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cottonlemonade · 2 days

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A Simpler Life [Part 1]

word count: 1585 || avg. reading time: 7 mins.

pairing: post-time skip Kita x chubby!Reader

genre: fluff, slice of life, mutual pining, slow burn

warnings: spoilers

synopsis: In pursuit of a calmer, simpler life you flee the city to move to the countryside - only to fall in love with your neighbor.

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When you decided on a clean break and moved to the little country home, you finally got your long harbored wish of a manageable veggie patch as well as a few fruit planters, breathing clear fresh air that the city life had you only dream about for so many years. At first, of course, the people were suspicious of the newcomer - the foreigner-city girl who came to their part of Hyogo with no clear intention but when you greeted each of them warmly around town and offered an open door if anyone ever needed help, they soon treated you as one of their own. The grandmothers of the neighborhood soon kept an eye out for any eligible bachelors because “it‘d be such a shame if a pretty girl like ya would be all lonesome in that house of yers“ but while grateful for their concern, you were happy on your own.

Although, that didn‘t stop you from falling for your neighbor as soon as you met him.

Your first impression of Kita was that he was polite, caring and warm but maybe a bit shy. He bowed his head with a smile when he passed by your front yard in the evening heading to his house, looking exhausted but satisfied. You wondered if he lived alone, too, because no one else seemed to be going in or out of the modest traditional nouka.

You were privately looking forward to the evenings when you could catch a glimpse of him and bask even for just a second in the sunshine of his smile.

This went on for a week or so of you two simply exchanging nods, waves and smiles until, “Good evenin‘.“, he greeted.

The buzzing of cicadas filled the air. You were tending to your garden, having opted to weed in the milder evening rather than the afternoon sun. A straw hat on your head, muscles already straining from the unfamiliar work, you straightened, trying to suppress a groan. “And to you.“, you replied, using the back of your hand to wipe the sweat off your forehead, smearing some soil on your skin in the process.

“It‘s really comin‘ together.“, he noted and nodded towards the healthy green surrounding your ankles.

Don‘t blush, you told yourself. “Thank you.“, you beamed, “I am worried about my tomatoes, though. They look a bit peaked.“

You pointed to some sad little plants on the end of your veggie patch.

With professional eyes he wandered along the fence to inspect them.

“Oh, yea, they might have had a bit too much sun and not enough water. Don‘t worry, happens to all of us.“, he smiled, “I have some extra starters in my greenhouse. Ya can have a couple if ya like. I always grow more in case bugs get to ‘em.“

“Oh, really?“

“Sure, come by tomorrow to pick ‘em up.“

“Thank you so much!“

“What else have ya got here?“, he now leaned on the fence post, examining the rest of the plants. You listed the few you had.

“Ya might wanna add sugar snap peas. They‘re easy to grow and the yield is really good.“

“Noted! But I might have to wait until next season, I don‘t think I have enough space for any more.“

“Ya can grow ‘em nicely in planters. I can build ya one. It‘s not difficult.“

Your heart did a little jump. “Are you sure it‘s not too much trouble?“

“Neighbors gotta stick together, right?“, he grinned and stood back up, “I‘mma let ya get back to it.“ and he made to leave.

“W-wait!“

He turned back to you.

“One of the grannies in town gave me a bunch of fresh greens and tofu today. My fridge doesn‘t work yet so I‘m worried it’ll go bad. Would you like to join me for dinner?“

He blinked. For a moment you weren‘t sure if you hadn‘t been too forward but then Kita nodded and walked around the fence to your gate. Oh my, somehow the fence had underplayed his handsomeness. As he stood right in front of you, arms tan and taut with lean muscles from a day‘s work and a towel tied around his neck you forgot to talk for a second.

“This way.“, you gestured to the front door.

“Don‘t ya wanna finish up weedin’ first?“

“But…“

“I‘ll help ya.“

“But…“

And he got to work. Of course, his practiced hands got the job done so much faster than you and where you had only managed a fourth of the patch he finished up the rest in no time.

Kita knelt on a seating pillow you had laid out around your coffee table, patiently waiting for you to plate up the hearty stew alongside some grilled tofu and rice. You figured he must be starving after all that hard manual labor. But to your surprise he ate slowly, chewed carefully and seemed to savor the taste.

“It‘s delicious.“, he said and let out a small content sigh, “I usually don‘t have much energy to cook in the evenin’s. This is great, thank ya.“

So he did live alone. How the masses of overzealous grandmothers in town hadn‘t flocked together to feed this man yet was a mystery to you.

In all honesty, Kita didn‘t agree with the people in town who said you were “pretty“. “Pretty“ didn‘t do you justice. He thought you were breathtaking. Because that‘s how he felt when he talked to you for the first time. Like his breath was stuck somewhere in his throat. Your genuine smile when he complimented your cooking now had a permanent place in his mind - framed it hung at the very top where he could always admire it throughout his day. Where his thoughts were usually busy with plans for the following morning or simply quiet, while his hands moved automatically through the water in the fields, they were now interlaced with you. Your twinkling eyes when he told you he would build you a planter, your cute protests when he offered to help you weed that tiny little veggie patch as if it was the most daunting task ever encountered and your voice, bright and lively as you told him about yourself upon his request. His grandmother had told him many stories growing up, about right and wrong, patience, kindness and fate. She told him when two people were meant for each other, their souls would recognize it and be drawn to the other by some unseen force. Back then, young Kita wasn‘t exactly sure what to make of it. It sounded very fantastical and without any data to back it up he thought it was another one of his grandmother‘s folktales. Now he wasn‘t so sure anymore because you were his first and last thought of the day.

He doubted that someone as beautiful and worldly as you would consider him as a match but he was merely glad to know he could be of help and make your life a little easier. After dinner the previous night he had told you he had some business in the city the next day and you could please wait for him at his place in the afternoon to collect your promised tomato starters. He had spent the morning making sure the little plants were in top shape, selecting the very best of the bunch. He was eager to get back home but as per usual, city traffic had other ideas.

Every couple of seconds he glanced at the clock on the truck‘s dashboard, hoping he didn‘t make you wait too long.

When he finally pulled into his driveway he spotted you sitting on his porch, his black and white dog lounging in your lap, getting his ears massaged.

A bundle lay next to you.

The dog‘s tail thwacked on the wooden porch as he approached.

“Ya look comfortable.“ He had meant it to his (guard) dog but somehow it seemed like your full cheeks got a bit of color.

“I hope I haven't kept ya waitin‘.“

“It‘s fine.“, you said simply, “I had great company.“ You petted the dog's head again who let out a happy huff.

Kita grinned and looked towards one of his greenhouses. “I‘ll go grab the tomatoes.“

You were brushing some dog hairs off your pants when he returned. Without meaning to, he searched your hands for an indication of a wedding band but shook his head when he caught himself.

He held out the tray with the starters.

“Thank you so much! They look great. And here.“, you bent down to exchange the tray for the bundle, “Since you said you wouldn‘t accept any money for them I made you dinner instead.“

His eyes widened. “Ya didn‘t have to.“

You shrugged. “I know, but it wouldn‘t feel right otherwise. And it‘s not like it‘s even close to an equal trade once these start producing.“

He was a little disappointed. After all, he had practiced inviting you to have dinner with him his entire drive back, but having more of your cooking was the next best thing, he supposed.

The following morning you found the bundle neatly wrapped on your doorstep, the large square bento box inside had been thoroughly cleaned and a note replaced the food “It was really delicious. Thank you very much. - Kita“.

Your heart stumbled when you stared at the neatly written words and grinning so hard your cheeks started to hurt, you pinned it to a little cork board next to the door.

____________________________________________

a/n: thank you so much to @makkir0ll for helping me hatch this ostrich-sized brain egg 🌟🫶🏻

art: coloring done by @keiko-chan

#kita x chubby reader #kita shinsuke x chubby reader #haikyuu x chubby reader #chubby reader #haikyuu fluff #kita shinsuke x y/n #kita shinsuke x you #kita shinsuke x reader #haikyuu kita #kita shinsuke #kita fluff #hq kita #kita x reader

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1jet2unknown · 3 years

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Harringrove Feedback Fest – entry-drug fanfictions & favorite artists

I‘m so happy @gothyringwald is organizing this feedback fest as I think there are so so so many talented creators in the Harringrove Fandom and, with me still being kind of new to the party, I‘m sure I will be able to find so many more creators to connect with & obsess over.

Let me start off with some of the fanfictions that I had stumbled over last year and that actually got me into the fandom. Most of them are rather long, lot of them pretty angsty and all of them are mature/explicit. Warning: They‘re all amazing!

Under the Covers by ToAStranger [M | 59k]

Steve is (maybe) a little bit still in love with Nancy Wheeler and (maybe) trying to figure himself out-- between the night terrors and the babysitting and the general weirdness that is Hawkins, Indiana-- before he graduates.

Billy Hargrove fits in there somewhere (probably).

dried up, half full - by lymricks [E | 60k]

Implied/Referenced Child Abuse | the POV switches now! | Billy fights the monsters too!

Steve’s been coming out here searching for a monster in the woods. He’s finally found one.

“What do you want, Hargrove?”

Don't Tell Me There's No Hope At All/ Together We Stand, Divided We Fall by Straight_Outta_Hobbiton [M | 59k]

Billy's used to being afraid of his father, and he knows he's not the only one scared. But it's one thing to know your stepmother gets smacked around every once in a while and another thing completely to find her body on the bathroom floor.

He's a mess, Max is even more of a mess, and Joyce Byers is a queen among mothers, she really is.

Damned If I Do You by ThirdActLove [M | 55k]

The first time Billy’s dad called him a faggot, Billy didn’t really know what he meant.

Billy Hargrove Needs A Nap – by lilpeas [E | 74.3k]

It’s one thing to be a light sleeper in this shitty town that won’t shut up at night, but it’s another thing entirely to fall asleep on Steve Harrington’s shoulder during last period English.

Pain, Will You Return It? by Anonymous [E | 32.9k]

When Billy gets beaten to a literal pulp by his dad, the police get involved. Billy has to come to terms with what he has done to those around him.

He doesn't want to be like his dad.

Especially when he sees Steve Harrington. When he sees Steve, he wants to be good.

Three is Better (than One) by ToAStranger [E | 4k]

"This little bitch is tonight's toy," Billy says, walking over, hooking a finger through the loop at the front of Steve's collar and pulling until Steve's stumbling up onto his feet; he smacks a hand onto Steve's ass and laughs as Steve yelps and staggers forward a step. "Her pussy is already nice and ready for you."

meet with monsters by lymricks [E | 13.4k]

Implied/Referenced Child Abuse | Billy fights the monsters too! | Protective Parent Jim "Chief" Hopper

Harrington stops. Billy watches all the blood drain out of Harrington’s face and there wasn’t much color there to start with. Harrington lifts the bat again, tries to get to his feet, lands back on his ass. “Billy,” he says again, but it’s desperate now, not relieved. “Billy, behind you!”

Four times Hopper doesn't arrest Billy and one time he does.

what a wicked game you played (to make me feel this way) by brawls (brawlite), ToAStranger [E | 119k]

Billy knew Steve Harrington would ruin him. Steve knew Billy Hargrove was nothing but trouble.

They never expected it to end up like this.

I also feel the need to point out some of the incredibly talented artists the Harringrove fandom has:

@wrecked-fuse – whose fanart was actually the trigger for my harringrove obsession. The artstyle, the amazing colorations (&incredible lighting) and the broad range of expressions & sceneries just made me instantly fall in love!!

@zayacv – whose AU short comics are so intriguing and hot that I reread a lot of them several times by now! You are looking for some steaming hot NSFW with great angles and the most lickable thighs in the fandom? Then zayac is the artist for you!

@ihni – whose doodles are just so damn funny! I had some really shitty days over the past few months but the creativity and joy of ihni‘s harringrove doodles really kept me sane & positive!

@pastenaga - whose Harringrove comic „Bad News“ broke my heart in the most beautiful way – over and over again! Seriously… if you haven‘t read this comic yet and you enjoy some angst & family feel: This is what you‘re looking for!!

@juu-riin – who is not just creating amazingly funny doodles but also increadibly pretty artwork. It‘s really the full package you get with this amazing artist!

@opaldraws / trashycatarcade – who has such an amazing take on Billy & Steve‘s relationship. There is so many cute artworks that really show new & adorable angles of the boys. Just so much creativity!

@wastingtime-justart – whose sketchy artstyle is just so damn pretty and makes especially Billy looks just so sensual! I‘m just in love with the strong strokes, the amazing anatomy and the way especially Billy‘s mouth and hair always look so pretty!

@gravegroves – who draws one of the most sensual Billy‘s I‘ve ever encountered. He just looks so damn BEAUTIFUL in all the pieces…

@avalonlights - whose clean arstyle & coloration I absolutely love. Whenever I look at their art, I wish it was an actual cartoon that I could watch!

@swankystuckup1 – whose soft artstyle & coloration skills I absolutely adore! And their art is so lively, with a wide range of expressions and moods just perfectly put to paper. Seriously check them out!

@ichigata – whose paintery artstyle is mesmerizing and especially I love the way she draws Billy!

@darkmystwraith – who draws Billys locks perfectly! You like seeing our kings (& especially Billy) topless looking hot as hell? Then this artist is for you!

...

There would be so so many more to name… but this post is already long enough as it is. So I‘ll leave you with a big THANK YOU to all you amazing people in this wonderful fandom and am excited to check out everyone‘s else Feedback Fest entries to find even more amazing people.

#harringrove #harringrove event #harringrove feedback fest #fic rec #artist rec #fanfiction recommendation #fanart recommendation #how amazing are all of these people #amazing fanart #amazing fanfiction #stranger things #stranger things fandom #artist support #creator support

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theaspers · 4 years

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lucifer, earl gray!

earl gray tea; how did they court their s/o?

» i feel like with lucifer, a relationship with him would build up slowly. because he is who he is - because of his pride, because he feels like he has a reputation to uphold and because he feels like he has duties that should and does come first - i feel like there would be a lot of hesitation from his part.

» he knows of your feelings for him. of course, he does. but! he can’t. he shouldn’t. he already has his hands full with his brothers and with diavolo. and i feel like he wouldn’t be too sure of his feelings at first because he doesn’t think he should have them because it’ll jeopardise everything that he has worked for up to this point. because it makes him feel helpless and just a bit powerless and the last time that happened still rings bitterly within him.

» and it’s because of this (or bc i’m projecting my preference a little bit lol), i truly feel like there would be some degree of mutual pining.

» longing looks when it’s just you and him alone in the brief moment after a council meeting has ended and everyone else has left. touches that last just a bit too long - his fingers brushing against your shoulder in quiet praise, yours curling around his and squeezing reassuringly when he’s a little too tense. getting into each other’s space and if you’d just leaned in, your lips will touch his and then there’ll be fireworks, you’re sure, because it’s lucifer and- and then he would jerk away slightly just before anything can happen. awkwardly presses a small kiss on your temple and then leaves. leaves you with a weight on your shoulders, a heavy sigh.

» and then something will break and everything will change. his restraint having been chipped away from your persistence, or maybe some other external factor (be it someone else trying to stake their claim on you or something like your impending departure), he’ll finally give in. he’ll try. for you, he absolutely will try.

» and maybe nothing much will change afterwards. there’ll still be the longing looks and the lingering touches and the chaste kisses. it would be no problem for him if it was an act but actually showing his affection for you in public feels weird for him. unfamiliar.

» he would try, i think, with dates and things like that. he would hesitate, just a bit, before any romantic gesture before realising that he can do it now. he doesn’t have to hold back. as much.

» and there would also be moments, when it’s just you and him, when he pulls you close and kisses you breathless and it’s just an outpour of longing and passion and something that tastes just a bit like love. and it‘s dangerous to be this...happy, lucifer thinks. dangerous to get used to things like this. dangerous when the rug can be pulled from under him at any given moment. but try his hardest, he will.

#obey me #obey me swd #obey me lucifer #obey me x reader #obey me imagines #obey me! shall we date?

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holylulusworld · 4 years

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Be my sweetie pie

Summary: Another lonely Valentine’s Day turns into the best day ever.

Pairing: Dean x Reader, Sam

Warnings: Valentine’s Day blues, fluff, mutual pining, cocky Dean, language

Getting the cherry pie out of the oven you inhale its scent deeply. You love cherry pie, just like the man sneaking behind your back to get a glimpse at the delicious sin you baked for your roommate.

“Watcha still doing here, Sweetheart? I thought you would go on a date, Y/N.” Dean husks while he sneaks one hand around your body to poke his finger into the still warm pie.

“DEAN! The pie is for tomorrow. We can share it when you are back from your annual chick hunt or how you call it.” Carefully placing the pie onto the counter, you do not turn around to not let Dean see you are sad once again.

“Y/N, come on. Let me taste it. Your cherry pie tastes the best while still being warm.” Whining Dean wraps his arms around you, tries to drag you away to get access to the pie.

“No! I won’t eat the crumbs again only as you want to stuff your stomach with pie before running off with random girls. I want something to look forward to and all…” Dean stiffens behind you as he can hear the sadness in your voice.

“Why not doing something fun tonight, Sweetheart? Come with me to the bar.” Trying to lighten your mood Dean fails epically.

“Dean, I am not in the mood to sit in a bar, looking desperate. I rather stay in my room, watch horror movies and eat popcorn. Now go and have fun. I’ll survive one more lonely Valentine’s Day.”

When Dean let go of you, surprised by your words, you silently walk out of the kitchen, a huge bowl of popcorn in your hands.

“Y/N…you could…”

“Don’t worry, Dean. It‘s not as if I am not used to be alone at Valentine’s Day. I will have fun watching stupid chicks getting killed by even stupider killers.” Forcing a smile on your face you walk out of the room, missing the frown on Dean’s face.

“Sammy…uh…” Scratching the back of his head Dean pokes his brothers back impatiently. “I need your help.”

“Condoms are in my nightstand.” Sam grunts as his brother disturbed him while he tries to translate another book.

“No…I mean good to know but I need to know what I shall give Y/N to Valentine’s Day.” Eyes wide, eyebrows raised Sam looks at his brother, closing the book he was reading slowly.

“You want to give Y/N something for Valentine’s Day?” Sam slowly gets up, towering over his big brother.

“Okay. What did you do, Dean? Steal the pie? Did you put itching powder into her panties again?”

While Sam puffs his chest Dean nods, lost in thought remembering the way you squealed and tossed your panties into his face.

“No, I just…uh…”

“Dean?”

“She seems to be sad as no one wants to be her Valentine, Sammy. I thought I could buy her roses or stuff.” Shrugging Dean looks at his brother, not knowing how to handle the situation.

“Dude, roses on Valentine’s Day will burn a huge hole into your wallet.” Laughing Sam watches his brother grumble.

“I don’t care, bitch. Tell me what I shall buy. Roses, check. Chocolate, check. Her favorite beer, check, and condoms…” Dean smirks as his brother narrows his eyes.

“Don’t tell me you want to toss the stuff at Y/N and run off to have your yearly lonely hearts fun.”

“I thought I might get lucky with Y/N.” Before Sam can kick his ass Dean runs off, flipping his brother the bird. “Just saying. With all the stuff she might fall for me…”

“She already did you jerk!”

Stopping in his tracks, Dean looks at his brother with wide eyes and a dirty grin appears on his lips.

“Son of a bitch! I’ll get lucky!” Exclaiming he will seduce you tonight Dean runs into the garage to buy random Valentine’s Day stuff.

While you snuggle into your pillow you giggle as the killer just slaughtered the first victim.

“You stupid chick! Do not fuck that guy and get a gun or knife. Holy hell…he’s right behind you…” Stuffing popcorn into your mouth you shriek as the door opens and someone steps into your room.

“Hello, Sweetheart.” A grin on his face Dean stumbles into your room. There are a six-pack, red roses and a huge brown bag full chocolate in his arms. You can even get a glimpse of the condoms in his left pocket as he steps closer.

“Dean, for fuck's sake! You scared the shit out of me!” Panting you look at the huge amount of Valentine’s Day crap in his hands. “What do you want with all this stuff? Are your smile and your flirting skills not enough any longer?”

“I thought we can spend Valentine’s Day together. You know…” Placing the things onto your bed Dean hands you a hand-drawn card.

He drew a heart onto a card. There is a little pie next to the heart and he wrote ‘be my sweetie pie’.

“Dean, is that a way to get my pie earlier?” Laughing you pat the empty side of your bed and Dean kicks his shoes off, smirking at you.

“I’d like to taste your pie later.” Glancing at the condoms in his pocket you laugh, shaking your head. “You’ll only get the pie, Dean. If you want more, go to a bar…”

“I want to spend the night with you watching horror movies, eat too much chocolate and ruin your bed.”

“Hmm…you can never have enough chocolate, Dean. Now back to the movie, Winchester. I want to see if one of the girls will survive.”

Smirking Dean sits next to you, slinging one arm around your shoulders, to bring your closer to his body while he steals popcorn out of your bowl. “I bet you would survive for sure.”

“You can bet your cute ass on that, Dean. I would’ve opened the trunk, get the grenade launcher and blow the whole house.” Stuffing popcorn into Dean’s mouth you laugh as most of it falls onto the bed.

“Are you still sad to not have someone to spend your Valentine’s Day with?” Glancing at your lips Dean moves closer as you close your eyes for a moment.

“I just wanted to have someone by my side, you know. Sometimes I wish there would be someone to just hug me or kiss me, is all. Most of the time I am fine on my own but on days like Valentine’s Day I feel alone.”

“Hmm…you didn’t answer my question, Y/N.” Leaning closer Dean brushes his lips over yours. “Will you be my sweetie pie?”

“Only for tonight or more?” Pressing your lips to Dean’s you slide your fingers through his hair. “I am not that desperate…”

“For more than tonight Y/N. How about you’ll be my sweetie pie for the rest of my life and…” Smirking Dean presses his lips to your forehead. “You can have a slice of cherry pie.”

“I baked the pie, Winchester.”

“We can share, Y/N. I am very good at sharing…”

“Good, now share silence with me while we watch the whole Hatchet man collection and later you can have a taste of my pie …”

Snuggled into Dean’s chest you laugh about the movies you are watching. Now and then Dean tells you that none of you would ever be that dumb or exclaims he would shoot the guy.

“I never had such a nice Valentine’s Day, Y/N. Maybe this is our tradition from now on. Watching awful horror movies while you are my Valentine.”

“Dean, do you want to be my Valentine too?”

“I want to and I want your pie…” Groaning press your face into his chest. “Fine, get us a slice of pie. I don’t need anything to look forward to.

“Awesome…” Smirking Dean leaves the bed, pecking your cheek before he leaves the room to enter the kitchen.

“What?” Confused Sam watches his brother run through the library.

“She agreed to be my sweetie pie, now I’ll get pie and later…” Dean wiggles his eyebrows. “I’ll get me some more pie…”

Special thanks go to @sandlee44 for the wonderful Valentine’s Day card I got from her. It inspired me to write this story.

SPN Forever Tags

@donnaintx, @screechingartisancashbailiff, @fallen-wolf22, @sister-winchesters99, @mogaruke, @the-is13, @helloitsmeamie203, @sandlee44, @strayrosesbloom, @notyourtypicalrose, @thewinchesterco, @marvelfansworld @hobby27, @gh0stgurl, @flamencodiva, @jay-and-dean, @voltage-my2dlove, @spnhollis, @chonisberonica, @wittysunflower, @supernaturalenchanted, @shikshinkwon, @yolobloggers, @hhiggs, @laxe-from-outer-space, @ilovefanfic86, @linki-locks11, @eggingamazinglove, @trumpettay, @fandom-imagines1, @thenamelesschibi, @waywardbaby, @straycuties9, @drakelover78, @stuckys-whore, @zxph-yr, @i-love-superhero, @unlikelysamwinchesteronahunt, @deepmuffinspymaker, @katpatrova17, @heyitscam99, @fandom-princess-forevermore, @neii3n, @exo-nova, @cocklesbelli, @echoesofpassion, @lauravic, @shatteredabby, @deanmonandnegansbitch, @sea040561, @lemondropirwin, @lonewolf471, @wronglanemendes, @juniorhuntersam, @helpmeluci, @goodgodimaweirdperson, @shadowkat-83, @alltimesamantha, @officialmarvelwhore, @meganywinchester, @miraclesoflove, @lu-sullivan, @maniacproffesor, @hollymac79, @kayla-2000, @gracefultrenchcoat494, @babygirls-fav, @spnwoman, @amiquette, @alexoloughlinlover32, @geekofmanyforms, @jessica-marsh09, @spnficgirl, @shut-themoonscone, @thequeenreaders, @countrygal17a, @atomicfandombomb, @kteelou, @soryuwifeyxx, @kricketc28, @defenderrosetyler, @shortwinchester, @maybesomedaygayyyy, @tmiships4life, @sabascio, @that-place-called-middle-earth, @the-broken-angel-13, @bunnybaby89, @pandabiiissh, @maddiedott, @lilulo-12, @theoneandonlymelol, @mblaqgi, @clawsandshotguns, @justsomedreaming, @cassiopeia-barrow, @its-the-timey-wimey-winchesters, @mscarter213, @jo-like-josette, @mep6811, @prettydeaneyes, @rvgrsbrns, @deanwanddamons, @certaindeanwinchesterforcastiel

Dean/Jensen Forever Tags

@spnfamily-j2, @supernatural-bellawinchester, @negans-lucille-tblr, @deans-baby-momma, @thefaithfulwriter, @squirrelnotsam, @roonyxx, @neerness, @deansgirl-1968, @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester, @butifulsoul125, @lyinginthegingerlocks, @20gayneen, @janicho88, @woodworthti666, @thevelvetseries, @dreaminemz, @akshi8278, @midnightsilver16830, @mrspeacem1nusone, @ria132love, @caligraphee, @the-witch-in-silence, @justanotherwinchester, @multisuperfandom, @jason-todd-squad, @jadesupernatural, @psychicforest, @luciathewinchestergirl, @magssteenkamp, @palefiregiver, @tranquility-or-chaos, @jxackles, @michellemxndes, @addictedtofictionalcharacters, @gabifernandessn

#Be my sweetie pie #dean winchester #dean winchester x you #dean winchester fanfic #dean winchester fanfiction #fluff #dean winchester SPN #mutual pining #dean winchester x reader #dean x reader #dean x you #dean winchester one shot #valentines day special

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himbo-buckley · 4 years

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With the shift Sin s2 buddie and season 3, do you think there might another shift into season 4 with how they written etc?(You're right it gone 2a: flirty coworkers2b: friends who‘d fuck each other if the chance arose3a: #mutual pining,3b: familyTM) they already have a family within 118 team family but maybe more of those scenes

Hello friend 🥰

Tbh, right now I have no idea

In my opinion they have two options:

- lean into to the family angle

- pull back

It really depends on whether or not they decide on if and if yes, when they are doing Buddie I think

Considering Tim has said they don’t know yet not to long ago and I don’t think that has changed unless he was lying about not knowing which way to go yet and considering Oliver has said they expect production to start in the next few months (so unless Corona comes back with even more of a vengeance or tptb over in the US finally admit that it has never really left) they might start around September / October?

Meaning at least probably half the scripts are already written meaning we definitely won’t get any explicit hints that Buddie is happening but also probably nothing to say the opposite unless they decide before the episode airs and change some shit around which is always possible (like reshoot some scenes, use different takes, take out some stuff, change the subtext through cutting and music, etc)

If I have to make a guess, I‘d expect them to continue the way they did in 3b, where we get a few Buddie scenes but nothing crazy happening and mentions of them hanging out and all played from the safe family angle because that can be interpreted either way and can be changed around easily if they do make a decision

But yeah, who really knows these days, I mean, it‘s 2020 and biphobia is still a thing, soooo

#buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz #season 4 predictions #honestly it can go either way #911 #911 fox #omg someone messaged me am i cool yet #buddie meta #911 meta #my meta #meta

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glorioustidalwavedefendor · 3 years

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I was tagged by the incredible lovely @i-dwell-in-darkness

Thank you very much <3

Rules: Tag 9 people who you want to know better/catch up with and then answer these questions.

3 SHIPS:

That‘s hard XD there are so many great ships out there … let‘s see

Preston B. Whitmore/Thaddeus Thatch: I stumbled over that particular ship, while doing something else and … what can I say? They make an insane amount of sense? I mean maybe it‘s juts this particular author … but man I dig them <3 definitely check out “Damn Fool Expeditions” by IncurableNecromantic if you ever have some time left and no idea what to do with it XD. Also pining … lot‘s of pining XD 58k of pining (at least from one side) and they don‘t so much as touch pinkies … <3

Frostiron: again, insane amount of sense … they are basically both princess … both magic users (because what Tony does with the laws of physics is not O.K. XD … like he basically bends them over the kitchen counter and has his wicked way with them … ) also, I am a sucker for the classics … so enemies to lovers … yeah … and they just have great energy together since they are both completely bonkers but in different though equally enjoyable ways … also … endless possibilities for hurt/comfort seeing as one of them is basically unkillable … much to his ever lasting chagrin … poor dear <3

I know that is probably cheating but … this is my questionnaire and “I do what I want!” XD

Honorable mention:

Capslok: just … they shouldn‘t work together … but … Loki really works with everyone and … Steve is just so gosh darn golly nice … it somehow works … and what can I say … it‘s so sweet and fluffy and … it‘s basically like very attractive comfort food XD If you are so inclined and don‘t mind huge amounts of gore (seriously this is NOT PG 13) check out „Remember This Cold“ by Lise it is really great if you are O.K. with someone doing the vivisection mambo …

Francis Crozier/James Fitzjames: No surprises here XD But they are just so cute together … I love that Francis is all in or all out … like once he decides to stop hating James he just stops … full stop … and I love that James doesn‘t carry a grudge just takes full advantage of the fact that Francis is no longer pushing him away, to indulge his hero crush … and I love that they would do anything for each other … anything … like … James doesn‘t have to argue … or beg … he just has to ask for help and Francis tries his best to help him in any way shape or form he can …

They are just comfortable with each other … in their mutual respect and admiration … and that is very sexy of them <3 … also you know … enemies to friends to lovers … I never stood a chance <3 They are like the lovechild of Frostiron and Capslock XD

LAST SONG I LISTENED TO:

No idea… I have the radio on in the background … but the last song I actively sought out was … either „No Mercy“ by The Living Tombstone or … Do You Feel It? by Chaos Chaos (formerly Smoosh) … what can I say? I love a good beat XD

CURRENTLY WATCHING:

Currently nothing since I am still digging my way through the results of two (2) fandom events

You guys are all amazing! <3

But once I am done I have the Crown on my bucket list XD

CURRENTLY CRAVING:

Food? Some small dough thing that is deep fried in fat and is served with sugar and cinnamon. No idea what it‘s called but I had it once 25 years ago and I still crave it with a passion <3

Generally? I crave to live in a world where everyone gets what they need to live happy and healthy and contently and not just what they can afford because of who momi and daddy where …

I never tag anyone who wants to participate … that’s my secret talent XD … so … everyone who wants to is invited :-)

#questions #answers #about me

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sabraeal · 5 years

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The Place Where Hearts Divide, Part 3

Obiyuki Trope Madness Semi-Final Mutual Pining

A prequel to Each One A World We Never Met Part 1 | Part 2

Flesh grinds across dry eyes as easy as grit caught in gears, but finally, for what must the first time in hours, Shirayuki blinks.

It’s a mistake.

That small concession to biology is an admission; she’s no longer a brain adrift on a sea of numbers, oh no -- she has a body too, and every part of it is waking, reminding her she has a physical form, that she might even have needs. Considering all the -- the things that have happened this week, it’s the absolute last thing she wants.

Her fingertips come alive first, her teeth clenching as she tries to decide whether the sensation is more like sandpaper or a thousand papercuts. It hadn’t occurred to her when she started that herbs might cut, but only a few drawers into her exhaustive inventory, she’d realized that every dried leaf was like a razor, ready to slice sensitive flesh. She may not be able to see them, but oh, she could feel them.

From there, her hands cramp, her spine aches, her knees click -- each movement is a reminder of how long she’s been sitting here, solely focused on her task, forgetting everything beside the brittle crunch of dried herbs and the soft scratch of pen against paper.

It was bliss. Maybe, if she works fast enough, she can get lost again before she thinks about --

“I didn’t expect you’d still be here.”

Shirayuki jolts to her feet, the chair beneath her skittering across the stone floor. It catches on a corner, giving a threatening wobble before settling down with all four legs firmly on the floor.

Thank goodness for small miracles. She couldn’t survive another humiliation. Not in front of him.

“Though...” Obi takes a step further into the room, leaning casually against the threshold. “I could have guessed.”

“Obi!” The last person she’d wanted to see, considering how it’s been three days and she still can’t even meet his eyes. “I -- hi?”

His head tilts, lips canting to match. “Hi.”

Her hands wring painfully behind her back. There’s no reason for things to feel so -- so awkward between them, not when it’s easy to be with him when the others are around. But now when the mess hall clears, or Zen announces it’s time for him to head back to his rooms and Mitsuhide and Hisame fall in behind him, she just --

She just doesn’t know what to do with herself. It’s not any of her business how he spends his time, it’s only --

She thought she knew. And every time she thinks about how wrong she was, her stomach twists, as wrung out as her hands.

“I just --” she sweeps a hand out, trying to encompass the stack of ransacked drawers and the pristine pages of the logbook on the desk -- “I couldn’t leave it like this.” She drops her voice, conspiratorial. “I don’t think anyone has been using the log this whole week!”

He lifts a brow. “And you’re the only one who can fix it?”

“Someone has to.” She slumps, staring at the mad disarray the room’s been left in. “The flu might be lightening up now, but it’s due to get worse again, and there’s only a fistful of feverfew left! If our shipment from Tanbarun doesn’t arrive soon, then we’ll only have what the hothouses can harvest, and they won’t know what to send us if no one keeps up the log.”

The words come out in a breathless tumble, all her fears piling up on each other until she thinks she might collapse underneath them, and she forgets, she forgets that she shouldn’t look --

Obi stands there, as steady as always, eyebrows drawn in concern, just listening. Just the way she needs.

Maybe just the way Tomomi does too.

Her chest clenches. It’s not that she thought she was the only one -- she’s seen him with Ryuu, with Suzu, with Yuzuri -- but she’d at least thought that -- that --

“It’s a mess,” she says, gaze darting away from his. “That’s what I’m trying to say.”

“You should make Suzu do it.” She laughs, and he plows on, “I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure he did most of it.”

She shakes her head. “That’s probably true.”

“Do you have much more to do?”

“No,” she realizes, looking at the desk. “I’ve logged everything. It’s just...putting all the drawers back.”

She takes in the stack of drawers next to her, chest-height when she stands, and the gaps in the stockroom’s highest shelving, where she’d taking a great number of them from, and slumps. It’s going to be hours of work, and her shoulders already ache from wrangling them down. She’s going to be here until midnight, if she’s lucky.

In a blink, Obi’s beside her, presence making the hairs on her arms stand up on end. His hands move, and she holds her breath --

“W-what are you doing?” she yelps, shuffling a step back, not nearly enough to avoid him if he wants to --

But it’s not her he lifts, just the drawer on the top of the stack. His eyes narrow, squinting at the scrawl of the tag. “Helping you?”

“Oh.” She doesn’t know what to do with her body, having him so close and yet not -- not close enough. “T-thank you.”

His teeth flash beneath his lips. “How else will you reach those tall shelves?”

Her mouth pulls flat. “There are ladders.”

If he’s heard her, he doesn’t give any sign of it, just walks over the the shelves and sets arnica back in its place.

Shirayuki huffs, arms crossed over her chest. If he wants to tease, she has plenty of work to get to, and she can just --

Her gaze rivets to where his collar gaps, to where a thin line of pink stretches over the knob of his cervical vertebra. It‘s a scratch, a few days old and just barely healed.

She shakes her head, reaching for her bag. Zen had formally requested Obi as his personal guide during his visit, excusing him from nearly all of his shifts with the guard for the week, but he must have found some time to sneak back to the barracks. She’d suspected he might; Obi could only take so much rest and relaxation before he’d itch for the training yard. He was always cutting his spars with the newest recruits too close, letting them think they might land a hit only to dance just out of reach; it only made sense that one finally grazed him. She’s mostly annoyed he didn’t tell her; they won’t scar, but she keeps a salve in her bag for scratches and scrape, and it didn’t make sense to avoid her if it was only from -- from --

-- Her head swivels, just in time to catch the wide gold of his eyes over his shoulder, to see the long expanse of bronze striped with silver stretch over his back and shoulders, the way he’s still holding his belt in his hands -- and just as her eyes dart away, she sees bright red scratches down his back --

Oh. Those are not...not from the recruits.

She stumbles. Just a step, but she fumbles the strap of her bag, but -- but --

Tomomi left those. They’re from -- from whatever he did to her, whatever --

--Tomomi strides down the halls without her usual grace; it even seems as if she might be favoring a leg --

Whatever left her limping.

Shirayuki bolts to her feet, hands grabbing the next drawer on the stack. She just...needs to keep busy, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with -- with whatever happened, and she’ll drive herself to madness letting herself think about it. After all, Tomomi certainly seemed to like --

Shirayuki clamps down on the thought, staring down at the drawer. She really doesn’t need to think about -- about that.

Astragalus propinquus, that’s what’s written on the tag. There’s nothing like a little menial labor to clear the mind; all she has to do is shelve this, and then move onto the next.

It’s only too bad Astragalus goes on the top shelf.

“Trouble, Miss?”

She jolts, hands gripping tighter around its cleats. It had been a joke in the labs about how silently Obi moved, about how much glassware was lost when he forgot to make noise, but it had never been her before. She’d always known when Obi was near, but now --

Now he’s an arm’s length from her, and her heart pounds.

His lips part in a grin that is far too pleased. “I can take that one.”

Her breath catches thinking about it, how he’d step close, fingers brushing over hers as he lifted it from her hands, lingering --

Only they don’t. His hands grip the front of the drawer, and he lifts it right out of her grasp, never touching her at all.

Heat burns at her collar, and she turns away, busying herself with the next. Senna auriculata -- on a lower shelf for certain. She takes it up into her arms, checking the tag on the drawer below -- borage, another one for Obi to take care of -- and shuffles over to the shelving.

It’s only when she hears him behind her, lifting borage with a grunt, that it occurs to her that the topmost slot in this row is empty, and that with the organization of the drawers, borage would be the one to fill it.

Her breath tangles in her lungs as she lines up Senna auriculata with the track, and even now she can feel his heat along her back, a hand hooked lazily around her hip to steady himself, his breath ruffling her hair --

Only it doesn’t.

Obi stands off to the side of her and, with one arm, shoves it into place. He’s gone before she spares him a glance, back to the steadily dwindling stack.

She blinks, Senna auriculata staring dumbly back at her from where it fits in with its compatriots, and she tamps down on -- on what is definitely not disappointment.

Air scrapes her chest raw as she takes a steadying breath. This is normal. Obi has always been playful, ever closing the distance between them, but she can’t expect things to stay the same between them. He has a -- Tomomi now. There’s no reason to play this game with her when he has someone else he’d rather spend his time with.

Her steps are wooden as she makes he way back to the desk, as she hefts the next drawer into her arms.

She’s happy for him, she thinks as she shoves it into it’s slot with a thump. He’s been the one supporting her all these years; it’s good that he’s finally thinking of himself, that’s he’s finding someone to support him. He deserves it.

She hisses, unclenching her hands. Her fingernails leave crescents in the flesh of her palms.

She’s happy, she is. A good friend should be, and that’s what they are.

Her lip pinches painfully beneath her teeth. A good friend would be interested too.

She steels herself, pulling shoulders straight, lifting her chin. “Obi...”

He turns to her, eyes wide and inquiring, and she just -- loses all her heart, words fleeing from her mouth like sailors from a sinking ship. The seconds pass between them as he waits, and she -- she can’t just not say something--

“Thanks,” she squeaks, eyes darting to anywhere but him. “For helping, I mean.”

That...could have been done better.

“Of course, Miss.” He says it so easily, as if it were nothing at all. “After all, it would be a shame if you were late for Master.”

Her breath catches, choking her. “Zen?”

“For your date.” He gives her a dubious glance. “Tonight?”

“Oh.” Dread chills her like ice creeping through her veins, making her heavy, slow. “Right. Zen.”

She hadn’t meant to forget; between Zen’s visit and the pharmacy being overstretched she’s barely had enough time to breathe, let alone keep track of time, or social engagements. But she remembers now.

Dinner. Tonight. Just the two of them.

“Must be exciting,” Obi continues, so casual and light, like the air isn’t suddenly thinner than it should be. “Finally having time to yourselves.”

Her fingers knit and twist in her skirt. She should -- should look at the positives. It will at least be a welcome reprieved from Hisame’s dry barbs.

“Yes,” she gasps, forcing a smile. “So exciting.”

Or, well, it would be, if they weren’t going to be alone.

“I’m sure whatever Master has planned will be --” Obi heaves another drawer into his arms -- “romantic.”

She can barely breathe, thinking about it.

“I can hardly wait,” she squeaks, slapping a hand on the desk to steady herself. Maybe she’s --she’s coming down with something. “But we don’t need to talk about -- about that. What about you and --”

The rack rattles and she jolts upright, looking for any sign that it might tip --

“Goodness me,” Obi murmurs, stepping back from when he’d placed the drawer. “I don’t know my own strength sometimes.”

He gives a short, soft huff of a laugh before turning to her. “Were you saying something?”

With him looking at her, the words abandon her, but she has to fill the space somehow.

“I was only wondering what you were doing tonight!” she manages, hoping it doesn’t sound as pained as it does to her own ears. Obi blinks, long and slow, and that hope dies a humiliating death. “I mean, since Zen and I have...plans.”

Plans she’s trying desperately not to think about. “I...I imagine you aren’t spending a quiet evening with Mitsuhide and Hisame.”

Obi coughs, surprised. “No, Miss, definitely not.”

“I heard Yuzuri and Suzu are planning to picnic on the roof tonight,” she offers, thoughtful. “I’m sure if you asked --”

“Oh, I know exactly what would happen if I asked,” Obi says with a grin. “You don’t need to worry about me, Miss.”

His smile crooks at the corner, sly. “I know how to keep myself entertained.”

The cold, for once, doesn’t help.

Her breath clouds on a gasp, surrounding her in a fog as thick as the one that muddles her thoughts, that makes her stomach twist and churn. The next moment it is blown away, a northern wind cutting through both it and her cloak with ease. If only it was so easy to disperse her thoughts as well, tonight might be – be pleasant, at least.

In Wistal, she had looked forward to nights like these, spending her idle hours in the pharmacy wondering if that evening would be one where Zen sent a messenger to her, whether that would be the night they spent idle hours on his balcony or his the private gardens, just talking. It had been so easy then to fill the space between them -- or to leave it silent, to let their eyes say what their mouths could not.

Now it just feels like a dead weight, like a corpse they’re carrying between them. Zen’s message had been waiting for her in her rooms, reminding her about their dinner plans. What relief she felt then hadn’t been about him, about finally getting their moment alone -- but about how she had a distraction from wondering what Obi meant when he said he could entertain himself.

Not that she couldn’t guess. She’d seen just how he’d entertained himself the last time her and Zen had spent time alone --

And it’s -- fine! It’s good that he has someone he enjoys...spending time with. She’s happy for him. Impressed, even, that he’s managed to keep her from suspecting that he was splitting his time at all.

She’d just...thought she would know about it. When something like that happened for him.

“Shirayuki!”

She startles. “Zen!”

It’s strange to look at him like this, like a moment out of time. The Zen she would conjure at night, in those first few months where homesickness dogged her heels as much as Obi did, was as she has known him in Wistal: still half a boy, shoulders narrow and long-limbed, childhood clinging to his jaw and his cheeks, dirt always splattered across his knees and hair a thatch of shocking white.

The Zen she sees now, the blue of his cloak stark against the white snow and gray stone of Wilant, is not that boy, but a man. He’s not much taller than those days in Wistal, but his shoulders are broader, his body more muscled beneath the thick wool of his tunic. The lines of his face have grown sharper, and though he’ll never achieve Izana’s angular beauty, he’s no longer so soft along his jaw.

Even though he’s fresh from the road -- Makiri had him touring the checkpoint for the day -- his clothes are impeccable still, cloak white and pristine against the dark blue of his tunic, his hair slicked neatly. Obi used to tease him, used to say they could dress him up in gowns and he’d be as lovely as any of his suitors, but now -- now he’s no longer pretty so much as handsome. With those clothes, that face...he’s truly a fairytale prince: perfectly dressed and showing up on the last page.

And it makes him a stranger. If only for a moment.

His hand reaches out to hers, folding her limp fingers over his. They’re cold, freezing, like marble left under snow.

“I’ve come to you,” he says softly, with a smile that lights up his eyes like candles in a window. “Finally.”

It leaves her strangely cold.

“Meeting each other halfway is important!” she agrees, ignoring the voice in her head that sounds like Obi, that says I thought princes were supposed to escort their ladies. Her fingers tighten around his, giving them a firm squeeze. “It’s good to see you.”

He squeezes back. “You too.”

With a grin, he tugs at her. “Now come on, I have a great surprise planned. I hope you’re hungry.”

She knows how she’s supposed to answer, that she’s supposed to jostle close like she’s cold, that’s she’s supposed to smile and say famished. Instead her stomach churns, bile burning the back of her throat as she trails reluctantly behind him. “Oh, I, um...”

He slows, head turning over his shoulder to look at her. “Is something wrong, Shirayuki?”

“No, no!” She waves a hand, trying to force a laugh. It sounds weak, even to her own ears. “It’s only...I was just in the stockroom, and you know how that is...”

He stares, blank, and a blush creeps across her cheeks. Of course he doesn’t. Princes don’t spend their afternoons in the castle pharmacy.

“There’s so many smells that your nose just...stops working, a little. To protect you from it,” she explains lamely. “And scent is half of hunger, so it takes some time for you to feel...well...hungry afterward.”

His brows furrow, confused. She tries to think of what he might relate to -- too many flowers in a garden? Too much incense at court? -- but comes up short.

“I’m sure the walk outside will clear everything up,” she tells him instead, giving him a reassuring smile. A step brings herself up beside him, and she makes a show of breathing deep. “See? it’s working already!”

“That’s good!” He smiles too, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. Abruptly, she misses the contact between their palms. “How has the pharmacy been doing anyway? I know you’ve been busy, but I haven’t gotten to ask with what.”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she tells him. “The flu came early this season, and we weren’t prepared. The hothouses usually supply most of our herbs, but for things like this, we order from elsewhere, and our big shipment from Tanbarun isn’t supposed to come until next week--”

Zen hums, interested.

“And the whole pharmacy has been upended trying to keep up with the patients, though there’s barely a handful of feverfew left.” Stress builds behind her eyes just thinking about it. “And Suzu is being the way he always is.”

“Mmhmm.”

She hesitates. Zen doesn’t know that either; he’s only met Suzu once, and that was to buy him tea. Suzu is always so well-behaved when free food is involved.

“He’s very...needy,” she tries, the explanation limping out of her mouth. “And when it comes to trying to find his own herbs, he acts like he was born with both hands broken. So he spends all day asking where things are --”

“Right.”

“-- And it turns out that he isn’t even making things for the pharmacy, but for some side project he’s invented, and --”

She twists to look up at him, expecting to exchange knowing looks, the kind that silently says oh Suzu, both fond and annoyed, but she doesn’t see warm gold staring back at her, but --

Instead she sees white, brushed and slicked so it lies flat against the back of his head, because Zen isn’t looking at her but staring off into the market. He’s not even listening.

Annoyance flares in her, but it banks just as quickly. Guilt takes its place.

Zen had framed this visit as a holiday, a vacation away from his duties in Wistal and Tanbarun, but today he inspected the security of Wilant’s borders. Yesterday he had sat in endless meeting with the merchant’s council, and the day before that he’d helped his mother with petitions. He’s supposed to be resting, but the weight of a kingdom sits on his shoulders, and --

And how can she expect him to be interested in something as insignificant as Suzu’s pet project? Zen hardly knows him, or any of the pharmacists of Wilant. He doesn’t know how hectic it is when the flu descends, how annoying Suzu’s petty drain on their resources is when they’ve all been run ragged; he doesn’t even know how the pharmacy is run.

She can’t expect him to care about stories about the needs of a few pharmacists, not when his worries dwell on the needs of thousands.

“W-what about you?” she asks brightly, sweeping her disappointment under the rug. “How was--?”

“Is that--” he squints, head craning forward -- “Obi?”

Her head whips around, gaze tracking his, and just above the heads of the crowd, she sees a bristle of black hair, a guard uniform half undone on a lanky body.

He’s here, in the market. He’s not -- not with anyone. The breath she’s been holding rushes from her chest. He’s just shopping.

“Oh, he’s talking to someone,” Zen remarks absently. Her head jerks up just as Obi shifts, just as she catches blonde hair chased with fine fur --

Tomomi. There’s no one else who could have such poise, such a calm, graceful bearing. Even from where Shirayuki stands, she can see the brightness of her smile.

Obi’s talking to Tomomi. Here, in the market. Shopping with her. This is how he’s keeping himself entertained for the night.

Or at least part of it. If -- if what she’s seen is any indication, they won’t be staying out in the cold for long.

Zen takes a step toward them, Shirayuki stumbling behind. “We should say hi.”

“No!”

His head cranes over his shoulder, eyes blinking owlishly, and that’s when Shirayuki realizes that dire protest came from her, that she was the one who shouted.

“I mean...he looks busy,” she manages, lamely. Steeling herself, she tugs on his arm, giving him a smile she hopes looks more winning than desperate. “Besides, didn’t you say you had a surprise for me?”

“Oh!” He smiles, tucking her close. “I do. This way.”

Obi’s seen Lyrias at both ends of the night, from the lingering twilight of dawn to the burning skies of dusk. When he first arrived here, little more than another knight from the royal circle, he’d been placed on the nightwatch his fair share of times, just like all the other young and unmarried men. He’d had little cause to complain; he’s sharpest when the sun goes down, and though the cold was a bother, the late hours never were.

There had been another boon to those hours as well: though the market was at its freshest at dawn, it’s the evening where it truly shines. It’s more crowded, but the stalls save their best wares for when the shifts change and classes end, hoping to catch guards and scholars alike with coin in their pocked and a hold burning in their belly.

“Why, Sir Obi,” a voice politely drawls. “It looks as if you’re making quite the feast. Should I take this to mean you have some exciting plans for tonight?”

Dark eyes watch him warily when his own glance up, belying the easy smile Lady Tomomi wears. He expects to feel something when he sees her; desire maybe – she’s a beautiful woman, and now he has some very vivid memories of what is under those fine clothes she wears – or awkwardness at the least, but instead it’s –

It’s nothing.

“Something like that.” He leans on the cart that separates them, careful not to put an elbow through a melon, and waggles his eyebrows. “Is that why you’re here, my lady? To see what my plans are for the night?”

Her apprehension vanishes with a quirk of her lips. “I don’t need to ask, sir. I may not know the details, but it’s certainly some mischief.”

He tries to cage it, but the laugh hisses through his teeth, and then they’re both stifling giggles in their scarves. It’s a – a relief. He’d expected a weight between them, a burden to keep hidden, but instead it’s – it’s this. A joke.

“I am pleased to find you,” she says as she recovers, the corners of her mouth still twitching. “I worried someone might tell you before I could.”

His eyebrows lift. “Tell me what?”

Pink rides high on her cheeks, bright against the fur that frames them. “I’ve been formally engaged.”

A normal man would feel odd, at least. Jealous, even. But surprise is the only thing fomenting in his chest, turning quickly to curiosity. “Goodness me, to who?”

Her shrug is a lift of a shoulder, casual, though the lift at the corner of her lips betrays that her feelings about the match are anything but. She’s pleased. “Terou Arund. He’s a son of one of the chairs on the merchant council.”

Ah, there it is. “Which he’ll doubtlessly inherit. Unless he’s an idiot.”

She ducks her head to hide the softness of her smile. “He isn’t.”

He knows that look, that tentative smile. “A councilman’s son, hm? That seems prestigious enough for the sister of a knight.”

Tomomi lets out a bark of a laugh, not ladylike at all. “My brother is quite pleased, yes. The rest of my family as well.”

He hesitates, then ducks down to meet her gaze. “And are you?”

Her eyes round, her mouth working for a moment, but when she answers it’s firm. “Yes. I am.”

“Good.” He lets his mouth widen into a wolfish smirk. “It seems like you got...pretty lucky, my lady.”

Her mouth pulls flat. “I’m not sure I would say --”

“After so many years, there must have been some grand event to change your fortune.” He makes a great show of thinking it over.

Her eyebrows lift. “I prefer to believe a lady makes her own fortune.”

“I wonder --”

“I’m starting to see why it’s been five years since your last romantic encounter,” she drawls, annoyed. “I suspect there haven’t been many repeats in your...intimate acquaintance.”

“My lady,” he gasps, pressing a shocked hand to his chest. “I’ll have you know I have reacquainted myself with many old friends.”

She hums, dubious. “Is that so.”

“Provided that I haven’t opened my mouth yet.”

Her teeth flash in a sharp smile. “Now that sounds --”

The words stop suddenly, her gaze darting over his shoulder. “Oh.”

Her cheeks darken from a delicate pink to a painful red, and she looks as if she’d like the earth to open and swallow her whole rather than be seen here. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh, ah…” Her eyelashes flutter. “No, it’s only…is that Shirayuki?”

He turns his head, and there Miss is, arm tucked into Master’s. She’s following him through the market, smile bright on her face, oblivious to him.

“Yes,” he breathes, chest far too tight. “it is.”

“Out with His Highness,” she remarks. “They’ve been doing that quite a bit, of late.”

“Yes.” With a grin he hardly feels, he turns back to Tomomi. “It seems you won’t be the only one engaged soon.”

Two years may not make her an expert on Lyrias, but Shirayuki knows that they’re drawing to the end of the Pavilion Street she’s familiar with; she’s knows the end close to the university, filled with cafes and pubs and street carts hawking dumplings and handpies. But Zen leads her past those, past the open markets, toward the high-class district. Down there are restaurants with real silver for their tableware, clubs that only allow the richest merchant sons and visiting noblemen, inns with private baths.

She’s only been down there once.

“Who was that?”

Shirayuki jolts, eyes darting up to catch his. “Who?”

“That woman.” Zen’s mouth tilts thoughtfully. “The one Obi was talking to. She looked familiar.”

“O-oh.” She catches her grimace before it can show on her face. “That was Tomomi.”

“Tomomi.” His head tilts, brow furrowed. “That sounds familiar too.”

“She’s the sister of one of the other knights.” Lower, she murmurs, “You may have seen her the last time that you came.”

“Really?” His mouth purses in concentration. “You’d think I’d remember someone like that…”

It would be simple to tell him, it’s right on the tip of her tongue, but –

“Where was this surprise again?” she says instead, hoping the shake in her voice sound like excitement and not – not nerves. “I’m not often at this end of Pavilion Street, and I’d have to miss it.”

“Ah!” Zen blinks, scanning the street. “Good call, Shirayuki! It’s right here.”

It’s been years since that storm – and there’s been far worse since, ones that have trapped her in the pharmacy wing, or in hothouses – but when she sees the inn’s sign, her heart gallops in her chest. This is Zen’s surprise destination.

Of course it is, of course. The food was delicious, after all, and though the portions had been small, they’d eaten like kings. The traveling band had been wonderful as well, playing the…cleaner versions of songs she had heard as child in her grandparents’ pub. And the accommodations –

She swallowed thickly. Well, she shouldn’t be worrying about those.

In any case, it only made sense that Zen would remember this place fondly, that he would assume she would as well. And she does! It’s only – only –

No one else will be there, this time. Shirayuki bites down hard on her lip. That’s the point, really. That’s what they -- what she wants.

Her stomach gives a sickening twist.

“Are you all right?” Zen asks as he opens the door, music pressing in around them.

“Fine,” she assures him, stepping over the threshold. It feels like far more of an accomplishment than it should. Zen tugs on her arm, leading her to the hostess, but --

“Lady Shirayuki!”

They halt in their steps, Shirayuki turning toward the voice. A man as large as Mitsuhide swerves toward her, smile bright on his face. Zen looks at her, quizzical, and it all clicks into place.

“Oh it’s --” she can’t just say knight-dono, but despite how many years they’ve been here, Obi’s never once properly said his name, and Lady Tomomi’s brother is perhaps an even worse distinction for an older sibling -- “Obi’s friend!”

“It is!” His grin breaks even wider, and it’s them that she notices the scent of alcohol off of him; not enough to be unpleasant, but enough to make it clear the reason he hasn’t noticed her grappling for his name.

“Are you...celebrating?” she asks, peering around him. A table of men -- knights, by the uniform, but she sees few of Obi’s men among them, and certainly not Jirou or any of the others she knows by name.

“Oh yes!” He sways, smile nearly splitting his face in half. “My sister is finally engaged!”

The is no rug beneath her feet, but Shirayuki stumbles as if it was pulled out from under them. She braces a hand on a pillar to keep upright.

“Oh!” Her smile feels lop-sided, tacked on. “I didn’t realize you had two.”

“Two? No,” he shakes his head, “there’s only Tomomi.”

It’s not -- not possible. Obi wouldn’t have -- he would have told her about something so serious. If he had been thinking -- thinking about that.

Unless he thought it was obvious. She had seen him -- him and Tomomi -- and --

And Obi wasn’t the sort to do something like that without -- without thinking. He may not hold with the idea of one night being enough to ruin a woman, but he knows that others do, people who could make things difficult for Tomomi, and --

And he would have to be serious, if he took her to bed.

“Congratulations,” Zen tells him, shaking his hand. “It seems like it’s a good match.”

She stares. Had Obi told him?

“It is!” Knight-dono crows with a grin. “I don’t know the man well, but Terou Arund seems to be a fine enough man! And Tomomi likes him well enough.”

Shirayuki can barely breathe. “She’s -- to Terou Arund?”

“A coup, isn’t it? A councilman’s son.” He lets out a laugh, half-embarrassed. “I suppose I’ll have to apologize to Obi, won’t I? I always thought those two would come together, somehow.”

The table behind him lifts its voices in jeers, and he laughs. “You’ll have to excuse me, lady. Can’t keep the men waiting, you know.”

“Of course not,” Zen assures him, when she can’t locate her voice. “Please, have a round on us. I’ll tell them to put it on my accounts.”

Knight-dono’s face lights up. “You’re too kind, sir.”

“Don’t think anything of it,” Zen tells him with a wave. “Enjoy your night.

There’s pleasantries after that she knows, but she can’t hear them, not over the buzzing in her ears. By the time they’ve pulled away from the bar, there’s only room for one thought in her mind.

“We have to find Obi,” she insists, pulling on his arm.

He turns, staring blankly. “What do you mean?”

Words turn to ice on her tongue. Zen doesn’t – he doesn’t know about what she saw. It had seemed too – too private to tell him, and she’d thought that Obi would have anyway. Boys talked about things like that, about girls they had – had feelings for.

“We have to tell him,” she tries hesitantly. “About – about his friend.”

Zen’s head tilts quizzically. “I’m sure it can wait. We’ll do dinner first, and then tell him the good news later.” He smiles, so confident. “I’m sure that’s what he’d want.”

It’s true, he would, but – but Zen doesn’t know that Obi and Tomomi had – that they were –

“I just thought we could – that it would – be quick?” she tries lamely. “We know where he is now, I mean.”

“Didn’t you say it was Tomomi that was with him?” Zen says. “I’m sure he already knows, then.”

“That’s even more reason to go be with him!”

Zen stares, uncomprehending.

“He might…” She swallows, feeling heat creep up her neck. “He might…be feeling…weird?”

Zen shakes his head fondly, smiling down at her. “Come on, let’s eat first.”

Dinner is just as good as she remembers, what little of it Shirayuki manages to swallow down.

The presentation is impeccable; each course is brought to them on white dishes chased with gold, artfully arranged with inedible garnishes. For once, she’s thankful for the small portions; even with as few bites as she takes, it looks as if she’s eating well, that her stomach isn’t churning with unrest.

“Tomomi,” Zen says finally, with a smile on his face. “I remember now – she was the girl Obi was on a date with!”

Her hands clench in her skirt. “Um…”

“And now she’s getting married!” Zen settles back, pleased, as a woman lifts their third course from the table. “I forget how things can change.”

She bites down on her lip; Zen doesn’t need to know precisely how many changes he has missed, being off in Tanbarun.

“But…” His face goes soft, wistful, and there’ something in his voice that sets her hear skipping, that makes her teeth stand on edge. “Change can be good.”

“I…” With all that’s changed lately, Shirayuki isn’t sure she agrees. “…suppose.”

Zen’s face grows serious. “Shirayuki, there’ something I’ve been trying to talk to you about, but there’s never been a right time.”

“Oh,” she breathes tightly. Ridiculously, she has the brief thought that if she keeps her hands clenched, he can’t put a ring on her fingers.

“Do you remember this place?” he asks, voice high and tight. Nervous, she realizes. He’s nervous. “We came here two years ago, right before I was posted in Tanbarun.”

She can hardly forget; it’s all she’s been able to think of each time their group has dwindled the past few days, threatening to leave them alone.

“So much has changed since then,” he sighs, something in his face going hard, going melancholy. “Shirayuki…”

He takes her hand, and her heart leaps into her throat. It’s happening. It’s happening.

She should feel less sick.

“Izana…”

This…is not what she thought her proposal would start with.

“Izana wants me to marry for Clarines.”

It takes what feels like a whole minute for her to realize what he’s said, what that means.

She shouldn’t feel so relieved.

“Oh.” There’s not much else to say, not without betraying how little it upsets her.

“I love you. I want to be with you.” His hand squeezes tighter, and she looks up, right into his earnest gaze. “I would – I would defy him for you, Shirayuki.”

There’s no air in this room, not when he leans so close, when his gaze is so intent upon her.

“Tell me to choose you,” he says, voice barely louder than a breath.

She starts. “What?”

“Shirayuki, I --”

She jerks her hand back, flush rising up her throat. “I have to tell you to pick me?”

His eyes go wide. “That’s not what I meant. I only – it’s been a long time! And we’re not…”

The words abandon him, and she realized that maybe she isn’t the only one who has noticed.

“We’re not…very close anymore,” she finishes for him, laying a hand gently over his.

He jerks beneath her touch. “No, no! That’s not – not what I meant! I just…”

His mouth twists, frustrated, and he stands. “You’re right, I’m doing this wrong.”

His cape flashes dramatically over his shoulder, and he falls to one knee, her hand held gently in his. “Shirayuki, would you do the honor of becoming my wife?”

Shirayuki sits back on her heels, palm tucked comfortingly against his, and finally the fear leeches from her, replaced with a sense of ease, of calm. His head is humbly bowed, just as it had been so many years ago in the forest, and even with the wild thatch of his hair tamed, his cowlick still bursts out from the center haphazardly. Zen may be different now – she may be different now, but the part of him she fell in love with is still there, something he can never change.

She loves him still. It’s just…different now.

“Zen…”

His chin lifts, that familiar pure blue settling on her with an earnestness that pulls at her heart. She remembers how she’d struggled to put her feelings into words that day, how each one felt like a pulled tooth until they came out in an uncontrollable deluge, but now –

Now, for once, she knows exactly what to say.

The soup is still simmering when the door opens.

Obi experiences a flash of panic, one hand clenching tight around his knife and the other on the scallions. He was supposed to have hours yet.

“Miss!” he calls out, pulling his mouth into a grin. “You’re back early.”

“Obi?” She blinks at him owlishly, as if she can’t quite believe what she’s seeing. “What are you doing here?”

He might as well ask her the same. It was the first time her and Master were alone for years, and they should have – have things to discuss. He’d expected this whole meal to be complete by the time she stumbled back in, maybe even growing cold, not – not in progress.

“Well, I’ve eaten at that inn before too, Miss,” he says instead. “Delicious food, but the portions could use some work. I figured a growing girl like you could do with a second dinner.”

She just stares at him.

“Also,” he continues with a cough. “Not that I mind delivering your messages, but…Suzu wanted me to bug you about the foxglove he was looking for earlier. He wants me to reiterate that it’s important.”

Still, she stares.

“Is everything all right, Miss?” His stomach knots. She’d been alone with Master, even after – “Do you need --?

“No!” she gasps suddenly, coming to sit in a chair. “Everything is fine. I just…” The breath rushes out of her. “I’d been thinking about…some things. If I had made the right decision.”

He hesitates, using the excuse of stirring to keep from having to answer. This almost certainly has something to do with Master, and he should stay fully out of it, for his own good.

But he’s never been good at saving himself. “Well, Miss, not to brag, but I’m very good at advice.”

Her eyebrows lift; if it weren’t Miss, he’d say the gesture was dubious. “Really?”

“Of course!” he crows. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I’m a very fast learner.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “No, no, it’s not...”

Her mouth hangs open for a moment, working, eyes fixed on where her hands clasp in front of her. He has to clench his fingers around the spoon to keep from reaching out.

“There’s no advice needed,” she says finally, gaze tangling with his. “I was only realizing that I made the right one.”

He knows it can’t be, that it’s only him feeling it, but --

But it feels like a...a moment when she looks at like that.

“Oh.” He flounders for something that feels safe to say, that won’t sound halfway to a confession. “Are you hungry?”

Ah yes. Great job. Bring food into the situation. At least no one else is here to see him fall on his face like this.

She blinks. “Yes, actually. I think I finally am.”

“Great!” He ladles out a bowl, sliding it in front of her. It may not be as complete as he likes, but it’s...something. “I have good gossip too.”

“Oh?” Her spoon hesitates in the air, wavering between bowl and mouth.

“Lady Tomomi is getting married.” He drops his voice low. “To a councilman’s son!”

Her spoon clatters to the bowl.

“Miss?”

“That’s…” She stares at him like she’s not quite sure what to make of him. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

“After how long it’s taken her?” He taps at the table. “Come on, eat up, Miss. Your dinner will get cold, and you’ll never be able to tell me how good it is.” He waggles his eyebrows. “It is good isn’t it? Hits the spot?”

She lifts the spoon slowly to her mouth, taking a long, slow sip. Savoring.

“Yes.” Her mouth curls into a curious smile. “This is just what I need.”

#obiyukimadness19 #obiyuki #akagami no shirayukihime #mutual pining #each one a world we never met #my fic #ans #and here THIS is #finally complete #and longer than the first two chapters put together #I HAD A LOT TO WRAP UP

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beaulesbian · 6 years

Photo

I decided to finally make a part two of this post, it took me half a year longer than I anticipated, but I rushed to finish it at least for June.

🏳️‍🌈 Happy pride month! 🏳️‍🌈

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley – The best kind of subtle romance I have ever read. Includes mysterious pocket watch, solving bomb threats in Victorian London, a lady scientist, changing of future based on occurring events, an adorable clockwork octopus, and so much more! Did I mention the best, most beautiful romance I didn’t even expect to get?? Read it! (mlm main characters)

All out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages by multiple authors, edited by Saundra Mitchell – This book was so refreshing to read!!! Retellings of fairy tales but queer and poc and mostly happy. I enjoyed each of the short story so so much, I don’t have words to say how much I loved this book, just, can we please have more stories like that? Thank you.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman – Ever wanted a book with a main character boy and girl who won’t end up together by the end of the book? Then this is a book for you. Frances and Aled do not only become best friends who won’t end up together, but there’s even more diverse characters than these two main ones. This book even has an ace (demi) sexual representation, which I was very excited about, and the main character is biracial bisexual girl. There is lot of fandom talk and a radio show drama (kind of similar to Welcome to Night Vale). But also talks about other important topics like deciding that college might not be for everyone despite them being a great student in high school.

Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee – It’s a cute and sweet superhero themed futuristic story, first book of a trilogy I think. The main character is Vietnamese American bisexual girl, Jessika Tran, whose parents are both superheroes, but she doesn’t have any powers. She starts working for a company she later discovers belongs to town’s villains, but with time she learns that not everything about superheroes and villains is perfectly black and white. Also she’s working there with her crush, so that’s a bonus. It’s a really great book, there’s wlw romance and lot of diversity, action and silly scenes. The history behind the people’s superpowers and worldbuilding was really interesting too. The sequel is also already out, featuring a poc trans boy as the main character, who is part of Jessika‘s friend squad.

The Gentleman‘s guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee – A book everyone here should read!! A historical roadtrip with lot of angst, fluff and mutual pining of two of the main characters. It takes place in 18th century Europe. Monty is kind of an asshole, some moments you will hate him then you will love him, but as the journey progresses so does he. He travels with his sister, Felicity, and his best friend (and crush!) Percy, to visit few cities in Europe before he has to start work in his fathers company. This book addressed lot of issues, like white privilege and racism in that time period, sexism and ableism. But it’s also an adventurous book that’s funny and charming, and makes you feel really happy one moment and sad the next. There are also pirates!

Dreadnought by April Daniels – This is a first book of a duology about a lesbian trans girl Danny who receives superpowers after witnessing death of the superhero Dreadnought, which means she now has to become the new Dreadnought. But with the powers also becames real the ideal vision of her body, that she always wanted. She is very happy about it, but it also means she has to face her family and best friend and explain why she looks different. On top of that she has to help the other superheroes with stopping the new threat to the city, the villain who killed previous Dreadnought. Trigger warnings for transphobia, but it’s really worth to read.

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller – I’ve seen mixed reviews of this book but personally I loved it. It’s a fantasy YA with lgbt protagonist, that I don’t have enough of. Sal is a genderfluid, also bi? pan? thief who enters a competition to become one of Queen’s Assassins. Basically the last one standing (or rather living) takes the place. Sal knows how to fight and survive but also needs to learn other things to win this position. Like taking classes of writing/reading which teaches him a lady of court they previously stole something from, whom Sal quickly starts to like more than they should, with the competition at play. For me it was a really great book to read and I can’t wait to read the sequel!

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli – I had to read this one quickly before Leah on the offbeat came out, and it was a joy to read this one too! Again so much representation, I love Becky’s books and the Simon vs world. This story is about Molly who has had a lot of crushes but never actually dated anyone. She’s jewish, has anxiety, is fat, loves her family, is very creative, and has another crush on a guy who is her coworker. There’s so much cuteness in this book, I was smiling and crying the whole time reading it. More for representation: her sister is gay, she has two moms, a new Korean-American pansexual friend (who her sister totally likes) and more. I need to meantion trigger warnings for fatphobia, because of part there with her relative, it made me cry so much, it was very reletable and I hated it but there was very good closure for it in the end, which I’m happy about. Anyway read this book, overall it’s a cute and happy book with lots of fluff!

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli – I loved Leah from the Simon vs book, so I was really happy we got more focus on her. She’s fat and funny, unapologetic about who she is, in her words: “basically your resident fat Slytherin Rory Gilmore”. There was mentions she likes boys as well as girls. Because of a tour for her college she goes with Abby to see where she will live the next few years and stuff happens. And then there’s also their high school prom, which she thought she was ready for, but maybe she’s not ready for at all. I’m not even going to write more, it’s an amazing book, I cried so many times.

Timekeeper by Tara Sim – This story takes place in a Victorian era Britain where clock towers are needed for time to flow correctly. Therefore there is lot of mechanics who repair said clock towers, because if the clock stops, the town around it stops in time as well. The main character Danny is one of those mechanics in London, but his father is trapped in a town that Stopped and Danny needs to find a way to save him. But after someone tries to sabotage a clock tower in a small city, Danny is assigned in that town to fix it, and he eventually finds out that the myths he heard – that in clock towers could sometimes be seen beings, spirits of the towers – might actually be true. This book was so nice to read, there was the atmosphere of the Victorian era, mystery, cute mlm romance and awesome female characters.

I’ll give you the sun by Jandy Nelson – I cried a lot reading this book. At first it actually took me few months to read past first two chapters, because the writing style was so different from what I was used to, but after that I got absorbed in it very quickly. It’s a story about two siblings, Noah and Jude Sweetwine, who both go through some difficult times, with family, school and personal stuff, it’s about making mistakes and fixing mistakes. It’s about love, art, sibling struggles and growing up.

Other books that I read and loved and definitely recommend:

Of Fire and Stars - Audrey Coulthurst (f/f fantasy romance)

We are the Ants – Shaun David Hutchinson (m/m)

In Other Lands - Sarah Rees Brennan (bi mc, m/m)

Release – Patrick Ness (m/m)

Our dark duet – V.E. Schwab (sequel of duology, agender character, not much romance at all in this duology, it‘s one of my favourites)

A Conjuring of Light – V.E. Schwab (a beautiful fantasy, last book of trilogy, happy ending for m/m pairing whose each story is important throughout the whole series. Again, one of my favourite series)

Magnus Chase and the Ship of Dead - Rick Riordan (I don‘t want to spoil here but it‘s good, genderfluid representation since book two, more in this final book)

Ice crypt - Tiana Warner (sequel of the Ice Massacre, wlw romance between mermaid and human girl, who knew each other since childhood, there is third final book, Ice Kingdom, already out, but I still haven‘t read it..)

Happy reading!

(tagging few people who i think might enjoy it ♥♥: @eradne, @poefinn, @twomillionfreckles, @eliotcoldwater, @queen-max, @tsukiyam-a)

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