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#heart shape in the water when will is exercising on the beach. but that's more risking the secret than risking someone's safety
rockingbytheseaside · 19 days
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✦ Moonlit Tides
Tw: slightly suggestive themes hinted at the end. Otherwise, SFW. Idk what this is, just an artistic literary piece of a fanfic w/ Neuvi
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“The Chief Justice of Fontaine must exercise impartiality, thus he cannot form intimate relationships with the people of Teyvat.”  
… Is what Neuvillette told you, as you sat ashore during a still night. Although his words were directed at your curiosity, it felt more like he was speaking to himself, recalling his duties as a judge. After all, remaining objective and unbiased is the single most crucial concept that sets the Chief Justice apart from the common folk. 
At least, for the 500 years that he’s been the Iudex of Fontaine.
Yet something about the tone of what he said pulled a melancholic string. His eyes remained on the still waters of Liffey Region, the peaceful silence between you and him sublime. Yet you stood there, beside him, and in a completely relaxed manner, you said: 
“...But I’m not from Teyvat.” 
A simple answer, really. However, the silence followed was not so subdued, as Neuvillette turned to stare at you with widened eyes. Of course, you’re not from this world, you hail from beyond the stars; a simple glance at your star-shaped pupils reflects the truth of this statement.
So why was Neuvillette pondering the possibility only now? He knew that about you, that’s why he recruited your aid in Fontaine, that’s why he let you close as a confidant, that’s why he often poured his troubles to you behind closed doors during late nights. You knew the taste of the Hydro Dragon’s tears. 
But the Chief Justice sought more. On paper, his impartiality means nothing when it comes to you - he cannot judge you, and you cannot be placed on the same scales as the people of Teyvat. Thus the Hydro Sovereign took it upon himself to place you on the scales of his heart. 
At first, It began discreetly. Neuvillette would often invite you for late-night walks by the beach. Away from the courthouse’s commotion, the two of you would stroll and chat away past Marcotte station, letting the salty breeze serenade your minds. Even more so often, The Iudex hand would clasp yours to keep you closer. 
“Take a step with me into the water.” - he would later ask one day.
He knew of your resonance with hydro, therefore diving into Fontaine’s sea must be harmless for you. He would extend his plam and wait for you to bask your feet into shore. Although you initially gave him a hesitant look, he beckoned you closer. “Only to relish the water’s coolness. We don’t have to dip any lower past our knees.” - he would reassure. And so you two would often dip your toes in water during the warm nights, letting his gentle grasp lead you further from shore. It became a routine, and surprisingly, not a single drop of rain would pour from Fontaine’s clouds. Instead, the two of you would be greeted with a clear, starry sky; and Neuvillette worshiped the way your gaze shone when you observed the stars above. The endless cosmos paralleled your star-shaped pupils.      
But days standing ashore wasn’t enough for his draconic instincts, which led Neuvillette to invite you underwater. To stand on the open surface didn’t satiate him, any human could eavesdrop on your tête-à-tête by night. Thus, you would often follow him to the depths of Fontaine's seas, surrounded by lush seaweed and blooming Romaritime flowers. He would hold you close in his protective embrace, leading you to the sandbed of the depth where many Lumitoile starfish are scattered. Like the stars in the sky, you would be in awe at them, too. 
Many nights, he would spend with you leisurely exploring the profundity of the seas, talking about the many curiosities one would find in the deep. He would gift you with small chunks of raw pearls, or compel you to enjoy finding seashells. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason he would swim with you here. The underwater provided ample privacy… and ample noise reduction. 
Words didn’t need to be spoken anymore. His lips would seek your own, knowing you’d provide relief to the turbulence in his heart. Only you knew the taste of the Hydro Dragon’s tears, after all. Neuvillette’s body and intuition screamed for him to keep courting you, albeit not in the same sense as mortals do. That’s why he invited you to many peaceful walks by the water, that’s why he valued your company when sea gazing or star gazing at night, and that’s why he slowly warmed you up to his numerous gifts and trinkets, consisting of luminescent pearls and ancient seashells. Because his leviathan side was unintentionally pursuing you. 
In the depth of the ocean, where minimal sea light pierced through and no human dared to venture, the hydro dragon sovereign would love you, relishing your muffled whimpers and shivers. His keen sense of smell picks up your scent and savors it until your pheromones and cries are mixed with his heat. Body and soul entangled on the soft seabed, and Neuvillette’s sharp teeth desiring your skin. At least, for these tender moments in the depth of the world, he could forget he was the impartial Chief Justice.
Ultimately, you’re not from Teyvat, and only you were a witness to his biased side - a passionate and delicate dragon, whose sharp eyes always lingered on yours and sought you. Like the ocean tides pulled by the moon's unreachable allure.       
Yes, the title is inspired by Fontaine's OST "Moonlit Tides". As always, any art in my writing is my own artwork. thank you for reading so far.
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the-missann · 1 year
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Previous post (Mammon)
Here we have ~Leviathan~ ☺
He stole my heart and my phone storage.
Levi's Casual Outfit
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I actually had a love for this outfit for the longest and didn't change him on my home screen for nearly a year after I unlocked it.
Why I liked this?
Well, because it looks perfect to game in. As someone who plays video games, you sit on your ass for hours and don't have time to stop to change anything on you.
So if it's too hot, take the jacket off and wear the undershirt.
If it's too cold, put it back on.
In addition to him wearing joggers, which is just the most "gamer" thing I've ever seen, his clothes just look really comfortable. They look as if you could wear them for hours and not be bothered by jeans being too tight or a dress shirt getting uncomfortable after a while of sitting.
11/10 for me.
Levi's Human World Fit
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As for this one, I didn't like it at first, but now I'm desperately farming for shards to get this 😷. Now, this takes a turn from him being comfy as this looks more athletic. Athletic clothes aren't made for comfort, they're made to be flexible and work with your body as you do exercises...
Wait, exercise and Levi in the same sentence?
Joke aside, I think this suits him well and why I think that lies in the convention world. I've never been to a convention before, but I often see guides to your 1st and everyone says you better bring water, food and to take breaks every so often. I would assume Levi prepped himself to go to every convention, event, pop-up store, theme shop and more when in the human world, so he has to be flexible and not exactly "comfy."
Bonus that his jacket looks awesome and makes me wanna wear it. Who am I kidding, I wanna wear all his jackets and clothes
Levi's Beach Outfit
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I wanted to add that I was happy when I saw Levi had next to no body definition in this outfit.
It's always so weird to see his body look similar to Lucifer's, Beel's or Diavolo's when he doesn't work out and is super out of shape (getting winded at a casual jog). I'm glad they fixed this compared to his original beach card that had him with a whole ass six pack when that doesn't make any logical sense.
I don't hate the view, obviously 😏, but not all guys have to be ripped to be attractive. Lower that standard and just let guys be healthy the same way I want girls to just be healthy!
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randybrian489 · 3 months
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Get Active Outdoors: 3 Fun Ways to Exercise in Nature
<h2>Outdoor Exercise for Fun and Fitness</h2> <p>We all know exercise is great for our health and mood. It keeps our bodies in shape while also boosting self-confidence. And the best part is, exercise can be really enjoyable when done outside!<p> <h3>Skateboarding</h3> <p>Skateboarding burns about 350 calories per hour. It's like surfing on wheels - you ride a board around parks, streets, and plazas doing cool tricks. In Beijing, lots of skilled skaters meet up at the square by Our Saviour's Church on weekends. Skating started as a beach activity in California over 50 years ago. Now it's a popular way for teens worldwide to express their style and personalities through an active hobby. </p> <h3>Cycling</h3> <p>Biking burns around 245 calories per hour at a leisurely 9 km/hr pace. It's more fun to go riding with friends on weekends in the countryside. Bike sales have skyrocketed lately as more people look to cycling for exercise. Taking longer bike trips regularly improves overall fitness as your muscles, bones, and flexibility develop. Your heart and lungs also get stronger from raising your heart rate to 150-180 beats per minute. </p> <h3>Hiking</h3> <p>Hiking is one of the best cardio workouts - it burns about 400 calories per hour while getting your heart pumping at over 150 beats per minute. The uphill sections tone your legs and the scenery helps reduce stress. Be sure to bring water, Band-Aids, and layers so you can enjoy hikes year-round. Hiking high helps some medical conditions like asthma too by increasing "air vitamins" as you breathe deeper at higher altitudes.</p> <p>In summary, make outdoor exercise a fun habit. The activities above are easy to enjoy with friends or solo. Skateboarding, biking, and hiking deliver fitness benefits while letting you appreciate nature. Get moving - your body and mind will thank you! </p> <p>Let me know if any part of the explanation needs more clarification. I aimed to translate key details accurately while using clear, engaging language appropriate for 15-year-olds. Please provide feedback on how I can improve further.</p>
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eBiking for Fitness: Dunedin's Scenic Routes for Health Enthusiasts with Paradise Life E-Bikes 🚴‍♂️🌿🌞
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Hey there, fitness fanatics! If you're on the hunt for an enjoyable and scenic way to stay in shape, Paradise Life E-Bikes has the perfect solution for you. 🏞️ Our eBikes open up a world of possibilities for fitness enthusiasts, providing a unique and exciting way to explore Dunedin's natural beauty while breaking a sweat. 🚴‍♀️💪
The Fitness Benefits of eBiking 🚴‍♂️🏋️‍♀️
Before we dive into the scenic routes, let's talk about why eBiking is an excellent choice for fitness:
Low-Impact Workout: eBiking provides a low-impact exercise option that's gentle on your joints while still giving you a great cardio workout.
Adjustable Intensity: You control the level of pedal assistance. Start easy and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves.
Outdoor Connection: eBiking gets you outdoors, allowing you to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the beauty of Dunedin's landscapes.
Stress Reduction: Physical activity in nature has been shown to reduce stress and boost mental well-being, making eBiking a holistic fitness experience.
Scenic Routes to Get Your Heart Pumping 🌄🌅
Now, let's explore some of the best scenic routes in Dunedin to help you achieve your fitness goals:
1. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail: This iconic trail stretches over 38 miles and offers a mix of urban and natural settings. It's perfect for a long and leisurely ride or a brisk workout session.
2. Dunedin Causeway: With stunning coastal views, the Dunedin Causeway is ideal for those seeking a seaside workout. You'll be energized by the salt air and the sound of the waves.
3. Hammock Park Trails: For a more serene and shaded workout, head to Hammock Park. Its tranquil trails offer an opportunity to connect with nature while getting fit.
4. Philip Jones Park Loop: This loop in Philip Jones Park is short but sweet. It's great for interval training and quick fitness sessions surrounded by greenery.
5. Caladesi Island State Park: Accessible by ferry, Caladesi Island is a fitness haven. Explore the pristine beaches, take a jog along the shore, or do yoga by the water.
Safety First for a Healthier You! 🚦👟
At Paradise Life E-Bikes, we prioritize your safety. Before you embark on your fitness journey, we'll ensure you have the proper safety gear and a thorough understanding of your eBike. Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand when you ride with us.
Get Fit and Explore Dunedin with Paradise Life E-Bikes! 🚴‍♀️🌴
Our eBikes make fitness fun, and Dunedin's scenic routes provide the backdrop for a fantastic workout experience. So, whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just looking to add some physical activity to your day, Paradise Life E-Bikes has you covered. 🌞🚴‍♂️💦
Don't wait any longer—grab your fitness gear, hop on one of our eBikes, and let's embark on a journey to better health and breathtaking vistas in Dunedin, Florida! 🌿🏞️🚴‍♀️
#Electricbikes #ParadiseLifeEbikes #Ebikes #Electricbicycle #Electricbikestore #Ebikerentals #Electricbiketours #Pedalassistbikes #Electricbikeaccessories #Electricbikemodels #Batterypoweredbicycles #Bikeshop #Ebikedealer #Electricbikebrands #Bikerentals
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chlcelane · 10 months
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How To Improve Your Physical And Mental Health
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Health and fitness is essential. It is a matter of eating right doing regular exercise, as well as resting enough. Mental health is equally important.
It's no big deal to indulge in fast food now and again or skip exercising, but when these habits become ingrained, you need to alter your habits.
1. Eat Healthy and Enjoy Your Food
When it comes to healthful eating habits, the best advice is to try a few things and find the one that works best for you. Ultimately, eating healthily involves enjoying a wide range of meals and making good choices. It's not about depriving yourself or becoming unrealistically skinny.
Everyone seems to have opinions on what constitutes to be a "healthy" diet. And it's like a maze of confusion and. But, there are handful of easy tips that can help you improve your overall eating habits and improve your health: Check over here to discover additional hints on wellness.
2. Work Out Regularly
Engaging in a lot of exercise increases your mood and reduces stress. Additionally, it increases good cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides, which may help lower your risk of heart disease.
It doesn't need to be a gruelling workout; walking around the block or taking a yoga class will improve your overall health. And exercising with friends or relatives can make it even enjoyable.
If possible, try to get moderate exercise every day. Start with short sessions and work your way up. Don't forget that you can stretch your muscles and move in a place where you feel energized or calm, like an oasis of peace or a beach.
It is easier to keep up with your fitness routine by putting it on your calendar.
3. Get Enough Sleep
The benefits of sleep include a variety of benefits that range from enhancing mental wellbeing to decreasing the risk of overweight and diabetic. Sleeping well will also improve your work performance and at school.
Sleep problems are not unusual, but they can increase your risk for heart disease, or any other health issues. Poor sleep can be characterized when you awake with a alarm, being groggy and exhausted the following day even after getting an entire night's rest or feeling the symptoms of sleep-apnea.
Make sure you stick to a schedule, sleeping and getting up the same hour every day, including during weekend days. Make your bedroom a peaceful place to sleep by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
4. Stay Hydrated
You've probably heard the advice to consume eight glasses of water every daily, but it isn't the sole water source. Your body can absorb water from various drinks and foods, such as fruit and vegetables that have high water percentages (strawberries and cantaloupe), soups, and smoothies. It is essential to drink enough fluids in activities that cause you to sweat. It's even more crucial in the case of medical issues, such as nausea, fever or diarrhea.
Replace caffeinated drinks by drinking water, and choose those with less sugar in your favorite beverages. Examine the colour of your urine. A light, straw-colored colour is ideal. A dark yellow color can signify the presence of dehydration. Keep a bottle or jug of water on hand especially when exercising or traveling in warm weather.
5. Avoid Screen Time
Screens are a part of our lives online, however excessive time spent on screens may lead to dependency and affect your routine. Tracking your device usage as well as setting limits will help to improve the habits you have with your screens.
As time passes, too much screen time may cause eyestrain, posture problems, and back pain. The blue light can make it difficult for you to rest and remain asleep as the body's metabolism is less melatonin.
Making the decision to use your spare time away from a screen can lead to more social interaction with friends and allow the time to engage in more physical activities that lowers blood pressure, helps maintain a an ideal weight loss and keeps joints in good shape.
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beliefreason65 · 2 years
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Touring Around The World, Tips For Newbies
Vacationing to a different spot might be a thrilling time, but it can also be really dangerous! There are tons of things which will go wrong, and you need to keep these all at heart when planning your journey. Continue reading for a few tips on travelling properly. Dealing with international airports is undoubtedly an unlucky demand for significantly present day journey. Pack a vacant drinking water jar to fill up after you get through protection. This could save you from the need to get a $3.00 jar of water once you survive through the checkpoint. Additionally, it by no means is painful to bring along granola pubs, banana chips, or another type to munch on among journeys. Make certain you complete any prescription medications which you consider frequently before you leave town on a trip. Not having enough medication while going to a new location might be both stressful and expensive as you will need to hunt down a drugstore that could fill up your prescribed to suit your needs. If you plan to opt for a night air travel or perhaps an incredibly extended air travel in general, it could be wise to bring some form of getting to sleep support. It's quite difficult to fall asleep on aircraft anyway, but by taking a slumbering aid just before takeoff, you are able to arrive at your destination clean and able to handle the globe! For many the street trip is the only method to travel. If you're gonna be taking a road vacation do that basic points before hand so you don't end up stranded halfway country wide. # 1, be sure you purchase an oil change! Number 2, have your auto mechanic give your car or truck a once around before you decide to depart. The worst thing you need in the midst of no where by are easily preventable technical problems.
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For a person who has never used a leisure motor vehicle or RV for travelling prior to it being an interesting alter of pace. With an Recreational vehicle 1 has numerous far more options on where they want to stay at or visit. It is often a calming vacation that one can acquire at their own speed. Take a look at medical health insurance plan to determine which the coverage happens when you journey exterior your very own country. Odds are higher that sooner or later, you can expect to journey previous your own personal edges. There may be each likelihood that you will need medical care when you are apart. Does your plan deal with the fee for any medical care you will need? You should know the response to that issue prior to at any time set feet over the border. It will be a good idea to load a small travelling bag of goldfish or take a little bit toy from the fastfood diner on a air travel together with you. Even if you don't have youngsters, there might be some eager mom or dad that might be so happy to you for your personal gift. Whenever you take your dog on your way you have to think in advance about how you will handle them. Probably the most simple requires is physical exercise. Most everybody will take along a guide but consuming along a risk out series and pully can be a thing to consider too. Be sure that you will not be occurring trip throughout a time period of renovation. There is nothing far more annoying than to be woken early every morning by construction devices, specifically when you are on a break. Try to avoid any renovation dates. Before you leave on any long holiday, try to look for some time to get into form. Usually while sightseeing and tour, you will be undertaking quite a lot of walking. If you don't plan for this, it is possible to find yourself painful and unsatisfied. Also, being a lot more in shape may possibly offer you extra daring to get a nude beach or other new experience. khemtis Take part in commitment plans should you be a repeated vacationer. You might not predict having the capacity to money in, nevertheless these plans usually build-up more quickly than you understand. Companies are battling with a sea of competition and want to keep your organization. In the event you normally opt for the very same firm, find out what form of incentives they may have into position for your personal devotion. In order to make conversation with the residents, study a very little wonder technique. Miracle is something that is certainly virtually universally realized. When you carry out a very small technique for someone, you can expect to wide open the entrance to getting a real discussion together with the man or woman. Basic techniques are super easy to discover, so seem a single up! As you can see, there are a variety of things to contemplate to keep safe when traveling, no matter if you're organising a trip or already are in the spot. Be sure to always keep this informative article as a listing so you can be assured to never forget about something you should remain secure.
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beliefnylon39 · 2 years
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Vacationing Throughout The World, Helpful Tips For Starters
Traveling to an alternative position can be loads of fun, but it can also be very dangerous! There are a lot of items that could go completely wrong, and you must place them all at heart when preparation your trip. Please read on for some tips on travelling safely and securely. Working with international airports is surely an sad demand for much contemporary travel. Package a vacant water bottle to complete after you get through protection. This could help you save from needing to purchase a $3.00 container water as soon as you cope with the checkpoint. It also never ever is painful to bring along granola pubs, banana french fries, or anything else to snack on in between routes. Be sure that you load any prescription medications that you simply take frequently before you leave village on a trip. Running out of medicine when visiting a new position may be each demanding and dear as you must find a drug store that will load your prescribed for yourself.
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If you intend to select a nighttime trip or just an extremely lengthy trip generally speaking, it may be better to take some form of slumbering help. It's very difficult to fall asleep on planes anyhow, but if you take a getting to sleep assist just before takeoff, you can come to your location new and able to carry out the planet! For many the highway trip is the only way to vacation. If you're gonna be having a streets vacation try this easy things in advance so you don't find yourself stranded midway across the nation. Number 1, be sure to receive an gas alter! Number two, have your auto technician give your vehicle a when more than before you decide to leave. The last thing you want during no in which are typically avoidable technical breakdowns. For a person who has in no way employed a leisure time motor vehicle or Recreational vehicle for vacationing prior to it being a fascinating alter of pace. By having an RV one particular has numerous a lot more options on where they wish to stay in or visit. It is often a calming vacation that you can acquire at their particular speed. Review your medical insurance policy to determine which the coverage is when you travel exterior your own personal nation. Chances are great that eventually, you will journey earlier your own personal boundaries. travel There exists every probability that you will want healthcare while you are aside. Does your coverage protect the fee for any medical care you may want? You need to know the answer to that query before you decide to at any time established feet across the boundary. It might be a good idea to load a compact bag of goldfish or take a little gadget coming from a fastfood diner on the flight together with you. Even if you don't have kids, there can be some desperate mother or father that will be so happy for your needs for your personal present. When you take your pet on the highway you need to feel upfront regarding how you will handle them. One of the most simple needs is exercise. Most everyone takes together a guide but using along a stake out collection and pully is actually a thing to consider at the same time. Ensure that you will not be happening getaway while in a time of reconstruction. Nothing is more bothersome rather than to be woken early every morning by building equipment, specifically while you are on a break. Stay away from any renovation schedules. Before leaving on any extended holiday, try to find serious amounts of go into condition. Usually when taking in the sights, you will be undertaking a great deal of strolling. Should you don't get prepared for this, you can end up sore and unhappy. Also, becoming more in shape may give you additional bravery for any nude beach or another new expertise. Be involved in commitment courses should you be a repeated visitor. You might not expect having the capability to cash in, however these courses typically collect faster than you understand. Organizations are fighting against a sea of competitors and wish to keep the company. When you typically choose the same company, learn what sort of incentives they have set up for the devotion. If you want to make dialogue using the residents, learn a small wonder trick. Miracle is one thing that may be virtually widely understood. In the event you execute a small secret for an individual, you can expect to open the entranceway to having an authentic chat together with the particular person. Easy tricks are super easy to understand, so appear one up! As you have seen, there are tons of things to think about to keep safe when you are traveling, regardless of whether you're arranging a vacation or are actually with the spot. Make sure you always keep this post being a check-list so you can be sure never to overlook something you must stay secure.
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opalsiren · 3 years
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https://marril96.tumblr.com/post/637932493810647040/h2o-just-add-water-season-02-episode-01-stormy
Okay, am I the only one who realized how bad this could have went!?
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yeah admittedly that was dumb as hell. the glass could have smashed and seriously hurt kim if cleo wasn't totally in control of her powers. what actually happened wasn't much better; cleo basically caused a mini hurricane in her hall, and things really could have gone awry had she not pulled back
that said, all of the girls have moments like that with their powers: in the next episode emma causes one of elliot's soccer teammates to slip on ice and could have seriously injured him if she wasn't careful. rikki also uses her powers against ash during his brief rivalry with zane, making him sweat profusely, which could have caused him serious bodily harm if her attention slipped for a second. teenagers be teenagers i guess!
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Letter 19: 🍎 True Strength 🍎
A letter arrives in the mail. The paper is slightly yellow, like the flesh of an oxidized apple. There’s a simple logo—a barn beside an apple tree, the leaves trimmed in a heart shape—stamped onto it. The sender starts off their message with flowing script, but every so often, the handwriting falters to a messier scrawl before correcting itself. A few words are also crossed out, and sentences amended.
Along with the letter, there is a small parcel secured with frayed twine. Peeling away the wrapping reveals a mini apple pie, enough for a single serving. The crust is an elaborate, flaky braid, brushed with a healthy coat of eggwash and butter. Strips of pastry form a tight lattice over the cinnamon, sugar, and apple filling. It smells warm and cozy, like a hug from a friend or a family member.
***Spoilers for chapter 5!***
Dear (Ex)Manager/Prefect,
I’m writing to say thanks thank you for looking out for us. Not just me, but everyone in the VDC training. It was tough, but we managed to make it out of training in one piece. Who knew vocal exercises and ballet lessons could be just as tough as lifting weights and sprinting? I guess I had to learn the hard way... I think my muscles are still aching from all the way back then!
I feel like I’ve come a long way. When I first came to NRC, I was just a country boy with a swelled head. I was always called the strongest back home, so I thought it wouldn’t be all that different here. I was wrong—very, very wrong. I was a fish our of water that thought it was the strongest wolf in the pack. When Vil-senpai beat me... over and over again, I slowly came to realize that.
I was frustrated.
How could I lose to this guy, that looked like he couldn’t last a day shovelin’ chicken crap on the family farm and orchard? How could I surpass him? I held my head high and marched to the Mirror of Darkness. When I looked into it, I hoped it would give me the answers. And then (damn darn it all) I just had to be sorted into Pomefiore—but looking back on it, I’m glad I did. If I didn’t, maybe I’d still be frustrated.
I felt like I was being torn in two, Prefect. Like the dorm leader was trying to take my soul and shape it in his image. The ideal man I had always strived to be... and Vil-senpai’s version of an ideal man... They were so different. The dancing lessons, the table etiquette lessons, the speaking lessons... I didn’t get it. I was like an apple tree, you could say, with its roots firmly planted in the traditions of my village. I didn’t want him to uproot who I was.
I gritted me teeth and endured it all. I wanted to prove Vil-senpai wrong about me—but more than that, I wanted to prove it to myself. I tried again and again, but I still snapped. When I was angry and ran away, Deuce-kun was there for me. He understood my frustrations. I was upset. So, so upset. I felt like screaming at the world, at myself, at Vil-senpai. I took those words and let them skip across the sea—casting away my anger and filling myself with new determination.
I’m glad that I was able to meet you and the others, especially Deuce-kun. It’s because of you guys that I could return to the VDC training, that I could join you on stage. That I recognized my own strength. Prefect... I know now. What Vil-senpai was trying to teach me all along. What Deuce-kun and I realized on that beach. True strength, true beauty... It’s not the rejection of one ideal in favor of the other extreme. It’s embracing everything that you have, everything that you are, and using all that is “you” to your advantage.
The “me” that embraced myself was finally able to defeat Vil-senpai. It wasn’t just my own power, though. It was thanks to all of us working together, showing off the best parts of ourselves. Deuce-kun’s Unique Magic, Rook-senpai’s archery, Ace-kun’s wind magic, Grim-kun’s fire magic, Kalim-senpai’s water magic, Jamil-senpai’s support magic...
It was absolutely beautiful.
That time, it was my turn to offer a hand and pull Vil-senpai up. Our roles were reversed from our first meeting. And... that day, the strong Vil-senpai, that I had sworn to defeat, cried. He cried and cried in frustration, just like I had before.
Vil-senpai... He really is beautiful.
I’m happy to be able to call you my friend. The next time my Ma mother sends apple products, I’ll bring’m bring them over to share with you.
Recently, we’ve made a new breed that we call “Persephone’s Promise”. The apple tastes tart, like a pomegranate. It’s named after the goddess of spring that went to the Underworld.
The Underworld... It sounds like a spooky place. I’d like to see it for myself one day. No matter how scary it is, I know I’ll be fine because I have my “strength” and friends with me!
See ya ‘round Best regards,
🍎 Epel Felmier 🍎
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vickyvicarious · 3 years
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Ship asks: Eliot Spencer/Ennis the Goon (You had to know that one was coming, right? 😛 With *this* timing?)
PFF, OKAY.
Who buys flowers for the others: Ennis. What can I say, he's a romantic at heart! He also thinks it's very cute when Eliot gets flustered. And the way he reacted the first time: "What... what am I supposed to do with these?" didn't read as embarrassment but genuine confusion to him, such is his faith in Eliot's lack of brain. So that was a patronizing fun conversation.
Who makes the others coffee/tea: Ennis insists on making the tea, because he has no trust in Eliot's ability to prepare it well. The first time Eliot absentmindedly brews him a mug of tea and actually does it well, it shocks Ennis to the core. Eliot, flustered, says he wanted to sur...prise him? Ennis finds this very romantic. (Eliot makes the coffee, though. They both expect that.)
Who eats the most candy on Halloween: Neither of them eats much candy, but Ennis is actually stricter about his diet than Eliot... with less actual understanding of food. So he diets and exercises and sure, he stays in shape, but he is also needlessly depriving himself of delicious food because he thinks it's incontrovertibly bad for him. Eliot is put in the startling position of eating more candy out of the two of them.
Who tries new recipes all the time: Eliot, of course! Along with restricting his diet for misguided healthiness notions, Ennis also cannot handle any level of spice. He likes his food simple and familiar and for the most part, fairly bland. He makes exceptions for 'high class dining' which is often just expensive food that he still tries to get without a lot of spice or whatever. This appalls Eliot to the point that he leverages being romantic just to get some actual decent food in this man's mouth.
Who genuinely likes pineapple on pizza: Eliot. Again, same deal. Ennis doesn't even especially like pizza, but when he does get it, he likes white vegetarian pizza. Sometimes, Eliot thinks it would have been so much easier if he'd just murdered him on sight.
Who wears hats on special occasions: Ennis has a bowler hat left over from a fancy dress party a few years ago. Eliot is secretly tickled pink at the sight of him in it, and tries to convince him to wear it, saying he looks like a "right pro'er gangster" in it. Ennis rarely humors Eliot. (Eliot is also thinking of how to get Ennis in one of those Buckingham palace guard hats, without putting himself in the position of having to wear one too.)
Who likes ‘90s R&B: Neither of them, really. They actually have pretty similar tastes in music, though Ennis does have a fond spot for a couple of mopey British bands like the Cure, which Eliot has no patience for.
Who likes long walks on the beach: They both do. Well, Eliot is on high alert anytime he and Ennis are anywhere near a body of water, but aside from that. A long walk on the beach was the first time he actually felt reluctantly fond of the guy, in fact.
Who buys wacky picture frames: Parker! Ennis keeps pictures, and she breaks in to change out the frames. She has never met Ennis face to face and he has been growing concerned about a ghost despite himself, since he can never find any signs of a break-in and no matter what kind of cameras he puts up it he can't see anything that looks human. In fact, he's been hearing weird static on his radio sometimes in the dead of night, and he thinks it's possibly the soul of someone he's killed in his line of work????? (he has not told Eliot this.)
Who compares themselves to fictional/celebrity couples: Eliot, in prime dumb American rube, has done so a few times. It seems to be one of the few dumb things he does that legit seems to annoy Ennis, so he's actually done some research on famous British couples that he can ruin for the guy.
Who can solve a rubix cube: Eliot. Ennis sees him do it once and is impressed at the flashes of intelligence found even in the stupidest of people. He doesn't say this of course, but Eliot can tell. Eliot can tell and it drives him mad (especially since there's a trick to it, you don't actually even have to be smart, dammit!).
Who would wear Hawaiian shirts on vacation/during the summer: Eliot. Eliot, for sure. Once again, Ennis seems to find his lack of fashion sense somehow charming. Eliot is impressed despite himself at how this guy has very little sense of shame. He just amusedly indulges idiocy and doesn't get embarrassed. Eliot usually loves being a troll and playing dumb, but his limit is hit before Ennis's every time.
Who wears mismatched socks because they can’t keep up with the pairs: Ennis's socks are all pretty similar to one another, so he sometimes mixes them up without noticing. This irritates Eliot but he also knows that if he brings it up Ennis is going to think he's being all cute and domestic, so he is struggling very hard to resist the urge to comment.
.
Send me a ship and I will answer with who does what!
56 notes · View notes
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Here is the first one
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Second :D
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And last..he's looking at you 👀💦
ALRIGHT you know WHAT—
There’s…a lot going on here. So much so, that I have decided to create
CONTEXT
for these three images that is
COMPLETELY FAKE
because I think it’ll be a fun writing exercise. kind of a cringe move on my part, but consider: i have fun making up ridiculous lies about characters who don’t exist in real life.
(which is how I’m treating these, by the way. yes, they are pictures of kaneko nobuaki, but for my purposes, they are NOT actually him. they are distinct fictional characters who are not real.)
so if you’re feeling adventurous skip below the cut and watch me break it down:
Image 1: Accidental “Date” Makes Cousin’s Wedding Less Terrible Than Originally Expected
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The year is 1999. Your cousin (who you are not particularly close to) is getting married…on a cruise ship. Your mother insists you attend. You insist upon spending 90% of your time sipping margaritas on the deck and flipping through the latest issue of Marie Claire while trying desperately not to think about the fact that you are surrounded by nothing but open ocean.
One of the (very drunk) bridesmaids tries to toss you a beach ball because you have been, and I quote: like, a total bummer this whole time. She misses. It hits the person next to you in the face. Great. Awesome. You think: well now who’s being, like, a total bummer?
Luckily the person who got hit in the face laughs the entire thing off. He says your friends seem…’lively.’ You say that’s pretty rich coming from a guy who looks like a rejected member of ‘The Clash.’ He insists that he left them, not the other way around.
You slip into conversation. You tell him that you’re here for a wedding. He offers his condolences. You accept them. He says he actually likes weddings—something about two people making a life-changing commitment speaks to him on a soul-level. That and the open bar, of course.
You suggest he crash the wedding. He says he’s not sure if he can make it—there’s a shuffleboard tournament that evening that he would just hate to miss, plus the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest is waiting on his bedside table just begging to be opened. You say that’s perfectly understandable, but, if he suddenly finds himself caught up on the latest All My Children gossip, he can meet you back here at four.
Surprise, surprise: he shows up. He’s wearing the same shirt he was before, but buttoned up this time—and with one of the most hideous neckties you’ve ever seen, which he apparently borrowed from the kind old man next door. Instead of complimenting his attire (because it is truly un-compliment-able), you take the opportunity to mention that this is a Titanic-themed wedding. He says that having a Titanic-themed wedding on a cruise ship is “kind of fucked up” and you solemnly agree.
Everyone is very surprised and pleased to see that you’ve brought a date—even the bride, who tells you that you’re “just like Jack and Rose.” You agree, much to her delight…until you say that, if the ship goes down, you also won’t share the door and let him freeze to death in the icy water. He insists he’d be the guy who jumps off the ship and hits his leg on the propellor—that’s his favorite part of the whole movie, and it’d be an honor to re-enact the scene.
The wedding is…a wedding. Vows, toasts, pictures—and you’re sipping champagne through the entire thing. The two of you spend the evening getting completely wasted and telling everyone a different story about just who your ‘mystery date’ is. Highlights include: the captain’s unruly son whose been tasked with following in his father’s sea-faring footsteps; professional cave-diver who discovered a new species of slug and is spending his reward money on a nice vacation; head of marketing who gives all those clever names to the nail polishes at OPI; the guy who folds everyone’s towels into animal shapes.
You end up where you started: on neighboring lounge chairs, with a margarita, and talking to this stranger who has recently crossed into “acquaintance” territory. You chat about how “My Heart Will Go On” is actually a good song, and he promises not to tell anyone that you said that. He also says that this is the best Titanic-themed cruise ship wedding he’s ever been to, and he can’t wait until somebody decides to do Jaws.
Eventually, you both stagger back to your rooms with promises of seeing each other at breakfast. Unfortunately, you have the worst hangover of your life the next morning and even the thought of ‘breakfast’ makes you want to roll over and die, so you don’t manage to stumble out of bed until it’s time to disembark.
You see him at port, and you each offer each other a little wave before going your separate ways. Six weeks later, you get a Polaroid of the two of you together, sitting at the bar and laughing at something that must have been very, very hilarious.
You don’t remember most of what happened that night, but you remember it was not as terrible as it could have been.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Image 2: Extremely Weird Guy On The Street Has You Questioning Your Sanity
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It’s 6:00 in the morning—a truly terrible time to be awake, but a necessary evil. Your flight leaves at 10, and since it’s an international thing, you want to make sure you get there in plenty of time to get to your gate (and maybe sample all the fancy perfumes you can’t afford at one of those high-end stores that are always in airports.)
The streets are mostly empty, save for a few random pedestrians and a handful of passed-out salarymen snoozing on the curb. The sky a rainy gray-blue as the sun tries to rise behind the springtime cloud cover—it’s no doubt going to be another dismal day, as is common during this time of year. Hopefully there’s not too much turbulence on your flight…
You stop at a crosswalk, waiting for the little walking man signal to show up on the light across the way. You’re soon joined by another person—a man in a soft-looking jacket who supplies you with a small “good morning” bob of his head. You respond in kind, throwing in a small smile for good measure. It’s nice that he too understands that it’s entirely too early to be having any kind of conversation, even if it is just a simple verbal greeting between strangers on a street corner.
The light changes, and you both begin your trek across the street. Your fellow walker is faster than you—or, more likely, has longer legs and, ergo, a longer stride than your own—and is nearly halfway across by the time you get your wheeled suitcase over the curb. He seems decent enough. You hope he’s going somewhere nice.
It’s then that you make the mistake of looking up. It would have been much better if you had just continued watching the white painted lines on the road and thinking about how it reminds you of piano keys—and how you hated the six months of piano lessons your parents forced you to take in the first grade.
But no. You noticed someone walking towards you, and you just had to look up.
The first thing you notice is a rainbow tie-dye shirt. The second thing you notice is that the rainbow tie-dye shirt is on a very cheerful looking gentleman, who seemed to be bobbing his head in time with a song only he could hear.
The third thing you notice—and this one’s the real kicker—is the large blue-and-green reptile sitting on his shoulder. It’s bulging eyes are hooded in pleasure as it’s red-pink tongue darts out to eat the green something—maybe a grape or a small piece of melon?—from the rainbow tie-dye man’s hand. It is nothing short of a spectacle, honestly, and you feel a piece of your sanity evaporate.
The rainbow tie-dye man continues on, uncaring of your confused stare at his strange pet. You even turn around to make sure that you weren’t somehow hallucinating, and sure enough, there is definitely some kind of creature draped over this stranger’s shoulder. It’s tail even sways in time with the man’s steps, which is both cute and confusing.
Because it would not do to stand in the middle of the street all day, considering the existence of rainbow tie-dye man and his exotic pet, you do the only thing you can do: turn back around and continue on your journey. You need a coffee. Maybe with an extra shot of espresso, after witnessing whatever the hell that was. Something to set you right again.
“Was that…?”
The other man—the soft-coat long-stride one—is speaking low enough as to not draw attention, but loud enough for you to hear as you make your way towards the sidewalk. His expression reads ‘concerned, but trying not to show it’ which you suppose is the polite and mature way of handling the situation.
“…an iguana? Yeah,” you answer him, “I saw it too.”
The man’s brow furrows. His mouth puckers into a small frown as he considers…well, something.
“…Okay, then,” he concludes, shrugging his shoulders, “Hell of a way to start the day.”
“Yeah.”
And you both continue on your way. He turns left at the next intersection, you turn right—but even though your paths may now be different, you will forever share an unbreakable bond over the fantastical sight you’ve witnessed today.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Image 3: Near Death Experience At Open Mic Night
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You are not a poet.
Well, not professionally, anyways. You’ve been known to dabble in the written word, often scribbling little snippets of rhyme in a notebook over your lunch break or tapping a verse or two into the notes app on your phone. It a kind of outlet, you suppose—a way to keep the creative energy that bubbles inside of you from boiling over.
It’s also worth mentioning that you are not a confident public speaker. Not since that unfortunate incident in the third grade where you forgot the single line you had in the school play and ran off stage, tears streaming down your face and—actually, no, you’re not going to think about that right now. Or ever again, hopefully.
So when your (tipsy) coworkers decide that it’s a good idea to push you onto the stage at the local dive bar’s open mic night—while shouting at you to “read the one about the night-blooming jasmine”—you freeze up. There are at least seven strangers staring at you, expectation rising with every passing second of your inaction. It’s nerve-wracking in the way that the third-grade incident was not, and you gulp against the nervousness that rises in your throat.
Shaking hands scroll frantically through your phone, looking for the requested poem—and after a few agonizing moments, you manage to find it. Your voice cracks rather embarrassingly as you begin to read, trying your damndest to get the words out right so you can slink back to the bar and drown the rest of the night in Chardonnay.
Everything is going well—or, at least, as well as can be expected—until you notice that the room is suddenly feeling very hot. That’s the last coherent thought you have before the room goes dark and everything falls silent.
Next thing you know, you’re staring at the ceiling. A man who you do not know is leaning over you, and his mouth is moving—oh, he’s probably trying to say something to you, but it’s very difficult to tell what he’s saying over the throbbing pain in the back of your head.
You ask him if you’re dead. It’s a possibility after all, that you’ve somehow died and landed yourself in some kind of special public-speaking hell. That’s what this feels like, anyways.
The man says no, you are not dead. You say ‘dammit’ in response. He tries to hold back laughter, offering to help you up by extending his hand. You take it and—ouch, ugh, ew, going from laying to standing is not a fun experience.
You thank him (albeit awkwardly) for helping you up, and he insists that ‘it’s cool.’ Passing out in front of an audience is not even remotely cool, but you nod and thank him again, anyways.
Before you’re able to converse with the helpful stranger any further, your coworkers have come to collect you. You are whisked away by someone from accounting, who offers to escort you home—an offer you gladly accept, very excited to leave the site of your failure behind you.
Safe to say, you never go back to that particular bar again.
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thestrandedrpg · 2 years
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MERIDIUM NEWS: DECEMBER
News travels through the air on the island like salt on a sea breeze. Here is the gossip currently circulating as of December 1, 2021.
GENERAL NEWS / NOTICES:
HELP WANTED: Tamyra Williams is looking for people to help her build a home.
THIS WEEK IN COCONUT COUTURE: definitely a neck and elegant neck competition between (let's face it, our usual) top two:  Tamyra Williams, vs Kaz Raval. This week, Tamyra's versatile use of the humble sheer scarf became an island trending #scarfchic.  Who knew a scarf could transform into a skirt, a dress, a sarong, a head-scarf, a blouse and more?  Who else but our lovely Tamyra. But hold onto your stilettos: Kaz wasn't far behind in creating new fads.  Our lurky lad was sporting a never-before seen pair of reflective star-shaped sunglasses, accessorized by - what else? His bare chest.
GENERAL NOTICE: Professor Tomas Farmer Hardy would like to remind all Meridiumers who made it to South Beach (RIP the rest) that the new farm DOES NOT have the bounty you had come to expect from its previous incarnation. When asked to surrender the EIGHT avocadoes that you have inexplicably taken for your family of one (1) for the day, please do so with a cheerful heart. Failure to comply will necessitate some sort of similarly inexplicable punishment to be devised by either Emre Akbar or Aurelie Marchand or in a pinch Madi Byrd, although she would really rather not be involved but agreed reluctantly for the sake of a solid front. All current residents of New Meridium are welcome to help themselves to however many coconuts and coconut products they desire, and we are willing to show you how to make brooms out of coconut fronds. Please do not ask for farm credit as you will not enjoy the derisive snorts that will follow. 
SEEING DOUBLE?: There is news that some sort of groundbreaking is going on near the High Ground Settlement. It appears to be a new settlement... or maybe even a second farm? The source of this news has remained determinedly anonymous.
SPECIAL FARM ITEM NOW AVAILABLE!!!: The (Water) Lily Stop by the farm and get a delicious up of the Water Lily beverage, inspired by the lovely Lily.  (She doesn't know she inspired this.  It's not creepy, we promise).The Water Lily is a delicious, refreshing beverage made from the finest organic and sustainable ingredients, locally sourced.  It is all-natural, with no additives, soy GMOs or parabens, much like the fleshy version of Lily. Choose to drink your Water Lily from a custom-made collectible coconut shell cup or straight from the river!  Because it's literally just river water. Upgrade your Water Lily with the following add-ons at no extra cost!: - energy slam-o-rama - Vitamin X - brain-detoxifier - internal fungal cleanser - turmeric substitute (blood red, not golden yellow) Ask top farmer Tomas for your special Water Lily add-ons!  He doesn't have them, it's just funny to see him getting increasingly confused and angry over people asking for add-ons.
ANONYMOUS TIP FOR GENERAL ETIQUETTE: Newer arrivals to the island are reminded that constant references to the fashions and faddery of your era can be wearisome to those who've been on Meridium for more extended stays! Your elders may seem truly interested in tiktokkery and instagramation, but be assured that they are merely exercising politeness and may, in fact, have stopped listening twelve minutes back and are thinking about how to cook the gull they have planned for supper. SEEKING HEIGHT: Hazel Beaufort is in search of one (1) ladder and/or one (1) willing tall person whose shoulders she can stand upon to properly trace her sister’s name onto paper from the obelisk. Will offer compensation! * * Booze from her grandmother. APPLY NOW!: One person with good upper body strength, willing to hold something aloft for any number of hours upon demand. Applicant will be required to follow Tamyra Williams around the island with a long pole upon the end of which will hang either 1) a torch (fire attuned preferred), 2) a jar of fireflies, 3) a clump of bioluminescent mushrooms. Will lift pole over Tamyra to provide a spotlight when required. Must be willing to weather constant chiding and reprimands over inability to sweep spotlight properly.
NOTICE OF INTENT: Tomas Hernandez Hardy Esq. hereby states intent to take possession of the piano found in Fuckupped Train Car #11 for transport back to the Hardys' High House. Complainants are advised to cram it, as they could never attain as much pleasure from said piano as Mr. Hardy's wife will and he is willing to throw down over this.
SEEKING SNOG: Comely SINGLE ASIAN MALE doctor seeking casual snog to raise spirits among other tings.  Must be willing to: be a bloke (whiteboys preferred apparently), laugh at cute jokes but don't laugh too hard or try to joke along because man gets in a proper mood about it, and listen to long gas going off about dead fiance, cooking or medicine like.  Possibility for shags on the regular.  Might burn you alive, soz.  Note: first date will be a surprise, come prepared. Contact: Best Bhaiya.   FOR SALE OBO: Do you wish you could gaze upon the most attractive Meridium inhabitants without having to inconveniently follow them around? Wish no more! For a small fee/trade, an enthusiastic artist is willing to draw you a portrait to carry around with you! Plz allow for five days' time for popular portraits such as Kaz, Vince, Theo, Aurelie, or Ben; buy six and get a free Joaquin retablo! Contact me via flower language at the foot of the heart tree.
OBELISK EYE NEVER CLOSES!: This week our Obelisk Operatives (ObOps) have dutifully collected the following mysteries! So pull out your magnifying glass, write in the sand, and let's do some sleuthing.
- One ObOp noticed Benjamin holding a bag full of...rocks?  Chestnuts!?  Mermaid eggs!?  What's your guess? - Amelia was spotted! Or maybe she wasn't.  What to make of that? - Yesterday afternoon, another ObOp noticed Magnolia Beaufort laughing. And it wasn't at the expense of someone else!  Seems sus. - Could it be that Aurélie knows a FIFTH language?  Impossible!  No one can know that much. - It was unfortunate that an ObOp got too close to Cian, and got a severe warning. Sorry - we meant a severe warming.  Yet another reason to be wary of Cian and his hidden third eye...someone needs to find it!Any other news to report?  Become an ObOp or risk being next!   Always remember:   T̶̪͋̓́̂͌̀̾͆͠H̷̺̙̥̟̼̿Ĕ̸̱͇̮̬̄̒̓̍̓̃ ̴̡͕̗͕̱͈̘͛́͋̀̈́̀̚͠͠ͅȎ̶̞̙͈͉͈̙̥͒͒̐̒͜͜B̸̧̪̀̎̃̓̉̌͠͝Ę̴͔͚̰̠͖̠̘͒̌̂͑̓́̓͝L̷̨͇̺̣̜̾̋̊̀̀͜Į̴̛̮͇̭͙̠̣̱̓̏S̴̡̗̦͚̠͖̺͋̉̾K̸͙̜̠̬̟͇͂́̎̀̒̑̇͜͝ͅ ̸̞̗̺͍̥̒̊̊̾̕͝͠͝E̵̯̺̼̤͉͉͆̄̈́́͝Ỹ̷͎̦̟͉̗̞̊͘E̷̖̫̫͂̑̽̋̈́͠ ̸͉͙̥͂̐̈́͛̊͠N̴͈̾͠È̷̬̜̘̘̇̑̈́̍͋͂͌̔͠Ṽ̴̫̰̥͓̱͕͓͆̐̈́Ȩ̸̛̦͈̗̯̘̫͙̇̀̌̾̑͊R̴̼̣̃̈́͊͠ ̸̡̖̝̬̝̊̈̕C̴̰̰̉̄̃̑͒Ļ̶̢̱̬͇̻̈́̔̈́͋̽O̵̼͍͔͂S̴̭͍̆̉͘̕E̶̮͓̯͕̓͌͋̋̉̓S̸̤̞̘͙̘͂̎̎̇̿̽͆̎̊͝!̴̣̪͈̜̲̈́̾̂̐̍̍͊͊͝
DEAR MS. MERIDIUM:
Anonymous islanders are invited to voice their questions, complaints, and compliments to the island itself. Replies are not guaranteed.
Dear Ms. Meridium:
Long time survivor, first time writer. I'm a big fan of what you've done with the place. Who needed all that junk on the North Beach? People were too concretely settled in their little cliques. Plane People versus Castaways versus Island Oldies, I mean, who cares, right? I'm sure we can all agree that we're all one big united group! In that we think the island should become a polyamorous cult that worships the obelisk and should vote the most bangable person here as our leader. My vote goes to that redhead with the permanent bitchface, you know the one. Ms. Sassy Britches Jungle Lady. Anyhow keep up the good work!
Sincerely, Can't Spell Culture Without Cult
***
Dear Ms. Meridium:
Is it just me or are there too many people on the island who have plant names? Magnolia, Lily, Hazel, Quinoa, Tomato, Tamarind, that kid whose name is Barley I think, that chick whose last name is Bloom, there's probably more whose names translate to plants. Kinda creepy if you ask me. Like maybe they're pod people. Unlike us normal ones who have animal names like Byrd and Rook and Coatimundi. Not saying that's my name just an example.
Think about it, Fauna Forever Flora Never
***
Dear Ms. Meridium,
I need some serious advice. One time I was walking past Emre Akbar and I could swear he growled at me and then barked like a dog and said something not in English. Now I am a normal person and I don't believe in omens, but I could swear that Emre put a curse on me! I read one time that people who don't blink at least once per five seconds are changelings from the Otherworld and Emre only blinks once per 22 seconds yes I timed it. Also I think I saw him drinking that coconut oil he makes. It's not natural. I mean yeah if he asked I would totally smash but that's beside the point. Help! Should I approach him or is there a counter-curse you could give me?
Shivering, Terrified Yet Horny
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tiennewrites · 4 years
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only bought this dress so you could take it off (Part 1a) | hq! headcanons
╔═════ ∘◦ ☟ ◦∘ ══════╗
Summary: The boys get dresses as gifts for their s/o (reader) and their subsequent reactions when their s/o wears it (◍•ᴗ•◍)
Genre: fluff
Characters: Azumane Asahi, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Miya Atsuma
Pairings: AsahixReader, KiyoomixReader, AtsumaxReader
Warnings: None, this is just pure fluff (⁄˘⁄ ⁄ ω⁄ ⁄ ˘⁄)♡
Author’s Note: Wrote these as a way to take a break from an original piece I’m working on for my exophilia blog and like all my work, things just spiraled out of control ¯\_(ಥ‿ಥ)_/¯ I’ll likely add more boys and NSFW sequels if this gets a good response because this was a fun exercise. Hope you enjoy!
All rights reserved. Do not repost my work.
╚═════ ∘◦ ☝︎ ◦∘ ══════╝
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Asahi would have been mortified if you or any of his friends knew, but he found the dress while he was scrolling through Pinterest.
He happened to be looking through summer fashion trends when a picture of a long, yellow sundress scrolled it’s way up his computer screen.
When he clicked through the pin to the brand’s website, he enlarged the image on the model to admire some of the smaller details: delicate spaghetti straps, white heart-shaped buttons down the middle of the long skirt, and his favorite part they way the top could be tied into a bunny-eared knot
Needless to say, he saved that pin so that he could find it later.
That night, you found him rifling through your side of the closet to figure out what size you wore.
How could somebody be two different dress sizes?!
When you tapped him on the shoulder, he jumped so high you thought he was gonna go right through the ceiling.
His face was beet red and he told you he was looking for a shirt that he had lost.
Your poor boyfriend agonized for a week about which size he should get you- he didn’t want the surprise gift to be ruined just because he got a size that was too big or too small.
In the end, he decided to buy it in the larger size. He figured he’d pay for it to be tailored if it was too big and he just wanted to see you in the damn thing already.
When it finally arrived, he laid out the dress on your bed with a bouquet of sunflowers
Asahi tried to stay casual and cool on the couch while he waited to for you to walk into the bedroom to find your surprise, but his stomach clenched in anticipation while he played with the stray threads of a throw pillow.
He smiled excitedly when he heard you squeal in delight, and turned around to see you already running towards him to throw your arms around his neck and pepper his face with kisses.
To his relief, when you tried on the dress, it fit perfectly.
He liked the way the yellow color made your skin absolutely glow and he loved the way the bunny-ear knot complemented the swell of your chest.
The gift prompted an impromptu trip to the beach. You just wanted a good reason to wear out the amazing gift your amazing boyfriend got you.
Even though the day was sunny, the wind whipped around the two of you as you took turns chasing each other barefoot on the beach.
Asahi didn’t mind though. He liked the way your hair looked, wind blown, and the way the dress wrapped itself around your beautiful legs in the gusty breeze.
As the sun went down and the day got colder, he wrapped you up in his denim jacket to pull you close into his giant chest. The two of you fell into a sandy heap smiling and giggling at each other.
»»——⍟——««
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◇─◇──◇─────◇──◇─◇
The dress was displayed in the window of a hole-in-the-wall boutique and it didn’t really catch Kiyoomi’s attention at first.
One day on his way home, he got a good look at it and admired it’s clean and simple silhouette. The fabric was white and well-pressed while still looking soft and light.
There are details, like the puffy sleeves and structured bodice, that aren’t usually to his taste, but there was just something so lovely and… pristine about how the garment was designed.
He decided that the tone of white would look lovely against your skin and bought one in your size.
Kiyoomi asks for it to be gift wrapped and rushes to hide it under the bed before you come home.
When he finally gives it to you to unwrap, he’s pleased by how your eyes light up when you lift it out of the tissue paper and see it for the first time. He thinks it’s absolutely adorable when you hold it up against your body and twirl in front of the mirror, laughing.
You wear it for the first time on a date and he’s pleased to find it fits almost perfectly. The bodice hugs the curve of your waist just right and the skirt dances against your mid thigh in the most delightful way.
If he thought the dress looked amazing on you by itself, he absolutely loves the way you dress it up. You tied a soft beige scarf in your hair and wore your favorite nude heels- the strappy kind that took some practice for you to walk in properly.
Kiyoomi already thought you were cute, but today you were just lovely. So lovely he almost reconsidered letting you leave the house.
Almost.
This date had been planned for weeks and he knew you would be upset if you didn’t get to show off your new dress.
The two of you walked down the street arm in arm, and while you enjoyed looking at all the neat items in the shop windows, Kiyoomi sent hard stares to all the wandering eyes that followed you.
At one point, you passed by a pet shop and you bent over to coo at the floppy-eared bunnies playing in the window and to his dismay, the dress tightened at your hips, causing the fabric to sinfully hug the curve of your ass.
He planted himself right behind you to hide what was *his and his alone* you from perverts.
After dinner, you guys took a walk in an empty garden park to enjoy the sunset and take pictures.
You posed for some but Kiyoomi loved taking candids of you looking like an outright angel the way your hair glowed like a halo against the sun.
He swallowed hard when he caught of a glimpse of how the warm light filtered through the fabric of your skirt and he could make out shadows of the soft lines of your inner thighs. You were distracted by something in the distance, completely unaware of how enticing you looked in the fading light.
He quickly snapped a picture on his phone and shoved it in his pocket before you could demand to see how it looked.
Later that night he set that picture of you as his phone wallpaper.
»»——⍟——««
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Atsumu honestly doesn’t even remember buying you a dress.
But apparently last Valentine’s Day you wouldn’t stop bothering him about getting you a gift so he sent you a picture of his credit card with a text that said “go crazy 😘”
So here he is, getting hungry, waiting for you at the bar of the high-end restaurant you both love.
Atsumu is nursing a drink and shoots you a quick text, asking you where you are and that he’s hangry now
Much to his exasperation, you text back that you’ll be there in another 10 minutes and that “It’ll be worth the wait 😜”.
Fifteen minutes later, he nearly spills his drink all over himself when he spots you waltzing in with a smile, wearing a little red satin number.
Even though you’re in heels, you still have to tippy-toe to press a kiss to your stunned boyfriend’s cheek.
Once the initial shock wears off, he smiles and grabs your hand to spin you so he could enjoy every little detail. To say that the dress accentuated the curve of your figure was a dire understatement.
The sweetheart cowl neckline cradled your tits gorgeously and the open back made Atsumu’s mouth water.
And your ass. The ass that launched a thousand boners. If Atsumu didn’t believe in a higher power before, he certainly believed in it now.
With the matching shoes and purse, you looked like walking wet dream.
He was suddenly very okay with having to make three huge credit card payments.
As delicious as dinner was, Atsumu couldn’t help but be distracted by how the candle-light made your dress shimmer against your body, creating highlights and shadows that danced and teased him with every flicker of the flame.
You didn’t notice that one of the spaghetti straps slipped off your shoulder in the middle of some story you were telling, but he certainly did.
Atsumu let his eyes linger for a moment on the bare curve of your shoulder before reaching across the table to ghost his hand up your arm and place the strap back in its place. Before pulling back he let his knuckle idle at the crook of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine.
Atsumu loved that you wore this gorgeous number just for him, but if he were being truthful he couldn’t wait to see it on the floor his bedroom.
»»——⍟——««
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lizaloveslevihan · 3 years
Note
my big mood today is an au where levihan is living the west coast life and going to the city to buy good bread and go biking next to the sea-side and maybe crossing the bridge as they the weather is so cold but they feel so warm from the exercise and each other's love <3
A Day Well Spent
He kneeled at the bedside, already dressed for the day with every intention to drag her out of the bed. However, as he stared into her sleeping face, the words died down his throat. 
Her messy brown hair was everywhere, and she snored, mouth slightly agape, tiny hints of drool slipping from her mouth. He had already allotted himself time this morning to watch her for a couple of minutes before he got up and prepared breakfast, which was already waiting for them in the dining room. He had been incredibly tempted to just stay in bed with her all day, but he had already agreed with her plans, which, ironically, she had to be reminded of herself.
He carefully tucked a handful of hair behind her ear and traced his hand towards her bare arm, shaking it lightly. “Oi, four-eyes. Wake up. We’re gonna be stuck in rush hour.”
Hange groaned in her sleep. She lifted her arm and started waving her hand around until it finally smacked against his face. Levi sighed and took her hand in his, squeezing it lightly. 
“Five more minutes, clean freak,” she yawned, “five more minutes.”
“It’s already nine, for fuck’s sake,” Levi said firmly. Hange huffed and squeezed her eyes, even more, crumpling her face a bit. Levi shook her again with a little more force. “You were the one who kept bugging me about going out today, so stick with your plan.”
Hange groaned louder and draped an arm over her eyes, shifting her body so that it was facing away from him. “It’s not my fault you’re so good in bed,” she complained, “I’m still exhausted as fuck.”
Levi sighed again, knowing that he now had to stick to his initial plan. He stood up, cracked his knuckles, and tore off the blanket that covered her bare body. Hange let out a loud shriek in surprise but had little time to react when he swiftly picked her up and carried her towards the bathroom. 
The position was rather awkward, given their height difference, but Levi had already done this multiple times whenever she refused to take a bath herself. Hange normally didn’t complain, but this time, she was swatting his arm and growling like an animal. “I would have gotten up in five minutes you kn--”
She didn’t finish her sentence as Levi plopped her right into the bathtub. 
“What the fuck?!” Hange screeched, feeling the water envelop her skin. She yelped, spilling some of it on the floor. 
“I didn’t want to have to do this, four-eyes, but you left me with no choice,” Levi said as he crossed his arms. “Now you better hurry up or I’m leaving your ass in thirty minutes.”
Hange huffed. Of course, he’d already prepared a bath and everything. However, the annoyance she felt slowly died down as she noted the warmness of the water and the strong scent of lavender. She poked at some of the bubbles and felt her frown turn into a wide grin. 
Levi scoffed and raised an eyebrow. “The fuck are you so happy about?”
“Oh, nothing.” Hange sang as she eased into the tub, feeling her muscles relax. She sighed comfortably and looked at him. “Just how much I love you.”
She grinned even wider as he was visibly taken aback, an unmistakable blush dusting his pale cheeks. “Just hurry up and wipe your ass,” he grumbled, suddenly turning shy and looking away. “I don’t wanna be stuck in traffic all day.”
“Aren’t you going to do it for me?” Hange pouted. She did her best puppy eyes, knowing it always had at least a fifty percent chance of working on him.
“Nice try,” Levi said as he swiftly walked out of the room. “Save your begging for later.”
As he shut the door behind him, Hange couldn’t help but giggle. He really was something else.
--------
The weather was finally turning cooler after months of excessive heat, so she was glad to finally be able to wear that soft, yellow sweater Nanaba had gotten for her on her birthday. She finished dressing, leaving her damp hair to dry first, and went out of the bedroom. She found Levi in the kitchen, sipping his morning tea. 
Levi glanced up as he heard her walking in, and Hange observed how he stared at her a second longer before glancing down and taking another sip. “Took you long enough.” 
Hange then noticed the plate of eggs and toast on the dining table, as well as her usual mug of coffee. “Thanks for breakfast, Levi!” she happily exclaimed as she took her usual seat, Levi joining her afterward. 
They took their breakfasts quickly, seeing as they had a couple of places they needed to get to that day. In twenty minutes, they were already on the freeway, and much to Levi’s pleasant surprise, the traffic wasn’t as bad as he thought. The whole ride would have been perfect if only Hange didn’t control the music. Hopefully, she’d let him play his playlist when they drove to their next stop. He didn’t know if he could handle listening to her rap “My Shot” from the Hamilton soundtrack seven more times. He appreciated the music, but what he didn’t appreciate was her screeching every. single. word. 
They got to the Farmer’s Market before noon and Levi managed to secure a parking spot by her favorite pastry stall. “Remember, we’re getting bread and fruit. Don’t you dare buy a fucking fish like last time.” He reminded Hange as they got out of the car. He walked around and met her eyes, already seeing the excitement in them. 
“But that was so fun!” Hange complained. She immediately hooked her arm to his and started dragging him to the first stall. 
“I went to the bathroom for ten minutes and the next thing I know you made your own campfire in Santa Monica and tried cooking an actual fish in it,” Levi emphasized. They stopped right in front of her favorite shop where she glanced at all the decadent options that laid in front of her. “You were fucking lucky that Arlert kid worked there and helped cover it up, otherwise, they would have probably arrested your shitty ass.”
Before Hange could reply, the old woman who managed the store finally saw and greeted them. “Oh, how nice to see you again Dr. Zoe! Mr. Ackerman.”
Levi nodded at the woman while Hange gave her a big wave. “Hi, Kate! We’ll have the usual. And maybe a box of these blueberry tarts. Thank you!” She smiled brightly. 
Kate instantly returned the smile. “Of course. Half a dozen of chocolate croissants and a box of blueberry tarts coming right up, dear.”
Hange finally glanced down at Levi as Kate was busy grabbing the pastries. “Isn’t Armin such a sweet kid? He also works so hard at the lab, even if he’s an unpaid intern. I already promised him a superb letter of recommendation when he graduates, which makes us even I guess.”
Levi rolled his eyes. She was definitely shaping up Arlert to replace Moblit, should he finally die from stress from making sure she doesn’t blow herself up at work. Even though he never showed it (and never will) he was grateful for those two for taking care of her when he couldn’t. 
“You need to stop watching those survival shows on Netflix,” Levi said as Kate started wrapping up their purchases. “Next thing I know, you’re gonna attempt to eat your own shit.”
Hange let out a large bark of laughter. She then bumped her shoulder against his. “My shit would probably taste really good though, you gotta admit.”
“Here you go, sweetie,” Kate said as she handed Hange a paper bag. Levi started to take out his wallet when the old woman stopped him. “Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s on the house today!”
“But Kate--” Hange started to protest. The old woman placed a hand on her shoulder to silence her.
“You two come here every Sunday, and it always warms my heart to see how sweet you are. That’s very rare for couples these days.” Kate smiled, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll let you pay next week, alright?”
Hange then gave her a big hug which made the old woman chuckle in delight. She returned the gesture and glanced at Levi, who nodded his head in gratitude. 
They eventually pulled apart, and before they exchanged goodbyes, Kate walked up to Levi and whispered: “Take care of that one, okay? She’s a keeper.”
He glanced discreetly at Hange, drinking in her appearance and fighting the small grin that threatened to appear on his face. He returned his gaze to the old woman and spoke quietly: “You have no idea.”
It was after they purchased more food from the other stalls did Hange finally ask what the old woman told him. 
“Oh, nothing.” Levi responded, the bright flower shop at the end of the hall catching his eye, “Just how much your shit would taste good.” 
Hange laughed out loudly, gaining the attention of the people near them. Levi finally felt his lips turn upright at the sight of her happy face. 
“I knew it.”
-------
They reached the beach after an hour-long drive that mainly consisted of fighting over playing yet another Hamilton song or Levi’s alternative rock and classical playlist. They eventually came up to the agreement where Hange was allowed to sing one Hamilton song and listen quietly to the rest. If she failed to do so, then she had to play Levi’s music. Suffice to say, Levi was finally able to enjoy at least some parts of the drive.
There was a park that was situated exactly next to the beach which was the perfect spot for lunch. Hange normally persuaded him to have a picnic in the sand, despite the obvious discomfort he had, but after seeing all the trouble she put him through last time with the fish situation, she was more than okay to eat at a picnic table at the park. 
Hange felt herself instantly relax as the cool, salty air entered her lungs. She stretched out her limbs after being cooped up in the car for so long and closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze. 
As much as she loved her job and the people she worked with, she was glad to have these nice days off -- especially with Levi by her side. 
“Oi, instead of standing around like an idiot, why don’t you help out shitty glasses?” Levi called out as he opened the trunk and grabbed some of the bags of food they had bought. 
Hange broke from her trance and did exactly that. They found a nice table and Levi got to working with placing a picnic blanket over it as Hange started to pull out and prepare the boxes of food and bottles of beverages. As they worked, Hange couldn’t help but discreetly glance at Levi as he neatly arranged the other boxes of food, his strong figure visibly relaxed, and his face calm, even though it had its usual stoic expression. The breeze picked up a little, slightly ruffling his dark locks as he concentrated on making sure nothing flew away. 
“Take a picture, it lasts longer,” he said without looking at her. Hange couldn’t help but laugh at being caught, and she shrugged before sitting down, her hands making its way to the first box of pastries. “Eh. I already have too many photos of your constipated face on my phone. It almost makes me look like a stalker. Though that would be an interesting concept.” She bit into the croissant and sighed at its wonderful flavor.
Levi scoffed and sat across from her before grabbing a sandwich. “It’s not hard to imagine. I bet you already have some weird fucking shrine of me in your lab or some shit.”
Hange gasped, a couple of crumbs falling from her face. “How’d you find out?! I thought I hid it so well.”
Levi pursed his lips in amusement as Hange grinned at him. They ate in silence for a bit before falling into an easy conversation about their respective work and what they had missed talking about the past week. Hange excitedly talked about the new developments in the lab and the experiments she was thinking of proposing soon. In turn, Levi updated her on how he and Erwin were close to securing a deal with one of their potential investors.
They finished their food and after cleaning up and putting some of it back in the car, they proceeded to walk together by the seaside. Levi wasn’t keen on stepping into the sand at all this time, and Hange conceded. It wasn’t long before their hands were firmly clasped together as they walked, and they went on, passing by surfers and other beachgoers who also enjoyed a rather gentle sun and cold breeze. They inserted some personal commentary on each person they found interesting -- which varied immensely from a street performer to an old couple who wore swimsuits that left little for the imagination. 
“Look, Levi!” Hange stopped and pointed to a bike rental stall. “Can we go?” 
It wasn’t as if Levi had much choice, so he simply agreed. 
After paying the rent (and sanitizing the handles on Levi’s part), they rode their bikes and followed the convenient trail specifically made for them. Hange, with her strong and long legs, obnoxiously went faster than him. “Oi, Hange! Slow down will you?” Levi called out. “It’s not a fucking race!”
Though he commended the effort, there was still no way she could outrun the man who actually had a fixed gym schedule. “The fuck, four-eyes?” he said as they finally pedaled side by side.
“Why, I thought you’d actually appreciate looking at my backside, short stuff,” Hange said, not bothering to look at him. “Your loss, I guess!” she called out.
She smiled smugly to herself as Levi took the bait and slowed down behind her. After a few seconds, she called out again: “Take a picture! It lasts longer!”
-------
They left the beach an hour before sunset, and this time, the drive to their last location was a calmer one -- Hange filling the air with more comments about the people and things they observed.
Levi glanced at her from time to time, the colors of the sky lighting her face. She went on and on about the man on the beach whose lover looked more like his daughter, about Kate and how they should give her something special next week as a thank you present, about her work agenda tomorrow and how she wanted to set up Moblit with Nifa, and what their plans were going to be next Sunday. Levi took it all in -- the sound of her voice, how she chuckled and laughed, her thoughtfulness towards others -- he took it all in and felt an overwhelming amount of happiness just by being there and listening to her. 
Hange couldn’t help but do the same. Every time she sprouted something, she looked at his reaction and was pleased to see his amused expression. He looked positively gorgeous there behind the steering wheel, and she knew that he was listening to her every word despite it being nonsense to him. The moment he placed his hand in between them, she grabbed it immediately. Though he said nothing, she knew he was as happy as her.
They had gotten to the Observatory by the time the sun started sinking, and they pulled up near a bench with an incredible view of Los Angeles laid out in front of them. Hange immediately went down and sat, but Levi had other plans as he mysteriously went to the trunk and took out something from a bag. Hange stared at him in amusement as he closed it and presented her with a bouquet of sunflowers that matched her sweater perfectly. 
“You haven’t studied these yet, right?” Levi asked. Hange smiled warmly and took it, admiring its beauty. He then sat down next to her, his face neutral. 
“They’re beautiful.” Hange noted, “and yep. I haven’t yet.” She loved to study flowers and plants as a hobby, and Levi almost always provides her with them, even if he constantly argued he got them for free somewhere.
“They were giving them out in the market while you were in the bathroom.” Levi shrugged, keeping his face expressionless. “Thought you’d need something to work on in your free time.”
Hange hugged his side, giggling at his obviously constipated face. He draped an arm around her and they stayed that way for a good amount of time. 
“You’re too kind, Levi,” Hange said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “And you’re also a terrible liar.”
“Shut the fuck up, shitty glasses.”
Hange laughed again -- she seriously couldn't stop laughing when she was with him -- and pulled away, placing the flowers onto her other side. “So.” she started, now looking at the view that laid in front of them. “What are we doing next Sunday? I believe it’s your turn to pick.”
Levi already had the answer to that question. “We’re staying in.”
Hange raised an eyebrow, “Again? Don’t you want to try out that new tea place downtown?”
Levi shook his head and thought about how he seldom had the time to just laze around in bed with her -- especially given their often hectic work schedules. He thought about this morning, her calm and serene face, the drool from lips, her messy hair -- and he knew he wanted to bask in that silence, to stare at her face for as long as possible. Though today, he had to admit, was also a day well spent. 
Hange understood and smiled softly. They wrapped their arms around one another, the cold air unable to penetrate the warmth from the love they deeply shared. 
It was a day well spent indeed. 
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comfy-whumpee · 3 years
Text
Marissa
@ashintheairlikesnow thank you for the fic starter that ran away with the spoon. This is very first-draft but it exists and is canon.
TW: drugging, romantic whumper overtones.
Taglist: @lonesome--hunter, @iaminamoodymoodtoday, @wildfaewhump, @ishouldblogmore, @lektricwhump, @that-one-thespian, @raigash, @paingineering, @whumpywhumper
It takes all their courage to come back. No matter how many times they’re welcomed, no matter how many times they’re invited, they always have to brave it. They walk up the little paved stone path to the cottage, hands folded against their chest, debating. It can’t be a good idea to do this. It can’t be. She’ll be angry. She’ll turn them away.
 Northlight is a breeze blowing through normal people’s lives. They’re there for a lovely moment, and then they’re gone. They’re a shooting star, ephemeral, unattainable...irrevocable and yet inconstant.
 The plants on the windowsills inside cover most of the window panes, but the door is cleared and the frosted glass inset amongst the wood shows a tall figure with a peering face. Then the door opens.
 “North,” she says, her smile broad and soft like butter spread on toast. “It’s been so long. Come in, my love.”
 Northlight smiles nervously, stepping past the hanging rugs on the hallway walls. They follow to the kitchen, where she puts on a kettle to boil.
 She’s older. She used to be so strong, able to lift them without effort, carry them to bed, hold them tightly through their bitter nights of tears and terror. She used to show them how to exercise and build their strength until their body was something they controlled even when their chronology was not. She gave them skills and she gave them love, and she had so many of her own stories. Stories about the sky, their precious star-sailor.
She makes their tea how they have always liked it, two sugars and a sandwich on the side. She sits opposite them, and smiles, and reaches for their hand.
 They let her take it. She is still the same beautiful Marissa that they fell for years earlier.
 “I waited for you,” she says.
 The revelation makes their eyes widen. Something fragile and terrifying comes to rest on their chest. “Waited?”
 “Twenty years from the day you slipped away to this day now, when you’re here again. I should never have wasted a single moment I had with you. I missed you every day, North. Every day.”
 Every day? Nobody could care that much about Northlight. They’re just a breeze, light, momentary, gone, forgettable.
 “I worried, sometimes, that I’d hurt you. That I hadn’t been enough. You needed something stable, something to call home. I wanted to be that for you.”
 A home with her, forever? How long had they spent together the first time? They can’t remember.
 “I knew you’d come back.”
 Less than a month. It had definitely been less than a month.
 “Marissa, I...”
 They try to stand. The world turns sharply in one direction and the other, simultaneous, like a combination lock. They need to run, they have to - but their feet are glued to the ground, knowing against Northlight’s wishes that a single step will tip them over the edge into darkness.
 “It’s alright, North,” Marissa says, reaching out to tug them back down into the armchair. “I know you didn’t mean to leave me. I forgive you. I know you’ll never make that mistake again.”
 No, no, this was meant to be a visit, a brief reunion before she was gone. They’re not supposed to - she wasn’t - they’re in trouble. They drank the tea.
 Marissa stokes the fireplace, raking the embers together with a practised sweep. They watch, head tipped, world tilted. “Just relax. You’re home.”
 They don’t have a home. They never had a home.
 “Just relax.”
 But they can’t move anymore.
 -
 Whatever it is, it holds them down like their skin is sodden. Pinned to the bed they’d once shared, they lie staring at the ceiling, head back on the pillows, unable to lift it. It’s all they can do to swallow, breathe and blink.
 The room hasn’t changed. It’s painted lilac, one of their favourite colours. The furnishings are white with silver highlights, accents picked out along the edges of the bookshelves on the far wall, and in the decor like the flower vase on the sill. They stare absently at the clouds moving over that sky, and think about teleporting.
 Teleport once into the sky, once back to the ground a distance away. Fall, and repeat. Get away without the ability to move.
 Except it isn’t that simple. They can’t always teleport without momentum; it takes effort. If they end up with their face in the ground, they won’t be able to move it again. They’ll be trapped. If they can’t teleport fast enough, dizzy or confused, they’ll land hard, too.
 They look away from the clouds. Turning their eyes is manageable, thankfully. They look at the dotted ceiling and make shapes from the pattern.
 She comes in. She sits at the edge of the bed, worried but unrepentant. She holds their red scarf in her hands. They turn their eyes away, back to the clouds.
 “Who is this from, North?”
 They can’t answer. She must know it. The tone of her voice makes it sound like she’s worked it out, and she’s not happy. The scarf is simple wool and dye, hand-made, but into the end, a felt heart in matching red is sewn to the tip with white thread. She looked closely at that to see it.
 All their other treasures she has left in their pockets, not jealous enough to take even those away. But the scarf, she took.
 “It’s from someone who loved you, isn’t it? Someone from after we met. You didn’t have this scarf last time.”
 It’s been twenty years even for you. Don’t act so surprised.
 “I’m surprised. I thought you were different.”
 I never claimed to be different to anyone else. I’m just being me.
 “I thought we had something special, North. I told you everything. You asked for stories and I gave you them.”
 Don’t believe you’re above and beyond a millennia of people. Don’t believe you’re not just as special as any of the other people I loved. You had as much love as I had to give, and that should have been enough.
 “But it’s alright. You slipped away. You couldn’t help it. You can just stay here now, stay with me, and then you won’t need other people, will you?” She sits down on a chair opposite, folding her hands in her lap and tossing her hair. Her smile is star-bright and painful to look at. “I’m here.”
 Not how it works. They don’t have the energy to reply. They can barely move still. It’ll happen eventually. I’ll hit a barrier, a time I’ve been in before, and I’ll be gone.
 “So, North, tell me. What have you been up to while you were away. It’s been so long for me... Was it long for you?”
 Ugh. They force jaw and lips and tongue into coordinated motion. “Y-Yes.”
 “Oh...” For a moment, she seems thrown, and upset by the bluntness of their answer. Shouldn’t have drugged them. “How long?”
 “Dun-no.”
 “Oh.” She pauses, then smiles lightly. “Well that’s fine. You still came back.”
 And it was a mistake.
 -
 “You have to drink, North.”
 “C-Curse you.”
 “I’m just trying to help.”
 “Keep y’r poison.”
 Marissa sighs, shoulders dropping, and sets aside the water. Northlight keeps their eyes averted from it, knowing any hint of moisture will make their throat burn worse. It’s been nearly a full day with nothing to drink, and they know it’s the only reason they can move enough to talk right now.
 “Please, North,” she tries again after a minute. “You’ll get sick.”
 “Not as sick as-s you.”
 They don’t have to think about the rebuttals. They come easy and feel light, like tossing burdens from their shoulders. Marissa looks more pale and upset with each one, but that serves her right.
 They’re trying to sway, just a little, now that they can more again. They shift to the left with a careful push, and then flop back, allowing the momentum to carry them the other way. They bob like the tideline on a beach, and in each lean, then feel time begin to open, the gaps between eras, the cracks Northlight will slip through. Just a little more.
 Marissa grabs their shoulder and pain stabs through them life a stake. Northlight howls, a breathless sound, pathetically quiet, but still heavy with the shock of being hurt so badly out of nowhere. They even open their eyes, gracing her with the barest minimum of attention as she tries to hold them still. They breathe in gasps as her hand pulls away, and the sigil gradually burns down to a smoulder.
 “What’s wrong?” she asks, stupidly.
 She can’t know about the marks. She can’t know what they do. “Y-You poisoned me! Get your d-damned hands off me!”
 “There’s no need to scream!”
 “There is.” They catch their breath, and when she doesn’t immediately reply, start swaying again. Slowly, deliberately they build up their momentum.
 “Stop it,” she mutters.
 They’ve always done this. They need it, the security of being able to move, the freedom offered by the open pages of time, the control over their own body - not swaying when they want to is the same as holding into a hot plate when your instincts tell you to drop it before it burns.
 Marissa glowers at them petulantly, but she doesn’t grab them again. Instead, she gets up. “I’m making you more tea,” she says, blatant in her intentions.
 Northlight has been drugged plenty of times before. It’s one of the few ways to hold them down. They keep swaying, focused on the expand and contract of their time-slipping power. Expand and contract, open and close, blossom and wither with each move towards and away.
 This is dangerous. If they drop somewhere inhospitable, if could be hours before they get the energy to move and sway and jump again. But it’s better than being captive here until she dies, fawned over like a living treasure she can’t bear to lose. So they sway, and teeter on the edge of a new era, and fall back again steady in this time. Like a pendulum, they swing back, and forth, and on the last strike, as though they were marking the hour, they pass the amount of momentum needed to break through the eggshell of this era, and burst the bubble into the great flow of time.
 The instant later, they are in a forest, and they’re toppling to the ground as their legs can’t hold them. Their legs crumple, a knee hits their chin, and they roll unwillingly onto their side. Their head lands on their arm, level with a wild strawberry plant that’s just sprouted fruit, a little green gem dangling from its stem. They catch their breath as best they can, and try to ignore the desert sand cloying in their throat. They’re outdoors, they’re free, and she’s not going to hold them down again.
 Amelie and Matt, Rishi, Marissa, why do they keep trusting that the people they love will stay the same? They always turn on their Northlight, one way or another.
 Better to keep moving.
 Once they can move at all.
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ashestoashesjc · 4 years
Text
A Necromancer & His Zombie Boyfriend On A Couple's Retreat
Short Story 1/2/(3)/4/5/6/7/8/9/10
"RrRRrrrr... grrr? <Hey, uh, babe... seen my arm anywhere?>" rang Sett's voice throughout their cigar box of a house as he rummaged through closets, opened cabinets, overturned couch cushions. 
Shutting and latching the front door behind him, Ulrick began flipping through the stack of envelopes clutched in his right hand. "Huh? Oh…”
“Okay, so… don’t get mad,” Ulrick began, as meekly and guilt-tinged as one can make a shout. “But... there was this huge, I mean HUGE silverfish…” 
“GRrrr! Rrrrr. <Dude! Not cool,>” could be heard as Sett stomped his way to the foyer. 
“I know! I’m sorry! I’m weak!” moaned Ulrick. 
Sett sighed as he entered the cove and laid his single remaining hand on Ulrick’s left shoulder, the other sleeve draped flaccidly at his side. “Grrrr. <Well, yeah.>” he said. Ulrick snickered. 
“You know, having your boyfriend kill a bug for you is exceedingly normal,” Ulrick said, separating the bills from the letters that weren’t bills. There were very few that weren’t bills. “Almost conventional.” 
“Rrr. <True,>” Sett replied. “Rggrrrr. <Probably while the arm’s still attached, though.>”
“A mere quibble.” 
“Rrrrgrrr? <So, where is it now?>” Sett asked. 
“Ugh. Still getting cozy with the silverfish, I’d imagine,” Ulrick admitted, guilt creeping back into his voice. He covered his eyes with his free hand and shuddered. “In… the shower.”
Sett sucked air through his teeth in a compassion-filled cringe. 
“Yeah,” Ulrick sighed, resigned to his trauma. 
“Grrrr. <Don’t worry,>” said Sett. “Rraarr. <I got it.>” 
Ulrick slid his hand down his face with a grateful groan. “God, I love you.” Sett pulled him forward by his collar and pecked his forehead.
Continuing to sort through the mail, Ulrick came to a red envelope and, seeing it addressed to Sett, handed it over. “Looks important.”
Confusion clouded Sett’s eyes for the first few, slow moments spent undoing the envelope’s seal flap, until suddenly, a surge of realization like lightning drove him to violently tear the crimson paper away.
As he scanned the contents of the letter contained within, words failing to do his emotional state justice, Sett began to fist pump wildly, God help anyone in the flight path of his singular elbow. Ulrick looked on in entranced bewilderment.
“Was there itching powder in that envelope?” asked Ulrick.
Sett shoved the creased letter in Ulrick’s face, his manic energy not yet dissipated. Ulrick took it and held it out at arm’s length until his eyes brought the words into focus. 
“A couple’s retreat?” he wondered aloud, lowering the paper enough to peer over the top at Sett.  
“Grrgrrrr. <An all-expenses paid couple’s retreat.> Rrrrrr. <At a swanky resort.> GrrrrRr. <Complete with water skis.>”
“This is from a contest?” he asked, rotating and inspecting the sheet. “When did we enter a contest?”
“Rrggrrrr? <You know those entry slips we’re getting in the post all the time?>”
“The ones I’m always throwing away? I’m familiar.” 
“RrrRrrrrr ggrrrr. <Well, your aim could use some work, because some of them wind up in the mailbox,>” said Sett, with a shrug.
The sound that next filled the room, colored with exasperated mirth, was one Sett was used to Ulrick making, though one that never stopped bringing a flush of heat to the place where his heart used to be. 
He grabbed Ulrick by the hips and the two began to sway back and forth. “Rrrrrr. <Just imagine it,>” he purred dreamily. “GrrrRRrrrr rrrrRrrr grrr...arrrr? <Massages, rock-climbing, a luau. And… did I mention waterskiing?>”
Swaying still, Ulrick looked up with his head cocked. "I've... never heard you mention waterskiing before."
"GrrRrrrrrr. <I enjoy a lot of things I don't talk about.> Rgrrrrgrrr. <Like country music, or bad chick lit,>" Sett said before twirling and dipping Ulrick in a blur. "Rraarrrr. <I'm a multi-layered zombie.>"
Breaking clumsily away from the songless dance and squeezing the bridge of his nose, Ulrick set down the remainder of the mail on the side table by the entrance and looked his boyfriend over. “It’s totally free?”
“Grrarrr. <It’s totally free,>” confirmed Sett. 
Ulrick raised an eyebrow. “No catch?” 
“Rrr… <Well…>”
-
“And streeetch! That’s right! Streeetch!” 
At the front of Meadow Grove Resort’s famed yoga studio balanced - one foot planted on the ground, the other hooked deftly behind her neck - Chrysanthemum Smith, a remarkably limber 60-year-old instructor, urging her out-of-shape contest winning students to achieve the same feats of flexibility.   
All around Ulrick and Sett, a pretzel factory’s soon-to-be-discarded collection of heinous, gnarly undesirables had been given life in the form of sweaty middle Americans. 
That pretzels went through a less agonizing process being baked at 500 degrees was a fact Ulrick was both confident in and envious of. His legs were angled in a way he was sure he’d feel for weeks to come. 
Sett, on the other hand, had apparently been a contortionist in a past life, the way he bent himself into poses, well, a pretzel would gawk at, holding each position stoically before moving gracefully on to the next. It also helped that he couldn’t feel what would leave most tendons shredded rags.
Ulrick gave up the pursuit of dislocating his pelvis and instead went to poke Sett in the cheek. Through his mask, Sett made a chomping motion at the finger, though remained otherwise totally still. "Okay, but this kind of bites, right?" Ulrick signed. 
"A little. And not in the fun way," Sett signed back.
On a pair of blue, rubber mats to their left were two women - one in a biker's jacket and tattered, patched jeans, short red hair tied into a haphazard ponytail; the other a dark woman donning a shaved head, flower-patterned maxi dress, and combat boots - the former of whom suddenly grabbed Ulrick's attention with a nod. 
"You're telling me," she signed. 
And in an instant, they were no longer alone in the hazy, secluded sphere that made their reality.
So taken aback was he that he blurted aloud, "You sign?" 
The yoga instructor shushed him from her place at the head of the wide room, leading him to duck down sheepishly. With the forced inclusion of an overly casual air, he said more than asked, "You sign."
"Oh, yeah," the woman chuckled gruffly. "Mom's Deaf." 
Taking a sudden interest in the conversation, Sett's head swiveled to the leather jacket-clad woman. "Shit yeah!" he signed with fervor, eliciting a harsh snort from the woman. The instructor's head whipped around to glare her way, but went ignored. 
Sett's hands jumbled for a moment before he continued. "I mean, I'm sure that must have been very difficult for your family and--"
She gave a dismissive wave of the hand. "Nah, don't worry about it. She's capital 'D' Deaf. A congenital thing. Whole family's been signing forever."
Her wife - Jen, they later learned - chimed in with, "Di does it at home, too. She's taught me half the lyrics to Boys for Pele." 
"Wow!" Ulrick said with teeth-clenching enthusiasm. "That's so great! Isn't that so great, Sett?"
The mask did nothing to conceal Sett's raised, beaming features. "That's so great!" he signed. 
"I'm sorry!" bellowed the lithe yogi, shattering all delusions of serenity. "Am I boring you?" 
Several overlapping voices came to the general consensus of "Christ, yes."
One of the husbands, portly and somewhat resembling the famously affable capybara, asked, somewhat less affably, why they were being stretched into taffy when they should be outside taking one-on-one lessons with the beach volleyball instructor. He was joined by a few surly “yeah!”s. 
They were met with an unimpressed crossing of the arms. Though it should be noted Smith’s foot was still being held comfortably behind her head. 
"I would suggest, in the future, that you more closely scrutinize contest entries," Yogi Smith advised in as calm a manner as it seemed she could now manage, though with an unmistakable edge to her voice. "In order to partake in our facility’s more... physically involved activities, you’ll first need to align and cleanse your mental, emotional, and spiritual energies.”
This provoked a studio-wide groan, with the exclusion of Jen, who seemed just eager enough to cancel out the cloud of grim impatience encircling her. 
“Unless, of course,” Smith said, shifting poses to something favoring the letter ‘G’, “you’d prefer to construct your own schedules. In which case, a full price admission to Meadow Grove Resort remains available.”
She sleekly extended her right leg, pointing its foot pin-straight toward the sliding studio doors. “Don’t, as the masters of yore were wont to say, let the door hit ya.” 
When no one moved and the room went quiet enough to hear an acupuncture needle drop, Smith resumed a standing position and bowed three times to each division of the studio. “Namaste. Namaste. Namaste.” 
Chrysanthemum Smith had in no way undersold how ‘aligned and cleansed’ couple’s therapy and its airings of dirty laundry and subsequent ferocious dissolutions of decades of marriage; couple’s pottery, the same thing but with clay vases; and couple’s finger-painting, a bonding exercise in shared humiliation, would make their minds, emotions, and souls through sheer gut-rending hilarity.
Ulrick almost didn’t want to stop watching people who, hours ago, seemed all confidence and bravado, now being brought to tears by an instructor’s criticism of their macaroni art lacking ‘depth.’ 
But their confinement was over and they were free to roam the grounds as they saw fit and Sett, without even feigning to look for a map of the resort, made a beeline for the largest body of water (and the largest gathering of humans) he could sniff. Ulrick was still surprised at times by how agile Sett could be on his feet when on the hunt for blood - or recreational watersports - and struggled to keep up. 
Their long-awaited waterskiing adventure began almost as soon as they arrived at the lakeside, the instructor needing a volunteer at that instant to man the skis while he lectured another guest on the controls of the boat. At nearly a head taller than anyone else present, Sett didn’t need much more than a raised hand to stand out. 
Things were going great; Sett mounted on skis as long as he was tall, the boat revving greedily for take off. At Sett’s thumbs up, the runabout hammered off in a thunderous roar. And then, all at once, things were going wrong. 
The envisioned majesty of skimming the motionless calm of the crystal river was halted abruptly with a leaden Sett stumbling mid-lake in his skis, trying and failing to correct himself, going feet-over-head, and sinking like an anchor to the agitated silt of the riverbed below. 
Ulrick, though he jumped with concern at the first hint of a misstep, expected a brief swim back, perhaps slowed a bit - but not much - by Sett's stoney limbs. He’d been the star diver of his local swimming hole as a teen and still maintained some of the underwater dexterity, though nowadays tended to lurk the floors of bodies of water like a carnivorous bottom-feeder; eating habits included.
But then a few minutes passed, and nothing. A lifeguard and two of the more experienced swimmers among the guests plunged into the river and searched for fifteen minutes, cracking the surface now and again for a gulp of air, all to no avail. The water was too cloudy with sediment to see past a certain depth, and the orange-purples of dusk were beginning to settle in. They'd need to return in the morning with a diving team.
It'd now been forty-five minutes, and three of the resort’s other guests were consoling Ulrick, one herself on the verge of waterworks. They'd just witnessed a man - someone's significant other - torn tragically from life's teat, and in front of the man he loved, no less. 
Ulrick, for his part, was positively miffed. 
"When I get my hands on him..." Ulrick started, before one of the grievers tossed him a teary-eyed questioning look. "Er, that is... would that I could only put my hands on him... again..." he corrected. 
Just as Ulrick had begun mentally reviewing the basics of the Arts of Throttling, a movement, barely noticeable, shook the surface of the lake. Then bubbles, then the full break of the water as a head rose into view. Then the screams of onlookers as, in the fading light, a ghastly lake monster began its murderous approach. Then screams of a different kind as people began to make the connection proper. Then there was weeping, fainting, more than one declaration of faith renewed. It was a miracle!
Later, after insistences for medical attention were politely but firmly refused and the religious stragglers begging for just a smell of Sett’s waterlogged clothes were shooed away, Ulrick asked why he waited so long to resurface, to which Sett said, "GrrrrRRrr. <Well, at first I was just sort of embarrassed.> RrrrrrrGrrrRrrr? <Then I thought, "How often do these people see miracles?>"
"Oh, sure," groaned Ulrick. "A man comes out of a lake after half an hour and it's a miracle. A man comes out of a grave after a few months and it's "Grab the torches and pitchforks, everyone!""
"Rrrr. <Babe.>"
Ulrick gave a pouty grumble. "I'm just saying. One's a little more miraculous, is all." 
Sett pulled Ulrick's head into his chest and stroked his hair. "GrrrRrrrRrrr. <Shh, I know, dude, I know.>" His heavy, soaked clothes and lack of body heat didn't chill Ulrick as much as they should have, and though a fine coating of sand covering him from head to toe gritted against Ulrick's cheek, it only made Ulrick rub his face in rebelliously. 
"Okay," Ulrick said, resting his fists on Sett's chest and gazing up into his eyes. "What's the next activity? I think we’re... due-au for a luau?" The moment the words left his lips, his face collapsed into disgusted regret.
“Rgrrr... <Actually…>” Sett said, wrenching off his mask and shaking the excess water from his hair, teasing a blush out of Ulrick. “GgrrrRrrrr? <Doesn’t watching the stars by the lake sound pretty relaxing?>”
Ulrick grinned and took a seat on the shoreline, running his hands through the tufts of ryegrass stretching out in waves around him. He tapped a spot to his right and Sett, half-cocked smile in tow, came lumbering over to take it. 
Hours flurried past, changing nothing about the image of the intimately silent pair but the number of stark white pinpricks in the sky they beheld. 
They threatened to sit silently basking in each other forever. 
And then Sett said, “GRrrrrgrrr, rrgrrr, graargrr. <So, Diane and Jen gave me their number, and they want to plan an outing.>” 
Unease shot through Ulrick’s veins, but he held his tongue in search of the correct words. “O-oh?” 
“Grrr? Rrgrrrrr. <Isn’t that cool? People want to spend time with us,>” said Sett, ensorcelled with the twinkle of every new star. “Rrrrr. <With me.>”
“That might be…” began Ulrick, before noticing the glimmer in Sett’s eyes and faint lift at the corners of his mouth as he stared up towards a great unknown. He sighed. “It’s going to be great.” 
Sett rested his hand on Ulrick’s, their fingers interlocking. He smiled, and the two gazed into an ever-darkening firmament, speckled with a thousand stars and a thousand futures. 
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