General. Gerard is out buying some art supplies. Then he sees Frank, his secret crush, standing outside the store. When he walks out, he gets surprised by the way in what Frank greets him.

Make Someone Happy by elle2706, 13k, Teen And Up. Gerard would never describe his life as Lifetime movie material, but somehow he ends up with Frank Iero as pretend boyfriend for Christmas Eve. And while all Gerard wants for Christmas is Frank; Frank has made it known he doesn't exactly feel the same way. Can Gerard get through the holidays without the burden of a broken heart?

The Greatest Scam (The Sweetest Makeover) by ElizaStyx, 12k, Explicit. Frank Iero is fucked for life. He is so, so fucked and it's all because firstly, he made friends with Gerard Way, then they became besties for life and then... then he fell in love. Hopelessly, irrevocably and so deeply that the bottomless abyss of Hades seemed like a hole dug by a kid in a sandbox in comparison. And then, as if it wasn't bad enough, Gerard proposed this arrangement to become his fake boyfriend for life. Too bad that Frank is such a weak human because he really, really should have said no.

Mom, I've Got A Boyfriend by WhyArentMyFriendsLikeMe, 7k, Teen And Up. Donna calls Gerard and invites him to dinner, also inviting her friend's son. Gerard, who has suffered through enough of these dinners already, protests, lying and telling her he's got a boyfriend. Will he find someone to play his boyfriend before Saturday's dinner? Will he find something more?

Christmas Is for Lovers by stoplightglow, 6k, Teen And Up. “I sort of—” Frank takes a deep breath, looks up, then swiftly drops his gaze again. “I sort of told her I have a boyfriend.”

Hi, I'm Gerard's boyfriend. by lizibabes, 1k, Explicit. College au, when a guy in his art class won't back off, Gerard enlists his friend’s help. Mikey tries telling the guy Gerard only dates girls, which isn't true and doesn't work. Ray tries threats, so does Bob, but that only makes the guy behave when they’re around. Then Frank walks him to class, holds his hand and kisses him goodbye... the pushy guy backs down and Gerard due to a fake boyfriend. Only Gerard is in love with Frank and wants it to be real.

Frankly Perfect by LadySmutterella, 24k, Explicit. Of all the things Gerard ever expected to come out of starting a band, Frank running a dating agency is maybe the last thing that would have occurred to him. Which just goes to show how much he knows.

publicity stunts by Trojie, 6k, Teen And Up. The record company thinks a few plausibly-deniable rumours about Gerard and Frank dating would be good PR, but of course, they're not contractually obligated to sleep together or anything. Ahahah.

#frank/gerard #fic rec list #fake dating

[dreams-of-valeria]

For the Xmas request thing can you do 7-Fluff and 1-Smut together?

@chiefharbour asked:

For the Christmas prompts, could you do Smut # 1 & #9? I’m living for your writing!

Cold cuts

F7: Christmas gifts

S1: Secret Santa

S9: Dealer's choice (Surprise)

Pairing: Jim Hopper x female reader

Warnings: Age gap, language, dirty talk, Hopper being his sexy-ass self, SMUT

A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the sweet things you guys have said! I am overwhelmed with all the love and although this isn't strictly secret santa, I hope you like this one! Merry Christmas!

Word count: 3,156

You swayed your hips in beat with the smooth acoustic that pervaded the air of the small kitchen, as you wrapped your Christmas gift to Hopper.

Elvis crooning about being left alone on Christmas rang from his record player and with you alike, because it was 10 pm and your boyfriend wasn't home yet. You found it odd to call him your boyfriend--juvenile even, but maybe it was just the townsfolk rubbing off on you. They definitely were, considering you just said townsfolk.

As long as their opinion on age gaps in relationships didn't rub off on you, you didn't care.

Two years ago, you were just the new girl in town whose sole reason to pick Hawkins was to leave her bankruptcy behind as she paid off her student loans. A lot of help your marketing degree was doing you in a place where people called the ATM a banksy. You hated living there and missed the nice life but little did you know that meeting a certain policeman would make it all worth your while.

What followed after that fated and chaotic meet at the bank was petty banter and frustrated sighs, which took both of you a month to understand was pure sexual tension and once you'd fucked and got that out of the way, you had plenty of time for the romance.

Neither was of you was very fond of the chocolates and flowers bit, but were experts in the nude. Sure, there were plenty of gooey and touchy-feely memories along the way, and the amount of gentleness Hopper showed threw you at times. But at the same time, you loved how rough he was with you in bed. It was what you were both good at and you had no complaints. Except for the tardiness.

You sighed as you did the final knot and wrote his name on the card, vowing not to bring it up. You would not be one of those people who chastised their partner over the amount of time they spent doing their very crucial work. Provided it didn't extend beyond 11 pm. Your patience really started to wear thing close to the witching hour.

You headed to the tree and placed the small present by the trunk, grinning in anticipation. You couldn't wait to see his face when he opened it. Your heart beat in wait as you tightened the bow of your grey robe, and fidgeted with the ornaments to cut time.

You noticed that your present was the only occupant under the tree, and told yourself not to be disappointed if Hopper forgot to wrap his. Or get you a gift in the first place.

It was unlikely, but still a possibility. He was just so fizzled out lately, and you hoped it was only a bad streak.

You had just corrected the tilt of a rogue red bauble when the lock turned behind you and your boyfriend (--lover?) walked through the door, brushing the snow off his coat and boots.

“Hey, stranger,” you greeted him at the entrance, leant against the wall with your arms crossed. His face looked flushed like you'd just sat on it and rode it to your climax, and there was something to be said about his unruly hair.

“I know I'm late, baby. Some people, I swear to God . . .” he grumbled as he passed by you, leaving an ice cold kiss on your lips before he settled before the fireplace, warming himself up.

You watched him as he rubbed his hands together, and the way his arms flexed underneath that tight uniform shirt. It was the hottest thing you'd ever laid eyes on, and never failed to leave you wet and wanting.

“Dinner smells amazing,” he commented with a smirk, shooting you a look from under his thick eyebrows. They matched his beard, all rich and prickly, and you suspected one of the reasons he kept it was because of the noises you were making when he went down on you.

“Did you spend all day cooking for me, darlin'?”

You smirked at him with your arms crossed.

You couldn't cook to save your life. Which meant your significant other was calling Swanson's TV dinners his darling. Nevertheless, the endearment made your knees weak. And your panties damp.

“Oh you know how I can't resist my gastronomy when I'm waiting on my tardy hunk.”

“Gastronomy?” He frowned as he kicked off his boots.

“Word of the day,” you told him as you took a seat on the couch next to him. “I thought we could do presents first.”

“I'd rather do you first, but sure,” he shrugged, turning to face you as smiled. You shook your head and watched him with a face-splitting grin, expecting him to retrieve his present from under the tree. But he just sat there watching you quizzically, dumb as the doorknob that's been keeping you company on Hopperless nights.

You sighed and told him what he was supposed to do, but he simply twisted his face unwillingly. “I'm burned, sweetheart, could you get it for me, please?”

“It's two feet away, Hop.”

“I'm not as young as you are anymore.”

“Oh really? You weren't born with a receding hairline?” You snapped as you fetched him his present, but he man laughed, which nearly made his eyes close. You absolutely loved those laughs.

“Should have thought of that before you fell in love with an old man, kitten.”

“I'll remember that for next one,” you teased, making him laugh again as he took his present with a thank you.

Maybe it was your excitement rubbing off on him, but he suddenly seemed thrilled that he had a present with his name on it. You imagined he didn't get a lot of presents before you, when he lived in that Godforsaken trailer like a hibernating hermit. You'd flat out refused to move into that rectangle and that was when he had mentioned a cabin his grandfather had owned, and the two of you had made it your own.

“Let me guess, it's a sign up sheet to Smokers Anonymous?” He teased as he undid the ribbon, and you found your back straighten in anticipation.

“Don't be silly, that's for New year's.”

He let out an amused snort as he peeled off the paper and opened the small box, and his smile died immediately on seeing the content.

It was exactly what you'd expected. He frowned deeply at the piece of paper, with the words 'Pull Me' scribbled across in your handwriting. Hopper looked up at you for answers, but you simply got to your feet and made your way over to the record player, and changed discs. You figured after Elvis, Eartha Kitt would set the mood just right.

“I don't understand,” Hopper let you know as the disc crackled for a few seconds before the song started. You wordlessly made your way over and stood in front of him with a smile, hoping his gaze would land on the ribbon tied around your robe.

It did soon enough. They didn't make him the Chief for nothing. A smirk spread across his lips when he saw it, perfectly capturing the naughty but playful mood Eartha was lilting.

You saw his eyes darken as his hand tapped his thigh, signalling you to get on. You gulped down your heart in your throat and straddled him, kneeling on the couch on either side of his legs.

“Closer.” Hopper demanded, and you leaned forward until your waist was inches away from his face. He moved his hands out of his lap, and you hoped he would touch your bare legs, and slide them up to the apex. Your heart thud in anticipation, and nearly flatlined when he locked eyes with you and took the end of the ribbon into his mouth and held it firmly between his teeth. It took you a moment to understand you had to move back for the bow to come loose.

His eyes were on you throughout the delicious process, but only until your robe parted and revealed a glimpse of red lace.

Hopper's breath caught and he looked up at you to confirm his suspicions, and you smiled as to say yes. Before he could tear your robe away, you stood to your feet again, Eartha Kitt's silky voice giving you courage.

You lightly swayed in place to the beat, and slipped the robe off your shoulders bit by bit, until you were standing only in your lingerie: a red demi cup lace bra with matching panties and a garter belt.

Hopper's breath caught, and you witnessed first hand what it looked like for a person's jaw to hit the floor. Just to up the ante, you moved around in an impromptu dance with the music, giving him sexy rolls of your hips and a view of your back, and watched him grow restless in his seat.

His knuckles blanched from squeezing the edge of the couch, but a ghost of a smile still lingered on his lips. You watched the crotch of his pants shift from within and smirked, turning around to give him another look.

The song was approaching its end, and you could hear the couch springs shift. But you still yelped when his arms closed around your waist and pulled you back to straddle him as he attacked your lips.

The disc had screeched and absolute silence lingered for a beat, before Hopper slipped his tongue into your mouth and your body reacted. Loud.

His hands were frisky and urgent, just like the first time you had sex. You couldn't wait to get each other naked and take everything as quickly as possible. It didn't turn out to be quite as quick as you imagined, just like when you fantasized about him with your fingers in your underwear before you knew each other, fucking your brains out.

His calloused hands cupped your breasts and kneaded, and given the sheerness of the bra, it might as well not have been there at all. It wasn't in the next second, as his fingers unclasped the hook while his tongue still teased yours, danced with yours.

You pulled back for a breath of air, and he locked eyes with you as his hands ran over your erect nipples, pinching and twisting them until they matched the color of your lips.

“F-fuck . . .” You hissed, grinding your hips onto his bulge as his tongue teased your nubs, and you fisted your hands in his hair, goading him to swallow you whole.

Between his prickly beard and moans that vibrated through you and the friction of his pants against your clit, you could feel yourself close to your release, and started to pant in welcome.

But he clamped your hips down captive and bared his teeth against your nipple as he spoke.

“Not so fast, baby. I get to tease you too.”

“Hop, please,” you panted as your vision blurred. “I'm so close.”

He smiled wickedly.

You knew exactly what begging did to him.

“Then finish,” he breathed, before shifting you onto his left thigh. You also knew exactly how much he loved it when you rode his thigh.

“Yes, sir,” you grinned despite your aching need and started off slow, watching him as you rubbed your core against his thigh. You did it knowing it would make him cocky and let it go to his head, but you loved the dominant side of him. Especially in uniform.

Your moans escalated fast enough as you grinded against his thick cord of muscle, and Hopper helped you by flexing occasionally, hitting your clit in a rhythm. Your hand squeezed his shoulder as the other steadied yourself against the couch, and the zing birthed from your apex, and then exploded until it touched every nerve ending, and you collapsed in his lap into a moaning mess.

“That was nice,” you panted, moving your head that was on his shoulder so you could see his face, but only saw neck. Licking your lips, you kissed your way up his neck, and Hopper's answering groan was everything.

You nipped along his skin, determined to leave a bruise. Somewhere his collar couldn't hide it. Hopper said it made him look unprofessional, but you knew that secretly, he loved showing off to the entire town what you did to him. He certainly returned the favor.

Your fingers set to unbutton his shirt as you devoured his neck, the warm flesh yielding easily under your lips. Hopper was in his undershirt by the time you'd moved back to his lips, and his fingers lightly trailed down your bare back and ending behind your knees.

You yelped again when he threw your back to the couch and hovered above you, throwing his white tee over his head and onto the floor. You stared up at him with pure, unrestrained lust, and his eyes drank it all in. Every pant and heave of your naked chest spurred him to pace up undressing, and the way you licked your lips nearly sent him off the edge.

“Do you know how gorgeous you look right now?” He panted as he unbuckled his pants, kneeling between your legs.

“Yes,” you smirked, sitting up to help him get his pants off, but he pushed you back down, tutting as he pinned your arms by your sides. Your hips inadvertently met his, and you locked your legs around his waist, feeling him hard against your core.

“Tell me what you're thinking,” Hopper pleaded, kissing down your neck.

“I was thinking how nice it would be to watch you fuck me like this.”

“Yeah?” He gritted his teeth as he kicked off his pants completely, and his erection bounced free.

“Yeah,” you panted, lifting your hips as he slipped your panties off. “How nice it would be to watch your cock disappear inside me.”

Hopper groaned into your neck as he positioned himself at your entrance, and teased you by rubbing himself between your folds.

“What else?” He watched you roll your hips, wanting more.

“We'd finish and then have dinner.”

Hopper paused his teasing to glance up at you in confusion.

“And then I can hound you about not getting me a Christmas gift.”

He chuckled, kissing your nose. “Baby, I am the gift.”

Your back arched when he pushed inside all the way at once, and you could never get used to the feeling. Of how it made you feel full. Complete.

“Oh, God,” you moaned, fingers digging into his biceps as he moved.

“I did get you a gift, by the way--Godamnit, you feel so fucking good.”

“Yeah?” Your words were punctuated by his thrusts, slow but relentless. “What is it?”

“All good things to those who wait.” He whispered in your ear, before angling himself differently. “Hold on,” he instructed, and your hands immediately flew to the couch, gripping whatever they could. You knew what was coming.

Hopper got up to kneel and grabbed your hips, before starting a rhythm of deep, penetrating thrusts that made your teeth clatter. You held on to the arm rest as he moved, as he made your body feel incredible with only a few inches of his. Well, quite a few inches.

You smiled and bit your lip as Hopper's moans quickened, and you knew he was close. He reached his thumb down to your clit and rubbed, and you felt that zing ready to explode again. You sat up on your elbows and watched him disappear deep inside you, as his fingers helped you along to a climax that was even more spectacular than the last.

You fell back as stars formed in front of your eyes, and soon felt his release inside you, before Hopper's heavy, spent body collapsed on top of you.

You panted out your highs, wrapped in each other's arms like that. The only sounds were from the crackling fire, the heartbeat in your ears, and the breath of the man you loved above you. This was exactly how you saw your evening pan out.

After a while, when you'd circled your fingers in his damp hair, he asked, “Where'd you get the lingerie?”

You smiled. “Believe it or not, Flo helped me.”

He snapped his head up to look at you, face blanched.

“Not like helped me pick it out, jeez baby,” you chuckled, smoothing his hair back. “I meant she told me about a store in Carbondale.”

“That's two towns over,” he commented, nuzzling his head back into the crook of your neck.

“I know.”

“Looks like Flo helped both of us,” he said after a while, and freed his arm from underneath you.

“So you liked it?”

“Of course,” he smiled, hovering on his elbows above you. “You want me to get exercise one way or another, but I didn't mean this is what Flo helped with.”

You frowned, seeking out answers from his crystal blue eyes. Hopper sighed and stroked your face, leaving a feather like kiss on your lips.

“She pushed me--well, threatened is the word really, that if I didn't stop jerking around and give you this gift I've been carrying around for a year, she would burn my hat.”

“You've been carrying a new microwave around for a year?” You frowned.

“No. What? No.” Hopper shook his head. “Wait, you wanted a microwave?”

“Yeah? To cook dinner.” You said in a matter of fact voice, and he sighed with his eyes closed.

“I'm sorry to break it to you, princess, but I'm not spending that much money on a girlfriend.”

You stilled, and his playful smirk was the only thing that kept you from going off the rails. And then when he held out his gift to you, your heart did go off the rails.

“However, I would change my mind if it was for my wife,” he smiled, holding the small diamond ring between his fingers in the space between you. You could feel your jaw drop this time as tears came to your eyes, and your hand flew to your mouth.

You knew about his history. You knew he had had an unsuccessful marriage, and still, he was willing to try. For you.

“So, what do you say, kitten? Microwave or not?”

You chuckled through your tears, holding his face in your hands to kiss.

“I'm gonna reheat so many leftovers for you, baby.” You sniffled, and watched his lips form into a grateful smile. And it only grew as he slipped the ring onto your finger, shedding a few tears himself.

“Sorry I didn't have time to wrap it.”

You chuckled between kisses, stroking his hair lovingly. “You can make it up to me.”

“Newly engaged sex?” He grinned, eyes full of adoration.

“After dinner,” you promised, standing corrected.

The evening did not pan as you'd foreseen.

And you were grateful.

J.

#jim hopper imagine #hopper x reader #jim hopper #jim hopper fanfic #hopper x you #jim hopper x you #jim hopper x reader #chief hopper x reader #stranger things #hopper smut #hopper thirst #jim hopper smut #david harbour #hopper fluff #hopper x oc #christmas writing prompts #christmas

[ultrashadowkai]

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 2

One part filler, two parts bad mindsets

Katara and Aang being all love dovey. It's still a little weird but less weird than the pet names

How does Toph sense the ground from on Appa? Could Toph always smell trees and differentiate the trees based on location as opposed to breed? Was that always a thing or did her senses get better with age? 

There's dirt on the bottom of Toph's feet and I love that detail.

If Toph found her calling as a teacher then why did she became police chief of Republic City. The yelling and bossing people around thing makes sense but Toph really doesn't seem like the kind of person to go around enforcing rules that aren't her own. Admittedly, there is a large gap of time between now (13) and Legend of Korra so anything could have happened to turn her into a police chief, but still....

Okay, it being a firebending dojo that had to move as part of the Harmony Restoration Movement makes sense. Kunyo's still a fool for questioning Toph, though

Sokka.... Just Sokka. A match to the sit? I assume he means whoever can knock the other student off their feet and onto their rear first rather than just sitting.

This metalbending school plot feels slightly more like a side episode, not quite a filler because it does involve the affects of the Harmony Restoration Movement but it doesn't feel as politically important

Does the Earth Kingdom palace not have the ability to house guests, especially guests here on diplomatic missions?

Aang has a fan club. Considering how Kyoshi has a state of herself on Kyoshi Island (and an island named after herself) and I do know that Yangchen was regarded in an almost diety-like way in the books that I swear I'll get to someday, this isn't all that surprising. This better not be "The Kyoshi Warriors" all over again.

Katara seems to remember Kyoshi Island rather well. Unfortunately, she will now have to deal with some of the worst aspects of having fans -- the delusional fans who want to date their favorite celebrity and refuses to realize that they have no chance even when said celebrity is already taken.

Aang wants to see something that looks somewhat reminiscent of his culture, and also likes the attention and is just all around a friendly enough guy that he would genuinely love to see their clubhouse. Having said that, don't stay at the houses of strange children when Iroh and the Earth King are right there.

Turtle-crabs are literally just hermit crabs.

"I dove in myself" - Ozai. As opposed to.... Nice to see that Ozai is still a terrible parent. Is the whole family vaguely cryptic on purpose?

Toph's magic metalbending sensing space rock bracelet. Okay. At least it's acknowledged that her students are kinda one off emotional 2d cutouts.

Sokka the Motivationalbender

I like that Katara admits (to herself) that she may have jumped the gun just a little in not seeing any other reason Aang would be excited about his fan club taking him to their clubhouse loosely modelled off of the Western Air Temple to ask questions about his culture and share old relics that seemingly anyone can just buy from a random traveller.

Ozai is trying to spin this as Zuko being so indecisive that it harms him -- and he's right, in a way. Zuko is indecisive; he's had his problem back in Ba Sing Se when he's torn between his honor and his morality. But he also isn't. Not really. He makes a choice; his problem is committing fully to a grey choice. Siding with the Avatar is an objectively good choice; this problem with Yu Dao is a grey one where both sides have a bit of a point (Zuko's moreso). All in all, he should really stop talking to Ozai.

Oh look, combo attacks consisting of different elements, almost like harmony can be achieved despite the differences. I wonder what Yu Dao and similar colonies were doing during the war.

I wasn't going to comment on Kori and Sneers but the conversation is important. Sneers sees her as a member of the Earth Kingdom and is shocked and appalled that she's training with Firebenders despite the fact that they're her cousins. Does he even really acknowledge her Fire Nation heritage? At least Kori doesn't take his attempts to make her choose a side and him leading the protests against Yu Dao. Either he accepts her as she is or they're though.

Moo-Chee-Goo-Chee-La-Poo-Chee the Third is a terrible name. What were his parents and his parents' parents thinking?

Oh...Kuei is exactly as Ozai said (tired of being seen as weak and so overcompensates with military might instead of talking things out with Zuko). I hate when Ozai's right.

Aw, Toph fears that she's being too much like her parents in regards to her students; expecting them to be something their not and getting upset because of it.

Aang's fan club is going to unintentionally cause more problems in Yu Dao

Props to Kunyo for turning that weapon Toph bent around his head that he clearly can't get off into hat. Remove props for "dirt-people" though

Huh, no one ever believed in them. I can see it. A touch cliché but heartwarming nonetheless

[Mai leaving] Well, that was quick. This was probably a longtime coming thing with a lot more build-up offscreen over the year long time skip but still; it feels kinda sudden. I figure Mai's going to be back in the comic or in future comics, not necessarily back with Zuko but back in general otherwise that's kinda a lame way to send Mai off. Mai, Ty Lee, and (I think) Azula are the mainish characters we don't hear what happened to in LoK. At least we know Sokka got into politics and Ty Lee's chi blocking became a widespread thing but we never knew what happened to Mai. Azula can be guessed at seeing as how she was imprisoned or implied to be at the end of the first show. All we have to go on is Izumi's assumed parentage.

Good thing I'm me and don't fall for this relationship drama bullcrap. Suki's with Sokka and that's not changing

When did the Earth Kingdom get war balloons?

Zuko looks like he's wasting away under the stress.

#kai reads atla #avatar the last airbender #atla #the promise

[everarddelanden]

FIVE HEADCANONS ABOUT YOUR MUSE

REPOST, DO NOT REBLOG.

tagged by: @sacredvein

tagging:  @rhoshamandes, @dark-eyed-elegance, @immortalboywonder, @of-ivory-and-gold

1. Everard, whenever he is deeply hurt, either through loss, betrayal or disillusionment, retreats to places that are familiar and where expectations are zero. Back in the day, he would turn to the friends that had helped him resettle in the world after leaving the Children of Darkness. Because of this, he trusted the coven fully and any old or new member that was welcomed by them. It was a place where he could be himself and they knew how to behave around him in those times. It was anonymous, it was safe and it was familiar. But they were destroyed by Akasha. Despite his bad relationship with them and it on the surface seeming to be illogical, he now ventures out to go to Rhoshamandes and Benedict. Though not understanding him, they know him fully. It's just as anonymous, because they are such recluses. In a way, it is a safe place from outer threats in a moment of weakness and despite walking on eggshells, it's familiar. It is, in fact, the only place he can go.

The following insight was provided by @helloitsfeffsagain:  Being so attached to people who used to spend so much time in the same place and to the castle (that has in itself the concept of the hermit), is very comforting for someone like Everard who loves repetitive actions to rock himself like a nervous child. He loves new people obviously, but he needs to surround himself by himself, so of course he seeks the place where there is the core of his essence, so where he was born again, to enter physically in his mental nest.

2. Everard experiences emotions purely as feelings and will act on them in the moment. He rarely expresses or puts them down in words. He feels strongly and deeply, but never lingers on their possible origin. At least not further than its initial instigation. So if anyone actually asks him about the reasoning behind (perhaps in their eyes) odd behaviour or extreme coping mechanisms, he kind of short-circuits and will find it extremely hard to explain it to them. His response to his emotions are almost instinctive and he does not question them, because they got him this far. This is mainly the reason he ‘bounces back’ quickly after certain trauma, because he does not dig as deep as calling things a trauma, but merely an inconvenience thrown his way to overcome. This can to others come off as indifference towards certain situations or it can later catch up with him because he’s not fully recovered from it. Imagine him then as the Shocked Pikachu meme.

3. Point two is also the reason why he has no idea, that his preference in lovers, who are often handsome, strong and confident, but also caring, gentle and kind, are a direct reflection of what he found in Rhoshamandes and Benedict. But then the best parts of them combined. His turning was chaotic and unwanted and the only thing he had as point of reference, was them. It is often said your current emotional state is hardwired tenfold in you, once you’re turned, which makes a lot of sense. Again, my darling @helloitsfeffsagain added the importance of his homosexual awakening through it all. Back in 13th century France, loving another man was forbidden. So even if he had these feelings all along, he did not foresee a future where this was a part of his life. being taken by Rhoshamandes, whom of course was undeniably and inescapably triggering these preferences in Everard, to go from living in a world where such a thing is forbidden, to then live it constantly and without limit, must have been earth shattering for his conscience.  He has no idea how all of this left a huge imprint on his existence, influencing a lot of his choices. It also propelled him in an eternal conflict how to feel about Rhoshamandes and Benedict.

4. On a more positive vibe, Everard is quite the idealist! He believes people are good by nature and can always strive to become better. This is what makes it so hard for him to understand people can act purely evil acts. It often makes him unable to forgive repetitive acts of injustice. The ‘punching down’ principle kind of applies here. 

Being an idealist can come off to others as naive and makes him vulnerable to manipulation. But, this also means he will never just dismiss someone for trivial reasons, because there is potential in everyone. He for example allows anyone in his territory, because he gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. It makes him gravitate towards younger vampires, because they don’t have the arrogant and pre-set attitudes many of the elders have. Spending time among mortals and young vampires helps him stay grounded, connected to current times and keeps him humble.  The stance towards elders having attitudes, of course, is a prejudice in its own. He is aware of this, so also for those older than him, he offers the benefit of the doubt and is not at all too stubborn to change any preset opinions. He also does not approve of forming opinions about people by association or over what they might have done to others. It’s why he has no issues getting friendly with Daniel or Benji. They are not their Makers. As he would not want to be judged by his association with Rhoshamandes either. 

Trivia 1: This doesn’t stop Everard mentioning Rhoshamandes’ name to stranger’s threats to save his own neck, though... :'D. We can also add Opportunist to the list of default characteristics I think, haha!)  

5. In opposition to the college AU, Everard’s pretty invested in the mechanics of running a business. He owns a few auction houses in the province of Siena and goes there quite frequently to stay in contact with his employees. His whole house is decorated with antiques he gets to pick out before they go off to be auctioned. When he runs into a prettier piece, he will quite easily distance himself from the old one and have it auctioned off instead. His Siena home interiour therefor rotates quite often. He likes it like that. It’s like breaking routine, without upsetting the routines that really matter to him.

Trivia 2: What no one really knows (except perhaps David at this point) is that, despite being quite conservative and holding rather old world views himself, he actually owns a stand-up, drag, cabaret and burlesque bar called ‘Tre Fenicotteri Blu’. He quite enjoys being among the eccentric, creative people of this age, which tickled him since the 1980′s. He does however not visit there often enough, because the enthusiastic hosts always put the lime-light on him and believe it or not, he doesn’t like this. He would much rather just slip in, enjoy his night just watching everyone have a good time and slip back out at his own convenience.

#FINALLY FINISHED IT HAHA #Everard de Landen #HC #sacredvein #rhoshamandes #agnusdeisanctus #immortalboywonder #of-ivory-and-gold

[leah-halliwell92]

Here Come’s The Sun

Summary: May has had it with Jack’s passive aggressive attitude, his pining after Lucy and most especially her own pining for him. So she takes one out of her sister’s book and decides to stay in on the day of love itself. There’s nothing better than work to give one some time alone with their thoughts...and away from the borderline disgusting lovers on the outside world.

(For those who know...This will be in the same universe as an in progress work for this same fandom. And if anyone else has questions drop em in my box!)

May adjusted her glasses as she stopped in front of the table that is a little ways away from Dracula’s cage. She resisted the urge to scoff and roll her eyes at the files that cluttered up its surface. 

“Can’t even be bothered to put the papers in their respective files,” she said to herself as she separated the papers into their correct file folder and putting the files into a neat pile on a corner of the table before setting her own folders on the table.

“Thought you’d be out like the rest of your colleagues,” the man in the cage said nonchalantly.

May rolled her eyes at that but said nothing and went about finishing her file on Castle Dracula. 

“Isn’t that what today is all about? Pairing up with your other and giving each other tokens of affection and what not?” He continued on unbothered.

May rolled her eyes and looked up to find the man in question staring at her through the glass of his cage. 

Dracula to his credit, looked as curious as he sounded.

May gave herself a mental shake and went back to her writing.

“What on earth could be so interesting in that file that is keeping you practically mute?” He asked now annoyed at being so blatantly ignored.

May sighed and looked up before saying, “I’m writing about my latest expedition. If you must know I’m writing about the ruins of a castle I was studying.”

“Were?” He asked his brows furrowing in curiosity.

“Yes,” she said with a sigh, “I was about to uncover something important when my dear sister gave me a call to come home.”

“Ah so it is my home you were digging through,” he said with a cocky smirk, “So I do interest you then?”

May scoffed, “Don’t push your luck, I’m not my sister.”

“No?” He said in disbelief, “So you don’t want to study me? And have been wanting to crack me open like an egg and poke and prod at what’s inside for the last two weeks?”

May laughed out right at that.

“I don’t see where that could ever be funny,” Dracula said a growl coming from his chest.

May’s body still shook from laughing but she had to admit, he is rather handsome and the way he seemed to ooze raw power impressed her...slightly.

“It is when you say such a thing to a woman with a doctorate in European history,” she said with a small grin.

“Oh,” he said now looking, slightly, abashed.

She shook her head at him and finished the paragraph she was working on so she could give him her undivided attention.

She gave him a look over comparing what he looks like to the portrait she’d seen in one of the rooms. 

“What,” he said smirking again, “Like what you see?”

“That is irrelevant,” she said voice even as she continued studying him from her seat.

“Well aren’t you ever filled with surprises,” he said cockily.

She smirked and was about to say something else when...

“Don’t entertain him...it won’t do you any good,” her sister, Zoe, said as she walked in lab coat billowing with every step she took. 

May rolled her eyes in the dark making the vampire in his cage smirk. 

“Goodbye Zoe,” she said loudly.

“You shouldn’t even be here,” she said clearly not liking the clear dismissal.

“And where should I be Zoe?” May asked angrily, “In the bowels of the foundation locked away with my files and archives? If the point was to keep me buried I’d have stayed in Transylvania.”

Zoe couldn’t say anything to that, not because she didn’t have anything to say but because her younger sister had a point. She knew of the expedition and knew where. May would have been safe no matter what...

“Take Jack with you by the way,” May said not looking at her sister finally turning to look at her sister.

Zoe for her part was confused as to why, after all May had a bit of a crush and thought her sister and colleague were going to give a relationship a try. 

May gave Zoe a heated glare. 

The sisters shared a silent conversation before Zoe nodded sadly and left the room.

May cleared her throat and stood.

“Will you ever tell me why you were so studiously examining my person?” Dracula asked curiously.

May gave him a weak grin but excused herself to put away Jack and her sister’s mess of files leaving her behind.

She kept her steps light not wanting to draw attention to herself as she made her way down to the records’ hall.

‘I really need to find a second office,’ she thought as she put the files back in their respective spots.

Everything was going better than she expected time wise, she even had time to change into her leggings and a cozy top, when she heard two distinct voices walking through her sanctum. 

“Of course she’s here,” Jack said as he walked in turning on all the lights as he walked through the room like he owned the place, “She never leaves this place.”

May covered her mouth to keep her breathing in check. She knew Jack wasn’t too keen on her, she also knew what he thought about her. He made it no secret and told anyone who’d listen all about her hermit-like ways. She never thought that he’d completely disregard the fact that she has an education and a title in her own right. 

“She’s qualified historian Jack,” she heard one of her colleagues say in defense of her.

May took off her shoes and worked her way around the large archive’s room. Knowing the room like the back of your hand helps when one wants to make a swift escape.

“She’s a qualified secretary,” he said derogatorily. 

May paused a tear escaping her. She knew that that is what he and her sister saw her as. 

She made a quick exit narrowly escaping the pair and making her way back to where the cage is.

May ignored Dracula’s questioning gaze and dismissed the guards swiftly reminding them that she is as much in charge of the place as Saint Zoe. The guards left at her order but felt no comfort in leaving her there with a clearly dangerous...beast. She proceeded to put her files in her bag and pull out her laptop.

“Are you alright?” Dracula asked after having had enough of seeing the woman command the attention of all in the room.

‘She really is something,’ he thought holding back a smirk remembering how Agatha had done the same on the Demeter when his true nature was revealed.

May gave Dracula a guarded look before pulling out her sketch pad and a pencil before clicking the space bar on her computer allowing music to play from it softly. All the while not answering his question.

Dracula was about to inquire again when a Doctor Jack Seward walked into the room.

“There you are May, I need you to pull a file out for me,” he said flashing her a flirtatious grin.

She looked at him then at Dracula before looking back at Jack.

“Sorry we’re closed,” she said and went back to her drawing.

Jack looked dumfounded at the response. May had always done something for him when he asked without question.

“Its very important May please?” He said laying the good puppy look on thick.

“Oh pleeeeease do you really think that act will work?” Dracula taunted, “Do you really think she’ll fall for it? 

Jack bristled at that but spared Dracula no response to that.

“When the dead guy is right,” May said never straying from what she was doing.

Jack’s temper was showing, the morning’s CCTV was going to be more than amusing to see for all involved.

“Go find Lucy Jack, I’m sure she’s dying to see you,” May said glaring at him, “After all I’m just a lowly secretary.”

Dracula gapped at the girl...no. Woman.

Jack’s eyes widened at her words, “May–”

“It’s Doctor Helsing,” she said voice hard, “And I will become your worst nightmare if you don’t get your ass out of here.”

Dracula openly stared at May then mouth wide open as her words mirrored those of a similarly strong willed woman.

Jack swallowed thickly at this, “How can you–”

“I am an educated woman with fighting experience,” May said, “You may be taller than me but you know what they say...they higher they are the harder the fall.”

Jack swallowed at that having seen you training one day and took your threat to  heart. He wouldn’t show this to her though, he needed that file and he’d do almost anything to get it. Even play your feelings for him to get it.

“May, please,” she said dropping his voice down some.

Dracula rolled his eyes and raised his hand to get May’s attention.

She looked his way fire in her eyes, “What.”

“Just letting you know you might have to do that if what he did is any tell,” he said almost pitiously nodding in Jack’s direction, “Well that and his heart rate’s accelerated meaning what you’ve said has had a rather profound effect on him.”

May looked at Jack in interest.

“Come on May you can’t mean to trust him can you? He’s a monster!” Jack screamed.

“Actually he’s been nothing but courteous to me since I walked through the door. The one whose been an ass is you thinking I’d whore myself to you because I have a school yard crush on you that will pass the longer your higher than thou attitude is ruling what little common sense you have,” May said a dangerous smirk on her face.

“Jack! There you are,” Zoe said as she walked in.

Dracula backed off the window pane and moved to lay down on the chaise of the cage.

“Did I miss something?” She asked seeing Jack’s pale face before yelling, “What did you do Dracula!?”

“He didn’t do anything Zoe, believe it or not,” May said evenly standing from her seat.

Zoe wasn’t in the mood to argue and was sure she’d see the feed in the morning, the pair looked unharmed and Dracula looked to be more than used to being in his cage.

“I know you don’t believe me Zoe,” May said softly, “Just leave.”

Zoe went to her sister but was more than hurt when May took a step a way from her.

“Leave,” May repeated defeatedly, “Take your...man with you.”

Zoe wanted to say more but decided to wait till later and did as May said. 

“Let’s go Jack,” Zoe said firmly.

“But...the file,” she said in protest.

“Can wait till tomorrow,” she said firmly.

Zoe didn’t wait for Jack to respond or do anything, she dragged him from the room promising to call May later so they could talk.

May sighed and slumped back into her chair.

“Are you alright?” Dracula asked.

May sighed and looked to the man who stood back at the window.

She shook her head and went back to her drawing. 

A couple of songs later a soft guitar was heard coming from her laptop.

“Can you raise the...um...what is it...” he started asking a little lost for words still unfamiliar with the technology still. 

“You mean make it louder?” May asked lightly. 

He nodded.

Here comes the sun, doo-dun doo-doo Here comes the sun, and I say It's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here

”Dr. Helsing,” Dracula asked staring at her in what looked like wonder but May couldn’t be sure.  Here comes the sun, doo-dun doo-doo Here comes the sun, and I say It's all right

May looked at Dracula questioningly an inquisitive brow in the air. Little darling, the smile's returning to their faces Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here Here comes the sun Here comes the sun, and I say It's all right

“Would you honor me with a dance?” He said with a shrug.

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes Sun, sun, sun, here it comes Sun, sun, sun, here it comes Sun, sun, sun, here it comes Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

“Oh what the hell,” she said and stood, “If I’m going to die might as well die dancing.”

Dracula looked surprised at her comment but held his tongue. 

May was somewhat careful and put on her grandmother’s cross and under her shirt. Before making her way to the door and using her key to open the door.

“Hold it mister,” she said as Dracula was about to step out of the room, “I go in, you don’t.”

Dracula agreed to this and offered her his hand.

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear

May took his hand and together they danced until dawn...and the news that his lawyer had arrived.

Here comes the sun, doo-dun doo-doo Here comes the sun, and I say It's all right Here comes the sun, doo-dun doo-doo Here comes the sun It's all right It's all right

Dracula Tag-List: @kaddis-world, @count-snackula, @your-pixels-are-showing, @peachlogiic, @the-life-and-times-of-a-nerd, @lokiisbrucebanner, @deny-black, @drsherlockmoffat, @festering-queen, @ashashashashashie, @hoefordarkness​,  @jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels, @glamrockmonarch

#Dracula #dracula netflix #bbc dracula #dracula 2020 #zoe van helsing #jack seward #oc #claes bang #dolly wells #Dracula x oc

[dalekofchaos]

The Luke Skywalker that was wasted and the Luke fans deserved.

For the last two years I have shown my displeasure with how Luke Skywalker and I still hate it.  Let’s talk why I hate it and why I think it could have been better

What the hell was with Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi?

Why did Rian Johnson and Kathleen Kennedy depict him as a grumpy, pathetic hermit and a weak failure? Don't give me that crap about 'b-b-b-b-but he did a Force Projection and that's hard'. You can't shit on a character for 99% of the movie and consider his depiction as worthy because he did something useful for the remaining 1%.

Lucasfilm and associates prior to Disney's acquisition of the franchise spent 40 YEARS building the character of Luke Skywalker through the movies, comics and novels. The Star Wars fandom has spent 40 YEARS delving into the lore of the Star Wars universe and its characters. Why would Rian and Kathleen go in the opposite direction with his character? They went as far as making him a depressed, hopeless loser when the very essence of his being is hope. "How did the most optimistic, hopeful character in the galaxy turn into this hermit? ... A Jedi is optimistic, a Jedi has tenacity, he never gives up" - A quote from Luke Skywalker himself: Mark Hamill. When Luke Skywalker himself voices serious concern about the depiction of Luke Skywalker, Rian and Kathleen should have immediately started over.

The annihilation of Luke Skywalker's character was intentional. It's preposterous to suggest that they accidentally ruined one of cinemas greatest hero's. This was a planned character assassination.

Why was Mark Hamill exempt from the marketing of The Force Awakens and forced to stand on a mountain with no lines?

Why was Luke given nothing for The Force Awakens and anytime Mark went to JJ with his great ideas for Luke, JJ just smiled and patted him on the back just to shut him up?

Why did Luke toss the Lightsaber? The Lightsaber of his father, the lightsaber that Obi-Wan gave to him, and the Lightsaber he lost on Bespin after losing his hand to Vader. Such an emotional connection to Luke, he casually tosses it in such a stupid, cold and unemotional matter. Why not allow Luke an emotional reaction to holding this particular lightsaber again after all these years? Why is a sight gag preferable in this situation? Even if Luke being a bitter, detached old man is essential to TLJ, that’s still no reason not to pay even the slightest respect to everything that lightsaber represents from the original trilogy.

Why is Luke not allowed to show emotion, grief or empathy for the death of Han Solo? His best friend, his brother, Leia’s love and the father of his nephew?

Why does Luke not care that his sister’s life and The Resistance is in danger? Why was he willing to abandon his sister in her time of need?

Why does Luke and Chewie never have a moment of forgiveness and reconciliation?

Why was Luke made to fail as a Jedi Master? Luke should have changed the Jedi for the better as he did in Legends. Luke did not negate his emotions, but found a synthesis between both. Luke definitely showed that selfless love and compassion don’t lead to the dark side. Anakin is the Last Jedi of the old order, not Luke. Luke became the first of the New Jedi realizing that attachment made him stronger not weaker. For the new Jedi were attached to the entire universe through the Force. This is why Luke reformed the Jedi for the better.

Why was Han and Leia made to fail as parents and leaders in the NR and Resistance? Why were Luke, Han and Leia’s achievements and victories made invalid?

Why was it necessary to show Luke drink from a giant alien tit? Oh yes, we can show that, but we can’t show Luke mourn for the loss of his best friend 😒

Why did Luke not teach Rey ANYTHING? He did not impart wisdom to Rey at all in the entire movie. They did not have a great master/apprentice relationship, despite it being advertised that their relationship was the beating heart of the movie! That was a giant lie and false advertisement!

Why does Luke give up on the Jedi. Jedi do not give up. You might say that Yoda and Obi-Wan also gave up. But for those two, the Sith took over the galaxy, they had to go into hiding to protect and guide Luke and Leia. Obi-Wan wanted to save Leia and guide Luke. Yoda always wanted to train Leia as a Jedi and bring Anakin back to the light. He was reluctant to train Luke but he still did his duty as a Jedi Master. They did not just give up and wanted to die and they did not betray their characters at all.

Why would Luke Skywalker even think of killing his nephew in his sleep? Why would he even think of igniting the Lightsaber? Luke Skywalker would not even think of trying to kill his nephew in his sleep. Luke decided the Jedi and Sith were both wrong and believed that his father was still good and he was right in saving him. He would try to talk to Ben and try to pull him back to the light. His sister brought Ben there for protection and guidance. Even if that did fail, you did not need to make Luke attempt to murder him. You did not need to make Luke, Leia and Han at fault for Kylo Ren. Kylo is a grown ass man, he is responsible for his own actions. Kylo was going to murder the Jedi and younglings regardless, he already fell to the dark side. No one is responsible for Kylo’s actions but Kylo Ren.

Why does Luke just give up? Luke Skywalker is a beacon of hope and optimism and love against all odds, and the fact that that was twisted into being depicted as some foolish youth naivety, and that the only way to make him “human” was to retract all that and make him a bitter, jaded man is so fucking disgusting. Even more disgusting is in TLJ novelization had him dreaming of never leaving Tatooine and having him live under the Empire’s dominance. He does not even care that his sister’s life and the Resistance she is leading is in danger. He doesn’t connect with Rey on any meaningful level, doesn’t impart wisdom or knowledge, and never reasserts himself as the powerful Jedi he once was. A brief physical duel against Rey ends with her as the undisputed victor, completely killing his deserved mythos and her potential character arc in one fell swoop. It’s clear in that moment that he has nothing to teach her, and nothing to contribute to the overall narrative. The boundless potential that seemed poised to explode at the end of The Force Awakens fizzles here but never ignites.  And without any training at all, Rey defeats Luke Skywalker and Luke acts all cowardly and begs her to leave. He does buy The Resistance time and saves his sister, but it was ultimately pointless. He wasn’t even there and he dies pointlessly. What we got was not Luke Skywalker. Luke Skywalker is hope and optimism. Luke Skywalker is showing that no matter what, compassion, faith and love will always prevail. Luke is the hero that inspired an entire generations to aspire to be better, aspire to be heroes. Luke is what we wanted to see and what we got was not Luke Skywalker. Luke is someone who thought Doctor Aphra was a good person, she proves him wrong but he still had that hope for her. Luke believed that Darth Vader of all people still had good in him and was willing to die and he was able to reach his father. In Battlefront II’s Story, Luke saves Del Meeko because he asked and he offered Del a better life, a choice. Inferno Squad has committed atrocities in the name of the Empire, yet Luke still gave Del Meeko a chance. Canon Luke Skywalker is a kind hearted hero who will never run from a fight or knowingly leave a loved one in danger and will even save his enemy. This is Luke Skywalker. Luke is compassionate, adores his family, would never leave them. The Luke Skywalker I knew would never even think about killing his nephew in his sleep when there is always another way. Luke believes in the light and was willing to die to save his father. Darth Vader committed atrocities for decades, Luke still believed there was good in him. He would never give up on his family nor would he even consider killing his own nephew in his sleep just because he sensed darkness there. He would never abandon his sister at death’s door when she needed him most. The Hero’s Journey that he was following was ignored completely and he just gave up and wanted to die. And he dies instead of reuniting with Leia properly. Mark Hamill wanted Luke to live until Episode IX where he would pass on what he learned to Rey. No big battle with Snoke, no passing on, instead Luke dies and all we’re getting is force ghost Luke. Luke Skywalker was a hero to an entire generation.  Luke was the true heart of Star Wars. His was the journey we followed from idealistic farm boy dreaming of adventure, to reluctant warrior, and finally to savior of the entire galaxy. The original trilogy built him up, and The Last Jedi finally broke him down. I for one mourn my hero’s passing. 

Why is Yoda the one to convince Luke to return? It should have been Anakin

Why does Luke not appear for real and have a real genuine moment with Leia? The final moment between Luke and Leia was ultimately pointless when you realize Luke wasn’t even there, it was just a projection?

Why did Luke not have a worthy final showdown and showing his power as a Jedi Master instead of disappearing and not being anything more than a distraction? Why did he die without passing anything on to the next generation?

These were supposed to be, or should have been completely replaced with extremely powerful moments with emotional weight. These moments should have been mandatory. Yet the creators didn't deliver.

THE LUKE SKYWALKER THAT WE DESERVED

What a missed opportunity. I mean, look at this artwork. There's such potential for greatness and compare that to the steaming pile of shit Rian Johnson / Kathleen Kennedy served in The Last Jedi.

What we should have got to see of Luke in the Sequel Trilogy

First and foremost, the same Luke Skywalker who actually exists in the Star Wars universe.

His Jedi Academy and respectful showcase of Ancient Jedi artefacts.

A mention of a close relationship of his students and most importantly to Ben and how Snoke turned him against Luke and the Jedi

Flashbacks to training his own Ben and his padawans and scenes of Luke training Rey

Reuniting with Han, or at least mourning his death.

Have Luke tell Rey he left the map behind so Leia can find him when the time is right, he did not give up, but he realized Leia sent him someone he can train and give guidance to. Luke and Rey indeed are the beating heart of this story

Lifting his old X-Wing out of the water and flying to the Supremacy to face Snoke and his nephew and to save Leia.

Luke and Rey together fight the Praetorian Guards. Luke faces Snoke, while Rey faces Kylo. Luke kills Snoke, while Kylo wins the fiight against Rey and cuts her hand off

Physically appearing, a beautiful reunion with Leia that has meaning with Luke actually being there

A true moment and showdown against The First Order and Kylo Ren. Kylo Ren orders every ship to fire on Luke. All the AT-M6’s all firing but to everyone’s surprise, all blasts have no effect via protection of the force. Luke wipes the salt off his robes and with a simple wave of his hand, brings the walkers, transports and Kylo’s shuttle down, one by one.  Kylo descends from his crushed shuttle, throwing a tantrum and preparing preparing to kill his uncle. We have a real lightsaber battle between Luke and Kylo. Luke has his green lightsaber. Their blades clash. The battle is emotional and raw. Luke is there. The dialogue is emotional and impactful. Despite all that his nephew has done, Luke asks him to return. Kylo refuses, he embraces who he is and that he is the new Vader. Luke will retort “oh Ben, you are no Vader.” Luke is toying with Kylo, similar to how Vader toyed with him on Bespin. Luke and Kylo’s exchange remains the same. “I failed you Ben, I’m sorry.” “I’m sure you are! The Resistance is dead. The war is over, and when I kill you, I will have killed the last Jedi.” “Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong. The Rebellion is reborn today. The war is just beginning. And I will not be the last Jedi.” Kylo will lunge at Luke with all his anger with the intention to kill his uncle, but luke dodges and cuts Kylo’s hand off.  Luke gives his “see you around kid” but Luke does not die, he leaves to board his X-Wing. Leaving the new Supreme Leader and The First Order a mess

Luke passes on what he knows to the next generation. Hope has returned. Rey has given Luke’s faith and hope back. The Rebellion is alive. Luke will not be the Last Jedi. Brother and sister reunited and the Resistance stronger for it. Master and apprentice together once more. Smiles and tears and happy to see each other again. Rey, Luke and Leia together. Both siblings holding their hands together on Rey’s hand. Telling her “We have everything we need. It ends how it begins With Rey grabbing the Lightsaber Rey extended to Luke. Tears in Rey’s eyes. The Millennium Falcon and Luke’s X-wing take off side by side into into lightspeed.

The next movie would be about Luke training and preparing the next generation of Jedi. Rey, Finn, Poe, Rose and Jannah, the new Jedi, The Skywalkers. As they stand to face Kylo, Palpatine and The First Order. Luke will sacrifice himself to give his students a chance to destroy The Emperor once and for all

The thing that perplexes me is that both the casual moviegoers and hardcore fans would have loved a depiction of Luke more akin to Legends. Yet Disney chose a depiction of Luke which casuals are indifferent to and the hardcore fans absolutely fucking hate. Why? Why not show the character which majority would love? There's nothing to hate about a powerful and wise legendary hero, while there's everything to hate about some broken hermit that gave up on his family and friends and doing what’s right who reflects nothing of what we've been lead to believe about his character by the creators of Star Wars itself for 40 years.

What a waste of potential. What a slap in the face to George Lucas, Luke Skywalker and the entire SW legacy. I cannot believe the sheer amount of disrespect shown by Disney, Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, JJ Abrams and Rian Johnson. Luke deserved better.

Mark Hamill tried to warn us

#Star Wars #Luke Skywalker #Anti Rian Johnson #Anti Lucasfilm #Anti TLJ

[ohhmuri]

That Night Part 2

A/N: I forgot that I had posted the other parts of “That Night” tp Ao3 but didn’t upload them here! So here it is, Part 2 and I will upload part 3 (the final part) in a day or two! I hope you enjoy! The reader/MC stays vague again so you can place your MC/Yourself/Anyone in that role:) -Elle

     “Have you thought this through? Huh? At all?... This isn’t fair, Muriel! It won’t work! Y/N will never trust us…you again,” Asra pulls his white hair at the root. He hasn’t stopped pacing since entering the hut. He didn’t knock. No “hey.” No “How’re you?” He didn’t even stop to pick up the chair he knocked over.

He just barged in asking if Y/N lost the myrrh while out and this is all some freak accident. That they just needed to tie a new satchel to you and make sure you were more careful. It wasn’t an accident and Muriel keeps the small satchel close to his heart.

“Y/N won’t know. It’d be some miracle if the spell lifted and people started remembering me again,” Muriel huffs and Inanna trots away when he pats her head. Great. Now she’s mad too.

“Really, Muriel? A miracle? You do realize that myrrh is used in magic?” Asra asks in the most condescending tone, “I can see it now, Y/N making some remedy for some sick child, and the smallest whiff makes pain burst in Y/N’s chest. Memories flooding back. Breathless and confused. A head-splitting-ache as the memories shove themselves back into place. But only until the myrrh is gone. Then Y/N forgets you until the next time it happens. Over. And. Over,” Asra points out.

Muriel begins to fidget with the metal cuff around his wrist. Asra noticed him wearing the chains again, and while he felt for his friend, he was also too confused and too angry to ask about them. Muriel's eyes go wide and he wants to run and apologize and let you remember again. He thought that he wouldn’t feel all this regret so soon.

That morning he kissed and held you, only to immediately shut off his feelings. He went back to finishing breakfast, cutting wood, feeding chickens, repairing a weak spot in the hut. He was a hermit. Again. He told himself he would be fine. Again.   

He erased the last 11 months, 16 days, 12 hours, and 20 seconds of your relationship, but at any moment, all that time could come hitting you like a kick to your chest. He could lie to himself, shut himself off, and miss you, but you couldn’t. You’d hurt every time the memory of him pushed itself into your life. He knows Asra is right and he can’t take back what he’s done. None of it.  

“Asra…”

“What? Muriel?” Asra’s angry tone only making him feel worse. Asra had never been this upset with him, and it only made him want to curl into himself more.

“I didn’t mean to do all of this,” Muriel meets Asra’s disappointed gaze. He doesn’t want to lose another person he loves. He is afraid to be alone again, “I thought it would fix it.”

“But you did do it, and now—I don’t know what now,” Asra sits across from him.

“Please? You have to keep Y/N away from anything that’ll bring back memories of me. Promise, me?” Muriel has only ever wanted to protect you from hurt and pain. Admittedly he has taken it too far this time.

“I’ll try my best to keep Y/N safe and happy, but, Muriel, I have to know why? Why have you done this?”

“I—,” he can hardly bring himself to tell the whole story of what has brought you both to this, but with some time he does. He tells Asra everything he can and he answers more of the magician's questions. Muriel gets angry, sad, cries a bit, gets angry again, and then sits resigned in his chair. He clutches the satchel by his heart and sits with that furrow in his brow that you used poke until he smiled at you. Something about your incessant poking made him laugh and made all worries melt away.

Asra can’t make up his mind quite yet. He had always pushed you two together and encouraged your flirting. He had set up your “first date” (took you both to the theater but, “oh no! I forgot I have a reading in thirty minutes! You two go ahead.”) Had he set you both up for this failure? Were you not as in love as he had thought? Was this his fault?

“Why, Muriel?” he asks again. No answer comes for some time, but when it does, it’s silly to Asra.

“Because it’s me or it’s Julian… And when they’re together, I can see the love between them… How much Y/N loves to work with him, and how much he loves to take Y/N along… I can’t give Y/N more than this hut or forest.”

“Did you ever think, for a moment, that this hut, forest, fur bed, Inanna, and you most of all, were enough? That all of this,” Asra gestures wildly at the small home, “is what Y/N wanted and was happy with?”

“How can this be enough?”

Asra shook his head and started to get himself ready to leave. He didn’t have it in him to push Muriel to understand because he was far too disappointed. He thought his friend had gotten better. That he knew everyone loved him and wanted him, most of all, that you loved him always. But Muriel just needed to see it himself, and Asra would give him the time to get it.

“I’ll keep Y/N safe. Just try to understand and try to explain this soon. Let Y/N make this decision too…And, I’m taking sage from your garden,” Asra slammed the hut door.

*    *    *    *

It’s been a week. Julian knows not to mention Muriel to you “or else.” That was

Asra’s threat. He made sure to clear any and all myrrh remnants from your desk, books, tools, and any random pouches. He made sure his own small satchel stayed close to his chest and never let it show. He felt bad about keeping you in the dark, but he felt worse for being a catalyst.

He was surprised the night Muriel and Asra spoke to him at the Rowdy Raven. He knew you always had to drag Muriel there, but Muriel’s extreme uneasiness was at its peak that night. Any time the small blonde barmaid, Carza, approached the table, Muriel would flinch and stare at a lantern. Then the truth came out and Julian was both angry and sad. His knuckles turned white around the glass he was gripping. He wanted to tell Muriel to screw-off, and he wouldn’t keep up this charade. That he would not support this charade. But then he thought of you.

“Y’know, you made yourself paranoid because you thought Y/N and I were what? Too close?”

“Yeah,” Muriel grumbles. He knew he deserved every ounce of anger directed at him. Yet, part of him nagged again, that maybe the doctor was so angry because he loved you. Because he really was as attached as Muriel had worried.  Julian picked up on this.

 “I love Y/N like I love Portia. Like a sibling. I’d never do anything to hurt either of you…at least not Y/N. Right now I’m not particularly fond of you,” Julian slouched in his chair like a child throwing a tantrum. He shook his head and asked Asra if you were doing okay. He asked if he should let you take time from the clinic or if that would upset you. He chastised himself when Asra reminded him that you had no idea what was happening.

Muriel, even though part of him still felt insecure, as he had for many years, believed Julian for once. Something about the way he wasn’t running to find you, and how he didn’t look at all happy to see you freshly single. The insecure voices in his head could nag all they wanted, but this was reassurance enough that he was oh-so-wrong. That the paranoia could shut up and leave him alone because you had loved him once and he loved you still. 

*    *    *    *

It has been nearly three weeks and it feels almost normal in the shop again. Asra has only had to jump and push myrrh out of your hands once. He said that it was not myrrh but the deadliest extract of bloodroot. He just forgot to change the label. He pocketed the small glass and told you there was a myrrh shortage. None in the kingdom and none for you to use. He was talking fast and really nervous so you let it go.   

“Does Faust want a snack before we go?” You ask Asra in the market. You each had some things to buy and some snacks you were craving.

“Food?” The light purple snake suddenly hangs down from a nearby tent and lands on your shoulder. You giggle at her and she eats some of the meat from a stuffed bun in your hand. Asra’s laugh joins yours as Faust does not stop eating your food until there is no meat left.

“I must admit, she may be hungry. I’m afraid her excellent hunting reputation has reached the local mice and they avoid our shop now,” he lays his hand on your shoulder as Faust slithers over to his. She wraps herself like an extra scarf and you smile at their sweetness. You continue your leisurely walk to the market’s exit and every now and then he’ll point out new stands or new foods. You can tell he’s itching to go on another adventure when he points at some new pottery from some far off land; Tehitulá the Vendor calls it.

“You should go,” you nudge him, but he shakes his head. He doesn’t want to leave you alone for now. He says he wants to be here for you. You think it’s his natural air of mystery that makes you feel like there’s something deeper in that statement.

When you’re at the exit of the market a small carved chicken catches your eye. You brush a finger along the smooth wood and ask the vendor the price. They say it’s not theirs and gesture to their metal sculptures. You blush and ask if you can have it but they don’t even care to answer you. Asra gives a small smile to you when he sees it. Upon closer inspection there’s a small engraving:

Franny -M 

And you imagine a colorful chicken named Franny. She has gorgeous feathers but one missing from her left wing. You think of feeding her and waiting for her eggs to be laid. You argue that they need to hatch and not be used for food. He’d grumble but let you have your way…hold on…he?... Who is he? You don’t know but your brain hurts when the image of a large blurred body among a hoard of chickens is filling your head.

“Y/N? Are you okay? Hey! You okay?” Asra holds you close. Your balance and vision are shaking. He can feel your pain as his half of a heart clenches in his chest. You try to push him away but he helps you find your feet again.

“Yeah. Yeah. Just some stuff. My head hurts,” Asra leads you home and holds your hand ever tighter. He seems annoyed and you try to apologize. He laughs it off and says it’s not your fault. You watch him hastily make tea and sit in silence at the kitchen table.

That night you feel Asra shift out of bed, and when he thinks you’re still sleeping he leaves the room. He doesn’t know you can hear them downstairs. You quietly inch your way down and stay just out of sight.

“You need to decide and do it soon. You can’t just drop in when you need it. It hurts Y/N and it isn’t fair,” he’s using his scolding voice and you feel bad for whoever is being reprimanded.

“I know. I’m just—af—afraid,” a deep baritone voice responds. You feel pulled by it and you let your heart guide you one more step down. Your eyes looking just around the corner and landing on a big man. His cloak covers his shirtless body, but it can’t hide some scars across his torso and strong face. A scar traces his cheek and barely misses his very kissable lips. You want to touch him and to soothe the knot in his brows. Never have you seen someone so big yet so small. Sadness, loneliness, pain, and hurt are written across his face. You want to hear his voice again, but you jump when you hear a dog’s yipping and howling instead. Both the man and Asra move to the front door and you quickly make your way up the stairs.

You hear them calming the dog down and you feel disappointed when only Asra comes back to bed. Your back turned and your fake sleep fooling him.

*    *    *    *

            It only took you one week of nagging and insisting, but Asra finally agreed to go off on another adventure. You insisted that you would be fine staying home alone and agreed to check in with Portia, Nadia, and Julian regularly. Asra was more anxious about the planned trip, but he thought it would be okay to leave you for just a couple weeks, tops.

            He meant it when he said there was a myrrh shortage, but still worried that you would somehow find your way to it. Something in the cards or the atmosphere made him think you and Muriel were not finished yet. That your paths would cross again. He gripped his traveling satchel tighter and felt a knot in his gut. He really should stay, shouldn’t he?

            “Y/N…I think—,” he began and let his white hair fall into his eyes. You cut him off before he can finish his sentence. 

            “I know that look, and you’re not staying,” you smiled, squeezed his shoulders and guided him to your front door. You insisted he go out, have fun, and bring you back a souvenir. He kissed your forehead, squeezed your hand one last time, and waved to you. Faust slithering up his back, you watched him walk down your street and out on his own adventure.

            You stood there for a moment but felt like you weren’t alone this gray and early morning. A slight fog carried in the air, but just across the street, you could see a large figure. A man and he was pretending to look everywhere else but you. You nodded at him and he blushed from his chest to his cheeks. So he was looking, you concluded. You entered your home and didn’t think much of the interaction because you forgot all about him. Again.

            Muriel watched after you and fiddled with the small satchel of myrrh in his hand. He debated over and over whether to knock on your door and just let you have at it. Let you remember it all, and be angry and be hurt just because he missed you and needed you to know the truth. He knew he was being so truly unfair to you and he wanted to fix it all. Even if that means that you remember him, you know he exists, and you choose to leave him.

            He guarded your home in Asra’s absence, even though he knew you were strong and powerful on your own. He just needed to be close and build up the courage. He needed to see you.

            It was one fairly early morning that he watched you go to the market. Your eyes alight with all the treasures before you and you bought a decorative vase perfect for Faust to curl up in. He watched you buy spices from the merchant, but what he didn’t hear, was why you went deeper into the tent.

            “Excuse me? You wouldn’t happen to know Asra? The magician?” the merchant asks you.

            “Yes, I do. I’m his apprentice,” you smile warmly.

            “Ah! So you also must be the notorious magician who works with the just as infamous Doctor Devorak?” the merchant excitedly claps his hands together.

            “I didn’t know I was known?” you answer him, and he insists you are too humble. He recalls hearing of your facing off against Lucio, the Devil, and that creepy courtier who talked only of opening people up.

            “You know, I have a secret stash of my higher-priced and rarer items in the back. Many of them great for all remedies and spells.” There it is. He was just trying to make a sale. You insist that you’re good on supplies, but he insists harder. So you follow him to the back. You figured you could just look and not buy. That was your plan, but fate had another for you. The merchant shows you a case full of vials of different things. You swear you see the eye of some creature in one bottle. You fiddle with a small box of “magic” beans, but the amber substance at the bottom of the case catches your eye.

            “Is that what I think it is?” you reach in.

            “Only the purest myrrh. Tapped right from the tree and jarred! It has been quite in demand…would cost a few coins…,” you had to admit that you probably paid far too much for the little jar, but you were ready to finally make the ointment for Nadia’s recent waves of headaches.

            It’s when you open the small jar on your walk home that the scent fully hits you. You feel the weight of the world but light as a feather all at once. Your head hurts and you feel yourself stumble. A stranger asks if you’re okay. It feels like a knife is prodding your brain and you can only mumble in response. The image of Muriel holding you close is vibrant. You see him feeding Inanna, lowly singing to himself, blushing when you kiss him, his green eyes were crinkled as he smiles down at you, and finally, a bittersweet kiss as you left to pick berries. You try to catch yourself as you feel your legs go weak, but it’s his strong arms that catch you. You can barely hold your eyes open as months of information and memories are returned to you, and all you can ask is, “Where did you go?” he panics and brushes your hair from your eyes. You won’t stay awake and he apologizes over and over.

            He carries you home; the home you made together. He lays you in your bed and sits across the room. He watches the fire and thinks of what he will say. The time has come and you will know soon.

#muriel fanfic #muriel the arcana #muriel x reader #the arcana muriel #the arcana #fanfic #asra #julian devorak #myrrh #inanna

[atopearth]

Chrono Cross Part 3 - The Destroyed Future & Song of Hope

It's kinda crazy that the Masamune is there blocking the way to the Dead Sea. It's saddening that it's some kind of evil sword that makes people go crazy when they go near it or wield it. It seems that only the dragon sword Einlanzer can break the seal of the Masamune. I see, the Einlanzer is given to the most gifted Acacia Dragoon, so Garai had it first, then Dario, and probably Glenn in the future. I always found Radius and Garai's story saddening, mainly because it was really normal. Normal for Radius to have been envious of Garai and wanting to best him, and thus seeking the Masamune, but saddening that it ended up consuming him and amplifying his negative emotions which ended up with him killing Garai. It's an unforgivable act that he can never live with, but nevertheless something he's forced to live with for the rest of his life. I wonder if Dario and Glenn know...

I've always loved the music in Dead Sea, I think it really suits the atmosphere, like that weird quirky and mysterious feeling. Anyway, I love how the treasure chest containing Freefall kinda gives you a literal freefall back to the beginning lmao. Arris Dome?? These ruins are Arris Dome?? It's kinda saddening to know of the fate of the Acacia Dragoons here...to think that they all died here in captivity is rather terrible. I love how there's that Enertron helping you recover your HP etc that says you rejuvenated everything but you're still hungry, it's just like in Chrono Trigger🤣 OMG, that broken bell at the place you see Miguel is Nadia's bell?! The bell the king named after Marle at the end of Chrono Trigger?! Btw, I'm honestly shocked that the kids Serge see running around are actually Crono, Lucca and Marle. And I find it absolutely terrible that it says Nadia's bell will never be heard again. This was not what I wanted after the nice happy ending of Chrono Trigger! If...Serge is the one that will cause this destructive future, it's pretty saddening to hear it from our previous main characters that we're the ones killing it after they tried so hard to save it from Lavos before... The Dead Sea culminates all of the futures that were eliminated, the ones that shouldn't exist... Nothing is really "living" here and the things that are here never age. Just like Miguel who has been here for 14 years... I feel so sorry for Leena though, her father is here alive, but she'll never see him again... I know Wazuki had no choice but to come here to stay away from the storm that night, and try to save the wounded Serge, but his insistence on going further into the Dead Sea ended up having Miguel stuck here for so so long... All the destroyed possibilities that will never happen because of the choices we didn't make all end up here..? Fate is what predetermines it all, controlling us and knowing everything. Is this basically like our "save point", the Record of Fate? The thing that knows everything, dictates whatever you do if you want to "live" and basically controls whatever you do because if you don't want to go on the "wrong path", you need to follow it, and if you don't want to be forgotten, you must record down your journey on it?? I wonder if staying here for so long has made Miguel think that there's no such thing as overturning fate and doing your own thing... He's been stuck here for so long, who knows if it's fate for him to be here forever or if it's his lack of choice and willingness causing him to be stuck here...Or he knew that it was his fate to die here so that Serge can "fix" everything. I honestly hate how Serge has to kill Miguel to restore the dimensional distortion..it's just so saddening that not only was Miguel stuck here all this time by himself, but he had practically assimilated himself into the Dead Sea so much that killing him was practically inevitable imo. When Miguel started talking about how Crono and them saved the world from Lavos back then, travelling through the different ages, it felt so weird to think about it because Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross feel like completely different worlds haha. I'm still baffled at how saddening of an existence the Dead Sea is though, it's literally everything "useless" brought into one place, everything that's unneeded in this world... The Sky Dragon saving them from the Dead Sea always felt random though, like was he watching over them all this time or something?

Kinda crazy to finally go back to Another World only to find that Lynx with Serge's body is creating such rampage across the land that people such as those in Arni Village are hiding in a shelter. Omgg, I completely forgot that the Dragon head skull in Fossil Valley is actually Draggy's mother!! I wonder if Skelly talked to her during the time he was there lol. Termina has been taken over by the Porre military in this world now too... Sad that our previous friends such as Guile can't recognise Serge in Lynx's body but that's understandable. I'm glad Karsh, Zoah and Marcy saved General Viper (at Fort Dragonia) though! He's not really a bad person at all. He just wanted the power to protect his people against Porre and stuff. It's kinda saddening yet sweet that if you have Home World Zappa in your party, he shows such relief at Karsh being alive and tells him to go see his mother to show her that he's well. It's...saddening that even though Karsh is his kid, this Karsh isn't really his kid at the same time... Omgg! So all along, it was that hopscotch kid outside the house (top left Termina) called Kein who was giving the little girl in the house the Drakehorn soup ingredients to heal her cough so that she can get better and then play with him! It was obvious that he actually wanted a friend even though he kept saying he didn't need friends, but I didn't realise how sweet he was to do that for their family, it's so wholesome and cute. It was honestly pretty hurtful to hear Glenn seem to know that Lynx is Serge but is unable to accept or face us because he can't take Lynx's face. I was pretty sad. On the other hand, damn those kids at the smithy have such complicated love relationships and everything! John the guy training outside has his girlfriend Annie supporting him all the time, but the girl Marina inside who has been trying to stop the two brothers from fighting all this time since the beginning of the game actually likes John! The funny thing is that the two brothers both like Marina and got rejected at the same time after she told them she actually likes John lol, kinda cute how one of them tells you to leave them alone and the other one is adamant on winning Marina's heart eventually. It's kinda cute how it basically sorta reflects how Dario and Glenn kinda were as kids. They both loved each other as brothers with Glenn respecting his big brother and Dario caring for Glenn, but I guess the difference is that even though they both liked Riddel, the one Riddel liked was Dario, so Glenn never had a chance. He was always second to Dario in terms of swordsmanship or the woman he loved I guess, it's pretty saddening.

Lmao when we go save Riddel and the dragoon that's been sleeping since the beginning of the game is still sleeping there LOL. Even the Porre soldiers are like whatever because they can't wake him up hahahah. That mutated cockroach boss though, so disgusting yet cute LOL. Hahaha Fargo was trapped here?! I can't believe they've been using and manipulating Orcha for so long with those whatever seeds that make his dark side come out. They even made him steal the Dragon's Tear from Guldove! That's so horrible... I'm so happy that Norris is such a good guy though. He didn't like how Riddel was being treated just to get info about her father, and he even helps her escape! It's just saddening that his superiors suck. It's hilarious how the Porre soldiers don't shoot you in battle, they literally just whack you with their guns lmao. Grobyc is as cool as usual, I mean, he's a killing machine but he's pretty cool to have his own thoughts and decide to join Serge because they're strong and don't just listen to the Porre military. Running away from that other machine wasn't scary since it was so weak, but dang are the Porre soldiers and everything persistent. Loved it when the guy that watches over the dragons let them all out to stampede the soldiers hahahha. Everyone is so helpful, it's sweet. Aww it was so cute when Marcy so sincerely apologised to Serge and he patted her head in response!! That was so sweet! So cute Harle picked a fight with Marcy to cheer her up though. Serge honestly doesn't say anything much, so sometimes it's difficult to gauge what he's thinking, but when he heard Kid outside wreaking havoc at Hermit's Hideaway trying to find Lynx, you could tell how much he cared about her that he instantly ran out to see her. Gotta love how Polly and Fargo save the day (since we were surrounded by Dark Serge's forces). It's really sweet yet heart wrenching to see Serge reminiscing about his memories with Kid and how now that he's Lynx, she's intent on killing him, it's just terrible to see the person that you cherish and love want to kill you because of your appearance... I feel sorry for Harle though, she likes Serge for the person that he is, but he'll never like her, and she can only watch over him for the limited time she has to spend with him... She's really cool for encouraging him all the time though. It's so sad that she has to leave no matter what you say to her though. I always get Serge to choose the world over her, but sometimes I wonder if it only hurts her more to hear that from Serge since she knows it's a lie... It's actually really cute how well assimilated the Dragoons are on the S.S. Invincible now btw hahaha, I mean, Karsh acting as Riddel's personal bodyguard near the pirate fanboy of hers is so funny hahahah.

I love visiting the sleeping Dragoon in Viper Manor, it's so cute how he now says come back soon everyone in his sleep LOL. He could probably sleep through the Acacia Dragoons coming to get their manor back lol. Ohh, Norris and them are leaving to go back to the mainland! Anyway, time for more side quests (which are the highlight of this game!) and getting the relics from the dragons to get through to the Sea of Eden! Aww young Glenn, Karsh and Dario are so cute! Glenn being a glutton who loves Viper Churros is so adorable lol! I had an inkling of it, but it's kinda crazy, even Karsh liked Riddel ever since he was a kid! I guess it's understandable, she's a really sweet person, and she seems fun too. It's just too bad there's only one of her, and her and Dario seem great together considering how much they both care for each other and go around together on little adventures. I feel so stupid right now... Solt and Peppor are called the Shaker Brothers because they're salt and pepper shakers!!! LOL, it somehow never clicked to me!! Hahaha. On the other hand, it's kinda saddening that Karsh's story with Dario is really similar to Radius and Garai. It's just that as Radius wanted power that Garai had, Karsh wanted Riddel's love that Dario had. I hope we get to see the full story soon! I guess it'll be shown when we see Dario? It's good that Karsh's story didn't end in tragedy like Radius' did. On the other hand, I'm glad that Solt and Peppor could feel and understand that Karsh isn't a bad person and wouldn't kill Dario like that. 

I'm so silly! Of course the best way to convince Fargo was to get Another World Fargo to talk some sense into him! It's kinda saddening but interesting to see how different Fargo is if he were stuck in the past or if he was able to move on. At least though, regardless of which Fargo it is, he still loves Zelbess just as much. Needless to say, but Magical Dreamers really describes Nikki and them well. I love how they showed the story of Fargo and Zelbess through their musical play, where Zelbess saved Fargo and taught him the song of Marbule. It was really sweet to see Nikki and Miki show the boundless and selfless love they had for each other and the world around them, because the reason Zelbess left her mermaid friends etc was because even though it was peaceful there, she didn't want to selfishly live in peace there whilst the world around them was at war. She and Fargo dreamed of a world where humans like Fargo and demi-humans like her could get along and love each other for who they are. I think it would have been so beautiful if they could see it together, but since that's not possible anymore, I hope Nikki and Marcy as their children will be able to create that world alongside Fargo, and everyone can find their happiness. It's really interesting how these Lagoonates are like the bad dream of the Black Dragon, and it is only through defeating them all that Serge can wake up the Black Dragon in Another World. Btw, I love love, super love the song! It's probably the most memorable part of Chrono Cross for me because it's what I look forward to the most every time I replay Chrono Cross! It's just so beautiful, hopeful and heartwarming to hear every single time. I love that we get it as the background song as we deal with the Lagoonates! I legit took my time with them because I just wanted to listen to the song lmao. It's so cool how the worlds are connected like that though~ I always found it so sweet that Miki really does love Nikki, it's so cute, I always hope that it'll work out for her. LMAO at the reaction of the people in Marbule when you defeat the Black Dragon, they're all like "don't kill me!" and they actually run away from you hahahaha. LOL at the Porre soldier staring at the treasure chest in a cell, and then when you take it, he's like where did it go?! Hahaha. Btw I know this is a stupid thing to care about, but I absolutely love the detail of having wet footsteps in the Viper Manor sewers! Seeing the water from every step you take is so cool! (Link for the song/play!)

I love the Earth Dragon Isle, it's so fun to go through the sand boil and blast the rockroaches down into the holes hahaha! It sounds so inhumane to do that though lol! I always thought the dragons were really nice to acknowledge Serge's will in wanting to change fate and defeat FATE, until I realised that they weren't really nice, but I can't remember what they wanted... I always found the Fire Dragon the cutest and the coolest looking! Omgg the Green Dragon is so annoying! Can't believe I had to kill so many monsters for it to come out, I always try my best to dodge them LOL. Okay, Sky Dragon looks the coolest! Definitely the big boss look hahahha. Lynx nearly died hahahah. Luckily I trapped UltraNova hehe~ Anyway, I've always loved Orlha's introduction, it's so cool how she single-handedly fended off the Porre soldiers from Guldove. It's kinda crazy how she gave Serge her precious sapphire brooch (family heirloom split in half with her twin sister) so that when he gets his body back, he can prove to her that that he really was Serge and is trustworthy enough for her to journey with him. I've always liked her for some reason even though I barely use her lol, maybe it's the twin tails hahahaha. Omggg, I wanted to feel sad over Dario and everything (since you're fighting him controlled by the Masamune right after reuniting with him), but wow, I remember he was a hard boss (that doesn't give a star!), but dang, he hits so hard! If I didn't steal those plates from the dragons to absorb the different elemental damages, Riddel probably would have died like ten times over. Even Miki died LOL. How does he do like 400 damage?! Crazy. Even Lynx was taking 200 damage and he has moonglasses! I was looking at the damage Riddel absorbed (with the Black plate equipped) and lmao, it was like 600 damage, literally double her life hahahah. The only time she died was when he attacked her and his three hits legit dealt like 500-600 damage alone lol. Anyway, I completely forgot that it was actually Dario who picked up the Masamune and was controlled by it, forcing Karsh to "kill" him as he fell off the cliff and washed off here. It must have really hurt when Dario told Karsh to kill him. It's kinda saddening to think about Dario and Riddel though. In Home World, Riddel is dead because she followed Viper and them to the Dead Sea where they were all consumed by the terminated time line, and in Another World, Dario is most likely dead. It's kinda crazy that they can still be together even though they're from different worlds though, it's such a beautiful love. On the other hand, I feel sorry for the maid that took care of the Dario with amnesia for 4 years, I feel like she liked him.. I think it's really cool how Dario is determined to rebuild the Viper Manor (Home World) now that everyone is dead/gone even if he's by himself. He's really a good guy. Btw, it's kinda interesting that Masamune is an evil sword here though, since in Chrono Trigger they seemed more like little kids who wanted some fun in their life? I guess they seem to be like that here too, it's just that somehow it got corrupted towards more evil stuff until Doreen (another soul in the sword?) comes to straighten Masa and Mune up? Anyway, I think it's so cool how Karsh and everyone else can rebuild the manor alongside Dario even if they're from a different world. Like Riddel said, despite the fact they're from different worlds, the fact remains that Dario is still Dario and she is still herself. Even if the ones in the Home World are dead, I'm glad Dario can still see the them from Another World.

I've always played Chrono Cross by relying on elements more than physical damage, but wow, when I fought the Criosphinx to get the sunglasses by just using Lynx, Fargo and Zoah to attack, spam imbecile, diminish and weaken, and spam heal whenever I needed to, it was actually pretty interesting. Very different to how I usually play haha! It was kinda boring though lol because I'm literally just healing and smacking the guy. But I guess it was worth it. Took a few tries though, because I was too lazy to buy some imbecile elements, but wow, lowering magic was veryyyy useful for this fight, weaken was good too, but imbecile was so much more important. We will soon get our original body back!! With the help of Steena and the Dragon Tear to navigate through Fort Dragonia in the Home World, it will be soon! But of course, Dark Serge interferes~ Anyway, he was pretty easy, the only hard thing was stealing the rainbow shell off him because I kept getting the trashy tiara instead zzz. Had to run away a couple of times but it was worth it! How...funny that in Chrono Trigger, we always deemed Lavos as the evil entity sucking up the energy of the planet and caused the destruction in 1999AD so we had to save the world from it, yet here in Fort Dragonia, when Serge is trying to get his body back, and it tells us the origin of life etc, after the "original people" came into contact with Lavos and became humans, we were in essence a progeny of Lavos, who like our progenitor began to devour the planet for our own means... Anyway, it's been so long, it feels weird to have Serge back lol. Ohh nice, we immediately get our previous team mates back! Now to get Orlha yay! Not that I'll use her though lol! The twin einlanzers are so cool!! Glenn can be like Garai now!! Still kinda sad that you don't get Dario in your party since I would love to have him and Riddel, especially since you can get so many people in this game!! Oh well, guess we can get Turnip LOL, can't believe I "grew" one of my party members at Hermit's Hideaway hahahaha. Anyway, Dario’s side quest and the one with Fargo/Nikki are probably my favourite side quests in this game and will always be. Fargo’s one presents a really beautiful story of dreams that people are still hoping to achieve now, and Dario’s presents nice youthful and loyal bonds of love and friendships. I just love seeing them and I probably love it more than the actual story itself haha. Can’t forget about Miguel though! He breaks my heart every time I get to his part because not only do i feel for the man himself, it also makes my heart break for the futures that never came about. Like, sure, any future is better than the destruction one, but in the one with destruction, there were likely people and children that never got to be together or born, but I guess that’s how it will always be when you make choices in your life.

#chrono cross

[alitheamateur]

A Taste of Home- Chapter 8

Warnings: Dirty talk. Phone sex. Language. Angst.

True to his word, Chris called. He called once he’d landed and so courteously obliged you with one text every other day, or so. You’d baited him with the glorious bright idea that the two of you could goes rounds with the “friends with benefits” gag like it was freshman year of college, or something. So, who you were to even begin to pout about his less than romantic behavior?

He wasn’t a bad man, in the least. Chris didn’t have a cruel, purposely hateful or rude bone in his body, unless the necessity for behavior as such presented itself. You knew he wasn’t treating you cold just for pointless giggles, he was simply... obeying what he was sure you had agreed to only a week earlier.

Now, back home to the safe, familiar corners of Boston, you settled back into your schedule at the coffee shop with your parents. The editorial was due for print next month, and Tess assuredly told you that more work would indeed be coming your way, after your excellent impression in Malibu. But, until then, you’d need a paycheck somehow, so pouring lattes it was.

One Thursday, later in the afternoon when most normal individuals avoid caffeine, the shop was a weary ghost town. There’d be a light rush around 5 p.m. when the night shift crew made their round, but for the most part, all was silent. Until the rambunctious, raspy screech of one Scott Evans paraded himself through the entryway. He was handsome, like his brother, and as equally bombastic. Being the pridefully excellent judge of character he was, Scott had always kept a giggling eye on the way you pined after his older brother, but never saying an open word about your secret crush to anyone. Only occasionally, he’d shake his head, or hold back at laugh at your staring, or girlish blushes toward Chris.

He was leading Dodger by the leash at his side, the pup calmly sniffing around the display counters & hunting for some sort of crumb.

“Don’t look so happy to see me, Millie. For God sakes.” He coolly lashed with a sarcastic smile, leaning forward to kiss your cheek over the counter.

“How could I not be thrilled to see my very favorite Evans spawn?” You bat your caky, day-old lashes at him.

“That’s not what a little birdy told me....”

Mortification made over your face, pupils explosive with the horrified, shit-eating grin forming across his smug face. Chris has spilled the beans...

Big mouth bastard & his shameless brotherly bond.

“Don’t start with me, Scott Evans, or I swear I’ll-“

“You’ll what?! Roll around in the Malibu sand with me like you did Chris? No thanks, angel. However gorgeous, you know you aren’t my type.”

You smashed your hot forehead to the coolness of the freshly cleaned granite countertop near the cash register. A fight was useless with this one. He’d only tease, and tease the more defenses you put up.

“Relax, Amelia. You know there’s no judgment here! I’m happy you finally got a taste of what all your teenage dreams were made of...” Scott suppressed a wailing laugh momentarily, before turning loose into a full-on fit of hysterics.

“What the hell do you want? My pride can’t take any more of your jokes today.”

“I’m watching this guy at my place while Chris is gone, but I’m heading out on a red eye tonight. Chris said you and Dodge hit it off, so he was wondering if you could go by his place tonight & settle Dodgy here in? I’ll be back Saturday night, so I just need to you check in on him tonight, and tomorrow evening.”

You worked haphazardly whipping together Scott’s predictable to-go order, scrunching your face at his suggestions.

“I’d really owe you. As would my dreamy older brother, too....”

As if that was supposed to convince you. It didn’t convince you, did it?...

Dodger whimpered on the other side of the counter, lunging on his back legs to see what you were doing running around fitfully in circles. His big ol’ brown eyes were no match for your objections. They had almost half the convincing power that the blue ones belonging to his owner did.

“Fine. Alright, alright. But, only for him. It’s got nothing to do with you asshole brothers, you hear me?” Your weak intimidation only made Scott laugh all the more.

Slinging the sweet pup a treat from the doggy jar on the shelf, and stealing a swig of Scott’s beverage before handing it over, the pair of them glided to the exit.

“Thank you! Have I told you that you’re my favorite blonde? Well, my favorite blonde barista. Or fashion blogger, or whatever you’re doing these days?” He winked & the glass door sealed behind him.

You picked up the key he’d left behind on the counter, eyeballing it hard. A faint part of your heart had once daydreamed about being giving a key to his home, but certainly not in this regard...

…

When closing time rolled around, you flicked off each switch around the shop, turning the sign opposite of “open” and your phone dinged inside the pocket of your cardigan.

C: Call when you get to my place. I’ll give you the rundown on bub’s nighttime routine. And thank you, Mills :)

You remembered every turn towards the quiet seclusion of his cabin home despite only visiting once. Much had changed since your last time here, and yet so much seemed slightly the same in all the wrong ways.

Dodger was panting & galloping clumsily over the hardwood floors when you entered, sniffing & drooling under your feet. It took you a handful of seconds to locate where in the world the light for the foyer was, playing roulette with the dozen switches on the walls.

“Let’s call your dad, big guy. I bet your hungry.”

The phone barely competed two rings before Chris picked up.

“Hey, you. Make it safe?”

“All in one piece, yep! But, something tells me if I don’t feed this animal, I may not survive much longer.”

Chris laughed. That laugh that would’ve seemed like you’d just told the funniest joke in the world.

“Right. Head towards the kitchen, & his jar of food is on the bottom shelf of the pantry. You’ll see it as soon as you open the door. He gets two scoops, and just check his water if you don’t mind, too.”

Following his thorough instruction, you served Dodger his dinner, seeing that his bowl of water was fresh, then walked him out back for a bathroom break before bed. Chris chatted with you on the line, small talking about his day on set, and the amazing desert he snuck at dinner going against his trainers’ orders.

“I think I’ve got it all taken care of. Anything else you need me to do before I head home?”

You heard his bed creak a bit in the background as if he was flopping around to get comfortable.

“Check my bedroom for Dodge’s lion. The little baby won’t sleep without it.”

He giggled at the amusement of you turning wrong corners & blindly navigating his hallways in search of the master-bedroom. You’d never been farther than the kitchen, after all.

Sadly...

His bedroom was warm with welcome, and the walls climbing with an unstifled, comforting feeling of home, even without his presence. Your senses heightened, tickling on end, with the many traces of him strewn around the room. A half-emptied bottle of water by his bedside lamp, a photo of his entire family framed from a premiere red carpet next to it. A tainted, overly worn pair of blue sneakers discarded beside his dresser, and one of his leather jackets haphazardly folded on the arm of a lounge chair. Dodger’s precious lion lay at the foot of Chris’ lush California king right where he said it would be.

“The lion is patiently waited in your bed for Dodger. Shall I tuck the two of them in before I lock up?”

He was eerily silently. Dangerously so.

“Sit on my bed, Amelia.” What was it about the way he said your proper name? It made you want to cower sheepishly, like it was some form of scolding. Yet, it was still so unbelievably… dark, and compellingly delicious.

You boosted with a teeny jump, sitting yourself on the very edge of his bed, perplexed. Smelling the scent of him locked into the covers.

“It’s a dream, isn’t it? And people wonder why I’m such a hermit sometimes. Lay down for a minute and see for yourself, I insist.” You could almost hear that dopey, toothy smile curve all the way up to his ears.

“What’s your game here, Evans? I need some sleep at some point tonight, ya’ know?”

“I bet you look fuckin’ heavenly laying yourself across my pillow, Millie. Is your hair down? Wild, and curly?”

A surge flickered at the center below the waistband of your jeans.

“Y-yeah…”

Chris hummed. It was a growl, more so. Rotten, and sinful, and wretched with sexual intent.

“And I bet, since it was warmer today in Boston, according to my mom, you’re wearing one of those thin, slinky little shirts you love that barely, barely hide what’s under your lace bra…”

Images of him sucking, and rolling what’s under that indeed lace bra hung up in your throat, threatening to choke the life out of you.

“I’d really love to see what’s under there, Millie. Kick your shoes off, and lay back, sweetheart.”

Without question, you obeyed his every command like a sheep to the slaughter, your nipples hardening as they caught up to the arousal his luscious voice had prompted.

“Tell me, Mills. Do you wish I was there with you? In my bed, right now?”

You’d never believed in the schemes of hypnosis. Obviously, because there was “no way your mind was weak enough to be manipulated by something as such.”

End quote.

But his snaky smooth, rumbling, throaty accent on the other end of the phone brainwashed you.   

“Yes.”

High fives all around for Amelia Calvert’s ability to play coy, and hard to get.

“And, would you let me touch you? I really, really want- no, need, to touch you, beautiful.”

You wouldn’t just let him touch you. In fact, you’d beg mercilessly for him to take your every body part into his veined hands.

“Are you asking to go to 2nd base with me, Christopher Evans?”

And so, it began. The sexual, meaningless, no-strings relationship that you had so very, very foolishly advised. It felt like some form of cruel punishment, but you’d hold up your end of the bargain, however empty, used, and desperately pathetic it made you feel. And then, you’d allow yourself to crumble in pain later.

“I’m asking to run the whole fuckin’ field with you, Amelia. But, I’d settle for 2nd base.” Chris answered without a stutter of second guess.

“I’m thinking about your hands on me right now, too. Tugging through my hair as I kiss you. Hard. Do you know where I’d put my hands, baby?”

There were a few guesses, but, what fun would it be the fill in the blanks? However much you hated the arrangement, the hot spot between your legs was thumping with anticipation.

“Nnn-no. Where would you put them?”

“I’d have to begin with a squeeze to those round, screamingly perky tits, first and foremost. Then, I’d pet all the way down, counting your ribs slowly, whispering the numbers in your ear as I went downward…. Do you know what I would do next, Mil?”

In some sort of blood pumping, sex-crazed trance, you had wriggled loose the button of your jeans and the seems of your panties stretched as your hand fiddled inside them.

“Tell me.”

He was whispering moans now. Carps of a yearning, feverish nature scratched through the speaker of your phone, and you wanted to cry in ecstasy knowing he was undoubtably shirtless, and his straining muscles sweating and sticking to the sheets of his bed.

“I’d tuck my hand inside your pants, too eager to worry with pulling down your zipper, and touch your softest spot. I bet it would be warm, too. And wet for me, Millie. Is it wet for me?”

Surprised that he couldn’t hear the sloshing, water-like sounds coming from your side of the line as you slid between your folds, you answered.

“Definitely. Unbelievably.”

“I wanna feel it, Millie. Taste it on my lips for days after you’ve left me.”

His bed where you lay squeaked when your back arched in an imaginative fit, ruminating thoughts of the texture of his tongue.

“Touch yourself like I would touch you. Arch your back just as your finger skims over your fucking greedy clit.”

“Are you…? Are you touching yourself, too? Touching like I would touch?”

“How would you touch me, Amelia. Talk to me, gorgeous. Tell me how you want me to touch myself.”

Your building trembles captured you, and truly the idea of him touching his hardness didn’t quench your whines. You wanted to touch him. You wanted to take the plush of him into the palms of your hands. But with the distance of another time zone, this night, you’d resolve with him thinking thoughts of you as he relieved himself.

“Squeeze yourself, Chris. Hard with both hands at first,” your voice quaked and broke with the spasms inside your belly. “Then, go so slow from top to bottom. So slow it almost makes you angry.”

Your hand fisted in his feather pillow beneath your head, hair matted from twisting & writhing with impending orgasm. Chris was silent for a moment. Well, silent from words. His continual mewls desperately crying in your ear, you swore your name was mixed into the soundtrack of his unwinding.  

“Pull off your pants, Millie. I want you to spill out onto my sheets so I can lie in your come when I get home and into my bed. I wanna smell your sweetness.”

Your finger attempted to cramp, unable to keep up with the swirling fast circles you spun around your bulb. With jeans pooled around your ankles, your heels dug in to sturdy yourself.

“I’m so- I’m close, Chris. I feel like I’m going to fucking explode.”

“I’m with you, baby. Your voice alone is making me crazy hard. You sound so fucking desperate for me, and I swear, I’m losing it.”

All went black, and the vision behind your sealed lids was like a rippling kaleidoscope of fiery reds, and white-hot clouds of a volcano. The wet release of your orgasmic liquid tickled out of your entrance, sliding down your legs and curving below you off the curve of your rear cheeks.

As if your squeal was his switch, a glutenous, muffled yell scratched from Chris’ chest indicating his own eruption.

You didn’t know what to say when the clouds of orgasm had passed over. The moment felt strange, being your first sexual exchange with him, and suddenly a shyness caught your tongue.

“Mil, you still here?”

“Yes.” Was all you could muster.

“Are you okay? I mean, what’s going on? That was okay, right…?”

“Of course, Chris. It was, phenomenal. Was it for you?”

Sure, the twinges of your southern lips felt phenomenal. But, lets evaluate your heart right now. 

“Sweetheart, the mess I’ve got spilled out onto my belly right now speaks for itself.”

Oh, you blushed. Dodger looked up at you from standing at the side of the bed, recognizing the voice of his dad now that he’s tenor was back to its’ normal octave.

“It’s a bit late. Why don’t you sleep there tonight? Dodger would love the company, anyways. You’d have the whole place to yourself.”

The idea didn’t sound completely absurd. And truthfully, after such a raunchy, cheap exchange with him, you liked the intimacy of him wanting you to stay in his home while he was away, no matter what the motive may be.

“Earth to Amelia. Talk to me. Get out of your head, worry wort.” He shook you to reality.

“Just tonight. Only because it’s late, and it seems to be storming out.”

“Dresser by the closet door. Top left drawer.”

“Huh?”

He laughed. “Just get up and go to the drawer, Ameila.”

You pulled your legs loose from your pants, knowing you’d have to clean yourself up before sleeping. You opened the specific drawer to find it stocked with square folded t-shirts. The enclosed space full of cotton immediately smelled of him.

“You’ll need something to sleep in, I’m assuming. So, take your pick. And help yourself to my shower. There’s some weird minty shit that my sister left the last time she stayed over, you can use it so you don’t have to use my soap.”

Your chest wanted to heave out a giddy, girly squeak. It appeared from his thought-out suggestions, that he had pre-planned you sleeping over when asking you to check in on his pup.

“Hotel Evans, huh? You better hope you don’t have any Brigham’s in your freezer…” It was the ice cream you’d both grown up on being Bostonians, and Chris could eat it by the gallon.

“Help yourself to whatever, buddy! What’s mine is yours, of course.”

Gulp.

Buddy….?

You felt that sick, putrid, sour taste of cheap slithering up your throat again. He smacked you, unintentionally, with a punitive dose of reality. You were only his friend. He couldn’t do anything more right now. No chances of a term other than buddy being exchanged between the likes of whatever this was. And suddenly, the welcomed invitation to his bed no longer appealed.

“Thanks… buddy. Steer me in the direction of your guest room, and I’ll let you get to sleep yourself.”

“Don’t start with that shit, Mil. Sleep in my bed. You’ll definitely be more comfortable there. And Dodger keep a close eye on you, too. No arguments!” He scoffed.

More comfortable? Oh, but you wouldn’t be. The stanch fragrance of his cologne would suffocate you all night, you just knew it. Yet, there was still no other place you’d rather be than tucked into the indention on his side of the bed.

“Fine, fine. Have it your way! Good night, Evans. Get your beauty rest. Your ugly mug needs it.”

“Night, Mils. Make sure you activate the alarm before you go to sleep. I’ll call you bright and early to check in.”

You’d turned your back, and Dodge was already nestling and settling into the spot on the mattress next to where you’re sure Chris slept, his stuffed lion close by.

“Oh! And Millie?”

“Yep?”

“Dream of me. After the noises I heard from your pretty mouth tonight, I know I won’t be able to think of anything else.” 

Tags: @miidailyinspiration @eap1935 @littleluna98 @mollybegood-blog

#Chris Evans #chrisevans #chris evans x ofc #chris evans fanfiction

[girlbookwrm]

BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH MIGHTY ENDGAME REWATCH MEMECEPTION 2: MEMIER AND CEPTIONIER

yes i HAVE been keeping up with the rewatch but i HAVEN’T been keeping up with typing up my notes from the rewatch but BOY HOWDY I AM RUNNING OUT OF TIME AREN’T I.

Ok so here we go with Guardians 2 --

today we mourn the passing of an icon. farewell old marvel logo. ye shall be missed.

MISSOURI. EARTH. 1980.

so whose music taste does starlord actually have? his own? his mom’s? 

My Boss’s, in fact????

be it known that i work retail and the station we listen to is basically the guardians soundtrack which might sound neat but basically all these songs are dead to me now.

digitally enyouthened kurt russell must be mentally re en agened so i don't go mad like some sorry sucker faced with a lovecraftian horror tbh

34 YEARS LATER

which means 2014 confirmed which means we're actually watching this out of in-universe chronological order

our bad

this is the REAL opening. slipping back into their flashback ways i see.

Is groot dancing or fighting? both?

i love that all the action is out of focus, what we really want is Cute Groot Content and they know that.

“IT’S THE SAME THICKNESS FROM THE INSIDE AS FROM THE OUTSIDE” they said

in deliberate defiance of anthony tedward ‘you know the story of jonah and the whale?’ stark

none of this info is important or relevant

good hermit look nebula. solid hermit attire.

how does no one figure out the obvious battery thing faster? they’re not even out of the hall when he tips his hand

awwwwhwhwhh groot

~this one’s for the ladies~

i honestly can’t remember the context for that note i’m gonna assume that peter took his shirt off

it’s worth noting that drax is actually sneaky

“i will kill you”

all the ppl with siblings: *nod sagely* solid sibling interaction there.

i do love that it’s like an arcade

Just In Case You Were Wondering, The Guardians Have Not Grown Up At Alllllllllll.

sooooooooo drax going out the back -- that was the plan?

And drax is dead now, right?

and gamora?

and nebula?

and.... everyone?

BERHART

Gamora: LOOK AT THIS!!!!!!!!!

all of us: mood.

nebula is also very bad at lying. 

Kurt Russell is here

“yeah my name is very on the nose. That’s comics for ya!”

CONTRAXA

The Roommate: There’s something extra unsettling about robot prostitutes not sure what...

prostitute: *turns herself off*

The Roommate: Yep. it’s that. 

that’s extremely rude of you rocky

honestly how dare this movie make me feel feelings about yondu

The Roommate: oh hey it’s laserface

me: it’s taserface actually

The Roommate: ........ that’s so much worse?

this carpet gag deserves more appreciation

Star-Lord’s “IT’S HAPPENING” face is just

Yup, that’s ur dad

Query: is Mantis one of Ego’s kids?

“what if this man is your hasselhoff?”

git ur daddy issues

git ur daddy issues here

hang on why was gamora so pissed if they can just grow new ship parts no problem???

Mantis is so cute but more importantly

HER EYE MAKEUP GAME IS ON! POINT!

i love rocket, always, but especially here with all the singing

but not that

nope

don’t like that

Just gonna kevin mccalister this whole forest huh

these guys are also dead, yeah?

yeah.

EGO’S PLANET

good job drax excellent grasp on humility

he’s built a museum to himself here

“yes, i have a penis.”

Gamora’s FACE here omg

what did Ego look like? pre Kurt Russell? did he go around seducing alien ladies with tentacle faces all the while looking like Kurt Russell? seems unlikely, since he can make himself look like Whatever. more likely he’s just pasted the Kurt Russell face over everything now because he’s got his Kurt Russell kid here, right?

A Very Smart Question We Never Get A Real Answer To. 

literally the most unrealistic thing in this movie: how could anyone be mean to baby groot?

can we take a moment to acknowledge that this is all like hella hella dark?

y i k e s

Ok but if Nebula doesn’t kill thanos then What Is The Point.

The Roommate: Peter and his dad play catch is so predictable i’d have felt robbed if they didn’t tbh. it HAD to be in slow mo.

me: ....

me: i just thought they were throwing it real slow

we still don’t have an answer here incidentally

Mantis is at least an adopted sibling then, right?

“No Gef. It’s Too Adorable To Kill.”

them all chanting mascot is terribly on the nose

this sequence made the full funny loop. went from funny to not funny and then pushed on through back to hilarious

They knew about the fin? and just?? Left it???

EXCELLENT use of slo mo

Yondu: Too Powerful to Live

Kraglin: Keepin it tight in those leather pants

TBF i don’t even know how she WALKS in those shoes much less dances in them

The Roommate: This scene makes me sad now... given...

Me: AH GEEZE

“you like when i’m the weak one.”

me and The Roommate: *exchange looks* 

Me and The Roommate: *sweating*

Me and The Roommate: she’s one of us.

Gamora: *my sister senses are tingling*

all the ppl with siblings: *nod sagely* Solid Sibling Interaction There.

stop giving me feelings about these characters That Is Rude

Nebula and Bucky would get along i feel

“I’M GONNA MAKE SOME WEIRD SHIT” - fandom

I love this very Non Romantic Relationship

PETER are you even LISTENING to what he’s SAYING???

aw man eyes Doing That is never a good sign

y i i i i i k e s 

oh hey it’s pooter

groot even pukes adorably wtf

this film gets real fast real fast actually

ego

ego that’s gross

that’s gross ego

Gamora: NO ONE MAKES ME FEEL MY OWN FEELINGS HOW DARE U

“we’re family”

i’m sobbing

Peter goes from zero to FUCK YOU in .00002 seconds i love that sm

we love this even more

for reasons.

“That was Bein Funny.”

nOT to ME

really? all this for like? three batteries?

batteries are actually a real #theme throughout this piece aren’t they.

i LOVE THIS SONG

superhero landing

“i don’t fly the arrow with my head, boy”

“yeah. i murder from the heart.”

You know, tbh yondu and gamora had to die for p much the same reason

too powerful

aaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Y I K E S

 ugh it’s like he’s being de-Raider-ized

i just don’t like it okay

i would like to thank whoever was responsible for cutting that line off mid-schmaltz

again, a+ music cue

AND IF YOU DON’T LOVE ME NOW!!

damn. iconic.

tho how dare this movie  tbh

this is somehow a hard turn

NOPE DON’T CARE FOR THAT NO THANK YOU

listen this is a very sweet scene completely ruined because

DADDY

yondu’s accent? not a good enough reason to say daddy in this context

gosh i came out here to have a good time and i’m honestly feeling so attacked right now.

AND THEN THIS SHIT HOW DARE???????

[awkward sibling hug]

all the ppl with siblings: *nod sagely* SOLID SIBLING INTERACTION THERE.

this song is.

very rude.

Can we talk about how drax is the team dad? like. Drax is everyone’s actual literal dad -- SLEEPY BABY GROOT

single rocket tear is too much

i say to this entire end sequence:

R U D E

these end credits are unfuckingbeatable tho

#The Mighty Pre Endgame Rewatch #gotg2 #gonna try and get more of these typed and posted tomorrow #WISH ME LUCK