#and i have gil so i want to get her to match | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

dutchdread · 1 month

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Why do you think SE celebrated other ff couples like Zidane and Garnet on ,for example, their website, but not Cloud and Tifa. In fact other ff couples have been confirmed as exactly that but not Cloud and Tifa. Why do you think that is?

Well, there are a bunch of ways to answer this since the question is very vague to me, so first I gotta ask: What makes you think Cloud and Tifa aren't celebrated?

Not pictured: Cloud and Tifa getting celebrated apparently.

FFIX is my favorite game of all time but I can't think of a single time where Garnet and Zidane got "celebrated". I'm sure you can find times if you go out and look, but the same goes for Cloud and Tifa. When I think about them I can remember countless times they got "celebrated" in a multitude of ways. For instance, we have SE consistently liking Cloti posts:

Or bringing up things like "words aren't the only thing that tell people what you're thinking".

Or giving them matching outfits:

Hell, I could argue that the very existence of Advent children is a "celebration" of Cloti, seeing as it was originally envisioned as just a short story about Cloud, Tifa, and the kids.

How is Traces of two pasts talking about how Tifa fell in love with Cloud not a celebration? How is "2,000 Gil Leading to a Hero" talking about Cloud wanting to become Tifas "special existence" not a celebration?

And this is ignoring of course that essentially the entire Remake has felt like a celebration of Cloud and Tifas romance to the point where it has been more central to the story than even the romance of Squall and Rinoa was in FFVIII. So when you say they're not celebrated, what do you mean? Do you mean that they're usually described as childhood friends in relationship charts and descriptions and the like when characters like Zidane and Garnet are not?

Because if so it makes me wonder why Zidane and Garnet are described as "important person" rather than "favors" (the same term often used to describe Tifa btw). It also makes me wonder why Beatrix and Steiner are merely described as "friendly", why Beatrix is described as "loyal to Brahne", and a bunch of different things. Fact is that often times these relationship charts merely describe the predominantly occurring relationship DYNAMIC during the story AS it is essential to the story, rather than exactly describing the nature of the relationships at the conclusion of the story for the sake of shippers. Which is why we have stuff like this:

Even though Wakka and Lulu literally end up raising a baby. This is also why the relationship chart for Advent Children only lists Aerith in relationship to Cloud as "sense of guilt", because while obviously Aerith is more than just an object of guilt, the fact that Cloud feels guilt towards her is what's actually important to understanding the events of the movie.

So when we have stuff like this it doesn't tell us that three girls favor Cloud, but Cloud doesn't favor any of them, or that all three girls are equal, or that the game doesn't confirm anything. It just means that the predominant dynamic we see played out in the story is of them favoring him. The actual objective confirmation of Clouds feelings then come from the myriad of quotes we have where it's stated that in the lifestream it is revealed that Cloud and Tifas feelings....are mutual. So even if it were the case that Garnet and Zidane were described as mutually favoring each other. That would not be something that's to be wondered at. Zidane and Garnets main dynamic right from the start is that of a girl and a boy who has a crush on her. It's neither a reveal not a change of dynamic, but what matters FOR THE STORY is that they're important to each other. With Cloud and Tifa the fact that Cloud has always been in love with her has historically always been presented as a twist, even in Rebirth while it's clear that Cloud is in love with Tifa the notion that this has gone on since childhood, along with the depth and the fact that it's the primary cause of Clouds internal strife, is still something of a reveal, and you generally avoid revealing important twists in books that essentially discus the state of a games story as it is during the game itself. The remake Ultimania doesn't spoil the exact nature of all the different Sephiroths, nor the exact nature of Aeriths knowledge, those are for part 3 to reveal. But even if none of that were true, and Square-enix absolutely refuses to "celebrate cloti", whatever that means, it is still kind of a moot point, because the unwillingness to explicitly confirm a ship is not the same as no ship being canon. As I've discussed at length in the following article: Link

Nomura : “AC is a piece of work made by Japanese people. In Hollywood movies, I think there is a tendency where the meaning of all the scenes have to be expressed clearly but, this isn’t something like that. With our work, the viewer is free to decide how they interpret or enjoy it. The staff has their own answers to all the scenes in the movie such as the angel statue that makes an appearance many times. But, even if someone who has watched it interprets it differently, then that is just another answer. I guess “comparing answers” with friends is one of the ways you can enjoy the movie. I think AC is a movie that makes those who have watched it, want to talk about it with others.“ ~FFVII AC Prologue Book

The reason they might not want to be too explicit about any specific ship might simply be that they don't want to deprive people of the pleasure of having their own interpretations. That doesn't mean that things aren't canon. After all: " The staff has their own answers to all the scenes". A sentiment that is again reflected in the following interview.

A straight forward path has Cloud ending up with Tifa, and there are no branching paths here. The game allows you leeway to project your own feelings onto it, but it doesn't actually change the story. The developers have their own interpretation, and that's the interpretation that's guiding the story. If YOU want to believe Cloud actually loves Barret, you can, there is nothing or no one stopping you......but they'll never get a kiss. Additionally, if we are to agree with the premise that Cloud and Tifa (and by extension Cloud and Aerith) aren't celebrated, then there is a corollary question to yours that should be asked as well. If both ships are valid, then why aren't they just both celebrated? Rather than not celebrating either ship....why not celebrate both? Make it explicit that that his a "choose your own waifu" game and Cloud genuinely loves whichever girl you want. Quintessential quintuplets probably is the most famous anime "love war" of the last few years, and it has 5 women vying for the same man, with one unambiguous winner. And yet, rather than the other 4 not getting any "celebration" the 5 are almost always portrayed as equal, all 5 of them often even wearing bridal gowns.

So why not Cloti and Clerith? Why doesn't Square enix celebrate Cloud and Aerith by putting both Cloud and Tifa, AND Cloud and Aerith on some official Couple page? Or hell, I'll do you one simpler.....why doesn't Square-enix celebrate both Cloti and Clerith by giving BOTH an optional Kissing scene? Answer? Because they're not both valid, because this is not a game with branching paths, it's a game where you end up with Tifa, but has in the past given you leeway to project your own incorrect interpretations onto it. But the interpretations are still incorrect, even if not outright corrected. And when telling the story properly requires those incorrect interpretations to be overruled, they will be, as shown by the following quote by Nojima.

"in FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, there will be much less room for player imagination. This fact will probably change the feel of the story considerably. People who know the original might not know quite how to take it. Such is the fear that I have. But I also have conviction. It should be possible to feel a much deeper connection to Cloud as you join alongside him"

Anyway, I'm too busy (and lazy) to spend too much time going around looking for more times that SE celebrated Cloti, but I think enigmaphenomenon already did that pretty well with the following article, so I'll link that as a nice resource: "Cloti Merchandise by Enigmaphenomenon"

Tl Dr; concerning celebrating Cloti.....Who got a kissing scene again? Oh yeah

#ffvii #cloti #ffvii rebirth #ffvii remake #cloud strife #tifa lockhart #ff7 #shipping

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toastedwrittenthoughts · 1 year

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Episode 10.. Here we go....

Our girls here have a lot to sort through this coming week.. And I for one am honestly not prepared for it...

My first thought here was that they are in a church.. They got pews behind em, stain glass windows. Stopping a... rehearsal for the wedding (gagging)

I get the feeling that between these two right now is that Buddy is trying to convince Susan that this race isnt something she needs to do. I dont know about you guys but... Is it just me or do Buddy and Susan look like their dressed to kinda... match?

Susan no doubt gearing up and pre-glare putting on the jacket. Or taking it off. She'll see the Pink Ladies hyping up whoever is gonna race, my money's still on Olivia but if it's Cynthia or Jane I will be amused either way.

Regardless of how things go down for the race, who's behind the wheel, I would want both the T-Birds and the Soc's to have this look on their face if the race goes BAD. Like, grinding gears, tires screeching.

I am loving Jane's outfit right now. .. But I cant help but notice the fact that both Jane and Cynthia behind her both have their hands on their hips. I know when a challenge is being issued and the look here is kinda what I am getting.

Gil... Rag in hand (from what I am looking at) has been no doubt tending to his TBird for a race.

Ah, Dot. Im sticking with my first bet with her being Susan's flag girl for the race she has.

Either that's a 'good race' or an 'agreed' handshake over a deal of somesort. Dot looking so pleased with everything and Hazel looking like she could throw down right now.. Hazel, you good?

Still hoping that we get to see Zuko and Kenickie! They gotta be around here somewhere.. right?

I am going to say that Olivia is going to have a moment where she thinks about her life with the POS that is Mr. Daniels and it plays out in her head in a way that leaves her miserable and I am HOPING that since this is being shown in black and white that if Gil gets back into the picture, colour comes back in like Bewitched or something.

So good to see everyone together but... Um... I am going to point this out, Olivia but there are bows, lace and white. That, everybody is goddamn wedding dress if I ever saw one.

Side note or maybe I am just projecting... You see the guy to Nancy's right? If you look juuust above his shoulder... Im am PRAYING that THAT is Richie. It might just be some guy with the same hair but! LET ME HOPE!

Power to women! Ladies building up Hazel in perfect Pink Ladies fashion.

Gotta say, its hard to see the 'Shake Shack' and not hear 'your the one that I want'..

For this final episode, I dont have much to go on and can't speculate much when I have already said my piece in past posts..

All I will end on is that I am hoping for a second season.

#grease: rise of the pink ladies #jane facciano #olivia valdovinos #nancy nakagawa #cynthia zdunowski #olivia x gil #richie valdovinos #shy guy #potato #I am willing to help them work for a second season #the tbirds #pink ladies #cynthia x lydia #wally x hazel

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noellawrites · 11 months

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Two slight twist on the yandere SVU ask where the reader get pregnant after a one night stand. What if instead of informing the guys, the reader for whatever reason is unable to contact them.

First scenario, so the yanderes don't find out till she's a little while along with the pregnancy, like she's showing.

Second scenario, they don't find out till the baby is already born. Like she has a baby with her in a stroller that looks awful like the them.

Like she tried to contact them but was unable to for what ever reason (maybe she didn't have their number and the guys were dealing with a long high profile case that maybe took them away from new york for awhile) , and they run into each other and they find out depending on the scenario they find out either she's pregnant (a couple months along) or that she had their baby (the baby is with her in a stroller). If you dont mind writing both, can you do both scenarios for it.

Thanks for writing the original, I really enjoyed it.

scenario one: they find out late in your pregnancy

Rafael doesn’t waste any time. he’s dragging you to lunch and signing the unborn baby up for the wait lists of the best private schools in manhattan. and he’s helping you write your resignation letter and cajoling you into moving in.

Nick feels a streak of pride. he’s going to be a father of three? he’s getting you to hang out with Gil and Zara so you start adjusting to taking care of his other kids, which you’ll also be doing after the baby comes.

Sonny is elated and brings you to meet his family right away. you’re his future wife! yep. surprise. sonny isn’t welcoming this baby without a ring and a wedding to match.

Mike is blindsided but nonetheless excited and starts preparing you right away. he warns you of his dad and how overbearing he’ll be, but Mike is going to be a helicopter dad, too. obviously he learned from the best.

————

scenario two: they find out after you’ve had the baby

Rafael is completely taken aback. this small child looks just like him, and he didn’t even know of their conception. Rafael is terrified of being a bad father and is pissed you couldn’t find a way to tell him the news. he’s going to gradually lure you into his arms and never let you go.

Nick already missed out completely on Gil’s childhood and was in and out for Zara’s, so when he finds out it happened again, he’s pissed. you and the baby are going to wake up at his house with no chance of ever leaving.

Sonny feels ashamed that he’s already so late to being a father to your little one. he’s going to fight for custody which leads you both into his waiting and loving arms anyway, and he can’t wait for the baby to bond with all their cousins.

Mike can already hear his father’s disapproving voice in the back of his head, so he doesn’t wait to act. he’s going to invite you over and crush up sleeping pills in your drink. he plans on having another few kids and he doesn’t want to miss anything else.

#noelle answers #law and order svu x reader #yandere law and order svu #sonny carisi x reader #yandere sonny carisi #law and order svu imagine #dark law and order svu #rafael barba x reader #law and order svu #carisi x reader

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blocksandthings · 11 months

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finally got around to doodling my hc designs for these guys :)

(more ramblings under the cut bc i can’t shut up abt them 💀)

scars

- gil has a lot more scars than the others (smaller scars don’t really last unless you wait for a while before healing em with medicine or magic) - most of the early ones on his arms n shit come from training (not allowed to heal himself bc of “discipline” and shit like that) but later ones come from tanking hits for the other two and using his magic on them over himself (he has one that he deliberately chose to keep - a scar on his cheek that mirror’s chip’s from loffinlot that he got from the duel)

- chip’s main scars are the top surgery ones (trans chip my beloved), the one on his left cheek (from the bald men encounter 💀) and two other ones that he got from the duel (he keeps em as a reminder and bc they look cool 😐 - both resemble some of gil’s triton marks)

- jay doesn’t have many noticeable ones but she has a TON on her hands n shit from tinkering - she has a couple burn scars on her arms (from fighting her dad) and a single one over her nose (also from her dad- resembles gil’s markings too bc i can do that. they all match ok)

jewelry/piercings

- early campaign gil had a lot of jewelry (particularly earrings) bc in the undersea it was a status/religious symbol (see: sun/moon earrings) and they made him feel connected to his culture - later on he keeps most of them but gives the important ones to the others (jay ends up with the sun one to match gil’s moon and chip gets the Moist Bond ring lmao) (gil ends up getting more piercings too in order to match the others) bc while he still loves his culture and wants to remember it he also recognizes the unhealthy expectations and abuse he went through as a kid and wants to redefine himself

he doesn’t wear much jewelry but keeps the ring from the b.l.o.c.k. on a necklace. also he has a little friendship bracelet from ollie (they made them together)

- early campaign chip only really has the axe earring but adds more as the campaign goes on (read: he steals more from the others, taking gil’s earrings and jay’s bracelets. they either let him or don’t notice) - he gets piercings to match with the others (eyebrow for jay, nose ring for gil, double ear piercings to fit more earrings) bc it’s just a Pirate Thing and has tattoos representing them on his back :)

he wears some jewelry?? mostly the earrings, but there’s some rings n stuff (along with bracelets stolen from jay)

- jay originally had no piercings (navy standard was no jewelry with some exceptions) but it’s a Big Thing for pirates (crews often had matching accessories and sharing shiny stuff was a sign of trust and respect - see: chip getting them all to match and stealing from them) so she originally only got her ears pierced. after the block (first time at allport) she got her eyebrow piercing (along with the tattoos) to take her mind off everything and “officially” make herself part of the crew (since chip got his too at the time) and later gets snakebites (mimics gil’s big teef)

she really likes necklaces n has some smaller ones but also wear simple bangle bracelets (she doesn’t mind chip stealing em bc they kinda get in the way of working on projects)

hair

- in the undersea + early campaign gil kept his hair fairly short? the elders would make him cut it (for battle purposes) but he really liked playing with long hair and doing stuff with his hands (edyn let him braid her hair and he got really good at it eventually) he kinda let it grow out after being exiled (never found the time and didn’t particularly trust anyone to cut it for him) and he ties it up in a tight bun/ponytail - later he starts cutting it back (around shoulder length) and lets jay do it usually, keeping the bun but letting some out (half-up/half-down) bc he’s letting himself be a bit more unrestricted (also means he can do fun braids and stuff) and finding a middle-ground between his old, restricted identity as champion and new identity as a pirate

- early campaign chip kept his hair super short (yes the buzzcut counts but i don’t like it) bc he was really dysphoric about it :( (it usually looked really shitty bc he cut it himself with a sword 💀 but eventually he lets gil do it (he’s too scared to give jay that much power over him)) - later he’s become more comfortable with himself and his identity and lets it grow out (mullet era) but it’s still kinda choppy and messy bc that’s how he is. he has a couple small braids in his bangs (courtesy of gil) bc he likes em

- early campaign jay kept her hair pretty long but often tied it up in a tight bun (navy standard) but stopped doing that after joining chip (she ended up tying it up in a ponytail, tho, bc she was more used to that) - after the fight with her dad (b.l.o.c.k.) she cuts it back a ton, keeping it around shoulder-length (just long enough to let gil play with it. he likes braiding and she likes the feeling, win-win. she doesn’t let chip within 5 feet of them when they do this tho bc she does not trust him to not ruin it) but has an undercut that shows whenever she ties it up - (like this)

#jrwi #jrwi gillion #jrwi chip #jrwi jay #gillion tidestrider #jay ferin #chip jrwi #jrwi riptide #jrwi fanart #jrwi spoilers #vaguely?? just to be safe #might turn the drawings on the right into lil icons or smth bc i like em a lot

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softquietsteadylove · 3 months

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A spicy request for Receptionist AU, where Thena gets back at Gil after what he put her through in the last fic 🙈🙈

"Naekkeo," Gil murmurs as he peeks down his nose to button his dress shirt. "I'm gonna be ready in maybe ten minutes--do you want a ride to work?"

"That's okay, love, I'm not quite ready yet, you go ahead without me."

"Well, I-" Gil doesn't get to finish that thought, his jaw hanging open as Thena comes back into the bedroom from the bathroom. His eyes follow her as she walks over to the closet, taking her time looking at her half of it with her hands on her hips. Gil clears his throat, "uh, sweetie?"

"Hm?" she peeks at him over her shoulder.

Gil loses track of which button he's buttoning. He's actually got a very important meeting this morning with some representatives from a bank back home. He's been working to get an office set up here in London so Thena can be home more.

"Gil?" Thena smiles at him, and the devil woman knows exactly what she's doing when she turns to face him. Her smirk says it all as she saunters over to him and reaches to resume his buttoning. "Remember you have a meeting with the branch manager for Jasmine National."

Gilgamesh is too busy soaking in his partner's soaking body. Okay, it's not soaking wet, but she's still got some dewdrops from the shower still on her completely bare skin, as well as her damp hair sitting on her shoulders. Not long enough to cover her breasts, though.

"Are you listening?"

"You know I'm not," he growls at her, reaching up to grasp her wrists while she tries to straighten his collar. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

"Sending you off," she responds oh-so innocently. She even flutters her lashes as she shifts her weight, cocking out one hip.

"And this?" he makes a point of asking, drawing his eyes up her legs, freshly shaven and moisturized, to the slope of her waist and the bend of her ribs and her breasts which haunt his dreams.

"Gilgamesh please," she purrs (minx). "It's hardly something to bat an eye at, you have seen me like this plenty by now."

She says it like she's come home after getting her hair trimmed, not standing in front of him, her body beckoning, all but literally oiled up for him!

She tries to step away but he holds onto her--not too tight but he doesn't let her escape his grasp. He eyes all his favourite parts of her. "What's this for?"

Thena merely raises her brows at him, obviously in the mood for some retribution. "Perhaps you should think about this next time you want to take a business call in the middle of an affair."

He scoffs, stepping closer, happily letting her dampness ruin the fresh press of his shirt. "That, again?"

She matches his glaring, pressing herself against him, "you pulled out."

Thena hates being interrupted.

"Sorry, Gongjunim," he leans in but she makes him kiss her cheek before her lips. He obeys, trailing his lips over her cheek reverently. "I won't make you wait again."

"Your meeting," she reminds him, as if either of them really believe he's going to still go to that.

"No fuckin' way," he growls against her throat, sliding his arm around her waist and grasping a handful of ass.

"Gil," she attempts to sound scolding but he hoists her up in his arms and twists them backwards onto the bed. "This is a very important - ah! - meeting."

It's damn important, and he's already late to be early and have the upper hand in negotiating his terms, now. So, instead, he's going to keep kissing his girlfriend. He tangles their tongues and lays himself over her.

"You should go," she urges him again, although her nails are dug into his shoulders from behind as she wraps her legs around him.

"Like hell," he snarls, lining himself up with her in record time. He pushes in with practised and mastered patience though. "This was your plan to seduce me?"

"It seems to have worked," she grins at him as well, although her breathing becomes thinner as he pushes into her completely. Her hips raise off the bed to meet his.

"I keep telling you," he rumbles against the hollow of her throat, fucking her like a beast following a base desire. His hips do all the thinking for him. "You've been doing that for years."

"Hm," Thena purrs, and he can practically feel it ripple through him. "So I could have just gone into your office and asked you to take me on your desk?"

Gil grunts, picking up speed at the tantalising mental image. Thena really has a thing for enticing him into illicit activities in the office. "A man can dream, Thena."

"I would have," she huffs at him, although both of them are panting for breath, "if I thought it would work."

He growls, letting it reverberate into her as their lips smash together. "You had me the first time you ever wore that skirt with the cardigan I like."

He does love that particular outfit, and there's something particularly endearing - almost wholesome - about him being so seduced by a cardigan sweater and a skirt that extended past her knees.

"I would have walked in," she continues to tease him as he works them towards conclusion. She digs her nails into him more, "bent over and let you guess if I'm wearing panties or not."

"Fuck!" Gil pulls one of her legs up so he can hold it against his chest as he pounds into her, "don't say shit you don't mean, baby!"

"Gil!" she whines in response, their hips slapping together loudly and sloppily. "Fuck, right there, yes!"

"Shit honey," Gil grits his teeth. "You're gonna do that."

"Oh, rea--Gil!" Thena throws her head back as she comes first, her hips rising and swivelling in the air as they ground together.

Gil holds her thigh tight, grinding his hips against hers at a twisted angle. Their hair meets, he can feel the softness of her skin. He can see a very gratuitous angle of her breasts as well as where they're joined. It makes him want to beat on his chest like a caveman.

Thena groans as he lets her leg down, lying limply in the mess of their bed. "Well, now you're unforgivably late."

Gil lets out a loud belly laugh, and it drags her into laughing with him too. He flops into bed next to her, his shirt completely damp and still hanging out of his suit pants fly. "Honey, you knew I wasn't going to make that meeting as soon as you came in here."

Thena also laughs in their ecstasy, lying on her back with him, their heads close enough to hear each other's breathing. "Well, perhaps you shouldn't relegate fucking me in importance."

"Hey," he rolls over to give her a quick kiss, "nothing is more important than making love to you."

Thena sighs into the kiss, even following his lips as he pulls himself up, "oh, really?"

"Yep," he grins. She glares as him as he reaches for his trousers zip but all he does is shimmy out of them completely. "I'll tell 'em an emergency came up. Apparently I have to pamper my partner a little more."

"Hm," she raises a brow as he tosses aside his clothes in a rush like a horny frat boy. But she receives him with just as much glee as he throws himself into her breasts.

"I told you," he presses right into the valley of her cleavage. "Nothing more important."

#Thenamesh 18+#Thenamesh Receptionist AU #you know the drill #don't open this up unless you're ready to explain yourself #these two are ready to turn love making into a competitive sport #Thena knows what she's doing #she washes she rinses she repeats #she moisturizes #on damp skin because that's better for it?#she walks in knowing that Gi is easy #she has a swing in her hips and she looks at him like #have a good day dear :)#Gil: holy jesus fucking chr #Thena does not like being interrupted #she has been thinking about last time forever now #and she's far from done I'm sure #she will remind him of this for forever

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sl-newsie · 7 months

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Spelled: Descendants Halloween Special! 🎃

Summary: The Auradon kids put on a Haunted trail and the VKs, being new to Halloween traditions, decide to check it out. (Based after Descendants 3)

“Why are we doing this again?” Audrey asks in an annoyed tone as she hands Jane an orange banner. “Auradon’s never done a haunted trail. We always do a Halloween dance.”

“We do a dance for everything!” I huff as I set down a tote of pumpkins. “For once I want to do something more interactive.”

Indeed, it seems that nearly every event at Auradon Prep is another ridiculous dance. But this year I finally convinced Ben to do something different: a haunted trail in the Enchanted Forest with a costume contest. And what’s even better is that it’s the VKs first Halloween! This is by far my favorite time of year, no question! The changing leaves, the candy, amazing costumes, and an excuse to be my true witchy self!

Audrey cocks an eyebrow. “I thought you didn’t celebrate Auradon traditions, you know being raised in the woods and all.”

I gawk and put a hand on my hip. “Um, excuse me? I’m the daughter of a witch, Audrey. This is my holiday! And so far from what I’ve seen this haunted trail wouldn’t frighten a kitten. No offense, Jane.”

“None taken!” She steps down from the ladder and seems to get an idea. “Actually, maybe you could help us scare it up a bit? What magic would make it scary?”

I think for a moment. “Definitely a shrieking hex, some lightning jinxes, random bodies…”

“Fake bodies, right?” Audrey asks, slightly nervous.

“Oh you want fake dead bodies?” I grin mischievously. “Very well then. I can also get Binx to sneak up and scare people. He’s good at that.”

In the next three hours we’ve completed the finishing touches, and just in time too. It’s beginning to get dark out and that means it’s almost time to start scaring. It’s no wonder why the VKs are the first to show.

“Mwahaha!” I jump out from behind a tree and find my first victims: Mal, Ben, Jay, Carlos, Celia, and Lonnie. “Welcome, foolish mortals! Dare to test thy fate in the deadwood grove!”

Ben, Carlos, and Lonnie all jump, but the others are less amused.

“Nice scare, Magica. Maybe next you’ll throw a fake spider at me?” Celia smirks.

“Believe me, your terrors are just beginning.” I look around. “Where’s Evie?”

“She and Dizzy are having a Halloween movie marathon with a few others. They’re not really into the whole ‘scary stuff.’” Carlos gives my witch outfit a look-over. “Nice costume. I guess Halloween’s really your thing, huh?”

“Oh yes, this is definitely my favorite holiday!” I cackle. “And I’m pleased to see you all joined in for the costume contest!”

Mal’s a spider queen, Ben’s dressed as a knight, Jay chose to be Frankenstein, Carlos and Dude are matching skeletons, Celia is a venus fly trap, and Lonnie is a fairy.

“You bet!” Dude barks from below and scratches at his costume. “But I’m glad it’s only one night, ‘cause this thing is itchy!”

“What have you got in store for us, Enchantress?” Carlos smirks.

“You’ll have to find out.” I heard them over to the forest entrance, but then we hear someone calling for us to wait. We turn around and find Uma jogging up to join us.

“Harry and Gil are too chicken, so they’re pigging out on candy back on the Isle. Let’s go!”

“What are you dressed up as?” Jane asks as she scans Uma for her costume.

“Myself,” Uma states like it’s obvious.

Carlos gives a stiff nod. “You’re right, that’s scary enough.”

Uma doesn’t get the joke and just keeps walking to the trail entrance, followed by the rest of the VKs. Once they’re inside I wait with Jane and listen, both of us bursting with cackling laughter when the screams start. This means my added enchantments are working!

Dude comes sprinting out, chased by Binx.

“That cat’s gonna get me!” he barks. “This is all wrong- I’m supposed to be chasing him!”

The frightened canine makes me laugh and I hold up a hand. “Alright, Binx. Let him be.”

The black cat chuckles. “You should have seen how well your magic worked inside! Your aunt would be proud.”

Yes, but for now they’ll be celebrating All Hallow’s Eve elsewhere.

When the VKs rush out they all have cheerful smiles and are laughing like lunatics, all except Carlos.

“Where’s Dude!? Magica have you seen-?”

I point to the dog in question, who’s laying in a pile of leaves. “He’s right there, calm down. Binx was just having a little fun is all.”

He sighs in relief and looks at me with wide eyes. “Th- That was one of the creepiest things I’ve ever seen! Is Halloween always this scary?”

“Yes, especially when you’re dealing with a Sanderson.” I put a hand on his shoulder. “But it’s fun to be scared, isn’t it?”

Carlos lets out a laugh. “Yeah, it kinda is. Right, guys?”

Mal and Ben are laughing from so much excitement, while Uma just shrugs. The others however keep looking around for something.

“I thought there was supposed to be candy?” Celia asks.

I smirk and step over to my cauldron. “It’s candy thou seeks, is it? Well-” I throw in some moon powder and in a big poof! the entire cauldron fills with sweets. “Trick or treat, Auradon!”

Jay whoops in delight and rubs his hands together while approaching the cauldron with a gleam in his eye. “Now this is what I’m talking about! This is what Halloween is all about!”

“Um, uh-uh. It’s about scaring people!” Uma argues.

“I like the costumes!” Jane cheers from the trail entrance.

Everyone starts talking about what they love most about the spooky holiday, but it’s Mal, Ben, and me that just shrug it off.

“Halloween isn’t just a holiday, it’s a lifestyle.” I flick some sparks up and make them appear as ghostly visions. “It doesn't have to be about just one perk.”

“Sparks is right,” Ben agrees as he takes Mal’s hand. “It’s a fun holiday that brings people together, whether it be through getting scared or getting candy.”

Mal nods. “I’m so glad we’re finally getting to try out these fun traditions. It’s a lot more fun than the stuff we do on the Isle.”

Audrey hears this and scoffs. “Really? I thought you VKs would have Halloween as, like, your cult holiday. Isn’t it the type of holiday that your parents basically invented?”

“Not exactly,” Celia speaks up. “It was actually Auradon that decided to use our parents’ evil tricks to turn Halloween into a time for mischief and scary stuff. On the Isle the most we do is carve turnips.”

Her explanation makes everyone’s spirits start to droop, so I wave it off. “Now now, let’s ignore the past and focus on the present. It’s Halloween! Let’s have some fun! Who’s up for getting donuts and cider at Little Miss Muffet’s?” I offer a wide smile. “Binx, you in?”

The black cat lets out a joyful meow. “I’m always up for a trip to town!”

By now the others have started to get excited too.

“Alright, we’re in!” Jay grabs Carlos and Celia, ushering them toward me.

Ben and Mal back off. “You guys have fun, we’re going back to meet up with Evie.”

“I’ll go!” Lonnie raises her hand.

“I will too!” Jane joins her. “Audrey?”

Audrey rolls her eyes. “Fiiine, we’ll go too.”

The only one left is Uma, who just nods. “I’ve got nothing better going on. Why not?”

“Where’s the car?” Celia asks.

I tilt my head and smile. “Oh, no. This is my holiday, you’re all traveling in style!” I snap my fingers and brooms appear, getting a startled reaction from Audrey.

“No, no, no! I am not riding this death trap!”

“I will!” Lonnie mounts the broom and tries kicking off, only staying grounded. “How does it work?”

“They’re enchanted. Just say ‘fly!’”

I grab my own broom just as Binx jumps up to perch on my shoulder and we zoom up into the cool night air. When I look back I see the others are following, all with big grins on their faces.

“Wow, have I been missing out!” Jay shouts as he dips up and down. “Trixie, this is so fun!” He flies down and taps Carlos’ shoulder, who swats him away.

“Stop doing that!” Carlos speeds up and meets up with me in front. “Thanks, Magica! This is the best holiday ever!”

I chuckle. “Just wait ‘til you guys try Christmas!”

“What’s that?” Lonnie asks from behind.

“You’ll see!” I say mischievously.

“Happy Halloween, Enchantress!” Carlos calls before flying off to join Jane.

The scene squeezes my heart, but Binx gives my shoulder a light squeeze and I look past it.

“Happy Halloween, Auradon!”

#disney descendants #descendants carlos #carlos descendants #carlos de vil x reader #lonnie descendants #audrey descendants #descendants #mal descendants #evie descendants #jay descendants #uma descendants #harry hook descendants #gil descendants #halloween #trick or treat #haunted trail #jane descendants #ben descendants #descendants x reader

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lesbiansforboromir · 2 years

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Ahh, I’m happy. First episodes of Rings of Power are a few steps above my expectations and I had a really good time watching it, which was all I really wanted to begin with. Numenor hasn’t even arrived onscreen and I’m already pretty invested.

I was actually surprised by how much I liked the Harfoot plotline, I had expected to find it really irritating and extraneous but it was so delightful to watch I was taken in. I think it was Lenny Henry’s influence, his acting was great and i’m really attached to Sadoc already. I’m STILL not sold on old meteorman Gandalf, mainly because I don’t want to see fuckin Gandalf, but also because he DOES feel very extraneous to the plot they’re driving towards. But the scenes with him are still well acted and seeing how big he is in comparison to Nori is endearing too. Liked being able to decipher the Quenya words for blessed and heat in there, which I assume was him trying to explain stars.

Oh it’s so humiliating... I do like Lindon 😔 they are using the set really well and the shots are sumptuous and filled with interesting detail. Also good GOD I love elf politics, I love incredibly elevated elven speech that’s just so elaborate that they sound like they’re in a Shakespearean play at all times. (some of the proverbs are a little over the top but still). Yes they SHOULD sound that ridiculous. I am also very much enjoying Elrond’s character and the way they have interpreted his ‘Herald’ position in Gil-Galad’s court. Speech writer and little busy body to be sent to solve problems. I think the promos really did a disservice in calling him ‘politically ambitious’. It’s technically true but on it’s own it doesn’t accurately describe his motives, he’s being invested in his people and wanting to help. He’s a young but very noble elf and full of optimism and love for all things! He’s excited to be of use! Maybe a little too invested! Hah.

Celebrimbor also I like so much, he’s got this 1920′s dandy vibe, he certainly feels like a jewelsmith to me. His mannerisms are so endearing and sharp, and when he speaks about the things he’s passionate about the actor actually manages to get this feeling of... a glint in his eye? Like he’s generating his own energy talking about it, very autistic of him, I love it. And I especially appreciate this much more emotive and engaged portrayal after the disastrous Shadow of Wardor nonsense. I respect them going for the precise opposite character. He even fucking cares about people beyond elves! Cares about middle-earth in fact! Oh and also! With his excitable dialogue surrounding dwarves, I have been given new hope that we WILL be seeing Narvi in later seasons. Indeed, these two episodes have really solidified in my mind what they’ve done to the timeline. It’s ALL contracted, including a lot of the aspects of characters we expect, their development has been reclaimed for the show to walk us through. We’ll see how that plays out as the years go by but I can see the logic of doing it that way.

THE DWARVES! Oh my days the dwarves. Every dwarf scene was so gorgeous and Durin’s actor has a way of settling his body into the costume that makes him feel heavy, durable and powerful. I’ve really gone on a 180 about his design. Even this rock breaking contest, which always felt really silly to me, actually is implemented in a way that I really enjoy. Disa is just... I can’t stop thinking about her, Sophia Nomvete matches Durin’s energy so perfectly and the way she uses her eyes is simply entrancing. I just want to watch them all the time. I also really loved the cameo of a bust of the dragon helm of dor lomin being paraded around by Durin’s children. I hope we get more of them too, can’t see enough dwarf children. The idea Durin just has replica heads lying around? Did he make them? Is it a hobby? I’m delighted.

But I can’t talk about Durin without mentioning his and Elrond’s relationship. A while back I commented on twitter that the way the promo material discussed it, it sounded like Durin was Elrond’s jilted lover and I joked about the idea that Elrond had just... forgotten about how time passes for Durin, causing Durin to feel entirely abandoned and to move on and get married..... WELL! don’t I feel like Apollo struck me with the gift of prophecy. The emotion within the elevator scene alone... the genuine pain in Durin’s voice, the heartbreak on Elrond’s face as he hears it! I lived a life in that time, a life you missed! I was surprised the show was able to drag out real feelings from me this early on. The way Disa is trying to heal this rift between them too. I’m so fond of all of them and I now even more cannot wait for the Elrond/Durin/Disa polycule fanfic. What twists and turns of fate.

The Southlands gave me slurs for elves so I will be forever grateful to them, although I was looking for something a little more imaginative than pointies. Would have liked something derogatory ABOUT immortality. And damn! We’re really going for racist elves! Love it honestly! I’m pretty shocked that they aren’t veering away from the textual ‘blood will out’ narratives. Elves really be inventing Faramir’s Darkmen/Middlemen/highmen paradigm as we speak. I also love mean elves, I love watching elves be snappy at each other, in general I love the expansion of what it means to be an elf outside of the heroic nobility we’ve only seen up until now. It’s a great elf portrayal! I love the mention of artificers by Arondir, elves usually expecting their bodies to heal on their own, but needing elf therapy to tend to much more fragile souls. As for Arondir and Bronwyn themselves? They are sweet and I do like the way they put their relationship into a historical context, but I want to see more of them enjoying each other’s company. Certainly I like Arondir and Bronwyn as characters on their own but I want to get to know them better.

I think the MAJOR issue I have with this show at the moment is definitely how thick it feels. All the plot threads are good and I can see how they are all going to tie into one another, I can even see how the entire arch will feed into the eventual Akallabeth, but it’s SO MUCH to get through. I’m feeling nervous about there being only 6 episodes left in season 1. I wanted more breathing room between major plot points and whilst I was surprised by the amount of character I was able to glean from such short scenes, I was still left wanting more time to explore the more complex aspects of each of the situations.

I think the southlands suffered from this the most. You are left unsure what to think about morgoth worship, whether it’s active in the village, are the elves right to hold them hostage like this or is it because of their actions that they are turning back to those dark ways? It’s definitely an uncomfortable aspect to work through and I just felt it needed more time and care than it’s gotten at the moment. And it means that, despite how much I like it, I actually still feel like the Harfoot storyline was a thread too far. I would like to know about entwives and such, but I just don’t think the show has the time.

STILL annoyed about Durin III and Durin IV existing alongside each other. I would like to know how they’ll explain it or if they even will, but for now it’s a niggle that I can’t quite let go of.

I’m not sure how to feel about the whole Valinor thing, because on the one hand... religious overtures are DEFINITELY the right vibe for it, the more uncomfortable the better, there’s even a slightly offkey singer amongst the choir in the soundtrack for Valinor, and an ominous scary part to the music too, but it’s still... A LOT. I suppose it also enabled them to not show Valinor again and so forth. And honestly I am intrigued by the treatment of returning to Valinor being a reward for exemplary service, it’s kind of inline with canon and creates to me a very strange and intriguing dynamic. BUT... Valinor is so hard to get right, we’ll see if it comes up again.

I think that’s all I have to say! All in all, as I said, the show was fun and it was absolutely what I was looking for after House of the Dragons reminded me why I fell off of Game of Thrones in the first place. I would just like a little universal meta morality in my fantasy shows.

#the rings of power #the rings of power spoilers #rings of power #rings of power spoilers #rop #erran vs rop #text post #long post

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inkblackorchid · 1 year

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Me going absolutely insane about Aki

I wanted to make this a nice, coherent post, screenshots and everything, because I feel like it deserves the effort, but in the end, my thoughts completely ran away from me and I guess now I'll just have to inflict whatever stream-of-consciousness mess I can come up with onto people now.

So remember how I talked about the first duel between Aki and Yusei and how it does so much and drives me absolutely insane? Well, that turned into many more thoughts and now I'm basically obsessed with the way Aki and her relationship to pain and destruction are defined at the start through the first third of the show. So I wanna talk about that. Also, warning: LONG post incoming.

We're introduced to this girl who destroys things with her unusual powers and for all we know at that point, she does it on purpose. Yusei doesn't know she can't control these powers at first, we as the audience don't know she can't control these powers at first, hell, Aki herself doesn't know that there's a way for her to learn to control these powers at first. She thinks she has one, she thinks Divine is teaching her, he even goes as far as saying "Only I can stop the rage nesting inside you" (which we're meant to understand as synonymous with her powers because that's how Aki understands it). But the thing is, with hindsight, we know he's lying through his teeth—he's not trying to teach her to control anything. In fact, he wants her to be as destructive as possible. We see this in the way he grows displeased when there's a "shift" in Aki's emotions after Yusei confronts her in the Fortune Cup, causing her powers to weaken because he can't maintain the "vengeful energy" which he links to the strength of her powers.

And I think there's one important thing to take away from that: Aki doesn't want her powers to be destructive. She's trusting Divine to "stop the rage nesting inside her"—she wants the destruction to stop and hopes he can show her how to accomplish that.

However.

At the same time, in the early episodes of Aki's debut, we're also shown that she acts at best indifferent, and at worst delighted at the destruction she causes. She mocks Gil Randsbourg's knightly antics and steals his monster with glee, she beats down the duel profiler to the point of requiring the on-site paramedics, and nowhere is it more explicit than during her first duel with Yusei, where he tells her to her face that she enjoys the destruction she causes while she keeps hurting him. And the thing is, he's not wrong—but he's not entirely right, either.

Rejected by her parents, ostracised by her classmates, and feared by street duellists as the Black Rose witch, Aki feels as isolated, lonely, and wronged as she possibly can, of course. Moreover, Divine gleefully feeds right back into that, what with his whole "only I can help you, only I can accept you, society sees us psychic duellists as threats"-shtick. Because he doesn't actually want to help her, to improve her mental health, or teach her to accept herself. He wants her to stay angry and vengeful because he needs that wrath to feed her powers. That aside—it's not like Aki is wrong to feel that way, honestly. Her parents have wronged her, her classmates have pushed her away, society has failed her. Her anger is justified; the problem is that it's deeply self-destructive, in the long run, which we see precisely in that enjoyment of destruction. She's tearing up her environment, she's hurting people, and she's trying to find petty satisfaction, even joy in it because these people deserve it, they hurt her first, they're the reason she's this angry and alone and hopeless.

But this is where it gets really interesting for me. Because Aki enjoys the destruction... but she also doesn't. For one, we see her express doubts when Divine speaks to her right before the match against Kinomiya/the duel profiler/Commander Koda. They meet in one of the stadium's corridors and Aki is holding the Black Rose Witch mask (which is another thing I need to talk about), and we get this exchange:

That doesn't sound like the response of someone gleefully revelling in the pain she causes, does it? But this goes even deeper, which we see during her duel against Yusei in the Fortune Cup.

So I already said that Yusei's neither completely right nor wrong to say Aki enjoys destruction, but what I wanna look at now is Aki's reaction to him saying it. Her immediate, emotional, no-front, no-pretences reaction.

I guess you could argue that this is her trying to say the socially acceptable thing before she later changes her tune, but you know what? I think it isn't. I think this is actually the truth. Aki tells Yusei to quit the nonsense because what he's saying isn't true, and she doesn't want it to be true.

However, as I mentioned, she does change her tune, later, when Yusei keeps insisting.

She does a complete one-eighty and admits that frightening and hurting people as the Black Rose Witch is fun. And bear with me here, but—I don't think this is a lie, either. Remember, Aki feels no small amount of very justified anger towards all the people who hurt her and pushed her away. So she does enjoy the fear and pain she's causing, to an extent, but at the same time, this isn't who she wants to be (which Yusei correctly identifies when he questions whether Aki herself really takes as much pleasure in causing pain as she pretends to, because this guy is actually better at quickly getting a measure of people's character than the show sometimes gives him credit for, I feel).

So how do these two things, both wanting to cause pain because Aki herself is in pain, and being afraid of hurting others, coexist, then? The key is the Black Rose Witch—and now I get to talk about the mask.

First, we get some interesting insight about the mask by Divine. In the same conversation where Aki expresses concern about hurting people again, Divine takes the mask from her hands and tells her that "she'd part with it once she realises her pride and mission":

More on the "pride and mission" thing a little later, because first, I feel the need to point out something: Aki repeatedly looks distressed when the mask is in reach but she's not allowed to wear it. Why?

Because of this. The Black Rose Witch is not Aki herself, the Black Rose Witch is something Aki created to handle the guilt of constantly hurting others with her powers. The Black Rose Witch is essentially a maladaptive coping mechanism to seperate the part that enjoys hurting others from herself, to pretend it's someone else. And Divine wants her to get rid of this part, because of course he does. He doesn't want Aki to be separate from her impulses for destruction, he wants her to embrace them and revel in them, mask or no mask. Speaking of which, remember her "pride and mission"? With everything we learn about Divine during the show, I don't think it'd be a stretch to say that the "pride and mission" he refers to here is precisely this. He wants her to be proud of her destruction, to accept it as her mission to be an obedient little destroyer for him.

But you know what really gets me?

She can't. She can't do it. She can't let go of the Black Rose Witch, she can't become that person full of hatred and a desire to destroy everything that Divine wants her to be. Because she doesn't want to be. It's the whole reason why the Black Rose Witch exists! Because no matter her anger, no matter how much the world has rejected her, fundamentally, Aki doesn't want to be a person who hurts others and who is indifferent to their pain! And this is brought up repeatedly, during the Fortune Cup and after.

Not to speak of the way she reacts to Misty telling her that she supposedly killed Toby for the first time!

That's not the expression of someone who couldn't care less about the destruction they cause! She even goes as far as insisting there were no young boys at the duel field where Toby was found, hinting at the fact that she was paying attention to that, that she made sure that no matter what destruction she might cause otherwise, no children would be harmed!

Aki has such a deep-seated, repressed desire for kindness and human connection that it pains me to watch her. And it's yet another reason why she clings to Divine like a lifeline, because she thinks he's genuinely the only person in the entire world who's willing to offer her that.

And you know what's extremely ironic? The moment Divine is suddenly ripped away from Aki (and good riddance), he almost gets what he wants.

In that one, anguished, recently traumatised moment, faced with the two people who started her whole cycle of rejection and self-hatred, Aki is completely ready to become the monster everyone called her and that Divine wanted after all. It only took taking everything she thought she had left away from her.

And what finally snaps her out of it?

Granted, Yusei has already laid some groundwork towards changing her mind here (and we love him for it), but here, where not one, but two people are completely ready to face up to her terrifying powers, approach her, and accept her anyway, while ADMITTING that they can't help her/are afraid of her/failed her (and I am convinced that this gesture means even more precisely because Yusei and Aki's dad both aren't psychics), she reaches out and...

Upon having her pain acknowledged, upon seeing that people are willing to reach out to her and offer her that kindness and human connection she's been craving for an eternity after all, even though her powers are still there and could still hurt them, she can finally let go of the impulse to hurt the people who have hurt her for long enough to control her powers by herself and choose not to hurt one of the two people she arguably has the most reason to be angry at. And I know some people hate that she forgave her dad because he didn't deserve it—and I get it. I do. Hideo Izayoi has so much to make up for, it's unlikely he'll ever accomplish it in his lifetime. But he tries, and the much more important thing is that Aki accepts that he's willing to try. Because, and I can't stress this enough, this is about her. It's not about her father, and it's not about Yusei. It's about her. All Yusei does in both duels with her is drop some insights at her feet and extend his hand halfway—hell, he even admits he can't save her! But Aki can, and she chooses to. She chooses to accept her father's apology and try being with her family again, she chooses to accept Yusei's friendship and help save the world (because he specifically requests her help, to boot), and she chooses to let go of her anger and her hatred. Because it's what she wants, and it's who she is, beneath the facade of the Black Rose Witch. And even though I can 100% understand people who think she should have ditched her parents, I think Aki's whole progression up to this point is a beautiful representation of forgiveness—because in the end, that forgiveness is not for her father. It's for her. It's so she can start healing from all the hurt inside herself, and I think she deserves that.

I honestly don't remember whether I originally had another point I wanted to get to, but yeah. In conclusion, season one and two Aki is a fantastically written character and I love her to death.

#aki izayoi #akiza izinski #yugioh 5ds #character analysis #I guess #this has been brewing in my mind for a few days and now here it is #still not as coherent as I wanted but it's as directly from the heart as it gets #I just. love this girl so much.#the brainrot is so real #orchid rambles

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dangermousie · 3 months

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I sniffle through the ep for them both - for her because the man she loved so came back as a nightmare. And for him because of what has been done to him, to turn the gentle, teasing, sweet-natured scholar into this wreck. Though her dignity and strength and love is greater than his damage, greater than anything. SR >>>> everyone. She is SUCH a great heroine - she's a period appropriate woman - she doesn't know how to fight and she has no interest in ruling or battle - but she is so utterly unbreakable, so quietly yet thoroughly moral and so sane.

And the way she looks at him - seeing his damage and his rage and loving him anyway - that smile!

He genuinely doesn't know what to do with her attitude - he could have coped with her hatred or her pleading or anything except this quiet steady love and being seen. You can see him falter and get more and more lost as this goes on, his poor traumatized brain going "whyyyyyy?"

And then he sees the bag she has, opens it and it's their rings, one of which he smashed and his brain breaks again. Neither of them realize it yet, but she's started dragging him back to the land of the living already.

Symbolism much?

I love her!!!!

The way all she has is love and relief he's survived and he can't process it, he doesn't want to process it, because he's slotted her into the betrayer role and it doesn't fit. But of course he needs all of it because while he might tell himself he's only kidnapped her for revenge, he clearly also did it because he still loves her and wants her and the thought of her marrying someone else was insupportable to him. He sold it to himself as revenge because that's the only way he could allow himself to do this but it so wasn't all of it, not at all and he is terrified of the fact.

He's like a cornered beast, lashing out any time he feels...

But she knows the score...

SY is reminding me of a lot of Dae Gil from Chuno in this arc. They both have the same thing where they were these young, idealistic, good natured people whose world was horrifically destroyed and they managed to rebuild themselves only they are barely human as a price. Dae Gil doesn't have anyone to drag him out of his pit unlike SY though. It also reminds me of Mawang, where I thought Joo Ji Hoon's character was so destroyed precisely because he was the cossetted baby of the family and so when the family got destroyed, he went to pieces. That is pretty much SY - precisely because his family was so loving and functional, he's had no background of horror before to accustom him to this new reality. Because he was happy and loved - he was a good person and kind person and moral person but when disaster struck, the unfairness and horror of it were all the more stark.

Not related at all but this is as good a place to make this point as any - one thing I really love is how good SY is with the sword - it's such a subtle class indicator. It's not like SY was in the military, but he was creme de la creme of the aristocracy so of course he got taught extensively and well. So all those thugs who learned on the street are really no match (makes me think of Chuno and Tae Ha and Cheol Woong making mincemeat of non-career military people.)

#kdrama #the princess' man #park shi hoo #moon chae won

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savage-rhi · 7 months

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Mending Shadows // Chapter 22

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

Click here to read on AO3

There was not a single word or sentence that could describe the full magnificence of Altissa, but if Y/N had to assign it something, it would be “heaven on Eos.” Surrounded by waterfalls, canals, and vast architecture that could make the most stoic of men stop in awe, the capitol of Accordo demonstrated a mighty grace that matched the sea god who allegedly slumbered nearby. Y/N recalled a time where friends mentioned traveling here, and how if they had the gil to return, they would’ve settled in Altissa. The thought nearly brought a tear to Y/N’s eye as they grinned in admiration.

Y/N was so enraptured by the scenery, they nearly missed Ardyn beckoning them to stay close at his side after docking. Upon standing at his right, Y/N couldn’t help but notice his entire demeanor changed in an instant. The mask he was wearing this time around, was one of arrogance; but with the softened blow of a smile that demonstrated fealty. Dare say even his scourge felt off as Y/N captured a brief photograph of Ardyn’s feelings through their bond.

Taking their eyes off of Ardyn, Y/N stared past the Imperial officials who went ahead of Ardyn, and met the fierce gaze of Accordo’s state leader: Madam Secretary Camelia Claustra. Her smile was both intimidating and full of warmth, contrasting with her experienced features. Her clothes, dull greys and blues further amplified her older grace. Y/N could tell she had been through much, but her poise and confidence hid whatever woes she had swimming under the surface.

Ardyn had a talked a great deal about Camelia. It was one thing to hear about her no-nonsense energy, but another to be meeting it head on. Y/N felt it best not to say hello, and merely observe unless directed otherwise. This wasn’t a woman who liked to play games, nor did Y/N get the impression she could be won over with small talk. This had Y/N wonder what sort of trifling antics Ardyn was going to pull off, and they couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Y/N was no fool. Despite Ardyn holding a reserved warmth for them, they knew he didn’t show compassion to most. It was one of the few misgivings they harbored toward him.

“Chancellor Izunia, warmest of welcomes.” Camelia stated with pride, giving a bow with her head to which Ardyn returned in favor with a formal bend and a tip of his hat.

“The honor is mine, dear Madam Secretary.” Ardyn smirked as he returned to form. He held out his arms for emphasis. “Might I compliment your radiance? It’s unfortunately not something my eyes are used to back home among the council of men with one foot in the grave!”

“Spare me the pleasantry, Chancellor. There is much preparation to be had for the betrothal ceremony, and your fleet arrived two days late.”

“I assure you, the extra precaution on our end was worth the wait. The empire cannot afford to doddle when it comes to security. You know that better than most with the recent assassination attempt on your head! I do hope your psyche has been seen to after such a horrid experience!” Ardyn oozed with false affection. The glint in his eyes further lit up when he saw Camelia’s throat tense as she held back what was no doubt an onslaught of profanities that wanted to creep past her lips.

“I may not have fought on the field, Chancellor, but I’ve had my share of battles that come with the task of keeping the people of Accordo safe. I appreciate the concern nevertheless.”

“But of course!” Ardyn nodded, his cadence lathered with impish elegance. “I do hope my concerns didn’t drudge up ill feelings?”

“None at all.”

Y/N had a feeling if Camelia didn’t have an audience, she would’ve ripped Ardyn a new one for the not so subtle jab. Nevertheless, they were surprised at how she had no fear calling Ardyn out on his bluff right out the gate. He didn’t seem bothered by it, and in fact chuckled amusingly.

“Your ambition is inspiring to us all in the realm of politics,” Ardyn complimented. He let out a sigh, and gestured for some of the Imperial soldiers near to begin gathering belongings off the airship. Once settled, he followed Camelia’s lead and began to walk at her side then subtly gestured to Y/N to stand behind him out of protocol.

It was once the group were off the docks and walking on land, did Camelia speak up.

“I do hope the accommodations my men are providing will suffice, Chancellor.”

“I don’t see why not,” Ardyn smiled. “Each time myself or a member of council have visited your land, we’ve been greeted with nothing but the best!”

“Speaking of visiting,” Camelia began. “How is your Emperor fairing these days? It’s been almost five years now since he’s witnessed Altissa’s splendor.”

“Ah,” Ardyn furrowed his brows, feigning a frown. “The poor man could use such a tranquil place to rest. The war has been unforgiving as you can imagine, yet we prevail! Speaking of, we have much to discuss about Lucis and future plans that Accordo should be in alignment with. I trust you have carved out time for conversation?”

“Of course,” Camelia stated. “Keeping our alliance stable is our highest priority. This wedding I hope will quell tension among my citizens who have been critical of our partnership.”

Although she had much conviction in her voice, there was a sadness to Camelia’s features as she finished her sentence that Y/N honed in on. It seemed she was crushed at the fact rebellion wouldn’t bear fruit. Not when Niflheim was keen on keeping people compliant with their goals. Y/N had mixed feelings. Though they were acting as a poster child for the empire, they didn’t like how shackled they made folks like Madam Secretary feel.

Y/N realized they must’ve been staring for too long, for Camelia and the rest of the entourage stopped. They swallowed as Camelia eyed them with scrutiny, and gestured after giving a slight huff.

“A pardon Chancellor, but who is this young thing following your side like a hound to a trail?” The jest had the group of Imperial officials and Accordo envoy’s chuckle.

“Oh dear, I’ve forgotten my manners!” Ardyn exclaimed. He shot a quick glare at Camelia, noticing how she savored the look of surprise he held seconds ago. He cleared his throat, and ever the cordial gentleman, gestured to Y/N with high regard.

“Madam Secretary, may I have the privilege to introduce Y/N Y/L/N, a new Imperial Icon of Niflheim. They are my guest of honor, and have kindly volunteered to aid me with matters involving the betrothal ceremony.”

Y/N wasn’t sure how to address one such as Camelia formally. This was something that Ardyn neglected to go over with them. Feeling the scourge rise in their chest, Y/N went with their first instinct without thinking, and Ardyn held in his breath.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Y/N said with a smile, presenting their hand out to Camelia. The older woman seemed taken aback at first, but even with the gasps coming from the Imperials and Envoys, she reached out for Y/N’s palm and took it into her own, giving a strong shake.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had an Imperial greet me in this fashion.” Camelia smirked with amusement. Her eyes lit up in a manner that hadn’t been seen in a while. “You don’t strike me as a typical sort.”

“Forgive me,” Y/N laughed nervously, all the while trying their hardest to avoid Ardyn’s gaze. “I’m still getting my bearings.”

“Y/N is a former Lucian,” Ardyn cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation so as to not have Y/N potentially drag themself into a pit. “They had suffered much under their own country, and Niflheim has taken them in with open arms.”

“Oh yes,” Camelia said. Her demeanor seemed to shift as she let go of Y/N’s hand and regarded Y/N in a manner that suggested she felt pity for them if anything. “I’ve heard a great deal about you through word of mouth, the Lucian who abandoned everything.”

“It was not an easy situation,” Y/N stated, trying to ground themself. “Niflheim, and Chancellor Izunia have been generous to me. I owe Chancellor Izunia a great deal, and I look forward to helping him ensure this wedding goes through without a hitch.”

“How noble of you.” Camelia murmured.

For Y/N, it was hard to tell if Camelia felt disdain toward them or further pity. Probably a mix of both. Y/N imagined Camelia probably thought they were out of their mind for throwing allegiance to the empire, based on what Ardyn told them in the past about her history with Niflheim.

“Chancellor,” Camelia spoke up.

“Madam Secretary?”

“I’ve enjoyed meeting your companion, alas we have matters of privacy to discuss in the House of the Courts. If there is anything you’d like to disclose to your ally before we proceed, I’d suggest doing so now.”

“Pardon me for a second!” Ardyn grinned. He motioned for Y/N to follow as he led them both away from the main group. He waited until the eyes and ears of the gang were off himself and Y/N before whispering.

“You alright?”

“Mostly,” Y/N murmured, wincing at themself. “I can’t believe I screwed up formality. A handshake? What the hell was I thinking?”

“On the contrary, I think you made a good first impression.” Ardyn mused. He gestured with his chin over to Camelia, motioning for Y/N to briefly look upon her. “Trust my word, Madam Secretary isn’t one to return a favor in kind if she doesn’t care for the company.”

“Can I count on your personal experience to vouch for that?” Y/N snorted, seeing the raised brow Ardyn gave before further explaining. “You both seem to have it out for each other.”

Ardyn snickered. “Hate and admiration go hand in hand in politics. We both enjoy reminding the other of that. Regardless, your little stumble didn’t damage either of our respective reputations. I wouldn’t fret.”

Y/N sighed in relief, turning their attention back to Ardyn in full. “So what happens now?”

“Well,” Ardyn paused as he looked around, then settled his eyes on Loqui and Tuti from afar. He watched them assist with unpacking belongings from the airship, and gestured toward them. “Lieutenant Tummelt and Tuti will escort you to our lodging. From there, you’ll meet up with Ms. D’Bhara and her fellow socialites for an afternoon tour of the capitol. They’re expecting you for a luncheon after you become acquainted with your place of stay.”

“And here I thought I was going to have to jump through hoops in order to meet her.” Y/N said in surprise.

“I may have pulled some strings to get the ball rolling. Alas, I’m counting on you to find out what you can about the tomb.”

“What if she doesn’t tell me anything?” Y/N furrowed their brows worriedly.

“Even if the pair of you don’t become bosom companions, I’m sure she’ll let something slip.” Ardyn shrugged. “You’ll come to find that the rich and powerful, regardless of alleigence to country, love nothing more than to yak. Take it from someone who plays the game himself.”

Y/N did a poor job suppressing a giggle at Ardyn’s last remark. They both smiled at each other fondly, only to be interrupted by a small and plump man who approached and cleared his throat rather loud.

“Yes?” Ardyn irritably sighed.

“A pardon sir,” The man chirped. “The group is wondering if you’re close to wrapping things up?”

“One moment,” Ardyn held up a finger for emphasis before he gestured at the man to give Y/N and he some space. Once that was sorted, did he give his attention to Y/N. “I more than likely won’t see you until tomorrow. In the meantime, stay near Tuti and Lieutenant Tummelt, and don’t go outside of the capitol unless instructed otherwise.”

“At the rate you’re going with precaution, you’d give a mother goose a run for its gil.”

As much as Ardyn enjoyed the quip, and the soft giggle Y/N made, he remained firm.

“I’m being serious. I want you to stay safe. Although Accordo is an ally of ours, we need to be careful.”

“The same thing applies to yourself. I know you seem to enjoy rattling Camelia’s cage, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.” Y/N urged.

“You’re afraid on my behalf? How quaint.”

“I’m being courteous!”

“Y/N, promise me…”

“Alright,” Y/N murmured, sensing he was in no mood for further jest. “I promise I won’t do anything stupid.”

Despite the reassurance, the look of disbelief Ardyn gave them had Y/N roll their eyes.

“I won’t do anything stupid within reason.”

“That’s the spirit.” Ardyn grinned. He took Y/N’s right hand into his own, and bowed his forehead to their knuckles out of respect. “I’ll call on you later.”

He let go and offered one final glance of acknowledgement before the mask went back on. The dare say compassionate Ardyn was replaced by the mischievous Chancellor once again. Y/N watched as this character came out in full swing while Ardyn graced his presence to the group, and then they were off.

Y/N didn’t take their eyes off of Ardyn, not until he and the rest of the officials became specks in the distance. They swallowed, and felt a pain of sadness grow in their chest. It bloomed like a syelleblossom losing it’s petals before it’s prime.

Gods be damned… Y/N shook their head. The scourge fed the sentiment further. Y/N decided to redirect their emotions by forcing their feet to move them toward Loqui and Tuti’s location.

An hour later, and Y/N found themself in the lodging Ardyn and they would be staying at. For what was supposed to be a hotel room, it was quite vast and built like a small one story house with two bedrooms, a half kitchen, and a full bathroom. Like the rest of Altissia that Y/N had come to see, it had some beautiful architecture and felt more like a vacation dwelling than a temporary rest point for visiting foreigners.

“Like what you see?” Loqui quipped, laughing when he saw Y/N snap out of their thoughts and shot him a brief glare.

“I’m trying to keep in mind not to break anything. It all screams don’t touch me, I’m expensive.” Y/N laughed.

“I wouldn’t worry!” Tuti chirped as she hurriedly and with excitement began to rummage through her suitcase and put away things.

Loqui crossed his arms, moving out of Tuti’s way as he watched on with amusement. He couldn’t believe someone of such a smaller stature could zip through so many places at once.

“It’s all covered by Madam Secretary. But should the Chancellor tick her off, it’s not like he can’t afford this himself.”

“How much does it even cost to stay in a place like this?” Y/N asked while they found themself admiring some various plants that were strategically placed near the walls, complimenting the Mediterranean color palette.

“Easily 15,000 gil a night.” Loqui scoffed.

“15,000?!” Y/N exclaimed.

“You heard right!” Loqui laughed. He let out a grunt when Tuti collided into his chest. After a series of apologies, not giving the man the chance to counter her, did she make her announcement.

“I’m going to tidy up the bedrooms and then Y/N, we should get ready to meet the men and women of The Serpent Society!”

Loqui frowned when Tuti once more zipped away before smiling at Y/N. “If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to take advantage of being your assigned guard and treat myself to samplings in the kitchen!”

“Pfft, like that’s all I’m good for…” Y/N jokingly muttered. They ignored Loqui’s faint quip from the distance, and felt drawn to sliding doors that led to the deck.

When Y/N stepped out, they could feel the warmth of the sun crackle their skin. The pain was brief, and subsided the further they ventured out. Having Ardyn’s immunity to the rays of the star was a blessing that Y/N realized they had taken for granted. Regular daemons would either burn to a crisp, or suffer burns the likes of which would only add to their horrific appearance.

Y/N recalled watching that happen weeks ago when a barrage of Flexitusks were reported along the outskirts of Gralea. Ardyn had decided to capture some of the creatures for Verstael’s research, and Y/N accompanied him. The entities were formidable as they were savage, even catching Ardyn off guard at times, but he came out unscathed. The experience was both eye opening, and one Y/N didn’t want to repeat.

Ardyn had taught Y/N about daemons and their weaknesses that early dawn, and how such weaknesses either applied or didn’t to the likes of them. Y/N had learned from Ardyn, that though the sun couldn’t penetrate their skin to where they’d die; if a concentrated light source or magic based weapon were to be used against them, it would be a death sentence. Not for he, not for Adagium, however.

Y/N swallowed when they recalled Ardyn sharing with them that Accordo had such a weapon on hand for daemons before they departed for Altissa. They made a fist, suddenly glimpsing the image of the three people they had slain long ago; imagining the light that left their eyes merging into a singular source. Swooping from the heavens to consume Y/N and the darkness that writhed under their flesh.

While the trauma of that ill fated night remained with them day by day, Y/N did what they could to keep it under lock and key. Ever since Ardyn and they shared a bleedthrough, and he had bore a taste of their suffering, Y/N didn’t want him to experience the night they had become a daemon. Not after what they had seen through his eyes when he lost Aera.

It dawned on Y/N how much they missed him already.

“You alive in there?”

Y/N fell out of their thoughts as Loqui walked over to their side. He smiled and handed a piece of an orange to Y/N. They popped it into their mouth and chewed.

“I’m just thinking.”

“About all the duties you have in Altissa?” Loqui inquired.

“More or less,” Y/N shrugged and smiled after swallowing the fruit. “I haven’t seen much of you these past two weeks.”

“Been busy chasing away Lucian spies from the coast with Commodore Aranea. It’s been quite riveting,” Loqui said sarcastically, and then smirked at Y/N. “Did you miss me that much?”

Y/N snorted. “Only your wits.”

“Owch!”

“You asked!”

“Point taken!” Loqui chuckled as did Y/N.

Loqui’s gaze of admiration made the tempo of Y/N’s pulse stutter. While it was endearing and Y/N had valued the friendship that had grown between themself and he, there was something about the way he stared that had Y/N nervous. Nervous enough to change the subject.

“What’s the status on your dad? I haven’t heard anything about him for a while.”

Loqui let out a content sigh, enjoying the cool breeze that picked up while he and Y/N admired the tropical scenery before them.

“Dad’s stationed in Galahd currently. That side of Lucis is in another stalemate battle wise, so while there’s no bloodshed, everyone’s on edge. Y’know, I’m surprised but grateful Chancellor Izunia approached me to be your guard on this trip. It’s gonna be nice having a distraction, not worrying about dad or whatever is going on over there. Although, I’d be lying if I didn’t feel left out. I feel like I should be fighting alongside him, but…I’m stuck at homebase.”

Y/N furrowed their brows, recalling previous conversations they had with Loqui about his military pursuits. Some men were born to be farmers and politicians. From birth, they felt a calling. It was no different than Loqui’s passion for battle; he was meant for it. Nevertheless, Y/N worried about him. It seemed as of late all he fixated on was either following his fathers footsteps, or being left behind in his shadow.

While Y/N hadn’t been brought up in that manner, they could relate to Loqui’s need of wanting to prove himself. Y/N reached a hand out to Loqui’s shoulder, and gave a small squeeze. They giggled as did he when their nails scratched at the shoulder padding of his uniform.

“Your dad is strong. I believe he’ll be alright, but I can understand why you’re scared. For what it’s worth, I think he’d be proud of the things you’ve been accomplishing for Niflheim.”

Loqui smiled sincerely once Y/N let him go. “You really think so?”

“Yeah! If I didn’t have faith in that, I wouldn’t have asked the Chancellor for you to be my guard in the first place.”

Loqui made a face, crossing his arms as he averted his eyes. He chuckled afterward.

“What?” Y/N asked flabbergasted, worried they might’ve hurt him in some way.

“I had an inkling Chancellor Izunia’s request wasn’t out of the good graces of his heart. I should’ve known better.” Loqui responded with bitter amusement. He made it clear however he held no ill will toward Y/N as he grinned. “How in the six did you convince him to hire me?”

“He knows pissing me off won’t get him anywhere, for starters.” Y/N snorted. “Also you and your dad are the only two I feel remotely comfortable around for a job like this. I’ve been an imperial citizen for a while, but I’m wary. I know there’s still a great number of people that don’t care for me. I told the Chancellor I didn’t want to put myself in a risky situation with people I’m not familiar with.”

Y/N couldn’t help but notice both the disdain and intrigue that Loqui wore on his face. It reminded Y/N of a child being told of something interesting, but it came with resentment.

“At this rate, you almost sound like a married couple!” Loqui scoffed in jest.

Y/N gasped, slugging his shoulder they had gently squeezed moments ago. “Bite your tongue!”

Loqui laughed hard, ignoring the pain. “No, but seriously, how have things been living with the guy?”

“What kind of a question is that?” Y/N balked.

“Why can’t you just answer it?” Loqui teased. He giggled at the roll of Y/N’s eyes.

“He’s better than roommates I’ve had in the past, I’ll give him that.” Y/N shrugged. “He’s been kind to me. Er, as kind as someone like him can be to another person I should say.”

“He hasn’t made you…uncomfortable, right?”

“Come again?”

“Forgive me for being forward. Has he physically imposed himself upon you in any fashion?”

Y/N’s brows furrowed at the emphasis of Loqui’s tone. It took them but a moment to realize what he was driving at. A part of Y/N felt honored that Loqui was checking to be sure the Chancellor wasn’t being predatory toward them, and yet Y/N also felt tempted to slap him across the face for insinuating something that despising about Ardyn.

Y/N’s memories traveled back to the Vixen, and the day Ardyn fed upon them. While he lost himself in the thrill of consumption and brought them to the edge of death, Y/N never felt he would take advantage of their vulnerability. While Ardyn had been creepy in the past, and at present too flirtatious for his own good, Y/N couldn’t see him going to the extent Loqui implicated.

“He’s never hurt me like that,” Y/N murmured firmly in Ardyn’s defense. “Where is this coming from?”

Loqui bit the inside of his cheek. “I’ve upset you, and I apologize. It’s just---”

“Just what?”

Loqui sighed. “The last several times you and I have had audience together, I’ve noticed him having no care toward your boundaries. That, and he leans a lot into you.”

“Leans?”

“Leans.”

Y/N raised their brows, making a face before they snorted. This was getting more baffling by the second. “Okay, time out, what do you mean by leans?”

“He was, well…leaning toward you!”

Y/N shook their head. “I’m not following, Loqui. Is this because I gave him a brief side hug after the imperial banquet?”

“No, no, you’re misinterpreting me. A side hug is way different than this...” His voice trailed off as he approached Y/N calmly, getting into their personal space. He consistently watched to be sure he wasn’t being aggressive while giving his demonstration. He offered a playful smile, all the while capturing Y/N’s eyes with his own.

Y/N swallowed as they felt their back press to one of the beams on the deck that was holding up another above them. They could feel Loqui's breath fan over their skin as he spoke.

“This is what the Chancellor was doing, leaning in to admire you. Does this answer your inquiry?”

The intimacy was thick, as was the deep blush that crept against Y/N’s cheeks. They nodded in reply, for no words could move past their lips.

“Ahem,” Tuti cleared her throat from the distance. She glanced between Loqui and Y/N, watching the former back off suddenly before making her pleasantries. “Y/N we should be getting ready. It’s important for you to be punctual while in Altissa.”

“I couldn’t agree more!” Y/N responded. They turned their attention to Loqui, giving a small bow with their head. “I’ll speak with you later?”

“Of course.” Loqui murmured, furrowing his brows as he returned the bow. He watched Y/N quickly retreat back into the residence. Not long after, he sighed and decided to leave the lodging so he could scout the area. The defeat in his eyes lingered as he watched Tuti and Y/N venture down the hall. Loqui contemplated what his next moves should be. The warnings from his father echoed through his mind as he left after shutting the door behind him.

As Tuti led Y/N to their bedroom, they let out a sigh of relief as did she.

“You okay?” Y/N asked.

“I should be asking you that.” Tuti smirked, although her eyes held concern. “I didn’t want to overstep, yet I couldn’t help but notice you looked uncomfortable. Did I ruin the moment?”

They shook their head in response to her question. Y/N had an epiphany as Tuti dragged them further into the dwelling to change.

Y/N liked Loqui, and even admired him a great deal. He had been nothing but chivalrous and like Tuti, a confidant that they felt safe navigating Niflheim with. By all accounts, it was a miracle to be in the good graces of someone with the prestige he had. However, Y/N was uncertain they could return what Loqui sought of them. Not when Ardyn’s smile once again invaded their thoughts, and their body shuddered.

“No, you didn’t.” Y/N murmured.

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn x reader #canon x reader #ffxv fanfic #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #fanfic writing #fanfiction #fanfics #gender neutral reader

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aelloposchrysopterus · 1 year

Text

Ballroom Dancing and Other Monsters

Bang hates fancy parties. She hates formal etiquette. She really hates anything where she can’t solve her problems with knives, ideally in someone else’s body. But she was going to suffer through — the horrors — prom because Violetta and Zeetha wanted to go, and she wasn’t going to be a lousy friend. (She also didn’t want Gil to go alone, which would have happened, since Agatha refused to go, Tarvek was going with Violetta, Xerxesphina was Colette’s date, and Zeetha had her mysterious boyfriend, and Klaus had told his son that he was going, whether he wanted to or not.)

Bang, above all, hates formal dresses. She’d called Tarvek to find an outfit for her. He’d thought she was going to try to kill him, but when it became clear that she’d kill him if he didn’t get her a dress, he made sure to find a very pretty one for her. It was a lovely cream with crimson beadwork on the bodice, spaghetti straps, an A-line full skirt, and a deep V-neck. She did have to admit that she felt pretty in it, even if it did make her vulnerable.

“Eep,” she yelped as Zeetha zipped it up.

“Thought you were invulnerable to pain,” Zeetha remarked.

“I’m not invulnerable to having all the air squeezed out of my chest!” Bang almost reached for a knife but stopped herself. Zeetha is a friend. She means well.

“Okay, Zeetha, try to murder me now,” Violetta laughed. She was in a deep purple off-the-shoulder dress with a tiered tulle skirt. Another Tarvek selection.

Zeetha obliged, yanking Violetta’s zipper up. She was wearing a golden mermaid dress that glistened in the light, with heels and bracelets the same hue of green as her hair. Tarvek hadn’t had any hand in her outfit; she’d picked it out herself. (He had almost been insulted that she hadn’t consulted him.)

“Are we ready to party?” Zeetha asked, rolling the r in a flamboyant manner. “Come on, the limo’s waiting outside!”

“The… limo?” Was not expecting this. Bang awkwardly laughed.

Zeetha rolled her eyes. “We’re picking up the boys in style, gals!” She grabbed Bang and Zeetha by the arms and yanked them outside, plopping them in the limo. “First stop, Tarvek!”

Tarvek was waiting for them when they got to his house. He hurriedly jumped into the limo — Bang could tell that he was worried about his father and his sister trying to stop him. His father was controlling to an extreme and his sister was… ill. She knew his home life wasn’t great, which was why she felt a twinge of guilt each time she stabbed him.

“Hey, Tarvek, if you need somewhere to stay tonight, my place is yours,” she said.

He jumped up in his seat. “Thanks! I don’t think I’ll need it, but thanks anyhow!” He was wearing a purple suit that matched Violetta’s dress exactly, with a purple and blue tie and a blue pocket square. The blue was Wulfenbach blue. Don’t say a thing. Let him pine on his own. He idly adjusted his cufflinks.

“So, Zeetha, who’s getting picked up next?” Violetta asked, fiddling with her amethyst necklace.

Zeetha smiled. “Gil, of course.”

“If he’s in anything other than green, blue, and purple, it’ll be a miracle,” Tarvek muttered.

“Oh, Tarvek!” Zeetha giggled. “Don’t worry. I made sure he got a suit. It’s black, with a cream shirt and a red tie and pocket square. It matches Bang perfectly!”

Tarvek breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much, Zeetha. A weight has truly been lifted off my shoulder.”

Bang suddenly realized that the beads on her dress were the same shade of red as Tarvek’s hair.

At Wulfenbach’s, Gil leapt out of the house in the suit Zeetha had bought for him, bounding into the car like an excitable puppy. He flopped down next to Bang, who noted that his new shoes were scuffed up already. Tarvek saw the exact same thing and tossed some black shoe polish towards Gil.

“You’ll need to open the window while applying that,” Tarvek said.

“You had this on you?” Gil asked, incredulous.

Tarvek shrugged. “A well groomed man is always prepared… your cuffs are sewn together, aren’t they?”

“It’s better that than Gil losing a cufflink again!” Zeetha retorted. “Remember when he did that in front of Queen Albia? The Baron was embarrassed for years.”

“Hey,” Gil rolled his eyes. “I’m not the one who showed up in traditional Skifandrian attire to the wedding of one of Albia’s daughters and nearly gave her a heart attack.”

The siblings looked like they were about to punch each other for a second, but the situation defused itself. Good, that’s one more time I won’t have to patch up Gil’s outfit tonight. Zeetha slouched back in her seat as Gil rested his right leg on his left.

“Who’s next?” Violetta eagerly asked.

Zeetha tensed. “I hate to do this,” she said, “but please keep this under wraps. He’s a Jager.”

“What?” Gil turned to his sister. “Dad’s going to kill you! And how did you let the prom committee to give a guest pass to a Jager?”

She twiddled her thumbs. “I pulled some strings, and Dad doesn’t need to know about it. For what it’s worth, Mom approved. He’s a nice guy, not any fangier than I am, just, y’know, immortal. I met him at the MMA gym.” She sighed. “His name’s Axel Higgs.”

The car was silent.

“Zeetha has a boyfriend! Good job, girl!” Violetta yelled.

The mysterious Axel Higgs was picked up outside a defense contractor’s office headquarters. His suit was a distinguished ecru, with a pale golden shirt and a green tie and pocket square. He carried himself with an air of dignity and refinement. A man of many hats.

Nobody said anything when he entered the limo. He smiled at them. No fangs. He sat next to Zeetha, who silently wrapped an arm around him.

“Should we, uh, do introductions?” Bang asked.

Zeetha grinned a fangy smile. “Yeah, sure! Do you want to start?”

“Okay,” Bang said. “I’m Bang Dupree. It’s short for Bangladesh. I met Zeetha last year, I think, at a karate tournament. Our match was a draw because the refs stopped us before one of us killed the other.”

“Gil Wulfenbach, short for Gilgamesh. I’m Zeetha’s long-lost twin brother. Our parents are divorced, so I’m stuck living with our dad, who’s some high-up in the defense industry.”

“Violetta Mondarev. I met Zeetha in our film class. We were watching The Princess Bride and we bonded over the inaccuracies in the fight scenes and the poisoning scene.”

“Tarvek Sturmvoraus, Violetta’s cousin. I’m not really all that close with Zeetha — I’m a friend of Gil’s and I’m close with my cousin, so I run into her a lot, but we’ve never really hung out.” Gil blushed at “friend”.

“Axel Higgs, Zeetha’s boyfriend and Jager. I wish I could tell you more about me, but that’s unfortunately classified information.”

Violetta and Tarvek were waltzing respectably well. He’s an excellent dancer — of course he is — and she’d learned from him. She was holding her skirt up just right, and when she twirled, it was glorious. Tarvek’s pince-nez gave them the general impression of being a relic from the Victorian era.

Colette and Xerxesphina were dancing quite well, too. They were enjoying the quick tempo of the Viennese waltz, taking advantage of it to twirl about the dance floor in a modified grapevine step. This was neatly avoiding the question of who was really in the lead.

Zeetha and Higgs were in such a close embrace that it was a surprise they were able to move at all, but moving they were. Their technique was subpar, particularly when compared to Tarvek’s meticulous footwork, but they were in tune with each other in a way that almost no other couple was.

Gil and Bang, on the other hand, were miserably failing at dancing. It wasn’t just the waltz. The saraband had been such a disaster that Tarvek had broken etiquette to whisk Bang off to dance with her while Violetta attempted to instill the basics in Gil. It didn’t help matters that Gil seemed to have two left feet.

“I hate this,” she whispered.

“I know,” he hissed back. “Could you at least try a bit harder?”

“Why should I keep trying when you’re the one who’s blundering the moves?”

Gil looked like he was ten seconds away from being arrested for attempted murder. “How about you think of this as a monster you want to kill?”

“Already trying,” she said. And it’s not working.

Later, they were all taking a break from dancing. Colette and Xerxesphina had gone off to “brush up their makeup”. More like “brush up on making out”. Tarvek was fixing his tie knot — his Eldredge had become asymmetrical, and he couldn’t stand it anymore. Gil and Higgs were enjoying discussing Jager history.

This meant that Bang, Violetta, and Zeetha were sitting at a table, drinking Arnold Palmers and munching on cake, chatting a little bit as they pleased to. Zeetha was a bit pissed that her brother was monopolizing her boyfriend (“especially since he’s got his own boyfriend here, too”), while Violetta was complaining about how sore her feet were (“with him, it’s always aesthetic over function, and it’s not like he’s ever tried dancing in these shoes”). Bang was just fiddling with her straw, listening to her friends.

She was also the first one to notice the monster when it came crashing through the ceiling.

“Guys. Look.” She gently shoved Violetta and Zeetha. “Is that just me, or is that something we can fight?”

“Oh yeah,” Zeetha’s eyes glazed over as their classmates began screaming. “Let’s go fight this thing.” She snatched one of Violetta’s shoes and snapped the heel off. “It’s improvised weapons time!”

Violetta took her other shoe and snapped its heel off, while Bang took an entire table leg. Zeetha passed the other heel to Violetta to grab an entire chair. Violetta complemented her heels by taking a hair pin out of a nearby dancer’s coiffure.

The Fighting Girls Tea and Cake Society started running after the monster, ready to take it down.

Maybe formal dances aren’t all so bad.

Read on AO3.

#girl genius #my fanfic #girl genius event week #may 24 prompt #bang dupree #zeetha #violetta mondarev #gil wulfenbach #tarvek sturmvoraus #axel higgs #fighting girls tea and cake society #prom au

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