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saintwrld · 1 year

Text

Come my way

hbcu!Shuri x reader x hbcu!Emerald Haywood

summary: in which you’re a cheerleader and the school’s most popular duo decided to shoot their shot with a little twist at the end.

inspired by: bad to me by wizkid

warnings: slight cussing (it’s barely there), HEAVY teasing, stud!shuri, nervous ass reader, surprise at the end 🤭

taglist: @pinkwright @locoforshuri @axailslink @cuddl3s4shur1 @ventingfanfics @verachii @inmyheadimobsessed @generallysapphic @shuriszn @thevenusianleo @zayswriting @haechvn @percsane @risingoftime @rxcently @ziayamikaelson @blackgirlfariy @ogbells16 @n7cje @mbakuetshurisprincess @hetr0ph0bic @heejayy @heartsforjojo @shuriszn @letitias-fav @quintessencewrites @queenofsimpsblog @shinsousliya @vixentheplanet @mrsudakuu @mocha-aya

dividers: @firefly-graphics

a/n: it’s a late ass Valentines drabble but this is for all my baes!! I hope you enjoy this and the little surprise. just know that i can’t write smut for shit (gotta practice) so that’s why there isn’t any really in this one shot. @verachii your request is coming up soon bae! ok enjoy!

"Could I get some help with my bow?" You said, holding your bow out in defeat. Your hair was just not co operating today.

"You don't have to wear the bow, girl. It's optional plus you gotta show your middle part buss down, i ain't lay that shit for nothing!" Your teammate, Faith, exclaimed. Her makeup was already done and she was ready to go. It didn't seem like that for some of your other teammates as they were gossiping and barely getting ready.

Riri came in, slamming her gym bag on the bench behind her, sitting down afterwards and holding her head in her hands.

"What's up with you?" You asked, looking at your friend through the mirror. "So, I'm tryna rehearse the choreo with Amara but it's not fucking working because she over there squealin like a damn pig!"

You chuckle a little at your best friend's words, seeing her angrily tie up her sneakers. "Was it because of one of the football players? Didn't he cheat?" You asked, applying a coat of clear lipgloss and finishing your makeup.

"He did but that ain't the point. She fangirling over two people that are apparently attending the match and I swear I couldn't get a word in." Riri rolled her eyes for the nth time that afternoon.

"But you got your steps down though, right? Me, you and y/n were put in the front for a reason. If the rest of the team fucks up then it's on them." Faith expressed, making Riri nod her head at the previous question.

Before you could speak, the coach came in and gathered the team around, specifically side eying the others who weren't ready yet.

"Now imma need all of you to show up and show out tonight. When Beyoncé play, you get to strutting and make me proud. You gotta get out there in 30 minutes so to those that ain't ready, hurry up." Coach exclaimed, making everyone walk away and finish up.

As you and the other cheerleaders stood by the underground field entrance waiting for your cue, you could hear students piling in along with music playing loudly. You heard people wanting to get food from the stalls which were next to the field, reminding you to eat after this.

Coach gave you the cue to go out and stand in your places in front of the large crowd. "Is it me or did the whole campus show up because damn." You saw Riri observing the crowd, shocked by the turn up.

"It's Casey Lu's party tonight for valentines and she invited everybody and they mama so people just decided to come here before going there." Faith informed you guys as you were walking closer to the field. "Ain't she that rich girl that everybody knows?" You ask and Faith nods. "Ole girl said she got Ice Spice coming so you know everybody gone be there. Including us." Faith smiled at you two and you both looked bewildered at her last sentence.

"Inclu-" you cut yourself off when everyone stopped in their spots, with you front and centre. You looked into the crowd and saw almost everyone turn their heads towards the pair that just walked in. The seemingly popular pair quickly scanned the crowd for seats, finding two open spots which were right in front of you.

Unable to take your eyes off of them, you were forced to because you heard Amara squeal from behind. "Oh my god, it's them." She said barely under a whisper but she was loud enough that you and Riri could hear. Looking over at the pair, you saw how their eyes were looking through the cheer team and eventually land on you.

Your breath hitched as they made eye contact with you, smirking and dapping each other up in a subtle way. Before you could even comprehend any thoughts, you heard the intro to 'America has a problem' by Beyoncé. Immediately your focus was executing the steps perfectly.

After the electrifying performance that you all had put on, the crowd gave the cheer team a standing ovation with whistles and cheers flying through the air. You kept a bright smile on your face despite breathing like you ran through a marathon. Your eyes focused on the pair seated on the bleachers who were, once again, staring you down, definitely giving you more butterflies than the first time.

Throughout the game, the cheer team had to do small congratulatory cheers for their school team after every two wins which was exhausting because your school had won the game, beating the rival opponents by celebrating in their faces.

By the time the game is done, the crowd was still buzzing through the summer evening, many of them flocking towards the food stalls. You would join them but you had to change out of your uniform and make it to your dorm to change for the party. Looking over to the two empty seats that were in front, you noticed the pair was gone and as you looked around, they were nowhere to be found.

"With the way we ate today, I'm surprised we aren't in the netflix show." Faith said, making you smile about how the crowd reacted to something you choreographed. Because of your amazing performance, coach gave y'all a week to rest and to be ready when it's time to get back.

Taking off your shoes, you looked in the mirror and saw that your makeup was still intact but you wanted to touch up a little in the dorm. Hearing your teammate's voices get louder on the other side of the lockers, you tried to not listen but they were still loud.

"Yeah girl, I saw them! Make me wanna forget about my own boyfriend!" One voice giggled. Many other voices agreed with them then cackling. You didn't even realise you were done changing until Faith tapped your shoulder. "You ready? We gotta shower then I gotta fix up our hair." She called and you nodded. You walked out with her and Riri, saying bye to your other teammates who all responded back.

It took at least two and a half hours for all of you to get ready, seeing as the party only started at eleven and it was ten thirty. "Do y'all know the address?" You asked, typing on your phone to find info at the party. You finished taking pictures in your bathroom and your two friends looked at you in awe.

"Damn, I did a good ass job like? You better get hoes today!" Faith cheered as she recorded you, Riri walking in at the right moment with you and Faith hyping her up. "Our outfits are so cute . We're serving face." You said, applying lipgloss once again.

"Only the best for ice spice." Riri smiled as she hyped you and Faith up this time.

The three of you entered the enormous house with free access since cheerleaders and football players get in for free. The slight smell of weed and different kinds of perfume filled the air, with the capacity of the house shocking you. There were people everywhere. You made your way through the crowds towards the large kitchen with everyone looking at you three, feeling the attention on you but it quickly went away as the dj switched the music to 'jimmy crooks' by drake and 21 savage.

Faith assured you and Riri to join the dancing crowd while she got your drinks because she knew that this song was one of your favourites. As the rap music was slowly getting into afrobeats, you and Riri would get closer in the crowd with Faith eventually joining you two.

You had felt eyes on you majority of the night but nothing malicious like. You hadn't taken the time to look for whoever is staring at you. The pair had shrugged off every other woman who wanted a chance with either one of them. Emerald and Shuri watched you dance with barely any alcohol in your system, taking in your beauty and zoning out from the party surrounding them.

This wouldn't exactly be the first time they would share someone. However there was just something about you that drew the two women to you without even knowing your name, with you they don't even want to mess with other people at that point.

Due to the beats of 'bad to me' by wizkid booming through the speakers, Shuri stood up from the couch and signaled to Emerald that she'll be back and hopefully with you. She danced her way through the crowd to stand near you and Riri. Faith and Riri were damn near falling over and were laughing all the way. They said to you that they're getting more drinks as the song started.

Now this was your song. You began dancing, not really caring if anyone joins you. The beats of the song were progressively getting slower and slower as the song transitioned to 22 by jayo. From hearing this song on social media, you knew to whine your waist to the beat as well to the lyrics. You felt a presence behind you, steadying your waist without touching you with them going with the flow of your waist.

The person’s scent radiated from their body, making you feel like you’re falling into a trance. You sneakily bring your hand behind you for the person to at least touch you. You placed their hand on you back and continued dancing. You hadn’t noticed the lingering stares of everyone around you, hyping you and this mysterious person behind you. You felt their hand grip on your waist, bringing your upper body towards theirs for your back to press against their chest.

They swiftly turned you around to face them and it was as if your breath had been taken away from your lungs. Looking into her dark eyes, you noticed them turn even darker under the red and white led lights. The beautiful stranger smirked at you, causing you to slightly clench your legs.

She removed her hand from your waist and replaced it with her hand, her other reaching up to hold your chin. Examining her face, it was as if it was sculpted into perfection. Seeing how your eyes were desperately trying to not make contact with hers, Shuri gave you a low smile whilst looking elsewhere, near the couches. You noticed gold peeking through and you realised that she was wearing grills on her bottom teeth, making her look even sexier than when you first saw her.

Keeping her head in the direction she was looking at, she pulled you with her, with you immediately noticing that people parted as she walked by them. Who the hell was she?

Flicking your hair behind you as you eventually reach the couches, you stopped and stared at what’s right in front of you. The second one of the duo was manspreading, staring at you as she blew out smoke in her mouth. She too had a little smirk on her face as she watched you get nervous.

Noticing her outfit which was a black tank top with what looked to be black oversized low rise jeans paired with Jordan 4’s. Her chains were dainty and small but the rings on her fingers made up for her jewellery. Her hair was curly and short, framing her face so beautifully.

Feeling your body being guided towards the other person by your waist, you stop right in front of her open legs and she took your hand, making you sit on her crotch. Holding you in place, her cold yet soft hands slid onto your waist. The one you had been dancing with looked you in the eyes this time from a higher angle now that you were sitting down.

Her outfit was simple yet so captivating to you. She wore a black Nike tech tracksuit with panda dunks. Her neck showcased a Cuban link with a shiny watch adorning her wrist and a Cartier love bracelet on the other. Her hair was curly up top with shaved sides. Her eyes stare into yours as your heartbeat increases.

You’re quite literally stuck in the middle of these two beautiful women. You could feel the second one sit up and place you nicely on her lap as she adjusts herself.

“Now tell me, ma. What’s your name?” She muttered into your ear with a beautiful accent, almost sounding southern.

“Y/n.” You stammered, barely keeping it together. Your body was eagerly calling for the both of them, not sure how long you were going to survive.

“Y/n…” The one in front of you repeats in such a sultry tone. Placing your hands on both legs of the other woman’s legs, you shift your body a little for comfort, causing her to groan behind you.

“What about you two? What are y’all’s names?” You asked, feeling the grip on your waist become a little tighter. “My name’s Shuri, mama.” Shuri began, diverting her eyes to the woman you’re sitting on.

“I’m Emerald and I’m sure it sounds amazing comin out you. Whatcha think, Shuri?” Em introduced herself then turning her head to Shuri.

Shuri could barely answer the question. She could see how introducing themselves had taken a toll on you. She could see every shiver move everytime Emerald moved her hands from your waist to your thighs. You were slowly becoming undone and they have barely touched you.

Your gaze hadn’t been on Shuri, seeing as you were staring at nothing as an attempt to calm you down. Her hand had reached for your face once again, making you look up at her in the eye.

“Mami, I want you to listen to me, aight?” You nodded. “Let’s go celebrate Valentine’s at my hotel, yeah? just the three of us.” She spoke and her grills were peaking through. It also didn’t help that Shuri’s hand let go of your jaw and landed on your thigh and Emerald was giving you subtle neck kisses.

You nod at a quick pace, almost giving yourself whiplash. “You wanna go tell your friends that you’ll see them later?” Emerald whispered to you as you nodded. Shuri helped you up, holding your hand as you guided her through the crowd looking for your friends.

You found them in the middle of the dance floor, eventually finding you through the crowd and saw you with someone. Faith gasped when she saw who you were standing with. Riri just cheered you on and you went back to Emerald who was waiting for you two.

“Now, let’s go show you how we wanna celebrate Valentine’s with you, mama.”

You walked in your dorm room limping and trying to hold all your luxury shopping bags. After a rather long night of the three of you pleasuring each other, Shuri and Emerald had promised to give you gifts for Valentine’s Day, seeing how they only courted you as the last hour of the day was coming to an end.

The two women had helped you carry the other bags into your dorm room, placing everything next to your bed. You give thank you kisses which then turned into a heavy make out session, leaving you with more hickies than last night.

Faith and Riri waltzed into your room, hoping you’d be awake or at least there for your daily coffee run. Finding you asleep with multiple hickies and shopping bags on the floor, the two looked at each other with looks that said “I told you so.”

“When is a good time to tell her that they’re succubi and that they’re bonded for life?” Faith asked as she looked at your sleeping figure.

“Girl what?” Riri reacted, giving Faith a raised eyebrow. “Yeah. They’re immortals.” She said as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“I was just being me and going through some old ass books about folklore and myths in the library. Obviously, shit like that is supposed to be fake but clearly not. Those two have been in newspapers and books from the 16th century. They got the same tattoo on their hip to prove it.”

“The fuck? And what about y/n? What’ll happen to her?” Riri asked, a concerned expression on her face.

“They’ll eventually turn her into one of them. They don’t seem like the bad ones so I think we’re good.” Faith nodded.

“So how old are they? They look near our age.”

“Probably in their 20s physically.” She said, not knowing that the two beautiful women had disappeared into the mirror, hearing Faith reveal their secret.

“Now what?! We don’t need her finding out now!” Emerald stressed. Shuri was trying to keep her cool and be calm. “It’s cool, we can erase their memories of this conversation and destroy that book. Anything to protect our princess.”

the supernatural wave for Shuri is so cool so i decided to join in. @generallysapphic inspired me with this because of vampire!shuri so thank you my love!

and thank you @vargskelegore for creating the wonder that is hbcu shuri! 🫶🏽

#black panther #shuri #letitia wright #shuri udaku #shuri x black!reader #black panther wakanda forever #emerald haywood #emerald haywood x reader #lesbian #hbcu Shuri #wlw #fanfic #blackgirlbloggers #i love women #wakanda forever #nope #Spotify #saintwrites #shuri x reader

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sokkastyles · 6 months

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I don't know if it's just me but I never liked the idea of Uncle Iroh being pretty much the same before Lu Ten's death and his enlightenment journey through the spirit world. It feels like it cheapens the whole thing. What would the point be if Iroh was the same joyful person but he just happens to wear a t-shirt that says "imperialism and world conquest are only for the ꓘool Kids"? Also his relationship with Ozai reeks (atleast to me) of him not just being Azulon's favourite child but also the Fire Nation's favourite prince and war hero while Ozai was the scapegoat and pariah.

The point is that you can consider yourself a good person and still do evil. The point is that even someone who is otherwise kind and appreciative of other cultures can be swept up in the lure of fascism. That's all but textual, with Iroh stating that he believed he had a great destiny and that's why, despite him being a kind person, he was able to also believe that he had a right to conquer.

It's also historically accurate, as many conquering nations buy into the myth of benevolent imperialism and use it to justify themselves. Zuko repeats the same thing to Ozai, that he was taught that the Fire Nation's conquest was their way of "sharing their greatness with the world" something that is also repeated by Sozin to Roku. The idea that, in fact, as a "superior" nation, it is their duty to conquer.

I also think Iroh being Azulon's favorite is what allowed him to retain the recognizable parts of the character we see in the series while still being successful and respected as a conqueror. We know that even before his redemption, Iroh was regarded as "kooky." The specific use of this word implies that any behavior he exhibits that is outside of Fire Nation norms, like being more fond of drinking tea and playing games than winning battles, is just an odd quirk and can be forgiven because he also keeps winning those battles.

I think that's also why Ozai resented him so much, because Ozai was the scapegoat who could never do anything right, and here was Iroh who had so many traits that would normally be considered flaws in the Fire Nation, yet Azulon kept praising him. That also informs why Ozai became the hyper-militaristic, ruthless person he became, perhaps in an attempt to show his father that it was he who deserved to be the golden child, the star general, the crown prince.

I like this interpretation of Iroh and to me, it makes his redemption, happening too late, all the more poignant. Tragic, but also all the more important because it was overdue. Because Iroh did know better, but chose to maintain the status quo. And that affected not just his life (I've talked about how I think Iroh could have been a very different person if he was raised differently, and there's a part of him that probably would have loved to have a doll himself if that were allowed him) but his son's life. Iroh was able to get away with his own "kookiness," but maybe not so for Lu Ten. Maybe Iroh thought that if he had to stuff down that part of himself for the regime, then perhaps he enforced that in how he raised Lu Ten.

I think that also tracks with how Iroh's fondest memories of Lu Ten seem to be him as a young, soft child. Not the hardened military man he would have become. And it reflect on how he is with Zuko, too. How he works to teach Zuko that empathy and kindness are what really makes a man. And I like to imagine that in doing this, Iroh also learns that that part of himself was never something he should have had to hide or repress to begin with.

That also vibes with how hard Ozai tried to repress it in Zuko. I know the popular interpretation is that Ozai saw his own flaws in Zuko, and I don't disagree with that interpretation, but I think a part of him also saw and hated the things he resented in Iroh, the things Iroh got away with while he was so criticized by his father. Think about how Ozai speaks about and treats Iroh, and about how he usurps Iroh to prove that he is strong and Iroh is weak the first chance he gets.

The irony is that in the end, Ozai loses to Iroh yet again, when his own son chooses Iroh over him as a father. But that's what happens when you treat your kids like mirrors to reflect your own glory instead of people. The cyclical nature of the Fire Nation royal family's dysfunction is fascinating to me.

#iroh #ozai #zuko

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trulytiredhermit · 1 year

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I read your Ravio/Legend section and👍👍👍 gud shit uhuh.

I think the dynamic of Legend and Ravio and their close good friend/roommate that they're weirdly possessive of, lol.

Ravio's someone I'm particularly interested in because on one hand I can see legend doing all of the vaguely threatening 'you're staying here and we'll take care of you, you have no other option' while Ravio goes along with it and tries to make it nicer for you (ie giving you choices on things or rather making it seem like you have a choice) so that you like him more. On the other hand I can absolutely see him blocking the door like 'you're not leaving💜'.

Also how would that type of thing happen?

Were you a neighbor that leg grew particularly fond of, and eventually the visits to his house get longer and longer-- only to mysteriously stop after one particular journey. Were you the one persistent enough to continuously come back even after he told you not to, only to seal your fate once the hero of legend grew too fond of you to risk losing you again. Maybe you even went out on a journey of your own to get Ravio because you knew that leg needed all the support you can get only for the two of you to bond on the way back and Ravio approaches legend like 'hey uhh...'.

Maybe you just needed a place to stay and Ravio was like 'I got just the place for you!', only for the first to approach and find out that Ravio's infamous pricing extends to rent as well. Don't worry though! He'll let you work it off in the shop! Soon you're pretty much spending 24/7 in the house between sleeping and working long ass hours you can't leave if you're constantly working in order to meet rent. Legend, while initially reluctant, eventually comes to appreciate the extra person to come home to, especially since he knows that Ravio isn't as lonely anymore since you came along.

Or you and Leg just bond while the events of Lu take place, only to go to his Hyrule and just...not come back. You can't escape if you have no clue where anything is! Which leads me to the next point.

With the 'Legend, Ravio, and their close good friend' trope, I think it would be funny if the villagers just...didn't acknowledge the blatant creepy behavior going on. Maybe your alarm bells ring on said behavior, but since the two allow you outside, you don't really think much of it; until you do try to seek outside help, only to be stared at by the villagers like you're crazy and either Legend or Ravio just lead you back inside like 'haha yeah they do that sometimes'. Now, whenever you get too close to the outskirts of the village the townspeople tell Legend, if not they just bring you back to the house themselves.

Listen, Legend is the hero of Legend, he's saved more kingdoms than he can count. Plus, he's best friends with his Zelda (or if you're going by popular hc, he is royalty himself). There's nothing you can do to make anyone think too badly of him or Ravio, who was here long before you ever were.

I was wondering if you had any more scraps👀👀

*I…

Bestie

YOU PREPARED ME A WHOLE MEAL! OH MY LORD!

I.LOVE.THIS

Like you’re so big brained, I could never.

Just as a person who also loves Ravio and Legend this is 😮‍💨🤌 chef’s kiss.*

————————————————————————

So, I think for this to work out the best way possible and make somewhat the most sense I would agree with the whole Reader is just a stubborn neighbor who would NOT take no for an answer when Legend was going through some bad times.

Reader is also the overly friendly neighbor.

In every game of Zelda the Link in question has to always help others to gain something that will aid them in their quest.

Which if you look at it as a whole is kinda messed up.

Like you wouldn’t just give the object to the dude who’s trying to save the world???

Anyways, Reader was the opposite of those people.

Reader constantly was checking in on Legend, asking if he ever needed something or just telling him things they heard around the town. Giving him home cooked meals to take on his long journeys so that he can have something to eat.

Reader makes sure that Legend always remembers that their house is open to them.

They really shouldn’t have

Over the years, Legend falls hard for the stubborn and kind Reader.

Becoming infatuated with the worried face that greets him every time he comes back home after an adventure, the one that checks him over for injures and makes promises to fix up his favorite meal that night.

The one who actually cares for Legend in a way others haven’t.

And oh how he cares for them in a return.

Somewhere down the line, Reader turns from his caring neighbor to his caring roommate.

Something had happened to Readers house, it had mysteriously caught fire and burnt down whilst Reader was out.

Leaving Reader with no home and no where to go.

That’s when the hero swooped in to save the day.

Little does Reader know, it was all planned.

Legend of course had some rules that he put in to play once Reader finally moved in.

1) don’t be out too late

“It so dangerous out when it gets dark, I think I’d worry myself half to death if you weren’t home before sunset.”

Tell him where you’re going

“I’ve made a great deal of enemies on my adventures, I fear they may try to target you to get at me. This way I can you’re safe when I come home and you’re not there.”

Remain close to the town

“I’ve been all across the land [Name], I know all that’s out there. I’d feel so much better if you’d keep to the surrounding area around the town when you went out to collect your supplies for baking.”

Should you need anything, just ask him or at least let him accompany you in your errands

“I can get you anything you need if it’s too far from the village, it isn’t a problem. And for things you need in the village I won’t mind tagging a long, I want to spend time with you before I’m sent off on another quest.”

There were a few other rules, but these were the main ones.

With Legend’s reasoning for each one, Reader didn’t feel too bothered by them.

As time passed, everything seemed to be going great for Legend and Reader but then something happened.

A new comer made their way in.

Ravio.

While out on a stroll one day, Reader just happened to come across a strange man adorned with a purple rabbit hood and purplish blue scarf.

Perhaps he was passed out on the road or something or seemed to be lost.

Either way, being such a kind person, Reader offers the stranger their assistance and to guide them back to town.

Ravio accepts and the two talk and even bond a little on their way to the town.

Ravio mentions him not having a place to stay and Reader, with their bleeding heart, offers that he could possible stay with them.

Which is when Ravio learns of Reader’s roommate, Legend.

Who, once Ravio and Reader get to home, is missing.

So Reader comes up with the bright idea to split up and find Legend and so Ravio and Reader search the town for him.

Ravio ends up finding Legend in the sanctuary and takes him back to the house. Soon after Legend wakes up and Ravio has introduced himself, Reader comes back home happy to see Legend safe.

The three talk and Reader reveals that Ravio needs a place to stay and says that they’d have enough room for a third roomie.

Legend, of course, can never truly say no to Reader (especially when they use their puppy eyes and promise to cook up Legend’s favorite meal and spend time with him).

Legend also feels a sense of ease being next to Ravio, like he some how knows him.

In the end, Ravio stays.

The events of A Link Between Worlds unfold and Ravio and Reader grow closer together throughout that time.

Of course, Legend would never let Reader accompany him on his dangerous journey, no matter how much Reader begged.

So Reader stays with Ravio and helps him out in his shop. Thus letting the two grow closer.

And as Legend stops by from time to time, even him and Ravio begin to grow a bond.

He finds himself thankful that Reader has someone to be with while he’s away on his adventure. He knows how lonely it can get sometimes and how much Reader can worry about him.

It also helps that Legend’s beastly jealously never rears its head when Ravio is with Reader.

Somehow, Legend is okay with the fact that Ravio has been growing closer and closer with Reader. Whereas with others he would surely run them off.

After all who would dare challenge the hero of Hyrule?

Perhaps it is at the end of A Link Between Worlds, when Yuga is finally defeated and truths have been brought to light about who Ravio truly is, that Ravio comes to Legend with the offer of a “lifetime”.

To share Reader.

Ravio would stay in Hyrule instead of returning to Lorule and continue to live with Reader and Legend where they could both romantically pursue Reader.

After all, it is a dangerous world and two heroes are much better than one. (Even while cowardly, Ravio is still willing to defend Reader).

Legend agrees to the deal.

Reader’s fate has been sealed.

Legend and Ravio return to the town as heroes and are now very respected people within Hyrule for having saved the land. (After all, Ravio did help Legend).

More importantly they return to their beloved Reader, who smothers them in hugs and checks both men over for injuries.

It is then that Ravio and Legend tell Reader about Ravio’s temporary stay becoming permanent.

Reader is ecstatic and they can’t help but let slip to Ravio and Legend that they shouldn’t worry about the space becoming too cramped because once their house is rebuilt they’d be moving out.

Legend forgot about… that.

He and Ravio share a glance whilst Reader helps out things away and sets the table.

It seems they have more talking and planning to do.

Legend and Ravio start sabotaging Reader’s plans.

For some reason, castle guards won’t let Reader leave the town to enter the surrounding forest to gather supplies.

Meaning Reader no longer has a way to make money, as they would collect supplies and fruit to bake goods to sell in the town.

(Legend and Ravio cashed in a few favors with Zelda. They worry for them they had told Zelda, “They’re so stubborn sometimes and too kind for their own good. Anyone could take advantage of them, we just want to keep them safe after what we’ve been through.”

Zelda agreed to their plea and whether she believed them or not truly didn’t matter, after all they had done so much for the kingdom. Why shouldn’t they be rewarded in return?).

No one else really needed a helping hand around the village so that took out any sort of side income Reader could make.

So Ravio with his caring heart, said he’d let Reader help him out in his shop.

But it didn’t matter that Reader was making money now.

Any builder Reader had tried to talk to about fixing up their house always told them they were either too busy or that it would cost too much.

“Going out is still dangerous these days with all those monsters still roaming around.” They’d say, “We’re sorry [Name] but we truly can’t help you out right now.”

Reader is never given an answer on when they’d even be able to start building.

(Legend had talked to the builders earlier. Buying them off to put off building Reader’s house for as long as they could. “I’m planning on asking them to move in permanently, I wish to court them.” He would truthfully tell the workers, “but they feel as though they’ve overstayed their welcome and I can’t shoo that though from their head.”

The workers agree to put off the work. After all, who wants to stand in the way of young love?

Soon word spreads around town and the whole town is helping to push Reader even further into the men’s arms clutches.

And even if they were the occasional person who objected to the act, who found the men’s behavior suspicious, they would never act upon their suspicions.

It would be dangerous to attempt to go against the man who’s defeated Ganon and Yuga. Not to mention that there’s two now.)

Eventually as Reader laments to Ravio and Legend about feeling like they’ll never get their home back, the two men comfort Reader with soothing, honeyed words.

“You can stay here as long as you need to [Name].” Ravio would say, gently rubbing circles onto Reader’s back as he sat next to them.

“In fact, why don’t you just stay here permanently [Name].” Legend would join in, caressing Reader’s hands.

“We’ve been speaking and needles to say, me and Ravio both care for you deeply. If you would allow us to, we would like to have a chance at courting you my dear.”

And with how sweet these men have been to you, how could you refuse. After all, you had grown to care for them too.

Why hadn’t you refused?

Did your choice even matter in the end?

No, even if you had refused, things would have turned out the same.

Your fate had been sealed long ago.

As like before, Legends old rules had remained in place.

But newer ones had been added that caused a slight cause for concern.

Don’t leave the house unless you’re with at least one of them

“We just want to keep you safe, my gem. The world is so dangerous out there. We can still visit the places you wish to go.”

“I feel like I’d die if you even tripped and scrapped your knee my dear. I must be with you at all times to make sure you’re safe.”

And so you were always accompanied by one of your lovers. If the townspeople took notice of this they said nothing.

Don’t speak with others outside of work

“I’ve heard there’ve been more bandit attacks going on, and with you working with me in the shop they might target you. I can’t afford to lose my darling gem.”

“Is it so bad that I wish to be selfish for once my dear? I won’t allow for someone else to steal you away, bandit or otherwise I will protect what’s mine.”

Now, even if you tried to have a conversation with someone they ignored you, refusing to even meet your eyes at times.

Or did they simply ignore the dangerous presences at your sides.

Eventually the rules got even stranger and a fear began to fester.

Don’t try to run away

“Oh darling gem, you’re so much safer here. Of course you still have choices! We’re not keeping you here captive, we just have… rules to help keep you safe, that’s all. We just love you so much.”

“ My dear, you know we simply do this out of love. Besides where would you run to? Your home is here, the villagers will be if no help to you and neither will Princess Zelda. All they would do is simply bring you back to our loving arms.”

And Legend had been right, the townspeople were not afraid to snitch upon you to Ravio or Legend if they saw you out of the house without them.

You were sure that they would even drag you back to that dreaded house if you had attempted to escape.

Don’t leave the house

“Just say it my gem, anything that you desire and I shall fetch it for you. Those berries and fruits you bake with i can bring you whenever you desire. I simply wish to pamper you and treat you like the glorious gem that you are.”

“There’s nothing for you out there anymore my dear. Why can’t you see that we are the only ones to truly care for you. Has anyone shown up? Has anyone brought forth questions about you? No. We are the only ones who can love you as much as you deserve. We are the only ones you need, my dear.”

You felt like you were going crazy.

But, things could have been worse you supposed.

At least they were kind to you, showering you with love and affection. Treating you with such high regard that you had never been given before.

Ravio, always the sweetheart, even braved the forest to gather fruits, berries, and other supplies so that you could bake like you used to.

Legend regaled you with tales of his adventures him when he got back home. He would been grace you with the most beautiful music should you ask for it.

Besides, maybe they were right. Th village that you had lived so long in, the villagers that you had always been so kind to, had betrayed you and left you on your own.

At least you had Legend and Ravio.

————————————————————————

*Gosh, this one REALLY got away from me. Honestly I feel like writing a ficlet about this now. Which you can probably see where it started to become one near the end 😂

Anyways I hope my ramblings were satisfactory and in all seriousness you might be getting a small fic out of this because I’ve just got so many ideas now and I LOVE this.

Now I’m gonna go to bed cause it’s like 2:00am 😂)

#trulytiredhermit #yandere lu x reader #linked universe x reader #Legend x Reader #yandere link x reader #Ravio x Reader #Yandere Ravio x Reader

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booksnstuff58 · 9 months

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Book Review: Teen/YA

This is another one that I haven't read for a while, but it's one that I really enjoyed. This is actually one of the books that I read the week that I discovered reading is actually fun! I might even say it's one of the books that showed me not all reading is work. Up until that point, I had mostly just read books for school. I only read what was assigned. And sometimes I didn't even read that. 🤣

Anyway, the book I'll be reviewing today is

A Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak by Ali Alsaid

I flippin' love long titles! They just crack me up!

Here's what it says on Amazon:

A story about being in love with love.

Dumped by her boyfriend the summer after senior year, popular love-and-dating columnist Lu Charles can’t seem to write another word. Devastated, she spends her time wondering if everything she used to believe about love was a lie. But when Lu overhears another college-bound couple breaking up—before deciding to stay together for one final summer—she is inspired. Could Cal and Iris be the key to solving her writers block?

Lu starts chronicling the couple’s final weeks around New York City, ignoring her friends, her family, even her looming column deadlines as she becomes Cal and Iris’s unofficial third wheel. With her NYU scholarship hanging in the balance, will Lu be able to discover the truth about love that she’s been looking for? Or will she learn a much greater lesson?

And here's the review:

I really enjoyed this book. As I said, it helped me discover my love of reading. It was so much fun reading about Lu and her troubles. Not that I enjoyed her troubles, but it was interesting how she handled things. She was written so well, I almost felt like I knew her. Cal and Iris were awesome as well. Really, all the characters were well written and awesome!

The story was very interesting, and I love reading about people who write. One of my favorite series is Murder, She Wrote. She show and book series both. Absolutely love it.

So, for triggers, since it's been so long since I've read it I don't remember everything that is in it. I can tell you there wasn't any sex. Or violence. I feel like there was swearing, but I can't remember exactly. Though this is probably a good thing rather than a trigger for most people, I'll put it here anyway because I know some people don't appreciate it. There was a lesbian couple and a gay couple very briefly. Like I said, most people will think of that as a bonus, but I thought I'd mention it.

This is another one I got as an ARC. Well, actually my dad did while he was on some trip for work. He's a librarian.

And that is the end of this review. I do really recommend you check this one out. I was a lot of fun!

I'll be back with a new, more recently read one, soon!

#booklover #bookworm #books and reading #reading #book review #books #book recommendations #book rec

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trensu · 3 years

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Jon's Creeping Terror Fun Fact Corner!

You know how Cecil has his Fun Fact Science Corner segment on his radio show? Well, Jon has his own show produced by The Magnus Studio. It's an educational kids show all about the Entities of Fear!! It's a very specific kind of kids show. You know the ones. Those kids shows that children are absolutely mad for but any adult in their vicinity is left deeply unsettled by them? Yep. On the surface, the show seems fine but if any adult dwells on the content for more than five minutes, they are left feeling very very unnerved, especially since the host, one Jonathan Sims, seems more than a little unhinged half the time.

The show is so popular it gets almost 15 whole episodes! (It gets cancelled at 14 bc at that point it had received far too many retrospective complaints from parents to continue any further). Sometimes, the episodes even have special guests!! Although it got cancelled, you can obviously still find it on the internet if you know where to look. There's even compilations of all the show's best Unhinged moments.

The Vast Episode

Jon: Today's episode is about the Vast! And to tell us more about it we have Simon Fairchild visiting us. Kids, if you ever see this man in person, please run very far in the opposite direction.

Simon: Thank you for that warm introduction, Jon. Now children, who here likes ROLLER COASTERS?

Jon: And that's it for our special guest [proceeds to literally kick an old man until he's off screen] Do not trust this man and please be careful when going on roller coasters in the future.

The Lonely Episode

Jon, reading from the teleprompter: We have an expert of the Lonely with us, Mr. Peter Lu--what? No!! Why's he here? Get him off my set! What do you mean no? I don't care how much funding he gives the studio!! He tried to take Martin away!

[scene cuts off and starts back up with Martin sitting next to Jon, looking particularly sweet and cuddly in a knitted jumper]

Jon: Here we have m-my Martin, I-I mean my ASSISTANT Martin Blackwood. Say hi to Mr. Blackwood, children.

[Jon is a twitchy mess and cannot even look at Martin's direction. Martin looks flushed]

Martin: Er, yes, h-hello.

Jon: Martin has experience [this is hissed with all the venom he can muster] with the Lonely. He's going to teach us the best way to avoid that evil, conniving bast--

Martin, hastily cuts in: Yes, well! Kids, who do you have in your life that you love? It can be anyone! Your siblings, your pets, your friends! Anyone at all!

[at the edge of the set, just barely visible, Peter can be seen crammed into a cage gleefully guarded by Daisy]

(it's during this episode Jon finds out that he's not allowed to use naughty words on the show. All the stuff with the murder and the skinning and the worms and such is fine! Just no cussing. Jon is befuddled and aghast. This is why Hopworth was not allowed as a guest; he's a very swear-y man)

The Corruption Episode

[Jon is seen clutching a jar of ashes throughout the entire episode with absolutely no explanation as to what it is or why it's there]

Jon, gesturing manically: and that's why it's important to see a doctor when you're sick and have an exterminator on speed dial.

[Martin comes onto the scene with a worried look on his face. The screen goes to black for a moment, then reappears with Jon still clutching his jar but looking significantly calmer. He smiles at the camera and it almost looks normal]

Jon: To finish the episode, can you demonstrate the proper handwashing technique we taught you at the start? Be sure to tell your parents what you've learned about infection control and have them show you where the CO2 is kept in your home!

The Hunt Episode

Jon, earnestly happy: This is my best friend Daisy! She's going to help us learn about the Hunt. She's one of the bravest people I know.

[Daisy turns away to hide a shy smile before clearing her throat and starting in on a rehearsed lecture. The episode ends with her and Jon making the children repeat the "don't listen to the blood, listen to the quiet" mantra and also "all cops are bastards."]

(Basira, in post production: ...yeah, that's fair.)

The Flesh Episode

Parents are horrified when they hear their children singing "you are what you eat, meat is meat!" whenever they play after that episode airs.

(Martin: Just to be clear, we're encouraging cannibalism??

Jon: no! ...maybe? i don't know, Martin, they told me it tested well with the focus group children

Martin: yes, okay, but WHY did you come up with that jingle?

Jon: Don't look at me like that, I'm not crazy, Martin! I wouldn't just eat a person. But, well, if someone asked me to eat them like, after they died, I wouldn't necessarily say no...?

This conversation was recorded and leaked somehow. And that's how Actual Cannibal Jon Sims became a trending meme. He has to do a PR statement confirming that he "has never knowingly eaten a person" and that that was "a completely hypothetical discussion." This convinces as many people as you think it would.)

The Stranger Episode

Nikola: I don't much like children. Not enough skin on them to do anything really fun.

Jon: Why are you--how did you even get in?? S-Security! Someone come get her out of--

Nikola: oh, but I have information for the little ones! [she pulls out a basket of high-end skincare products and looks directly into the camera with her featureless face] These are the lotions that are best for Archivist flesh but I'm sure they work for the kiddies as well! You all want to grow up to have lots of beautiful skin don't you? Here, let me show you how to use them! [attempt to lotion Jon]

Jon: [flinches away] Security! O-or Daisy. DAISY!

[growling is heard and we get a flash of a wolfish Daisy body-slamming Nikola to the ground. The rest of the episode has Tim shoving Jon off screen and going on a rant about circuses and how to best explode them. This becomes one of their most popular episode amongst the children]

Breekon and Hope show up occasionally in the background of various episodes and become something like an Easter egg for fans of the show.

Anyway, I love the idea of kids adoring socially awkward, neurotic mess of a man Jonathan Sims. Jon is completely confounded by his popularity but also, he's glad of it bc that means the children will be more prepared if they ever encounter any of the Entities (most parents think it's all fiction, except for the ones who've had Encounters with one of the entities; Jon ends up with a sort of underground cult following comprised of survivors of fear encounters)

I blame @lemonisinplay (and Jonny Sims) for the entirety of this post, tbh. She came up with the name and half the stuff here XD

#tma #the magnus archives #jonathan sims #martin blackwood #daisy tonner #basira hussain #tim stoker #peter lukas #simon fairchild #nikola orsinov #jonmartin #trensu tells stories #jon's creeping terror fun fact corner

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fandomscombine · 3 years

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Heartbroken Wingwoman

BG: You were hoping that your best friend, Cedric to ask you to the Yule Ball. Instead you were roped into helping him ask Cho out. It broke your heart, but at least this way while helping him out you could pretend that he was doing all the sweet things to you. On the other side of the picture, Harry was too heartbroken upon learning that Cho is going out with Cedric.

Angst. Cedric Diggory x Reader, Harry Potter x Reader (Platonic) [Or maybe more, if anyone is interested for a part 2]

WC:1383

a/n: We weren’t given names of Cedric’s friends so let’s pretend that one of them is called Lucas okay? Good!

I wanted to get all the angst fics out of the way before I post fluff pieces for the holidays.

Plus it is my first Cedric fic so feedback is really appreciated.

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

>>JOIN MY WRITING CHALLENGE!<<

Seeing him pursue another girl hurt.

Let alone helping him pursue said girl.

That’s right you are helping your best friend ask out one of the most popular girls in Hogwarts, Cho Chang.

You didn’t want to be in this situation. (Who in their right mind would?) But if it means spending more time with him, you would again and again.

Cause who would fall for their childhood best friend who already have pictures and memories of each other in their diapers. (Oh right you would!) Sure, this situation you got yourself isn’t ideal. You had seriously thought it was you Cedric was referring to, but alas it was not.

At least in this way, when coming up with romantic ideas to woo Cho, you would pretend that he was doing them to you.

You were once again silently scolding yourself for going through this agreement. Sighing, you leaned back against the tree truck, pleading for the voice inside your head to shut up.

Peace and quiet only lasted for a moment. A thump had cut through your relaxation and the next think you knew, a weight could be felt in your lap.

Opening your eyes, ready to unleash your irritation on whoever disturbed you. ‘WHO THE FUCK DARES-‘ Oh boy, here we go again. The very problem you were trying to forget was now laying face up, directing his brilliant award-winning smile at you- everything seem to melt away, you could spend forever just having him stare back at you lovingly and that wouldn’t be even enough. Stupid Cedric Diggory and his ability to make you forget about everything.

Cedric was saying something, but whatever that may be, sounds like cotton. If was as if the rest of the world is in a distorted underwater chamber when you were gazing into his eyes ‘shesaidyes,y/n! Cho-‘

And just like that with one word, the spell is broken. You were cut off your dreamlike state, sent back into the painful reality.

‘hmmm? Sorry what?’

‘I said.’ Cedric rolled his eyes. But even your inattentiveness, did not put him off his cheery mood. In fact, Cedric was more than happy to say the words out loud again. ‘Cho said yes!! She’s gonna be my date to the Yule ball!’

‘That’s… great ced…. really great..’ You tried to mask your pain. Unfortunately, the deliver was no great and you’ve only manged to pull yourself together to give a crooked smile.

‘Wait there’s more!! We’re officially together!’ Fortunately, Cedric was too busy being head over heels for Cho, had failed to notice your odd reactions.

‘Seriously y/n you’re a life saver!’ Cedric kissed your cheek. ‘With all this love advice, I can’t believe how in the whole are you still single?!’ He was baffled by this conundrum. ‘You sure you don’t fancy anyone?’

‘Oh believe me he doesn’t see me that way.’

‘Well his lost then, to not see such a wonderful beautiful woman.’

How this boy ruins you, without realising that his efforts to cheer you up is bringing up down.

‘Oh and by the way, how you got someone to take you to the dance?’

‘No why?’ You run your fingers through the grass, praying that he would get the hint that a date to the yule ball is the last thing on your mind.

‘Perhaps I could set you up with someone, you know as to pay you back for all you’ve down for me.’ Cedric adjusted his seating so that now you were shoulder to shoulder. ‘I bet by now you’re tired to be pretending to be interested in me just so I could practice asking Cho out! Oh I know I’ll ask Lu—'

Immediately your hand covers his mouth. ‘NO!!! No!!! I would rather go alone or with a group of friends

Taking your hand away he asks ‘What why? Why what’s wrong with Lucas?’

You sighed. ‘He’s a really sweet guy Ced, but he’s just not my type—A FACT I told me like a billion times already, yet he still tries.’ Poking at his shoulder to further drive the point home.

Arms up in surrender, Cedric concedes. ‘This guy you like, must really got your heart then does he?’

‘Yeahh..’ Gosh how this by be the kindest and caring human being ever yet fails to see that he is hurting his best friend. ‘Anyway, I have to go…I’m gonna be late for Divination!’ Gathering your things, you ran as fast as you can before tears fall from your face.

Leaving behind a boy not only an oblivious state but also in a confused one mumbling to himself. ‘But you don’t take Divination.’

In your haste to escape what would have been embarrassing scene with Cedric, you hadn’t released that you were headed towards some in maximum velocity.

Coincidentally, that said person also had their mind elsewhere and hadn’t been looking at where they were going.

Resulting in both of you to fall over.

‘Owww!’ You clutch your forehead, already feeling a bump forming. Though as you left go, you were surprised to see your palm bloody. ‘fuc--’

‘OH MY GOSH Y/N!!!’ The string of swear words about to leave your mouth was cut off by the one and only Harry Potter. ‘I AM SO SORRY!!!! HERE LET ME FIX IT…’

Dropping his broom aside, he directed his wand at you. ‘Episkey’ You could feel the healing spell doing its work, the warm sensation no doubt be the cut on your head closing.

‘There you go! Good as new!’ Harry exclaimed, wiping away the blood off your forehead. He noticed your tear stains, but he thought that it was caused by the collision and bit by having your heartbroken. Nevertheless, he tried to lighten the mood by joking. ‘No need to worry about a scar.’

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes. Did this boy really make a reference to himself?

Harry held out his hand to pull you up. ‘Thanks... for the patch up, though it is your fault. You did hit me with your broom.’

‘Yeah sorry about that….again.’

‘Why do you even have your broom with you? Isn’t Quidditch cancelled this year because of the Triwizard Tournament?’

‘well yea, but I thought I take it out for a ride to clear my head.’ He replied truthfully.

‘The tasks getting you in a snag then?’ You gotta hand it to him to still be working on figuring out what the second task is even Cedric had stopped. Everyone’s focused on the topic of dates or so you thought.

‘Dates actually.’

‘Dates?’

‘Yea… Don’t make fun of me but I haven’t gotten a date yet. Well you see I did went and asked Cho but turns out she’s going with-‘

‘Cedric.’

‘-Cedric yea.. How’d you know?’

Seeing that he had confessed about being rejected by Cho, you thought it was only fair to tell him your truth too.

‘I kinda was hoping he’d asked me really, but what ended up happening was me helping him ask her out.’

‘wow…..that’s gotta hurt y/n…..sorry!! That was insentive.’

‘Nah it’s fine, I’m getting used to rejection anyway.’

As you rounded the corner, out of his sight. Harry had came up with a brilliant idea.

‘Y/n! Y/n wait up!’

When he reached you, he through caution in the wind- what more can he lose? This close to the yule ball, almost everyone is paired up. Harry would rather go with someone he knew and was comfortable with, then some stranger just to satisfy the requirement of each champion needing a date.

‘I just had an idea, you don’t have to agree but since every champion requires a date.’

Your brows arch at the statement.

‘yes I know, it’s compulsory. I swear. But I just thought being that both the people we wanted to go with are each other’s dates, I was wondering that maybe…why don’t we go together…. To the yule ball…Be each other’s dates to the yule ball?’

‘hmmmmm.’ You weighed out his proposition. ‘yea..yea! Why should we let a good party go to waste just because of them?!?’

‘Brilliant!’ Harry was smiling, Proud that for once in the past 3 weeks, he didn’t choke while asking a girl out. ‘I’ll pick you up at 7pm outside the y/h/h common room.’

If the reception for this is well, I might do a part 2. tbh currenty I have 3 possibe endings, but still can’t choose wish. so comment which you’d like to see!

Can be with multiple ending.

1. You/cedric, Cho/harry

2. You/harry, Cho/cedric

3. Cho/cedric. More Angst, remains platonic, you/harry both heartbroken.

Taglist [All/General]: @gruffle1

#cedric diggory x reader #cedric diggory #cedric diggory imagine #harry potter #harry potter x reader #harry potter imagine #cho chang #fandomscombine writes #cedric diggory angst #cedric diggory imagines

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ikingsley · 3 years

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Ina x MC: Another Woman

Summary: Ina has a secret admirer.

Warnings: Fluff!

Tag: @samanthadalton @domakir @kulaykape @hellyeah90sbaby @dopeyouth @kwaj05 @thedaft1 @swimmingshoebakerydreamer

Author’s Notes: A little fic for Valentine’s Day! Thank you to my friend @kwaj05, the “Prompt-Giver” and my personal editor LOL.

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Belvoire’s campus buzzed with anticipation. It was only a few days before Valentine’s Day, but students already made plans to woo their classmates or planned grand gestures for the people they were with. Even the quietest of students absorbed the campus’s lively energy, acting more extroverted than ever. Maybe it was just being overtly friendly or being flirtatious, but everyone felt the effects of the holiday spirit.

Luna was no exception. As an intelligent, witty, attractive young woman, she was often hit on by both male and female classmates. But the stunner only had eyes on one particular woman, a certain stuffy professor. So when people flirted with her, she often nodded politely, or smiled and turned away. The lack of interest she expressed was received by her admirers, who disappointedly backed off.

It was the day before Valentine’s Day, and students piled into Professor Kingsley’s ample classroom. They came in pairs, chatting lively with their lovers.

The class started quite uneventfully. Ina watched as Luna took her seat, flashing a knowing smile as Luna nodded back at her. Then Ina began her lecture, which very suitably was about the power dynamics between couples. Ina knew that some of her students had tuned her out, but every time she looked on at Luna, she was met with a piercing pair of eyes. And this was satisfactory enough to her. Each time, she would smile to herself, motivated to continue lecturing.

And right before she was going to let the class work on their own, a soft knock at the door was heard.

“Professor Kingsley? I have a package for you,” a voice rang out.

“Hmm,” Ina hummed. She hadn’t been expecting a delivery. Maybe it was a romantic gesture from Luna.

Ina got up and opened the door. Nosey students stretched their necks out to see what was the mysterious package, Luna included. Luna had absolutely no idea what Ina could have gotten. She was more lowkey, a person who wanted to keep her private life, private. She’d celebrate with Ina on their own terms, and found no need to plan huge public gestures.

It was much to Luna’s surprise when the delivery man presented her with a teddy bear, chocolates and a bouquet of red roses. The gift was left anonymous and Ina thought she knew who had given it to her.

What... Luna thought. Red roses? That was her and Ina’s flower to each other. It carried a heavy weight, especially after the sabbatical ordeal.

Luna was uncharacteristically not having it. But a wolf-whistle from several of the frat boys in her class brought her out of her stupor. Is this was jealousy feels like? she thought. But I’m not a jealous person!

“Damn Prof! I see you,” Ford commented.

Luna did a quick glance around the room. Everyone around her was smiling, and to not look like an outlier, Luna put on her best fake smile. Meanwhile, Ina smiled sheepishly at the boys’ wolf-whistle and Ford’s comment. She gave Luna a quick glance, one that lasted merely a quarter of a second. Had she really given Luna a good look, she would have been able to tell something was wrong. But Ina’s quick glimpse at Luna’s faux demeanor made her assume that the sender was in fact her girlfriend.

Ina smiled to herself and subsequently wrapped up class. Today she was teaching back-to-back classes, and Ina made sure that Luna was well-aware she wouldn’t be able to lag behind to avoid them being caught. Quickly, Ina was left with an empty classroom. Everyone had places to go and people to see. Though she found it odd that Luna hadn’t even acknowledged her on her way out, Ina didn’t think much of it.

“Baby, I’m home!” Ina called out.

Night had fallen quickly. Ina had a faculty meeting that seemed to last hours. Dean Steinhelm had droned on again, and many of the professors fought to stay awake. Despite a relatively boring meeting, Ina had noticed that Professor Alvarez was looking at her every so often. As the newest addition to the sociology department, Professor Alvarez had worked closely with Ina. Ina once was the new teacher in Belvoire’s human science school, and she knew how isolating the experience could be. Ina took Alvarez under her wing, like a sort of mentor, despite their age difference of only a few years.

Ina walked into the office, and put down her work bags. She then strolled into the bedroom, where she found Luna sprawled on the bed doing homework. Ina stood leaning in the doorway, drinking Luna up.

“Are you gonna greet me or just stand in the doorway like a brooding loner?” Luna said, without looking up from her laptop.

“I do not brood,” Ina said, finally shuffling towards the bed.

“You so do,” Luna replied coldly.

Brr! Ina thought. Luna’s tone was slightly reprimanding, leaving Ina concerned. She seemed fine during class...“Lu, are you okay?”

“Hmm. Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just tired,” Luna sighed.

The hours that passed between the class and now had calmed Luna down. Sometimes it would cross her mind and she’d feel a sense of jealousy wash over her. Luna hadn’t considered herself a jealous person, but with Ina it was different. There was just something about her. But then Luna realized that she was being unreasonably jealous. Ina was by far the most popular professor, and one of those stupid frat boys probably sent her that gift. And then she’d laugh because she knew the frat boys would never have a chance with Ina. This vigorous cycle repeated itself, but eventually she’d felt relieved. Ina was hers.

Ina crawled into bed, wrapping Luna in her arms. “Hey, thanks for the gift today in class,” Ina whispered into Luna’s ear.

And again, Luna felt jealousy course through her, “Ina, that wasn’t-”

“The mysterious aspect of it was quite hot. But it was also swee-” Ina said letting out a hot breath.

“Ina! That wasn’t me!” Luna exclaimed.

“Oh. So...who was that then?” Ina asked quizzically.

“I have absolutely no idea.”

“Does my secret admirer bother you?”

“Not really. I know you’re mine and I’m yours.” Luna’s jealousy fluctuated often, but she didn’t want Ina to feel bad about the present. Ina had no control over who found her attractive. I mean, come on. Ina was just drop dead gorgeous.

“I’m glad. A couple of my relationships...have deteriorated because of jealousy. I don’t need that extra drama in my life,” Ina said.

Now Luna really didn’t want to bring up her varying jealousy. She turned away from Ina, and Ina fell asleep holding Luna.

Hours passed by. It was almost four in the morning, and Luna was still wide-awake. She tried so hard to not feel jealous - that was so unlike her - but something wasn’t sitting right with this whole secret admirer thing. Ina shifted in her sleep, pulling away from Luna.

“Ina?” Luna asked.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” Ina turned to Luna.

“No, I’ve been up.”

“Why?” Ina shifted to check the time “Jesus Lu, it’s almost four!”

“I...” Luna began.

“What is it?”

“I know you didn’t want me to be jealous and normally I’m not but I don’t know, something feels off. I know it’s not your fault, but the red roses are our thing and I-”

Luna’s rambling was cut off by a forehead kiss.

“It’s okay. I know I’d feel jealous,” Ina admitted. “It’s cute that you’re a little jealous. But I’m yours. And yours only.”

Luna sighed in relief.

“Is this why you’ve been acting weird?” Ina asked.

“I guess. Sometimes I feel jealous, but other times I know that it’s always been us. Not anyone else. My feelings have changed every couple moments.”

Ina gave her another forehead kiss.

“It’s only you,” Ina smiled while Luna leaned in for a kiss. The jealousy she felt dissipated. Their relationship had only been strengthened by the secret admirer. The two broke out into raucous laughter. It was a weird situation, but they had gotten through another hurdle together.

“Who do you think sent it? ‘Cause I think we need to have a little chat,” Luna said, cracking her knuckles in a fake overprotective nature.

Ina laughed, but racked her brain.

“Do you think it was a frat boy?” Luna hummed.

Ina shook her head. “Gifts from those students tend to be more...flamboyant and never anonymous.” Ina recalled getting serenaded by the football team on various occasions.

Finally, Ina gasped. “Oh my god...it’s Professor Alvarez!”

“The new professor of sociology?!” Luna laughed.

“Yes! Just because I was being nice to her doesn’t mean I was hitting on her!” Ina followed. “Wait...she’s married...to a man. Hold on! She mentioned she was going to send me a gift for helping her adjust to Belvoire. That’s why she was looking at me in the faculty meeting. She wanted to see if I figured out it was her! The cheap ass! I guess that’s what was on sale because of Valentine’s Day.”

“What’s your definition of nice to her? Because being nice to a friend is different than being nice to your girlfriend.” Luna whispered in Ina’s ear, her hot breath hitching Ina’s own breath.

“Come here so I can show you what nice is,” Ina said, straddling Luna’s hips.

Luna woke up to the smell of something pleasant. That can’t be Ina, she thought. She threw on a satin robe and walked to the kitchen. Her jaw dropped.

“Ina! You didn’t burn your apartment down?” Luna snickered.

Ina rolled her eyes, but didn’t turn around. “I have to focus!” she said, pointing at the iPad next to her. It was playing a very detailed video about cooking eggs and bacon. “Go back to bed.”

“Aww, breakfast in bed?” Luna smiled.

“Mhm,” Ina hummed back. “Now go before I actually burn my place down.”

“Simp,” Luna said under her breath, turning to return to the bedroom.

“I heard that!” Ina laughed.

Ina came with two plates of bacon and eggs in her hands.

“I know you felt off after yesterday, but Happy Valentine’s Day, my love,” Ina said. “I’m yours, and yours only. Also, I didn’t want to buy anything because Valentine’s Day is the epitome of a capitalism-”

She was cut off by Luna reaching up and kissing her forehead.

“Babe, I’ve heard this rant before. You’re such a nerd, but I love you,” she said pointing at her lips. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Ina put the plates down, kissing Luna with everything in her.

#ina kingsley #queen b #ina x mc #choices #luna garcia

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queenof-literature · 3 years

Note

Hiiiiiiii! Is it alright to have a fic of th LU boys in a modern setting?

Hi anon! Thank you for the request! I’m so sorry... this turned out SO LONG

Anyway

What’s this? Me doing a request after I have completely dropped the ball on everything? I’m so sorry as I stated if I haven’t directly/publicly announced I am not comfortable doing a request then I HAVE gotten all your requests and I am working on them. There’s just a lot going on right now. I love reading through all of your requests/messages, and I love writing them. Just a reminder: For now requests are closed until I can honor my commitment and catch up, but they’ll open back up eventually.

Thank you for the request anon, I had a blast writing it! I hope it didn’t turn out too crack for your tastes.

Here’s the link for this story on Ao3

TW: Implied child abuse and themes of death. Not very explicit, but the warning is there

When Time laid eyes on his child for the first time, he knew he would do anything to protect him. Bundled in Malon’s arms, huge blue eyes looking up at him curiously, little fingers reached up to grab at him. Truthfully Time was worried that the one eye would scare his son. Malon told him that was ridiculous, he was the boy's father and the boy would know. It turns out she was right, the little boy looked at his father happily and reached up towards the man’s face, not bothered by the scars, marks, or lack of a right eye. Malon would later tease him for crying, but that was okay.

It’s interesting how children don’t always match up with your imagination. His son was shy, to the point where it was becoming worrying for Time and Malon. They took him to see a counselor, after another fight with the boy’s teacher at how he wouldn’t participate in class. Social Anxiety, a severe case according to the counselor. His son would only talk at home, becoming silent anywhere else. After multiple sessions, Time had a plethora of information to help his son through it. This is not what he expected for his son’s childhood, but that didn’t matter. Life was full of surprises and his son was one of the brightest lights Time had ever met, and he would love him no matter what.

“Dad?” The six year old in his lap drawing Time’s attention away from his book.

“Yes?” Time brought his full attention to his son.

“Is your name really Time?”

“Why are you asking, little wolf?” Time asked in amusement.

“Your name sounds weird compared to other names.” His son told him matter of factly, feeling the vibrations of his dad’s laugh against his back.

“No, pup. Time is a nickname that I got and it just kind of stuck.” Time told his son. He hadn’t even considered he would question his father’s name, it was just normal to Time at this point.

“So it’s a nickname? Can I have one? Where’d you get it from?” Twilight bounced on his lap. Time paused. Had he really never shown his son his old game console?

“Well, I was absolutely obsessed with a game: Ocarina of Time.” Time waved his hands with flourish, causing his son to giggle.

“Ocarina? Like the instrument you play?”

“That’s the one.” Time confirmed, mind jumping back to the lullabies he would play to get his son to sleep. “These games helped me…” Time trailed off, not exactly wanting to talk about his not-so-great childhood to his six year old. “They helped me through some tough times.” Time said gently. “I could go on an adventure, be a hero, explore, anything.” Time was brought out of his musings by his son’s large and curious eyes.

“Can I play?” His son asked shyly, and Time couldn’t help but grin at his son wanting to share that with him.

“Of course, pup! Although I have to warn you.” His son perked up at Time’s serious expression. “If you find one you like, there may be no going back from the nickname.” Time warned, thinking back to the point in his life where everyone simply called him ‘Time’ instead of his real name. “Are you sure you’re ready?” Time asked seriously, struggling to hold back his laugh when his son nodded back just as serious.

“I’m ready.” Twilight confirmed.

The rest of the day was spent with Time teaching his son how to play his old games, until it eventually came time where his son wanted to pick one. His son stared ahead at his collection, eyes lighting up when he saw one in particular. Oh, Time should have known how this would go.

“Wolf!” His son shouted excitedly as he looked at the cover of the game.

“That’s a good one!” Time smiled at the worn game, the gold letters ‘Twilight Princess’ stood out against the wolf of the cover. His son was obsessed with animals, wolves in particular. They spent some time playing in the basement, his son instantly fell in love with the game, spending most of his time shapeshifting in and out of wolf form and babbling excitedly about how cool it was. Him and Time were so immersed they didn’t even hear Malon come home. Twilight jumped up when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Mom! Mom!” Twilight yelled, running up to hug his mother’s legs. “I have a nickname just like Dad! Twilight! Look what I can do!” Twilight ran back to the controller and shapeshifted into a wolf, mesmerized as the character howled again. Time looked back with a sheepish look as Malon raised an amused eyebrow. Of course she couldn’t be mad when the now nicknamed Twilight dragged her over and showed her all the things he could do in the game. She hadn’t seen her son this outgoing and happy in a long time. Besides, Twilight certainly wasn’t a bad name to have.

Time sighed in relief as he made it to his son’s school just in time for pickup. His shift had run a little overtime and he had to take a shortcut just to make it. Time beamed as his seven year old ran up to him. He still struggled to talk in the classroom, but he was just as energetic as ever.

“Dad!” Time scooped up Twilight just as the boy launched at him. “Guess what!” Twilight said excitedly. “What?” Time asked. “I made a friend!” Twilight beamed. Now that surprised Time. His boy always had trouble making friends, everyone in class tended to avoid him as much as Time hated to even think about that.

“That’s amazing, Twi! What’s their name?” Time asked, carrying Twilight to his car. Twilight got a little embarrassed, peaking Time’s interest.

“Well… it turns out he likes the same games we do!” Twilight said, surprising Time once again. “So we made up a nickname for him too. I’m sorry, I hope that’s okay.” Twilight looked up sadly at Time’s face.

“Of course that’s fine, bud.” Time reassured, and Twilight lit up once again. “Now, what’s his favorite game? His answer depends on if you can be friends with him or not.” Time joked, making Twilight giggle from the backseat.

“He likes A Tale of Warriors.” Twilight said. “So Warrors.” Time was silent for a moment.

“That game was okay. Ocarina of Time is still the best.” Time smirked as Twilight once again went into his argument about how, no, Twilight Princess was the best.

The first time Warriors was over for dinner, he continued to surprise Time. He was the opposite of their son, not a shy bone in his body, but he was a sweet kid and was obviously raised with manners. Time was even more surprised he was friends with Twilight when he met the kid in person. According to what he heard from Twilight, Warriors was quite popular among his class, and kids tended to not have patience for those very far outside their social circle, and Twilight was as quiet as they came in class. But the two had become as thick as thieves, Warriors apparently didn’t care at all how quiet Twilight was, he tossed everything aside to befriend Time’s son no matter what was said behind their back, and Time couldn’t help but feel grateful that his son had such a loyal friend.

Malon and Time were planning on using the boy’s given name, whatever it was, but Twilight proudly introduced his friend as ‘Warriors’ and said boy seemed very happy to have that nickname. So Warriors it was.

Dinner was louder than usual with their son’s friend, but it didn’t seem to stress their son out at all. It was obvious the two boys were close despite their obvious differences, and both parents were happy their boy was smiling and laughing around another child. By the time Warriors’ mother came to pick him up, the family had grown close with Twilight’s friend. When Time met Warriors’ mother it was obvious where the little boy got his manners from. The woman was sweet and polite, but obviously protective of her son. Time saw her scan the environment and her son’s happiness the way Malon always did with Twilight.

Warriors raced into his mother’s arms and chatted away about his evening, and it was obvious how close their bond was. Time would find out later from the woman part of the reason why. It was only her and Warriors, with her becoming an expert at balancing her career, son, and making sure her ex husband kept away from them. The woman wouldn’t tell them what happened with Warriors’ father and why they split, but by the dark, protective look on her face it became obvious to Time what had happened.

That’s why the night Time and Malon had rushed to the hospital after a panicked call from Warriors, and they saw him sitting alone in the waiting room wrapped in his mother’s blue scarf and sobbing, Malon instantly swept the boy into her warm arms. Time knew from that moment on, he had another son.

The next friend Twilight made was at eight years old. Both he and Warriors had accepted the new student into their circle as soon as they talked to him. It was an instant click, from what Time heard. The little boy was one of the sweetest kids Time had ever met, and also pretty quiet. Twilight knew the struggle of being quiet in a new and scary classroom, and had gone and tried to befriend him. Time couldn’t be more proud of him.

“I’m proud of you.” Time told his son as they were on their way to pick up Warriors from fencing practice. Warriors was still in grief, of course he was, but fencing had really struck a chord with the boy. According to him, feeling the sabre in his hand was one of the best feelings in the world. Time could tell that having something he was passionate about was helping him heal, no matter how slow the process was. Plus, according to his teacher, Warriors was a natural.

“It was just talking to him.” Twilight replied, a little confused.

“But most won’t do that. It’s hard being a new student. I’m proud of you for reaching out, I know how scary that is.” Especially for you. Time didn’t say the thought out loud. Twilight had been getting better at coping with his social anxiety, and Time and Malon did everything they could to give him the tools he needed, but the boy still struggled immensely.

“...do you know about any parents missing a child?” Twilight asked hesitantly. Time almost slammed on the brakes in shock.

“Do I what?” Time asked.

“Well… the new kid said that he lives home to home and he doesn’t know where his parents are. I just thought since you help find people you might know. I want to help him.” Twilight told his dad nervously. Time went cold. That sounded a lot like foster care to him.

“I’m sorry, pup, I don’t know of anything.” Time confirmed sadly, not knowing what else to say. It was painfully obvious the parents weren’t missing, but most likely left their child to the system. Time tried so hard not to be mad, he knew not every parent had the opportunities to provide for a child. He just hoped that child had better experiences than he did.

The boys had been in the basement for a while, Time figured he should go and check on the troublesome trio and make sure they didn’t find any trouble. He walked down the stairs, only to hear the sound of a battle.

“Which one are you boys playing now?” Time asked in amusement, only to be completely ignored. “Twilight, Warriors-” before Time could say the third boy's name, Warriors interrupted him. “It’s Sky now!” Warriors hit the third boy, now deemed Sky, playfully on the shoulder.

“Awe, Skyward Sword. Good choice.” Time laughed at the fact that now both of his sons, and their friend, all had nicknames from the same game series.

Later that night, Sky got his backpack and was prepared to open the door.

“Oh! Is your guardian here dear?” Malon asked, looking out the window.

“No Ms. Malon.” Sky said shyly. “I’m walking home.”

“Just Malon is fine sweetie. It’s getting awfully late to walk…” Malon frowned in concern. “I’ll drive you home.” Malon offered brightly.

“Oh that’s okay Ms- Malon.” Sky stammered nervously. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.

“No trouble at all, dear.” Malon smiled, grabbing her keys.

“Thank you.” Sky smiled at her gratefully, and she could melt just looking at the small boy’s smile. Sky was quiet the entire ride over, only answering small questions when Malon asked. She didn’t put too much pressure on the boy, him and her son seemed very similar in how they handled social situations.

“Is this it?” Malon double checked, approaching a suburban looking house.

“Yes.” Sky chipped. “Thank you again!” Sky said.

“Anytime sweetheart! Here, I’ll walk you up.” Malon turned off her car, glancing at Sky’s nervous expression as they approached the door. She would have to pay close attention to what awaited them at the top of the porch. Sure, Sky could just be a nervous kid, but Malon felt something else was going on, and her instincts were rarely wrong. She knocked politely on the door, noticing how Sky shied away from the door ever so slightly.

“Oh hello.” A tall man answered the door. Everything in the home just seemed normal, perhaps a little too neat. The man who she assumed was the foster father had brown hair and hazel eyes, in the background he saw a woman playing with children that looked exactly like them. Everything seemed to be fine, but Malon knew better than to write off Sky’s behavior. Many awful things could happen behind closed doors. “Oh! There you are.” The man looked at Sky, but didn’t seem particularly happy to see him, nor was he angry. Simply neutral. “I hope he wasn’t too much trouble.” The man said to Malon, making Sky shrink down even more, as he slowly walked past the man and into the house. The woman playing with her children didn’t even acknowledge him, all of her attention on the kids in front of her.

“Not at all, he was a delight.” Malon smiled despite the disturbing implications in front of her. “He’s such a sweetheart, you’re very lucky to have a kid like him.” There, she had dropped the bait, now to see how he responded. “Oh. He’s not ours. We have kids of our own.” The man said casually, and Malon felt her blood boil at the tone of voice the man had. As if blood was everything, as if she didn’t already have a son at home that wasn’t her blood. It changed nothing, she loved both her boys more than anything. “Anyway, it’s been a pleasure, have a good night.” An insincere tone spoke up before there was a door in her face. She understood now what was going on, she understood perfectly.

Malon marched to her car, fuming as she drove home. How dare they! How dare they! There wasn’t a mark on Sky, not physically, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t ignored and neglected in that home. Why would those people even volunteer to foster if that’s how they felt? For the pats on the back? For the praises?

By the time she got home, her husband and the boys were all in bed. She quickly hid her anger enough to wish each of her boys a goodnight and make sure they were settled in their rooms, before gently shutting their doors and marching to her and her husband’s room.

“Hey, love. How we-” Time trailed off as he saw the thunderous look his wife held. Oh no.

“How would you feel about getting a foster license?”

Malon and Time, of course always asked their current children if adopting and fostering was alright with them. Twilight was very eager when he found out Warriors and him were going to be brothers, even if the situation itself was tragic. And both him and Warriors were ecstatic at the implication that Sky might be their brother too.

“Don’t get too excited.” Time chided when he saw the looks on his boys’ faces. “This doesn’t mean we can adopt him. It may not be what he wants, and he’s been in the foster system for some time now so it’s different than it was with Warriors.” Time explained.

“Is it because my mom…” Warriors trailed off. Warriors’ child psychologist told them that Warriors had a hard time saying the word ‘death’, which was not out of the ordinary for children who were grieving.

“We were your mother’s emergency contact, love.” Malon explained gently. “So it was easier for us to adopt you. Sky has been in the foster care system for a while now, and they have a lot of precautions to make sure he’s safe. I know this all is very confusing. Do you understand, at least a little bit?” Malon checked, and Warriors nodded slowly.

“I think so. Well, I hope Sky says yes!” Warriors exclaimed.

“Me too, sweetheart. But don’t push him.” Malon reminded. Overall she was very pleased with how the boys seemed to understand the situation. Then Twilight piped up.

“So… are we going to adopt every friend I make?” Okay maybe Malon would need to explain this one more time.

A week into fostering and Sky was still quiet, but Warriors and Twilight had a habit of making him laugh and bringing him out of his shell. He seemed fascinated whenever Time and Malon gave him even an ounce of attention, and that made their hearts twist painfully. Time, who had similar experiences, had gently explained to Sky that ignoring a child is absolutely not normal, and that he deserved better. The child had not seemed to believe Time completely, but he was slowly getting used to their home life. He enjoyed helping Malon in the garden, asking Time about his job, and playing games with Warriors and Twilight. After two months, Malon and Time thought it was finally the right moment to ask.

“Sky… would you like to be a permanent member of the family? The option is up to you, but we would love to adopt you if you’ll be happy here.” Through many tears, all Sky could do was nod.

Time sighed and cracked his back. A week of desk work made his back make all sorts of fun pops. He wanted to be out in the field again, but life as a detective had been slow so far. Well, he should have been careful what he wished for.

“Detective! I need you to go with Officer Watson.” His captain called out urgently.

“What happened?” Time got up, already grabbing his jacket.

“Two kids. They found them on the streets. They need you to talk to them and calm them down, the EMTs can’t get close without them lashing out.” Well… that wasn’t exactly what Time was expecting.

“Wait what?” Time halted. “Why me? I’m a detective not an officer.”

“We have no available social services to go into the field, they’re refusing to come with the patrol officers, you have three kids, and a background in negotiation. Now go!” His captain ordered. Time resisted rolling his eyes at the captain’s demanding tone and walked briskly with Officer Watson to a patrol car. What did he mean by kids? If this was the streets of around here, that most likely meant late teens who had run away from home.

They were absolutely not in their late teens. By kids, they meant children. They looked younger than his boys, sitting in a dingy alley with torn and dirty clothes. The cops around them were obviously giving them space, but surrounded them loosely to ensure they didn’t run off and get themselves hurt. Well, more hurt.

The one that looked older was curled protectively around the younger, who had an obviously broken leg with a very worrying amount of blood. It looked like the EMTs couldn’t get close with the older ordering them to get away and shoving the younger’s head deeper into his collarbone.

“Hey, give them a little more space.” Time ordered the officers, who complied once they saw who had spoken. Time kneeled down, giving the boys plenty of space. The oldest looked no older than eight, and had stark, icy blue eyes that peered at Time with distrust and harshness. He had bright blonde hair with an odd pink streak, and Time wondered if the boy had gotten a hold of some hair dye. The younger was in the older boy’s lap, and some of the biggest brown eyes Time had ever seen peered out from behind brunette fringe.

“Hi. My name is Time.” Time introduced himself, still kneeling a bit away. “What are your names?”

“Like we’d tell you that.” The older one snapped.

“I understand this is scary, but you two aren’t in trouble. We just want to get you two looked over. That leg looks really bad.” Time reassured, looking at the younger’s mangled leg in concern. Time didn’t have long before the EMTs would have no choice but to rush in and Time really didn’t want to get to that point.

“You don’t understand! You’ll separate us!” The older spoke fiercely, but Time heard the way his voice wavered underneath.

“Are you two brothers?” Time questioned.

“W-we don’t have the same parents.” The younger’s timid and pained voice spoke up.

“That doesn’t matter. Not really.” Time assured. “You two seem close.” The younger nodded shyly from against the older’s chest.

“If we go with you, they’ll separate us.” It seemed the older had knowledge and bad experiences with social workers.

“I have an Emergency Foster License.” Time breathed out, suddenly remembering his decision. After him and Malon were powerless to help Sky until after a multitude of paperwork and negotiations were made, Time and Malon got both a normal license and an EFC, so that if a similar situation happened a child could be placed with them and hopefully stay with them for longer than a few days.

“What does that mean?” The younger asked, apparently having heard Time’s whisper of realization.

“If you come with us, you can stay with me until we figure something out. Both of you.” Time offered. These boys were obviously close, Time assumed they met after they had been exiled to the streets. He didn’t want to see them separated either. The older boy looked like he was about to protest, but in drawing the younger boy closer, he agitated his leg, causing the younger boy to cry out in pain. The older snapped his head to look at him, his face softening as he tried to sooth him.

“I know you want to protect him.” Time addressed the blonde haired one. “I’m sure you’ve done a great job so far. But he needs medical attention. That leg will only get worse, and it’s already not healing properly.” Time didn’t want to scare them, but they needed to know how serious the younger’s leg was. Time could tell it had been a problem for some time, and any longer would mean infection. The older one bit his lip, Time could tell the older was thinking hard about this and he felt his heart squeeze. Someone this young shouldn’t have to make such a huge decision.

“We’ll stay together?” The older asked.

“I’ll make sure of it.” And Time meant that. He wouldn’t let these two be permanently separated.

“Will you come with us?” The older asked. Time agreed instantly, although he was a little surprised that the blonde haired boy trusted him enough to ask that. Although, perhaps he was the only one who had shown any interest in keeping the two together, and both boys seemed determined to make sure that happened.

“I’ll stay with you the entire time if that’s what you want.” Time confirmed, and he kept his promise, even as the younger was loaded into the ambulance.

“Let me go!” The blonde haired boy yelled, thrashing in Time’s hold. The younger boy was being taken away into surgery, and the older boy was not happy. In fact, he was absolutely furious.

“You can’t go into the operating room with him, little one.” Time patiently tried to explain.

“You promised we’d be together!” The older one protested, not ceasing his struggle.

“We’ll see him as soon as he’s awake.” Time reassured. “But you can’t go with him for now.”

“Why?” The child demanded. Time considered how to explain this, Whenever one of his son’s asked a question about the world, Malon or Time tried to explain it in ways that would make sense to a young mind, instead of getting annoyed at all their questions.

“Well… when someone is in surgery, they need to be in a very clean environment. Doctors take a lot of special steps to make sure the room is clean, or else germs can get in during the surgery and hurt the person more. Does that make sense?” Time tried his best to explain. The little boy bit his lip, before nodding slowly and relaxing slightly in Time’s grip.

“How about we sit down, and as soon as it's okay we can see him. Okay?” Time coaxed.

“Okay.” The boy agreed quietly, ceasing his struggle and pulling away from Time. Together they sat, while Time texted Malon to let her know the situation and the promise he had made. He didn’t want to leave the child beside him to make the call, but he needed to let his wife know that he was going to be late… with two extra children along with him. He apologized as many times as he could in his text, but Malon assured him that she knew what she was getting into when they got their licenses.

‘I’ll fill out the paperwork and fax it.’ Malon offered. Bless that woman.

Three hours later, Time sat in a small hospital room as two boys slept in the bed. One with a few bandages here and there, and one with a casted leg. The nurses had tried to scold the blonde boy for crowding the younger, but the icy blue glare could apparently scare off even full grown adults. Just then, a nurse entered the room.

“Are you the one who filled out the EFC paperwork?” The young woman asked.

“My wife did. Please, call me Time. A nickname.” Time got up to shake the brunette woman’s hand.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Lydia. I just wanted to inform you that we’re keeping them overnight for observation, especially for the leg.” She explained, gesturing to the smaller boy’s green casted leg. Since the younger wasn’t conscious for choosing the color, they asked the older child if the younger had a favorite color. Apparently it was grass green. “It’s good that we took care of it when we did, but he should be fine with a few weeks of bedrest and the medicine we prescribed. I’ll make sure he has crutches by tomorrow but I recommend at least a week of very minimal movement. He’ll most likely need physical therapy. The other boy’s injuries were mostly superficial.” Time nodded, bringing out his phone.

“Excuse me, I need to text my wife.” he began telling Malon that he would be here overnight, and what to expect. There was no way he was breaking his promise, He would stay until they both got released.

“Of course, no problem at all. Um… I noticed you left their names blank on the paperwork...” The nurse started.

“They didn’t even give me fake names.” Time replied. “Will that be a problem?”

“It’s certainly not ideal, but it's not the first time that’s happened.” The nurse replied sadly. “Since it’s an EFC, I can submit it and explain the situation. But if you could find out their names eventually, that would be a big help.”

“Thank you so much.” Time was grateful the nurse was being so helpful. This could have gone a lot worse.

“Of course. Please let me know if you need anything.” The young lady smiled and left to give them some privacy. Time settled in and checked the clock, seeing it was only 11 pm, and countless questions raced through his head. If they were put in the foster system, would anyone want them both? Would anyone be willing to keep up with the younger’s physical therapy? There were good people in the world, but everyone had their limitations. This was going to be a long night.

Both boys seemed genuinely surprised Time was still there in the morning.

“How are you boys feeling?” Time asked gently.

“I’m okay.” The older replied, looking down at the small brunette curled up next to him.

“I’m good.” The brunette replied groggily, flinching at the gentle pull of his ear by the older. “I’m tired and I feel numb and dizzy.” The brunette corrected. It seemed the older was used to the younger lying about how he felt.

“That’s normal.” Time assured. “You’re on a lot of medicine, but it will help you, I promise. And you can rest plenty when we get home. Are you boys okay with staying on the couch? It’s plenty big for both of you. I have three sons at home, but they’re all very nice.” There weren't many options in their home, their last guest room had been converted into Sky’s room months ago. But if their guests weren’t comfortable with that, then he and Malon would figure it out. The littlest one gasped and tugged on the older’s shirt.

“I’ve never been on a couch before.” The brunette whispered excitedly. Time’s heart stopped completely. Based on the boy��s level of excitement, it seemed that any comfort at all eluded him. Had he ever even had a family? A bed? A room? Anything at all? Based on what he had heard from their conversations, he guessed that the older had run away from a home he was placed in, and the younger seemed to have been on the streets for as long as he could remember. Time had no idea how he had survived on his own so young, but he wasn’t going to question what he was grateful for.

The oldest seemed to notice the look on Time’s face, and quickly replied, trying to take the attention off of the two boys’ situation.

“That’s fine.” He stopped, before whispering “Thank you.” With so much sincerity that Time didn’t even realize it came from the older boy at first.

“It’s no problem.” Time smiled.

After a lot of paperwork, a few calls home, and one wheelchair ride, Time was on his way home with two very tired boys in his backseat. He couldn’t lie, he was nervous bringing the boys home when he knew almost nothing about them. The doctors had told him they estimated their ages to be 7 and 8, so he hoped they would get along with his 8 and 9 year olds.

“Can I ask for your names?” Time asked, looking in his rearview mirror. The youngest opened his mouth, but the older stopped him.

“No.” The blonde snapped. Time sighed.

“Okay, fair enough. But we need to figure out what to call you boys.” Time hummed thoughtfully, before an idea struck him. “My family has a tradition, we choose our nicknames based on our favorite video game series. Mine is Time, my sons’ are Twilight, Warriors and Sky. If you boys are interested we can do the same for you.” Time offered. The older one looked like he was going to reject the offer, but the younger excitedly tugged on his sleeve.

“Okay.” The older conceded.

Their two guests sat on their upstairs couch, as Time set up the old game console. His sons were doing their best to keep their distance, as Malon had warned them to do, but Time could tell they were excited to see which games the two would pick. After several hours of fascinated playing, the younger had decided he enjoyed ‘Hero of Hyrule’ the most, while the oldest couldn’t decide which one he liked the most.

“Why don’t you just combine them? The ones you seem to like most were part of the Legend of Oracle series. How about Oracle?” Warriors offered. Over the course of playing, his sons had eased their way to sitting in front of the couch, all excitedly calling out moves with their two guests. Time was grateful they all seemed to get along. Warriors and the older child had taken on a rivalry, but it seemed mostly playful as far as Time could tell. The child wrinkled his nose at Warriors’ ‘Oracle’ suggestion. “Okay… Legend?” Warriors offered, and the boy’s eyes seemed to light up, before he quickly tried to hide his excitement. “Legend is fine. Hyrule fine with you, kid?” The older asked the younger, and the brunette beamed and nodded.

“Legend and Hyrule it is.” Time confirmed, At this point he should make a knighting ceremony.

One month later, their foster time was up, and Malon and Time knew they couldn’t give those two up so easily. After talking to their boys, who agreed full heartedly that they didn't want Legend and Hyrule to go, they arranged their bedroom so Twilight and Warriors would share, since Sky thrived on having his own space sometimes, and Hyrule and Legend could share Sky’s old room. Malon and Time felt guilty their children had to share, and they didn’t want them to feel jealous two more boys were moving in. But their boys made it very adamant that they wanted Hyrule and Legend to be a part of their family if that’s what the two boys wanted.

A few days, one question, many joyous tears, and one surprise bedroom later, Time had two more sons.

Word got around quickly that Time had five children. Twilight and Warriors had turned ten, their birthdays only two months apart. Sky was almost ten, and Legend had just recently turned nine according to his old birth certificate they managed to scrounge up. They had no idea when Hyrule’s birthday was, so they went off of the guess that the boy was seven, and they let Hyrule choose his new birthday. Legally that was very rare, but nop one had any idea what to do with a little boy that hadn’t officially existed in official records until his first trip to the hospital. The little boy had chosen the day he first went home with Time as his birthday, which Time absolutely did not find adorable. Nope, not at all.

But word of his five children quickly got around his job, and he was called in for many cases where interviewing children was involved.

“Time!” His captain yelled across the precinct. Time instantly stood at attention and walked to the captain’s office.

“Yes, sir?” Time replied dutifully. As much as his bossy tone annoyed Time sometimes, the man was a good captain, and he had a good heart.

“I need you in Interrogation Room 2. Four kids were caught stealing from the convenience store on 34th.” The captain passed Time a case folder.

“Children as in…”

“We think they’re about eight, they appear to be quadruplets, all identical.” The captain replied, and Time almost dropped the case file.

“They’re eight?” Time asked incredulously. “Why the hell are they in an interrogation room?” Time’s voice was on the verge of yelling.

“We don’t know what else to do!” His captain snapped. “Quadruplets are rre, and yet we can’t find any recent records of any, so we don’t think they have parents. They won’t even tell us their first names.” The captain sighed, obviously having his fill with the mysterious case.

“Okay. But I’m not interrogating them.” Time said firmly.

“We don’t want you too. They’re not under arrest, they’re children. But we can’t just let them go without a parent or guardian.”

“Okay… I’ll see if I can find out anything from them.” Time stood and began walking out.

“Oh, and Time?” His captain called out, making Time pause in the doorway.

“Yes?” Time asked, not liking his captain’s smirk.

“Try to restrain from adopting these ones.”

“Ha ha.”

When his captain said identical, he really meant identical. The main difference was they each had a different colored shirt on, but each was dirty and torn. And when looking closely, Time could see a few slight differences in their faces. Time sat down in front of them quietly.

“Hi there. My name is Time. Could you tell me your names?” Time asked, and unsurprisingly, he was met with silence. “I know this room looks a little scary,” Time began, and the one in purple scoffed,”but”, Time continued,”You guys aren’t under arrest or anything. We just can’t let you go without a parent or guardian.”

“But… we don’t have one.” The one in red said hesitantly, going quiet again when the one in blue nudged him under the table.

“There’s no one talking care of you?” Time asked gently. “Is that why you needed to steal from the store?”

“We’re just trying to survive.” The one in green spoke up for his brothers. He was obviously protective over them.

“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I understand.” Time began. “I wasn’t always in the best living situations when I was little-”

“Don’t try that.” The one in blue piped up, his brown eyes identical to his brothers’. “Don’t try to relate to us. No one can, no one can even tell us apart. If we switch clothes right now you wouldn’t know who was who. Just let us leave.” Time raised an eyebrow. These boys were all certainly intelligent.

“The one in red has two freckles to the left of his left eye. The one in green has a sharper jawline. The one in blue has a light freckle on his chin, and the one in purple has a thinner nose.” Time rambled off perfectly, only to be met with stunned silence.

“No one’s ever…” The one one started before trailing off. All four brother’s looked stunned that Time had even bothered to tell them apart.

“I can help you more if you tell me your names?” Time asked once again.

“We don’t have any.” The one in green finally answered in a hushed voice.

“What?” Time asked, surely he hadn’t heard correctly.

“We don’t have any.” The one in violet said again. “Everyone just calls us Four. We’re just one person to them… no one bothered to name us.” Time felt his world shatter. No names… their entire identity reliant on the fact that they were four.

“We don;t have anywhere to go.” The one in red whispered. “Please, just let us go.” Oh no. Not again. He was never going to live this down…

“You could come with me.”

After a sheepish call to his wife, and uproarious laughter from his captain and fellow officers, Time had a car loaded with identical children. Three in back and one in front.

“Um…” Time filled the awkward silence. “Just so you boys know, my wife and five kids are waiting for us, but they won’t bombard you or anything. I just thought you ought to know.” Time warned.

“I’m sorry, did you say five?” The blue one asked, stunned. Honestly all the boys seemed stunned the entire way home, like they couldn’t believe this was happening. Time had similar feelings. Bless his wife for being so understanding and loving, and his sons for being so accepting.

“Yeah.” Time rubbed his neck sheepishly, keeping on hand on the wheel. “They’re around your age actually.”

“Oh! Are they… twins or anything?” The one in violet asked, a slight hope to his voice, and Time felt guilty about shooting that hope down.

“Oh, no I’m sorry. Four of them are technically adopted.” Time corrected. It sometimes took the stunned looks to remind him that having five kids around the same age wasn’t ‘normal’. They were his sons and that was all that mattered.

“Oh… wow.” The one in violet said, not knowing what to say. Time didn’t either.

“Will we… finally get names?” The one in red asked with a quiet hope.

“Hmm. Funny you should mention that. You see, my family has a tradition…”

The newly dubbed Red, Green, Blue and Vio, were all having a blast playing Four Swords. The boys were amazing at working together to solve puzzles, which made sense when Time reviewed the security footage of the theft they pulled off before they were caught. Vio and Blue had a hard time getting along with his sons at first, but they all eventually settled in and got closer. His sons were watching the four work in perfect harmony in awe, while Malon and Time were in the kitchen talking in hushed voices.

“Malon, I’m so sorry. But they were all alone and-” Time panicked, and Malon quietly shushed him.

“Time, they’re wonderful.” Malon assured, that bright and sincere smile he fell in love with on her gentle face. “But they get along with our kids so well. I think you and I both know where this is going.” Time leaned down and buried his head in her shoulder.

“I love them already. So much, and I barely even know them. But Malon… four? We don't have the space. Sure I’m in for a promotion, but we don’t have the room. And what about our sons? What will they think?” Malon stroked his back and shushed him, and Time felt bad she had to comfort him like this.

“I’m worried about our sons too.” Malon sighed. “I think we should talk to them one by one, ask them truthfully and make sure they don’t think we’re replacing them. Twilight especially.” Time nodded into Malon’s shoulder.

“As for moving…” Malon started mischievously. He should have already known she had a plan.

“Well, you’ve always wanted to raise horses, and my father is moving away, he wants to travel and be on the road again. And he really wants that ranch to stay in the family…”

After talking to each of their boys individually, Malon and Time were reassured that no, no one thought they were being replaced, and yes, everyone wanted Red, Blue Green, and Vio in the family. In fact, the more the family grew the more excited each boy got. And when they received the news of the potential move to a ranch that was big, near town, and had the potential to have animals, the boys absolutely lost their minds in excitement, Twilight especially. Now all that was left was to ask the quadruplets if they wanted this.

“Boys…” Malon started. They had sat Red, Green, Blue and Red on their bed within time and Malon’s bedroom, the door sealed shut to give them some privacy. All of the boys looked nervous, fidgeting and holding onto each other.

“I know this is a big decision, and just know that there is no pressure either way.” After three conversations similar to this one, Malon and Time were pros at this.

“We would love for you to be permanent members of the family. We would love to adopt you all if you want.” Time finished to stunned silence. Red promptly burst into tears.

“We thought you were getting rid of us!” Red cried out.

“Oh sweetie, no.” Malon cooed. “I’m so sorry for scaring you all.” She pulled red into a hug and opened her arms for the rest to join in. Time surrounded them all in his arms.

“I think I can speak for us all.” Green joked, ever mature for his age. “We would love that, if you’ll have us.” The rest of his brothers nodded. Time heard a voice outside their door that sounded suspiciously like Warriors calling out ‘yes!’ behind the thick wood, followed by a frantic hush that sounded like Legend. Time put a finger to his lips, before sneaking over to the door. The boys on the bed covered their mouths to hush their laughter. Time yanked the door open quickly, five boys comically tumbling over into the bedroom.

“Boys!” Time scolded over the groaning pile of limbs. Hyrule had thankfully landed on top, his leg was healing but it was still quite weak. Time tried to be mad, he really did, but hearing the giggling of his wife and new sons made it extremely hard to be angry. Five pairs of eyes all peered up at him, and Time simply sighed. “Go on, then.” Time jerked his head towards the bed, and five boys rushed over (Hyrule being helped by Sky), and tackled their new brothers in hugs.

“Four!” Twilight called excitedly. “That’s a new record!”

Hectic months had passed by. It turns out Lon Lon Ranch was the perfect home for their family. Time had never seen Malon so happy, to have all this room to farm once again. Time himself wasn’t half bad, he was finally able to move Epona out of the stables he paid to keep her in and could spend far more time with her, spoiling her with apples and attention. Twilight was certainly happy to spend more time with the sweet horse as well. Each boy had their own job on the ranch, so work was done quickly and often within an hour. Twilight, now eleven, absolutely adored the goats Malon’s father left behind, and took extra good care of them. Warriors, on the cusp of eleven, liked painting making sure everything looked nice. Sky, now ten, took care of the cuccos because, for some reason, he got along with the little devil spawn extremely well. Legend, now 9 on the cusp of 10, would fill in wherever he was needed. He didn’t like or dislike any chores on the farm, but Malon and Time could tell he was happy here. Hyrule, who just turned 8, loved taking care of the animals with Twilight, and his leg had been getting much stronger with months of physical therapy. Red, Green, Blue, and Vio, who had, like Hyrule, chosen their own birthday and believed themselves to be about 9, loved crafting anything they could get their hands on. Malon had to teach them extra safety measures since they were so young, but they made anything from horseshoes, to little inventions around the farm. Overall, even though his life was hectic, Time was happier than he had ever been.

That’s why, on a rainy day, a little boy crashing onto his doorstep was the last thing he expected. But really, Time should expect the unexpected at this point.

“What was that?” Little Warriors called once he was down the stairs.

“Warriors, you’re supposed to be in bed.” Time scolded half heartedly as he too went to see what caused the crash on his porch. Time wandered out, his heart stopping as he realized it was a tiny boy with bleach blonde hair. Warriors gasped and ran over. “Warriors, careful.” Time chided and he went to check the boy. He was absolutely soaked, and had seemed to succumb to exhaustion. Time checked him over, and picked the tiny boy up upon seeing no injuries.

“War, go tell your mom to grab towels and bring them up to the guest room, and grab his bag.” Warriors did as he was told without complaint. Time brought the little boy up to their guest room, waiting to set him down so as to not soak the blankets. With how many children they had, Time was surprised they even had a guest room. But the ranch was much larger than their old home, and the quadruplets refused to even consider not sharing a room. Legend and Hyrule also wanted to share a room, and so did Twilight and Warriors. Sky was the only one who had his own room. Time checked, as usual, with a counselor and she told him it was normal that after what his sons had been through, they would want to share spaces. She did say that as they got older they would most likely want their own spaces, so Time and Malon had been saving up for an extension to the ranch. But for now, they had a spare room.

Malon rushed in with multiple towels, not asking any questions as she began to dry the boy off. Time appreciated that, since he had no answers. They got the boy settled. It was frustrating that all they could do was wait, but the boy wouldn’t wake up. So they waited.

An hour later, the boy finally began to stir. Both Time and Malon had waited so the child wouldn’t panic at waking alone in a strange room. Warriors had also refused to go to bed, and had stayed with them. Something about the smaller boy had struck a chord with him. Deep blue eyes opened, saw the three sitting near him, and panicked.

“Dear, it’s alright.” Malon shushed. “We found you on our porch and we dried you off. We’re not going to hurt you.” The boy calmed slightly, but still curled into himself.

“I’m sorry.” The boy mumbled, looking down in shame.

“Sweetheart it’s alright.” Malon reassured. “It’s no problem.”

“I stole.” The boy whispered, ashamed. “I stole some food and Grandma said never to steal but I was so hungry.” The little boy rambled on, pointing to his bag. Time gently picked up the sea themed bag and peeked inside.

“These don’t look like our crops.” Time showed Malon. It didn’t matter if they were his or not, a hungry little boy had taken some food and Time didn’t care if some of his crops got lost if it meant this boy was fed.

“The scary man at the other house chased me and I ran. I’m sorry I stole, I was just so hungry.” The boy sobbed, and Warriors had apparently deemed that enough. The older boy got up and pulled the younger into a hug, gentle enough that the little boy could escape if he wanted, but he burrowed into Warriors’ chest. The scary man next door… oh, probably Ingo. Time didn’t really interact with the man that much, but he did seem quite rude.

“It’s okay.” Time reassured once the boy’s sobs had calmed down. “How about we make you some stew.” Time offered, and the boy peered up hopefully. “How old are you?” Time asked. He had to know, but he knew the answer would crush him.

“Six.” The boy replied, unknowing of Time’s heart rate increasing. Hell… six years old.

“I’ll go make the stew.” Malon stated gently, but her message was clear. I’ll go make the food, you get information.

“What’s your name, little one?” Time asked. The younger just shook his head, and Time resisted a sigh. What was it with him and running into little boys who didn’t like giving away their names?

“Do you have any parents?” Time asked his next question, but he had already guessed the answer. The little boy shook his head, still clinging onto Warriors, his little hand gripping the older boy’s scarf he always wore.

“I had my grandma but…” The boy's lip quivered. “She got sick. And Aryll and I got taken away.” The boy finished, fresh tears leaking out.

“Aryll?” Warriors questioned.

“My little sister.” Wind answered. “They took us away. I found out she was ‘dopted.” The little boy bit his lip, thinking of the word. “But they said I wouldn’t be. I’m too old and she was young. They told me she was happy. I just want her to be happy, but they told me I wouldn’t be ‘dopted because I was too old.” Wind cried out. “So I ran away.” Wind finished, and Time was stunned. He didn’t even think he could relay that awful story to Malon.

“You can stay with us for as long as you want.” Time offered. “And we can try and find your sister.” The little boy whispered a quiet ‘thank you’, before succumbing to sleep once again in Warriors arms. Time offered to tuck the boy in.

“No… I’m okay here.” Warriors rejected, shuffling to lean against the pillows with the small boy in his arms. Time smiled sadly at how close they seemed already.

“Okay, I’ll be right back kiddo.” Time told Warriors. He really needed to talk to Malon.

“Sweetheart?” Malon prodded gently at the boy sleeping in Warriors’ arms. “We have some stew for you.” Thankfully the little boy woke up this time. As much as Malon wanted to spoil the boy with food, she knew that anything heavier than stew could do more harm than good. The boy’s groggy eyes opened and lit up at the smell of food.

“Really?” The boy asked shyly.

“Really.” Malon handed the boy his bowl while Warriors ensured he didn’t spill any.

“Thank you.” The boy smiled, and Malon felt her heart melt.

“Anytime. Now my husband said you had a little sister.” Malon brought up gently. To her surprise the boy lit up once more. “Mhm! Her name is Aryll. I’m a big brother!” The boy said excitedly, before becoming sad once more. “She got ‘dopted. But she’s happy.” The boy had a bittersweet smile that Malon never wanted to see on such a young face.

“So… you know where she is?” Malon pressed gently. The boy hesitated, then nodded.

“I snuck up and looked in the window. I don’t remember where though.” The boy murmured, voice filled with guilt. “She was giggling and laughing. The mean lady told me that ‘dopted meant she had new parents.” Malon wondered who ‘the mean lady was’, but it sounded like whoever it was had no tact whatsoever.

“Do they know she has a big brother?” Time questioned, watching the child shake his head.

“She got taken away from me.” The little boy teared up again. Time doubted that Aryll simply forgot about her brother, even if she was younger. Perhaps her new family simply didn’t know where to look since the boy had run away.

“If you want, you can stay here and we can help figure it all out.” Time offered after sharing a look with his wife. Warriors’ eyes grew in excitement as he looked at the little boy in his arms.

“...Thank you.” The boy peered up at them shyly.

“Do you want to tell us your name?” Malon prodded, but the boy bit his lip. His name didn’t feel the same without Aryll to call out for him excitedly.

“Family Tradition?” Warriors asked his parents, eyes full of mischief.

“Is there any other way at this point?” Time asked in a dry voice. Warriors laughed and explained the tradition to the little boy still tucked in his arms. After some contemplation, the little boy spoke up.

“Do you have one about pirates?”

Warriors and his new friend played Wind Waker until dawn. The newly named ‘Wind’ was too immersed to sleep, and Warriors claimed he wasn’t tired. Time and Malon decided to let them have their fun for tonight.

In the morning, Time and Malon went into each of their son’s rooms a little early and explained the situation. Most were excited, but they knew not to bombard their guest. It turned out, however, that Wind was an absolute chatterbox once he was comfortable in his environment. He talked Warriors’ ear off about pirates all night, and greeted all of the other boys in the house when they awoke.

Time went to the next door plot of land and paid Ingo back for the crops WInd had taken so the man wouldn’t see the boy and do anything like call the police. The man wasn’t happy, but Time didn’t exactly care.

Soon a month had passed having a happy six year old on the ranch, before they managed to track down Wind’s sister. Time and Malon were planning to go over the next afternoon and explain the situation to the little girl’s new parents. Wind was excited, of course he was, but everyone could tell something was eating at him.

“Wind, honey.” Malon kneeled down in the kitchen as her sons busied themselves elsewhere. “What’s wrong?”

“I… I need to be a good big brother. But…” Wind trailed off. “I really like it here.” The boy sniffled. Malon hadn’t even thought of that…

“Wind, maybe you could stay with us. You and Aryll could see each other whenever possible. I’m sorry honey, I know it's such a big choice to make, but no one will be mad no matter what you want to do. We just want you to be happy.” The little boy’s looked up at Malon with big eyes.

“Can… Can I talk to Wars?” Malon nodded and called Warriors from outside. The boys loved playing flashlight tag all around the ranch, and WInd would usually join them with a beaming smile. Tonight however, he just sat solemnly in the kitchen. Warriors came in from the backdoor, and Malon left to go talk to her husband in their bedroom.

“Wind? What’s wrong?” Warriors took Wind’s small hand and led them to the living room, sitting them both down on the couch.

“What if they don’t want me?” Wind asked with another sniffle, and Wars figured he meant Aryll’s parents.

“Then they’re stupid.” Wars stated.

“What if… what if I don’t want them. Wars, I don’t want to go.” Wind cried out, burying his head in his hands. Warriors pulled him into a hug. “Malon said I could stay, and I could see Aryll, but what if she hates me? What if Grandma would hate me for replacing her? What if-” Warriors shushed Wind gently.

“When I was seven…” Warriors started, taking a big breath. “When I was seven my mom and I got into a really bad crash.” Wind peered up at Warriors. “I was okay, but my mom- my mom didn’t make it out.” Wars whispered, trying to keep his tears at bay. “Malon and Time took me in without a second thought. And at first, I had a hard time being around Malon. She… reminded me too much of my mom. But then I realized that Malon would never replace my mom, just like she won’t replace your grandma. She would never try to, and neither would Time. They’re my mom and my dad, but that doesn’t change the fact that I still love my mom.” Warriors finished, and Wind just looked up at him with big eyes. “I don’t know your sister, but I think we all just want you to be happy, little pirate.” Wind threw himself at Warriors’ chest once again. A few minutes later, Time and Malon emerged from upstairs.

“Can I… Can I really stay?” Wind asked hopefully.

“Of course.” Time confirmed without hesitation.

“And I can still see Aryll?”

“Anytime you want.” Malon promised. “She is always welcome here, and she doesn’t live that far away from what we’ve seen.

Wind spent the rest of the night playing flashlight tag with his brothers, and chattering excitedly about how he would get to see his sister the next day.

Time truly thought he was done adopting children. What a fool he was.

Except this round, it wasn’t even his fault! It was his oldest son’s fault!

Time stared at his sheepish 12 year old from the doorway of his and Warriors’ room. More specifically, he was staring at the small body hiding behind his 12 year old son.

“Son…” Time started, already exasperated by the situation.

“...Yes Dad?” twilight asked with an innocent smile, as if he wasn’t very obviously hiding an entire child behind his back.

“Who’s behind you?” Time raised an eyebrow.

“Uhhh…” Twilight trailed off, looking behind him. “You can come out, cub. He won’t hurt you.” Twilight assured the body behind him.

“Cub?” Time questioned.

“I found him in an abandoned fox den!” Twilight defended. Time pinched the bridge of his nose. This entire situation was ridiculous.

“And why, pray tell, did you hide him in your room?” Time asked his eldest. Did Warriors even know there was a child hidden in his room?

“Well.” Twilight began, as if Time was the one who was being ridiculous. “I was going to hide him in here for a bit until you and Mom got home and sneak him some food. I was going to tell you, but you got home early. Dad…” Time perked up at his son’s serious tone. “He’s terrified of people. From what I can tell he has no one, and I worked for an hour to build up enough trust for him to come with me. He doesn’t talk and he was all alone! I couldn’t just leave him there!” Twilight defended, gently coaxing out the little boy behind him. The first thing Time noticed was the scars. Burn marks all over the boy’s face and exposed torso, down to his legs. The boy was only wearing a pair of shorts, and Time wondered how he hadn’t frozen out there. He had to be only seven or eight. Time sighed once again.

“Twi… I’m not mad, I’m not. But where will he stay?” Twilight perked up with a hope in his eyes.

“He can stay with me!” Twilight gestured to where the little one was practically attached to the older boy’s leg. It seemed once the little boy trusted someone, he absolutely was not going to let go. Time kneeled down to be more level with the little boy, who buried his face further into Twilight’s leg.

“Hello there.” Time said gently. “My name is Time. I’m Twilight’s dad. Do you want some food?” The little one’s eyes lit up in excitement, peering up to look at Twilight, as if asking permission.

“Does food sound good, Cub?” The little boy nodded slightly, and it was the most Time knew he would get out of the little boy.

“I’ll go make some stew and warn the others. You’re telling your mother this time.”

By the time Malon had arrived back to the ranch from her trip to the city, the Cub had been washed and fed, and Twilight had managed to wiggle the boy into some old clothes. The little boy looked quite happy about all of these, and Twilight even heard a little giggle. Malon had managed to introduce herself gently without the little boy panicking, but he was still attached to Twilight. The older boy didn’t seem to mind very much.

Time decided the best approach to introducing the little boy to the family would be to take it one member at a time, except for the quadruplets who would all be introduced at the same time to avoid later confusion at their similar appearances. Twilight took to the normal naming ceremony, the little boy excitedly picked out the cover with a vast field of wildlife, including a fox.

Wild spent the rest of the evening on Twilight’s lap being taught how to work the controller and gasping in delight at all the things he could do. Specifically all the things he could light on fire. Time would worry about that another day.

In between playing, Wild was introduced to the rest of the family. There were some bumps, such as confused sobbing when he saw four identical boys, but other than that it went as well as expected. The introduction with Hyrule probably went the best, since the boys had similar backstories. Time saw those two becoming partners in crime. Twilight promised he would figure out if Wild could talk or not, and if he couldn’t, Twilight promised he would find another way to communicate.

Overall, Wild was the most fast and unexpected acquisition of a child, but Time couldn’t say he was overly upset.

“So, another one then.” Malon teased after all their boys were tucked in.

“It appears so.” Time replied gruffly.

“Hm. Like father, like son.”

Time promptly banged his head on the table.

Idk I might upload an epilogue if y’all are interested.

Is this fic accurate to how the real world works? Nah. But this is an AU based on fiction, I did my best.

I’m going to specify that the video games the boys are named after aren’t the Legend of Zelda, they’re just random old games. This isn’t insanely meta or anything I just thought it would be a funny little easter egg haha.

Have an amazing week everyone!

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #wild #twilight #warriors #time #malon #wind #four #legend #hyrule #sky #queenof-literature story #QoL Story

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givemeonebreath · 3 years

Text

A big, messy Linked Universe playlist

Link for Links

Heavy on the angst, because of who I am as a person. (At the same time, don’t take it too seriously, man.)

Influenced by canon, manga (TP Link is really Going Through It™ ), my personal perceptions, and popular fandom canon.

A pretty wide variety of genres, with a bias towards metal and prog rock.

I kept snippets of lyrics for most songs, also because of who I am as a person. (Some were particularly hard to narrow down to just one verse or chorus.) Those - and a little more rambling - are under the cut if you really want, in the order of the playlist. But. It’s long.

I didn’t initially make this with the intent to share, but hey. Throughout my past year+ of listening, I’ve been haphazardly adding songs to a playlist I very creatively named Links. If something reminded me of them, whether through the music or lyrics or both, I threw it on the playlist, so some songs might seem odd or vague. Some are really on the nose, as subtle as a sledgehammer. (Sky for Sky? Dude. Sorry.) Some are there because of a fitting line or two that stuck in my head. Ultimately, music - like any form of creative expression - can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.

My listening habits and tastes are erratic, which is why this is one big, jumbled playlist and not separated for different Links. Not to mention if I did that, some (Wild, Legend) would have a lot and some (Wind, Four) would have none, both because of my own familiarity with them, and because of the general themes of the music I tend to listen to. Most songs are a general ‘hero’s spirit reborn’ mood, anyway - those are the first part of the playlist. The second half is more nuanced to specific Links, plus a few Ganon vibes.

1. Deep Purple - April (Koji Kondo, composer of the original Legend of Zelda theme, was into Deep Purple as a kid, and it shows.)

2. Kamelot - Regalis Apertura

3. Au4 - So Just Hang On, Beautiful One (I’ve posted this here before. I can’t hear it without thinking of LU now.) So I slipped in through the gate almost unknown. All my border stamps were late. Seven days old. Cold hand griped my shoulder blade, broke the bone. Bloody nose and turned away, all the way home.

4. FC Kahuna - Hayling Don’t think about all those things you fear, just be glad to be here

5. Glass Animals - Youth Boy, when I left you you were young I was gone, but not my love You were clearly meant for more Than a life lost in the war

6. Pain of Salvation - Restless Boy A restless boy in a world too slow A flame born into cinder, ash, and glow I've given everything I gave it all Yet find myself alone

7. Haken - The Endless Knot Our design shifted frame by frame! Across the line our cycle starts to fail. Our design shifted frame by frame! Across the line we die to live again. We need a story to believe in. We need a hero to prevail. We need a challenge we can overcome, it takes a tragedy to make us one

8. Kamelot - Memento Mori (I particularly associate this with Time and Twilight) I am the god in my own history The master of the game I may believe if she would come to me And whisper out my name Sometimes I wonder where the wind has gone If life has ever been Sometimes I wonder how belief alone Can cut me free from sin

9. Katatonia - Fighters Look I told you so We never stop If we said that We'll back it up For sure You know We're fighters

10. Megadeth - This Day We Fight! (I mean, all Links, but particularly Warriors) For this I was chosen, because I fear nothing With confidence I tread through the dead of the night Off to another war-torn, faraway battlefield Wherein lies a demonic enemy horde

11. Moon Tooth - Igneous Well, the spirit took me And this old broken body leapt up and danced Settin’ out Settin' out with all my heroes in a bundle at my back Hawk am I More wings span in my shadow than overcast Yeah, you know what they say Always need something to look up to, ha

12. Samael - Moongate Destiny, tomorrow is today Destiny, without boundaries How many nights will we spend together traveling infinity back and forth and again How many times will we go together questioning eternity about us about our wonders...

13. TOOL- Parabola This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion

14. Lunatic Soul - Blood on the Tightrope No matter how hard you try To shut down your feverish thoughts They hunt you down with no regret Cause you have to fix it all

15. Hybrid - Keep It In The Family

16. Soul Savers - Unbalanced Pieces Gone, now carry on Through violent seasons I call you mother, mother, mother In vain, absent chain The twilight's bleeding And the playing board has two unbalanced pieces

17. Steve Von Till - Valley of the Moon All she gives is a stone facade Like ill-given flowers at a dead man's wake Here we slave for the dreams of another And fight over scraps like wayward dogs

18. Ludovico Einaudi - Experience

19. Lunatic Soul - Summoning Dance Three stones on the right side Three stones on the left My vicious circle of life and death “Oh you want it” I hear it again “Oh you want it” My burden Curse to break

20. Lunatic Soul - Through Shaded Woods Run through your shaded woods Run through your shaded mind Run through the night Run away Run through the darkness Run

21. Lunatic Soul - Naavie

22. David Bowie - Nature Boy There was a boy A very strange, enchanted boy They say he wandered very far Very far, over land and sea A little shy and sad of eye But very wise was he

23. The Dandy Warhols - Sleep Well, I could sleep forever But it's of her I dream If I could sleep forever I could forget about everything

24. Au4 - Everyone is Everyone (and Everything is Everything) Tripping and tumbling, Flipping and fumbling. Flowing on the rivers of sadness That have been forever rumbling. But from dawn until now Of all the paths that I could have gone down Of all the valleys That I could have been flowing through. In spite of all the chaos And all that has come between us, How is it I still find myself Here with you.

25. Kingcrow - Everything Goes Your hands again upon the ground Falling rain for hours and hours As you learn the game Time dispels the fog ... Ever been there? Ever felt like prey? Ever thought your mind was feeble? Lot of things that don’t make sense

26. Pain of Salvation - Icon As a child I felt too old And now when I'm grown-up I feel too young A different kind so I've been told Just slightly out of reach and out of time

27. Sophia Loizou - Divine Interference (I got spooky dungeon vibes. Also, the title.)

28. Carpenter Brut - Fab Tool Runnin Gunnin Forward in the phantom shatter so grand Splatter grand, arcanum fuel Wrought iron out of the sky Over me, tells no lie

29. Blue Stahli - Death Will Have to Run All on the open road Where none will ever grow A journey toward the known With countless miles to go

30. Gyroscope - Mistakes & Ladders I am the first? No I can't be the first A continuous nothing, destined for something Tell me who you are and why you trapped me here

31. Queens of the Stone Age - Run, Pig, Run Run, pig, run Here I come

32. Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts - Guard The Fort The swords are drawn and odds are stacked And we clash the impact's a thunderous clap Calm demeanor Even though we are under attack [...my turn to guard the fort ready for combat]

33. The Great Discord - Army of Me (lol)

34. Kongos - Terrified I think I'll start again and change my name You only live once or twice, what a shame Somebody fucked up when designing this game

35. Woodkid - Run Boy Run Run, boy, run! This ride is a journey to Run, boy, run! The secret inside of you Run, boy, run! This race is a prophecy Run, boy, run! And disappear in the trees

36. The Beta Machine - The End A million miles away from you this time I'll do what it takes I'm on my way If lines are in the sand I'll go under If I can make it in time I will bring you back with me

37. Devin Townsend Project - Gump When we last met who was I? I'm sorry we no longer see eye to eye The energy to keep you in while keeping myself out I'm sorry how you'll take this But I just don't have the patience anymore

38. Arrested Youth - Riot! I can't get much satisfaction living in this cave It's tough to breathe, I'm in the belly of the beast Can't sleep with all my rage With me and all my generations living in this cage Pick up your guns and tell your sons, tonight we break the cage

39. Led Zeppelin - Friends So anytime somebody needs you Don't let them down, although it grieves you Some day you'll need someone like they do Looking for what you knew

40. Faunts - M4, pt 2 (Wild) Fight your foes you're not alone Holy war is on the phone Asking to please stay on hold Bleeding loss of blood runs cold And I need you to recover Because I can't make it on my own

41. Faith No More - Ashes to Ashes (Wild) I want them to know it's me, it's on my head I'll point the finger at me, it's on my head Smiling with the mouth of the ocean And I'll wave to you with the arms of the mountain

42. Devin Townsend - Jupiter (Wild) I know you At least I think I do Everything's changed But in the days that are so dark It's wonderful

43. Katatonia - Neon Epitaph (Wild) Shadow of my shadow Cling not to my grief I am long left behind now You are free

44. The Smashing Pumpkins - The Beginning is the End is the Beginning (Wild) Time has stopped before us The sky cannot ignore us No one can separate us For we are all that is left The echo bounces off me The shadow lost beside me There's no more need to pretend Cause now I can begin again

45. Katatonia - Lacquer (Wild) My voice travelling Soaring bird above your head The house we lived in Ridden with disease ... The levee breaking I can't live to fight once more The road to the grave is straight as an arrow I'm just staying around to sing your song, baby

46. Eskimo Joe - This is Pressure (Wild) There is no romance in suffocation The walls fall down like your expectations You want to scream And you want to shout But you've built up steam And you can't let it out This is pressure

47. Portugal. The Man - 1000 Years (Wild) We'll wait 1000 years Until the end of time We'll wait 1000 more Dressed up in gold and white We'll climb the mountain sides To find what's in the sky We'll dig through mountain sides To find what's deep inside

48. Au4 - An Ocean’s Measure of Sorrow (Wild) Forgot my name and who I was. Memories of nothing floating up. All of the sorrow we once knew, Colours the ocean's water blue.

49. Band of Skulls - Carnivorous (Twilight) I am corrosive and cohesive Like a chemical bond I'm all together undone I am the broken kingdom I'm just so, so, so So carnivorous

50. Glass Animals - Flip (Twilight) I wanna go back with a club and attack I wanna take to my guns and break you I gotta make my little foe take his own

51. TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me (Twilight) My mind has changed my body's frame, but, God, I like it My heart's aflame, my body's strained, but, God, I like it

52. Kamelot - The Spell (Twilight) All my demons cast a spell The souls of dusk rising from the ashes So the book of shadows tell The weak will always obey the master

53. OSI - Radiologue (Legend) I was dreaming I was heading west thirty days faster Had a fever woke up in a sweat bailing out the water Can't go on Can't go back Heard your voice coming through the noise wrote it in the radio log Hurt my head, wondering what you said so I threw it overboard

54. Katatonia - Don’t Tell A Soul (Legend) I have been destroyed by the perfection that is a lie see I'm moving soon see my feet are already on the road and if you know where I’m going don’t tell a soul

55. Haken - The Mind’s Eye (Legend) The shape of things to come are closer than they seem Changing your design every time you disappear I'm planning my escape through portals of your mind Where people seem to drop like flies

56. Pain of Salvation - Species (Legend) Sometimes I hate my fucking species Yet most days I'll do anything to please it My generation was fooled to pursue our dreams But it is not what it seems You never need what you want And you rarely want what you need

57. Euringer - Do You Kiss Your Mama with That Mouth? (Legend) All my life, misunderstood I'm fuckin' too smart, too smart for my own good The last question, before I go is "Hey motherfucka, do you kiss your mama with that mouth?" Yes! I kiss your mama with this mouth

58. !!! - Pardon My Freedom (Legend) Like I give a fuck, like I give a shit Like I give a fuck about that shit Like I give a fuck about that motherfucking shit

59. Team Sleep - Ataraxia (Legend) Froze asleep Coma deep I dream I'm out with you Alone at sea

60. Oliver Tank - Embrace (Legend) You're in my dreams The world is torn apart at the seams And I don't wanna leave Wearing my heart on it's sleeve

61. Machine Gun Fellatio - The Girl of My Dreams (Is Giving Me Nightmares) (Legend) The girl of my dreams is giving me nightmares I don't know what it means but she's got multi-coloured hair When she stands in the sand I dream of peaches And I'm not sure what that means either

62. Earl Greyhound - Shotgun (Legend & Hyrule) I am nobody, nobody is who I am I am a traveler on this land And nothing, nothing, nothing in my hands

63. TV on the Radio - Staring at the Sun (Hyrule) You're staring at the sun You're standing in the sea Your mouth is open wide You're trying hard to breathe The water's at your neck There's lightning in your teeth Your body's over me

64. Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon (Time) Fate Up against your will Through the thick and thin He will wait until You give yourself to him

65. Sufjan Stevens - Sugar (Sky) Don’t break my heart, don’t break my flow now And all this rage has got to go now Let’s take up this lifeline Come on, baby, gimme some sugar Don’t make me wait Don’t make me wait too long Don’t make me sing the sad song Come on, baby, gimme some sugar

66. Obsydians - Ascension (Sky) Rise above the hardships you’ll face I will sign and keep on rising As long as you are giving me your soul and keep me awake Feel like home and spread your light around I will listen and just be there As long as you are giving me your love I’ll give you my soul

67. Sonique - Sky -_-

68. Enter Shikari - The King (Ganon) Watch your back, my friend I'm about to kickstart a cycle Of never ending revenge And this time it's primal, it's tribal

69. Saul Williams - WTF! (Ganon, Hylia) "You've been polluted, uprooted by time You have been muted, computed but I'm A living vessel of the one, of the moon, of the sun" Hey! You ain't as dead as you seem, what the fuck? Hey! But you keep living your lies

70. These New Puritans - We Want War (Ganon/ Dark Link/ any nemesis I guess) Shadows dance back up, it's happening again If you listen carefully you might hear them whisper: "We hold all the secrets, we hold all the words; But they're scrambled and broken so you'll never know" Can't you see them Floating like black ash? Can't you feel them Crawling down your back?

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #listening to music while I stare blankly at nothing is legit my number one hobby #and then shit like this happens #linked universe playlist

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headcanonsandmore · 3 years

Text

“Fell In Love With A Girl”, Chapter One

Summary: Luna Lovegood finds herself caught up in a world of international espionage, on the hunt for the mysterious gang who have a strange obsession with Amazonian plant-life (a subject on which Luna happens to know quite a lot). And, of course, Ginny Weasley insists in coming along for the ride. You don't mess with Ginny's Lu and get away with it. But can Ginny protect Luna from the forces set against them?

~~~~~~~~~

Here it is, everyone; my first foray into the action-adventure genre of fanfic! Hope you like it! Thank you to @lytefoot and @cheeseanonioncrisps, without whom this fic would never have happened, and @rabisacos for their advice with some elements of the plot that will become apparent in later chapters. :)

TWs are in the tags.

~~~~~~~~~

Read on FFN. Read on AO3.

~~~~~~~~

The shop bell tinkled.

Luna Lovegood looked up from the plant she was re-potting. It was close to mid-day. Normally, she would have kept the shop open for the afternoon, but she had other plans that afternoon.

The stranger who walked in was… well, very strange indeed. A large, heavy-set man, clad in dark clothes despite the warm weather, and with thick sunglasses that obscured most of his face. Luna was also aware that he was very tall and towered over her.

‘Hello,’ she said, a little confused as she climbed to her feet. ‘Can you help you with anything?’

The man reached into his pocket, and pulled out a piece of paper. He handed it to Luna.

‘Amazonian Octarine-Flame?’ Luna read aloud. ‘I’m afraid I don’t stock it; the plant is very rare, and isn’t kept domestically in the UK.’

The man stared at Luna for a moment, as if judging whether he believed her, before he nodded, took his piece of paper from Luna’s hands, and left without so much as a thank you. The door swung shut behind him.

Pondering the stranger’s behaviour, Luna finished her re-potting, and brought in the standing sign from outside. She was just locking the front door, when the sound of a motorbike made her turn.

‘Alright, Lu?’

Luna grinned, her cheeks blushing, as Ginny pulled off her helmet, her ginger hair sparkling in the sunshine.

‘Yes,’ she replied, pressing a quick kiss to Ginny’s cheek. ‘I’m all set to go. Are you feeling confident?’

‘For the match? With you watching me, I’m always confident.’

Luna smiled, as she strapped on the spare helmet Ginny had just handed her. She climbed onto the back of the bike, and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend’s waist. With a loud roar, the bike came to life, and the two women sped off through the streets.

Mercifully, the traffic wasn’t too bad that day, and they reached the basketball arena with a few minutes to spare.

They could hear the crowds beginning to arrive. Luna squeezed Ginny’s hand as they walked over to the players entrance.

‘You’ll be brilliant, Ginny,’ she said, pecking her on the lips.

‘Thanks,’ Ginny replied. ‘Can I hope to expect a bit more than a kiss as a reward afterwards?’

Luna giggled.

‘How about you win the game first, before you think about that?’

‘So… that’s not a “no”…’

Laughing, Luna kissed her again, and Ginny flashed her a smile, before entering the players entrance.

Luna walked through the main entrance, and made for the stands.

‘Luna!’

Hannah Abbott and Neville Longbottom were waving at her from a spot roughly in the centre of the stands. Luna waved back, and made for them. The crowd was full of people excitedly talking about the game about to start, and of the odds on different players scoring. Luna was happy to see that Ginny was a popular choice.

Luna reached Neville and Hannah. She hugged them both, and sat down.

‘You and Ginny got here on time, then?’

‘Yes,’ Luna replied. ‘The traffic was fine. How about you two?’

‘We were almost late,’ Hannah said, interlacing her fingers with Neville’s. ‘Neville’s been getting some weird emails from lots of friends from our old class.’

‘Very weird, actually,’ Neville said, his brow wrinkling. ‘Apparently, there’s been some break-ins in several botanical conservation sites, all of them having plants from the Amazon stolen. All within the same week.’

Luna was about to enquire further but, at that moment, the stands around them erupted in cheers as the two teams emerged onto the court.

Of course, Ginny’s team won the team, with Ginny herself scoring several points, including one scored with a spectacular leap upwards over two members of the opposing teams heads. Luna cheered and applauded as Ginny grinned up at the stands.

About ten minutes later, Ginny emerged from the changing rooms, and was met by a cacophony of reporters and fans. Finally, the crowd dispersed, and the redhead walked over to where her girlfriend was waiting.

Ginny, her face now wreathed in a wide smile, hugged Luna tightly as the blonde threw her arms around her.

‘I was a bit worried there for a bit,’ she said, modestly. ‘But it all worked out okay.’

‘You were brilliant!’ Luna exclaimed, quickly pressing a kiss to her lips. ‘I’m so proud of you!’

‘Oh, really?’ Ginny asked, a mischievous look entering her eye. ‘Care to demonstrate after we get back to yours?’

Luna blushed, smiling.

Luna sat up in bed, and stretched.

Ginny was snoring softly on the mattress next to her, her red hair illuminated slightly in the moonlight.

Luna smiled at her girlfriend.

Her life had been so… dull before Ginny entered it. Sure, she loved her shop and working with plants all day, but there was a routine to it that had become tedious over the years. So much that it almost became background noise. And it wasn’t as if Luna met a lot of people; she wasn’t the most ongoing person and, while she occasionally met up with people she had known at university, her life progressed in much the same way every passing week and month.

Then Ginny had arrived. A whirlwind of red hair and sports jerseys. Fun, exciting and utterly lovely. The most exciting, mist exhilarating person Luna had ever met. The last few months had been… well, wonderful in every sense of the word.

Feeling thirsty, Luna pulled her nightie over her head, and wrapped a dressing gown around herself, before descending the stairs to the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of milk, and leaned against the counter, watching the moonlight dance across the kitchen.

She was just about to go back upstairs again, when she became aware of a curious sensation. Almost as if she was being watched?

Luna set her glass down on the kitchen counter, and walked across to the entrance through to the shop. She could see the usual shapes of the plants climbing up, and the vines stretching up across the ceiling.

Was… was there someone there? She had a burglar alarm installed, but the siren had not gone off. Everything seemed to be as it should.

Luna paused in the entrance way, her neck prickling. What was…

There was a creak on the stairs behind her.

‘Luuuunnnaaa….’ Ginny purred, slipping her arms around Luna’s shoulders. Luna felt goosebumps erupt along her neck as the redhead spoke softly into her ear. ‘Come back to bed…’

Casting one last look over the shop, Luna allowed her girlfriend to lead her back upstairs. But, out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn that something moved in the shop.

Probably just a fly, she thought.

The kitchen was bathed in sunlight as Ginny and Luna ate their breakfast. Ginny was wearing a pair of Luna’s old dungarees paired with a white t-shirt, and Luna was finding it difficult not to blush; the redhead looked so lovely wearing them.

‘So… no practices for a few weeks,’ Ginny said, her mouth half-full with toast. ‘It’ll be nice to have some time to relax.’

‘That would explain the lack of a bra today, I take it?’

‘Oh, definitely,’ Ginny said, flashing a wink. ‘And, well, what say you and me have the day to ourselves?’

‘Oh, that sounds…’ Luna began, before her face fell.

‘What? Something wrong?’

‘No, I’d love to just spend the day here with you, but… well, I’ve been invited to a Botany and Horticultural conference at my old University today.’

‘Oh, no worries,’ Ginny said. ‘I’ll join you.’

‘What? No, I can just tell them I couldn’t make it-’

‘Don’t be silly. You love this stuff, Lu,’ Ginny said, stroking Luna’s hand softly. ‘I want to learn more about what you enjoy.’

‘You don’t mind? I know Horticulture isn’t really your thing.’

‘And basketball isn’t really your thing, but you still come to my games,’ Ginny replied. ‘Let me be the sweetie-pie for once, ‘kay?’

Luna smiled, her cheeks dimpling.

‘I’m not that sweet.’

‘I beg to differ. After all, I am now rather accustomated to-’

‘Ginny!’

The redhead laughed, and threw an arm around Luna’s shoulders.

‘Okay, when does this conference start?’

‘Midday, but-’

‘Great, then we’ve got a few hours to kill. How about you and I take it easy for an hour or so, and then I’ll pick up my suit from my place?’

Luna found herself blushing.

‘S-suit?’

‘Three-piece, Lu,’ Ginny said, winking. ‘Why? Too much?’

Luna smiled, and shook her head. Her girlfriend was something else, indeed.

The two of them arrived at Luna’s old university with some time to spare. They had taken the underground at Luna’s insistence; she had said that it was due to the lack of parking at the university but, judging from Luna’s blushing whenever she looked at Ginny, the redhead could guess it was because she didn’t want Ginny to mess up her suit.

They bumped into Professor Sprout, one of Luna and Neville’s old professors who Ginny had met previously. The professor smiled as she saw Luna’s fingers intertwined with Ginny’s. Both the young women blushed.

Soon enough, the conference was due to staff. Luna and Ginny sat down in the auditorium, and the noise of everyone around them gradually dissipated.

An elderly man, presumably one of the university’s professors, walked across the stage. He had a long beard and wore half-spoon spectacles.

‘I’ll be brief,’ said the elderly professor. ‘Throughout the last few days, we have heard numerous reports of the thefts of Amazonian plants across London. Our sister universities in Europe have been dealing with similar reports.’

‘And from other parts of South America,’ said another professor. ‘Paraguay and Chile have also had various thefts.’

‘We’re dealing with an international level of theft. The various authorities have been informed, of course, but I must ask that we all be very careful when it comes to security for the time being.’

Ginny turned to look at Luna, and was startled to see her girlfriend looking suddenly very worried.

Instinctively, Ginny reached out and took her hand, giving it a delicate squeeze. Luna smiled softly, clearly glad of the support.

It worried Ginny to see Luna looking so serious; she was usually so calm and cheerful about everything. Things were clearly bad if even Luna Lovegood couldn’t put a brave face on. Even though the rest of the conference was of a more cheerful nature, Luna’s mood did not improve much.

Luna and Ginny rode back across London on the underground. Ginny didn’t let go of Luna’s hand the entire time, and Luna leaned into her girlfriend’s shoulder, her face troubled. It broke Ginny’s heart to see her like this. She wrapped an arm around Luna’s shoulder, and pressed a quick kiss to the blonde woman’s forehead.

Luna seemed to be feeling marginally better as they emerged from the underground. As it happened, they passed the restaurant they had gone to for one of their first dates, and Ginny pointed it out. The memory brought a smile to Luna’s face, and she squeezed Ginny’s hand.

However, as soon as they turned the corner round to Luna’s shop, this happy moment popped like a bubble.

‘M-my shop!’

Ginny stared on in horror. The shop windows had been smashed in, and there was several police cars parked nearby. Pieces of glass were scattered across the pavement, and the owners of the shops nearby were stood around, looking concerned.

Her eyes widening, Luna stumbled forward.

‘What’s… what’s happened?’ she gasped, as her fellow shopkeepers turned to look at her. ‘I… I was only gone for a couple of hours.’

‘We heard the windows smash and the alarms go off barely forty-five minutes ago,’ said Madam Puddifoot, the owner of the café next door. ‘Thank goodness you weren’t hurt, Luna.’

‘Who the bloody hell would do this?’ Ginny exclaimed, as she looked at the smashed glass, aghast. ‘God, Luna… you could have been here,’-she grabbed Luna’s hand-‘forget what I said earlier, spending the day at home would have been terrible.’

Luna chuckled miserably.

‘Was… was anything taken?’

‘That’s the weird thing,’ Madam Puddifoot said, looking a little baffled. ‘Your till doesn’t seem to have been touched at all. No money gone, nothing. It looked like whoever did this didn’t even try to break it open.’

Well, Ginny thought, that’s one positive-

‘But we noticed some of your books have been taken.’

‘What?’ Luna said. ‘My books? On botany?’

‘Yes, the ones on Amazonian plants, by the looks of it.’

Luna’s face, if it was possible, fell even further.

Ginny wrapped her arm around Luna’s midriff, holding her close. The blonde turned and leaned into her chest, her arms reaching around Ginny, clinging to her for support.

‘I’m here, Lu,’ Ginny whispered, ‘It’s gonna be okay.’

Luna nodded, mutely.

‘Ms Lovegood?’

A tall, black man had emerged from inside the shop. He was wearing a dark blue suit that had a sort of neat elegance that Ginny had never managed to achieve. Some people had a distinct aura that went with their job, and Ginny knew he wasn’t just a standard policeman. He was a detective, or something similar.

‘Y-yes,’ Luna said, pulling away from Ginny and turning to face the man.

‘I am Kingsley Shacklebolt,’ he said. ‘I’m in charge of the investigation surrounding this break-in. Normally, we’d ask you to discuss this within your shop, but we understand if this is a bit too much at the moment-’

‘It’s fine,’ Luna replied, sounding far tougher than Ginny would have expected. ‘Let’s get this over with.’

Still holding Ginny by the hand, Luna followed Shacklebolt into the shop, taking pains to avoid the glass scattered across the pavement.

The inside of the shop was surprisingly tidy. Aside from the windows being smashed, nothing was much out of the ordinary. Same plants, same vines reaching up the walls, etc. Ginny took a quick look around, and was almost positive that none of the plants seemed to have even been moved, let alone stolen. There were no tell-tale trails of compost, for one thing.

As they entered the kitchen, Luna strode over to the bookshelf she had recently put up against the wall. Ginny realised exactly what Madam Puddifoot had meant; there were several empty spaces where Luna’s books on Amazonian botany and plant-life were supposed to be. They had certainly been there when Ginny and Luna had left for the conference earlier that morning.

‘Ms Lovegood, we are currently trying to ascertain the motive for this,’ Shacklebolt said, as he, Luna and Ginny sat down around the table. Several police constables blocked the view into the kitchen from the shop itself. ‘The till wasn’t broken into, and no plants have been stolen, so profit doesn’t seem to have been the motive. Do you think it could be anything else? Blackmail, perhaps?’

‘No,’ Luna said. ‘It’s… well, my books on rare Amazonian plants have been stolen. They were the only things that were taken.’

A brief flicker of emotion flickered across Shacklebolt’s face.

‘I see. And… the smashed windows? An intimation tactic, perhaps?’

‘You don’t say,’ Ginny said, sarcastically. ‘What a load of bastards…’

Shacklebolt smiled at the redheads infuriated expression.

There was some raised voices from the shop. Several of the police constables began to move.

‘Ere mate, you can’t just barge in,’ exclaimed one short constable. ‘Fred, look at the nerve of this bloke…’

‘Aye, Nobby,’ said another member of the constabulary, who had a large, red face. ‘That constitutes… uh, accessory to annoyin’ a police officer-’

‘Let me through, you morons, I know Luna and Ginny-’

‘Neville!’ Ginny said.

‘Thank god you’re both here,’ the blonde man replied, as he scrambled into the kitchen and stood before them. There were some continued mutterings from behind him. ‘Luna, I’ve got a feeling that your books on Amazonian plants have been taken?’

‘Y-yes,’ Luna said. ‘Neville, how did you-’

‘Because Professor Sprout’s private stores were broken into while she was at the conference,’ Neville said, his face serious. ‘All her research into rare Amazonian plants has been stolen.’

‘O-oh,’ Luna said.

‘That sounds about right,’ Shacklebolt said, mirthlessly as he put a hand up to his earpiece. ‘I’ll need to discuss this with the office.’

He stepped through the line of constables and into the shop, already talking to whoever was communicating through his earpiece. But he was then barged aside by a tall, redheaded figure.

‘Ginny? Luna?’

‘Ron?’

Ginny’s older brother appeared through the crowd in the kitchen doorway.

‘Are you two alright?’ he asked, ignoring the mutterings from the various police constables whose feet he had accidentally-on-purpose trodden on. ‘I heard it direct from Neville earlier-’

‘We’re fine, Ronald,’ Luna said. ‘But thank you anyway.’

‘That’s good,’ Ron said. ‘You’ve got Ginny here, after all.’

Luna smiled, squeezing Ginny’s hand.

‘Yes, I do.’

Ginny found herself blushing a little.

‘How about I make us all some tea?’ Ron said. ‘Ginny, help me with the mugs?’

‘Sure.’

As the kettle began to boil, Ron turned to his sister and whispered.

‘Luna seemed pretty shook up.’

‘Yeah,’ Ginny replied, casting a quick look over her shoulder, to where Luna was talking to Neville. ‘I know she’s putting a brave face on it, but… this is her home as well her shop, y’know? The idea that someone would break into it while she was barely out for a couple hours is pretty distressing.’

‘You were both at the conference while this happened?’

‘She was half-willing to not bother today, but I thought it would be good for me to learn more about botany for her,’ Ginny said. ‘But… what if she’d been here while the break-in happened?’

‘It wouldn’t have happened, Ginny,’ Ron said, patting her on the shoulder in support. ‘I’ve got a feeling that whoever did this timed it so it happened during the conference itself, when they knew Luna would be out of the way.’

‘You reckon?’

‘Yeah. I mean, why else do it in the middle of the day? Especially on a busy London street.’

Ginny nodded, putting sugar into Luna’s mug (Luna always liked two spoonful’s of sugar in her tea).

‘Ginny?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Just… I think Luna’s going to need you with her,’ Ron said. ‘And I reckon you’ll be there with her one-hundred-per-cent, right?’

‘Of course,’ Ginny replied. ‘I’d die than let anyone hurt her.’

Ron smiled.

‘Hopefully, it won’t come to that. But just be careful, okay.’

Ginny stared at him.

‘It’s a break-in, Ron, not a terrorist operation.’

‘Still.’

Ron poured the water into the various mugs, added the Kingsley Shacklebolt had returned. He nodded to the police constables nearby in a knowing way. He then turned to Luna.

‘Ms Lovegood, do we have your permission to check the premises for any listening equipment?’

Luna stared at him in confusion.

‘My apologies, Ms Lovegood, but we cannot be too cautious. The people who broke in could have bugged the place.’

‘Do thieves normally do that?’

‘No, but I don’t believe we are dealing with normal thieves here.’

Luna swallowed, looking worried.

‘Okay; you have my permission to check.’

‘Thank you,’ said Shacklebolt, before turning to the constables.

‘Secure the perimeter.’

The assembled constables spread out. All the doors and windows were closed, and the entire shop and kitchen were checked thoroughly, including the underside of the table and every light fixture.

After the constables seemed satisfied that nothing had been tampered with, Kingsley sat down again at the table. Ginny joined Luna on the other side, while Ron and Neville remained standing.

‘I’m afraid that I now have reason to believe that this is an international conspiracy,’ he Shacklebolt said, his voice grave. ‘Which means that I am now authorised to give yourself, Miss Weasley, Mr Weasley and Mr Longbottom security clearance.’

‘Er… what?’

The man smiled.

‘My name is Agent Shacklebolt of MI5,’ he said, as he flashed a badge. ‘My apologies for not being honest with you earlier, but it wouldn’t have done you any good to know unless you needed to. I’ve been tracking these break-ins for a while, but now I have solid proof that they aren’t just isolated occurrences.’

‘You’re a… a spy?!’ Ginny gasped, shocked. ‘Like James Bond?’

‘I’m afraid the reality is far less glamorous,’ Agent Shacklebolt replied, smiling slightly. ‘But, yes, I am a spy. Or spook, if you like. Normally, I only deal with domestic issues but, given the international nature of this threat, I will be liaising with my peers in MI6. They should be here in a moment.’

He put a hand to the small head-set in his ear, and began to talk quietly.

‘I always did wonder what the difference was between them,’ Ginny muttered. Luna chuckled under her breath.

A man passed through the police (who had, by this point, grown sick of being used as a sort of living wall), and stood in front of the table. His face was covered in scars, and his hair was a messy, mousy brown. He gave the appearance of looking far older than his age.

‘Hello,’ said the man, smiling softly. ‘My name is Agent Lupin of MI6, but you may call me Remus.’

~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading, everyone! Hope you liked it!

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unsualfan · 3 years

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Maiko week day 5: Field trip

"Little moments"

When Mai was a young child she was sent by her parents for a field trip to camp Apoy. She had to go since her parents told her so. Thinking it would be boring she was relieved to find out Zuko was going too.

(This is the fic I wrote for Maiko week day 5 fieldtrip. Sorry if I made spelling and grammar mistakes. English ain't my first language 😶)

@idonthatemaiko

There was this camp in the fire nation where young fire nation kids would go on a fieldtrip at some point. The camp was called camp Apoy. Mai's mother, Michi told her that she should go because she went there as a kid and that maybe she would enjoy this fieldtrip. Mai thought the sound of camp apoy seemed boring but it beats being around in her big house with nothing to do. She cheered up a little when she heard Zuko would go too.

The day before she was going to the camp she visited the royal palace and talked to Zuko on the garden. She found out Azula wasn't coming. "Yeah she's not coming she boasted earlier that instead she would learn more advanced fire bending training while I would be at camp and she is gonna get better at fire bending than me." Zuko said. "This fieldtrip is gonna be boring but I have no choice because my parents said I had to and also said this fieldtrip is educational" Mai said. "Yeah its probably boring but at least Azula won't be there, I'm sure she's gonna burn the entire camp." They both laughed. Secretly Zuko thought it was best that Azula wasn't coming because he and Mai can hang out without her interrupting. Mai also thought the same. There were still kinda mad at the time Azula made them both fall into the fountain.

The day of the fieldtrip arrived Zuko was riding in a carriage pulled by ostrich horses and was accompanied by his Uncle Iroh. He told Zuko the things to be expected at this fieldtrip turns out Lu ten also came here when he was Zuko's age. The camp was very old and popular since many children from different fire nation schools go there every year. Mai was already there along with other 13 children from another school. She assumed they were all classmates because they wore uniforms in different shades of orange and a little red. She thought the uniform was awful because it was orange. To Mai orange was an awful color. Mai also thought the kids looked like siblings or it could have been the tacky uniform they were wearing that made them look similar to each other.

A carriage pulled up. Mai was a little excited she thought Zuko had arrived but felt disappointed when a little girl stepped out. "Bye Anda have great time" "Bye mom" she waved back and went to the other kids. Anda was already friends with the other kids. I guess these kids are gonna have fun since they are all friends already. If Zuko doesn't arrive this fieldtrip is gonna be boring for me.

Mai thought. Just then another carriage arrive and this time its Zuko. Mai felt relieved and Zuko was happy to see her. He waved his Uncle goodbye and went to Mai.

"Hey"

"hey, you're a little late"

"Yeah my Uncle had to stop at a shop we saw on the way here and look he got me this paper dragon that they were selling"

He pulled it out his pocket and showed it to Mai. "That's cool" Zuko pulled another paper dragon. "Uncle also got another one this one's for you." "Wow thanks this is cool." They were playing with the paper dragons when another carriage pulled up. A woman stepped out. Mai recognized her. "Zuko isn't that your mom?" "huh?" He turned around and his mom was standing behind him. "Hello Zuko I see you're already having fun with your friend."

"Good day Ms. Ursa"

"Good day to you too Mai" She said with a friendly smile. And then a head popped up behind her. It was Azula. "Heyyyy Zuzu!!!" she said teasingly. "Azula?! what are you doing here? I thought you said you had fire bending training with dad." "Well I change my mind so I asked mom if I can still catch up to this fieldtrip because I would rather spend time with you brother" She said with a fake friendly smile. Zuko frowned. "Luckily I got here just in time and besides I'm already more advanced than you are at fire bending." Zuko was not happy to hear that and he had a bad feeling that Azula was gonna humiliate him. So much for spending time with Mai. He was certain Azula was gonna bug him the entire fieldtrip. "Alright have fun now and look out for each other" Ursa said. "Sure mom."

A man arrive. He was shorter than an average adult but he was taller than the kids. He also looked young for an adult. He introduced himself as Dai and he was gonna look after the kids and teach them all about the fire nation in this fieldtrip. "Well I guess I must get going your fieldtrip is starting very soon, bye for now" She kissed Zuko and Azula on the forehead before heading off. "bye mom"

Dai checked if all kids were present and said the first activity they were gonna do was hike through the woods to get to the mountain. He then grouped the kids in two so that they would walk in pairs and he would have an easier time keeping an eye on them during the hike. Zuko was paired with Azula and Mai was paired with a girl named Marita. Then they started the hike. While hiking on path that led to the mountain. Dai talked about how this camp used to be inhabited by spirits then became a village of fire nation commoners and war and blah blah. He could have told this story a thousand times. It was obvious that this wasn't his first day at the job because he was excellent at keeping the others kids interested. Mai was bored. Zuko and Azula already heard this story told by their Uncle Iroh. Then Azula had an idea

"Mr Dai Zuko is being mean to me he keeps making me trip over!" Zuko didn't know what to say and before he knew it Dai switched him up with the girl Marita and now he was at the front of the line paired with Mai. Dai put him at the front so he could keep an eye on him thinking he was a mischievous kid but it was all Azula. Now Zuko is walking side by side by Mai. Despite the chattering of kids behind him he could hear Azula giggling at the back. Very funny Azula he thought. A few minutes into the hike he realized that it wasn't so bad since she was at the very back and can no longer bug him. Him and Mai was talking, exchanging jokes and then behaved themselves when Dai turned around then continued talking once he had his back turned.

The path that they were hiking led to a creek. "Alright kids let's stop here for a while before heading up the mountain for lunch." The creek had plenty of minnows and the other kids took of their shoes and wanted to catch the minnows with a jar. Mai didn't feel like slipping on the creek and getting wet so she sat at a large rock. Zuko didn't expected it but Azula joined the other kids. "Come on in you, two minnows aren't to be afraid of." Azula said. "This is childish I'm not going in you're just gonna push me and then laugh." Zuko replied.

"I wouldn't do such thing I just wanted to have fun. Let's play game called who can catch more minnows in a minute"

"Alright fine but if you push me I'll grab your ankle and bring you down with me"

"pinkie swear Zuzu I will not push you"

Zuko got in the creek and started catching minnows with Azula. Mai still didn't wanna go and just sat at the rock. Zuko won and caught plenty and kept them in the jar. "Hahah I win Azula" it felt good to beat her. "Well congratulations Zuzu" she was suspicious happy. Azula would have not let him beat her. "Alright kids times up time to head to the mountain." Dai said. Zuko got out of the creek but when he put his shoes back on he felt something move and that startled with making him fall on his butt. Luckily Mai caught the jar he was holding that had the minnows on it. Azula burst out laughing. "Azula >:( ! " She was still laughing. Turns out she fooled him into playing with her just so she can prank him and put minnows into his shoes. Zuko stood up and felt humiliated and he was very mad at Azula.

"Come on you three we have to get to the mountains for lunch time." They lined up with their pair and headed for mountains. I can't believe I feel for that. Should have known she wasn't actually gonna play with me. Zuko thought to himself. He noticed that Mai was still holding the jar with minnows. She was looking at it while they were walking. "The minnows swim in circles in this jar they're stuck in here just like how I'm stuck in my house most of the time." She said.

"You can keep it if you want to"

"really?"

"yeah I don't feel like taking that home with me and then getting reminded of the time Azula pranked me."

"I'll keep them as pets and I'll have company in my boring room"

They looked at each other and smiled. It was a good thing Azula was at the back. If she saw this interaction she would have teased them non stop.

They didn't go all the way up since it would take too long and they were still kids and would get tired easily. They stopped at a part of it that had seats and tables. It had a great view of the part they hiked and the creek was visible from there too. There was a wooden fence at the edge so they can admire the view without falling off. The kids went running into fence to see the view. Zuko and Mai followed them "Careful now children don't fall off. This site used to be very popular long ago and fire benders who wish to learn the art of bending would come here because you can really feel the heat of the sun and also legend says this used to be a dragons nest." Dai told them.

After the admiring the view they all went to have a seat and have lunch. Azula, Zuko and Mai sat together and traded some their lunches.

After eating Azula noticed some flowers near them and they looked wilted. She wanted to do some fire bending and thought it would be nice to burn them since it already looks dead. Zuko noticed this right away.

"Azula don't you could set the whole mountain in flames"

"I know how to control my fire Zuzu and besides these flowers look dead it's ok to burn it"

A kid named Rous heard this and said "These flowers aren't dead its just the way they look" "How would you know it's obviously wilted already" Azula replied. Dai saw this and said "He's right these flowers are still alive. It has many names and origin stories but it's for sure that it's rare and cost a lot of gold pieces if you sell it and" blah blah. Mai wanted to get one flower sure the flower looks wilted but to her it was interesting and she wanted one. She was about to grab one but Dai stoped talking about the flower and stopped her before she got one. "Oh no you can't grab one the flower has thorns and you might hurt yourself"

"aw"

"Well look at the time let's head back down your parents will pick you up"

While walking down the mountain Zuko tapped Mai's shoulder and gave her he flower. "Woah how did you get this I thought it had thorns on it?"

"Well I used my fire bending to cut one"

Zuko said while hiding his hand behind his back. He had a few scratches from the flowers thorns. "Thanks" They smiled at each other.

They were back at where they started and a carriage was waiting for all the kids. Iroh was waiting for Azula and Zuko he had come to pick them up after spending the entire day playing Pai sho and drinking tea.

Uncle Iroh asked them as they went inside the carriage

"So did you have a great time?"

"Yes kinda" Azula said giggling

"Azula put minnows in my shoes"

"It was just a prank Zuzu cheer up"

Mai's mom came to pick her up. Seated inside the carriage she held the paper dragon, the minnows jar and the rare flower. "Aw I see you had fun after all" Michi said. She said that because Mai had a smile on her face holding the little gifts Zuko gave her. She didn't even realize she was smiling.

#Maiko week day 5: field trip #Maiko week 2021 #Maiko #Atla Maiko #Zuko #Mai #Atla Mai #Atla #Avatar the last Airbender

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maprron · 3 years

Text

Crush Culture| Ch. 1

Summary: Lucy is your average teenage girl... but she's not, it's complicated but not in a "OH I'm actually a supernatural being" but in a "OH I have to get married as soon as I turn 18" type of way. Problem #1 she doesn't like anyone and problem #2 she might have to marry her dad's friend's son... yay

Disclaimer: This story was created mainly for my friend and has no romance but they are gay so... also like I barely proofread this so hope it makes sense :\

Lucy doesn’t need an introduction but she is getting one anyway. In all honesty if you went anywhere in this hell of a town, as Lucy calls it, and asked anyone if they had heard of her their answer would most likely be “yes”. She wanted to disappear from this world, start a new one with only herself. She wished that she could have been born another person and not the “heir” to the family business as her father likes to refer to it as. But of course her father is a misogynist so the word “heir” that he throws around so casually is actually referring to her future husband. The cherry on top of Lucy’s hellish life, of course, is that she is expected to be married by 18 and probably have a kid by 19. There is one problem with this “fantasy” world that Jude Heartfilia has in his mind, however; it isn’t how it is completely fucked up but that his daughter has never experienced love and doesn’t expect to for a while. While she would be lying if she said that she hadn’t found guys hot and women beautiful in her life, what bisexual 17 year old doesn’t, she could never say that she wanted to date these people. Long story short the idea he has in his mind of her marrying a decent man by the time she is 18 isn’t going to happen, unless of course he choses one for her which is plausible

“Lu-Chan hurry up” Levy McGarden, she herself would need an introduction anywhere she goes. People call her forgettable behind her back but the fact they joke about her behind her back proves them wrong. She is the cliché “nerd” in any Hollywood movie. She has straight A’s which is the only thing straight about her, she spends most of her time studying and hiding her face in a new romance novel that she seems to be reading everyday, she is most of the teachers’ favorite, she isn’t popular, and she doesn’t go to parties.

Well she didn’t go to parties but some things change, except not that much…?

Said party is being hosted by the one and only Erza Belserion because her scary mother is out of town. If someone needs an introduction to her just ask any guy in town and they will probably tell you she is “terrifying” due to the fact that at one point they have all bet that they could win in a fight against her, they were wrong.

Erza is the definition of “sword lesbian” it is probably illegal to give a 5 year old a sword for her birthday but try explaining that to the lady who got the title of being “Erza’s terrifying mother (who is even scarier)”

“Levy, there is no need to hurry her” Lisanna Strauss, the only reason most people live. That isn’t 100% true but God she does deserve it. A lot of girls at school hate her because she was childhood friends with Natsu Dragneel and for some odd reason they were scared that she was going to ruin their chances with him.

Jokes on them because she is a lesbian and he well… who knows?

Natsu Dragneel… how does anyone explain him? You don’t… so we are moving on

“Don’t worry Lis” Lucy giggled as she walked out of the bathroom in a blue sweater and a long white skirt “you guys ready?” Lucy giggled as she swirled around her skirt like a little kid

~~~

Erza knows a lot of people, probably too many.

At one point Lucy got left in the corner of Erza’s kitchen. She strangely preferred it that way… being alone, not being thought of as only Jude Heartfilia’s daughter, not being thought of as the girl who has to marry a man when she turns 18.

Guys like that fact.

But she is never alone because also standing in the kitchen is the one and only Natsu. She was honestly surprised that the same girls who attacked Lisanna hadn’t attacked her for even looking at him on the first day of school.

She knew him not because she wanted to but because of course his father is a businessman just like her father. Their companies are close and have partnered together on many different occasions.

This is a bad thing.

It is a bad BAD thing because that puts Natsu at the top of the list of people her father would force her into a marriage with and vice versa.

“You know it is rude to stare” he yelled to her over the loud music as he stuffed his hands in his sweatpants.

Lucy hadn’t realized she was staring at him before and now felt quite embarrassed

“What gives? Why aren’t you drinking?” He chuckled as he walked over to her

“I could ask you the same thing”

“I hate the taste, you?”

“Same” she sighed “why do you care?”

“I don’t, I am just surprised Erza haven’t made ya try something”

“…I haven’t seen her” she added, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear

“That’s a lie” he laughed at her

“And why do you say that” she placed a hand on her hip as she shifted her weight to one side of her body

“Because she is obsessed with you, you sure you two aren’t in a secret relation-“

“WE’RE NOT!” Lucy was quick to blurt out, blushing at his words

“Now I really don’t believe ya” he furrowed his eyebrows today, mimicking her pose.

“Just drop it okay” she pushed him a little in hopes to get him to stop mimicking her “she’s like my mom, that’s gross”

“Okay…” he turned around to leave but stopped “you are awkward around me because of the whole marriage thing right?”

“Why would you assume that?”

“I don’t want to marry you either… you need to start working with me instead of against me” he grumbled, stuffing his hands even deeper into his pockets as if his hands were freezing, they weren’t because the weirdo never felt cold but still

“I’ll still have to marry someone” she mumbled, looking down at the ground

“And I couldn’t give a damn who it is, it just isn’t going to me” and with that he left the kitchen and she backed herself back into the corner this time sliding down against the wall, falling slowly against the tile.

~~~~

“I can’t believe he showed up” a group of three girls gossiped in the living room looking at the “kid” with blue hair who was curled up on the couch on their phone away from everyone

“Did you hear the rumors about him?” One girl giggled

“Yeah, do you believe it?” Another giggled back through her words

“I mean look at him” she pointed at said person “no man dresses like that”

“Quit it you three” a deep yet soft voice said suddenly. The voice belonged to Gray Fullbuster

“Oh Gray we… we didn’t mean anything by it we were just uh…” one girl tried to explain

“Get lost you three” he glared at the girls as they froze in fear before they ran off. Where they ran off to Gray couldn’t care less.

The “kid’s” name was Juvia, but no one knew that yet

Gray didn’t say anything to her, he just smiled and walked away. No surprise. He was different from the rest, Juvia thought as she watched him walk away, but what was it?

~~~~

“Damn I know you don’t like parties but you don’t have to curl up in a ball on the kitchen floor like this” Cana laughed as she stumbled into the kitchen with Erza, the two girls quite underdressed for the weather outside as Cana wore a sleeveless crop top and Erza wore a blue bodycon party dress with only see through legging underneath.

“What’s wrong?” Erza ask as she saw Lucy lift her head up from her knees

“Nothing… I guess I am just thinking about things” she smiled weakly at two of her best friends

“Nah I don’t believe that one bit” Cana stumbled back up against the kitchen island with a hick up.

Lucy just looked at Cana’s black Dr. Martens and her baggy blue jeans that had dumb scribbles in the cuffs from years of passing around a pin and telling people to go wild, most of her jeans are like that, one pair even being covered with drawings. She giggled at the words ‘Natsu Sucks’ written on the jeans probably by Gray or someone

“Are you okay?” Erza smiled weakly as she crouched down in front of the girl.

“Yeah, don’t worry about me” Lucy only laughed it off

“Are you sure, love?” A new yet familiar voice entered the kitchen

The voice belonged to Mira Jane

She walked over to the three girls. Lucy watched as her pink dress swayed with her hips and her high heels clicked along the tile. She too was probably underdressed with her dress that only went halfway down her thighs but at least this time she wore sleeves.

Lucy bit her lip, something making it impossible for her to lie to Mira. “I am fine really, I just sat down here after I talked to Natsu”

“Want me to beat him for you?” Cana blurted out as she glanced inside her cup before finishing it.

“No!” Lucy’s eyes widened as she looked up at the girl who was now hoisting herself up onto the counter to “we only talked about… about how we might have to get married because your fathers” she rolled her eyes

“Why Natsu though?” Erza thought out loud “doesn’t Gray Fullbuster’s dad work with your’s”

“He’s not my type but even if he was my dad wouldn’t allow was to marry for some reason ”

“That’s odd” Mira said

“Are you saying that Natsu fucking Dragneel is your type” Cana laughed as she drank straight from a new bottle that seemed to have appeared in her hands

“No” Lucy flipped Cana off while, Cana didn’t notice however through her drunken giggles

“I’m kidding” she finally stopped laughing and smiled down at Lucy. “But Mira is correct, that is…” she zoned out for a moment as she spoke “it is kind of odd.”

“Maybe he just doesn’t like him” Lucy shrugged from her place on the cold tile floor of the kitchen as she leaned back against where the wall and the end counter met.

“But why wouldn’t he though?” Erza questioned “Gray is more mature than Natsu by a longshot and your father of course… well you know” she crossed her arms over her chest as she looked back behind her, noticing Gray himself leaning up against a wall on the other side of the kitchen looking down at his feet with his arms crossed over his chest. He held a box of cigarettes in one of his hands while casually smoking one. Mira coughed a little as the smoke started to drift over to the group, the girl has always been unable to stand the smell

“He just doesn’t like me,” he said finally as he continued to stare intensely at his feet, fiddling with the small box in his hand “a lot of people don’t” he swallowed with a frown now present on his face

“Gray?” Erza whispered with concern in her voice

“Don’t worry, Erza” His frown quickly turned into a smile as he looked up from his feet as he uncrossed his arms. “Now…” he pushed himself off the wall and walked up to Erza, stuffing the box in his jean pockets before he clasped his hands together like her was Mira “I saw that Bisca got here before I walked in here, I figured you would want to see her”

“Of course I do!” she smiled as she walked with Gray out of the kitchen to go find Bisca.

Lucy furrowed her brow together as she watched the two teens walk away together, puzzled on the meaning of his words.

#fairy tail #lucy heartfilia #natsu dragneel #Levy McGarden #gray fullbuster #Juvia Lockser #Cana Alberona #Mirajane Strauss

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the-curious-butterfly · 4 years

Text

A Little Bit of Happiness

Based on u-look-beautiful-today’s Soulmate AU. Basically you have a chart on your arm that shows you the happiness of others close to you as well as your own.

We’ve all known pain. Pure agonizing pain and sorrow. That void of nothingness where the darkness feels as thick as black tar and no amount of light can shine through. It is a feeling that even the most optimistic and hopeful of us have succumbed to. Especially those with big hearts. If depression could speak it would tell you that the big ones were the most delicious. And there was no heart bigger, or weirder, than Luz Noceda’s.

Luz was a thoughtful girl filled with hope, determination, kindness, and a love for the strange things in life that left her quite ostracized for most of hers.

As a child she didn’t like the typical things kids liked or acted in the typical way kids should act so she was bullied and what other reason do kids need to bully someone. She was different, and different was bad, and bullying her for being different was fun. And if something was fun how could it be wrong? If it was fun what did it matter?

And you know what the best way to bully Luz was? The way that was the most fun. It had to do with her lack of a Soulmark, the mark on your body that showed you the first words your Soulmate would say to you. Luz didn’t have one. Not a single letter or even the most generic of greetings marked her skin. Isn’t that just the funniest thing?

“Wow, looks like you’ll be alone forever.”

“No one loves you.”

“Even your soulmate doesn’t want you.”

Oh how they laughed, and when one laughs everyone laughs. After all you didn’t want to be thought of as the weird one, as a freak like Luz. So why not laugh, it’s all in good fun. And besides even Luz would laugh.

She’d laugh so hard that tears would spill from her eyes and more deafening then the laughter was the sound of glass being chipped away into pieces. But she was only 12 and this just the way things were when you were 12.

~~~

Now I wonder what you would imagine when you hear the term “perfection.” The term itself is rather subjective isn’t it? What one person finds perfect isn’t always what another would agree with and yet it’s often commonly used in the wrong way.

So I’ll admit to coming off a bit biased when I tell you that Amity Blight was as close to the definition of perfection as one could get. Her skin a flawless porcelain and her eyes a mesmerizing gold. With short aquamarine hair tied up and not a strand out of place. It wasn’t just her appearance too she was incredibly intelligent, driven, and talented. Especially when it came to magic. At school she was the top of her class, incredibly popular, and very loved.

She was no princess but she lived the life of one for her home was a mansion and while she did live with two very annoying siblings they mostly liked to have harmless fun and never truly made her life a living hell.

So you can see why I say she was perfect, her life was perfect all the way down to the most minor of details.

Well there was one little thing that wasn’t exactly great but what was one little thing compared to everything else. As long as she did what was asked and kept up her image then she had nothing to worry about.

Except today was the day she’d turn 13 and when she awoke she found there was something to worry about. Soulmates weren’t a common thing on the Boiling Isles, this place where she’s from. It was very rare to hear of someone having such a mark like those in the human realm but it did happen. And while it does happen she had never expected it to happen to herself but when she woke that day she was greeted to a word being added amongst the names of her chart.

Soulmate

Oh...

No no no no, Amity Blight could not have a soulmate. She tried rubbing at it with her other hand hoping with ever growing despair that it was a prank from her siblings but the mark would not come off. If her parents knew she had a soulmate, someone that was not preapproved by them, the amount of disappointment she’d receive. The thought alone was enough to have her shiver though the house was never cold. Never in that way at least.

Though like I said she was intelligent, this mark wasn’t a prank nor would it go away, understanding at the moment she had no choice but to accept it. She’d figure out what to do when she’s met them but for now. Amity looked again at the word, and this time really looked for she noticed something she hadn’t earlier. Her soulmate’s happiness was only at 9%. Amity herself has never gone below 80% she couldn’t imagine being so low.

Just seeing the number on her wrist was painful enough to have her 98% be brought down to a 95%. What brings a person down to 9%? What kind of life could her soulmate be leading? The distress from earlier turned into curiosity and she found herself wondering these things and more as she traced a finger over the word Soulmate and the number beside it. What should she do?

Perhaps.

Perhaps her siblings would know considering now was the time they decided to barge through her door yelling “Happy Birthday Mittens!” while using illusion magic to make their words form a banner that suspended in mid air. And no she did not squeal or nearly fall off her bed.

“Can’t you two ever knock?!” even if she made up her mind to talk to them about it, Edric and Emira may be pranksters but they weren’t tattlers, and while them showing up here made it easier she still couldn’t help yelling at them for their blatant rudeness.

“Awww, Mittens, where would be the fun in that?”

“Yeah, especially on your birthday?”

“Besides, look at this thoughtful display we made for you.”

“One of these days you’re just gonna have to accept that you love us.”

They spoke one after the other, beginning with Emira and ending with Edric. Amity sighed as she went quiet for a moment looking back down at her wrist. Still just 9%.

“Is everything okay, Mittens?” Em asked, always being the first of the two to notice when something was amiss.

Amity bit her bottom lip before responding with partial confidence. “I have to show you guys something that I’m not sure what to make of yet.” The twins nodded urging her to continue, and after a moment she relented and finally showed them her wrist.

If they were shocked at all they hid it well, their faces blank as they no doubt saw that word and just when Amity was about to worry that she had broke her siblings the two gave a very audibly excited gasp.

“Mittens!”

“You dog you!”

“How long have you had this?”

“Just since this morning.” Their reaction taking her so much by surprise that she could do nothing but answer their questions.

“Do you have any idea who it could be?” That was Edric.

“Not really.”

“What about that one guy who always had the biggest crush on-”

“Emira! Ew, no!”

“Why ew? He doesn’t seem so bad.”

“I just don’t feel like it’s him okay. Plus I doubt his life is that bad.”

“What do you mean?” They asked in unison, and that's when they saw it. The 9%.

“Damn, your soulmate is depressed.”

“Edric don’t even joke about that!” Amity and Emira warned, despite Ed and Em being twins her and Amity were still sisters.

“I wasn’t! Like how else do you want me to say it. What if they decide to kill themsel-”

“EDRIC!”

“I’m just saying!”

He’s right though, Amity knew he was. She may not know who they are but no one deserves whatever it is they were going through. Whatever it is that has them at a measly 9%. So Amity made up her mind to donate half of her happiness. 57% might not be high but it’s at least better than 9%.

Never having been below 80% she felt the effect immediately. Something formed inside her, something small and hollow that she just could not take her mind off even though today was her birthday, it was suppose to be a happy day. But it felt so wrong and she was only at 48%.

She hoped she’d never have to know what 9% felt like.

~~~

For some reason, despite the horrible day she had yesterday, Luz woke up feeling better than she had in awhile. Looking over her chart, which only consisted of her and her mom, she saw she her mom was at a good 79% and she was at a 57% which was not bad. She remembered going to bed with a 9% so perhaps getting a good nights rest coupled with the fact it’s the weekend was enough to improve it significantly.

That was the only explanation she could come up with anyway. She even managed a small smile when her mother came into the room. “Buenos dias, Mija, are you feeling better?”

“I’m feeling much better, gracias mama.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Camilia asked sitting at the foot of Luz’s bed.

“Maybe another time, I’m fine right now though te lo prometo.” She managed to make her smile bigger and her mother nodded. Luz had come home in tears yesterday, actually the third time this week, and while Camilia was desperate to know what was hurting her baby so much she knew when to not push. Instead she found other ways to help.

“Then hurry up and get out of bed, yo eso sancocho con arroz blanco para desiuno.”

Luz smiled with glee as she got up and rushed out the door leaving her mama behind.

“At least get changed first!”

“But it’s the weekend!”

“Mi Luz!”

“Okay, okay.”

She didn’t notice but the interaction was enough to bring her up to an even 60%

~~~

Since that day it seemed like no matter what happened Luz would bounce back. It got to the point where she didn’t feel anything else anymore. They could do their worst and she’d smile, laugh, and be her adorable silly self. Not only that but she also grew more bold and unafraid to stand out or fight back. Something had completely changed that day, perhaps it was her outlook on life that changed, or that all of a sudden she found emotional maturity. Either way it was like her happiness never went below 90% and she, literally, could not be happier. Although she could do without having her mother feeling like she needed to send her off to camp just because she liked expressing herself differently. She understood where her mom was coming from but Luz was a big girl, she can decide things for herself can’t she?

~~~

Amity, on the other hand, had gone through her own changes. She’s been constantly donating her happiness for over a year now. Many times most of it, sometimes all. That hollow feeling never left, it only got bigger, colder, as if it would swallow her whole any second. And as she grew colder on the inside she also grew colder on the outside, more bitter. Her once close friend, Willow, now hated her. People who once loved her for her big heart now only loved her for her beauty, talent, or because she was popular. She became friends with one of the meaner popular girls, Boscha, and you better give them a wide berth or risk social and emotional damage.

Even Ed and Em noticed their darling little sister didn’t laugh or smile anymore, no matter what they did. They really did try too, but things that use to get an annoyed yet warm sound out of her now only elicited hisses and growls. It didn’t help that their parents also recognized her change in behavior and became much harder on her albeit in their messed up way where they praised her for her actions. She was a Blight and had a standard she was expected to keep after all. Not keeping it meant she was a disgrace and a failure. Things that Amity never wanted to be so she drowned herself even more in her studies and preparing for the future. Further shutting herself off from the world.

At first Edric and Emira tried to help, it wasn’t Amity’s fault, there was someone else she was trying really hard to keep happy. She didn’t even know the person yet she was willing to suffer so much for them. That fact alone meant their sweet little baby sister was still in their somewhere didn’t it? They even tried to donate their own happiness to get her back but she refused to take it. Eventually even they gave up.

First thing she did when she woke up today was give all of her happiness away. It was slowly becoming routine now, to give everything. ‘But why?’ Her thoughts would plead with her. ‘Why for someone you might not even know? You don’t even look to see if they need it anymore, what about our happiness?’

What about it?

‘Don’t we deserve it?’

We have everything we could ever want or need and succeeded in becoming a protégé of Lilith, leader of the emperor’s coven and a powerful witch in her own right, just like we wanted.

‘Just like you wanted, or your parents wanted?’

She hissed to silence the voices inside, after all what difference did it really make, as she got ready for the day. They were given a project that Amity intended to pass with flying colors. Not that it would be hard, no one else in that class or the whole school had half the skill she did.

Especially not Half-A-Witch who she had the pleasure of bumping into on the way to school. Oh this will be fun, Willow had no talent for magic and her parents always did say that people with no talent were pathetic in their eyes. They were right of course, she did not regret the loss of that friendship at all.

Speaking of eyes, Amity never did notice the pair of disappointed brown orbs watching them from the bushes.

“Willow! Wow you’re so unnoticeable I almost rolled into you.”

“Hi Amity.”

“Shouldn’t you get to class early to prep your-” Before she could finish Willow’s wheelbarrow shook and her abomination spilled from the pot like sticky purple liquid on the ground. “Oh Willow, you don’t have anything to show do you.”

It doesn’t feel good to put people down, it doesn’t make her feel superior or strong. It doesn’t do anything for her but her parents would be proud and what’s wrong with that? Isn’t that what every child strives to do?

Willow looks really hurt though.

“...Except much smaller and meaningless.”

I’m sorry Willow.

“...Even you can get a passing grade some day.”

I’m sorry.

There go the unwanted thoughts again but those kinds of thoughts were slowly getting easier to ignore. It should have disturbed her how use to the cold she had become.

~~~

Okay so I thought this was getting a bit lengthy so I figured I’d do it in parts. Besides I’m really excited by what we’ll learn from the episodes coming out tomorrow and I may change stuff based on what we’re shown of Amity’s history.

Gosh, I can’t sit still with how much I can’t wait for it. Anyway for those who managed to read through this whole first part thanks for taking the time to read it. See y’all tomorrow ^u^

#the owl house #lumity #amity blight #luz noceda

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tiramisiyu · 3 years

Text

【未定事件簿】 Tears of Themis: A Love Poem to Skadi - Event Story 1-08, Winter and Allie

Translation Masterlist | Themis Event Masterlist

Story: 1-1 / 1-2 / 1-3 / 1-4 / 1-5 / 1-6 / 1-7 / 1-8

Slightly overdue - sorry about that!

To sum this part up, the truth behind the “haunted mansion” was a tragic love story that surpassed the bounds of death. See below for full translation!

Outside the Unknown Room

After finishing the scout around the basement’s four rooms, we finally arrived to the deepest part of this level.

Xia Yan: The room is locked.

Zuo Ran: Do we need to look for the keys?

Xia Yan: No. The lock on this door is mechanism-based; it’s not opened by a key.

Xia Yan: We need to follow an order to successively shift the mechanisms in order to open this lock.

Lu Jinghe: Could we straight-up take it apart?

Xia Yan: No, these kinds of locks all have protective systems. Once the opening method is incorrect, or it’s broken by force…

Xia Yan: It’s very likely that it’ll directly go the opposite way, deadlocking itself. Then we’ll never be able to open it again.

Mo Yi: Then if we obtain something like this lock’s design blueprint, would you be able to find the order to open this?

Xia Yan: I can.

MC: (Blueprint… but where do we find it… wait, have we forgotten something?)

MC: Right! “Allie’s Winter”! “The final guide”!

MC: The deepest part of this mansion’s underground should be where the truth is, as Johnny said.

Mo Yi: I remember it was said before that we needed to restore the picture on the top of the box and finish scouting the four rooms for the box to open.

MC: Correct, and we’ve now already finished scouting the rooms. What we still need is the restored picture…

Zuo Ran: Then it’s probably needed for us to place the collected gem shards back into it.

After speaking, Zuo Ran took the lead, embedding the red gem shards in his hands back onto the box.

The remaining few followed right behind, fitting the collected gem shards of various colours onto it, one by one.

The moment the last shard fell into place, the inside of “Allie’s Winter” made a mechanical activation sound.

Right after, the box lid opened, and two sheepskin scrolls appeared in front of us.

MC: This is…?

Xia Yan: Let me see…

Xia Yan: This one is the personal letter from the designer of “Allie’s Winter”.

Xia Yan: This one…

Xia Yan: I feel like it’s the blueprint for something, but all the components’ pictures have been drawn overlapping on each other…

Xia Yan: Plus, the annotations on the side are in Akkadian. There’s a lot of parts that I can’t decipher.

Lu Jinghe: This blueprint should be the blueprint for this mechanism lock.

Lu Jinghe looked at the mechanism lock on the door, then looked at the blueprint Xia Yan was holding.

Mo Yi: Are you sure? These things piled together do not look like the parts of a lock.

Lu Jinghe: I’m sure. I once saw this sort of overlapping art style from Teacher – it’s a really unpopular thing.

Lu Jinghe: Last century, it once got popular for a period of time within a small range of people, but because it was not used much, it became eliminated very quickly.

Lu Jinghe: If one didn’t specialize in the study of art or design, they probably wouldn’t understand it.

Lu Jinghe: I can help take apart the overlapping components on this blueprint, but the annotations on the side…

Zuo Ran: Let me see.

Zuo Ran took the blueprint, sweeping his gaze roughly over the contents of the sheet.

Zuo Ran: I can decipher most of the content… but some of it…

Zuo Ran: Mo Yi, look at these translated phrases. Are they the names of some sort of medical instruments?

Zuo Ran: It seems like, due to insufficient materials, this designer took apart the components of some medical instruments and used them.

Mo Yi: I’ll try.

MC: Everyone looks so professional…

MC: I also really want to help… but what can I do…

Xia Yan: You can help me open the lock.

Xia Yan: Locks like this typically require two or more people to open it together.

MC: Okay!

Under the aid of Zuo Ran and Mo Yi, Lu Jinghe disassembled the parts very quickly, getting the general blueprint of a mechanism lock.

I then followed Xia Yan’s instructions, working with him, carefully solving the mechanism lock.

A long while after, after a crisp “click” sound, the room’s door opened.

The moment the door opened, what appeared in front of us were two coffins, standing side by side, as well as a tombstone, standing quietly tall and upright.

Inside the Unknown Room

MC: This, this is…

Xia Yan: That’s right, they’re the coffins of Miss Allie and Winter.

Xia Yan quietly approached the two coffins, seriously and carefully examining them up and down several times.

At the end, he pointed at the tiny letters carved on the coffin covers, smiling softly at me.

MC: Sure enough… in that fire, Miss Allie had already…

Lu Jinghe: Don’t you want to hear the complete story between Miss Allie and Winter?

I hadn’t finished talking, but Lu Jinghe, one step ahead of me, cut me short.

He lowered his body slightly, his dark pupils full of smiles and warmth.

Lu Jinghe: Earlier, you used the items and clues left behind in the mansion to deduce all of what happened once in here.

Lu Jinghe: Those are innumerable tiny, fine “points”. It’s only when these points are joined up into a line…

Lu Jinghe: We can most truly and most objectively restore their life.

Mo Yi: This is also the largest esteem and certainty to them, as well as this mansion.

MC: …

Not far away, Zuo Ran nodded at me.

I suddenly remembered the love letters that belonged to Allie and Winter that I’d seen, and immediately let out a deep breath.

MC: Then where should we start?

Xia Yan: …

Mo Yi: …

Zuo Ran: …

Lu Jinghe: …

Lu Jinghe: Then I’ll start it off.

Lu Jinghe cleared his throat and slowly opened his mouth.

Lu Jinghe: This mansion was built approximately 100 years ago. The owner of the mansion was Laste Modero.

Lu Jinghe: He had only one daughter named Allie. He loved this daughter very much.

Lu Jinghe: Laste was extremely rich and made an extensive range of friends. He believed in the Cult of Rebirth, and even held a key position in the religion.

Lu Jinghe: This mansion of his, called the Manor of Hermes, was often used as the gathering site for believers.

Zuo Ran: Simultaneously, Laste’s daughter, Allie, was childhood friends with the butler’s son Winter, and the two grew up together.

Zuo Ran: They could not avoid adoring each other, and finally came together.

Zuo Ran: But this relationship was full of the unknown. For one, Mr. Laste did not agree to his daughter being with the butler’s son.

Zuo Ran: On the other hand, Miss Allie…

MC: She was afflicted with… mania.

Xia Yan: To cure his daughter of her illness, Laste found very many doctors and cured patients one after another, inquiring them for effective methods.

Xia Yan: But regretfully, these methods were ineffective on Allie. Under these conditions with no results…

MC: Laste chose to pray to the church, using the method of “washing away her sins” to save his daughter’s life.

Lu Jinghe: The church dropped an “oracle”, dispatching a divine envoy by the name of Geruide to help Allie wash away her sins.

MC: But truthfully, the command that this Geruide received from the church was to seize the inheritance rights of the Modero family’s riches after Allie’s death.

Mo Yi: Geruide disguised himself as a doctor and arrived at the mansion, performing treatments on Allie that lacked any procedure.

Mo Yi: These treatments aggravated Allie’s illness more. If near the beginning, she was able to maintain a state of clarity for a period of time per day…

Mo Yi: In the end, Allie had fallen completely into insanity.

MC: …

Zuo Ran: Winter, who saw all of this, decided to take Allie away from this mansion.

Zuo Ran: He created a plan that he believed would make them able to completely break away from the mansion, which was…

MC: Setting fire to the mansion.

MC: But before he had finished his preparations, Geruide decided to carry out a lobotomy on Allie, and found many experimental subjects.

Zuo Ran: Winter, who found out about this information and witnessed the miserable conditions of the experimental subjects decided to put his plan in action in advance, to bring Allie away immediately.

Xia Yan: But Winter’s plans were still found out by Laste. He worked with the police director, wanting to wait for an opportunity to throw Winter into jail.

MC: So the day that Winter decided to act on was…

Lu Jinghe: It probably was the day that Allie underwent surgery. Don’t forget, that blood pentagram was unfinished.

MC: Then after, it was Winter who set fire in the mansion…

Xia Yan: No, I think the person who set the fire wasn’t Winter.

MC: ???

Xia Yan: The oil buckets that Winter bought to set the fire were not opened. Plus, based on the burned state of the mansion’s first floor…

Xia Yan: The fire started from the kitchen and spread to the various rooms of the first floor, particularly the splits in the mansion paths.

Xia Yan: But the fire did not burn to the second floor or above. These aren’t the results of a gasoline fire.

MC: Then who set the fire?

Zuo Ran: I think… it was probably Allie.

MC: !!!

Zuo Ran: We also found fire experiment records in her room. Those records were probably taken away by her deliberately.

Xia Yan: If it were Allie, then that would make sense.

Xia Yan: I think that the situation that day was… Winter followed his plan, preparing to start the fire, but he was caught red-handed by Laste.

Xia Yan: The two grappled, startling Allie awake. Maybe at that moment, Allie regained a portion of her reason.

Xia Yan: She saw Winter, covered in wounds from her father, and remembered that fire experiment report…

Xia Yan: She then obtained an open flame from the kitchen, lit the kitchen ablaze first, which then spread to the whole first floor.

Xia Yan: The fire blocked off all paths to escape outside, leaving just the main door, and Allie left this opportunity to Winter.

Zuo Ran: Allie and Winter promised that both would persist in living, and would meet after the fire was extinguished.

Zuo Ran: But when Winter returned to the mansion as promised, all that awaited him was just Allie’s ice-cold body and the left message on the wall of the raid shelter room.

MC: So the marks left on that wall were Allie’s!

Mo Yi: It was probably left by her due to the simultaneous effects of asphyxia and mania in the raid shelter room.

Zuo Ran: That’s right.

Xia Yan: Winter created a coffin for Allie and kept this coffin in the deepest area.

Xia Yan lightly patted that coffin that was clearly somewhat old.

Xia Yan: And he himself settled in the mansion, silently protecting the person he loved, until death.

Xia Yan: Sometimes, to scare off those adventurers who intruded on the mansion in vain, he could only dress up as a ghost to scare off those people…

Xia Yan: Plus, he still had the wounds from his fight, so he already looked somewhat savage, so his fearsome power became stronger when he dressed up as a ghost.

Xia Yan: As time passed, the “haunted” legend of the Manor of Hermes spread.

MC: …

This was the truth of the “Haunted Mansion”.

This was no stirring legend. It was no more than the story of two people in a maelstrom, clinging to and saving each other…

And in the end, only one person was left, guarding on his own.

MC: Then what about Winter’s coffin? Who made it?

MC: And the mechanism lock on the door – who did all this?

Mo Yi: Probably Winter himself.

Mo Yi: I just examined it – though the lock on the door is designed so that it’s very hard to open from the outside, it’s very easy to open from the inside.

MC: But why did Winter…

Zuo Ran: Do you still remember the last sentence on Winter’s suicide note?

Zuo Ran: “I will protect you until the end of time”… and on the back of the mechanism lock blueprint, there is a row of identical words.

Zuo Ran: Winter might have… decided to lock himself into this room at the end of his life, locking himself into the coffin he made himself.

MC: How could it be… like this…

I didn’t know why, but I inexplicably felt somewhat suffocated.

Is this their ending? Soundlessly, wordlessly falling into sleep in this dark place, devoid of sunlight?

Lu Jinghe: Before us, there should’ve been other people to come in here.

Lu Jinghe: It’s very obvious that this tombstone was erected by people who came after.

Xia Yan: It’s not just the tombstone. “Allie’s Winter” was also made by people after to commemorate them, while simultaneously protecting this mansion.

Xia Yan handed the sheepskin scroll that was originally placed in “Allie’s Winter” to me.

Xia Yan: Based on what’s written on this note, the creator of “Allie’s Winter” accidentally obtained the mechanism lock’s blueprint.

Xia Yan: After he got an understanding of what happened in this mansion and entered this room, he decided to continue protecting Winter and Allie’s peace.

Xia Yan: So he set up door locks for the other rooms in the basement, then integrated the essentials of the unlocking parts into “Allie’s Winter”.

Xia Yan: Based on his wishes, “Allie’s Winter” could only circulate between few people who had received approval.

Xia Yan: All these past years, those who have obtained this box have used their own methods to protect this place.

MC: …

Mo Yi: So, don’t feel sad for Winter and Allie.

I didn’t know when, but Mo Yi was already standing by my side.

Mo Yi: Their story will still continue, after surpassing the boundaries of life and time.

Mo Yi: Though this place does not see the light of day, every person who has protected this place before has brought them the brightest light.

MC: …

As if compelled by an otherworldly force, I walked towards the tombstone standing upright on the side.

On it, the story of Allie and Winter was recorded word by word, and at the end of the story, the tombstone carver carved that phrase onto it.

That phrase that had appeared in Allie’s love letter, as well as in Winter’s suicide note:

“You are the bright day and the dark night, fresh flowers and sunlight – you are all of goodness and hope.”

“My lover, perhaps there will come one day that time, as well as life and death, will separate us.”

“But the sole matter that I love you will always, always…”

#tears of themis #tears of themis translations #weiding shijian bu #未定事件簿 #better late than never ayy #xia yan #lu jinghe #zuo ran #mo yi #tot translation #mihoyo sure loves their tragic love stories huh

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