#it puts her in this position where she needs to learn to be softer and gentler for his sake instead of just all tough and mean to survive | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

star2fishmeg · 8 months

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Could you write one where reader is either kohei’s sister or lover(make him a good lover/sister pls) and reader comes at the end of the fight before everyone leaves(reader is a good fighter) and you chose what happens next

ᴀ ғᴏʀ ᴇғғᴏʀᴛ

Paring: Amagai Kohei x afab!reader

Summary: y/n’s trying to teach kohei how to be a better person, but when the final straw is pulled, y/n turns up after kohei’s oh-so important high school dilemma and isn’t afraid to ask him the important questions

Warnings: amagai, established relationship, reader puts kohei in his place, angst to fluff, reader does muay thai, arguing, making up tho, swearing, toxic if you squint (it’s amagai), reader thinks she can fix him

Authors note: Thank you for requesting, Denki!!! I’ve never written Amagai before so please bear with me while I get used to his character, I wanted to keep his original character there however it’s implied that he’s softer to his lover and learning. Also, trainers = sneakers

Request: above!

The gymnasium still rumbled in laughs of victory, Kohei and Ryo laid face up watching the ceiling lights swinging after rekindling their friendship. Kohei closed his eyes, listening to the way the other boys bantered and celebrated with each other, hugging, fist-bumping, and jumping onto each other. He would be lying to himself if he said he didn’t want that, and a foreign drop in his stomach hit him like a brick. Why did he suddenly feel so…guilty? Envious? Probably both, but whatever it was he wished it would disappear somehow.

He thought about his girlfriend and how she had tried so hard to help him be a better man to everyone. Her head was on her shoulders, she knew what she wanted, and she took her Muay Thai seriously. She had something for herself, a future. And yet there he was, laying on the ground, sulking because he had lost a literal high school boy playground fight. While the gym still echoed with teenage banter, the familiar squeaking of trainers rang through his eardrums. He slowly opened his eyes, the ceiling light blocked by a figure crouching down and deeply scowling at him. His stomach dropped, he knew he was supposed to do something earlier that day, and he knew he was just about to be reminded. The gym fell slightly quieter upon seeing the new figure with a face of thunder looming over the once cocky Amagai.

“What are you doing here?” he snarled, watching her tongue poke into her cheek and eyes scanning his face.

“Looking at the damage I have to patch up.” She retorted, glancing at Suzaki, giving him a nod as a greeting. He just smiled back, those two had no beef, in fact, they had confided in each other a lot regarding Kohei and his sudden switch up. The two boys sat up and faced y/n, who had sat back from her previous crouching position. Suzaki had sat through their confrontations multiple times before, and he didn’t mind it, y/n appreciated him backing her up when needed. Her eyes bored into Kohei, eyes so dark you’d be sucked into a void, and she said nothing. And neither did he, out of stubbornness or spite or a mix of both.

“Youre so fucking stupid, Kohei.” y/n sighed, dropping her head, and deeply inhaling.

Kohei pursed his lips and nodded, shifting uncomfortably and even avoiding the look Ryo was shooting his way, “I know…”

Soon the gymnasium filtered out, boys returning to their respective schools and even Amagai, Suzaki and y/n sharing a silent car ride back home. Kohei wouldn’t have been able to describe it in words, but he didn’t feel jittery often, or guilty, only when it came to y/n. His leg trembled the whole way home, keeping his focus on whatever was outside the window while y/n and Suzaki quietly chatted. He was never jealous of that…he assumed. Y/n wouldn’t leave him for Ryo, he was sure of it but then at odd moments he did think about it deeply and how he wouldn’t blame y/n for leaving him for Ryo.

Y/n had refuged back to her boyfriend’s, saying a pleasant farewell to Ryo, and following Kohei inside his – expensive – home of the finest furniture, large ceiling lights and a ridiculously large TV on the living room wall, through the hall and into the living room where as soon as he turned around to apologise, y/n yanked him by his jacket collar to eye level, noses ghosting.

“I’ve been calling you all day, at least tell me when you’re projecting insecurities. Honestly Kohei.” She spat, eventually shoving him away and folding her arms over her chest.

Kohei straightened out his collar, eyebrows knitted, “That was kinda embarrassing, y/n. In front of everyone.”

“You’re embarrassed? I had a competition today, the final. My whole family were there hoping to see my boyfriend cheering me on, but do you know how embarrassing it was to try and make excuses to why he hadn’t turned up? They still don’t believe me when I say I’m in a relationship. For once in your fucking life will you think about someone other than yourself. How Ryo stayed with you for so long concerns me.” She raised her voice, arms waving in all directions as she yelled directly to his face. All he could do was stand there, chewing at his lip and accepting the pure adrenaline surging through his veins and thundering in his chest, swearing to himself, that was not the time to fight, no fists would be thrown, and he would not lay a finger on his lover.

Instead, he exhaled, absorbing her frustrations, and trying to listen to her side of the story before defending himself, in which he couldn’t do. It was entirely his fault she was upset…again, “Wait, babe-“

Y/n pushed past him and sat on the sofa, head buried in her hands as she massaged her temples, “Don’t fucking babe me-“ she snapped, voice so sharp he felt it slice through his spine. Kohei slipped his jacket off, placing it on the back of the sofa and carefully sat beside her, balling his hands into gentle fists on his knees to prove that he could solve problems with words. Throwing his head back, he puffed out his chest, closing his eyes and breathing out his nose until he’d processed the situation. With a shaky hand, he slowly lowered it onto her back, rubbing slow and gentle circles.

“-I’m sorry, y/n. Yeah, you’re right, that was shitty. Especially since I ghosted because of a fucking fight,” he paused, gulping, “Ryo also knocked some sense into me, by the way. If that takes some weight off, you. I know youre trying, and I really am trying to be better.”

The way he had managed to keep his voice soft this time and not bark back gave her enough reassurance to at least lift her head to look at him. His face was relaxed, brows lifted and eyes wider than usual. The veins in his neck weren’t bulging in rage, his face wasn’t heating up – he really was calm.

“Do you even love me, Kohei? Are my efforts even worth it?” her voice cracked, and the despair in the way the light in her eyes used to shine crushed his soul to pieces.

“Yes. I do and I mean that. I do love you. I’m a shitty fuck and you still have hope in me and haven’t given up. I’m putting as much effort into this as you, I swear!” The circles on her back stopped, and the despair in her eyes triggered another kind of reaction in him, one foreign and horrific. His head flooded with images of her not texting him, calling him, jumping into his car, and not watching the fire in her eyes burn. This fear choked him so much his lip quivered for the first time, voice dropping, “But you deserve so much better-”

“-No no, no no, let’s not say that!” Y/n’s eyes widened, as much as she knew that, her palms took in his cheeks and brought him closer to touch foreheads, “I don’t want anyone else. We can do this together.”

“Yeah, together.” He nodded, his shaking hands sliding to her nape and softly connecting their lips, a taste of sweetness and a sense of companionship bursting to life. Even though he was a pain, she wasn’t one to back away from a challenge and she was smart enough to know that she could walk out whenever she wanted. But if you knocked enough sense into Kohei while he was still young, he had the chance to redeem himself, even if he did ditch things for fighting other high schools.

H&L harem (if you wanna be tagged/removed in future H&L content, comment or lemme know via ‘chat to me bbygorl’ :D);

@straysugzhpe @airbendertendou @strxwberrychocolate @rouzuchan @yuken-gf @rinwhore @simpforchuchu @thatpoindexterpixy @rainisawriter @cheshirecatuniverse

[@wishuponthepledis @linden-kyo]

[Masterlist]

[Requests CLOSED]

#amagai kohei x reader #kohei amagai x reader #amagai kohei #high & low #high&low x reader #high&low the worst #high and low #highandlow #high&low #high&low the worst x cross #high&low the worst cross x reader

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epicspheal · 1 year

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So I finally did the whole “gym leader inspection” last night to see where the fandom is getting their “Evil Geeta” vibes from. And while the jury is still out on her until the DLC the bad blood between Geeta and the leaders isn’t striking me immediately as proof that she’s evil. Let’s start with the whole “Most of the gym leaders are anxious about the inspection” thing. Speaking as someone who has had a full time job, performance reviews are always a little nerve-wracking no matter what type of boss you may have. There is always room for improvement, let alone there’s always a chance you’re going to be told you need to do more. Not really sure how other leagues are ran but I could guarantee you that gym leaders from Kanto to Galar would also feel the same level of anxiety about a performance review and it honestly shouldn’t be used as proof that Geeta is evil. Rather proof that performance reviews suck and anxiety inducing. Now let’s go into some of the individual reactions. Brassius quite frankly really didn’t seem to care. He was more concerned about his new inspiration for art than the inspection. If anything being a gym leader is more of a side-gig to his art career. Neither did Iono as she’s far more concerned about her streams and viewer numbers moreso than the inspection itself. In fact she seemed very impressed that Geeta trusted the player to do the inspection Kofu probably takes this the best because he’s a restaurant owner. He understands that at times people judging him may be harsh and to not take it personally. This is an important skill that you have to learn as an adult in the working world and it’s easier said than done especially if you’re sensitive. I’m quite sensitive myself and it’s taken me a lot to get even to half of where Kofu is in regards to criticism especially if it’s not given tactfully in my opinion. Him saying Geeta is harsh doesn’t necessarily imply he thinks she’s bad at all. And I think if anything he welcomes any harshness because it helps him improve. Again, that’s a skill that’s hard to develop and hard to conceptualize if you haven’t been put in a position where you’ve been dealt harsh criticism. It certainly sucks to be on the receiving end and yes tactful delivery is still key but you can’t always expect “room for improvement” talks to always be delivered gently. Then there’s Katy who is bored of being the first gym leader and being told to go soft on Geeta. Honestly Geeta telling her to be softer on her opponents isn’t a bad thing. Gym leaders are supposed to be tests, not nigh-insurmountable obstacles. While going too soft on people isn’t great, crushing new trainers off the bat isn’t helpful either as you can indeed squander potential talent doing that. Something Geeta recognizes. Katy here is in her feelings but it is understandable. No one likes losing, and with her being a bug type specialist there is probably the added sting of feeling like she’s conforming to the stereotype that Bug types are week. However, Geeta isn’t in the wrong for what she said. Rather it’s up to Katy to do something about it if she’s so discontent from being the first gym leader. She can up her challenge a bit, going soft doesn’t mean being a cakewalk. Or if this really bothers her, get better at being a trainer so she can become a leader that’s recommended to be faced later on despite being so close to Mesagoza. And to her credit, Katy does at least recognize that after the battle with the intent of battling at a higher level. Whether that means not being as soft on newer trainers or just trying to make sure she gets a higher rank we’re not sure, but she has the maturity to not really blame Then you have Tulip who says she’s not Geeta’s biggest fan because she dislikes how bewitching Geeta’s aura is compared to her own. Now some people may have latched on to the bewitching as proof that she’s evil but when you look at the definition of bewitching it means “enchanting or delightful” or in other words “so beautiful or attractive that you cannot think of anything else”. This actually kind of implies Tulip might be a bit jealous of Geeta and how she carries herself rather Geeta being malicious. She compares Geeta’s aura to her own and calls it similarly bewitching implying that both of them have an enchanting way about them. And often when two people of similar vibes meet they may end up clashing. I think the whole ESP gym test makes people perhaps read a bit more into the bewitching thing because Tulip may have psychic powers we don’t know and so maybe she knows something we don’t. And it very well may be shown in the DLC that Tulip’s words were foreshadowing. But the bewitching line to me at least at the moment, strikes me more as a “I’m a bit envious of the chairwoman” over “the chairwoman is evil” Then you have Ryme who is rather blatantly insulted that Geeta sends the player to do the inspection rather than herself. She even states that she had been looking forward to proving the strength of ghost-types to her and felt a bit robbed. Now again this really isn’t a “Geeta is evil” type thing. Sure it probably would’ve been nicer to have Geeta mention that she was sending someone else as a courtesy. But I think Ryme’s feelings of being insulted come from a place of insecurity. She’s only been the leader for a year and a half and she does enjoy the job. Again like I said earlier, performance reviews will make any employee nervous but especially newer ones who haven’t been on the job all that long. So I can definitely see why Ryme was upset as she probably felt like this was a snub and as someone who has been a new employee I can sympathize with her feelings. But it doesn’t make Geeta bad that this happen. The only bad thing Geeta did was just not tell everyone she was sending someone else. Next is Grusha who during the inspection talks about being worried that he’ll lose his job and the only other thing he has talent for. Again much like Ryme is this is definitely coming more from insecurity on the part of Grusha over Geeta being a bad boss. Like Ryme it also comes from an understandable place. He suffered a great loss in losing his ability to snowboard and knowing that his gym leader position is a job that can be lost as well is certainly anxiety inducing. Especially for someone like himself who tends to wrap their identity in their talents. I don’t even think he actually dislikes Geeta he’s just terrified of potentially of not doing well enough to stay in his position. Again that’s something extremely relatable but not necessarily a mark on Geeta herself. Finally there is Larry who has the most outright grievances towards Geeta. Him having outright grievances doesn’t mean she’s evil though. A lot of people have grievances with their bosses and it could be that their boss is bad, it could be they themselves are the bad ones, or maybe neither are bad and they just don’t mesh. And honestly even though they clearly have beef Geeta does tell him to stop doing overtime. She may not be the world’s best boss but her telling him to chill on the overtime does count for something when there are plenty of bosses who will happily let you work overtime, even unpaid overtime. And also yes, she does ask him to use a different type when battling as an Elite Four member but honestly that’s not a bad boss thing. One it makes sense that if you’re going to use someone as both a gym leader and elite four member (who are generally all type specialists) to switch things up to keep challengers on their toes. After all the Champion’s Test is an assessment. And as Larry himself states, he understands why she asked him to switch things up. He realizes that he misses a lot of growth by just staying in one lane with one type and he’ll become stronger as a trainer if he takes different approaches. Yeah he still doesn’t like her but he’s mature enough as an adult to realize when she’s making good points and that’s important although again a tough point to get to. Because it’s often really hard to hear good points from someone you’re not the biggest fan of. So honestly if anything Geeta and the gym leader’s relationship really resembles real life workplaces. Not everyone is buddy-buddy. People get anxiety when performance reviews or big meetings are called. People have insecurities that tend to get poked in certain situations. It doesn’t necessarily mean any one person is good or bad.

#champion geeta #gym leader grusha #gym leader ryme #gym leader iono #gym leader brassius #gym leader kofu #gym leader larry #gym leader katy #gym leader tulip #sv spoilers #character analysis

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araneapeixes · 6 months

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I love your Shadowheart art, I'd love to see your Tav. Do you have any headcanons with you Tav and the party? Romance/friends bffs etc?

Omg that's so sweet, I can't believe someone is interested in seeing my Tav 😭❤️ This is her, her name is Ren, pronouns she/they (in game I sometimes switch between she/her and they/them using the magic mirror basically lol)

They're a half-drow fighter with urchin background, basically a scrappy street kid who had to learn to survive. Her main drive is that she would do anything for her friends, and as someone who had never worshipped any gods or had reason to trust in figures of authority, she just wants everyone to understand that they are fine the way they are and don't need the approval of some god. She doesn't seek authority or power and thinks that doing so never ends up being like, good for you (holding Astarion and Gale by the scruff of their necks)

Before the events of the game they'd say 'yeah i basically just want to survive and not be bothered lol' but when put in a situation where they have the power to help someone less fortunate they will ALWAYS take the opportunity to do so - too much of life spent being the one less fortunate!

Despite being a half-drow they'd never actually seen the Underdark before the events of the game and never met their drow father either so all that ancestry has really been to them is the assumptions people make.. In her appearance I was going for like, softer features than most drow seem to have and kind, human, brown eyes<3 You can'r rly see it in the pictures but she also has the neck rose tattoo.

They're a bit on the quiet and pensieve side (especially for a fighter) but have a cheeky sense of humour and always stay positive!!

This is the only art I've really done of Ren so far lol

Sketched it out after the first Shadowheart romance scene so YEAH Shart romance obviously hehe Ren was immediately drawn to her because 1)hot goth girl hiiiii and 2)she could see the incongruity between what SH said she was and believed and her actual morals and behaviour. And Ren's calm, kind and unjudgemental presence made Shadowheart trust her very quickly. Basically an immediate attraction and fascination that quickly turned into a strong bond, ik that's not very unique or interesting sorry they're just in louve<3

as for the other party members she feels very close to Astarion (just drawn to edgy bitches with a dark past ig!!) and is basically trying to domesticate him and show him the joys of found family. Karlach is also a very easy natural friend for her as they're similar in many ways although Ren is much quieter and less intense lol but they're Best Bros and drink beer together and arm wrestle and laugh at stupid shit

also good buds with Gale despite his initial romantic intentions and she helps him with the cooking<3 She admires Lae'zel and feels for her struggle a lot but had a bit of a harder time with her at first because of the rough bossiness but they grew closer over time and respect each other greatly. and loves Wyll obviously who doesn't love Wyll but rolls her eyes at his dramatic heroism. Really vibes with Jaheira's sense of humour and thinks shes hot too

#thank u so much for asking I loved writing this out!!#anon #ask #bg3 #shadowheart #bg3 tav #ren #(this ones for me)#we lost halsin along the way im afraid bc i fucked it in the shadow lands and didnt do the thaniel quest:^)#i also have a faggy bitchy boy durge named Javi but i just started w him so hes not too fleshed out yet #but he is ging to romance astarion and i like to think of them and ren+shadowheart as a friend group<3 #i need to make more SHxTav headcanons and draw them with their 473769720 pets in their country cottage #BTW Ren's views of the characters do not necessarily reflect my own even if she is 80% self insert. for instance i fucking love lae'zel #just wanted to disclaim

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rowonlgc · 9 months

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TM014 : VLOG. / WC : 470.

about three things rowon has learned over the course of this cruise:

one. if there’s ever a situation where he has to arm wrestle minjun, he’ll forfeit immediately. that kid’s got a grip.

two. god has his favorites, and considering the great trials they’ve been put through, it’s neither him or kyungsoo.

three. seojin is fun to fuck with.

but he can’t talk about any of that for the vlog. it’s a little too tmi, and it’s not quite the character he has crafted for the camera. …then again, sitting down and essentially making a speech isn’t either, so he takes the camera and angles it up from a lower position - just as he would when making a video call.

“so i came across this quiz the other day - y’know, that popular one where it analyzes your personality based on the kitchen utensil you pick. i chose the can opener -” ( actually, he chose the grater, and it told him that he was unnecessarily aggressive and difficult to handle, and he didn’t like that so he went back and clicked through all of the other options until he found can opener ) “- and it told me that i was an opportunist who’s always looking for new experiences.”

as he talks, he starts pacing around the room to give the impression that he’s casually chatting with a friend while going about his day.

“i’d say that’s pretty accurate. think they intended this cruise to be relaxing with a lot of down time, but i ended up packing my schedule. there was so much to do, so much to see - the disney park was fun, the water town was beautiful, the aquarium .. a little scary. felt like the fish were all glaring at me the entire time. do i look like fish food? be honest.” he narrows his eyes at the camera then -

he laughs. “i also learned some japanese rap. wanna hear? no? too bad, you’re gonna have to hear it anyway.” and so he starts to recite a few lines that he’d picked up from the j-pop workshop. ( absolutely butchers it. he hopes asami won’t ever see this - despite a questionable start, he kind of wants to keep his cool senior image. )

after his little cringe fest, he settles down against the wall and brings the camera up to eye level. “it’s been good,” he says, his voice a lot softer now. “wish we could all experience it.” this is true. when they first mentioned the cruise, he thought it was for everyone. not the case. but ah, he’s sure the others are fine. if not … well, he has souvenirs* for them. “maybe next time ~” with that, he finishes with a farewell, a finger heart, and waves off.

( *souvenirs section not included in word count )

for @yujinlgc, a pink phone case embellished with jewels and roses, reminiscent of her nails. tucked behind the styrofoam that holds the case in shape is a polaroid of rowon making a cheek heart.

for @hyuntaelgc, a sailor rilakkuma bear to add to his ever growing collection of teddy bear items. it’ll appear on hyuntae’s desk one afternoon holding a polaroid of rowon doing a finger heart.

for @lgcparker, a t-shirt that reads birds aren’t real in japanese. once unfolded, a polaroid of rowon posing with an actual bird will fall out. what’s this development? is rowon a spy too?!

for @lgcsoyoun, a fashionable silk scarf that’s close to crystallis’s official color. there’s also a polaroid of rowon dressed in the most hideous cruise outfit ( worry not, soyoun, it’s only for the picture ).

for @lgcsomin, a chicken wing keychain. it may seem like a silly gift, but let it be known, it took him the entire two weeks to find this because he needed the perfect gift. it also comes with a polaroid of rowon eating chicken.

and lastly for @lgcyein, a crochet cupcake as pictured, but with a crown because she’s a princess ( mostly derogatory … okay, sometimes affectionate ). no polaroid included because they’re still on email basis...

#lgc:traineemission #not in my gfx era so just text for now......#if u were tagged pls scroll to bottom ~#rw — solo.

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msfbgraves · 2 days

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Terry is the hardest one for me to pinpoint in a Hogwarts House. I keep going back and forth between Slytherin and Ravenclaw, but I tend to lean Ravenclaw. Then again, I see Slytherin and Ravenclaw as complimentary of each other, just as I see Gryffindor and Hufflepuff being complimentary of each other. So who knows?

I don't like Daniel in Slytherin, he's a Gryffindor soul to me; he's hot-headed, acts firsts and thinks later, brave to the point of recklessness (though it has toned down from his younger days), and he's not hardworking enough to be a Hufflepuff. Though he's very kind and sincere and affectionate.

Kreese as a bad!Gryffindor is brilliant and I love it; he's not a Slytherin, he just comes off as one. I also love Chozen as a good!Slytherin.

Johnny is 100% a Gryffindor, he is too highly reckless and brazen for a Hufflepuff. Also red-blooded--act first, think later, face the consequences following almost always. Robby reminds me of Chozen, so another good!Slytherin. Miguel I have no idea, but definitely not Ravenclaw. Amanda is another good!Slytherin for sure, cunning, clever, ambitious, and cut-throat. If she wasn't, I'd also put her in Ravenclaw for her usual clearheadness and rationality. (Then again, I also see her as being the female, softer version of Terry so...)

Even in the books they acknowledge that the Sorting is far from absolute nor should it be. It's less about somebody's absolute traits than where someone's head is at the moment of Sorting. Harry, in the first year, almost being sorted into Slytherin, and going to Gryffindor at his own request is a prime example. It's completely possible then that people indeed fit into more houses than the one that they're placed at. So is Terry a Ravenclaw if he wants to be? Maybe! He seemed to have left that ambition pretty much behind when he was with Cheyenne, instead spending most of his time on intellectual and artistic pursuits. And sure, sure, we can sort Johnny in Gryffindor I don't think he's half as reckless, naturally, as Daniel is. There are other Gryffindor traits he does not show, and are supposedly part of what Gryffindors are known for: standing up to authority, which he doesn't do even when his life hangs in the balance. He lets Kreese take Cobra Kai without so much as a fight! When Kreese is choking him he tries to, as is customary in sports, submit to him, while he has every reason to know that Kreese will not listen to that. His first instinct still stays to follow the rules of a fight, not break them. He doensn't stand up to his sensei, not without help, we see this time and time again. And chivalry? No. Johnny isn't chivalrous. He does not try to help Miguel when he meets him, he has no problem taking on Anoush, who he knows is weaker than him and in no position to fight back, at work! Now Kreese also does not have a chivalrous bone in his body, but I feel that this might be an overreaction to what he thought, in Vietnam, chivalry would get him. He has saved Terry many a time, we've known this since the third film. To me it really reads as if all Johnny's recklessness was a learned behaviour in Kreese's image. Learned very well, I grant, but it's not consistent. It feels to me like this is something he has learnt he has to do to deal with problems, but not something he does if he gets to call the shots completely. Like no Gryffindor would let Daniel take on a whole hockey team by himself. That's not what they do.

Maybe I'm wrong and the whole chivalry angle is simply propaganda, but Johnny does not jump into action when the going gets hot outside of his control. Yeah, him going to Terry without any second thought on what he's dealing with, very Gryffindor. But that he has sought and thinks he can control. But when things get really, primally dangerous, he always bails. Can't care for Robby? Exits. Can't be there for Miguel? Exits. Sensei wants him to hurt Daniel? "Yes, sensei." Kreese steals his dojo? He runs. Daniel needs his help beating someone up? "Cool off, man."

So, I don't know, he might have fit in Gryffindor, too, but at his core I see a boy who is extremely loyal, kind of risk averse, (definitely emotionally) a hard worker, who likes his comforts - he's never happier than having a drink and some pizza together - and who needs someone to follow.

Now they say Hufflepuffs and Slytherins get on very well, which you can see in Johnny being Amanda's bestie! When Amanda says, "Johnny, let the grownups do the talking", he sits back without a single moment's protest. And he gets on very well with Chozen too! It's far easier for him being friends with them than with Daniel.

But who knows, maybe being around Gryffindors would have made him a little more chivalrous, and then he would have fit that house. Still, he stays back quite easily, while Daniel can't stop himself Getting Into Situations. The second he can, still beat from two days before, he needles all the Cobras. Johnny didn't start that. Instead of just leaving him be, he exposes Chozen's trickery. He almost kills himself trying out a new karate move. Terry reappears and he's like a pissed off chihuahua, the first time he sees Mike Barnes after about 40 years he's like "Hey! And another thing!" as if they'd been fighting seconds ago.

I just love my Hufflepuff!Johnny trying to mimic a Gryffindor too much to let him go, Nonnie 😍

#johnny lawrence #daniel larusso #terry silver #john kreese #cobra kai

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deepdarkdelights · 1 year

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When I saw you mention ur releasing the fic, I was so excited!! I absolutely love this android concept. I love how you explained further with the details on how the world progressed into it, how it almost became a norm to have an android for one another. That to for several reasonings, especially the loneliness. Which I relate to a lot.

Can I also mention how Jin is the perfect candidate for this type of scenario! He heavily fits the boyfriend look almost realistic.

He was such a sweetheart, almost immediately being the teasing bf yet caring as fuck. I really liked the cute little moments a amongst both. The part of him having small realisations over those little moments, feeling urges to do things that aren't "normal"

"This feeling like he was trapped behind a glass wall and on the verge of breaking through it and finally taking control of his body." I felt bad for him for feeling this way yet it was scary because that's a sign of it going wrong eventually too

The part when she said if he'd remember her

But the slow and scary transition of him liking mc, keeping her memories and replaying them with others, feeling in his safe space until that client forced themselves on him.

"It felt like he was throwing himself against solid glass - spider cracks slowly but surely spreading along its surface with each violent attack until it finally shattered and fell apart. And he could move. " I loved this description. He always felt trapped with the glass until he could finally open.

But that also lead him to cause other things and murdering. But at the same time, the client violated him completely. But him finally feeling like a human must have been terrifying and confusing tho nothing could be done after that

"He didn’t want to be decommissioned - he didn’t want to die. But he also didn’t want to let go of you. That was no longer an option. " I found this really sweet 😭 I know he's a yandere but its definitely a lot more softer than rough and how he cared for her. Really love your descriptions! 💘💘

But the sick feeling that washes and realisations of him having a virus. At the same time, mc always wanted to be special in his eyes and unfortunately she was in the most horrifying way.

I really really enjoyed this overall, the concept, your mind??, your the best at writing characters so crazy (in the best way I mean bc wow I love ur characters so much) I love your dialogues, your descriptions on everything is so amazing, how easily we can see the shift beginning to occur and how each one of them felt in their ways 💘 I really love android jin, hes coming my favourite after reading this 😭 idc I'm insane but I want him 🤣

Yay! I'm happy that you liked the android concept!

When I started writing Awake, I knew that I wanted the android to be a hyung line member. It just so happened that when I got the idea for the fic, Jin enlisted. And I really missed him and needed some comfort 😭

This fic takes place in the "Detroit Become Human" universe, so a lot of the ideas about the androids come from there - them operating under strict parameters, them learning how to feel emotions, etc. The scene where Jin "becomes human" and murders his client was heavily inspired by the Eden Club chapter in Detroit Become Human. I really didn't want to write about a sex-bot though and that would put the MC in a really difficult position because then what would make her any better than the other clients? And then I remembered that professional cuddlers existed and I wanted to play around with that.

The company that makes androids is Cyberlife, and when androids start "deviating" from the programming Cyberlife claims it's a virus that's making them simulate emotions. The actual question is - is it really a virus or is it sentience? And I think that's something interesting to think about in regard to Jin's fic.

In short, I really love DBH so I was happy to expand on that universe in my own way with my love for the yandere trope as well as BTS 😂

#asks #awake

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izayoichan · 1 year

Note

7 until 14 and 17 until 23 for Makoto :3 (if that is alright ❤️)

7. If your OC could meet any historical or past figure, whether in the real world or in their own canon lore, who would it be and why? Makoto: I'd like to meet and talk with our Midgardormr before everything went to crap in his world, see what they thought of back then.

8. If your OC were to live in some other time period, which era would they be best suited for? Makoto: Time period? Eh.. Maybe before the first calamity, see how the world really was back then, before it was sundered and we with it.

9. If your OC were to imagine their idyllic life (realistically or otherwise) what would it be like? Makoto: Honestly, I guess it would be much like it is now. I like my work, as much as it worries Issy, and I like where we live and the fact that we manage to have a life together, while still keeping to what we like separately as well. That is pretty idyllic to me.

10. What piece of moody poetry or novel quote best encompasses your character? Makoto: I do not do poetry or novels. (Players note: “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you.” John Greene)

11. Who is your muse’s muse? (What or whom inspires/drives them?) Makoto: Do people really think they need that? Why is not what you want enough? (Players note: Issy, sorry Mako, but you can say what you want!)

Will take it under the line, as this again will get long!

12. What is their character theme song and why? If it has lyrics, which line best fits them? Makoto: Really, are these actually things people have? Do they make them up? (Overriding message, this one.)

13. Is your character bilingual or multilingual? Which language are they most comfortable in or prefer using? How did they come to learn them? Makoto: I speak Old Auri and the common language of our world. (He is only a Viera thanks to a small incident with Fantasia and healing potions mixed up)

14. Do they have an accent? How do they or others think of it? Makoto: I do not.

17. What sort of role do they take on in relationships, either familial, romantic or platonic. i.e. are they a defender, protector, nurturer, etc? Makoto: Defender, Protector mostly, it's my job after all. (Player: He is actually romantic, and nurturing as well when you just get passed the blunt cold part..)

18. What is one thing that they only let those closest to them see? Makoto: Nothing. (Player note: His softer side, the one that cares and smiles)

19. How would their life be different if they had never met their partner? Makoto: I wouldn't be a ehm.. Viera, also I probably would not be as good at my job as I currently am. Ah well, other than that I do not see it differ much.

20. What was the moment at which they knew they were in love, or was it a slow buildup? Makoto: .... (player note: It was a slow buildup, and he realized it when he was suddenly looking forwards to coming home, then disappointed when she was not there)

21. What was it about their significant other that made them fall in love with them? Was it a single eye-opening experience or many gestures over time? Makoto: Really.. they expect one to answer this kinda stuff? (Player note: It was the many small things, over time. Like her care for his health, the attention to smaller things, trying to teach him to read, stuff like that)

22. What is some advice or guidance they received that had a big impact on their lives or outlook? Was it a positive or negative impact? Makoto: To let what happens happen, and just do the best from it. I guess it was a positive impact, it allowed me to fight my way back.

23. What sort of routines, rituals or rules do they have or set for themselves? Makoto: What kinda question is this? Is it like kissing Issy goodbye and put on my armor kinda thing (player note: Yep, that's just what it is!)

Thank you so much for asking for him! He is not my most typical story character, he as you can see is much more blunt, and until you get under his skin, its good luck with getting answers, so I answer for him much to his annoyance

(Issy that he keeps speaking of belongs to @drisseheart)

#oc development #makato nagae #ffxiv #ffxiv screenshots #male viera

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arctics-worlds · 1 year

Text

Sexual Headcannons; Xiros

NSFW Alphabet

Xiros is a dynamic character that changes dramatically when he meets his future wife. He has conflicting headcannons.

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

With others..no aftercare at all.

With his future wife..

This boy is a little hesitant with aftercare. He doesn't allow himself to feel very often so his cuddling would be minimal. But, just because he isn't much of a cuddler, doesn't mean he doesn't love to cuddle. He would accept his partner in his arms quickly but act like it's all for her. He would distract himself by running his fingers down her arms or back, watching her goosebumps is one of his favorite activities.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He has very low self-esteem so if he had to choose a favorite body part of his, it would be his lips– not his smile, his mouth. He's talented with at least that. His favorite body part of his partner would be their sternum. He loves marking it with his marks and feel their heartbeat against his mouth.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

With others, he loves finishing on their back.

With his wife…

He loves cumming deep inside her. He refused to release in others because of his fear for children. When he starts releasing inside of her, he won't be able to stop. Something about filling her up and thrusting inside of her, it makes him feel really vulnerable and safe.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He has a love-hate relationship with pet names. He will act like he hates it but obsesses over his wife calling him her prince or darling. He loves the softer nicknames but will refuse to ever express it.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

He has slept with many goddesses and had to figure out what he was doing pretty quickly. He knows how to pleasure his partner in many different ways.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

His favorite position was doggystyle, but the more he allows himself to feel, he loves when his wife is on top riding him. He is in control– most of the time– and loves the way her body reacts to his touch. While she is riding him, it gives him better access to her clit, her breasts and her neck.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He is serious but is goofy while he teases. He can tease in multiple different ways and doesn't mind if it's playful.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He is actually shaven unlike most of my characters. He does not like his hair touching his body and keeps it bare. It does not mean that is his preference for his partner, just for him.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

In the beginning, he was not romantic at all. It was just a fuck, a release from the pressure. As time goes on, he is more romantic. He takes things slower and enjoys his moment with her.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He rarely jacks off because he doesn't need to. When he needs release, he finds someone to sleep with. When he is removed from godom, he struggles without that constant pleasure and learns to masturbate regularly.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Cunnilingus. This man loves pleasuring her with his tongue. He will do anything in his power to be between her legs. Anywhere or anytime. He doesn't even mind her being on her time of the month.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

His favorite place would be in the bedroom. He is a very complex character. He wants to fuck his wife in front of anyone to show she is his. However, in public places where someone "might' catch them is a little off putting. He doesn't want someone to ruin the buildup of their event.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

He is always ready to go but if you want to skip the foreplay and go straight to fucking, use words. He is obsessed with praising (him), and loves his ego stroked. Begging him to fuck will actually get him to fuck, not just tease.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Breathplay. Now this man loves control but with any form of sexual activity that could lead to any death, it turns him off. His mother is the goddess of death, the thought of an accident and bringing his mother there is just– too much.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

He worships her. He loves performing oral whenever he can. In fact, sometimes he prefers performing oral over sex itself. Having her unravel for him is heaven itself. (Pun intended)

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

He loves taking his time, enjoying every moment of it. That is unless he is worked up. If he purposely worked up he enjoys a hard and fast fuck. Especially if he is feeling jealous or possessive.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

He gets worked up a lot, therefore quickies are frequent. He prefers to have a slower time but sometimes it doesn't happen.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

He is open to trying almost anything. He will take risks only if it is safe to do so. He doesn't care, he would fuck her in front of one thousnad people but if it would put her in danger, he would not be having it.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

This man is up for multiple rounds. He is a god after all, ready to have sex whenever. She would have to tell him they were finished for the night.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Since this is a fantasy world, there are not many toys available. In modern days, he would not use many toys. If it was binding then he would use it but for vibrators or dildos, he would almost be offended. He can provide anything his girl wants.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He does not tease very much. He would tease in flirting but actually to withhold or delay sexual advances, he does not.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He is actually pretty quiet for a long time. He doesn't like expressing himself so he will just have quiet grunts. After some coaxing and reassuring, he will get louder and louder. He will start with speaking more and then eventually moaning.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Wear his shirts. He loves seeing her in his clothing. He especially loves seeing her naked underneath besides his shirt. Waiting for him, tempting and taunting him.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Now, he is a god but he is a little above average. At 6'1 inches, he has some girth to his shaft as well.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

He has a high sex drive, this man always wants to have sex.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He does not confess but he has insomnia. He can't sleep to save his life, but those nights with her, he can easily fall asleep in her arms. It might take him an hour but he can finally sleep.

#my characters #writing #oc #fiction #my writing

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your-good-pal-chevy · 1 year

Text

“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

Voltaire

The night air was cold. Leon wondered if it was a bit of the world outside leaking in, the mountain chill reaching into the magically sealed environment of the academy. There was much he wanted to know about how the whole place worked, much he felt he needed to know. Such information could become vital in the future, after all.

Melaina had called him up to the roof to talk, but for the most part, they had only sat in silence. Neither of them was a particularly sociable person, and the air was thick with tension. They had attended classes together, but had not spoken at length since the infirmary. Not since their duel.

It was Leon who finally broke the silence, unable to bear the weight of it. “I wonder how the weather works,” he said, “How they keep the academy livable despite Signore’s best efforts.”

Melaina shrugged. “Been here for years, haven’t learned that yet.”

“Fair enough.” Leon looked down at the courtyard below. He scanned his eyes over it, checking for any positions where someone might be hidden from his sight. It was a hard habit to break, expecting attackers from every direction.

Without warning, a finger jabbed into his shoulder. Melaina, brow furrowed and mouth in a hard line, was looking into his eyes. “You’re doing it again. This...”

She sighed.

“This is what I wanted to talk about.” She gestured vaguely at Leon. “This is the answer to your question.”

Leon thought for a moment. “My question. Why you wanted to duel me in the first place?”

She nodded.

“You’ll have to elaborate, then.” He folded his arms and tried not to stare at the courtyard. “I’m not sure I follow your meaning.”

Melaina sighed again, harsher this time, and ruffled her hair with both hands. Finally, she put her hands on her hips and looked up at him. “What are you, Leon?”

The question caught him off guard. “Now I know I don’t follow.”

“Look at you. Always looking around, like you expect fighting to break out any moment-”

“In fairness, I’ve gotten in three fights and one duel already, and I’ve only been here a week.”

Melaina cleared her throat. “Always looking around, and the way you look at people... Like you’re sizing up an opponent.”

Leon pointed an accusatory finger in Melaina’s direction. “Again, you literally challenged me to a duel the first time we met. I think I’m justified.”

She shook her head. “There’s a difference. Most people here, they don’t see each other as enemies, even if they don’t get along or they plan on dueling. But you?”

Melaina let one hand fall to the hilt of her sword. Leon reacted as fast as his body would allow, but stopped short when he saw Melaina had stopped moving.

“You were about to cut me down, weren’t you?” Melaina’s tone was... Not accusatory, as Leon thought it would be. It was pained. “Everywhere you look, you see enemies. Everyone you look at, you make a plan to kill them, just in case.”

Leon removed his hand from the hilt of his own sword, where it had gone of its own will. He tried to open his mouth to reply, but no words came to him. Instead, he simply turned back to the courtyard, gripping the railing tight with both hands.

Melaina followed suit, leaning onto her elbows to watch the courtyard with him.

“I don’t know what your story is, Leon, but I see something in you that it seems like most people can’t.” She bit her lip for a moment before continuing, her voice softer than normal. “I can read people pretty well in battle, I think. I’ve got a reputation for it. I’ve won a lot of duels in my time at this academy, but you’re different.”

“I’m not that different,” Leon said, “You beat me pretty thoroughly, I thought.”

She shook her head. “You read my every move, I could see it. You knew exactly how to kill me, and you could’ve done it if you were faster, stronger. I saw it the moment we first locked eyes; you knew the method, even if you couldn’t pull it off yourself.”

Melaina scooted over on the railing to bump her shoulder against Leon’s arm. “I don’t hold it against you, but... It scared me, a bit. I’ve never seen that kind of look in someone’s eyes before. I felt like I had to fight you. A part of me thought I would die if I didn’t.”

Leon looked away. “I wouldn’t kill anyone here, I’m not...” The words caught in his throat. He wanted to say that he wasn’t a killer, but he couldn’t bring himself to lie. “I’m not a threat, Melaina.”

“I fought you because I saw death in your eyes, Leon, that’s your answer.” Melaina averted her own gaze, and once again the two were silent, not daring to look at each other for a long time, until Melaina found the strength to speak again.

“I don’t think you’re a bad person, that’s not what I’m saying. And I’m not afraid of you, especially not now that I know I can beat you.”

“Harsh.”

“But that was a new experience for me, that little twinge I got. That inkling that you were capable of doing something to really hurt me. Most people can’t even come close, Arbiter or otherwise.”

“I know,” Leon said, “You’re pretty impressive with those blades of yours.”

“And you know your way around that hunk of metal you call a sword, at least in theory.”

“Harsh again,” Leon said.

Melaina tried to smile, even though she couldn’t face him. “So, I just want to know. What are you, Leon? Where did you learn to fight? What made you the way you are?“

Leon’s heart hurt. He struggled not to think of his past. He struggled to forget who he was. There was a long pause. “I don’t really want to talk about my past,” he said, “Please, don’t ask me again.”

Melaina suddenly stood upright, taking a few steps away from the railing. “Fine,” she said, “I won’t pry. But, do me this one favor, alright?”

Leon turned to look at her. “What favor?”

She threw a punch, connecting hard with his shoulder. Leon fought the urge to fight back, seeing her playful expression. There was no hostility in her eyes, he saw, only concern barely hidden behind a smile.

“Stick around. Fight me again some time. A few more times, maybe.” She dropped into a fighting stance. “Haven’t had a proper sparring partner in ages, you know. Everyone’s too afraid of Demon Melaina to give me a challenge.”

Leon chuckled, in spite of himself. “You’ve sure got a one-track mind.”

“Can you blame me?” She gave a couple of air-jabs in his direction. “I get so little excitement these days. I like the idea of having someone who can fight back around.”

“If I recall correctly, I spent most of our duel just dodging your blades.”

“Nobody’s perfect,” she said, her smile growing more sincere.

Leon sighed. “I’m not getting out of this, am I?”

“Not likely.”

Despite everything, Leon smiled. It was a warm, real smile. The first one Melaina had seen on his face. The first one on his face in many years.

Leon hadn’t smiled like that since he was a child. Since before he became a killer. Since before he became a dead man.

And though he could not forget what he was, truly, it felt good to pretend to be alive. It felt good to pretend he was more than a weapon. It felt good, pretending he could ever deserve a better life than the one he had escaped.

#arbiters of the old law #creative writing #i dont have a name for the setting yet but i have a name for the story #i haven't written anything in ages #it feels weird writing again #dont get used to it

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story-courty · 1 year

Text

One Line, Any Fic

Rules: Pick any 10 of your fics, scroll somewhere to the midpoint, pick a line, and share it! Then tag 10 people!

This was SUPER fun, @claire8216, thanks for the tag!

Down to it!

Midnights at Mona's And from the way [Luke's] body reacted to it now, betrayal was on the horizon once again. Every bit of his skin heated up as the thin material swished around her legs when she walked toward him, and for the love of Pete, could those straps have been any thinner? She was dressed like they were going on a date. But this wasn't supposed to be a date...

2. Fall Where They May

Luke pulled her even closer and shook his head. “Not yet. Can we just stay like this for a little longer?” He slid his hand further under her shirt, his thumb stroking over the spot Julie had put his hand the day before, right over where the baby would be developing. “I don’t want to let either of you go yet.”

3. With Hearts and Eyes Wide Open

Lukas shook his head and tugged on her arm to draw her back to bed. “We’re honeymooning. As far as I’m concerned, we have nowhere to be and all day to get there.”

4. Come Again Bright Days

Julie giggled and leaned her head against the seat. “Oh man, I almost forgot about this.”

“What?”

She ran a hand through her curls. “How easy it is with you.” She reached for his hand again and traced gentle circles on the sensitive flesh between his thumb and forefinger.

“How easy what is?” He was stupid for asking, but he suddenly needed to know exactly what she meant.

She smiled out the window and shook her head. “Everything.”

5. Steal Away Your Place to Hide

“Well, it’s a Sectumsempra curse. That’s what it does. Besides, I had the O.W.L.s to train as a Healer as well as a Curse-Breaker in school. I figured having some rudimentary healing skills would come in handy in our line of work.”

“Damn,” Luke coughed, “a right Hermione Granger, you are.”

6. Crush: A Midnights at Mona's Story

It was so strange, but Julie kissed like… Well, like Julie. Every movement of her body, from her hands to her lips, was full of that confident playfulness that drove him freaking wild and made him positively desperate to dive deeper, learn more, and understand just who this incredible woman was at her core. He wanted to know what her favorite dessert was, how she liked to spend her evenings when she finally had a moment to herself, what movies made her cry and how tightly she liked to be held until she felt better…

7. Unpack Your Heart: A Come Again Bright Days Story

Reggie gazed down at her, his eyes soft, so much softer than she ever remembered them being. “I think I know how to get rid of him, but you’re going to have to trust me. Think you can do that for five minutes?”

8. Rhythms of Us (the one non-JatP story I have 😜. This one centers on Remus and Tonks)

Max flicked his wand and Doors’ body floated into the air, frozen in a spidery sprawl. The older wizard tilted his head and moved until his nose almost touched Doors'. “Just so you know, I muddied your shoes on purpose,” he said, the young woman’s voice still coming from his thin lips, which now moved over two rows of straight white teeth. He squeezed his eyes shut, and Doors couldn’t believe what he saw next. With a shake of his head, the deep crags and dark age spots melted away into smooth, tawny skin and delicate, feminine features. The eyes in the new face shifted from a milky, bloodshot grey to a clear, vibrant blue framed by long eyelashes. Finally, the witch pushed her fingers under the front of the bowler hat and slid it off the back of her head. Thick locks of hair followed the path her fingers traced until a cascade of dark curls spilled down her back.

Had he been able to speak, Doors would have cursed. Her hair was a deep shade of midnight blue.

9. Always Running in Place

She touched his chin and turned his attention back to her. “Luke…" She placed a hand on his chest, then the other on hers, over both their hearts. "It’s a part of you. So it’s a part of me now, too. Of course I want to hear it.”

10. Show Me Your Colors

Every fiber, cell, and twist of DNA in her body pushed her toward that stupid stage. Her fingers ached to hold the mic, and her voice was practically clawing its way out of the back of her throat.

Hokay, that was QUITE the journey! Whew! Okay, just for kicks and giggles, I'll tag @riderunlove, @writerownstory, and @jessieallyne! Show me whatcha got, ladies!

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loosesodamarble · 1 year

Text

Happy Birthday, Kyoujurou!

Summary: Kyoujurou gets a chance to celebrate his birthday. Sort of...

Genre: general

Word count: ~1800

A/N: I did post this in the past but the original post got deleted somehow so I'm reposting it.

..........

Kyoujurou smiled contently.

Senjurou put his all into his sword swings. Maybe a little too much actually. When the wooden, practice sword was in a lowered position, Kyoujurou approached from behind and put his hands on his brother’s shoulders.

“Relax. Don’t be so tense or you might hurt yourself,” he corrected.

“A-ah! Right!”

Knk, knk, knk.

“That should be the others. I’ll be right back,” Kyoujurou told Senjurou while ruffling the boy’s hair. He went to the wall surrounding the house and hopped onto it to see who was at the front gate. A smile came to his face at the sight of who was there. Giyuu, Mitsuri, Takayuki, Tanjirou, and Shizuka had arrived, each with a package in hand.

“Good morning everyone!” he called to them.

Everyone’s head turned and they all smiled or laughed.

“Big bro Rengoku! Good morning!” Tanjirou waved up at Kyoujurou.

“We’re finally here~!” Mitsuri exclaimed, her whole body radiating barely restrained energy.

Giyuu remained silent but the smile on his face was kind and full of affection.

“Couldn’t you have answered like a normal person?” Takayuki asked, his tone softer than it would be in a professional setting.

Shizuka nudged Takayuki with her elbow. On her face was an impish smirk. “Big brother Kyou isn’t boring like that.”

“We still need to be let in, though,” Giyuu pointed out.

While everyone was laughing, Kyoujurou jumped down and unlocked the gate. Tanjirou dashed up and got the first hug. Kyoujurou returned the gesture and messed with the boy’s hair too. Shizuka threw herself into Kyoujurou’s arms and after they let each other go, he pinched her cheek playfully. When Mitsuri and Kyoujurou held each other they both took a turn lifting and spinning the other around. Next, Takayuki stepped forward and the men threw their arms around each other in a tight, intimate embrace; Kyoujurou felt a hand comb through his hair before they parted. Kyoujurou had to yank Giyuu into a hug since the dark-haired man was too shy to initiate but once they were in one another’s arms, Giyuu buried his face in the blond’s shoulder. Once greetings were finished, Kyoujurou gestured to the front door.

“Come on in, everyone.”

Kyoujurou led the group through the house, although his fellow Pillars didn’t need the guidance. They soon came to the dining room where a lunch fest was already prepared. Senjurou and Shinjurou were already at the table. Once everyone was seated, they dug into the meal.

“What were the latest missions like?” Mitsuri asked her fellow Pillars and juniors.

“I ended up getting hypnotized by a vampire,” Tanjirou answered with a sigh.

“I think they’re becoming more aggressive since we learned their weakness,” commented Takayuki. “They’d rather hunt than be hunted.”

“At least their neck are softer than demons,” Giyuu said after swallowing a mouthful.

“Demons feel like they’ve been getting easier after dealing with Lower Moon One.”

“That’s a good sign,” the Pillars said in unison, with even Shinjurou joining in.

“Have you ever had one try to take a bite out of you while you were up close to attack?” Kyoujurou asked.

“Twice in one night actually!” Shizuka yelled, slamming a hand on the table as she did.

“Sanemi’s got a record number,” Takayuki said. “A three hundred and forty-seven instances if I recall correctly.”

“Who keeps track of this stuff?” Senjurou wondered aloud as he picked at fish bones.

“We have a record book dating back to the Sengoku Era actually,” Mitsuri pointed out.

The youths’ mouths dropped open and their eyes bugged out. The adults burst out into laughter. Shinjurou reached over and ruffled his son’s hair. Mitsuri, from her position between Tanjirou and Shizuka, patted their shoulders.

When the meal concluded, the presents were handed over to the man of the day. Shizuka’s gift was a bundle of incense sticks, handmade with “aromas that burn with a similar strength to big brother Kyou’s” in her words. The gift from Tanjirou was a bag of coffee beans—"I wasn’t sure what to get you but I heard coffee is energizing and thought it would suit you,“ he bashfully explained—and Kyoujurou was eager to try. Mitsuri and Takayuki’s gifts were synchronized: a hand-sewn scarf paired and a thick, winter coat with matching colors and patterns. Although the two weren’t the closest amongst the Pillars, they could easily come together for a mission or a small gesture as this. Lastly was Giyuu’s present which was a bracelet of lacquered, wooden beads whose reddish hue reminded Kyoujurou of his own eyes.

"I know you don’t really wear jewelry,” Giyuu muttered, “but something in me wouldn’t let me just walk away from it.”

Kyoujurou slipped the bracelet on his wrist then smiled at Giyuu.

“It’s perfect.”

“Alright, enough with the sentimentality,” Shinjurou groaned. He rose to his feet. “Time to clean up this shit.”

“You are in no position to be acting like the responsible adult here, drunkard,” Takayuki said under his breath.

Shinjurou’s face twitched in annoyance. However, he was outnumbered in the situation as everyone else at the table held back snickers. He sighed and bowed his head in resignation.

Kyoujurou let out a hearty laugh. He had nothing to fear that day. Everything would be perfect.

…..

Kyoujurou sat on the engawa facing the mansion’s yard. A meter away sat Shinjurou, drinking sake slowly and in modest amounts. Everyone else stood in the yard. Tanjirou had a hand on Senjurou’s shoulder and spoke words unheard while the shorter boy blushed bright red. Shizuka, too, was bright red as she listened to Mitsuri whisper in her ear. Giyuu and Takayuki stood shoulder-to-shoulder, smiling and laughing.

The smiling faces of his loved ones. The youths he took under his wing because they had no other family to turn whether by circumstance or choice. His dearly beloved friends. It was a picture perfect, idealistic scene.

Yes, this what I’d love to see more than anything else, Kyoujurou thought with a fond smile on his face. Perhaps next time, the other Pillars can join. Suzume too. Perhaps the boar boy and the yellow one. If I want to invite young Kamado’s sister, we should meet at night.

Kyoujurou sighed, feeling relaxed and content.

“Do you really think you can escape reality with this pitiful display?” inquired a raspy, bitter voice.

The sunny sky clouded over, bringing a tinge of grey to the environment. A black form entered Kyoujurou’s periphery. Two crimson lights stood out from the living shadow, the hateful eyes of the Eldritch Maiden.

Kyoujurou didn’t turn to face the speaker, keeping his eyes on the others. On everyone’s smiling faces, unaffected by the sudden gloom. He dared a glance in Shinjurou’s direction; the man was unaware of the shadow. With that in mind, Kyoujurou addressed the figure.

“You claim I am the one trying to run from the truth but you are to blame for the fact that I cannot do anything more than dream now,” he stated firmly.

“Are you not at all afraid of what is happening to them while you are powerless to help?” the shadow hissed while looming over Kyoujurou. “Do you not wish you could be out there fighting too? Why don’t you imagine the horrors they could be facing?”

Tendrils of darkness reached for Kyoujurou’s body but didn’t touch him. Kyoujurou didn’t flinch, didn’t meet the her eyes.

“I have faith in my allies. I know my fellow Pillars are capable and will fight harder in my name,” Kyoujurou answered, eyes locked on Giyuu, Takayuki, and Mitsuri as they stood in a small huddle. “And the younger slayers have incredible potential.” Tanjirou had an arm around Shizuka and Senjurou’s shoulders. “Perhaps they wish I was with them—I wish for that very thing—but they can make do without me.”

“You fool!” The darkness grew larger, looming over Kyoujurou but still unwilling, or perhaps unable, to reach him. “Detest your miserable state! Give in to despair! Let nightmares take over!”

Kyoujurou finally turned his head and looked the shadow in the eyes. He rose to his feet, standing tall. In response, the shadow shrank back and wilted in size.

“I do not have to listen to your words. Although I may be in the thralls of your curse, my spirit shall not bend to your will,” he said, his voice booming. The shadow wavered under Kyoujurou’s gaze. “I endured one of your spells and I can endure this one as well.”

The specter began to fade but it didn’t got without any parting words, “I shall break you, Kyoujurou Rengoku. I shall snuff your light. If I never had it, neither should anyone else…”

When the shadow faded, the scenery seemed to regain its light. Kyoujurou closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths. Opening his eyes, he caught sight of his loved ones smiling in his direction.

“Kyou, get over here!” Takayuki called.

“We’re gonna do an arm wrestling contest!” Mitsuri added. “Shizuka wants to see me flip you boys over the table!”

“Hey! That was one time!” laughed Kyoujurou. “Let me grab a table!” He stepped inside, glad to have a moment to himself. So long as this is my dream, none of my loved ones will suffer. He fought the urge to cry. Even in a dream, he didn’t want to cause any unneeded worry. I’m sorry that I cannot truly be with everyone at the moment but that is not up to me.

While he was trapped in his own mind and body, Kyoujurou refused to let his spirits be dampened. He would hold out hope, no matter how long it took.

…..

Kyoujurou laid in a hospital bed, his chest rising and falling from slow, even breaths. To an unknowing observer, he would’ve appeared to be enjoying a normal sleep. In truth, his one good eye had not opened in months. His hair had grown longer and more unruly during his coma.

Senjurou, Tanjirou, and Shizuka sat at Kyoujurou’s bedside. Tears filled their eyes but they did their best to smile despite the man being unable to see them.

“You should see how everyone is now, brother,” Senjurou whispered while holding one of Kyoujurou’s hands. “Father is acting as temporary Flame Pillar until you wake up! He still drinks… But I think that’s because he misses you.”

“We worked with Uzui-san to defeat Upper Moon Six!” Tanjirou exclaimed before breaking into tears. “And he lived too! You guys will see each other again soon!”

Shizuka wrapped an arm around Tanjirou’s shoulders to comfort him. Then, she spoke.

“We’re getting stronger everyday, Rengo— big brother Kyoujurou,” she said quietly. “I can’t wait for you to see how far we’ve all come. And I hope, once you’re awake, you can train us in earnest like you wanted to.”

Outside Kyoujurou’s private room, Giyuu, Takayuki, and Mitsuri stood together. Fire burned in their eyes. There was an unspoken vow between them.

There would come a dawn where he would wake again.

#kyoujurou rengoku #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #kny fanfic #senjurou rengoku #tanjirou kamado #mitsuri kanroji #giyuu tomioka #demon slayer oc #takayuki fukushima #steph's oc #shizuka hisasue #soda's ocs #mallory deamonne #what if vampires were in the kny setting

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rosecreates · 4 months

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Just sharing some pictures of my Tav. Sylve Aetherwind, age 34, High Half-Elf Ranger. The basics I've thought of for her is she was a street urchin as a kid in a village somewhere outside Baldur's Gate, whose parents got murdered when she was little and she ended up having to survive by herself. Her village didn't welcome her, so she spent a lot of her time in nature (other than when she snuck into the village and stole whatever she needed to survive), which is where she ended up gaining a knack for hunting and learned how to survive out there.

Eventually as a teenager she traveled to Baldur's Gate, although she didn't stay there most of the time, as she neither felt at home there, and she had scored a position as a sword-for-hire (or well, bow for hire technically as that's her main weapon, but she can use), which ended up with her traveling outside of Baldur's Gate usually. That was her life for a hot while til she got abducted by the Mind Flayers.

She's a...odd person to say the least. On the surface she comes across as a calm woman, good at hunting and pretty pragmatic. She does have a softer heart though despite what she's been through, as she tries to help where she can, but prioritizes herself first. If she puts herself at too grave of risk, then she won't be able to help anyone, is what she thinks. She can be a bit eccentric though, as she isn't exactly a great planner- she tends to come up with 'plans' on the spot and is far more accustomed to completely winging it, and she'll usually opt for 'cheesing' her way through things. She doesn't usually intentionally try to make things entertaining, but her very existence and way of doing things can be very amusing sometimes. But when it counts, she is very capable and reliable.

I need to take more screenshots of her and of my playthrough in general honestly, but I kinda forget a bunch...I mostly remember whenever I wanna take pictures of my party together, haha. One of these days I'll draw Sylve. And also Raven. I'm just kinda all over the place due to some real-life stuff and also yknow. Playing through Baldur's Gate 3.

#{oc ramblings}#{oc: sylve}

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retaliationrp · 1 year

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And I look up, and saw the sun, it separated all the colors. and the ice, into my eyes it fell, and left me blind.

𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄: Lamia King ( born Malia Thorpe ) 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 & 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐒: cis woman & she/her 𝐀𝐆𝐄: 39 𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: Medic 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: Civilians 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊: N/A 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌: Dichen Lachman

+ intelligent, determined, perceptive - stubborn, obsessive, meticulous to a fault

born in new castle, new hampshire, malia thorpe was a strange and precocious child who had odd interests and lofty goals.

as long as she could remember, malia wanted to be a doctor. when she was a little girl she had daydreams about saving people, helping them, and making lives better. most kids her age played at doctor but dreamed of being princesses or firefighters or anything like that... but malia took to the doctor play the most. she got to the point where she'd quote shows she'd heard on tv, often operating on her stuffed animals and yelling 'stat' a lot.

she knew what it took to get there, the amount of education she'd need and the aptitudes, and even then some schools would be picky still. she couldn't afford to dally or deviate from her plan at all.

she spent hours of her recreational time studying old medical journals (and some new) to learn everything she could; she'd dive into microfiche at the library dating back to the early days of modern medicine and was fascinated by it; she was the head of her class, somehow managing to keep a near perfect 4.0 grade average even with all her extra-curriculars; she started several clubs and saw them through until the end, including debate and a safety club.

it was the only dream she had and she wanted to make sure she got there.

her dad was mayor there and her mother held a respectable position at the clerk's office (and they also were not exactly poor) so she wouldn't hurt for paying for school, at the very least. malia was likely to get into whatever school she wanted.

university came and she chose the most prestigious she could: harvard. the tuition was massive and the girl was set up exactly as she needed to be, her parents proud and happy for what they'd managed to accomplish in raising her, but everyone knew that malia had gotten there based on her own determination and skill.

an analytical mind had served her all her life and now it was helping push her through the four years of undergrad work, then the four years post grad... the residencies she took up in new mexico, spending the better part of her first 5 years getting tossed around the ER and put on graveyard shifts cleaning up piss and shit in terminal patients in the ICU.

she didn't ever think she'd have time to date, let alone fall for anyone to the point that they'd move in together, but here she was at 30 falling for someone dangerous and exciting, deviating from the careful path she'd taken all her life and getting in way over her head before she knew what would hit her.

it turned sour fast and six months in she was having to make up lies at work as to why she had new bruises, finding herself terrified in ways she hadn't planned. he was possessive, violent, and he came from money (more so than she did) which made it nearly impossible for her to disentangle herself.

she suffered for another six months before she finally slipped free of his grasp and fled further into the state, legally changing her name to lamia king and deciding to hide in plain sight. it took a while for everything to go through but she was able to find a simple job at a medical clinic in lancaster, arizona... she just had to retrieve her shit from new mexico first.

that's when she met yamato ishin.

gunshy, she shied away from the man who was suddenly offering to help her move boxes, recognizing that a woman in a black hoodie pulled deep across her brow and doing this work in the middle of the night was probably not in a good way. she balked, sure the man was sent by her ex but there was something softer about him (not that yamato was ever really soft) and she eventually allowed the help.

she wasn't stupid enough to tell him where she was going or why, but she did give him the number to a cell phone she'd registered in another state and they kept in touch. he never asked too many questions, he just found her cute and kept up with her because he'd noticed the bruises... and eventually he asked if she wanted to go out.

she balked again, terrified of heading back to new mexico but also not wanting to meet up in lancaster because then anyone could follow yamato to her. she gave in, but with caveats; she liked yamato so she didn't really want to pass up a chance at someone who had ever only shown her kindness, but... they agreed to meet up at some point between their two points (though she never said how far between) and their whirlwind romance took off.

she wasn't used to it, and though yamato was a bit withdrawn, he never raised a hand to her, instead treating her as if she were somewhat delicate. the situation itself had left her so terrified that she'd started taking classes in krav maga and muay thai but she was relaxed around yamato; almost content.

he never knew her real name, the one she'd been born with or her past (anything that could tie her to the woman that had been with an abusive man on a track to becoming a renowned doctor) and instead knew her as lamia king, of which he knew she had parents on the east coast and no siblings but she never mentioned harvard, new hampshire, or any of those details. no, she was a struggling woman working at a medical clinic well beneath her pay grade because of the fact that she was terrified to finish residency anywhere that would matter; afraid it would lead a trail right back to malia.

it didn't take long, however, for lamia and yamato to be so deeply in love that, one drunken night, they went to a quick chapel in one of the cities they often met up in and got married. they both seemed happy, in love, and content with their little marriage, going so far as to wear the cheap rings that had been given in the package along with something more personal and 'expensive' on their ring fingers.

she worried sometimes, because he was so withdrawn, that he would leave her. it led to a tiny bit of jealousy and worry, but not unfounded. one night she crept to new mexico again, assuring herself enough time had passed and she'd altered her appearance enough to not get caught, and watched as her husband exited a club, drunk off his ass, with his arm around some girl's waist and stumbled to her car to have sex.

it was a one-time thing, but lamia didn't know that. yamato hadn't chosen to cheat on her so much as he'd sort of lost the thread that night in all his business and ended up on the wrong end of an exchange that led to him destroying his marriage. to bring it up meant to admit she'd followed him, but after a relationship in which she'd been physically abused she'd be damned if she accepted one where she was emotionally abused.

the fight was loud and it was long, a year spent with them separated and arguing and yamato never once telling her the details of why it happened. he couldn't really reveal his club involvement, after all, knowing that it would likely scare her off and implicate her... but he also refused to sit back and be yelled at and just take that hit.

their divorce was as swift as their marriage and to this day lamia laments having lost him, but hates him for having cheated on her. she loved him more than anyone she'd ever met before and the spiral their divorce sent her into was legendary.

it didn't take long for the slightly wild medic at the local clinic to catch the attention of the wild coyotes and be brought into the fold of the motorcycle clubs. she was their on-call and often was set to patching up bullet wounds with nothing more than her medical kit and a bottle of jack. it was hard work, but her downward spiral had led her to craving things that would both distract and numb her to her own bad luck... she embraced it in fact.

if she was gonna have bad luck she was going to do it head on... and that meant putting herself in dangerous situations that she couldn't quite control. gone was the girl who had dreamed of soft things in saving people and been determined to be the best in a legitimate field; gone was the woman who had fallen in love and gotten beaten; gone was the woman who had fallen even more in love, been married, and had her heart shattered; malia thorpe had died somewhere along the way and lamia king was evolving into something else entirely.

better just hope she can survive it.

#crime rp #gang rp #mature rp #oc rp #lsrp #lsrpg #dark rp #semi appless rp #town rp #abuse tw #c.all #c.civilian

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directedimagemv98 · 1 year

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Week 4: Food Photography Research

Natural Lighting Tips You Need to know For Chiaroscuro Effect

5 key points -

1.) Chiaroscuro effect is the use of dramatic contrasts between light and dark areas in your composition can result in a your composition looking 3D

2.) Lighting should be more than just an illumination for your subject as natural light is quite capable of eliciting emotions in your composition. Like a dark overcast day exuding melancholy.

3.) Position your scene 1-2m away from a window for a natural light source, works best on an overcast days to give off softer light.

4.) Use reflectors and mirrors to redirect soft light to face of your objects, leaving things in the background to fade away into the darkness.

5.) Best to position yourself near a north facing window to help with the light fall off and to cast shadows for an effective Chiaroscuro effect.

Reflection: Before reading this blog I had no prior knowledge of what the Chiaroscuro effect was. I think it gives the image a strong dramatic mood but I think it also washes out a lot of color making things look quite traditional and modern. I would be interested to experiment with some more modern approaches to this effect to see what could be accomplished.

Choosing The Best Focal Point In Food Photography

5 key points -

1.) These are only guidelines but don’t limit yourself. Go beyond, capture everything, it may just lead you to something special.

2.) There are a couple of different factors that will influence your focal point in a scene, these include height, blur and angle.

3.) Food subjects that are most complemented by a straight-on angle are subjects that have layers or height. It would usually be best to focus on the fore - middle ground to best capture your hero of the image.

4.) Overhead shots and flatlays can be used to shoot multiple types of subjects, but are best suited to showcase flatter food subjects, like pizzas and tarts. Best to focus on the middle height object in the shoot to ensure overall clarity in the image as blur backgrounds are not too popular for flat lay shoots.

5.) Then anywhere in between overhead and head on like a 45 degree angles are best for capturing layers where you also need to include any details on the top of your food subject.

Reflection: I think this blog post discussed the important relationship between focus and aperture depending on your where your main subject of the composition is positioned. Another point discussed was when bokeh should be used and why, I tend to agree with her stating that bokeh should not be used in most flat lay scenarios as the effect a flay lay has it down to the scene composition and blur would take away from that. She explained the best times to use bokeh are when your subject is in the fore - middle ground and the background scene adds no additional substance to your composition and instead more highlight should be put on your subject.

10 Ways To Use Photoshop To Retouch Food Photography

5 key points -

1.) Creating GIFs are a great and simple way to show transitions between photos

2.) Removing blemishes and imperfections to remove any possible distractions and allow the viewers to immerse themselves into the food

3.) Building images by compositing multiple layers to get the best elements out of each image.

4.) Change the color of objects in the image to give it a whole new meaning.

5.) Extend background, sometime you won;'t have big enough physical background boards for your shoot which you can use photoshop to replicate to fill the rest of your composition.

Reflection: I learnt lots of interesting techniques that I think I will need to take a deeper dive into when it comes to editing for my food photography as it can be very difficult to get everything perfect in camera. So I believe improving my post editing skills could speed up my process.

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fallen029 · 2 years

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Kroto: Ava’s General Store.1

The old general store didn’t get many visitors.

The once popular area had seen a steady decline over the past few decades. As more and more businesses headed deeper into the forest, nearer the capital, those who lingered on the outer edges fought to remain afloat.

This was the exact position Ava’s General Store found itself.

Frequently, the oldest of the two boys that worked the shop, Rowan, would ask the owner, his adopted mother Ava, why they didn’t just shutter the old place. He and his brother were plenty old enough to provide for themselves, in a bigger city. She could retire to one of their homes and live out her days without worrying over her struggling business. He could meet a girl, get a real job, and start a life to match.

She always assured him that while he very well could do this, it would be a solo venture.

“I’m must stay,” she’d tell him simply. “For now.”

For now.

He learned to hate that phrase.

She used it frequently.

For now.

When he and his brother first found themselves, at all of eight and six, begging for food in the market of a nearby town, Ava had been quick to lead them along, back to her wagon and then her general store.

“You can stay with me,” she’d promised that day and held true to it since. “For now.”

It was indefinite.

The term.

For now.

With Ava, it seemed to just mean forever.

A softer way of putting things, maybe.

Well over a decade had come to pass since he and his brother first came to stay (work) on the woman’s property and though it wasn’t all pleasant, he couldn’t say he could complain much. The general store needed to be swept daily and manned, but other than the regulars you could time down to the hour, not many visitors came strolling through. So unless you had a delivery of supplies to go into town and get, you just kinda had to linger about all day, awaiting nothing.

That’s what he thought of it.

The long wait for absolutely nothing.

An old inn was attached to the back of the general store and though Ava made them periodically dust all five rooms it contained, the most use the building ever got was when they were little boys and would play hide-in-seek within its halls. Before, you know, he lied to his younger brother that it was haunted, just for kicks.

Even now his brother wouldn’t go near the building.

Which meant that Rowan was stuck doing any and all dusting that Ava required of it, all these years out.

Fitting punishment…

Other than cleaning and keeping shop though, there was little else to do out in the forest. When they were younger, adventures were all the rage, but now two men on the cusp of their twenties, running over the same, tired ground had grown stale.

Sometimes it felt like they were just waiting for death.

In fact, he was pretty certain Ava was.

She’d been something of an important figure during the Great Wars.

Now she was a lowly shopkeeper.

Rowan didn’t envy where she found herself, but fuck, just to have a few of her memories for a day…

It was the sound of a carriage, horse hooves thudding, large wheels rattling, that caught Rowan’s attention that day. He was in the inn, doing that once a month dusting Ava required. He was up on the second floor, running a rag over the windowsill when, through it, he could see a rather expensive looking carriage pull onto the property. From his vantage point above, he couldn’t quite make out the driver, but the man wasn’t anyone he knew.

Rather, from the silver plated armor he wore and the insignia that was engraved upon it, Rowan could tell he was a part of the royal guard.

The guard jumped down, being sure to grab his helmet from the bench beside him on the way. His entire body was covered either by armor or chain mail, save his face, which while Rowan couldn’t quite make out his expression from such a distance, showcased a stubbly beard over his cool brown skin. After slipping the helmet over his head, the guard rushed to the door of the carriage, holding a hand out to help the first of two cloaked figures down. Each took his hand in their slender own, the cloaks and hoods they wore fluttered about as they leapt down from the carriage, but not enough to reveal anything more about them.

A third, uncloaked man was the last out. The guard didn’t offer his hand and the man didn’t seem to expect it, merely jumping down and looking about. He was Galian, Rowan was nearly certain, a combination of noting the decided point his ears came to and his similar complexion to the guard. He was talking to the others, or at least his mouth was moving, as he ran a hand through his coarse, tangled long black hair and began walking towards the store.

Up in the inn, Rowan’s brain began to melt.

Finn was alone in the general store.

Rowan, of course, had no way of knowing exactly who’d just rolled onto their property, but he knew who was about to be required to help them and, well…

His younger brother was a bit of a fuck up.

Massively.

Atop his klutzy behavior and immaturity, Finn also boasted an inability to shut the fuck up.

In any scenario.

He was a natural showman who, unfortunately, just lacked the charm. His smile was warm though and earnest, down in the general store, when he welcomed all four visitors. The store wasn’t very big, just two shelves lined with things and a larger back area, where Finn could pull anything not out on the floor. There wasn’t really much all to look at other than the eighteen year old boy behind the counter.

“Hi!” A bright smile lit up the teen’s features as he waved, unable to contain his glee. His olive, sun tanned skin had a red tint as he greeted, “Welcome to Ava’s General Store and Weaponry Depot. Plus inn. And dojo.”

Through the window down there, he too had seen the carriage arrive and the visitors step out. Though he didn’t immediately key in on the royal insignia that lay not only over the guard’s armor, but also the very cloaks the women wore, he seemed pleased just to have customers.

The women hung back some, by the door while their guard stood by. Finn was still all smiles as, slowly, the other man approached the counter.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted with a bow of his head. “We were just hoping to stop in for some supplies. My friends and I are journeying quite far and need much. We’ve also been stuck in our carriage for a few days with no place to stop off. Please, if there is a bathhouse or-”

“Of course!” Finn couldn’t let the man go on uninterrupted for much longer. Bouncing on his feet in his excitement, he said, “You can stay in our inn! This is going to be great!”

“W-Well,” the man was quick to say, glancing uncomfortably back at his associates. “We’re not really looking to stay, you see, just a quick washing up and then we’ll be out of your-”

“But it’s already so late in the day,” Finn argued. “And dinner is included! Err, well, our dinner’s almost done, anyways, probably, and it’s just stew, I think, so you can all have a bowl. And you can just give me that list of yours, huh? And I’ll get your carriage all filled up and ready to go for the for the morning.”

“While that is a very kind offer,” the man tried again, “we really should be on our way-”

“Where are you headed?” Finn wasn’t going to let this chance at a conversation with someone who wasn’t his older brother or mother slip through his fingers. Leaning forwards on the counter, he smiled warmly at the man. “I could give you directions.”

“It’s really not necessary.” The man in front of him was clearly growing annoyed. “Can you please just allow us to use the bathhouse? I’ll pay as if we stayed the full night, of course, if that’s the problem.”

“Awh, it’s no problem at all,” Finn assured him as his face fell a bit. “If you’re sure, I mean. Just thought we could all have some fun here, s’all.”

Looking past the man (now that he was peeved, he wasn’t so much fun to converse with), Finn waved again at the other three. One of the women had her back to him, but the other didn’t and, even though it was shadowed, he caught her gaze. Blue eyes peered nervously back at him as she raised a hand slightly to offer one in return.

“Balt, would you stop fucking playing with him?”

It was the woman that had her back to Finn though that said this.

She’d turned suddenly on her heel, hood falling back from her head some as she closed the short space between herself and the counter. Long, silvery white hair flowed freely down now, passed her shoulders, framing her round face. The pudge in her cheeks stood stark against her otherwise athletic build. The scowl etched into her golden light brown flesh was deep and, honestly, a little scary.

Finn could’ve sworn he felt the air in the room shift and become a bit stiffer as she spoke.

Her gaze intense, a new pair of blue eyes found the man’s, clashing heavily as the woman insisted, “We need to rent a room for a few hours. We won’t be staying for dinner. During that time, I need you to fill up our carriage with the list of items my friend here, Balt, gives you. You’re going to do this silently. My guard, Radic, will pay you twice the worth of the items in royal coin. You will never speak of this moment again. Understood?”

Finn only stood there for a moment, staring curiously at the woman’s face for a moment, before remarking, “I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

“Damn it, Toren,” Balt griped. “Why did you have to come over here? I was handling it.”

“Damn it me?” The woman scoffed and her hood fully fell from her head now, revealing her fully. “Damn it you! If you were handling it, Balt, I wouldn’t have-”

“Would the two of you,” came a growl from the front of the store where now, the guard was coming to break them apart, “stop using your real names? We already went over this!”

“Um, Radic?” Pushing her hood back as well, the last woman over by the door had a darker complexion than the other, but their matching white locks and deep blue irises gave away their connection. Softly, she called out to the guard, “Maybe you just should’ve not said it was their real names? Or-”

“Thank you, Lia,” Toren cut the other woman off. “This is ultimately all Radic’s fault, isn’t it?”

As both men took to frowning at Toren then, Finn only grinned over them all.

“Are you sure you guys can’t stay for dinner?” he asked with a snicker. They were already the most fun he’d had in awhile. “’cause-”

“Finn, what are you doing in here?”

Suddenly, the general store doors were thrown open once more, one nearly hitting poor Lia as she stood beside. It was Rowan, olive face flush as he’d only imagined all of the things his brother could possibly be fucking up. He’d rushed right down from the inn and panted a bit. While Finn grinned sheepishly over at him, Rowan merely glanced between the people amassed in the tiny shop. Subconsciously, he ran a hand through his short, layered brown hair while, across the store, his brother shook his similarly shaded, yet far longer and shaggier, hair literally in the faces of the customers.

Rowan almost died.

He’d known they would been important before he walked through the door, but face to face now, with the women’s hoods down, he felt like was going to pass out.

“What do you mean?” his brother carped back at him as Rowan stared with wide eyes at Toren. “I’m helping the customers!”

He’d expected nobility, Rowan had. Some sort of dignitary stopping in at the last general store before the Wasteland. Instead, he found himself staring into the glaring eyes of Princess Toren Aither with what he imagined to be her royal guard flanking her. A glance to his side would show that he’d just accidentally hit Princess Lia Aither with a door.

His heart was beating out of his chest.

Time felt like it had slowed and he was searching Toren’s face then, turning his gaze back to her just to see if he could spot it, if it existed. A faint flicker of recognition. After all these years.

But she gave none.

“We need to get out of here.” The guard noted the transfixed look on Rowan’s face. Taking a step closer to Toren, he grabbed her arm and began to walk her towards the door. “Princess-”

“Princess?” Finn questioned as Toren only shoved the guard off. “You don’t mean… Hey, are you guys-”

“I… I apologize, Princess!” Rowan yelled this, giving up on Toren recognizing him as he turned instead to look at Lia. “For striking you, with the door. I-”

“You hit her with the door?” his brother quipped with a snicker as, leaving Toren behind then, the guard came instead over to Lia. Rowan blushed as the man took a step between himself and the young woman.

“N-No, I… I mean, if I did, I’m sorry,” Rowan huffed. “But-”

“I,” Toren spoke up then, turning once more to face the counter and, by default, Finn, “need a room. Now.”

“O-Of course, Princess!” Rowan turned from the guard and Lia to look back over at Toren. Heading towards the counter, he assured, “Right away. Just let me get a key-”

“Toren, I don’t think we should stay here.” Balt glanced between the two brothers. “We really should just-”

“I am not,” she insisted as she turned her glare onto him, “getting back in that carriage until I’ve had a chance to bathe. If they already know who we are, what difference does it make?”

“Not to be rude or anything,” Finn intervened as, with Rowan there now to figure out where the stupid inn room keys were (they had the skeleton key, for themselves, but since no one ever used the inn, neither had any idea where Ava kept those), “but how come we weren’t supposed to know you were the princess, huh? I wouldda probably charged you for the rooms, had I not known.”

“Finn!” Rowan wanted to slam his head into the ground. He would be slamming Finn’s head into the ground. The very second their company left. “You’re speaking your princess. Stop-”

“I am not his princess. Nor yours either.” And Toren was the one eyeing them then as Rowan, bent down beneath the counter, searching the shelving there for a key, felt a cold sweat spread across his forehead as this was it, finally.

She was going to recognize him.

Or at least he thought.

Then, with no recognition in her tone, she declared quite plainly, “You’re not Galian.”

It was very evident by their feature. Galians were the specific race of elves that inhabited Kroto Forest. Though neither princess was Galian, they were what made up the majority of their vassals. Galians were denoted by their dark, course hair, specific twirl of their ears, light brown skin, and general ruggedness. They served under the Odon, the race of Toren and Lia’s father, King Torcan, and had for centuries.

They made up the majority of the Forest’s population.

The men before her, Toren knew with certainty, were not under her dominion. At least not by birth.

“No,” Finn agreed easily as Rowan was having a bit of a freak out it seemed, down on the ground, frantically tossing things in a fruitless attempt to find a key, the key, any key, anything, it didn’t matter anymore. “We’re not.”

“And you’re not Availian either,” she kept up, eyeing him closer now as Finn only beamed. “Or Harkai.”

“We’re not elves.” Finn even shoved up his hair some, proudly showing off to the woman his rounded ears. “No points.”

“We’re not from here.” Rowan shot up from beneath the counter then with a key in his sweaty palm. Frazzled now, his face was as bit red as he held it out to the princess with shaky hands. “Originally. But we have lived under your father’s rule for many years.”

She’d been smiling before, at Finn, but Toren’s grin fell at Rowan’s words. Reaching out to take the key, their hands brushed and he nearly passed out.

“Yeah, well,” she answered easily. “We all have, I guess.”

He should’ve bitten his tongue, Rowan should’ve, but as her hand fell away from him, all he could think about was it returning.

“Princess Toren,” he whispered as she’d taken to glancing over the heavy, old room key. She was turning it over in her hand, even, when he whispered, “Don’t you remember me?”

Her eyes raised, cold blues up to his soft brown, but as Toren peered closer, still no recognition flashed. At all.

“No,” she answered slowly as Balt sighed beside her.

“The princess is quite forgetful,” he took over with a frown at the woman. “Of course, she recalls meeting you when…you came to the capital? On a trip? Or something similar?”

But Rowan wouldn’t look at Balt.

He knew Balt.

Even if the other man didn’t know him.

While remembrance hadn’t hit Toren yet, over at the door, it was slowly falling over Lia.

Rowan and Finn weren’t exactly common names…

If Lia gave her a bit more prompting, she was certain even her sister could eventually place them.

Rowan and Finn were the adopted children of their mother’s friend, Ava Hamins, the woman known for her feats on the battle field, as well as humanitarian efforts. She’d helped bring an end to the Great Wars, acting as the human go between for the other races in the Forest and beyond, helping to broker the marriage between the freshly crowned King Torcan and Availian Princess Asaeria.

Father and mother to Toren and Lia.

Ava had journeyed to the capital for some reason or another once, when the girls were young. Her mother had made a big deal of her coming, as did most of the castle. There was a big feast and Lia could recall being given a nice, flowing blue dress to dawn for the occasion.

Accompanying the former warrior had been the two orphan boys she’d adopted.

Though Lia had been much too shy to interact with the other children (she mostly kept to herself at that age), Toren had enjoyed showing off her home to two new playmates. When they had to return home, the girls’ mother had suggested to Toren that perhaps she write to Rowan, to keep in touch.

“When I was a girl in Availia,” Asaeria had sighed something of the like, “having the furthest letter mate was all the rage.”

But she wasn’t a girl then and it wasn’t at the time, and by the second or third letter, Toren was done with the concept. Out of sight, out of mind. Rowan was too far away to play with; writing him felt more like a chore, something tacked on to all of the studying she was meant to be doing at that age, which did little to breed desire.

Lia liked Rowan’s letters though.

The concept of them.

Reading and writing were a breeze for both the Aither children, something their mother lauded her husband came from their Availian heritage. Lia found that she enjoyed both very much and getting long letters from a friend, with the one caveat being you had to also write your own, was the exact kind of busywork the younger princess enjoyed.

So she wrote him back.

In her sister’s place.

It was simple enough. Her mother had given both Toren and Rowan, before he left, their own magic envelope. A mystic concept as a child, Lia had been enraptured with how all she had to do was write something, anything, on a slip of parchment and then fold it and place it in the envelope. So long as Rowan held the corresponding one, any message she dropped in the envelope would appear in his own.

When they were younger, the letters were very basic.

Rowan would write her about his chores, about people who came into the shop.

She’d return with the boring goings on of daily palace life.

Gradually, they formed something of a friendship.

Other than his brother, Rowan didn’t have many playmates and spent a lot of time writing to who he assumed to be Toren, the prospected future queen. Got to know her. Shared things with her.

Time passed and he got older, it felt like, faster than Lia. He did have two or three years on her. And when he started writing about how he wanted to see Toren again, about how he might be, well...falling for her, around the summer he turned thirteen, Lia agonized for days about what to do.

Equally because she wasn’t interested and she just knew this somehow would work its way back to Toren.

She didn’t know what punishment her sister could think up for impersonating her for years to some boy, but somehow, Lia didn’t imagine she’d easily laugh it off.

The next letter she wrote him bluntly explained that, as the future queen, she couldn’t really say she felt such a way about anyone and Lia had been pretty proud of the diplomacy the letter contained, given she was only eleven or so, but then Rowan never responded.

Slowly, she’d forgotten about him.

For a little while anyways.

Being the younger sister to someone as outgoing as Toren could make it difficult to get to know people. Especially when you were already othered through hierarchy. Lia was a princess, but not the princess. Getting in good with Toren was something most everyone did; she was more of an afterthought.

So she wrote Rowan.

A short letter, when she felt at her lowest.

Not to say that she was in love with him (or was she saying that Toren wasn’t in love with him?), but rather, first to apologize for the time that came between them and second to see if there were a chance he might like to start writing one another again?

The speed of his response wasn’t anticipated.

Less than a day later, Rowan penned her multiple pages apologizing for his behavior before and explaining his embarrassment over the entire ordeal. It was isolating, he wrote, life at the general store was, and she’d been his only outward source of interaction. When she wrote back rejecting him, he’d been crushed and taken to sulking over it for so long that, by the time he wanted to write her, so much time had passed that it felt inappropriate.

Lia was just glad to once more have a letter mate.

Admittedly, they were coming back into fashion once more...

Still, she and Rowan were back together again then, as friends, of course, and it was nice.

Lia found life in the palace equally as isolating, regardless of the endless streams of people about, and spent many days locked away in her room, drafting letters to the other teen or awaiting his. Having something to look forward to once more made the dredge of castle life bearable.

She’d last sent him a letter three weeks ago and gotten a prompt reply that she’d been too busy to contend with.

Now she was standing in the same room as him and the only person he could look at was Toren.

Of course.

From behind Radic, Lia wasn’t sure if she should speak up or not in regards to at least helping Toren recall the brothers. All she could do was grab Radic’s arm, getting a glance from the man, but his gaze remained mainly on her sister.

“We met you at the Castle,” Finn spoke up then. “Princess. Our mother took us there, to meet with yours.”

“Your mother?” Balt repeated, glancing about again. He’d ignored all the hung frames on the walls before, but glancing about them now, he could place the common denominator in them. His stomach clenched as he asked, “Is your mother-”

“Ava Hamin,” Finn assured him and oh fuck.

Fuck.

Balt felt his heart begin to race as he glanced over at Radic, the pair sporting similar expressions.

Ava had connections to crown. Every crown, really, just about, if the stories were to be believed. Balt only knew her name in passing, but the recognition was enough to short circuit his brain.

How could they have led the girls right to this place?

For Toren though, this fear wasn’t the focus as, instead, she was relieved to recognize the person before her.

Err, well, at least recalled their connection.

“Rowan,” Toren whispered with a soft smile that the man in question returned easily. “Of course I remember you.”

He laughed some, uncomfortable, before saying, “I just thought… My last letter, you didn’t respond-”

“I got busy,” Toren lied with a frown as she remembered then, yes, the letters. That they’d exchange. She wrote him twice, she was pretty sure, and then moved on. Right. “With things.”

“N-No, of course,” Rowan agreed and it was crazy to Lia, that only two people in the room were privy to something and, for once, she was in the know. It also wasn’t lost on her that Toren and the guy were misunderstanding one another just enough to skate by in their coversation conversation. She was sure this luck wouldn’t hold. Especially as Rowan insisted, “I was just worried that something had happened-”

“For years?” Toren questioned back which made him frown and begin to question her again, but someone else beat him to it.

“You guys,” Balt asked with a frown, glancing between his princess and the other teen, “exchange letters?”

“We did,” Toren told him with a roll of her eyes and a passing toss of her hand. “Years ago.”

Rowan thought he was catching on then. In the letters, Lia had been sure to include her sister’s...whatever she had with Balt, if only in hopes of avoiding Rowan ever venturing another leap at romance. So he knew enough about the Princess’s relationship with the other guy to know she might not be falling over herself to tell Balt about the letters.

It made sense.

He’d long reconciled to just being the guy in the letters.

But now she was here…

Had she…

Had she planned to come?

No.

On both princesses.

Toren was only standing there, in that moment, due to events she never could have planned for.

Lia was there to suffer. She was pretty sure. On the planet in general just to suffer. Absolutely.

The awkwardness of the situation was punctuated by Ava choosing that moment to return from her daily stroll out in the woods. At the sight of a carriage outside, the woman had rushed right in, surprised at first to find so many patrons, but then by who she recognized them to be.

“P-Princess,” she breathed at the sight of Toren standing before her counter, conversing with her son. “W-What… I’m honored by your presence. I- Two.” She’d turned to her side and seen Lia standing there, behind the royal guard, and bowed her head to the younger. “Both princesses. Well. I….” And she did the only thing she could thing to do then, bowing deeply at the waist, assuring the two women, “I am forever at your service.”

Ava was a human woman who’s midlife was passing her by. For her storied past, her warm, sepia brown skin was blemished with fading, purple scars. Old cuts and wounds that lingered beyond their welcome. Her nose had gone from slightly crooked in one direction to another, back in her fighting days. Even down to the way she walked, with a slight limp favoring her right side, came from an incident out on the battlefield. She still wore a similar buzz cut to her glory days and, though age did show in her wrinkled face, it was hard to believe decades had past since her name was last relevant in the land.

Her deep set, sea-green eyes stayed alight, no matter what enemy she was facing, and it was true to that day, as they roamed across the faces before her.

Toren held up her hand, dangling the key from it as she said, “Finn helped us set up a room.”

Behind her, this caused Rowan to nearly crumple to the floor while Finn fist pumped the air and jumped.

“A single room for the four people?” Rather than be impressed, Ava seemed perturbed. As Finn’s grin fell and Rowan’s frown did the opposite, the woman added, “And where were you then, when he was making the mistake, Rowan? Help your brother fix it. There are enough rooms for them all.”

“Excuse me, I’m sorry, but I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” Balt spoke up, taking a step towards the former warrior. He bowed deeply when he came to a stop, even more so, maybe, than she had done for the Princesses, before saying, “We do not intend on remaining here for long. Only a quick rest and then-”

“And then back on the road? So late at night and with one guard?” Ava frowned, but it wasn’t at Balt. “I find that hard to believe.”

Though her boys had assumed him so, Ava was certain Balt was no guard. To be so relaxed, out of armor, so close to the boarder, with both princesses?

She was still recovering from finding that there truly was merely one.

Her eyes landed on Radic, eyeing him heavily through the grating over his helmet. “Well? What sort of business would lead you all the way out here?”

But Radic didn’t rattle as easily as she’d feared.

“Confidential,” was his stern, deep reply and all three of his travel companions were thankful for the man’s even manner.

Still, Ava frowned some before remarking, “I will not allow you to travel at night. Or, at least, Princess Toren, I implore and advise you otherwise. If something happened to you out on these roads… You know your mother and I once knew one another. Your father as well. No, if they were to find out that I allowed you… I will either accompany you until your next destination or-”

“We’ll stay the night,” Toren interrupted quickly.

Talk of her parents would have gotten her to agree to most anything, so long as they quit speaking.

Radic didn’t give off any obvious signs of displeasure, but from directly behind him, Lia could see how the man tensed. Balt wasn’t as stoic, eyeing the Toren openly, but not otherwise speaking.

“It’s settled then,” Ava decided and she nodded at each of them in turn before saying, “You’ll stay, for now. I must hurry and prepare dinner for our guest. Finn, Rowan, see them to their rooms, the bathhouse, and the river, if they wish, before it gets too late in the night. Dinner will be ready, oh, surely no more than two hours.”

Which felt like a lifetime of minutes, Toren reasoned, to figure a way out of staying the night.

#writing #fiction #original writing #original fiction #fantasy #elves

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