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#dirty rat [affectionately]
marimosalad · 1 year
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King of Mordor the Southlands ™️
This drawing was totally inspired by the tweet below 🤣
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Charlie Vickers plays the perfect combination of disheveled and regal it’s incredible how they found him lol. I will forever be grateful to RoP for giving us discount Aragorn as Sauron 🫠
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sorry-ooo · 8 months
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herobrine showers in Lava. probably
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damn-ethan · 1 year
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um
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this guy
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vvanessaives · 2 years
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if i were johnny i would simply treat my girlfriends right
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babygirlbdubs · 2 years
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Wilbur: my priv is just going to be for songmaking posts
Also wilbur on his priv: cat pic, mcc opinions, cheese??
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extrashortshorts · 6 months
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So there’s this thing rats can do called Boggling which basically makes it look like their eyes are about to pop out of their skull. It’s usually when the rat is comfortable and content.
… I mean you already know where I am going with this, thanks to your au I now can’t stop thinking about Rat Shanks boggling and everyone being mildly to wildly disturbed because his eyes just pop out like. 👀 👀 . Some real looney tunes stuff.
Roger making a young Shanks laugh and then freaking because “Oh fuuuuck I broke my boy.” . Mihawk just budging away slowly from a tipsy and affectionate Shanks who’s eyes look like they are positively vibrating. Kid Luffy trying to imitate his idol having to be told “LUFFY NO.” In very certain terms because doing that pre Gumgum just spells disaster. The person most used to this would probably be Buggy, since they grew up together and he witnessed Shanks doing that several times. Doesn’t mean he likes it tough. “….Stop that.” “I can’t help it. I’m so happy.” “You look like you’re about to pop, dirty rat!” “I’m just so happy to hang out with you.” “STOP!” “I like hanging out with you so mu-“”GODDAMN DON’T TRY TO DO IT HARDER YOU’RE SO GROSS!”
There’s just so many species misunderstandings and silly moments I can think about and it tickles me pink.
Phhhwhwhwhhh-👀 his staring is tooo obvious
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darlingmbappe · 1 year
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The Loneliest [Epilogue] | Kylian Mbappé x Fem Reader
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[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three] [Part Four] [Epilogue]
Summary: A glimpse into your life with Kylian Mbappé.
Warnings: Smut, oral (male and female receiving), cussing, crying, pregnancy, badly google translated french, super cheesy (sorry not sorry), I feel like I got a little preachy at the end there but I feel like it fits, so it stayed in, 10.8k words so read when you have time to spare lmao. Let me know if I missed anything! – English is not my first language –
Masterlist
"You seriously need to get out of this place." Kylian grunted as he wiped his hands on a dirty hand towel, sweat shining on his forehead.
You scoff. "You're telling me." You leave the fruit you were slicing on the counter to lean over and quickly peck him on the lips. "Thanks for fixing the AC, babe."
"Don't thank me yet. I don't even know if I did any of that right." He chuckles, stealing a peach slice from the cutting board and popping it in his mouth.
Fair point. Though you felt the air finally blowing coolly on your sweaty neck, Kylian was absolutely not a handyman. But all you had to do was bat your lashes and he was game, taking his shirt off with a wink and throwing it at you jokingly.
Even after almost seven months of living in this shoebox, your landlord had only come once to replace your doorknob which promptly fell off the next day. Besides being absolute dog shit at his job, he's a creepy man. Always with a lingering stare and invasive questions. Kylian met him one time and assured you you didn't have to call that guy ever again, that he'd take care of any maintenance issues. You laughed out loud when he told you this which bruised his ego, but he's kept his word.
So far, he's successfully captured and released a rat, unsuccessfully repaired your ceiling fan, and more recently, accidentally sprayed himself in the face with a vicious stream of water while trying to fix your drippy kitchen faucet. He was pissed, but only for a second. Your unstoppable laughter cut right through his bad mood that was sure to explode out. Instead, you both shared a moment of wheezing, clutching your stomachs and clinging onto each other for balance.
It had been a good six months officially back together. Better than good. The relationship itself was easy. Of course it was easy… you knew him inside and out, and vice versa. You’d tried to keep your guard up, truly... but, whenever Kylain wrapped his large hand around your waist like he was now, you melted into him.
You continue slicing peaches and berries, Kylian's sweaty and shirtless body pressed behind you to look over your shoulder, resting his chin on your bone, placing only one kiss to the side of your neck to hear you giggle. The sweet sound was his absolute favorite since the moment he met you. The spot where your shoulder met your neck would scrunch into his face when his lips landed there — a useful piece of information he took advantage of ever since he discovered it.
“I have a knife in my hand, you know.” You warned playfully, making him squeeze you affectionately.
“Wow, I’m very scared.”
“You should be.” You set the knife down and turn in his arms, facing Kylian, only a couple inches away from his face. “I’m deadly.”
“That, you are.” He mumbled in a sultry tone, pressing forward to kiss you without hesitation, letting his hands begin to move on your hips, pulling your body directly into his.
You wrap your arms around his neck and move your mouth against his, careful not to touch him with your sticky fingers. He smiles against you, walking your entwined bodies backwards until his leg hits the couch, bringing you both down onto the soft cushions.
“Kylian!” You chuckled delightedly, pulling away from his face as you straddled his lap, his hands resting on your ass comfortably. “I’m making a tart.”
“Let’s make out first.” He dictated, biting his lip as his stare became needier.
You rolled your eyes, shaking your head with an adoring grin. “It won’t take me long to finish.”
“Me neither.” He joked, wiggling his eyebrows, defensively laughing as you smacked his arm at the comment.
You still haven’t had sex, not since before the break up. It wasn’t a precaution or punishment you intended on keeping for this long, but you wanted the timing to be perfect. You understand that this is quite a large amount of pressure to put on one single moment, but it’s a part of you you didn’t want to give away just yet. A safety net, of sorts. It had been almost eight months since that dreary night of your birthday. To some, that might seem like a long period to not have sex — but to you, the broken intimacy extends far past the parameters of time. You’d do it when you were sure you were ready.
Thankfully, Kylian accepted your decision and respected it, but refused to hold back his affections. Physically, he didn’t think he could. You were just so cute, so sexy, and exclusively his again.
You climbed off his lap, tusking at him as you walked away back into the kitchen. Not a far walk, but Kylian enjoyed the view nonetheless.
He wanted you so bad. Obviously, the amazing sex wasn’t even close to the sole reason for wanting you back… but he was just a man. An impressive man, yes. But still only a man. He could whine about it as much as he wanted to, but this was still your timeline and his fuck up.
You were stuck in a daydream as you began to roll the dough out. Your shitty oven preheated fourteen degrees hotter than your recipe called for, but the heat mechanism inside was as old as Paris itself. You’d had one too many under baked dishes until you finally figured it out. You made sure the line was drawn for handyman-Kylian when he needed to stick his head inside of an oven.
You were snapped out of your thoughts when the oven started to click. Now, you’re no expert, but that’s not something an oven should do. You and Kylian both locked eyes, a furrow of concern growing on both your faces as the clicking turned to rattling. Then, it began shaking, shaking until it plopped itself open like in a cartoon, the oven door breaking off completely and clanging on your floor, sending a wave of strong heat straight to your face.
“Jesus!” You jumped back and Kylian was pulling you away toward the front door in a millisecond.
“Stay there!” He yelled running back to the kitchen, carefully stepping around the heated door on the ground while avoiding the scorching air from the oven, turning the knob to turn it off hurriedly. He sprinted back to you as you both watched the oven calm itself, the laser red heaters inside slowly dwindling.
You stared at your kitchen with tears of frustration brimming your eyes, uniting your apron and throwing it down. “I fucking hate this place!” You crossed your arms, well aware your pout looked like a third graders.
Kylian hooked his arm around your shoulder, bringing your crying figure into his chest. “I know, amour. I know.”
Kylian felt waves of guilt in moments like these, knowing that if it weren’t for him, you’d be comfortable in your shared home, lavishly living like he wanted you to. Like you were meant to. He’d offered many times to at least let him pay for an upgrade, but the scowl alone let him know that he was not to do that. You made it clear that your life and his were to be separate until further notice. Even offering to buy you a new shower head was crossing that line, no matter how badly you wanted one that didn’t feel like you were being pissed on by an elderly man.
“How ‘bout we finish your tart at my place?” He murmurs, tilting your head up, wiping the tears away carefully. You nuzzled your nose back into his skin, nodding and sniffling.
He helped you place everything neatly in Tupperware containers while you made yourself an overnight bag.
You kept disposables at his place; toothbrush, extra face wash, makeup wipes… the sort of things that were replaceable in case anything went awry. But recently, you’d notice you’d leave your charger there accidentally, a couple of nice shirts or jeans. Though you scolded yourself for the carelessness, a part of you was happy your subconscious knew you’d be back there. The possibility of everything going to shit again wasn’t anywhere in sight, but you didn't want to jinx it.
His place always smelled the same. Woody, slightly floral, airy like the windows were always left open. Your place, on the other hand, always smelled of mildew, no matter how long you’d let fresh air in, how many candles you lit, how many air fresheners you bought. His home was evocative. Comforting. The perfect place to finish your tart.
“Can I help?” Kylian asked, taking yet another peach from your tray.
“Yeah, how about you stop stealing my ingredients?” You poked, sifting more flour on his countertop.
“But they taste so good.”
“Don’t care. Chef’s rules.” You shrug, pulling the bowl of fruit away from Kylian.
He clicked his tongue disapprovingly as you focused on making your desert, continuing to roll the dough out like you had been trying to do for the past hour. Suddenly, you felt a sharp whip on your ass.
“Ah!” You squeal, turning around and seeing Kylian wearing a shit eating grin and holding a kitchen towel innocently. “You whipped me!” You try and hold back a grin, but it slipped through.
Kylian shrugged. “You can’t prove anything.”
“Oh, you wanna mess with me?” You shake your head, taking the towel that was thrown over your shoulder and twisting it menacingly, instantly sending Kylian on defense with his own towel.
You both were set in position, just waiting for the other to make a move. You tried your luck and it worked, whipping him right on the leg.
“Putain!” He curses, immediately retaliating but missing when you step back. You tried again, hitting him in the butt as he attempted to run away, laughing when you heard his playful scream. “Oh, now you’re really gonna get it, mon chérie.”
You both psyched each other out on opposite ends of the kitchen island, giggling at every move you made. This was Kylian's game. Having professional practice at this daily, he caught you when you tried to make a run for the living room, strong arms wrapping around your waist.
“No!” You cackled, doing your best to hit him with the rag as your limbs went weak with joy, letting him carry your full body weight down to the couch, your head landing on the cushion as he straddled you. He poked your sides, successfully tickling you into a silent laughing mess, big intakes of air were few and far between until you could pull yourself together enough to wave your white flag. “Okay! Okay! I give up! You win!”
He stopped, chuckling at you who was still calming down, arms protectively covering your stomach. Kylian was absolutely filled with adoration at this moment. He loved seeing you so happy, so candid, so full of life. He loved knowing he played a part in that. That he made you laugh. He was responsible for the now subdued giggles that found their way up from your chest by their own accord.
He couldn’t help himself. He leaned down and kissed your lips so sweetly that it made him dizzy… it made you dizzy. You placed your gentle hands on his face, pulling him in deeper, scratching the nape of his neck and pulling back enough to watch the goosebumps flood his skin.
“You still love when I do that.” You mumble, voice quiet and wispy.
He hummed, turning his head to kiss your wrist. “I just love you.”
Your heart thumped at his affirmation. It did every time. “I love you too.”
With nothing else left to say, you pulled him back into you, letting the passion take over as your leg wrapped up and around his waist to pull him closer.
He might as well have been devouring you, soaking in every ounce of love you presented him with. His tongue lapped yours, hands roaming up and down your sides, feeling the hums you sang in his entire body like electricity.
His hips began to grind gently on yours, lost in the sweet kisses you bombarded him with as he moved down your neck, leaving purposeful hickeys on it as proof that he was there. Proof that you were his. He began to get hard, something he’d usually try and hide to not make you feel bad about the no sex thing, but he didn’t this time. He was too caught up in this moment with you.
Without much warning, you flipped both of your bodies around, now straddling his taken-aback figure. You leaned down and pressed one single long kiss on his lips before pulling off completely, standing and walking away.
You left Kylian on his back, a disappointed look on his features as he caught his breath, your body nowhere near his anymore. He wanted to fully feel you again so badly, already making a plan to excuse himself to the bathroom for approximately 5-10 minutes to take care of himself.
Before he could, a piece of clothing landed on his body. He looked at it confused, leaning up and over the back of the couch to see you standing halfway up the staircase, topless, a flirtatious smirk dancing across your features. Once you saw the realization hit him, you giggled and jogged up the stairs.
He only let himself sit in shock for a second before he jolted up, making long strides toward the staircase, following the trail of clothing. Your shorts, your socks, until he reaches the doorknob that you hung your bra on. He took them all in his hands, slowly opening the door.
There you were — revealed, laying with your arms propped up, facing his direction in nothing but a pair of underwear, your figure shining in the afternoon sun that was steeping through the open window. The backlighting provided a luminous halo around your head, eyes traveling down to your hardened nipples, your navel, your legs — you looked completely angelic. His limbs lost the ability to hold up your strung clothing anymore, letting them drop to his feet as he exhaled, eyes hooded with need.
“Shut the door, baby.”
He does as he’s told, closing it with his foot so he wouldn’t have to turn away from your practically naked body. As he walked to you, he shed his own clothing, leaving himself only in boxer briefs when he reached you, laying on top of you. He wastes no time kissing you, showing you how desperate he is for this moment to go on.
His left hand held his weight up as his right traced a gentle path from your thigh to your neck, pulling your face ever closer to his, noses smushed against each other.
You whimpered, feeling wetness pool between your legs, moving your hips against his now obvious erection. You placed your thumb under the hem of his boxers, tugging them down as far you could until he rolled over on his back and pulled them down the rest of the way, erection slapping his stomach. His eyes were wide as you straddled him again, placing your warm hands on his bare chest.
“You’re so sweet to me.” You praised, voice like candy but extremely sultry. You pecked his bicep. “And patient.” You kissed his chest. “And thoughtful.” Just above his belly button. “You’re… everything to me.” You sigh, kissing almost the base of his wanting member, keeping eye contact as you grab it, kissing his red tip.
He whined at the contact, caressing your hair. “Bébé…” He wanted to say so much more, but when he saw your lips wrap around his head, all he could do was throw his head back into the pillow and lift it just as fast, not wanting to miss a second of this moment.
You took him down slowly, twisting your hand up and down with slight pressure, tracing the familiar veins as you went on. His moans were pure filth, just getting filthier the deeper you took him. You were proud of yourself for not losing your deepthroating abilities as his tip went down your throat and your lips met his base, massaging his balls as he groaned into the air.
You pulled back and flattened your tongue against his slit, using the tip of your tongue to circle around it stiffly. “Mon dieu…” He hissed, breathy and laced with unadulterated pleasure.
Finally, you gave into your craving – fully realizing how much you’d missed having him in the palm of your hand like this. Taking the entirety of his length all the way back in without warning made his hips jolt into you, causing you to gag but not pull back. His eyes were fixed on yours and how tears formed on your lashes. Your mouth is so full of him, bursting at the seams as your lips touched his base. The way you tried to take him deeper with a slow shake of the head… it all drove him mad. He felt like he was under your spell.
The shallow breaths and whines Kylian sounded out made you soak your panties even more. You felt as if he were close, but you didn’t want him to come. Not yet.
You pulled him out with a pop, wiping the corners of your mouth as he wasted no time sitting up. His gaze didn’t falter as he watched how you stood on your knees on the bed, straddling his legs, looking down at Kylian who made eye contact as his hands were placed flat on the outsides of your thighs. Slowly, he pulled your panties down. He was practically face to face with your pussy but felt the need to look at you, your eyes, the way you bit your lip. He finally looked forward and groaned appreciatively at the sight, seeing you glisten for him.
“You’re perfect.” He said almost to himself, putting his hands on the round of your ass to get you to shuffle into his face. Once you were close enough, he buried himself in your slit immediately as you grabbed his shoulders and dug your nails in.
He tilted back to get the perfect angle for his tongue to meet your clit, expertly moving his tongue back and forth, up and down, every direction with consistency and pressure. He couldn’t get enough of your taste, feeling like an addict who’s relapsed on his drug of choice.
He couldn’t be positive that this wasn’t another wet dream as he watched your chest heave above him, the light now hitting you directly. It illuminated every goosebump, every divot, every curve, every stretch mark, every bit of your skin. He didn’t even know if he was blinking, taking a mental video of the way you looked right now for later, whenever he was alone.
Your legs shook as he added a finger up into you, then another to accompany it. “Holy… fuck… yes!” You couldn’t keep the moans in if you tried, your mind blank from anything but the thought, why the hell did I wait this long again? You’d know the answer in a heartbeat if Kylian hadn’t begun scissoring his digits, curling them like he had a map telling him exactly where to go.
“Oh, god… Kylian… yes! Right there… feels so good, baby.” You blabbered, maybe not as coherent as you meant for it to come out, but Kylians ears perked at any noise he could get out of you, pressing his face lower and deeper into your pussy. He continued to eat you out, fingering you mercilessly. His own moans were blubbered, sending the vibrations through you anyway, amplifying the sensation of him being tucked between your legs.
“Ky… fuck!” Your voice shook along with your legs as you neared your climax. “You’re gonna make me cum so hard, baby.” You grabbed the back of his head and pushed it harder against you. He wanted to tell you how he wanted to feel you cum all over his face, on his tongue, on his fingers… but couldn’t find it in him to pull away from your sweetness.
Instead, he laid down on his back, doing his best to pull you with him to not break his movements. You let him pull your body down to effectively sit on his face, eyes rolling back at the increased pressure as he tugged you deeper.
“Holy shit.” You groan, grabbing the headboard with a white fist, peeking down at Kylian who had his hands wrapped around your upper thighs, his eyes the only visible portion of his face from where he drowned himself in you.
His long, long fingers were relentless at speeds you’d only attribute to him, tongue lapping perfectly in sync, brutally abusing your sensitive bundle of nerves over, and over, and over, and over…
“Oooh, fuuuck!” Your high pitched voice elongated and wobbly as your orgasm nearly brought spots to your eyes, sending waves of pleasure through your body. You shook uncontrollably as Kylian continued to lap up everything you gave him, fingers still working inside of you until you instinctively used any strength left in you to pull off of him, moving your hips lower until your upper body rested completely on top of his.
Kylian breathed heavily on his back, feeling so accomplished and satisfied, no matter how painfully hard he still was. He was surprised he didn’t blow his load watching and listening to you scream his name. Even now he could cum with the feeling of your wetness bare on his skin and your lazy kisses on his peck, shaking fingers reaching down to tangle your hands together.
Without saying anything, you pulled yourself up, shifting your weight until you were lined up with his cock, pressing your wet core down on it and grinding against him.
“Ah…” He groaned, shutting his eyes at the friction. “I really am not gonna last if you do that, bébé.”
You bit your lip and smirked lovingly down at him, untangling your hands and used them to run up and down his bare chest. Feeling his muscles flex and heave was so intimate, wanting, needing to feel every inch of his skin with your own.
You lifted your hips once more, using one of your hands to line up his girthy member to your weeping core, letting it prod you open like he has hundreds of times before. The tightness from your last orgasm, the slick mix of his own spit and your cum, the feeling of finally getting to bury himself inside you once more… to think it all felt elusive to him just six months ago. To think he could have lost you forever.
His brows furrowed as you took him to the hilt, resting there to let yourself adjust to his massive size. Kylian looked to where your bodies connected, biting his lip to keep from moaning at just the sight. His hands grabbed your ass cheeks as you slowly began to move. The stretch was perfect, the pain from it even heightened the sensation of the intimate act.
“Fuck.” Kylian breathed as you found a slow rhythm, bouncing up and down on his dick.
He began to meet you halfway with his thrusts, hypnotized by the way your tits bounced in his face as you leaned forward. He hummed in pleasure, reaching out in front of him to grab two handfuls of your breasts, tweaking your nipples under his fingers, tugging at the supple skin.
The sun beamed on you like a goddess, as he continued to watch you in perfect clarity. The noises in the room were filthy, moans and grunts, skin slapping together, low curses that groveled out straight from your chests.
Your legs became tired and you leaned forward more, bodies pressed up against one another completely as you moved your hips against his, feeling your second orgasm beginning to brew inside your lower belly.You buried your face in Kylians neck as he held your body tightly, hugging your torso as you continued to move back and forth.
He could tell your muscles were sore from riding him, so he shifted his hips up slightly. “You’re so amazing.” He praised into your ear, kissing your shoulder as he propped his legs up. “I love you so much.”
Kylian, though not on top, wanted to have some of the control. Make you feel so good. He positioned himself perfectly to fuck up into you… and he did.
The first thrust was deep and hard. “Oh, Ky… oh… fuck!” You moan out, pulling back from his neck to look him in the eye. The second thrust was the same. And the third. And the fourth. His pace was ruthless and tender, perfectly rough as the drag of his dick going in and out, poking and poking that spot that made your toes curl into themselves.
You cussed out, moaned out his name — the vibrato of your moans matching the continuing thrusts into you that didn’t falter, didn’t stop, didn’t hesitate. Not even when you saw the familiar scrunch between his eyebrows raise up.
“You gonna cum inside me, baby?” You heaved, not knowing how much longer you’d be able to hold your own climax.
He screws his eyes shut, trying to form a word but just grunting instead, nodding quickly. You leaned down and kissed him, gently biting his lower lip and tugging it.
He held you tighter, leaning up to press his forehead to yours, lips and noses brushing against each other, breaths becoming one as your opened mouth pants fanned the others face. “Cum with me, amour.”
“Mhm.” You hummed out a moan of agreement, actual words being much more difficult.
Staring dotingly into the eyes of the man you love, letting him make love to you… Bare and vulnerable together. Tethered to each other through years of good humor and solid devotion. In that moment, you two felt unbreakable. Whether that was true or not didn’t matter. Not even a little bit. You’d weathered the storm and found out it was impossible to survive it without the other. That feeling of true love translating into a physical act, knowing that the emotions you held for each other were authentic and reciprocated was a feeling you’d carry with you for the rest of your life.
You felt the warmth spread in your lower abdomen as you curled into Kylians sweaty body. “I’m gonna cum,” you pant, bracing his shoulders.
“Me too. Fuck.” He cursed, not wanting this moment to end. He continued his thrusts, watching the pleasure and torture grow on your face by the second. He thrusts again, again, again, again, until he knew he couldn’t stop himself anymore. “Cum for me, bébé.”
You cried out into his mouth. He did the same, squeezing your body against his so tightly. Simultaneously, your orgasms ripped through your bodies. Your walls shook around him as he spurted his hot seed inside you, effectively painting your walls white as he fucked it deeper into you. He did his best to keep his eyes open, needing to see how you fell apart… It was magic.
His thrusts slowed until they halted altogether. Your ears rang at the silence that followed the passion, slowly regaining the ability to listen to the synchronized breathing, the rapid heartbeats that thumped loudly against the others chest, the faint ambiance of the outside world you both had forgotten about, only focused on the one true love in front of you… in front of him.
“Kylian?” You heaved after a moment of basking in each other's presence, feeling his hand move up and up your bare back to hold the back of your head against his chest.
“Yes, mon amour?”
You paused, smiling and kissing his chest tenderly. “I don’t think I’m ever gonna finish that tart.”
Five months later
“Okay. Fine. I’ll hand it to you.” You sigh, hand resting on your hips as you try and catch your breath. “This was definitely worth the hike.”
Kylian blew a raspberry as he set the blanket down on the tall grass. “That was barely a hike.”
“It was a steep hill.”
“You didn’t even carry anything.” He pointed out, setting the basket down and gesturing to it. “That shit is heavy.”
“You packed it.” You respond, walking over and sitting down on the checkered material and shuffling through the items in the wicker basket. “Oh, damn. Ky. I thought this was going to be like… ziplock baggies and canned wine kind of picnic.”
“Canned wine?” He repeated, shocked and almost offended.
“It’s a thing.” You shrugged, pulling out the glass tins full of food, opening them, spreading them around neatly as he sat next to you and helped by lighting a candle he brought to keep away the bugs.
He pulled out a bottle of cabernet, wiggling his eyebrows at you. “Tonight is for real wine.” He stated, uncorking the bottle with the corkscrew.
He really thought of everything.
You thanked him as he handed you a stemless glass full of red liquid. “You’re so cute.” You mumble, watching him as he opened the container with pastries, neatly organized, somehow unaffected by the long drive and trek up to this spot. A light laugh escaped his lips, shy under your loving gaze. You squeeze his hand for a second before you request, “let me take a picture of you, honey.” 
It obviously wasn’t a suggestion as you shuffled opposite of him, positioning yourself behind your cell phone.
Kylian smiled, squinting slightly at the direct sunlight of the lowering sun. The captured moment couldn’t be more sweet, feeling a goofy giggle rise from your chest looking at your man digitally captured. It couldn’t possibly compare to the actual sight, but it was a close second.
“Adorable.” You go back to your spot, now leaning some of your body weight on his shoulder. “Let's eat. I’m starving.”
He chuckled, having heard that from you the second he began driving from the small rental cabin in the French countryside to this spot. A secluded hillside facing west, painted with wildflowers and tall grass. He felt around discreetly in his pocket, finding that the small box was still secured safely in there.
He handed you a cloth napkin when he saw you devouring one of the finger sandwiches and using your hand as a plate. You thanked him with a giggle, not even embarrassed about the glob of mustard you felt at the corner of your mouth.
You both carried casual conversations while you munched on the packed dinner; listening to his stories about the team, asking about family members, laughing at inside jokes, gossiping about people at your work… domestic conversations that flowed like a river downstream.
The way you gently brushed away a crumb on the corner of his mouth… how you’d take a bite of his pastry even though you had your own…  watching your nose scrunch up and your head tilt back when he made you laugh… when he shielded you from the gentle spring breeze and you tucked yourself deeper into him until eventually, the pair of you might as well have combined into one. It was all so comfortable.
He noticed as you became distracted from the conversation, the clouds in the sky whisking together as the colors change catching your attention more than his locker room story.
“It's so beautiful here..." You mumble softly, trying to conserve this serene moment. You romanticized this kind of life; settling down in the French countryside; acres of open land and rolling hills, living off of homegrown vegetables and freshly squeezed lemonade.
Kylian pulled your shoulder down into his body, letting you use him as a headrest until you shuffled your way in between his open legs, falling into his warm embrace as if it was chiseled just for you by whatever higher power was out there.
He wrapped a snug and affectionate hug around your waist, pressing his cheek to the side of your head. Solely your presence in this time was enough to make him yearn to grow roots; plant himself deep into this soil with you in his embrace. The old oak trees that were scattered across the land were calling him to settle down with them. They reached toward the sun, strong and tall, branching out with leaves that danced happily in the sporadic gusts of air, content in their growth, their place, their permanence.
Ever since he'd known you, he knew you had a thing for sunsets. You would point them out so frequently as if it were your first time ever seeing one. His fondest memory is winning your love back while watching the long rays of sun break through the clouds in his Paris home, the home you finally share again. Well over a year has passed, but he remembered every detail like it just happened the day before. That's why this was the place he'd ask you – again – to marry him. This time, he'd see it through. He'd watch you walk down the aisle. He'd kiss you after declaring his love in front of everyone. He'd spend the rest of his days cherishing you, growing a family of your own, reminding you how perfect you are to him.
He kissed your temple, warmth spreading when you pressed into his lips, hearing you take a deep breath in. He took one also, preparing himself for what’s to come. "Come on. I gotta show you something."
He stood up and helped you along, grabbing your hand and entwined your fingers, leading you down the hill, walking hand in hand for a couple minutes. You saw it immediately, even from yards away; the field of wildflowers that sprung up from the ground, invading the land for miles was impossible to ignore. The untouched area leaves them at peace to grow and be beautiful, insusceptible to the wrath of lawn mowers and weed-wackers.
As their petals reflected the gold rays of the sun, the light changed the colors of your skin. He couldn’t focus on the deep warming hues above him like you were, completely distracted from the sight. The sun kissed the horizon and he could see its mirrored image in your eyes. He decided that was a much better way to experience this.
“Kylian.” You breathed, your voice airy and dreamy. Your eyes couldn’t be torn away as you walked into the field of flowers, feeling the stems tickle your ankles. Kylian stayed in place, your hands parting when you walked too far away. “Look at the sky.”
He found himself in this situation before, having to disobey your request once again as his eyes were preoccupied. He wished he was a painter so he could recreate this scene and look at it forever; put it up in a museum with a silver plaque that told everyone how much you mean to him — though he was sure that even with the largest of vocabularies, the words to truly explain the way you made him feel didn’t exist. It was allconsuming. Overpowering. Unreal.
He thought about the last time he was in this position – with a ring burning a hole in his pants pocket. The sweat beads on his forehead were obvious that night, having to use his suit jacket’s sleeve to keep them out of his eyes. He remembered how all of your peers cheered when you said yes, the rooftop restaurant rented out for only your close friends and family. It was nice experiencing that blissful moment with others, but today felt calmer. Like the eyes of the world couldn’t reach you. The pressure of it all was still heavy, but his soul was still as water in a pond, only riddled by the distant worry of the inevitable day's end — healed rapidly by the knowledge he’d have you in his arms every day after.
You faced the horizon still, back turned to him when his knee had found the earth below him, his fingers clutching the pocket sized box. He should be nervous now like he had been all week, overthinking every integral moment of the rebuild of your relationship — but he knew right now, in this moment, in his heart, it’d be you and him forever. Just as the universe intended.
“Isn’t it perfect?” The words escaped your lips just as you twirled around, not expecting to have to look down to meet your lover's adoring gaze. You gasp, putting your hand on your chest at the man on one knee.
You two shared a second of silence, throats clogged with weeps that waited patiently to break free inside your throats, hearts beating at the same pace, bound to each others’ without the promise of a ring.
“In all my years, I’ve found many things that make me happy in this life. But none of them compare to you.” The emotion of it all brought tears to his eyes, matching your glossy ones. “From the first moment I saw you, I was yours. Every day since, I fall deeper in love with you. I promise you, I will fight for our love until my last day on earth. I’ll work hard to keep a smile on your face, because no one can make me smile like you can. I’m so in love with you. I can’t wait to grow old with you. To grow a family. To spend the rest of our lives by each other's side. The good and the bad.”
Your hand covered your mouth, but he saw the smile reach your eyes, trails from your crying running down each finger. You sniffled into your palm, Kylian's beaming and hopeful smile radiating brighter than any sunset ever has.
He flipped open the box, still fixated on only you, and you only him. “You’re the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life.” His voice cracked as the words escaped him, speaking directly from the deepest part of his soul. “Will you marry me?”
You clutched your heart once more and stumbled toward Kylian, getting down on your own knees to be at his level. You grabbed his face softly, staring into his sparkling irises, giggling happily through the tears, wiping his own with your thumbs.
“Yes!” You rejoiced, words laced in pure honey, kissing his lips aimlessly. “Of course I’ll marry you, Kylian.”
You wrap your arms around his neck, both your faces fitting delightfully in the crooks of each other's necks, wetting the skin with the endless waterfalls that fell freely.
You pulled back, kissing him once more. He kept his head close to yours as you both finally looked down at the ring inside the box.
“Oh my god, Ky.” You gasped, allowing him to take your left hand in his. “It’s gorgeous.”
His eyes wrinkled at the corners as he kissed your ring finger before sliding on the band, fitting perfectly.
“They’re the same diamonds.” He explained, referring to your first engagement ring while you took in every detail of your newest and most permanent piece of jewelry. “It didn’t feel right to give you the same ring but I couldn’t get rid of it, so...” 
He had spent months with a designer figuring out the different cuts and bands to symbolize a second beginning for an eternity with you.
“It’s perfect.”
You both stood together, heads leaning into each other until the trees turned to shadows. The moon's faint blue light provided no guidance for finding your way back to the car, yet neither of you grew any concern over it, finding security in entwined fingers and shared laughter.
Seven years later
“I’m definitely balding.” Kylians voice echoed from the hallway over the soft music playing.
You shake your head with a chuckle, arms tired from rolling and kneading a ball of dough. “No you’re not. You’ve been looking at the back of your head too much, hun.”
He saunters into the kitchen holding his phone out at arms length toward you. “Look.” You stare at his screen displaying an awkwardly self-taken picture of the crown of his head, only slightly less hair on the top than a couple years ago. “See?”
You shrug at him as he continues to analyze the image, pinching it to zoom in. “I think the back of your head looks just as handsome as the day I met you.”
He clicks his tongue, setting the phone down as if that’ll make him stop thinking about his inevitable aging. Kylian leans against the counter next to you, obviously eyeing the strawberries you’d just washed inside a bowl in the sink.
“Nuh-uh. Don’t even think about it.” You read his intentions, Kylian being a notorious and shameless ingredient thief.
A playful smirk found its way to his lips as his hand inched closer to the pile of fruit, watching and waiting for the reaction that he craved to get from you.
“Kylian…” You warned in a whiney tone as he snatched one by the stem, bringing it to his grinning lips. He made a whole show of taking a bite of it, humming and closing his eyes like it’s the best thing he had ever tasted, even rubbing his belly comically for dramatic effect. You sigh, biting back a grin that would only fuel his shenanigans. “I’m gonna have to start putting out decoy ingredients covered in hot sauce, or something.”
He smiles wider, showing off the creases in his face that are now permanent. Though he felt insecure at times about his aging skin that portrayed wrinkles even in his most relaxed state, you couldn’t love them more — a souvenir from decades of laughing and happiness. Proof of a joyous life. It’d formed your semi-new habit of kissing the crows feet at the corners of his eyes, loving how it made them more prominent as he’d grin at the simple act of adoration.
Kylian extends the other half of his bitten fruit to your mouth, feeding you the rest of the strawberry, feeling your lips brush against the pads of his fingers.
You hummed at the sweet juice, savoring the flavor. “I don’t know how your mom’s strawberries always taste so perfect.”
“I’m pretty sure she gives us the best ones.”
“She’s so cute.” You praise, washing the flour off your hands. “When are they getting here, again?”
Kylian looks at his watch. “Uh, like seven, I think.”
You nod, seeing that you’re cutting it close on timing to finish the tart, but it should give it enough time to chill once the crust is cooled off. Kylian made himself a snack as you put the crust in the oven, immediately beginning the clean up of the mess you've made with a big sigh.
While munching on a sandwich, your husband helped you by putting away the refrigerated items. You’d gotten used to the little things after all these years, like him cleaning the kitchen with you. He hated cleaning but simple things like that show love and respect. He never expected gratitude when he did these things, but you always showed him anyway.
Sometimes, you'd get to thinking about all the small acts like those that add up to keep you both feeling like equals in the relationship. Your heart just fills up, usually leading to you roughly grabbing Ky’s face and smushing your lips to his cheek, dramatically smacking loud kisses onto him with a flooding wave of appreciation for your significant other. It’d take him by surprise at the most random of times, but looked forward to your next smooch attack every time. When you’d get to looking at him for too long, sentiments you’ve collected through the years take over your brain like wildfire, needing to express your love in some physical manner before you explode. 
Kylian’s more immediate with his affections. He’d have one thought and would have to share it with you that instant. Ranging from easy compliments when he’d wake up before you, claiming “I love your nose” from the deepest part of his soul; to “you’re really turning me on right now” when you ran your hands down his chest post-shoulder rub after his training. His affections poured out of him into you.
You hummed along to the music mindlessly, songs you haven’t heard in years shuffled on your mass playlist. The beat had your hips moving and head bobbing as you began wiping down the counter, but you found yourself grinning down at the marble when the soft piano began to play through the speaker.
“I haven’t listened to this in forever.” You mumbled, not looking up to see your husband trying to contain his smile behind you at the familiar and lovely tune. 
Kylian pressed two warm hands at your hips, kissing your cheek from behind you. “Me neither.” He slowly swayed your movements to sync with his, moving his hands to wrap around your stomach loosely. “You know, I almost cried when we danced to this at our wedding.”
“Yes, I know.” You giggle, collecting some crumbs on your hand and tossing them in the sink next to you, wiping your palms with a rag. “You’re a big softie.”
Though the version you had at the wedding was much different than the original, the words still rang true. The lyrics to La Vie en Rose begin to take over the kitchen.
“Des yeux qui font baisser les miens, un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche. Voilà le portrait sans retouches de l'homme auquel j'appartiens” A gaze that makes me lower my own, a laugh that is lost on his lips. That is the un-retouched portrait of the man to whom I belong.
“Dance with me.” He whispers, stretching his fingers over the material of your shirt.
You chuckle like a schoolgirl, looking down to try and hide your love-struck timidness. “You’re so cheesy, Ky.”
“I don’t care.” He walks your bodies away from the counter, turning you around to show you his dimpled face, looking absolutely content to just be there with you. “I want to dance with my beautiful wife.”
You gaze up at him like he hung the moon, already over yourself as you wrap your arms around his neck, letting him pull you close by the small of your back.
“Quand il me prend dans ses bras, qu'il me parle tout bas, je vois la vie en rose. Il me dit des mots d'amour. Des mots de tous les jours, mais moi, ça me fait quelque chose.” When he takes me into his arms, He speaks to me softly, I see the world through rose-colored glasses. He speaks words of love to me. They are everyday words, but they do something to me.
He touches his forehead to yours, closing his eyes just for a second before lending them back to you. The eyes that made you feel seen so many years ago are making you feel seen, still. 
Some fights and rough patches you thought you could never get over… but you could. You did. Sure, time heals all wounds and all, but earning forgiveness takes a lot out of a relationship. Both of you had to set aside your own agendas and get over useless spurts of bitterness, grudges; forcing yourself to put aside your pride because your heart just can’t go on without the other. Love isn’t about forgetting mistakes, but growing past them together. Love is about mutual respect and security. Having a companion through it all. It’s about commitment and feeling safe in that commitment. Allowing them to see the lowest lows and trusting that they’re right there with you. 
“Il est entré dans mon cœur. Une grande part de bonheur, dont je connais la cause. C'est lui pour moi, moi pour lui dans la vie.” A bit of happiness that I know the cause of. It's only him for me, and for me, only him, for life. He told me, he swore to me, for life. 
You nuzzled your face into his chest, letting your arms wrap completely around him as he did the same. To be loved by him was fulfilling and exhilarating and placid and right. The feeling of your family home, familiar in ways you can't describe but can only experience through the nostalgia of fond memories. 
You didn’t even need to say the words anymore. You both just knew. Always. 
The song ends and Kylian pulls his head into the crook of your neck, needing to feel the crinkle of your skin when he places his kiss there, smiling dopily when he gets his wish. “Mon coeur.” My heart. His breath tickles you more when he whispers into you, but you just hug him tighter, feeling your devotion for him heighten in every nerve in your body.
You scratch your fingernail on the spot you have been for over a decade. The reaction not as prominent anymore. Not as it was when you were only a young couple, but it meant more to both of you than just a reaction. It was a form of saying I love you, that you know him just as he knows you, that your affection for him still lives in you just as strong as your fidelity. 
He puffs out some air with his giggle, feathering your neck again with the sudden gust as he pulled back just to take another look at you, brushing his nose with yours. 
He places his hands on your stomach once more, looking down at them as he caressed the tiny forming bump. “Number two can’t get here fast enough.”
“You can’t call it number two when they're born.” You say, voice soft to match his. “Especially not around Meline. She already has only child syndrome and she’s barely three.”
“My baby Meli is perfect.” He defends instantly. 
You shake your head, pulling away from his warm embrace. “That girl really has you wrapped around her tiny little finger.”
“She got that from you, didn’t she?” He always knew how to make you blush, even after all this time.
Kylian was head over heels for his daughter. They were attached at the hip, similar in so many ways that it frightened you. She looked just like him despite everyone saying she got your nose and smile. It was the eyes. The dark chocolaty brown, the deep set almond shape that caught the attention of anyone in their line of vision. You knew you were in trouble when you caught the first glimpse of them after she was born, already finding it difficult to say no to Kylian when he’d bat his lashes at you. Now there were two of them, getting away with their tomfoolery like masterminds, abusing their built in god-given charm. 
A nice shower and some quick tidying up later, you realized that your crust was fully cooled and you hadn't even started on the filling yet. It sat on a rack that you eyed as you finished off the pear salad. 
It’s any second now until Fayza and Wilfried arrive with Ethan to bring Meline back home. It was nice that she got to spend so much time with her grandparents. They’d pick her up in the morning and drop her off at night, sometimes she’d beg to stay at her pépé and mamis house.
Planting roots in Paris was the best decision you both could have made for your family. Kylian had explored different teams, different cities, but when you found out you were pregnant the first time around, Kylian made sure that the family had a steady base under their feet.
Kylian was marinating the chicken thighs as the grill out on the patio warmed up. You giggled as you watched him through the window, sporadically swatting at a bee that buzzed around him. It kept coming back for as long as he was out there, visibly spooking and frustrating him when it got too close to his ears.
“Stupid bee.” Kylian mumbled under his breath as he walked back in, tongs in one hand, a dirty dish in the other.
“Hello!” You hear Ethan's familiar voice bounce through the home, three sets footsteps clicking closer until the family appeared in the kitchen. Meline squealed when she saw you two, wiggling out of Ethan's arms as she reached out as far as she could for one of you to take her. 
“Mon canard!” My duckling! Kylian cooed out her nickname as he clattered the dishes in the sink to whisk her out of his brother's arms, kissing her cheek repetitively as she giggled.
You greeted your in-laws and Ethan with big smiles and hugs, taking Mel's overnight bag from Fayza. “Was she good today?” You ask as you lean over to Kylian to plant a big smooch on your daughter's chubby little hand. “Were you good for pépé and mami?” You direct it playfully at the toddler.
“I was! I pwomise!” Mel claims almost defensively, balling Kylian's grilling apron into her small fist. Everyone giggles at her. She immediately won everyone over, bringing a bright light of joy to any room she was in. “Me an’ Teetin even did clean up time.” 
Teetin is what she calls Ethan. When she was first learning to talk, Ethan constantly crowded her, trying to make her say “Oncle Ethan” since she had referred to everyone else as some sort of coherent name for days at that point. One day, she blabbered “Teetin” and he went nuts, boasting about how he finally got her to say his name. Turns out, she was saying “teetee”, as in, she was teetee-ing her diaper while he held her on the sofa. The nickname stuck, though Kylian called him piss baby for the following month.
“Yes, she was an angel, as always.” Fayza confirmed, still making googly eyes at Meli. 
You set the table outside with the help of Fayza, serving iced tea and chatting with her. Kylian and Wilfried stood together by the grill and Ethan and Meline rolled around on the grass, your baby girl giggling so joyously it warmed your heart. 
Crap, the tart.
“I’ll be right back out.” You mumble to Fayza and speed walk back in, getting all the ingredients out to make the filling, pretending you’ll be okay if it doesn’t fully chill like it’s supposed to. You’ll just have to pretend you’re okay with the tart not being firm. It was a sudden frantic feeling that hit you as you stood alone in the kitchen, overwhelmed by the raw ingredients in front of you.
Kylian was posted up at the grill with his dad, talking football as usual when he felt a tug on his jeans. He looks down at his little girl with wide eyes.
“I have t’ go teetee.” She disclaims, bouncing slightly. 
“Okay, mon canard, let’s go.” He scoops her up in his arms, feeling like they should move fast after seeing her potty dance, a tell-tale sign she waited too long to ask. “Give the thighs another minute or two before you take them off.” He instructs his father, handing him the tongs before walking back inside.
She was off of diapers and was usually good at not having any accidents, but lord knows once that little girl gets distracted, tinkle time gets pushed to the back of her to-do list.
He walks past you in the kitchen, you give him a knowing look as he scurries into the bathroom, getting her on the toilet just as she began to fuss about not being able to hold it anymore. 
“Remember, Meli, let papa know as soon as you gotta teetee, ‘kay?” He reminds her as he holds her up to the sink so she can wash her own hands. 
“Okay.” She promises, but Kylian knows her well enough to deduct that this will still happen every day. Even if you ask her if she needs to go potty she’ll say no because it’s not about to burst out. 
Ky and Mel walk out of the bathroom hand in hand into the kitchen. You were almost frantically mixing together your ingredients, puffing hair out of your face. “Need some help, maman?” Kylian questions.
“Um,” you look around at the cluttered countertop. “yes, please. Can you slice these?”
Kylian smirks as you hand him the bowl of strawberries. “It’ll cost you one strawberry, mon amour.” You give him a warning look. “We’ll share it.” He points to his daughter making grabby hands at the fruit.
“Pick a small one.”
He did not. 
Kylian picked out the biggest one in there, making sure you were too distracted with mixing your concoction than on the cheeky pair. Kylian cut the berry, handing his daughter the bigger half as she sat on the counter, legs dangling down and swinging back and forth as she sucked on the sweet fruit. It was an effective distraction from begging Kylian to let her help with the slicing. No knives for her just yet.
Kylian saw the look on your face, brows furrowed. You seemed distraught as you added the jam into the bowl, hands almost shaking. “Relax, bebe. You okay?” 
“What? Oh, yeah. I’m good.” You fake smile. “Allll good over here.”
He raises his brows, not believing you at all. He wiped his hands and put Meline back on her own two feet, leaning down to her level. “Meli, baby, go show grandma your strawberry.” He whispers. She nods, running back through the open door to the patio. Kylian watches as she holds the strawberry up to his mother, a wash of pride taking over his body for his baby girl.
Then, he walks right next to you where you were beginning to sweat from the vicious manner of mixing. He places his hand over yours holding the spatula, taking it off of the utensil. 
“Kylian, come on. I have to finish this tart.” You whine, upset at him for making you stop. 
“Relax.” He soothes as you try and break free from his grip.
“I am relaxed.” You groan. “Just let me finish this tart.”
“Forget the tart. This isn't about the tart.” He points, effectively taking your attention away from your mixing bowl, though you weren't happy with him about it. “Tell me what’s wrong. What are you thinking right now?”
You sigh, rubbing your forehead as if it would clear your mind. “I think…” You stop, toying with his fingers as you look down at them. “I think I’m just a little freaked out about having another baby.”
Kylian hums, then goes quiet. You seemed so excited the first time you found out. He remembered how you jumped in his arms when the two lines showed up on the pregnancy test, how you’d already begun decorating their room, how many baby name books you’d gotten out of storage and kept on your nightstand. 
“Freaked out how?” He gently asks.
“I don’t know… just... yeah, just forget it." You grab the spatula again. "Because I really do have to finish this tart or else we won’t have dessert. It’s already going to suck because it won’t have time to cool and your mom always loves my desserts but this time she’ll hate it and I’ve been planning this since she gave us these strawberries but now it won’t even go how I thought it would. So, now, you’re all just gonna pretend to love it, but I know it's gonna be soggy and it won’t be firm and it’ll be embarrassing, so please. Just help me finish it quickly. Please.” You rant mindlessly, roughly folding the mixture together. 
Kylian's eyes are wide as he watches you. He had no idea you’d been carrying this worry about another baby but he’s seeing it simmer out of you, hoping you won’t blow your top completely. 
Slowly and silently, Kylian stands next to you once more, slicing the berries into slim pieces one by one. He lets the silence sit for a little to let you calm down and gather your actual thoughts before he speaks again.
“I’m a little freaked out, too.” 
You look up for only a second and look back down. “...You are?”
“Sure.” He shrugs like it’s nothing. “I mean, I'm excited, yes. But babies are a lot of work. Meli didn’t make it easy on us. Remember, she was such a night owl and wanted us with her all the time. She would literally cling onto us in the rocking chair to make sure we wouldn’t leave. Oh, and remember how scared of leaves she was for a couple of months? That sucked. Also balloons... God, that birthday party was a nightmare.” He recalled. These stories send a grin to your face as you wondered where the time went. She was so big and only getting bigger every day. Soon, she wouldn’t even need your help to reach things on the table or tying her shoes. 
“I can’t believe she’s three.” You sigh, tasting the filling and feeling your shoulders relax when you realized the consistency and taste was just right. Kylian finished slicing, now leaning against the counter to continue the conversation.
“She already told me what she wants for her next birthday.” He scoffed and you shook your head. Her third birthday was only last month. “A real life purple hippopotamus. But it has to be tiny enough for her to hold it.” You laugh at her request as you begin filling the crust. “She has a name for it already, too.”
“Oh, does she? I bet I can guess it. Monsieur purple hippo?” 
“Close.” He laughs. “Monsieur petite purple hippo.”
“That’s a mouthful, but very on brand for her.” You point out, scraping the last bits from the bowl. You begin to place the berry slices neatly on top of the tart, much calmer and relaxed. Your hands weren't even shaking anymore.
Kylian kissed your temple sweetly, helping you put the finishing layer on. “It’ll all work out. I promise. It’s scary, but nothing our family can’t handle.”
Your heart swells. He’s so right for you. The way he easily noticed and eased your racing mind made you focus on your left ring finger, feeling the weight of the bands that wrapped around it. They’ve been on for so many years that it just feels like part of your body, not uncommon to overlook their beauty or forget the promises they hold in your daily life. But it's simple moments like these that you remember the words engraved on them. Always pressed against your skin, never failing to stay close to you. Mon cœur t'appartient was the promise he’s kept for years, and you have as well. My heart is yours. 
Though you thought you messed up your dessert, you now look down at the finished product, and it’s perfect.
Dinner went long, caught up in conversations and hilarious stories that embarrassed Ethan and Kylian. You looked around at the family you’re a part of, physically feeling the love from every single one of the humans sitting under the dim shine of the string lights in the gazebo. With good food and better people, time slips too quickly. 
Life is short, moments graze by like a freight train passing a station. You never know what could happen tomorrow, the future is in no one's hands. Things can happen in the snap of a finger. You say your last goodbye without even knowing. You can wish to control the clock. You can wish that you could turn it back and do some things differently. You can wish you could jump forward and prepare for what’s to come. But all this wishing would do is drive you insane, because everyone lacks control when it comes to time. Appreciate the moment. Live in it. Dwelling on the negative will only comfort the pessimist that lives inside of you. Worrying about the future will only hold you back from the journey you take to get there.
So, for now, you sit sipping wine in front of empty plates while your daughter slowly falls asleep on your husband's shoulder, your mother in law's sweater drapes over your cold legs, the stars are left alone to shine brightly without a cloud in sight. Everything was just as it should be. Everything will be okay.
All this escaped time allowed for your dessert to chill. 
Finally, your tart was finished.
A/N: Officially the end of this fic, and if I do say so myself, it's satisfying. I had so much writers block through this so I'm sorry I haven't updated in over a week. I wanted to make sure this one was good after all the love that I got from this fic. Love you all so much! Thank's for reading!
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materassassino · 1 month
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The Old Guard Dæmon AU
Probably done before, but I wanted to write one myself, so I thought I'd make a guide to the Guard and their respective dæmons, to go with the fic I just posted for it.
Andy: Hwehnto (Przewalski's horse)
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Yeah, a wolf or some other predator might fit, but let's face it, the supreme horse girl should have a horse for a dæmon. *h₂weh₁n̥to- is Proto-Indo-European for "wind", butchered into a modernly comprehensible Hwehnto/Hwento. He is a very serious and stoic dæmon, much like Andy, but his outbursts of emotion are striking. He is vicious in battle and will not hesitate to attack both human and dæmon, if necessary.
I did also consider a tarpan for Andy, but there is literally one photo in existence of one. I generally assume that actually it would be some European wild horse so old it doesn't exist anymore, and we've lost all modern knowledge of it. So Przewalski's horse will do.
Quynh: Minh Nhat (white-lipped pit viper)
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Of course our viper would have a viper! Small, quick and venomous. He doesn't have a name yet because, frankly, I don't speak Vietnamese and I want him to have a cool name like most dæmons have. His name is Minh Nhat, which means "bright sunlight", in contrast with Quynh's name. More outgoing than most dæmons, will talk casually with other humans, and is prone to little acts of thievery (thimbles, small nuts, little trinkets), mostly out of delight with the object than any malice. Very tiny! Likes spending his time tucked up Quynh's sleeve. Will not hesitate to bite a human should the need arise, but tucks himself in Quynh's collar or scarf when in battle.
I was torn between this and a red-headed krait, but ultimately went to an actual viper (well, pit viper, close enough).
Joe: Tayyib (scimitar oryx)
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(Oddly difficult to find a photo of one alone, with no radio collar, that hasn't been shot by some bastard trophy hunter).
Tayyib (named that way for obvious reasons and chosen by Joe's mother's dæmon) represents everything poetic and artistic about Joe, and is calm and wise. Dislikes fighting, but will if he must: watch out for those horns! Yes, he is a male dæmon, a rarity, another commonality Joe shares with Nicky. I wonder why? A very good listener who gives good advice.
I don't know why I decided on another ungulate for this hapless team (can they even go anywhere?), but I did. I figured a desert antelope of some kind would be good for Joe, and it was a toss-up between this and an addax. I admit I chose it just for the name.
Nicky: Bonamico (Luzon bleeding-heart dove)
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Geographically, it doesn't make sense. Symbolically? I had to. Bonamico is quiet, contemplative and kind, barely speaks except to Nicky, Joe or Tayyib, but is always concerned for those about him. He is far more nervous than Nicky, but stores a lot of knowledge, a trait he does share with Nicky. His favourite place to perch, other than Nicky's shoulder, is between Tayyib's horns (although occasionally he likes to sit on Joe's head). He does the scouting for the group, as the only bird dæmon.
This bird is the entire reason I made this damn AU. It's just too perfect. Look at this Catholic-ass bird!
Booker: Amandine (black rat)
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*wheezing* I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm not sorry.
Now, the problem with dæmons is that we have rat symbolism, which is of rats as dirty and sneaky, but we're also modern human beings that know perfectly well rats are cute, intelligent and affectionate creatures that make amazing pets. Amandine herself is mostly just shy and quiet, although she does like it when she gets the chance to roast Booker, but then again, who doesn't? She is their little reconnaissance expert, being sent in to buildings and small places to chew through wires and spy. She, unlike Booker, is always supremely well-groomed.
I did consider a ferret or stoat, something a little more noble, but I personally do love rats so much and so I wanted a positive rat dæmon, for once.
Nile: Dakarai (red wolf)
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I wanted to give Nile something supremely American, but she was in the Marines, and soldiers of most kinds tend to have dog dæmons, so no stereotypical birds. But Nile is also smart and quick-thinking, and family-oriented, so the red wolf made sense to me. Dakarai is loyal and far more serious than his human, a bit more cynical. Having been trained in a modern Armed Force, post-Geneva Convention, he's never touched another human being and has exclusively fought other dæmons. He is, of course, a good tracker.
Someone had to have a canine in this group. Might as well be Nile!
Bonus (under the cut for cockroach reasons):
James Copley: Vindemiatrix (common raven)
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The Odin symbolism of the knowledge-seeker raven, honestly. She perches in odd places, watches everything, and reports back. She is a secret-keeper and prone to keeping her own counsel, not interacting much with other dæmons. She, like Copley, misses his wife and her Pallas's cat dæmon something fierce.
Stephen Merrick: Unnamed (American cockroach)
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Need I say more? He deserves it.
Dr Meta Kozak: Unnamed (hagfish)
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A disgusting dæmon for a disgusting woman, who burrows into people's bodies and eats them from the inside out. She carries the horrid thing in a lightweight tank backpack, one of the many modern accomodations for people with water-dwelling dæmons.
Keane: Unnamed (Eastern black rhino)
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A beautifully noble dæmon, unfortunately wasted on a bastard.
Lykon: Unnamed (melanistic leopard)
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She was graceful, majestic and courteous, and absolutely breathtaking in battle. She would dispense affection to daemon and human alike, much like Lykon himself.
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grimalkinmessor · 6 months
Text
Okay okay okay. So. I have yoinked the translations. And here are my thoughts on chapter 407.
All For One was not born evil, he was literally just born as a baby. Do you condemn people that ate their twin in the womb for killing their would-be sibling and say that they're born evil? NO.
I very much think—especially with the rats and the river thing even though I also think that's some mythology bullshit Remus and Romulus style—that All For One and Yoichi likely weren't taken in by humans for a WHILE. LOOK AT BABY FOR ONE. NO ONE IS PICKING THAT FUCKING THING UP AND TAKING IT HOME. Do you expect children raised by wolves not to bite you? Honest to God the most surprising thing about that whole chapter was the fact that Yoichi had morals. And that either of them knew how to speak human language at all. Like,,,,Yoichi becoming a morally good person after having his twin yoink most of his nutrients in the womb, cannibalizing his mother's corpse with said twin, and then likely growing up in the fucking woods after almost being eaten by rats and drowning in a river—that's a fucking miracle!! Yoichi is the odd one here!! Where did his morals come from?? Sir where did you get those? The world sure as hell didn't give them to you because DAMN.
My point is that had Baby For One been taken in by a nice family and gotten a shit ton of fucking therapy for his apathy and feralness he might've been alright. Or—maybe not alright but definitely not the creature that we saw in this chapter good LORD. I'm now convinced that any humanity that All For One developed came solely from the need to manipulate people. Otherwise he'd still be stabbing and biting them to death in complete silence like (⁠●⁠_⁠_⁠●⁠)
ANYWAY. Their backstory very pointedly focuses only on several key, damning points in All For One's history. The sapping of nutrients from Yoichi, the eating of their mother, the stealing of her Quirk, the killing of civilians and law enforcement alike—everything that leads up to his name. All For One. And yet it doesn't answer any of the other questions! Like where he and Yoichi grew up, WHAT HIS REAL NAME IS (which. is this now confirmation that AFO named Yoichi. did i get that part right at least. did i.), how they survived beyond that initial river flood, the progression of the world beyond them. I have more questions, not less.
Plus—Yoichi was clothed. All For One was in what seemed to be rags. Yoichi did not seem to be starving or severely ill. Which means that All For One likely was taking care of his basic needs as the "stronger" sibling. Because Yoichi was one of his "things", and of course he wouldn't want his things to be overly sickly and thin and dirty. If I'm not mistaken I'm pretty sure Yoichi even had shoes, while All For One was wandering around barefoot like a little vagabond. Now, All For One definitely beat Yoichi up plenty, we can see plenty of evidence of that both in this chapter and past ones—as long as Yoichi isn't irreparably harmed then AFO doesn't seem to have a problem whacking him around to keep him in line. They were probably never openly affectionate or even emotionally close, but Yoichi was still the only person that All For One seems to see as...a person. And even then :')
ANYWAY, my point is that you can't criticize the chapter for having an unreliable narrator, because they've literally done that before. Multiple times throughout this series, there have been multiple backstories revealed ONLY TO BE REREVEALED FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. I'm fairly sure, since we get All For One's inner thoughts and not Yoichi's, that 407 is from AFO's perspective. Another reason to believe it's from his perspective is because there's no other way that anyone could've known that their mother was a prostitute and she died by the river giving birth to them, other than All For One having access to those memories through the vestige of his mother's Quirk. I think that's also why Yoichi's death scene was so vague—All For One likely blocked a lot of it out.
I think we'll get Yoichi's perspective at some point too (we BETTER get Yoichi's perspective), but for a chapter seen through All For One, it's a lot like Tomura's origin chapter. Of course All For One, the chunni asshole edgelord, paints himself as someone who was BORN evil. Who ignores the nuance to go NO I WAS ALWAYS EVIL I WAS MADE TO BE LIKE THIS BECAUSE I ENJOY IT IMMENSELY.
Tldr; 407 was AFO's perspective of his own origin, which includes an incredible amount of bias and lacks a lot of the basic answers that an origin story usually gives. He IS evil, but it's naive to say he was born that way.
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zombholic · 2 years
Note
hi!! this is super simple but could i request some modern au relationship hcs for ellie? tyyy<3
𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐄 & 𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏
𝘢𝘣𝘣�� 𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘹 𝘧𝘦𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳
𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘹 𝘧𝘦𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳
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╰┈➤ 𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐄:
she’s more of the private type, she doesn’t like much pda and can be awkward when showing affection.
when you guys are out in public places let’s say the arcade for a fun date she kinda more so acts like your friend which doesn’t bother you too much.
she does hold your hand or even give you a small kiss on your face when feeling affectionate.
her favorite thing to do with you is stay in your shared apartment and play video games and/or read comic books.
when ellie is busy playing on her kinda crappy but very expensive gaming setup you will sit on her lap and just watch her play and even sometimes join her.
she loves cooking for you and she sucks at it too but it’s cute that she tries, you had to tell her not to cook without you present because when she was cooking something it bursted into flames and this dumbass poured water on it causing it to burn your ceiling.
ellie loves getting tattooes, she takes you to every appointment she goes to, she even got you to tattoo a tiny heart on her arm when you guys used to stick-n-poke for fun.
even though she loves cuddling, when you guys are sleeping this bitch takes the covers and the bed sometimes she’ll even kick you because she twitches in her sleep.
you love doing ellies makeup and because she loves you to pieces she lets you do it, she hates when you put lashes on her because it makes her eyes feel sleepy?
whenever you do your own nails ellie asks you to do hers as well and you both end up having matching nails.
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╰┈➤ 𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐘:
unlike ellie who hates pda, abby loves it. she constantly has you wrapped around her arms.
when you’re in a middle of a conversation with her she gives you those lovey dovey eyes and kisses you randomly in the middle of you talking and she loves seeing your face turn red.
abby is dirty minded and so are you. you two constantly making dirty jokes together and it’s fucking hilarious. like when someone says something that sounds dirty you and abby will give each other that look and try not to laugh.
she loves having you on her lap, doesn’t matter where you guys are or what you’re doing if you’re not on her lap she’s gonna throw hissy fit.
you’re the only person abby lets her hair down in front of and you love it, she lets you touch and play with her only because it feels good to her and she ends up falling asleep when you do.
abby is a bit of a gym rat, she has you constantly go to the gym with her and you just play around with the yoga balls or gym equipments.
abby always notices when you’re staring at her arms and she fucking loves it, whenever she catches you staring at her arms she purposely flexes them.
like ellie, abby loves having matching nails with you and she adores when you do her nails for her.
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A/U: AHHH I HOPE THIS IS WHAT U WANTED SHORTY, I ADDED ABBY BECAUSE SHE DESERVES AS MUCH LOVE AS WELL <33
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fancifulplaguerat · 11 months
Text
Sharing some thoughts about Clara because she deserves more attention and I’m obsessed with how the other two protagonists are these twenty-something medical men while she’s this circa fifteen-year-old saint girl who’s actually twelve days old who’s actually as old as Earth itself with magical hands. She’s the literal plague incarnate, an instrument of natural law, but she becomes Clara because she cares about people and her capacity to heal them so much she just denied her very identity. I adore the reveal that she’s branded a thief because she stole her own fucking name like can I ever express how much I want to scratch and bite (affectionate) when Spichka says to her, “You steal something and can’t remember it afterwards. Must’ve been something important—or else something you don’t just put in your pocket. Someone’s name, maybe?”  
And it’s painful to me how characters like Yulia/Andrey belittle her faith and question if she even believes in God, since faith/sainthood/etc. are what Clara clings to to define herself as a good person. So much so that it’s what allows her to be a miracle-worker—when Artemy talks to the Rat Prophet in his route, the Rat tells Artemy not to reveal Clara’s identity to her, because it’s only Clara’s belief in her holiness that makes her a saint: 
“She is, as a matter of fact, the disease. The Sand Plague personified. But—heads up!—she doesn’t even know it. And so she performs miracles, branding herself a miracle-maker—because she believes that she is one [...] everything she believes in comes true. And so she’ll forget how to do it as soon as she learns the truth.”
And on that note I have to include this interaction with Andrey because it devastates me: 
Andrey Stamatin: [...] I don't know what God you believe in, but I don't think you're even old enough to have a concept of one! And you are either a lying imposter—or an abominable Changeling, a temptress, a thing from hell, a shabnak-adyr, a maneater, made of dead bones and dirty clay!
> You heard me! You know the reason! *
> Don't yell at me, don't call me... that! I'm leaving... I'm leaving!
Andrey Stamatin: Shut up! What do you know about faith? What do you know about religion? You had barely been born and already you got your head full of the ravings of a failed prophetess—who's writhing her hands in desperation and envy as she's watching a new star rise—and here you are, thinking you can lecture me, even daring to accuse us of heresy and a revolt against God!
Though I never survive this interaction I think it’s one of my favorites in Clara’s route because it so poignantly encapsulates her conflict, while gesturing to her struggle to define/rewrite herself. Because despite what the Rat says, the Cathedral quest suggests that Clara’s wherewithal isn’t *always* enough. Ough. When Clara tells everyone to take her hands and not to be afraid, that nothing will happen, but we know how it all ends from the Bachelor/Haruspex Routes just. Devastating gameplay. It fills me with dread when Clara is tasked with getting water because of the Bachelor Route, when Anna says that the shabnak “cried” on the ill and Saburov says that the carrier put some sort of liquid on the plague victims’ lips. 
But tragedy aside Changeling Clara is so entertaining to me. I love being able to say shit like “I am death” and “Don’t make my angry... or I’ll bite!” to people. Very much enjoy getting to be the Horrors, or when the Rat Prophet says to her, “Greetings, plague dear! Wait just a bit more, we’re almost done embellishing your throne. The very heart of the town shall become the temple of the pest. You’ll have the world at your feet soon.” Lavish. Sumptuous. She is such a fantastic character the intrigue the tragedy the high drama of it all 
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sioster · 1 year
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POV: you heard chittering in your wall
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dirty rat boy /affectionate
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constable-rohza · 7 months
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Tell me why you prefer rats over hamsters. Don't get me wrong, I love both, but explain why you think rats are better.
omg I'm so glad you asked me this. there is a few reasons, which I will list below.
rats are very intelligent- rats have been used in a lot of experiments, showing that they have empathy, and possibly morality. their DNA is closer to humans than rats or dogs, and they are considered alongside chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins and elephants to be one of the smartest non human species.
they are super sweet!! despite the common misconception, rats are far less likely to bite you than hamsters, unless they mistake your fingers for food. they are super affectionate, and bond strongly with their owners. they can be ticklish, and they dream just as much as humans. out of all domesticated rodents, hamsters are most likely to bite, whole rats are least likely.
rats are criminally underrated! rats are always seen as dirty and violent animals, when in actual fact, they are as clean as cats, and spend hours a day grooming themselves and each other. a lot of people think that rats are dirty, or carry traces of bubonic plague, but it is now thought that the plague was actually spread on human lice or fleas. of course wild rats are dirty, because they are wild animals, but domesticated rats are incredibly clean.
also, I used to have 2 rats!! they are just the sweetest. I have never had hamsters, but they just seem like less nice pets.
thanks so much for the ask!! I really enjoyed answering it.
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cherry-dr0p · 2 months
Text
Drawing characters (my favourites) as cats: Pt. 1
Nosfer-cat-u???? Real??
Note: All of these are my personal headcanons... Gonna write some kitty headcanons under too because I am silly like that and cringe culture is dead :3
1. Kitty (Herr) Knock!
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Here is kitty Knock headcanons!
I'd imagine him to be an orange ragdoll cat!! Orange cats are generally known from what I've seen for being peculiar little guys, so I thought that would fit Knock very nicely for being out of the ordinary and silly. I honestly chose the ragdoll because of the fluffy appearance of their fur but reading into it, they can be affectionate and friendly too. And they love belly rubs. Perhaps he is a friendly cat who originally wanted attention and love for people but after being shunned for being abnormal, he gave up.
Ragdolls are intelligent too, whilst orange cats are known for the opposite. I reckon that Knock seems unintelligent with some of the things he does (getting stuck in high places, running into things etc.) But he is actually quite a smart cat in reality.
He's definitely a stray cat who was abandoned at some point on the streets and had to survive on his own until finding Orlok </3 Poor guy
He likes smaller animals, especially rats. The ones cats are meant to kill, Knock does not. He refuses to.
He is quite an old kitty (hence the gray fur parts), but he's still full of life!
He's also extra mischievous. I reckon >:3
Hes very dirty, his furr is matted and he also has fleas because he hasnt been groomed :(
What did this poor cat do to have the whole town after him </3 /j
Kitty (Count) Orlok
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Note: For kitty Orlok, I wanted him to have light gray skin but it was too late when I realised the gray was way darker than I wanted it to be :( I have new pens coming in a few days so I can redo Orlok
But anyways, kitty Orlok headcanons;
But yeah, I think Orlok to be a Sphynx cat. Ive heard others talk about how unappealing and somewhat creepy Sphynx cats look (honestly, how dare they >:[) and I think it's sorta the way a supernatural vampire like a creature would be viewed. Despite all this, Sphynx cats for their loyal and intelligent, which I imagine could be overlooked when seeing kitty Orlok. (You can probably guess who he's loyal to)
I also intentionally made him extra spooky looking too. He has lifeless white eyes and sharp claws, with lots of wrinkles and a tall, lanky stature to catch the creepy aura. I also imagine he can make himself look taller willingly in order to look extra terrifying when he needs or wants to be feared.
Kinda messed it up a little too but dark purple collar. I didnt know what to put for the little tag so diamond shape because hes extra fancy like that.
Hes always been a stray cat, getting used to being alone since he was a mere kitten. He doesn't really get visitors often so imagine his surprise when a peculiar occurance is present and a specific orange cat finds and befriends him.
Despite Sphynx cats having an affectionate nature, Orlok isn't really the most affectionate cat at all. He can be quite violent, which pulls most people away in itself.
Kitty Ellen (Hutter)!
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Last but not least, Kitty Ellen headcanons!
I honestly dont know why I chose the Scottish fold. Just saw some photos and for some reason went "Fuck yeah, Ellen!!"
Unlike the other two, Id imagine Ellen to actually have a pet owner who possibly has both Thomas and Ellen living in the house.
No doubt she'd be spoiled to death, with a fancy pretty collar and a fancy little tag to go with it.
She likes watching birds outside the window because I said so >:]
Even though she has the chance to go outside like Id imagine Thomas to do, Ellen actually feels more comfortable just lounging around in the house and just doing cat things. Sure she will explore outside sometimes but she doesn't bother with it too much.
Shes a friendly affectionate cat who likes attention sometimes.
Yeah I dont have as many headcanons for Ellen as I do the other two surprising
And that's all I have for my Nosferatu cat AU. This is so dumb but I love it and it gave me the excuse to practice drawing different types of kitties! Im not sure for this how accurate everything is but Aaahhh
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azulsluver · 2 years
Note
Can i req for yandere Jamil comforting darling by braiding their hair? Thank youuu
tw. yandere, blood mention, implied murder, angst/comfort (?), gaslighting, imprisonment, mean!Jamil.
Authors note♛ I can write comfort but I was feeling kinda mean today, so why not a mix of both, but let's be real here :) This was my first req so I'm pretty proud of this one. Also sorry if this wasn't what you expected.
Things would have been predictable if you knew what you were up against. To prevent the wrong and be prepared for the worse. But no matter how hard you wish to try, things just didn't seem to go your way. No point in pouting or surfacing regrets can be undone. It can't bring someone back to life after all. With sweaty palms clasp together as a small prayer of mercy escape the trembling lips, a single thread of remorse to the one taking the blade rest easily. And you, face judgement.
To foolishly think escaping the hands of Viper would be easy has made you grimace at the thought, a finger being gnawed at your teeth to calm the spiking nerves. Word goes around like a wildfire, a common knight breaking the sorrowful reality of your position would soon lay dead with blood on your name. Eyes like yours do deceive the gullible, sweeten words would only make the fallen suffer greatly if they took it seriously. Some might say you should be favored to have caught the eyes of the Viper family, Jamil did age like fine wine that soon brought trouble along the way.
But why should you? Watching how easily it was to influence Kalim into getting rid of those who deemed to be close with you, must've been a way to pay for the past mistakes. Messing up your view point of the two who you used to saw as friends turn a blind eye for their own selfish desires. Endless attempts to trick Jamil into letting you go became futile, saving yourself to the embarrassment of being spoiled against your will has ticked a part of your ego.
Huddled up in the corner of your room as you anxiously wait for Jamil to enter. Fearing for not just your safety but the one who sought your freedom.
The sound of his footsteps heavily weighing the atmosphere as a click is heard from the other side. The door doesn't creak a noise, but the silence has you deafen in horror at the sight. Gasping the words that stuck deep down your throat.
As Jamil enters he closes the door gently behind him along with another click. God, the sound is driving you mad. You can't make it out, you could never understand how Jamil feels, how his eyes bore into the sight of your messy state; eyes large as your body uncontrollably shudders. Say something, anything.
You're scared, he's never come to you so unkempt, so dirty. The stench of rust and burning wood lingers as soon as he stepped foot.
He walks over to your shared bed and sits diligently, a deep sigh breaks the silence of the room. A hand raises towards you like a puppy, commanding you to follow.
"C'mere, now."
Flinching, your wobbly knees move in a instant, sitting between Jamil's legs but recoiling slightly at the blotches of red staining his clothes. His hand brushes your check affectionately, your eyes travel to his face and stare quietly at the bags plagued under his eyes. Tired. He's tired, how many nights did you spend knowing he wasn't by your side to hold? Remembering the time you would celebrate at the fact work has kept him from seeing you, thus having 'meetings' with a new friend. That friend. What happened?
"I never took you to be so cruel, have I spoiled you too much?" Jamil's voice is barely above a whisper, hearing him again spurs a deep gut wrenching uncertainty. "I don't understand." A weak protest.
"You never do, all you care about is yourself. Not even to those street rats being fooled for your own desires." Harsh, was he really comparing you as someone selfish? Your hands balled tightly at the words, a spark of deficiency lays under your tongue. "What have you done with them? Jamil, please.." Cracking at the last sentence, your eyes begin to blur, stinging with tears of anger and grief. Holding onto the last thought that it wasn't true, he didn't do it.
Jamil only gives you a disapproving look before moving his fingers under your scalp, shutting your eyes instantly for the worse.
"Look at you, even spoiled you can't even keep yourself tidy. Such soiled hair." Merciful strokes the base of your head, making you sulk at the touch. Before you knew it, Jamil has you trapped between his hold, both hands combing out the ones that stuck in between his fingers. You don't want to focus on Jamil, not his pleasant touch and not even his words of comfort.
Frustrated tears slip down your face, thoughts of your helper laying bloodied and alone, such a terrible way to meet death. You didn't notice Jamil's smile, a sick expression of satisfaction.
"Shhh, shhhhhh, it's alright, sweetheart..Take this as a lesson. You should've known better than to make acquaintance with a common servant. It's in the past now, no use crying over spilled milk, hm?" Waiting for your reply, he takes your whiny cry for response.
Fingers swiftly taking particles of your locs to make small braids, just as he used to wear during his school years. Busy he was, didn't have time to give you a proper haircut, your hair grown long as his leaves a giddy feeling inside. Such a sucker for you, but for some odd reason he has trouble showing it completely before being brushed off. Your crying will soon die down, the night fresh as lights brighten the noisy streets. Leaving you with hiccuped cries and poker-faced. The redness in your eyes leave a sting behind from the amount of tears, cursing Jamil for comforting you so soon. Wishing instead he would continue to spit insults your way, that it was your fault an innocent person was wiped away and never to be heard, spoken even.
"I'm sorry, Jamil." Jamil pulls you up to him and lies you down, not bothered by his dirtied clothes messing up the sheets. Your hair now nicely done lays under the rows of pillows supporting your weight. A pair of lips greet yours chastely, the muscle of your eyes giving up to see the moonlight shine on jamil's features. As if mockingly showing you the beauty of your captor in spite the ugliness of his actions.
Engrossed by the smell, Jamil’s honeyed words stuck to you like sap, licking it off the base of his palm as your ushered to sleep. Hearing a couple of words of praise and offense. Long gone from the living and into a dreamless state, feeling the lingering touch of his fingers playing the tips of your hair.
In a state of peace, you hope somewhere in the afterlife they can forgive you.
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Text
White Wedding
Aincrad had it’s fair share of gorgeous days, but today was a perfect day for relaxing and taking a break. The sun fell in the all right spots, gentle clouds making for lovely shade, and the gentlest breeze kept everything at a perfect temperature.
Kirito decided that they would take Asuna, Yui and Strea out today. They hadn’t been on a family trip with Asuna and Yui in a long time, and hadn’t at all since making the discovery that Strea was Yui’s long lost sister, and their newly adopted daughter. “Today would be a good day to make memories with them all.” Kirito tapped on the door of the room Asuna and Yui were staying in, inviting them out and telling them about their idea.
“Oh Kirito that sounds wonderful! And Strea will be so happy to get to spend time with all of us!” Asuna perked up, thinking about a lovely picnic date with Kirito, now alongside her two lovely children.
“I get to play with big sis Strea? And mommy and daddy? That sounds perfect!”  Yui was practically buzzing with excitement, and Kirito scooped her up in their arms and led her to their shoulders to carry her in a piggyback.
“Now all we need to do is get Strea too.”
Before long, the group made it’s way down to the base of the inn where Agil had set up his new bar. The rest of the party seemed to have been gathered to have breakfast together already.
“Yo everyone, it’s a nice day so we should take it easy. I’m gonna be taking Asuna and the girls for a day down at the lake, so you guys have fun when I’m gone.”
“Ah it’s never any fun when you’re gone Kii-bou, who else are me and Liz spost ta tease?” Argo joked at Kirito, but he was busy trying to stifle a laugh that ‘The Rat’ was currently nibbling on cheese for breakfast.
“I hope you all have fun!” Silica warmly smiled at the party.
“Yeah this weather is pleasant, it is definitely a perfect day for it.” Sinon didn’t tease Kirito surprisingly, just being genuine.
“Yeah, I hope it’ll stay this nice all day. This one here still hasn’t had a day out with us all yet.” Kirito tussled Strea’s hair, with her letting out a pleased purr as a response.
The girls shifted in their seats slightly, and Sinon spoke up for them “Um, Kirito- is that really appropriate?”
“Huh?”
“Like, it’s one thing with Yui, but Strea is like. Barely younger than you and Asuna, are you sure you should be petting her like that?”
Kirito tilted his head confused at the question. “I… I don’t see why it wouldn’t be okay. Back in the real world Leafa and I would mess with eachother’s hair like that all the time.” He strolled over to his little sister and tussled her hair, eliciting a bright blush on Leafa.
“J-jeez big bro. It’s been years since you’ve done that…”
“Eh, gotta make up for lost time now that you’re here with us. Anyways, we’re headin’ out, laters.”
The party of four excused themselves as the rest of the guild sang them a chorus of goodbyes, and as soon as they were out of earshot, all eyes were on Leafa.
“So… Leafa… Wanna explain what you and Kirito just said?” Philia rested her head on one hand and pointed her fork accusingly at Leafa.
“Yeah, we knew Kirito was protective of you but…” Liz shifted her eyes away, feeling awkward.
“No wonda you always look so annoyed when A-chan’s around. You and Kii-bou were up ta some funky business in the real world huh? I betcha you did plenty-a lewd things to his body while he was unconscious huh?”
“J-JESUS ARGO- Don’t accuse me of stuff like that- It’s not like that at all”
“But it is strange. Kirito does seem to be very affectionate with you.” Sinon’s face was a mask of uninterested seriousness, but inside her mind wandered to dirty places, and a dark game she played with two characters who looked suspiciously like Kirito and Leafa.
“I’m his sister. Of course we’re affectionate. We’ve spent years together alone since mom and dad were always busy.”
“Leafa, honey, you’re digging yourself a grave here.” Liz cringed.
Silica shot up and clasped her hands over her mouth, struck by realization. “Kirito once comforted me by playing with my hair, and just a bit before that, he said I reminded him of you Leafa.”
“Jeez, girl musta sprung up a few cup sizes while he was away if you reminded him of her” Philia taunted Silica who pouted, hiding her chest.
“His best memories of me are probably from when we were younger. We haven’t always been the most well off family, so up until we were around 12 and 13, he and I shared a room. Around the time we got our own spaces, we kinda drifted apart from eachother.”
“Aw now I feel bad for teasing.” Philia patted Leafa on the shoulder apologetically.
“I don’t- I bet ya shared a bed too didn’t ya?” Liz was beaming a smirk.
Leafa’s silence was deafening.
“Oh. Oh my god.” Sinon pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated.
“I… I was so used to it that for a long time after I still slept in Kirito’s bed… And any time I had a nightmare…” Leafa clutched the Moon Pendant around her neck, thinking of her recent quest to reunite the Sun and Moon Lovers with Kirito.
“Oh my god she’s in love with her brother-” Philia’s eyes went wide.
“Would it help if I said he was adopted?…”
“Given Kirito’s track record, it makes sense. That’s like what, 7 girls that’ve fallen for him? Why would she be immune?” Liz slumped into her chair.
“Even more competition…” Silica rested her head on the table pouting.
“Hmm. It’s a little weird, but it’s also sweet. You loved him so much you willingly dove into a death game to see him.” Sinon’s kind voice reassured Leafa.
Argo facepalmed.
“Dammit dammit dammit- you’ve screwed us all.”
The group of girls looked at Argo in confused.
“Dontcha all get it? This gal’s been flirtin with Kii-bou since they were born. And we know he was a loner- He doesn’t think that we’re flirtin- he just thinks all gals act like that because of Leafa-”
“Oh-” Liz and Philia blurted out.
“Leafa…” Silica looked up at Leafa with tears at the edges of her eyes.
“We’re doomed.” Sinon rested her head in her hands.“Ehehehe- whoopsie…” Leafa could only look down in shame, with a crimson blush across her face.
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