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laxmiree · 1 year

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[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Misty Date translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

I cautiously observe Lucien, his expression is calm, and there is no emotion in his eyes.

It looks like just as he had mentioned before the experiment,

he really doesn't remember me.

Translation under the cut

[Part 1]

(Note: if anyone want to follow along with the voice, you can follow along here. Although, it doesn’t record the other choice :”. No, it’s not sexy or anything, but I like how much of a trickster he is in this date and the voice direction is really good.)

I’m walking through the damp and heavy mist, wading through shallow pools and grassy fields, and eventually coming to a stop in front of the white marble staircase.

A purple butterfly catches my eye.

It is perched on the bronze Thoth* statue by the stair railing, its thin wings reflecting a dazzling and intricate silver light.

(T/N: Thoth was an ancient Egyptian deity who was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon. He was the god of writing, knowledge, wisdom, and the moon, and was also associated with magic, science, and judgment. It really fits with him~)

It seems to be the only focus in this hazy mist.

My eyes light up and I take a few light steps towards it. The butterfly flutters up into the air as I approach, as if inviting me to follow.

MC: Little butterfly, are you going to take me to see Lucien?

The butterfly spreads its wings and lightly flies up the stairs. I lift my dress and take a step forward.

The butterfly eventually flies through the gate at the end of the staircase and disappears without a trace.

I raise my hand and push open the door. The mist dissipates in an instant, and then rustling flower petals and leaves come flying towards me.

At the end of my hazy field of vision, a tall figure is casually leaning on a chair, the gentle sunlight draping over his body and softening his slightly cold features.

Lucien is wearing loose home clothes, and his long eyelashes are lightly drooping. It seems that he has not yet noticed my arrival.

A small sable is obediently lying on his shoulder, and its black-bean-like eyes turn towards me. Suddenly, it shows its teeth fiercely.

Small Sable: Gugu!

(T/N: "Gugu" is an onomatopoeic sound that represents the sable's vocalization.)

Lucien puts down his book and taps the small sable with his fingertips.

Lucien: Is this Miss the person you want me to wait for here?

The small sable makes a "Gugu" sound as if it has a spiritual connection, and then Lucien nods slightly, as if greeting me.

MC: ...Hello, Professor Lucien.

He looks over with an indifferent gaze, but when his eyes fall on me, a hint of surprise shows in his eyes.

(HE CAN SEE HER IN COLOR😭)

After a moment of scrutinizing gaze on me, he curves his lips into a polite smile.

Lucien: What can I do for you, Miss?

I cautiously observe Lucien, his expression is calm, and there is no emotion in his eyes.

It looks like just as he had mentioned before the experiment, he really doesn't remember me.

Thinking about the task goal that I had agreed with him, I take a deep breath and smile as I extend my hand to the present Lucien in front of me.

MC: Hi, I'm MC, the collaborator for this academic seminar, responsible for providing guidance to the participating scientists.

MC: Most of the scientists have already arrived at the venue, do you need me to take you there?

After I finished my rehearsed opening remarks in one breath, Lucien just calmly shook my hand in response, and then withdrew his hand before I could even savor the lingering touch.

Lucien: [in distant tone] Thank you, there's no need. I have already informed the organizers that I will not be attending.

After saying these words, his gaze returned to the book, and it wasn't until a long time later that he looked back at me again.

Lucien: Miss MC, do you need me to escort you out since you may not know the way back?

He speaks out my name, each word coldly uttered without any hint of intimacy or tenderness.

Meanwhile, the little sable beside him bared its teeth and arched its body, displaying clearly the vigilance and rejection that Lucien himself didn't express.

My heart beats uncontrollably as I force myself to steady my breathing and take a step forward, gathering my courage to pull out the chair in front of him.

MC: Okay, actually I'm not really a collaborator.

I sit down, prop my cheek up with one hand, lean forward slightly, and wink at the person across from me.

MC: Professor Lucien, I came here specifically for you.

MC: Because...I have admired you for a long time.

[Part 2]

My frankness clearly piqued Lucien's interest, and there was a hint of inquiry in his gaze as he looked at me.

Lucien: Oh? Why are you interested in me?

The scrutinizing gaze and calm questioning made my ears slightly hot. I thought for a moment before giving an answer.

MC: This question is difficult to summarize. I think it probably stems from... an instinctive attraction.

MC: After reading almost all of your publications, interviews, and journalist reports, this attraction naturally turned into admiration.

Lucien smiled lightly, closed the book in his hand and put it to the side, interlocking his fingertips.

Lucien: People tend to subconsciously build up their image during conversations and steer the topics towards angles that benefit them.

Lucien: In interviews, I am like this. Perhaps Miss MC also does the same.

His lips are lightly curved, but his eyes are devoid of smile, as if he is looking through me into the intricate maze.

MC: I do have a little bit of ulterior motive towards you, I want to know more about you.

MC: In one interview, you said that insight is a two-way observation, a mutual giving between the experimenter and the experimental subject…

MC: "The more subtle you are, the more unexpected colors you will find."

Upon hearing this, Lucien raised his eyebrow and gestured for me to continue.

I started talking about the topics we had previously discussed, carefully selecting the conversation topics.

Lucien listens quietly, occasionally joining in the conversation, and his gaze on me becomes more intriguing.

The warm and fragrant air in the greenhouse gradually relaxes me, and for a moment, I feel as if I am chatting with the real Lucien.

Lucien: So, "need for more time to discover new chemical reactions" is also something I said in the interview, is that right?

(T/N: callback to New Chemical Reaction SP!)

I startle, and my heart rings the alarm bells. I nod my head hesitantly.

MC: This is... my speculation about your thoughts.

MC: So - is Professor Lucien satisfied with my answer?

Lucien: Your answer is very interesting and precise. If I were to describe it using a teaching term-

Lucien: It's like the answer key in the "Lucien" reference book.

He suddenly stands up, leans one hand on the table, and traps me in the shadow.

Lucien: I'm just curious about the path you took to arrive at the solution.

His words are full of meaning, making me feel embarrassed and uneasy as if he has seen through everything.

It seems that achieving the goal of the experiment smoothly is not as easy as imagined. I try to remain calm and stare at him, thinking of the appropriate words to say.

MC: Before coming to find you, I did receive help from someone, and I came here in response to his invitation.

MC: He wanted me to delve deeper into this place…

MC: To explore you.

=Flashback start=

Two days ago.

Lucien: "I woke up from my dream and once again realized that Hanna was dead."

In the quiet room, the pages of the book rustled slowly as Lucien turned them over.

Lucien: "I also know that the longing that is closely connected to her is not a longing for her, it is a yearning for going home."

The sad story came to an end, and I leaned towards Lucien with a hint of sadness.

MC: Why would the protagonist rather bear a false accusation than admit that he can't read?

Lucien: Because he didn't realize that his inner secrets would affect the outcome of the story.

Lucien: As we stand in the perspective of an observer, we naturally have a clearer view.

Perhaps sensing my sadness, Lucien comfortingly patted my head and extended the conversation to another topic.

Lucien: Like us, although we can be honest enough with each other-

Lucien: But I believe that if a secret is meant to be revealed one day, then it loses its meaning as a secret from the very beginning.

Lucien: So, deep down in our consciousness, there may be hidden the true secrets that we subconsciously hide.

MC: I understand what you mean, but this makes exploring secrets seem like a paradox.

MC: After all, we can't just picking up each other's consciousness and rummage through it.

Lucien suddenly smiled and winked mysteriously at me.

Lucien: Perhaps there is a way.

Lucien quickly showed me his method in his laboratory.

The head-worn device was covered in measuring electrodes and connected to a large white machine through several wires.

He took my hand and led me on a tour of the laboratory, patiently explaining the principles of the equipment in front of us.

Lucien: Human consciousness is closely related to the exchange of bioelectricity, and this device generates virtual electrical signals that cover the bioelectricity generated by the brain in response to external stimuli.

MC: So, does it mean that after wearing the equipment, the information received by the human brain will be replaced?

Lucien: That's correct. And the person leading the experiment can also enter the subject's conscious world through this interface that replaces information.

I nodded thoughtfully and looked at Lucien.

MC: I'm guessing Professor Lucien is inviting me to participate in an experiment in the world of consciousness?

Lucien: You guessed it. However, before that, we may need to do some special preparation work.

Seeing my confusion, Lucien lightly hooked the corner of his lips.

Lucien: I do intend to let you enter my world of consciousness, but your presence might trigger my subconscious desire to conceal things*.

(T/N: "粉饰" can mean "to beautify" or "to adorn," but in this context, it likely means "to beautify in a way that is not entirely truthful.)

Lucien: So, in order to prevent this from happening, I will temporarily block any memories related to you.

Lucien tapped the shell of the device lightly with his fingertips, as if contemplating how to add an extra layer of 'insurance'.

Lucien: But there is a certain risk in doing so. If my consciousness resists, the scenarios constructed by the electrical signals will be modified and reconstructed.

MC: What kind of results would consciousness modification bring?

Lucien: Although I'm not sure what the "Lucien" in my consciousness would do, I think he would bring danger to you as a stranger.

Lucien: So, if you encounter an out-of-control version of me, you can always evoke my memories.

Lucien: At that time, you just need to say the safety command "recall". The device's AI will automatically operate to restore my memory in the consciousness world.

My breathing became slightly quickened, and my tone of voice became cautious.

MC: Don't worry, I will try my best to explore until the end, and I won't use the safety command easily.

Lucien chuckled lightly and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Lucien: It sounds like this classmate is not afraid of this "dangerous game".

MC: Actually, I'm a little scared, but…

I curled up my lips and looked back at Lucien seriously.

MC: I'm more curious to see what kind of secrets are hidden behind Professor Lucien's 'danger'.

=Flashback ends=

And now, this dangerous game is unfolding. I sit opposite Lucien at the table, observing and testing each other.

The gentle expression he always had is nowhere to be seen on the face of the Lucien in front of me. I meet his scrutinizing gaze and reach out my hand.

MC: Mr. Lucien, would you like to take me, a visitor with ulterior motives, to visit this place together?

Lucien smiled at me and the curve of his lips was almost gentle.

Lucien: Why not?

He pinched my fingertips, then released his hand. A chill spread from his fingertips and the air inside the greenhouse became slightly colder.

*insert game special effect*

The damp mist rises instantly, and his glass-like cold voice comes from the mist.

Lucien: But the greatest pleasure of exploration lies in the unknown danger, doesn't it?

As soon as he finished speaking, the plants in the greenhouse suddenly grew rapidly.

[Part 3]

Within a few seconds, the plants in the greenhouse rapidly grow into a magnificent and dangerous size.

Graceful branches and leaves wildly expand in space, separating me and Lucien in an instant.

I instinctively reach out my hand towards him, but hear Lucien's cold voice from behind the plants.

*dramatic black screen, showing this text along with his voice-*

Miss MC, welcome to my world of consciousness.

*the screen flash, showing the previous bg*

In an instant, a thousand thoughts flood my mind, making my heart beat faster and faster.

In my expectation, Lucien would quickly understand that this is the world of consciousness. However, this "quickly" far exceeds my expectations.

Lucien: Don't you want to know me better, Miss MC?

Lucien: Then come and see me.

The sharp words seemed to be close at hand, but the owner of the voice had disappeared without a trace in the next second.

Left alone, I faced the plants and trees of the entire greenhouse, all of them looking at me intently.

I take a deep breath and run down the white marble stairs I came up on.

MC: This person is really...I must settle the score with him when I get out!

??(Lucien): You can come find me and settle the score right now if you want.

I was about to grumble to myself when his voice, now laced with a hint of amusement, suddenly sounded, causing me to startle and almost twist my ankle.

I stop and look around, but he is nowhere to be seen, as if a malevolent God is looking down and playing tricks on me.

MC: Hmph, someone clearly doesn't want me to easily meet him and is trying to trip me up.

Lucien: Is that so? Then the person you're talking about must be really bad.

Lucien: But I think he can be even worse.

As if to prove his words, vines behind me instantly wrapped around me, forcing me to run.

As soon as I started running, I came across two paths that went in completely different directions.

And what's even more peculiar is that familiar animals have appeared on both paths.

One of the paths leads to a dim thorny forest, where a ferocious little sable stands at the crossroads, impatiently waving its paws at me.

The other path leads to a bright and fragrant flower sea, and a beautiful purple butterfly is fluttering at the intersection, seemingly waiting for me to follow.

Lucien: Since you have "Lucien's" reference answer, how would you answer this question?

[Follow the sable]

[Follow the butterfly]

(T/N: this part has a branch! but the end is still the same. I’ll put different choice story after the last part)

[Choose to follow the sable]

I turn around and run towards the direction of the ferocious little sable, and the vines behind me retract at the moment they touch the fork in the road.

MC: That's great…

I breathed a sigh of relief, slowed down my pace, and followed the bouncing little sable into the darkness of the thorny thicket.

As if on cue, Lucien's voice sounded at this moment.

Lucien: Why did you choose to follow it?

MC: Although the little sable is fierce towards me, it is very attached to you, so following it will surely lead me to you.

Lucien: But, this road doesn't seem easy to walk on.

MC: If I can get close to you, I will go on no matter how difficult the road is.

Lucien doesn't immediately respond to my words. Just when I think he's going to remain silent, his voice, filled with amusement, sounds out.

Lucien: If you can come, I will wait for you at the end of the road.

After that, there is only the cold light of the moon in the dim forest.

I follow the little sable forward with difficulty, sometimes crouching, sometimes jumping over the thorns.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shoots up from my ankle, causing me to almost fall into a thorny bush.

And in the next moment, a slender branch seems to sense my danger and stretches out to catch me.

I had just breathed a sigh of relief when suddenly my whole body tensed up. My view shifted and rose even higher as I was entangled in midair by the surging vine!

MC: ….!

I try my best to pry open the branches with all my strength, but it's like ant trying to shake a tree*, and I can only watch as they wrap me tighter and tighter.

(T/N: "却如蚍蜉撼树,只能眼睁睁看着它们将我越缠越紧" is a metaphorical expression to describe a situation where someone is in a very weak position and is unable to do anything to change the situation.)

It seems to be indicating the complete control of the owner of the world over me.

The branches lifted me up into the sky and then suddenly let go. I thought I would fall from a high altitude, but the next second, my feet landed on a hard ground.

I am sent to a floating garden, where a figure is leisurely pruning the branches.

MC: Lucien!

Upon hearing my voice, Lucien turned around and a faint smile appeared on his face.

Lucien: You've arrived.

Lucien: I'm curious, has your thinking changed after this journey?

MC: Of course, I think I understand you better now.

Lucien: Is that so? Well, then tell me about it.

He puts away his smile and looks at me, the warmth quietly surging into my ears.

MC: I think, I saw Lucien's possessiveness.

After hearing my response, Lucien smiled lightly in a good mood.

Lucien: You never cease to amaze me.

I couldn't help but feel excited, but he calmly opened his mouth.

Lucien: But unfortunately, it's not entirely correct.

MC: What…!

In the next second, my unfinished words were replaced by a scream as a feeling of weightlessness swept over my body.

[Part 4]

With a flick of his finger, Lucien opens up a deep crack in the ground beneath my feet, causing me to lose my balance and stumble.

I slide down from the flower branch like a petal from his hand, and for a moment, fear seeps through my body with the cold wind.

In the rapid fall, Lucien's voice rings in my ears again.

Lucien: Do you still want to continue exploring me now that things have come to this?

MC: ...I won't give up until I get an answer.

Lucien: Unfortunately, mere bravery alone is not enough to break through the mystery.

His words were infused with undisguised confidence and insight, even his advice carried a cold detachment that seemed to observe from above.

Lucien: Let's stop here. This conciousness experiment is too dangerous for you.

Lucien: No matter who you are, and what relationship you have with the real-life Lucien, I think you need to know when to give up.

He paused and there is a hint of temptation in his tone.

Lucien: Or, at least recall my memory, maybe Lucien who remembers you will let you go.

His words made my heart tighten, and even my tough words couldn't avoid a slight hint of wavering.

MC: I-I won't turn back.

As soon as I finish speaking, something soft underneath me gently catches me, and I fall into a bed.

I force myself to ignore the exhaustion that comes with it and sit up to look around.

Before my eyes is a small wooden house filled with flowers, and warm sunlight is pouring in from the skylight.

Lucien's voice comes from outside the door, his tone is quite serious.

Lucien: You are very firm.

Lucien: I will give you some time to answer again.

Lucien: But you have to remember, this is also your last chance.

His tone remained polite and indifferent, but it made me curve my lips into a smile.

MC: No problem, I will cherish this opportunity.

MC: But you didn't say how much time I have, so can I assume that…

MC: Can I understand that until I give you an answer, I can stay here to observe you?

As if he heard something interesting, there is a hint of amusement in Lucien's voice.

Lucien: Yes, I hope this classmate can maintain this spirit of inquiry.

As soon as he finished speaking, the sun outside the skylight also went down, replaced in a moment by a tranquil night.

The flow of time in the world of consciousness is very vague, and even the alternation of day and night seems to be under Lucien's control.

I wander alone in this isolated garden, carefully examining every flower, butterfly, and leaf…

The sun rises and sets in a mechanical cycle, and occasionally, Lucien would visit my dwelling and cunningly give me tests.

He would transform into a butterfly, gently fluttering its wings, and then speak unexpectedly.

Lucien: By observing my world so meticulously, has Miss MC arrived at any new conclusions?

MC: I'm thinking, your consciousness world is so rich and colorful, maybe my previous answer was too one-sided…

MC: Hold on, let's be clear that this is not my final answer. We are still in the discussion period!

Lucien: That's an interesting thought, and your cunning look is also quite adorable.

As the heavy snow falls on the eaves, the agile little sable climbs onto my knees.

It didn't use to be affectionate with me before, but now it nestles in the blanket on my lap, conveying a comfortable warmth.

I touched it and laughed.

MC: Professor Lucien who turns into a little sable is also very cute.

Lucien: I've also noticed that whenever I appear in this form, you seem to be more friendly towards me.

MC: When you're not so guarded around me, I feel closer to you~

Lucien: Like how you treat "Lucien" in real life?

I instinctively want to give a definite answer, but when the words reach my lips, I swallow them back.

MC: ….How about you try to guess the answer to this question?

The little sable rolled over and looked up at me with its round, watery eyes.

Lucien: You are even more difficult to tempt than I imagined, like... a special drug that exclusively targets "Lucien".

Listening to the amused tone in Lucien's voice, I couldn't help but shake my head with a smile.

MC: Really? I actually think that Lucien is the special drug for me, rather than the other way around.

MC: Every time he can read my desires and lure me unknowingly into the scenario he has calculated.

Lucien: But without your cooperation, one-sided calculation is just empty talk.

I pause for a moment as I touch the fingertips of the little sable, and something becomes clearer in my heart.

MC: Is this a hint that Professor Lucien kindly gave me~

Lucien: Maybe this is also one of the inducements?

The little sable rolled over on my lap and reached out its paws to hold onto my fingers.

I slowly close my eyes, and the answer in my heart seems to become clearer and clearer.

MC: Lucien, I think I already know your secret.

As the words fall from my mouth, the heavy snow disappears, and spring arrives. The dawn filters through the arched stained glass windows, casting a hazy gray light into every corner of the room.

Layer upon layer of white gauze falls down, like a dream reaching its most beautiful moment.

And the owner of the world leans over, his deep eyes gazing at me, with a probing yet restrained fervor.

Lucien: Before hearing your answer, I want to discuss a guess I have with you.

Lucien: Regarding MC's identity, I have a relatively confirmed answer.

My heartbeat inexplicably quickens, staring at his opening and closing lips in a daze.

Lucien: The time we've spent together has given me a feeling that I've never experienced before. It can even be described as... strange.

Lucien: For the first time, I feel that the world is complete with you in it, and this feeling is not unfamiliar.

Lucien: So even though my consciousness doesn't have any memories of you, I still think of you out of habit.

Lucien: I think that's the kind of relationship we have.

His burning gaze carries a hint of inquiry, sinking me into this profound and intense emotion.

MC: …When did you realize it?

Lucien: Probably, it was when I turned into a small sable lying on your lap and your touch gave me a clue.

Lucien: The sensation starts from the top of my head to my chin, then down my body, and my tail…

As he described, he used his hand to trace his body... I couldn't help but interrupt him, blushing.

MC: No, no need to be more specific. Your guess is correct.

I close my eyes, feeling his slightly rapid breath.

-this is both a confirmation to him and a repeated confirmation to myself…

MC: Maybe you are always exploring all the possibilities about me, tempting me to get closer to you step by step.

MC: This is my answer.

Without waiting for Lucien to speak, I quickly add.

MC: I have thought about a question before, regarding a question about Lucien, what should the answer be.

MC: But now I understand that actually, the question about Lucien can be both a single choice question and a multiple choice question.

Lucien: Why do you say so?

I stretch out my hands and make a butterfly shape, then gently wave them.

MC: Because I will choose all of you and only you.

I gaze at his dark and mysterious eyes with affection, my tone unconsciously softening.

MC: So even if you don't try to probe or tempt me, I will fly resolutely to you every time like a determined little butterfly.

MC: And then kiss you.

I lean in and, under his widened eyes, softly kiss the corner of his lips.

MC: Recall me.

The gauze by the window is gently lifted by the breeze, and the butterfly flutters away like a fleeting dawn, floating away into the distance.

The little sable clung to the branches and leaves, stealing glances in our direction.

But in my eyes, there is only the familiar tenderness that is rekindled in Lucien's eyes.

Lucien: (softly) MC, I missed you.

Lucien: More than just missing you a lot, I missed you even more than that.

I gaze at him for a long time, and finally smile, opening my arms to embrace his neck, pressing myself tightly against his warm body.

MC: After a whole spring, summer, autumn and winter, Mr. Lucien finally remembers me.

Lucien slightly lowers his head and gives a gentle kiss to my hair.

Lucien: I didn't expect that my consciousness world would bring you so much trouble.

Lucien: I hope the Great Producer won't be mad at me for causing you so much trouble, okay?

MC: Hmm~ After all, I have endured a lot of hardships and loneliness, so it depends on your performance.

Lucien leans close to my ear, his warm breath gently brushing against my cheek.

Lucien: (whisper) No problem.

He chuckles lightly, pinching my jaw and deepening our kiss.

Lucien: (whisper) And next, it's my turn to explore you, right?

The sky is hazy, and amidst our fiery breaths, my consciousness floats and sinks.

Like stranded on the tidal shore, like drowning in the sea, until completely dyed in his color.

[Another choice: Follow the butterfly]

I turn my steps and run towards the direction of the butterfly, while the vines behind me retract at the moment of contact with the fork in the road.

MC: That's great…

I breathed a sigh of relief and slowed down, following the gracefully fluttering butterfly towards the depths of the bright flower garden.

And at this moment, Lucien's voice timely sounded.

Lucien: Why did you choose to follow it?

MC: The first time, it was the butterfly that brought me to you. I believe it will help me for the second time.

Lucien: Your intuition is correct, and this choice seems much gentler.

MC: But I don't want to only see gentleness, I will find what's hidden behind it.

Lucien doesn't immediately respond to my words. Just as I think he'll fall silent, a voice tinged with amusement breaks the silence.

Lucien: I will wait for you to personally unveil the answer in front of me.

After that, only the gentle fragrance remained in the flower sea.

Petals of flowers whirl around me like spirits, and I struggle to break through their gentle confinement, following the butterfly as it moves forward.

I am surrounded by the intoxicating fragrance and can't help but stop in front of a blooming hydrangea. I extend my fingertips and gently touch its petals.

At the moment my fingertips touch the petals, they suddenly retract and wrap around my fingers!

MC: !!

At the same time, the flowers around me, like they've caught their prey, gently and irresistibly caress my body.

As I struggle, they invade me more deeply, the flower branches penetrate into my clothes, and the wild petals engulf me like waves-

It seems to be indicating the world's owner's exploration of me.

The flowers take me into the abyss and suddenly let go. I think I will fall down high, but the next second, my feet land on the hard ground.

(T/N: The story after this follow the exact same suit, the only difference is MC’s first answer)

Lucien: I'm curious, has your thinking changed after this journey?

MC: Of course, I think I understand you better now.

Lucien: Is that so? Well, then tell me about it.

He puts away his smile and looks at me, the warmth quietly surging into my ears.

MC: I think, I saw Lucien's desire for exploration.

After hearing my response, Lucien smiled lightly in a good mood.

Lucien: You never cease to amaze me.

I couldn't help but feel excited, but he calmly opened his mouth.

Lucien: But unfortunately, it's not entirely correct.

MC: What…!

In the next second, my unfinished words were replaced by a scream as a feeling of weightlessness swept over my body.

[Lux short ramble corner~]

OKAY so, gonna keep it short because... *glances at schoolwork*. This date is... exciting and a bit wild. I like how papergames is trying new things with all the special effect in this date (not saying that they’re new, it’s just that... they usually on main story rather than date, and it really gives an exciting feeling).

I think this date feels like getting to know him again, without him knowing anything about MC. We slowly explore him, who was indifferent at first, then become intrigued by MC’s answer. This make him both guarded and curious. But then, over times we also see him slowly become unguarded in front of her (even worrying about her). And finally after MC feeling him up reach the conclusion that he loves her (the strange feeling) and has this deep connection with her. The connection is based on something deeper than just memories or experience, but rather on fundamental sense of familiarity, it was soul deep. She completes his world. Even though Lucien didn’t have any memory of her, he feel a sense of wholeness with her.

About Lucien’s two (actually not so) hidden desires to explore and possess her- I think this already clear in the date. MC still chooses him despite his flaws and facades (Because I will choose all of you and only you.), despite his attempt of exploring and possessing (and even though he didn’t try, she will still choose to fly to him). Because loving him is the choice that she already made since long time ago, and she is committed to loving Lucien for all that he is.

Overall, I think this date is really fresh and offers deeper insight about their relationship. Whether it’s their soul deep connection or how love is a choice. I also quite like all the shenanigans that Lucien made. It’s not everyday you see him with all of his trickster potential revealed in front of MC lol.dye

#THEY DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO HIDE THAT THEY'RE F-ING ANYMORE #okay real talk though this date is really good #so much feeling #it's both deep and exciting #mlqc lucien #mlqc translation #mlqc spoiler #mlqc cn #mlqc #mr love queen's choice #love and producer

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sunangelstears · 1 year

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🍁Pride Aside 🍁

🍁Lucifer × G/n ! Reader

🍁Obey Me Lucifer × G/n reader

🍁Fluff , Angst , Comfort hurt

🍁Tags : @kazukazuhas @decaffeinatedcloudkryptonite @nerdy-talks @another-lost-mc @veethewriter @amberheavendremurr @greasyghosts

🍁Cover madeusing ibis Paint X and wallpapers made using Polish . I do not own any of the Obey Me characters . I do , however , own the fanart and wallpapers .

🍁rebloggs are greatly apreciated❤

" Even devils , ghosts , monsters , and witches are less dangerous than fake human beings . "

" He was too quiet , or he was too loud . He was too sensitive , or he was too cold-hearted . He took things too seriously or not seriously at all . He hated with every fibre of his being or loved with every piece of his heart . "

" You know my name not my story . You've heard what I've done not what I've been through . If you were in my shoes ... you'd fall on the first step . "

" No one notices your tears , no one notices your sadness , no one notices your pain ! But they all notice your mistakes . "

" Even the kindest of souls ... can become the darkest if it gets hurt enough . "

Lucifer . The Light Bearer . Gods favourite angel . Fallen . Fallen from Grace . Monster . Demon . Impure . Abomination . Traitor . Filth . As Prideful as a Peacock . Renegade . Detestful . Disappointment .

It has been eons , decades , centuries , millenia's .... since that hellish rainy day when the Celestial War ended . When Lucifer and his brothers fell . When they lost Lilith .

When they lost their grace , their white wings , pure souls , glemaing halo's .

When they were forced to become the monsters they are today . Claiming responsibility , for all the anger and guilt , the first born endures it all .

He never cries . Never sheds a tear . Never lets his brothers see his pain , passing it off as pride , anger , resentment and malcontent .

He let out a long , deep sigh and momentarily closed his eyes

" Follow me , I'll be your river . I'll move the mountains for ya' ! Luci ! "

" .....Y/n ..... why ? Why did you have to say that ? Those words ? To me ...... I'm not- "

" Luci ? I brought tea for you . "

" Y/n .... "

The figure dressed in asimple grey tracksuit looked at the black haired demon . Gazing at him they took note of his haggard state - unkempt hair , loosened tie and shirt . And horrible dark circles under his eyes .

" When's the last time you slept , Lucifer ? " , they asked . Voice as hard as rock , a hint of worry detectable if you listened close enough .

" The other day ........uhhh........ no , that's not quite right .......hold on , let me think ............ "

" ENOUGH ! " , Y/n shouted , visibly startling the first born avatar of Pride . Maybe it was his stress and his lack of sleep or the constantnoise of Leviathan and Mammon screaming , that's the cause of this hallucination ? Is it a hallucination ? Or did you really just raise your voice at him ?

" I beg your pardon , y/n but did you just - "

" ENOUGH ! I SAID ENOUGH ! " , your hair covered your e/c eyes but Lucifer saw it all .

Oh he saw it alright . He saw the tears streaming down your face . He saw your anguish . But what is it's cause ? When you lifted your head up , he gazed into your red , puffy e/c eyes and something in him instantly snapped .

Was it because of him that you're crying ? Were you crying for him ?

" Y/n ...... " , before the demon could get up from his chair you strode up to him and pulled him into your chest . Engulfing him in your warmth , then only did you realize that he's freezing cold . You grabbed the blanket you always used to cover him with when he fell asleep working and bundled him up in it , embracing him once again .

He just sat here .

Frozen .

He could feel your body shaking violently , he could hear your sniffles and it broke him .

" Y/n ....... why ? "

" Because I can't take it anymore . I CAN'T! I can't and i refuse to watch you destroy yourself like this . Working non-stop , even when you do have a break . When was the last time you cried ? When was the last time you had a proper conversation with any one of your brothers ? When was the last time you slept ? WHEN WAS IT WHEN YOU JUST LET ALL YOUR EMOTIONS RUN WILD ? WHEN WAS IT ??! " , you screamed , gasping for air , tears streaming down your face at a pace fasterthan that of a wterfall .

" Nothing is so visible than what you want to hide ......... " , he whispered .

When you looked at him , all you saw was his red eys glossed over by the tears falling down his face at an alarming rate .

" I-I'm sorry y/n ........ "

" No need . I shouldn't have shouted . "

" No . I deserved it . Let me put my pride aside for once and thank you for making me realise that , even if I am a monster , I still need rest as there are thkse who need me . Thank you my love . "

" You're not a monster . " , you breathed out , caressing his cheek .

" Would you still say that if I showed you what I look like in my true demon form ? " , he shuddered whle asking you

" Yes . Unquestioningly . May I see ? " , as the words came out Lucifer's eyes widened

" Are you certain . "

" Yes . " , you replied . You didn't care if he was a demon , he was your boyfriend . You loved hi and right now , it's your mission to show him that he is not and will never be , a monster .

" Very well ... " , he spoke after some time .

A cloud of black fog came and engulfed you . It stuck for a while , until it decided to disperse aftr a minute or two , revealing Lucifer .

" Luci - "

" I'm hideous . A monster . An abomination . A - "

" An angel who was wronged by the world . You did what you had to in order for your family to be safe . "

" Y/n ....... "

As he looked at the human with glassy e/c eyes , he noticed their smile .

" You did well Lucifer . " , he looked at them with wide eyesas the tears rolled down his face . Their hands were wide open as a smile of tears adorned their face with rosey cheeks .

Walked up to them slowly . Once within reach , was pulled into a hug . Pulling the demon onto the couch in his office , so that he was ontop of his beloved . A hand made it's way to his hair as theirmouth opened ,

" When I first saw you I already knew

There was something inside of you Something I thought that I would never find Angel of mine

I look at you looking at me Now I know why they say the best things are free Gonna love you boy you are so fine Angel of mine

How you changed my world you'll never know

I'm different now, you helped me grow

You came into my life Sent from above When I lost all hope You showed me love "

You glanced downat the demon resting on your chest , only to find his eyes closed and breathing soft , and stable .

" Goodnight , my dearest " , you placed a kiss on his forehead .

" Goodnight my love "

" .................go back to sleep . "

I hope you enjoyed it so here's some Luci wallpapers I made 😊😈

#writing #sunangelstears #obey me #obey me x reader #obey me lucifer #obey me x gn!reader #obey me fluff #obey me angst #obey me hurt/comfort #Lucifer deserves cuddles becos this ass is overworked and very highkey gonna snap and murder Diavolo . Hes fed up with him atp

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thebluester2022 · 3 years

Text

Live Another Life [Chapter 3 out of ???]

Note: Thank you to @cminr for mentioning this. But if you want to be added to a tag list, feel free to message me!

Synopsis: A reader in the world of Teyvat! Mouthing off to Archons and Harbingers alike as they try to find their footing and purpose within' this new world of theirs! Surely, these new lands won't be too difficult for them...right?

Warning(s): Non-Canon to the current story of GI, Changed Events/Stories to better fit the personality of the reader, Angst, Explicit Gore, GN! Reader and mentions of death! (Possibly more warnings to come as this goes on?)

And per usual, critique and comments? Likes and reblogs? All is appreciated!

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"Oh- come on now damn it! Stop nipping at my heels!" You shouted, jumping forward for the third time in under an hour due to the puppy who insisted on following you constantly biting at your heels.

Too many times have you tried to urge and convince him to follow after his family, the way they walked off with confidence and not a single mind to look behind them? It made you feel a strange sense of relief.

They must've known that the end was near as well.

And if that was the case?

They must've had a place to go to, a final destination as you liked to think of it.

But...for this one? The puppy you decided to nickname 'Lil' Man'?

Final destination?

End of the world?

The fact you constantly looked at him with annoyance?

He didn't pay mind to any of it, just continuing to move along with his tail wagging as if it was just the average Tuesday

At least you could admire him for that.

However, as you and your new companion began to grow closer and closer to the old woman's house, the ground suddenly shook with the force of a thousand earthquakes before you quickly directed your attention upwards.

The meteor was almost close to hitting home base.

Pieces of the rock splitting from the meteor as they all went in separate directions, starting new explosions as well as shaking the ground.

You looked down.

"Now you're scared?" You said with a scoff, shifting the knife to your other hand before you stuck your hand in your pocket while you watched the puppy tuck himself between your legs.

You let out a sigh, rubbing the back of your neck as you tried to find the words to comfort the puppy. "Don't be Lil' Man, who knows? Maybe there will be another life after this one?" You suggested as you started to walk off.

What a dream that would be...

Another life?

After this one?

It's a more comforting thought than being judged by someone in the afterlife that is.

You weren't perfect, you had done some regrettable things in your life. The times you've stepped on people in order to get farther ahead, the times you've cheated on things to get better opportunities in life, or the times you've just been flat out unhelpful.

A trait your long-since distant family had mentioned more than once.

Being unhelpful, saying no to people when their situations were extremely dire.

Hell, the very thought of it at this point in your life only made you grumble as you rubbed the back of your neck again.

If there was another life.

You would definitely be a little more helpful.

Within reason of course.

But, after a few more minutes had passed, you and your tiny companion had finally reached the old woman's house. The state of it being both shocking and admirable.

It was...surprisingly undamaged. A little tattered here and there from it simply being an older house but aside from that? It was as you remembered it being all those months prior, the small one-story being colored a homey little yellow while the wonderful honey-like scent of the flowers managed to penetrate through the smoke of the air.

The porch still had a table with a vase in the middle while two chairs sat on either side and the wind chimes still hung next to the front door!

But, before you'd let yourself get too happy, you had to take a breath as you remembered your previous neighbor.

'Looks can be deceiving.' You thought before you steeled yourself and went up the steps.

Two knocks.

Nothing.

Two more knocks.

Still...nothing.

"Old lady?!" You called out.

The old woman hated being called that, never failing to provide you an entertaining reaction as she scolded and reminded you to add 'pretty' at the beginning of your sentence.

"Miss Ibis-"

The sound of the door opening...beforehand? You'd never get that excited over such a simple noise but...hearing it? Knowing now that you weren't truly alone in this neighborhood before the eventual end came?

It comforted you more than anything else.

"Y/N?" Ms. Ibis said in shock as she finally opened the door fully, her small hunched-over figure as she had her hair in a neat bun making you scoff.

You nodded your head. "Me in the flesh, may I come in?"

She nodded her head immediately as she stepped aside to let you through the door. "Of course! And whos your new friend?"

You rolled your eyes. "Tch, more like the world's last free-loader, the little guy wouldn't stop following me even after I tried to encourage him to go with his family."

"Animals can sense good hearts you know, you have one."

Once more, you rolled your eyes. You just weren't cold-hearted enough to be able to stand around and let a puppy watch his untimely end come at a record-breaking pace. Wide-eyed, confused, and with no one around him.

"Anyway." You said, clearing your throat as you wished to move onto something else.

"I came to have something to eat, one more taste of your cookies before we all croak."

Ms. Ibis chuckled as she went to her kitchen. "Ah yes...the meteor, did it seem close?"

"News said we'd be dead within a week right? I'd reckon it'll probably come tomorrow."

"Please." The old woman snorted. "The news always gets the weather wrong, you think they'll finally get their heads on straight when it comes to our death?" She said as she handed you a plate of cookies along with a glass of water.

You sighed, setting Lil' Man down on the floor before you nodded your head in thanks as you took the plate and cup.

"Then when do you think we'll be dead Miss?"

"Thirty minutes, maybe twenty-five?" She hummed as she went to open her blinds a little.

You looked at the plate.

You had time.

"Well...let's hope we both meet in another life old woman. Hate to be rid of these babies for the rest of forever eh?" You chuckled before biting into one of the treats.

"Well then, if you ever happen to meet me again in Teyvat. Just tell refer to me by my old name and I'll let you have free food for life!"

Teyvat?

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Link To Chapter 2

https://thebluester2022.tumblr.com/post/658794947542237184/live-another-life-chapter-2-out-of

Link to Chapter 4:

https://thebluester2022.tumblr.com/post/658972664974737408/live-another-life-chapter-4-out-of

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Tag-List

@cminr

#genshin kaeya #genshin tartagalia #genshin zhongli #genshin diluc #genshin x reader #genshin imagines #genshin headcanons #genshin impact #genshin venti #genshin kazuha #genshin fandom #genshin fanfic #genshin fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #writing #creative writing #writerblr #writerscommunity

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voidselfshipp · 2 years

Text

Smote? Smitten?

Cw: one suggestive joke.

Summary: jericó keeps invoking the gods with their names. Much to everyones dismay and warnings.

Taglist: @aeliusinclairs @tex-treasures @qsionic

A/n: Moots only ok to rb

-- you should be more carefull talking about the gods-- said sadie non-chalantly as she read a a magazine.

--oh come on, sett likes it when I speak of him,isnt that right sett?-- the floor rumbled as if something that was way Below the surface laughed, the room got suddenly cold.

-- youre the one thats getting smote not me....Wait...smote? Smitten? Ugh whatever!

Jeri laughed-- yeah its gonna be me thankfully

Theres a three second silence before sadie rolls up her magazine and starts chasing jerico around.

--ah shit! I cant remember the Word in english! -- jeri said while she talked with walt, in the library infront of thoths statue-- hey tatter tots! How do you say <ñandú> in english? --the wind whirls around the room, Walt heard a whisper coming from it, or was it thoths statue?. -- ah yes! Ostritch! Thank you tatter tots!

Walt stares -- is that considered blasphemy?

--Is it? Should I ask--

--NO-- said Walt-- lets leave tatter to-- I mean thoth alone!

Jeri rolled her eyes-- whatever you say

Some hours later jeri and Carter are arguing over how to Grab a sword-- its not like that! -- jeri said-- youre grabbing the handle wrong!

--ive told you thats the way--

--Hey horus! Show Carter how to properly Grab that sword!

Carters hand moves by himself gripping the sword in the way jerico said-- see?! I was right

--oh fuck off jerico!

At night the lights were cut off, and sadie and the rest of the girls (sadie, cleo, alyssa, Bast and jerico) were having a girls night.

Jeris light had died on her and all she had was the light of the moon to help her read.

She took a sip from her tea, sighing, a hand grabbing the beautiful moon jewelry she was wearing-- hey khonsu, dear, I cant see very well, could you help Us find our way until the electricity returns?

Suddenly the moon shines brighter, illuminating every single room in the Brooklyn house and waking up more than one student.

--Thank you dear!-- the moonlight seems to flicker for a moment as if saying "youre welcome".

Bast started laughing-- youve been doing that for a bit!

Sadie scoffed-- shes gonna get smote

Alyssa and cleo laughed-- I think its cute too!-- they say making sadie roll her eyes.

--If you complain so much why do you Keep scooting closer to the moonlight?-- asked jer with a grin on her face.

--for no reason!-- said the kane-- fuck off!

They shared a laugh and kept Reading.

The Next night jerico missed khonsu, the moon was no where to be seen, so she goes to her balcony and sighs-- I miss you khonsu...

The moon parts the heavy dark clouds and the moonrays illuminate her with intensity, she feels as if she was being hugged.--thank you..-- she said smiling and entering her room.

While she read, a feeling of longing invaded her-- I...actually miss every single one of you, khonsu...thoth...horus...sett..--she sighed-- I could actually use a tea right Now...

Suddenly a fresh brewed tea appeared on her nightstand, the little paper attached to the other end of the teabag had an Ibis head logo 《thoth》 jeri thought.

Then the rain poured heavily, the thunders seemed to have a red tint, and the beach sand she had in a glass containers swirled inside of it 《sett》jerico thought again.

The Winds blew mercilessly, and the leaves that fly with the currents seem to be forming a falcon head 《horus》

And yet, the moon didnt stop shining, the Rays kept invading her room. She smiled 《khonsu》

After finishing her tea, she closed the book and cuddled under the covers-- thank you...-- she whispered-- good night

The Winds whistled, the moonrays flickered, a thunder cracked down and in the distance she heard the cawing of an Ibis Bird. A simple message 《good night》

If sadie was here she would say jeri was about to get smote, smitten?. Whatever. But jerico didnt care. They were still there with her.

#familial f/o bast #platonic f/o: sadie kane #platonic f/o: alyssa #platonic f/o: cleo #platonic f/o: walt stone #sett tag pending #khonsu tag pending #tot tag pending #horus tag pending #cw: suggestive #tw: suggestive

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jelzorz · 4 years

Text

four pillars (a moonfam Hogwarts au)

A/N: All this covid madness is driving me insane and I needed the stress relief so this is just for funsies and to see if anyone’s interested in a dumb moonfam Hogwarts au. If people like it enough, I’ll put it on Ao3 and keep going. For now, enjoy! Reposting bc tumblr ate my tags. Sorry for the double post!

There’s a girl at the Ravenclaw table that Lain’s been glaring at for about ten minutes now. It’s pretty out of the ordinary for him. Usually he saves this kind of unwarranted animosity for that Slytherin kid, Runaan, but there’s something… different in the downturn of his lips that piques Ethari’s curiosity.

It’s early for lunch. The Gryffindor table isn’t so crowded yet, and it’s not like Ethari’s a stranger here at all - Lain spends plenty of time at the Hufflepuff table to make up for it - but he pauses for a moment anyway, looking up and down the mostly empty table before he climbs over the bench to join him.

“That’s not how you get a girl’s attention, you know.”

Lain scowls, working his fork into the almost unrecognisable remains of the rissole on his plate. “I don’t want her attention,” he snaps, stabbing at a bit of mince probably a little more aggressively than he’d intended. “She’s not worth my time.”

Ethari raises an eyebrow at him. “So… why are you giving it?”

“I’m not.” He snatches at the jug of pumpkin juice in the middle of the table, and the only reason he doesn’t knock over a pile of scones is because Ethari has the sense to move them out of the way. He’d been wondering already, but the sourness of Lain’s pout and the frustrated tinge of pink in his cheeks just makes him all the more curious. It’s rare for someone not Runaan to invoke Lain’s unbridled rage like this, and the only reason that rivalry exists to begin with is because they’re equally matched in everything from Charms to Potions to Quidditch.

This is something different.

This is something else.

“What’d she do?” he tries.

Lain grumbles something unintelligible into his pumpkin juice, and Ethari lets out a long, patient sigh, and tries again.

“What’d you do?”

That gets him. “I didn’t do anything,” he snarls, slamming his goblet down. “Runaan provoked me. I was just minding my own business on the way to Herbology, and he comes out of nowhere being a pain in the backside, as always, and then she comes along and I tried to explain myself, because it wasn’t my fault, but she - she hexed both of us, and next thing I know, Professor Ibis is there now we’ve both got detention, all because bloody Runaan -”

Ethari holds up a hand. It’s not all true and he knows it - Lain has a habit of twisting stories like these to sound less incriminating, and his stupid rivalry with Runaan’s got them both into enough trouble that he knows rubbish when he hears it. “Runaan provoked you?” he asks, “Or were you provoking each other like you always do and Tiadrin just happened to be there to hex both of you before you could hex each other again?”

Lain falters. Then he narrows his eyes. “Tiadrin?”

“Yeah, Tiadrin.” Ethari snorts at him. “I make it a point to know the kids in our year. Sorry you’re not as popular as you think you are.”

Lain presses his lips shut, golden eyes hard with betrayal. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he grumbles, turning back to his butchered rissole. “Runaan had his wand out first. She didn’t even let me explain -”

Ethari stifles a snort. “Don’t blame her,” he mutters into his goblet, and Lain shoots him a look that he pointedly chooses to ignore.

“I should have known better than to try,” says Lain shortly. “She’s all buddy-buddy with Runaan. Of course she’d take his side.”

“You said she hexed both of you.”

“She still took his side.” Lain glances at her once more, his head bowed towards his plate in a poor attempt to be subtle about it, but his eyes flit back to his rissole when Runaan approaches her looking just as sour. “See what I mean?”

“Er. No,” says Ethari, because he doesn’t. Even from here, Runaan’s scowl is hard to miss. Tiadrin, on the other hand, looks pretty smug about it, and again, he can’t blame her. Lain and Runaan’s rivalry is stupid and childish, and he’s certain she’s not the first to want to stop them before they start all over again - she’s just the first to actually do something about it. He makes a note to congratulate her about it later - and to ask her what really happened. He has a feeling her version might be closer to the truth. He clears his throat. “I don’t get why you’re so pissy about it,” he says. “You and Runaan get detention often enough on your own. What’s so different about this time?”

Lain grinds his teeth and glares down at his plate. “She upstaged me,” he mutters, so quietly that Ethari struggles to hear it.

“She what?”

Lain takes a breath. Uses it to steel himself like he’s about to divulge some kind of horrible secret. Glances up and down the table to make sure no one else is within ear shot. “She upstaged me,” he grumbles again.

That’s what Ethari thought he heard. Lain’s not one to throw tantrums like this - not usually - but then no one really upstages him either. He and Runaan are equally matched. It’s rare that one ever gets the upper hand, but the fact that Tiadrin had honestly just makes Ethari want to congratulate her more. “Upstaged you?” he asks, dubious.

“Yeah,” mumbles Lain. “She was so fast. Had her wand in her hand before Runaan and I even blinked. Stuck me with a Stickfast Hex so good Professor Ibis had to undo it for me. Runaan had sardines coming out of his nose. It was amazing.”

Ethari stares at him. “She got you with a Stickfast Hex and you’re calling her ‘amazing’?”

Lain flushes. “Credit where credit’s due,” he mumbles, hiding his face in his goblet.

There’s a pause. Lain spends longer than he needs to gulping down the rest of the pumpkin juice that Ethari’s pretty sure he’s only doing it to hide the rising blush in his face. The issue here is so obvious he wants to laugh, and as much as he wants to take pity on Lain and his lack of emotional maturity, it feels like it might be funnier just to sit back and watch this disaster unfold. Lain’s always been a bit of a ladykiller, but this is going to be a trainwreck in the best possible way, and he’d be a poor friend if he tried to stop it.

He’s got Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws after lunch, which means Lain will have to spend Potions brooding over this with Runaan in the same room, and Ethari almost wishes he was in Gryffindor just so he can make jokes about it all period. But he eyes Tiadrin instead, a smirk pulling at his lips and a plot coming together in his mind. If it works, maybe Tiadrin will rub off on him, and Lain might deflate his ego enough to see that he and Runaan would probably get along if they weren’t always at each other’s throats.

If it doesn’t - well. It’ll be fun to watch, at least. Maybe Tiadrin will rub off on him anyway. He can hope.

He claps Lain’s shoulder. “I’m going to class,�� he says. “You’re going to stew on this whether I try to stop you or not, so I might as well save myself the trouble. At least Tiadrin’ll be easier to talk to. See you in Charms.”

“What - wait!” Lain makes a grab for the sleeve of his robe, and Ethari pauses, trying not to let his amusement get the better of him. “What - Have you got class with her or something next?”

“Sure do,” Ethari tells him mildly.

The flush returns, and Lain ducks his head. “Can you - uh - can you explain for me? Tell her it wasn’t my fault?”

“Why?” This time, Ethari can’t stop himself. He does smirk. Lain’s panic is too much. “I wasn’t there. I don’t know what happened. Alternately, you could try to talk to her yourself like a normal person.”

“Yeah, but -” He swallows and twiddles his thumbs. “She won’t give me the time of day. You could at least like… soften her up or something. And then maybe she’ll actually listen to me.”

Ethari lets out a snort. “I’ll see what I can do,” he says, tugging his sleeve out of Lain’s grip.

(Oh, he’ll see all right. With any luck, they’ll be on more than just speaking terms by the end of the semester. Maybe then, he’ll finally have some peace and quiet in the halls).

#the dragon prince #ruthari #laidrin #canon six #moon fam #hogwarts au

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theauroranking · 4 years

Text

Part One of my The Dragon Prince alternate ending:

Viren almost has the dragon within his grasp when Rayla runs up to attack and Aaravos turns around and launches her backwards.

Callum comes up just in time to see Rayla fall backwards and her blades stick in the ground. Callum rushes over to where she landed.

"Oh no are you alright?"

"Y-yeah I'm fine." Rayla tries to get up but winces as her rib cage shoots pain across her chest. "Okay maybe not."

"It'll be okay I promise."

Callum looks up at Viren, who's still trying to harness the dragon's power, then back at Rayla. Callum suddenly stands up and runs towards Viren and Aaravos didn't have time to react before Callum launched himself at Viren, causing both to fall over the mountain's edge.

"NO!" Rayla shouts as she sees Callum disappear.

As they fall, Callum remembers the magic wing spell he saw Ibis use earlier. "Manus Pluma Volantus." Nothing.

Callum tries again, but more frantic. "Manus Pluma Volantus." Nothing again. "MANUS PLUMA VOLANTUS!" Nothing.

Just then, Callum knew. Tears welled up in his eyes. He whispered to himself, "Goodbye, Rayla. I love you."

Rayla got to the edge where Callum fell just in time to see him disappear into the fog. "Please Callum don't die. I love you."

Once the battle was over, Amaya went looking for anyone who's still alive. She turned to Aditi and Ezran and signed to Aditi, "go find out what happened at the peak" and Gren translated. To Ezran she signed, "help me search the battlefield for any survivors."

Aditi turns and heads up the path as fast as she can go.

Amaya, Gren, and Ezran search for any survivors at the base.

At the peak, Rayla is laying near the edge of the mountain face down when Aditi rushes over.

"Rayla are you okay?"

Tears welled up in her eyes. "No. No I'm not."

"What happened?"

"I tried to stop Viren but I got thrown backwards and lost my blades and then Callum ran up and he stopped to see if I was okay and then he looked up at Viren. He looked back at me with tears in his eyes and I knew something was wrong but I was in too much pain to do anything. He stood up and tackles Viren off the mountain. I scrambled over just in time to see him disappear into the fog."

"Oh no."

At the base of the mountain, as Amaya, Gren, and Ezran continue their search for any survivors, Gren notices a boot peeking from behind a rock.

Gren taps on Amaya's shoulder and points to the boot. They go over to investigate and they find two more bodies.

Amaya signs to Gren, "go get Rayla. Now."

Gren nods and turns to go when he sees Aditi slowly walking down the mountain path, holding Rayla.

Amaya and Gren rush over to help. They carefully lay her down on the ground.

"D-did you find Callum?" inquires Rayla.

Amaya and Gren look away.

"PLEASE TELL ME HE'S ALIVE!" Rayla winces again.

Amaya signs, "I'm sorry, Rayla. Callum's gone." Gren translates.

It takes a minute for what she said to process.

"W-wait what? N-no... I never got to tell him..." Rayla bursts into tears right then.

Ezran hears her crying and comes over to where they're huddled, Rayla laying in the middle on the ground.

"What's wrong, Rayla?"

Amaya signs to him, "she's just injured" and Gren translates. She couldn't bring herself to tell Ezran.

"Then we need to get her some help. Where's Callum?"

No one says anything. Ezran suddenly realizes and falls to his knees, tears in his eyes. "H-he can't be..."

Amaya kneels and hugs Ezran. The other survivors circle around, Sorin among them, heads bowed, their silence broken only by Rayla's wails.

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starlling-writes · 4 years

Text

Bewitching Monsters - Leshen

Series Rating: 18+ Chapter Contains: swearing, sexual scenes Pairing: f/genderfluid BeMo Masterlist ☆ Writing Masterlist

A/N: If you reblog this, PLEASE DO NOT TAG IT AS WEND*GO! This is not a wend*go. While the leshen in this story might shift and appear similar to the common image of a one, it’s completely unrelated to any of the Indigenous Americans’ folklore of said creature. Sure, it’s a more well known tag than leshen, but that’s not the point. If I see you tagging this as wend*go, you’re gonna get blocked.

— — —

My limbs stung like hell as heat returned to them. Sitting up was a struggle, but I needed to move, needed to get my circulation up. I didn’t recognize where I was. It was a cozy log cabin a bit smaller than my own home. I didn’t remember how I got here.

After escaping the castle of some murderous vampires, I hopped on my broom and started my way home. I avoided the train, knowing they’d look for me there. Flying would take longer, but I was banking on the vampires checking my home and moving on by the time I got there. I also banked on Vérus not putting up with any lookout they might try leaving.

My broom was only able to carry me a few hours away before it needed to recharge. By then I was well into the woods. I took my cloak from my haversack to keep warm. While I didn’t need to worry about its warmth spell running out, it wasn’t a true solution against the cold. I quickly realized my folly in my rushed decision to stay off the beaten paths. There were plenty of dead branches around for a fire. But without some sort of shelter, this situation would quickly become as deadly as the one I just escaped from.

Someone had to have rescued me. But who? And how far off my path had they taken me?

“Hello?” I tentatively called out. The only things I heard were the crackling fire and the wind hissing outside.

Walking sent needles up through my legs. I wobbled my way through the house, checking the rooms, finding no one. The smell of fresh bread led me to the kitchen. There was a small loaf sitting on the table, cooling on a cloth, and the sight of it made my stomach grumble.

“Help yourself.”

I screamed and whipped around. I tripped over my feet and my hip met the edge of the table. Ignoring the pain burning in my side, I met the concerned eyes of a moth. If I had met them outside, I would have easily mistaken them for a snow sculpture if they stood still. Even their robes were icy white.

“Careful.” They tentatively held out a hand towards me, ready to assist. “Take it slow. You’re safe here. My name is Theophania.”

“Hello.” I bowed my head; it was a bit late for greetings but better than never. “You can call me Witch.”

“What were you doing in the woods?”

“Running from death.”

“Well you nearly meet it anyways.” She went to the fireplace and removed the lid from the cauldron hanging over the fire. The rich scent of stew wafted around me. “Soup is nearly done. Please, relax. You can eat in here or out on the couch. You can even eat while in the bath, if you so choose.” She laughed lightly to herself as she stirred the stew.

“I’m sorry, but where exactly am I?”

Theophania set down the spoon and replaced the lid on the cauldron. She turned and looked at me, her eyes haunting voids that revealed nothing. Her antenna, however, drooped back, giving me a sense of unease. “You’re in der Schwarzwald. Or Feldberg Forest, as most outsiders call it.”

You’ve heard tales of these woods. The forest was an entity of its own, one obstinately set against letting any society try to tame it. It wasn’t a place to go wandering. Tales say, if you were lucky, you’d just wander for endless hours and end up roughly where you started. If you weren’t lucky, the woods would become your grave. It was hard to say what stories were true and what ones were fanciful tales for entertainment.

As my situation sunk in, Theo slowly nodded. “Rest up. You’ll be meeting the waldschrat soon.”

Waldschrat—who or what was that?

Theo was a lovely host during the two long days before I met the waldschrat. She gave me space, cooked phenomenal meals, and it was beyond cozy to snuggle with her on the couch while drinking tea.

While all that was nice, it didn’t dissuade my anxiety.

I knew it was time the moment Theo walked into the room. Her antennas were down flat and she held her hands tightly in front of her. I threw on my cloak and boots and followed her out.

The walk was silent, save for the crunching of snow under my feet. I thought of using my broom but now didn’t feel like the time to use any magic. Gods, the silence was imposing. Did anything else live in these woods? There were no other houses along our walk. I didn’t even find eyes watching from the shadows.

Theo stopped and I almost ran into her. My focus had been scattered everywhere else but snapped to mass of branches and moss in front of us. There was no snow on it. She grabbed my arm and yanked me down to my knees like her. Curse the freezing snow. As soon as she released me, I adjusted my cloak under the knees to fight against the chill.

The air rushed from behind us and swirled in a mini cyclone around the snowless mound. Then it moved. The mound grew and contorted, taking on the form of a satyr. A nightmarish satyr. A skull emerged from the branches, a raccoon I think. Blue fire sparked to life in its eyes. Ah. Waldschrat must be their term for leshen, I thought.

“Sorcerer,” crept a voice, like a whisper grew legs and skittered around like a frantic bug. “How did you come by my favor?”

It would be easier to answer if I knew what their favor was. The leshen approached, shifting as they did. Now they looked like a cervitaur with a fox skull—still nightmarish too. They hooked a claw under the twig necklace. Clarity struck. “A vampire named Aleril gave it to me before I fled Castelul Corvinilor.”

“Ah. Him.” They pulled their claw away, letting the necklace fall against my skin. It no longer felt like metal. I wanted to look, to see if it was different now, but I didn’t dare look away from the leshen. “Tell me, sorcerer. Can you cast a Grand Rite?”

“I can.”

“Then how about a bargain? I shall take you to the edge of my woods, if you perform the Rite.”

“Forgive my forwardness—why do you need a Grand Rite?”

The leshen shifted again to an amorphic mound of underbrush and detritus. “Sustenance has become scarce. I am hoping the Rite will help aid in the matter.”

Surely there were better rituals than the Grand Rite for such a thing, but I didn’t argue. “Has a druid not been able to help?”

“There’s no longer any close enough to bargain.”

“I see.” I wasn’t sure how much help I could be. I wanted to help; but as a witch, I wasn’t sure if what they were offering would equal the payment for such a ritual. I called to the Grand Scales. The ibis was sitting in its nest and regarded me for a long moment before making its decision. As I thought, the ritual required more. Hopefully the leshen won’t mind. “I can perform the Rite. However, as I am a witch, my magic will cost more than just safe travel.”

Judging by how they shifted back to a looming, monstrous form complete with wolf skull, I’d say the leshen wasn’t fond of my response. “What are your demands then?”

It was taking everything I had not to shiver. “As this is your forest, I’ll need you to participate in the Rite with me and lend some of your magic to the spell.”

They cocked their head like a quizzical animal. “Is that all?”

“No,” I hesitated. “I’ll need a spell in return.”

“What spell?” they growled.

Finding words was difficult now. “The Scales weren’t very… concise on that part. But there’s some spell you know that I apparently require.” When they didn’t respond, I rambled on. “Of course, I wouldn’t teach the spell with anyone else; and I swear by the Grand Scales to not abuse it. Or maybe you could just cast it for me when I need it, that way you don’t even have to teach it—”

“Very well,” they cut me off.

The rest of the day, and into the next, everyone prepped for the ritual. There were a surprising number of forest folk now. Mostly, they gathered enough ribbon for the maypole—and dying more red ribbon. Some prepared food for a small feast afterwards. All simple work, but time consuming.

When it was time for the ritual, it was amazing to see how beautiful the ritual space was. Eight saplings circled the center, stretching up and meeting in the center to form a cage around the area I’d perform the Rite. At the top of the trees, the ribbons were secured in a red-white alternating pattern. Faerie lights bobbed around, giving off gentle light.

I approached the central area and noticed delicate runes carved into the saplings. In the middle laid a bed of furs. Hopefully they’d be enough to keep me warm because I wouldn’t be able to rely on my cloak during the ritual. I sat down and started meditating, getting into the proper headspace.

By the time I was ready, the leshen was already patiently waiting beside me in a humanoid form with an elk skull. “You ready?” I asked.

“At your leisure,” they nodded.

I removed my robe and shivered as goosebumps instantly covered my body—skyclad outside in winter was a bitch. I settled before my singing bowl, thankful for the furs. I picked up the mallet, hit the edge three times, then slowly drew the mallet around the rim of the bowl. The hum hung in the air as I carried out the start of the ritual. Just before the note died out, I rang the bowl three more times.

Then the band kicked up. Okay, it wasn’t much of a band, but there were enough drums, a couple fiddles, and a flute to make a nice tune. Other members of the forest took up their ribbons. I moved over to the leshen and straddled over them. They already shifted their form appropriately. Then, on cue, the forest dwellers started weaving the maypole ribbons as I lowered myself down onto the leshen’s phallus.

A creature like a leshen had no need for sex, so I wasn’t surprised by their lack of skill. But I was fine with doing all the work. It actually made it easier to channel the magic that way. I leaned forward, splaying my hands across their chest and pushing them down. This position was much better than lotus. A growl rumbled from the leshen. Then they grabbed my hips and met my rhythm. Either they were a quick learner or I was very wrong about my initial assumption.

I was not complaining.

The leshen surprised me further when I felt a large press against my entrance. I let out a gasp then glanced down between my legs. Before, the leshen’s phallus had been basic and human. Now it had a lovely knot towards the base of the shaft.

“Would you prefer I changed back?” they asked.

“No, it’s fine. I was just surprised.” I pushed down and relished how the knot stretched me. It was even more delightful as it popped in and out of me as I continued riding them. How was this the first time I fucked someone with a knot? Sure, I had a dildo or two with them, but they obviously didn’t have the same wonderful power that the leshen was putting into their thrusts.

“Fuck me from behind,” I panted. If I wasn’t so focused on the ecstasy I would have been more impressed—and maybe a bit creeped out—by how the leshen simply flowed and shifted, reforming behind me while they never stopped thrusting deep into me.

Perks of a shifter species.

Another great thing was that, since the leshen was mostly wood, it felt like I was being spanked with a paddle with each pump. Would they leave my ass red and bruised? The thought sent a rush of excitement pulsing through me.

I wouldn’t be surprised if I came before the maypole finished.

Holding myself up grew difficult. I slid down onto my forearms, my face burying into the warm furs. I no longer needed their warmth. My fingers dug into the fur as moan after moan rocked out of me. I was drowning in bliss.

The leshen’s grip constricted tight around my lower body. I wasn’t sure about them, but I wasn’t going to last much longer. Between the knot, the paddling, and the tight binding… Damn, this had been such a turn of events. I was grateful now for all the circumstances that led to this wonderful Rite.

My orgasm hit and washed through me, blocking out the world for a moment. After the initial wave of pleasure, I focused and weaved the energy we had built for the spell. The leshen release their grip and sat back on the furs beside me. I gradually got to my feet—with a little help from them—and finished off the ritual. If this Rite didn’t help bring fertility to this forest, I had no idea what would.

With the ritual done, I plopped back down on the furs, stretched, then curled up on my side. “I’m going to take a nap now, if that’s alright.”

The leshen leaned over and nuzzled my hair. They pulled my discarded cloak over me before settling against my back. “Rest well, little one.”

— — —

A/N: If you reblog this, PLEASE DO NOT TAG IT AS WEND*GO! This is not a wend*go. If I see you tagging this as such, you’re gonna get blocked.

BeMo Masterlist ☆ Writing Masterlist Story: Previous — Next

#monster love #exophilia #exophilia fiction #writeblr #leshen #shifter #forest monster #forest king #forest guardian #ancient one #old god

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fuckyeahhiccuphaddock · 5 years

Text

The Red Grapple Grounder - DagCup

TITLE: The Red Grapple Grounder

CHAPTER #: 2/2.

DESCRIPTION: When Hiccup is born unable to walk, Dagur is forced to grow close to him every time he visits Berk, and he forgets to appreciate Hiccup for what he can do — only realizing he should when it is too little too late. Heavily inspired by James Hurst’s “The Scarlet Ibis”.

CHAPTER SUMMARY: Dagur teaches Hiccup something new, but it doesn’t work out in his favour.

WARNING: Mature themes.

A/N: I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m really not. I hope this was good ^^

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20795195/chapters/49423094

“Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.”

- Arthur Schopenhauer

It had been during Spring when Dagur had a new idea. Hiccup was seven and he was thirteen, and the two were settled in a cozy spot within Berk’s woods. They called it Bolt Hole Hideout. It had only been last winter when Stoick told Hiccup and Dagur that, years ago before they were born, there had been a storm. Lightening struck from the sky and hit the ground, striking it so hard a hole was embedded into it, deep enough that you could fill it with water and swim like it was a lake.

Dagur and Hiccup had tried doing it, but they agreed against it when they came back to the hideout after having filled up half of it with water, and Terrible Terrors had decided to use it as a watering hole. Needless to say, they hadn’t put water in it again, and the Terrors hadn’t come back since.

Like all of their spots on Berk, Bolt Hole Hideout had their marking. In Rocklock Cavern they had carved a symbol into the rock, a mix of Berk and the Berserker tribe symbol embedded into it. In East Riff, a cliff that hung over the edge of the island and down below was water, they had carved the same symbol into a nearby tree. And with Bolt Hole Hideout, the symbol wasn’t carved, but rather, and arrangement of stones on the ground.

Dagur was training, practicing different frightening stances and techniques. Hiccup’s face was nose-deep into his sketchbook, and he was sure to hide whatever was inside away from Dagur. The two were contempt enough, but there had been a problem developing for the redhead.

Shame. There was so much of it he’d been getting frustrated by the minute. Shame every time he walked through Berk’s bush town square of having to drag Hiccup behind him in his cart, or him having to be the one to take care of Hiccup entirely. It was downright angering, and he’d finally had enough.

With a panting breath, Dagur tossed his sword onto the floor and grabbing the canteen Hiccup had besides him. He twisted the knob and opened it, taking a couple of gulps before setting it down.

”Hiccup,” Dagur said after a beat of silence, “Hiccup, I’m going to teach you how to walk.”

”I can’t walk, Dagur,” the boy said, turning to him, green eyes fond. “You know that. My legs don’t let me.”

Dagur snorted. “Nonsense,” he said, and stood, his arms hooking around Hiccup’s, and he pulled the other up with a grunt. “You want to learn, don’t you? You can’t learn sitting down all the damn time.”

”Dagur, I—“

”Yes you can, Hiccup. Just try,” he said, desperation edging on his voice. Part of Dagur was ashamed; and it had been nagging and nagging at him, hoping that maybe if Hiccup learned that it would go away. He was ashamed, and nothing hid that fact.

He set Hiccup on his feet and let him go, but the boy just fell back onto his arse, looking up at Dagur with what resembeled a glare. “You already know I can’t, Dagur. I’m like the Red Grapple Grounder.”

”No, damnit. Why the Hel are you comparing yourself to a dragon anyways? Unlike that thing, you have help. You have me,” he replied, and then once more he steadied Hiccup on his feet. “All you got to do is try.”

He let Hiccup go, but the boy only collapsed to the ground, like he had no bones in his legs. Like you built a tower and it fell straight down.

“Dagur,” Hiccup warned, “Don’t hurt me.”

”Shut up,” Dagur sighed, exasperated. He crouched in front of the boy who lifted himself up with his elbows, taking his place back against the tree. “I’m not gonna hurt you right now. But I will if I gotta.”

This made Hiccup go quiet. The boy let out a mutter, holding his arms up and Dagur gave an almost cynical grin. He grabbed the boys two pale hands, pulling him back up to his feet and steadying him once again upright.

It was so hopeless in the beginning that Dagur had almost given up, too exhausted to keep lifting Hiccup up from the ground, day after day. It had seemed to hopeless that he had almost given up, too angered at how this process of Hiccup walking only went slower and slower. It was so hopeless that Dagur has almost given up, believing that really, maybe Hiccup just couldn’t move his legs at all.

”Come on, Hiccup,” he growled, foot tapping on the forest floor impatiently. “Do you want me to be dragging you around for the rest of your life, huh? I’m not gonna be here to pull you all the time! Neither will your mom, or your dad.”

”I— I’m trying, Dagur. Really,” the boy protested, face a bright red from the heat of the sun and the strain of his effort. “It’s hard.” He stood, balanced on both of his legs, but he had yet to move. Hiccup was a bowlegged boy, and trying to move his legs was an action that took time. He’d been trying to walk for the past three hours; it had been two months and yet, still, he hadn’t succeeded at his goal.

”Obviously,” Dagur muttered under his breath. He stood only a couple of meters away from the boy, his arms extended towards him. “Just come on. One foot at a time.”

”I know,” Hiccup said, teeth gritted and voice strained. “But every time I move my foot, the other one loses balance, and I fall.”

”Then be quick about it!” Dagur snapped. He knew his yelling wasn’t helping the other any, but he didn’t care. He just wanted Hiccup to walk; to be normal. And when he walked, he would show the boy how to fight, swim, run, everything Dagur could do, he’d make sure Hiccup could do it just as well.

”Okay,” Hiccup panted. “Okay, I’m coming over.”

Dagur said nothing, only watched him, eyes intent and wide with anticipation. He kept his arms out, and after a beat of silence, Hiccup took a step with his right foot, that was quickly accompanied by his left.

”There you go, Hiccup,” Dagur breathed heavily, nodding. “Yeah, that’s it. Just keep going. Don’t lose your pace,” he said, voice going stern at the end. “You’ve got this.”

Hiccup listened to his words, or he listened to something, because then his was moving his right foot again, followed by his left. The process repeated, and a bright look was growing on his face, as he moved closer to Dagur. There was a pause of his movement with each two steps, but it was the best progress Dagur had gotten for the past months.

”Come on, Hiccup. I’m right here. You can make it,” Dagur encouraged, waving his fingers. A bead of sweat went down the side of his face, and he wiped it away, his gaze never wavering from the other boy.

Hiccup had almost fallen again, but Dagur was glad that he hadn’t. He was sure if Hiccup fell one more time, he’d officially lose his entire cool. A couple more steps and the brunette fell into his arms, and the two stared at each other in disbelief.

”Holy Hel, Hiccup,” the redhead whispered, a large grin soon spreading across his face. “You did it! Hiccup, you did it! You walked!”

”Y-yeah,” the other boy muttered, expression whimsical and his voice far away, like he still couldn’t believe it. “Dagur. I did it,” he said, turning to the other with a grin of his own.

And he couldn’t help but laugh, but it wasn’t a sadistic or maniacal one; Dagur was laughing of pure joy, pure ecstasy. Yes, yes, finally, Hiccup would be normal. With more practice, of course, and he’d walk with a limp, but it would be the best situation than ever. Their hard work would pay off, and he could teach Hiccup everything possible that had to do with using his legs.

The echo of Dagur’s laughter was suddenly doubled, when Hiccup joined in. They laughed and laughed and laughed, unable to physically contain their overwhelming emotions.

It was the only time Dagur the Grapple Grounder really left his mind.

After another month of Hiccup practicing on his walk, he was able to walk fluently. Although he had a limp and he moved like he was crippled, he was able to walk without falling. And despite that having been a good thing, Dagur and him decided they would yet to tell the village, nor Hiccup’s parents. It was Dagur who suggested they wait til Snoggletog; it’d be a real present by then.

Snoggletog wouldn’t be til months later, although. Every time anyone made the rude remark of Hiccup, or said anything concerning his disability to walk, Dagur and him had snickered, snickers turning to giggles and then laughs. The entire village looked at them as if they were crazy, but neither had minded.

It was fall at this point, and Hiccup had grown to be an expert at walking, even managing to stunt his limp a little. Dagur couldn’t be on Berk all the time, though — he had a home, too, back on Berserker island. But, he and Hiccup sent something new to each other — it was known as what they called Terror Mail. Since Dagur couldn’t be there, they’d send letters to each other dead in the night via dragon. They kept it hidden and avoided anyone seeing: after all, who knows the types of things would happen, should the adults find out.

”Why can’t we just show them now, Dagur?” Hiccup asked him, voice pleading. He was seated at the edge of a lake, only in brown pants, shirt off and nothing covering his feet which were in not warm, yet not freezing water.

“Because, Hiccup,” Dagur said, exasperated. He was beyond a bad mood; after being annoyed to no end by the twins, Hiccup’s questions only pushed him farther to annoyance. “I already told you. People are gonna like it better if it’s during Snoggletog. Now get in the water.”

Unlike Hiccup, Dagur was waist into the lake water, his arms extended towards the boy, also in just pants, body bare otherwise. His eye twitching impatiently.

”But it’s not for people to like it. It’s just for me being able to do something I couldn’t do before,” Hiccup protested, ignoring Dagur’s other words. He grabbed a shell from the shore of the lake, holding it to his ear. “Right?”

Dagur let out a frustrated growl, his fingers curling into fists and clenching. “Hiccup, I’m not gonna tell you again. Just get into the water! You want to learn to swim, don’t you?”

”Well yeah, but—“

” Hiccup. Get in the water. Don’t make me say it again.”

Finally recognizing that Dagur was not in the mood, Hiccup nodded slowly. “Okay, okay. I’m going,” he said, and hopped off the little ledge, plopping into the water.

“Swim to me.” Dagur ordered. “Try, anyways. Move your legs and arms, like we practiced yesterday.”

And Hiccup did. Dagur’s blood rusher louder in his ears, and his heart hammered in his chest violently as the brunette drew closer. Soon enough his fingertips brushed against soft yet damp hair, and as suddenly as he had touched it, Dagur grabbed it, and he pushed Hiccup down and into the water.

There was a muffled shout from Hiccup, and Dagur couldn’t help but laugh. His two hands held the small boy into the murky, and beginning to get cold water. Hiccup thrashed his body, but he was already weak, and being underwater wasn’t helping him at all.

The air was filled with the sound of splashing water and Dagur’s loud, unashamed laughter. There was no telling now how long the redhead had kept Hiccup down below — he himself didn’t know, too into the way Hiccup squirmed — and it was only when Hiccup’s movements began to cease, albeit slowly, that Dagur had paused and glanced down.

And, like he had been punched in the face, the realization that Hiccup’s movements were slowing hit Dagur like a damn truck. Rapidly, he pulled the boy up. What good would it do him if Hiccup died right now? There wouldn’t be any. Hiccup wouldn’t be able to run or fight.

Complete relief grabbed Dagur in the chest when Hiccup sucked in a large gulp of air, his face getting a pale, almost sickly grey. His hair was moppy and hung in his eyes, which Dagur brushed out of the way. Fastily, he tossed Hiccup onto land, to which the boy coughed heavily, water slipping from his lips, gasping like a fish.

“Y— you...” Hiccup sputtered, leaning on his forearm. Dagur only stared, a cold glare in his eyes. One minute he’d been laughing and now he was angry; and he didn’t have a reason. It was just the knot of cruelty fastening again, he guessed.

”Come on, Hiccup.” Dagur said after a beat of silence. “I still have to teach you.”

He swam away, leaving the brunette to deal with chaotic emotions and the aftermath of nearly dying.

Success had become imminent. Dagur nor Hiccup had ever spoken of the day in the lake, and Dagur much preferred it that way. He didn’t know if it was because Hiccup had become too scared to mention it, but it hadn’t matter. At least, not very much.

He hadn’t done anything like that again. Not because he didn’t want to — then again, Dagur never knew if the things he did were because he really liked it, because he’d never hurt someone like that. It was only just Hiccup, only Hiccup who made him so angry.

Snoggletog was on its way, and it would be on Berk within a day and a half. Dagur and Hiccup had spoken so much about their big surprise they’d told everyone that, half the adults said that if it was anything less tremendous than Odin himself, they would be greatly disappointed.

“You should just tell me the surprise. I won’t tell a soul.”

It was Snotface himself who had walked up to Dagur, who had flopped down into the bench across from him in the mess hall. He looked smug, as per usual, and Dagur wanted to wipe the smirk and arched eyebrow off his face and throw it into the fire.

Instead, Dagur only snorted, stuffing his mouth of cooked codfish. “Yeah, as if. You’re just going to have to wait, like everyone else.” He replied, chewing and then swallowing his food. “If I tell you now, you’ll be so jealous you’ll try and tackle me. Then, I’d have to beat you to a pulp.”

Snotface went quiet, and Dagur stared intently at him, green eyes holding a stone cold glare. He’d stopped chewing his food, and there was a thick silence settled between them. He knew Snotface feared him — and this was one of the times Dagur found it heavily amusing rather than annoying.

His sudden laughter had made Snotface flinch, and Dagur reveled in it. His fists slammed onto the table as he cackled, shaking his head before waving his hand. “I’m kidding! I’m kidding, geez. Hel, you take everything so seriously, you know that?” The redhead asked, laughter soon reduced to chuckles.

”U-uh, yeah,” Snotface responded, and with a bitter chuckle Dagur stood, grabbing his wooden plate and spoon.

”Uh—huh. Hope to see you there, champ.”

Snoggletog began in the same way it always had. When it came around, everyone would report to the mess hall, and gather around the long circle table. There’d be a grand feast, and the citizens would be included. Dagur never agreed much to that, but this year, he was glad for it.

He brought Hiccup in the same way as before — in his cart. They received long sighs and stares, some even bothering to roll their eyes or look away. Judgemental people, they were, those in Berk.

And Hiccup was practically vibrating. It took a hard squeeze to his shoulder and a whisper to relax to get him to settle, but even then it wasn’t for very long. It was Stoick who helped Hiccup into his chair, and Dagur took a seat right across from him.

The dining hall had been tense when they had first entered, but now it was lively, roaring with laughter and talking and people eating. And, Dagur was the same way — after all, how could he not be happy? Everyone was going to see their show.

”Dagur,” Valka said, leaning over to him, “You said you and Hiccup had a surprise, didn’t you? A gift.”

She was a small woman, but her voice boomed at the last part, so much that it managed to grab everyone’s attention. Heads turned and conversations stopped, and Dagur took it as an opportunity to nod and grin.

”Oh, yeah. Go on, show them, Hiccup.”

And he did. Hiccup was grinning the whole way, as he lifted himself from his chair. There were a couple of soft gasps from people that Dagur heard, and he watched with wide eyes as Hiccup stood, balanced on his feet, before taking his steps around the table.

It was silent, so silent Dagur feared for a split second that everyone had froze from shock. Hiccup reached over a couple of people before grabbing a slide of bread that was at on one of the center trays. He took a single bite, and the hall grew unruly.

Vikings cheered. Some only continued to stare in shock, and Dagur saw Snotlout in the corner of his eye, who cursed and stomped his foot, no likely upset that he himself didn’t think of coming with the idea to make Hiccup walk.

Valka wept. She held Hiccup tightly in her arms so much that Dagur was afraid she was going to snap every bone in his body. She sobbed, muttering things that neither of them could comprehend, but it was okay.

Stoick was... Stoic, for the longest time, until Hiccup walked up to him. He embraced his son into a hug of his own, and Hiccup was so much more smaller than he, Dagur also thought, again, that his bones would break.

It was Hiccup who told everyone that it was Dagur who taught him how to walk. Praise came in every direction, and every person wanted to hug him. Minutes later, tears of his own were streaking down his face. Dagur had tried to hide them, but they wouldn’t cease, just pooling out of his eyes like waterfalls.

“What are you crying for?” His father, Oswald, has asked, and Dagur found that he couldn’t answer. He couldn’t say that he had taught Hiccup to walk by himself, that the pride, who’s slave he was to, spoke louder and meaned more than their voices or their hugs, that Hiccup walked only because Dagur was ashamed of having to take care a crippled boy.

The rest of the night was joyous. People danced, cheered, and it seemed like there was a weight that had been lifted that Snoggletog. That weight never settled on his shoulders again — it was gone. Yet still, besides his knot of cruelty, there was one of shame, and not just of Hiccup, but of himself. A shame that said, How could you be so selfish?

Time had passed since then. It’d taken a while, but at that point Hiccup could walk well enough on his own, though he still kept a sort of limp — or wobble, really, is what it seemed like.

And with that time Dagur had shown him as much as possible. Hiccup was able to swim now, but it had taken a longer time than usual and some coaxing to get him into the water each time. He’d learn to run, although he couldn’t do it for very long, or else he’d get red in the face, and start to pant and cry. Hiccup could skip and jump, now, and so whenever they’d go into the forest, Dagur tried to run in the most difficult as possible route. He’d told Hiccup it was just practice.

There wasn’t much to teach him now, and that left sort of a dull, bored ache within Dagur each time he was with Hiccup and they had nothing else to do. It was both of their ideas when they decided that instead of hiding out in Rocklock Cavern as they usually did, they’d find new places to mark and name.

And they had. It was fall, and Dagur was now fourteen, and Hiccup eight. At this point, there was talents that Hiccup had been uncovering; like drawing and tinkering. The blacksmith, Gobber, had even taken him in for some “beginnning lessons”, but the first time Hiccup came back from that he was covered in charcoal and smelled of sweat, so Dagur didn’t let him go back whenever he was around.

“It’s so calm,” Valka said, with Hiccup and Dagur in her and Stoick’s hut, but the chief of Berk was too busy to be home yet. Dagur was helping her with soon to be dinner, and Hiccup sat at the table, drawing away into his notebook. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a storm this afternoon.”

Neither of them said anything, so she didn’t press. Valka set down a tray at the center of the table, glancing at her son and his work.

“What are you drawing, dear?” Valka questioned, placing a hand on Hiccup’s shoulder. She tried peering over to get a look, and Dagur snorted. Hiccup and he didn’t really have boundaries, but if there was one thing Dagur wasn’t allowed to do, it was look through boy’s things, and that included his sketches.

”Um,” Hiccup said, and he quickly shut the book, “It was just a dragon.”

Respecting his wishes, Valka turned back to the counter. “Oh? And what type of dragon?” She asked, voice preening with interest.

What Dagur had expected was a name he’d heard before. Monstrous Nightmare, maybe. Zippleback. But what he hadn’t expected were the next words that came out of Hiccup’s mouth — “A Grapple Grounder.”

He was so surprised he’d cut his finger with a knife. Blood seeped out and Dagur hissed softly, asking Valka for a bandaid.

”You really should be careful when cutting those tomatoes,” Valka scolded gently, and she placed the bandaid over his finger. While she was distracted, Dagur casted Hiccup a glare — they both knew the mention of that dragon set him on edge.

“A Grapple Grounder, you said?” She questioned, “Why that one?”

”Well, Dagur and I found one,” Hiccup said quietly fiddling with his fingers, eyes casted down towards the table. “but it was already dead.”

”Oh, that’s a sign of bad luck, you know,” Valka replied.

Silence settled between them. No one spoke, and Dagur was glad they didn’t. He was sure he would have blown up if they had. The amount of strength it took him not to had given him whiplash, even.

As soon as he had finished cutting the tomatoes, he and Hiccup had raced out of the hut and towards Land’s End River.

Being long past sight of anyone seeing them, Dagur stopped running at an area of bush. It was heavily wooded and green, humid air making him start to sweat. Wiping the beads off his head, Dagur grabbed a branch, tossing it off from the ground.

”Come on, Hiccup. Help me get the boat out.”

The boy was silent, and Dagur knew why. Anything concerning water, with he and Dagur alone always put him on edge, got him jumpy and nervous. After all, he’d had a bad experience with it. Ever since that say, Hiccup had changed, and Dagur despised it.

Hiccup didn’t move at first, and so Dagur casted him a glare. Like a spring, he quickly helped the redhead, removing the leaves and sticks, discarding them somewhere onto the floor. It hadn’t took long before it was clear, and in the wake of the nature debris gone, laid a boat, crafted unruly by inexperienced hands and brute construct. Dagur could feel the tightening in his chest — the knot.

He said nothing although, simply nodding to another bush. “Get the ores. I’ll grab the boat,” he said, and not awaiting for any of Hiccup’s words, lifted the hunk of wood up from the ground. He heard Hiccup’s receding footsteps, and began dragging the boat in the direction of the river.

After tense silent moments, the two had reached the river. The air smelled of soon too be rain, but Dagur guessed it wouldn’t be anything more than a sprinkle. Besides, after all — if it rained too hard enough, there was enough shelter given by the trees.

When they had gotten into the boat, Hiccup didn’t speak. Turned his head away and let his hand glide in the water, peering into the murkiness. Dagur watched with meticulous eyes as he shuddered and looked in any other place than his own reflection in the pool.

“Hiccup—“ Dagur started, deciding to break the silence, “Why were you drawing the Grounder?”

And, finally, he had gotten the boy’s attention. Hiccup looked at him, expression monotone before he shrugged, shoulders rolling and the gaze of his eyes casting towards the floor of the boat. “I don’t know, I just— I’ve never forgotten about it, and I know you never did either, Dagur.”

Green eyes peered up at him, speaking words and volumes that Dagur couldn’t decode. They remained like that, before there was water on him — splattering onto his hands, dripping lightly and dripping down into the river.

Dagur glanced up. The sun was chased away entirely, darkness covering the sky like a blanket. White lights shone through it, like a pathetic attempt to replace the bright yellow sun. Dagur snorted at that notion.

”Maybe we should head back,” Hiccup suggested, and he too glanced up, hand hung over his eyes. “It’s gonna rain, and I don’t wanna be all wet, Dagur.”

”Jut relax, Hiccup,” he said, leaning back, and the boat glided against the water, no sudden rifts or turbulence. “It’s just a sprinkle. We’ll get back in time for dinner, okay?”

At that, Hiccup sighed, but then he nodded, he too leaning back, closing his eyes. “Okay. You promise?”

And Dagur yawned, stretching and yawning, body languid and lax against the boat. “Yeah, sure, Hiccup. Just don’t piss me off and we’ll be back in time. Now that, I can promise.”

”..Okay, Dagur.”

It hadn’t been dilatory for Hiccup to get frightened. The sky had gotten darker, dark enough that Dagur saw no stars nor clouds. The rain had gotten harder, beating down on them with a force that had no affect, but Dagur knew that it would soon. The only time he saw any of the sky was when lightening struck, powerful and loud, roaring so intensely that Hiccup had whimpered and reached out for him. Marsh crows flew by, squaking and squealing.

“Relax, you big baby,” Dagur groaned, and with an ore, he had steered their little makeshift boat to land. The more Hiccup whimpered and tried to cling to him, the more offset he became, knot tightening and tightening.

The boat hit the land with a muffled thud, and Dagur hopped out. It was time for them to go home, and they’d decided on traveling by foot. After all, there was no way they could fight the river current with it so strong, and Dagur had been growing sick of the water anyways.

His feet landed on mud, that squished uncomfortably underneath his food. The redhead made a face, and he glanced up upon the sound of a thud and splatter, and he looked towards the boat only to find Hiccup on all fours, covered in mud.

”Seriously?” Dagur scolded, and then helped the boy up, who brushed himself off and smiled unashamedly. He scanned Dagur’s expression for a sign of mercy, and Dagur denied him — there was none.

He had instead turned and walked away, ducking underneath the shelter of the thick tree leaves. The faster he walked, the faster Hiccup did, and with the thunder clashing he had become so terrified he was practically running over Dagur’s heels, and so the redhead had began to run, back in the direction of Berk.

The rain was roaring, and the thunder crying and lightening screaming. There was a sharp clash, and the sound of a horrible rip, and ahead of them, a great oak creaked and toppled over the side, onto the forest floor, its leaves sticking into the fast moving river. Hiccup gave a shout of surprise, something Dagur only distantly heard before he lunged over the tree, landing onto jelly mud before continuing his run.

Seemingly, there was a pause, where all noise stopped and Dagur heard nothing but his own breathing. And in that pause he heard a phrase of words;

”Dagur, wait! Dagur, don’t leave me! Please, don’t leave me!”

The knowledge that, even though Hiccup could walk, yet his shame and anger still remained within himself caused his knot of cruelty to awaken once again. In his bitter, toxic rage, Dagur ran as fast as he could, so much so he could no longer hear Hiccup’s voice, so much that only the fallen tree and Dagur’s broken promise was the only space that remained between them.

It was in the middle of Dagur’s rage that he had grown tired and weary, so much that he had stopped running, panting heavily, throat closed within his mouth. He turned back in the direction he had left Hiccup and tried listening for his cries, but he had heard none.

The thunder and lightning had ceased, but rain and wind were his new foes, clashing uncontrollably. He waited, peering through thick bushes and trees, through his eyes that were threatened to be splattered with water, but after what seemed like hours, no one had yet to come. With a frown Dagur began his journey back to the place he had left the prince of Berk, water on his face and dripping down onto his chest.

Finally, he had found Hiccup. The boy was huddled behind a red plant bush, leaning against a tree, his knees drawn up to his head which was nestled into his crossed arms. With a huff and an irritated growl, Dagur shook him gently, “Come on, Hiccup, get up. I’m soaking.”

There was no response, and Dagur clicked his tongue, sighing and muttering curses before he lifted the boy’s head with a single hand. Blood seeped from his mouth, pouring down his neck, his eyes rolled back. His face was pale, so much he reminded Dagur of a cloud.

“Hiccup! Hiccup!” Dagur screamed, but then again, there was no response, instead Hiccup only flopped backwards onto the floor, his legs looking more bent than Dagur had ever seen them. So fragile, so thin, so weak. He stared at the body with tear filled eyes, and the salty water that dropped down his face from his eyes being the only warmth he had felt all night. He stared, blankly, at the familiar red before heaving out a despairing sob, bringing Hiccup up, close to his chest, providing shelter for his red Grapple Grounder from the fury of the rain.

#httyd #httyd one #dagcup sort of #dagur the deranged #dagcup #fanfiction #sad ending #angst #hiccuphaddock #Hiccup #sorry dagur

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mystery-star · 5 years

Text

Carpe Noctem - Ubi amor, ibi dolor (Part 5)

Pairing: Vampire!Fred Weasley x reader

Warnings: swearing, mentions of sex and death

Words: 3432

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

Before you went to work on the next day you just had to go and look after Fred. A part of you couldn’t believe he was back and you feared it only was a dream. When he wasn’t in the flat you started doubting yesterday’s events. But once you were downstairs you almost got a shock. The shop wasn’t dusty and messy anymore, no, it was sparkling clean and nothing was laying around anymore. It looked like in times when the shop was still open. It made you smile

“Fred?” you called because there were only two options why everything was tidied up: Fred did it while you were sleeping or George didn’t go to bed at all and spent the night in the shop, which again meant Fred must have indeed come back because otherwise he wouldn’t have done it. “Fred are you here?” you shouted a little louder when you didn’t’ receive an answer.

“Honestly, (Y/N) a bit louder and George wakes up as well” the voice came from the backroom and instantly you made a beeline towards it “Don’t come in”

“But…. how do you know…?”

“I can hear and smell that you’re coming closer. But honestly just don’t if your life means anything to you”

“And what if I want to see you?”

“I still look the same as yesterday. And I will look the same tomorrow and after tomorrow. In fact I’ll look like this forever”

“No reason to get offensive. I just want to see how you’re doing”

“Fighting the urge to sink my fangs into you” you couldn’t get rid of the feeling that he was being extra mean to get rid of you “And I bet you got better stuff to do” a look to the clock told you that you had to hurry to get to work on time

“Shit. See you later” you called and turned around but then turned back “I love you” no reply like usual.

Again you had difficulties to focus on your work, among other because you feared that Fred had changed so much that he didn’t love you anymore. But if he did, why didn’t he put an end to it and break up with you? Or did he think you had moved on already? Ugh, he just was so confusing since he was back. Of course it wasn’t his fault and he probably had more serious problems to deal with since he was back. And maybe you really were a little too pushy. You made the decision to have a talk with Fred tonight and make things clear. If you were honest you even had to ask yourself if you still wanted to be with him even if he still loved and wanted you. Being with a vampire was dangerous. But what if you got advice? Mr Worple, who wrote a book about his life with vampires could surely help you.

So once you finished work you went to Flourish and Blotts to buy Worple’s book about his life with the vampires which you started reading yesterday in Hogwarts. As you still were in the bookshop, you read the details about the author and hoped to find out where he lived but you only found the name of the town. He had, however, “always a friendly ear for fascinating and extraordinary stories” as he wrote and it explained how you could owl him. Feeling much better you went home and got the second shock of the day. From the backroom of the shop you heard the laughter of the twins and if you didn’t know better you’d say they were drunk. Angrily you pushed the curtain to the backroom aside

“Uh-Oh. (Y/N)’s back” you heard Fred’s slurred voice. He definitely was drunk. And you didn’t know what a drunk vampire would do and you didn’t want to find out “Quick, hide everything”

“What?” you heard George, most likely equally drunk “I don’t hear anything”

“What in Merlin’s name are you two doing here?!” you shouted

“Nothing” Fred shouted back and giggled. Vampire or not, you entered the back backroom and put your hands on your hips.

“You have been drinking. Don’t lie to me” George laughed so hard he fell off the table he sat on

“A tiny, tiny little, little bit” Fred admitted and held his thumb and forefinger half an inch apart “Like that” the four empty bottles on the floor told you otherwise

“Oh so in the morning you’re scared you’d kill me but as soon as George’s here you two get drunk. What if something had happened? Huh? You could have killed him!”

“Nah. Not George” he whizzed to George in vampire speed and helped him up, wrapping an arm around his shoulders “When I’m with him I don’t feel the urge to kill him”

“It’s because we’re twins” George explained and hiccupped “Our smells aren’t so different” Fred nodded quickly

“Okay great” you muttered, nevertheless finding it astonishing. And it also made you a little jealous. You wanted to be closer to Fred as well. “And what’s the drinking all about?”

“Well I was a little thirsty and none of your stupid human stuff was able to help. But alcohol does”

“And why are you drunk then? There’s no reason for that”

“We had to celebrate. He came back from the dead” George said “Because first he was dead and then he wasn’t. But technically he is dead and now he’s back”

“Great” you growled “Time to go George”

“Noooooo”

“You’re coming, it’s too dangerous. We don’t know how long he’ll be in that state and when he snaps” you urged

“Hey! Not nice” Fred complained and again darted to another place “Besides I’ve got these here!” he showed you a bunch of lollipops “’t was Georgie’s idea I could take some blood lollies and they work. And they’re delicious” with that he put one in his mouth and when he took it out you saw he just bit the top off, with a part of the stick it was on.

“Oh that’s just great” you hissed through gritted teeth. Needless to say it scared the hell out of you how he just treated the sweet. You pinched the bridge of your nose “Okay, George I think it’s better if we leave right now and do something against your condition”

“I’m fine!” he whined and crossed his arms. Had the situation been another, you probably would have laughed. But right now you feared for both your best friend’s and your lives. So you turned to Fred

“Fred… can you help me that he leaves? I… it’s nothing against you but we don’t know what the alcohol will do to you when you start to sober up… what if you get aggressive and hurt us, or worse?” for a while he stared at you in disbelief then he seemed to realise what you wanted to say. To your relief he nodded, walked over to his twin and took hold of his shoulders

“Come on, let’s go, Georgie” he said softly

“B-but there’s sun in the shop. You can’t come. I-I don’t wanna leave you alone” he protested. Of course you could understand that but right now all that counted was to get him upstairs somehow.

“Okay, alright. You’ll go with (Y/N) and I stay here. I promise that I won’t leave and as soon as I’m better I come to see you again”

“How long?” George asked “It takes hours until you’re sober”

“He’s a vampire. Maybe he can speed the whole process up?” you suggested and Fred nodded. Luckily George did the same and agreed to come with you. Before he left, he pointed his finger at this twin

“Don’t leave. You stay here”

“I will” Fred promised and let go of George who wobbled towards you. With a sigh of relief you accompanied him back into the shop and drew the curtains again.

“See you later, Fred”

“See you” he called back.

At first George seemed quite mad at you that you made him leave. But only about two hours later (and after you told him that you bought Worple’s book and wanted to contact him if necessary) he calmed down and fell asleep on the couch. For that reason you went to the kitchen to start reading Worple’s book. George was right, it was quite useful and provided you with tips what you should and shouldn’t do when a vampire was around. Not really caring about dinner, you read until it was dark outside. The most useful part was the interview with one of the vampires Worple had met because he explained that it was possible to ‘deactivate’ the switch that made a vampire a senseless killer if you had time and patience. That was why you decided to give the book to Fred and contact Worple nevertheless.

It surprised you a little that Fred knocked at the door and asked if he could come in. Since George didn’t wake up, Fred decided it would be better to let him sleep a little more. Like yesterday, your boyfriend joined you in the kitchen.

“What happened to your eyes? They’re not red anymore” his eyes were indeed his natural colour again

“Oh yeah. That’s because I’m neither hungry nor full fed. Then they go back to my colour” you smiled

“I have to admit I like them better like this. So you haven’t… well been hunting?” he shook his head

“I realised that the reason I feel the urge to attack you isn’t because I’m hungry. It’s more like a craving, so drinking even more is of no use” you nodded

“That makes sense. I’ve read a great part of Worple’s book” you showed it to him “maybe you want to read it too, tomorrow. There’s an interview with a vampire who says that it’s possible to gain control over yourself”

“How?”

“That’s not written. But I thought we could contact Worple and pay him a visit” Fred shrugged and seemed to be lost in thought. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just… ah, never mind” this time you gave a shrug

“So it seems you’re not that drunk anymore. Does your body sober up quicker than a humans?”

“Yeah. I just learned today that I can use my powers to sober up within seconds. And the best thing: no hangover” you smiled

“That sounds great”

“It is. I even played with the thought of giving George some of my blood. Maybe he’d sober up a bit faster as well. I mean it might only be a question of an hour or two but still. But if it helps with the hangover that’s a good thing too. After all it was my fault we drank that much. I should have stopped him” he chuckled “he actually believed he could drink me under the table” you chuckled as well

“But I guess you didn’t get drunk at all so he brought even more until you were drunk too?” he nodded

“Though he had only half a bottle and I drank three and a half”

“Wow okay. I guess that wouldn’t be that good for a human, huh?”

“Definitely not” you were silent for some time before you took a deep breath and asked the question that had bothered you all day

“Fred. What about us?”

“How do you mean this?”

“Our relationship. Do-do you still love me or are you just afraid you could hurt me? Or something else?” he sighed

“I never stopped loving you and I don’t think I ever will. But I’m afraid what I might do to you. I’m not good for you, at least as long as I didn’t bring my instincts under control. And that might take decades”

“A-are you breaking up?” you asked with a teary voice

“I don’t know… how about you’re allowed to move on if you want and whenever you want. But if you still want me when I learned to control myself… I’ll be there for you” you shrugged

“I don’t think I’ll be moving on”

“You say that now, but I bet that in a year or…” suddenly something came to your mind

“No!” you shouted “Don’t say it. Your special gift”

“What?”

“You always win bets and games of luck. So if you say ‘I bet’ it just happens. You’ve gotta be very careful with that”

“Oh. That actually makes sense. Shit, I don’t even wanna know how many bad things that happened while I was with the other vamps are my fault because I said things like ‘wanna bet?’ Shit”

“And you do know how powerful that gift is? I mean it’s like mind controlling if you do it right. Or you probably can destroy the whole world just because you accidentally made a bet. Or make something bad happen on purpose” he was silent

“We could prevent that. Come on, make a bet with me that one day something horrible will happen because I unconsciously made it a bet. I bet against that and we’re safe” you weren’t so sure about that but did it anyway

“Okay. Fred, I bet that one day, someone will die or something worse will happen because you accidentally made a bet and then your gift must let you win” he grinned

“You’re on” he grimaced “Usually I’d say we have to confirm it with a handshake or seal it with blood for good measurement but I guess that’s not a good idea because both of them could end in me killing you” you suddenly had an idea

“And what if we made a bet that you’ll be able to pull yourself together and you will never hurt one of us?” he shook his head

“I guess that won’t work because my gift most likely will only work when I am convinced that I’m right”

“What if we try to change your attitude? I mean today you’ve spent hours with George and absolutely nothing happened”

“We’ve already told you. I’m not gagging for his blood because his genetics still are almost the same as mine. And you’re probably the one person who is in gravest danger”

“Why that?”

“Because I’m in love with you. So I don’t only feel the urge to get your blood but to… well satisfy other needs” you frowned

“So it’s not just about killing me but about sex too?”

“Kinda” he admitted “and if I gave in to this, I’d definitely end up killing you because I haven’t been within a feet of other humans the past year. Okay except for yesterday and today”

“But maybe that’s what you need: only when you are around humans and learn to control your needs, you will be able to do it. And-and maybe if you just drank a little, little amount of human blood sometimes you could kind of get used to it and if you’d actually bite a human once you could control it better”

“I fear that if I drink human blood I could become addicted to it and I want more and more”

“Well that’s what you’ll have to control then. And once you’ve managed that… Because you definitely can’t control your thirst for human blood by only controlling the one for animal blood”

“I know that… but I’m too afraid to drink human blood”

“Hey” you assured him “first we’ll take care of your animal blood thirst and then we can tackle the human blood. And we can always ask Worple for help” Fred gave another shrug.

Since neither of you had a good idea what else you could talk about you decided to tell Fred what was going on in the wizarding world while he was gone and what you did in the past year. Suddenly George walked into the kitchen, looking quite dishevelled. Fred grinned

“Look who’s come back from the dead” he joked

“That’s rich coming from you” George grumbled and sat down next to you, holding his head “my head’s about to explode”

“Time for an experiment” Fred said and before you realised it he had taken a glass from the cupboards and placed it on the counter and dragged a knife over his wrist.

“What in Merlin’s name, Fred stop this you…!” you exclaimed but stopped when George moaned.

“Don’t worry. I can heal it within seconds once I’m done” he replied, filling the glass about half an inch, then put the glass on the table in front of George “Drink” he said. The younger twin lifted his head a little and stared at the fluid.

“No” he shook his head and grimaced “no way”

“Don’t be stupid, George. It helps you to sober up a bit quicker. I could do it within seconds. It will help. Also against the hangover”

“But that’s disgusting. I wouldn’t even drink it if it’s your blood but it’s not even yours. It’s the blood of some bloody animal”

“Well I can also spit into your glass, then you’d just drink the poison”

“No thanks” for another second he eyed the glass critically, then he took it, closed his eyes and hastily drunk it. “Ugh” he put it down “Never make me drink that again”

“That’s what I first thought about blood too and look at me now” George and you didn’t find that too funny but Fred didn’t seem to care and put the empty glass in the sink. “Anyway, just do me a favour and don’t die in the next two days or so or else you’ll turn too”

“Don’t act as if you’d care. I mean if we both turned, you’d have us back as if nothing happened” George growled

“Yeah that’s true but then I’d have to live with the guilt forever. And I really don’t fancy babysitting new vamps. Besides, I didn’t’ want to transform and I won’t force anyone to become like me” nevertheless George seemed angry and got up

“I’m going to bed” he announced “I really hope your disgusting blood works”

George was indeed feeling well the next day. You met him in the kitchen eating breakfast with no signs of a hangover. When you asked him, however he admitted he still had a little headache but was fine.

“I thought I could go and buy some more blood lollipops for him” he said

“Yeah, why not?”

“Or maybe I could directly go to a butchery and ask them for some blood” you looked up

“Hey, that sounds like a great idea”

“Yes, after all if he drinks this blood he doesn’t have to feel bad that he’s killing an animal. Maybe that already helps” you shrugged

“I hope so”

Today you felt much better at work although you were wondering again what the twins were doing at home. If George had already manged to get some blood from a slaughter house? Did Fred like it? At the end of your work day you quickly packed all your things together and wanted to leave but on your way to the exit you ran into Percy Weasley. He looked awful and you couldn’t help but slowing down and ask him what he had.

“I know it’s ridiculous and you’ll say that I shouldn’t worry about it but I’m feeling guilty again. What happened to Fred is my fault and the anniversary just brought back all the bad feelings” you placed a hand on his arm.

“I can understand you blame yourself for what happened… but Fred wouldn’t want this” to your surprise Percy smiled

“He’d probably laugh at me if he was here right now”

“Most likely. And how are you doing? I mean after the anniversary?”

“I don’t know… something did come up again but now I’m as before again I guess” you lied.

“Am I bothering you? You don’t have to talk if you want to leave”

“It’s just… I wanna check up on George. He got drunk yesterday” this wasn’t a lie, technically

“Oh sure. He’s again worse again, isn’t he?”

“Kinda” you hedged “He doesn’t talk about it much. Assures me he’s fine and all”

“Do you want me to stop by?”

“Uhm… I don’t know if this is a good idea. But if you want, we all can go out sometime this week?” after all you wanted to ask him what status vampires had in the magical world.

“Sure. Why not. Guess I’ll hear from you?”

“Yes. See you Percy”

“See you. And give George my regards”

“I will” you patted his arm one last time and then you left.

Taglist: @rochelle-the-ravenclaw, @ta-ka-shi-ma, @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory, @villi-vee, @carolinesbookworld, @imboredsueme, @secret-jester, @malindacath, @muggleborngirl, @llcalumllhoodll

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scripted-dalliances · 5 years

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Rest In Peace: Chapter Sixteen

Title: Rest In Peace

Chapter: 16

Summary: A part of Faithless Fairy Tale, a more in depth look at how they brought Laura back to life. Appearance of old faces, creation of new ones and if you’re looking for canon, it left a long, long time ago. If you squint you might be able to see some pieces from the book.

A/N: I feel like I need to make a note of why I use Anubis rather than Jacquel. It’s mostly because Laura’s first intro to him is in death, where I feel he is more “Anubis than Jacquel” and same with Ibis, as meeting him in the funeral home.

+ I also want to explain of where Isis and Laura are by the end of this, if any of you have read the book, you’ll recall Shadow hanging out “behind the curtains” -where he eats and drinks, and generally has a rad time without Odin. This is what I sort of imagine the after life of the Egyptian gods is.

“Stories,' the green-eyed Sigrid said, unperturbed, 'are like prayers. It does not matter when you begin, or when you end, only that you bend a knee and say the words.” -Catherynne M. Valente

In the new room, Nephthys is a welcomed old face, one that Laura finds herself needing as Anubis coldly directs her remove her clothes and get up on the table. He is all business, as he moves around the room, while the two women talk.

“You knew your sister couldn't bring me back to life.” Laura says, kicking off her shoes and socks. Nephthys bends to pick them up, “You could have said.”

“I said she wanted to help, and she is.” The goddess replies, helping Laura to remove her shirt, jeans and everything else. Folds them as if precious and sets them aside. “We all will. It feels...”

“Good.” Anubis finishes, coming up behind them. An old set of tools in a thick leather case in his hands. Old enough that Laura thinks they should be a in a museum. “To work together as a family, to all play our part in a new story. We have not been afforded much of those roles.”

Laura doesn't really know what he means by that. So she simply gets up on the table and attempts to relax. The room is just a sterile as the funeral home, but far less homey. Her eyes struggle to take in everything, and not feel like the corpse she clearly is, but eventually the duo start working and she finds herself more entranced by the two working around each other.

Before, Ibis had helped, but even his presence had been off kilter in the sense that he mostly stood to the side, filling her head with false incentives.

Ibis had been commentary from the peanut gallery who kept her distracted. For what end, Laura doesn’t know, but at least here she knows that is not the case. Nephthys is a stark difference, as she takes one side of Laura while Anubis takes the other. Letting silence fall over them like a blanket, only occasionally broken by one needing a new tool.

Together, they work about her. Cleaning and fixing her broken and rotting body. Anubis undoes the stitching on her arms, belly and chest. Takes the miles of blackened thread and throws it away.

For each one he undoes on her, Nephthys slides her hands beneath the opened skin and gently performs her funeral rites. Taking time to remove the parasites and rot that infect Laura's bones and flesh. Normally the body would be fresher, the organs completely removed but this is different. The end they prepare her for isn't the customary type.

When all is done, Nephthys sews her up with gold thread, heavy but so fine and thin that it reminds Laura of a spider's silk. How she manages to keep it wrapped around a needle is magic in itself.

They each take the time to scrub away the dirt and grim from her skin, from under her nails and brush her thick matted hair until its glossy. It makes Laura feel like a little girl again, letting herself be taken care of.

For a long time the duo works in silence, before Laura finds herself breaking it.

“Does she know?” Laura questions. The two gods stop and look at her, “That I tried to rob her? The casino.”

Anubis goes back to his work, but Nephthys stops and peers down into Laura's eyes.

“She does. Though for what it is worth, you did not physical do so, nor did you succeed. My sister does not hold this against you, she has always been very good at seeing past crimes to the person behind them. She knows why you tried.”

Anubis shifts awkwardly, and after a long moment, speaks too. Voice softer than Laura expects as he fixes her nails.

“Once upon a time, Isis had a brother. Set was messy, chaotic and ambitious to the point of ruin.” Anubis looks at Laura pointedly, “He was also a loud mouth who never learned.” He says this in a tone as if he is talking about her. “-but no matter what he did, she still called him brother.”

“So, you're saying she is helping me because I remind her of her brother?”

“No. I am saying she heart big enough to forgive even the worst crimes.” At this, Laura glares and he mirrors the expression. “Do not make that face, it might stay like that. Rigor mortis is a thing you know.”

“What he is trying to say, very badly, is that she loved her brother. Always.” Nephthys runs her nails through Laura's hair. Fixing it to perfection. “In the grand scheme of things, Odin stole something far more precious from us. He did it with the selfish design for himself, right in our town, to one we considered ours. No offense, but comparatively, your crimes are of a child stealing a cookie before dinner. We might use money to garner attention, but we are not attached to it, not like mortals are.”

“Thanks.” Laura replies glibly.

Nephthys catches her tone, “What did you expect? To be punished indefinitely for such a soft crime?”

“Shadow did time for that soft crime, I made the biggest mistake of life after it. Everything even slightly good in my life went to shit after I tried to rob this place…so yeah. Maybe I was thinking it was borderline divine punishment.”

Nephthys glances at Anubis, whose gaze is fixed on the glue he is using on Laura's nails. Determining that he is distracted, she leans down to whispers mischievously in Laura's ear.

“Want to know another secret?”

“Always.”

“Those scales, the ones you are so scared of? Don't weigh crimes like you think. It weighs your heart, and that is a very complicated thing. It holds all your secrets. Every lie. Every truth. All the little dirty details, all the moments you felt light and loved.” She rests her weight on her arms to better peer into Laura's eyes. “All the times you felt alone and hurt and didn't say a word. Your heart has taken those seeds of pain, sowed it within and kept them.”

“This doesn't sound like a secret.”

“The secret, impatient one, is that it takes a great deal of sin and malice to tip those ugly scales. Guilt makes a heart heavy, but the worst ones are the hearts that feel no guilt at all for the terrible things they’ve done.” She reveals, “Only you can know the truth of your heart without those scales, and it is no secret that you judge yours too harshly.”

There is a knock at the door. Disallowing Laura any chance to comment on the state of her heart.

It was time.

“We'll have to take it out. The coin.” Isis told her, watching Laura come before her. They are back in the grand marble ballroom, alone. Above their heads, the night is black, without even the smallest star. Looking up at it, Laura feels as they've left Earth, like they are alone on another planet.

“I will be dead if you do. Seems a bit of a step back.”

Isis takes her hands and drags her to the center of the room. The white dress Nephthys had dressed her in was glowing in the darkness of the starless sky. There, at their bare feet is a pale gold dish, with just a hint of water nestled in the bottom. It takes Laura a second to register that it was moving. Soft, gentle waves so small a raindrop would disturb it. The mock ocean in the pan kept her attention until Isis gripped her hand hard in her own.

“The water will carry your spirit out of this body, and you will be put in a sort of...spiritual body. It will hurt. Forming a spiritual form is easier than bringing you back from the dead, but I can not promise it will not hurt. The stronger the spirit, the harder it is to pull it away.” Isis tells her, rolling her shoulders and closing her eyes. “Now, close your eyes. Do not open them until I tell you. Clear your mind and think of what makes you want to breath again.”

Laura was in process of closing eyes, but suddenly finds herself glaring.

“Low blow. We both know I don't.”

Isis tilts her head, purses her lips and mockingly replies, “Oh? Really? Nothing comes to mind?”

Laura wants to tell her, no. She really fucking doesn't. She's a dead woman, with an ex-husband with no money, no job and smells like rotted pork chops. She wants to tell Isis that she's got nothing but her own selfish desires at this point, to want to feel whole and warm again.

-but then she thinks of Mad Sweeney's massive warm hands on her hips, lifting her like a precious bubble of spun sugar. Making her feel not a beat of a heart, but a gust that swelled her lungs. How she inhaled and exhaled in the aftermath.

-but then she recalls of touching him as he slept, when he shined so softly she could almost taste the light on her tongue. Making her blood boil and coat the very inside of her veins with liquid sunlight; the soft, perfect Sunday morning kind, where you felt like it was wrapped around your whole body. How she had nearly kissed him out of desire.

-but then she recalls his angry rant, of him telling her she has him. His luck, his heart and faith. How he had said with such fury, such hate, that it was just enough to make his confession honest. How he told her in not so many words he loved her, spitefully and painfully, and she believed him.

“Oh fuck.” Laura whispers to herself, shutting her eyes in pain as she becomes more and more aware of revelations. Of herself; when had she stopped wanting to slit his throat every time he spoke? When did she start smiling at his stupid insults? Before their deal? Before she slayed Odin to save him?

Of him; His antics, he soft tones and side glances. How he complained and bitched, dragged his feet, but never once lead her astray. Never tricked her or mentally fucked with her until she thought she was better off dead.

Oh, he repeated himself almost daily on why she should leave Shadow, to give up on that dream, darlin' cus it's deader than you. He told her many times to give up her old life, her husband and the dumb mission to save him. She had his coin, yes, but it was clear if he only waited another week or two, she would have rotted to pieces just like he warned.

Instead, he continued to try. One dark car trip after another.

All awhile, shedding coins of knowledge before her. Secrets of himself, of her and what was to come. He didn't have to do that, he could have lied. Could have tricked her from the start, and she wouldn't have known until it was too late.

She had already lost the coin once, and it was in his hands, and yet he still reached into her filthy corpse and put it back.

Like she deserved another chance, like he wanted her to have her vengeance and come out on top of this whole damn war. To get not just her life back, but to teach these new gods a lesson only a sacrifice could.

Because for whatever reason, he believed she deserved it, and so she did.

Water crashes against her feet, enough to make her cry out.

The water is warm, and rises quickly. The only reason that she does not move or kick away is because Isis still has not let go. Even when the water floods around her, hitting her ankles, knees and hips within seconds. Try as she might to ignore the sensation and keep her eyes closed, it was a struggle.

Mind on high a alert and wariness growing. She wanted to know what the fuck was happening, because how could there be ocean tides in this room, how could it feel like nothing was below them, how could it not drown them in seconds?

The water covers her head, and she chokes.

It's a violent sudden awareness that has her body clenching forward on instinct. Pitching her out of Isis's grip but into her arms. Beneath the water, they sink together, with Isis's strong grip holding on to Laura's shuddering body. As it rocked, twisted and shook.

As it splinted apart.

Laura’s mind races, trying to understand the reaction at all, she doesn’t need air, she has drowned before. Under Mad Sweeney’s furious grip at that, but this feels different. Less like drowning and more like splintering. More like the water was filling her body and pushing her out.

This was her spirit forced to leave a shell it didn't want to let go of.

The pressure builds and builds until finally, it happens.

She breaks.

Her lungs popped first, her spine bent unnaturally in agreement. She became a doll with cut strings in Isis’s hold.

Every nerve screamed in tormented harmony with her bones that cracked over and over like eggs against a bowl. That quick and easy.

The rest of her organs were slower, they took their time with her pain. Waiting their turn between cracks to slide in. A bloat of the bladder, a pinch of the kidney while her guts twisted in their own merry away. Without much care where and when she felt the pain, only that she knew it was always happening. A background pain that would soon also drown under the loudest of all.

Her heart.

It beat once, then twice.

By the third beat, she is breaking the surface of the water. Taking deep, shuddering intakes of air that burn, but just as quick heal and fill her lungs too.

Everything aches like a new sickness, but she reveals in it.

“Open your eyes, Laura.” Isis whispers, still holding her. Letting the girl lean against her in the great waters of this unknown world. Together, their hearts beat slow and sure. An echo to the other, in that way only a heart can, to prove it's existence to all. That only it can provide the predictable beats for.

Laura opens her eyes to the same endless galaxy from her first time in the after world and breathes.

If this is life in the after world, she finds she doesn’t mind it.

Later, they walk hand in hand, out of the ocean to a warm beach white sand, black mud and grass so green it redefines the meaning of the word. It's only when they are climbing out of a bank, when she turns to look behind her that she realizes the ocean wasn't an ocean at all.

It was a river.

#madwife #mad wife #mad sweeney #mad sweeney x laura moon #laura moon #madwife fic #laura x sweeney

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addictedforbooksquad · 6 years

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S U M M E R R E A D I N G L I S T

Summer is here! What are you all up to these days?

Are you lying on the beach, sipping some cool drink with a fancy name and enjoying the sun? Or sitting on a long monotonous flight to your holiday destination? Or perhaps you’re chilling in the park after work?

And is there something missing in all those scenarios?

Why, a good book, of course!

So here’s a list of some of our favourite books; ones that we love coming back to again and again and ones that we might’ve read only once so far but already know we’ll be rereading them in the future :) And since summer is a perfect time to read something new as well, you’ll also find some upcoming releases that we’re excited about here.

Happy reading!

UPCOMING, NEW AND NEWISH RELEASES

The Chase by Elle Kennedy (expected publication date : August 6th) - not only Fitzy was shook by Summer’s appearance in The Score, we were too! Now we cannot wait for their story and with our love of Off Campus series, our expectations for this book to end up being the hottest read of the summer are pretty damn high.

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare (expected publication date : August 28th) - the first book in Girl Meets Duke series, “The Duchess Deal”, was an absolute delight to read and we’re hoping this one will continue that happy hot streak.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (expected publication date : July 10th) - a good retelling by one of our favoruite authors sounds like a must-read and must-read it is.

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne (published : May 22nd) - the first book in Lauren Layne’s newest series, 21 Wall Street, has it all - steamy romance, great cast of characters, some crime and mystery and last but not least, hot brokers in suits.

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning (expected publication date : July 31st) - MERMAIDS. Enough said.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (published : June 5th) - we fell in love with this book and we’re sure many of you will too! It’s funny, it’s warm, it’s sexy and Stella and Michael are definitely our faves this summer <3

I Think I Love You by Lauren Layne (expected publication date : July 10th) - the last book in Oxford series and we’re definitely curious about it. We love us some fake dating and friends to lovers trope xD

Pride by Ibi Zoboi (expected publication date : September 18th) - contemporary Pride and Prejudice retelling? WE. ARE. SO. IN.

Jock Row by Sara Ney (published : May 3rd) - in our minds, you can’t go wrong with some steamy sports romance for a summer read and this one is just so freaking cute!

Mirage by Somaiya Daud (expected publication date : August 28th) - YA fantasy with Moroccan-inspired setting and the summary sounds oh-so-intriguing. Is this the next series we will get obsessed with? Seems probable!

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo (published : March 6th) - bloodthirsty mermaids? Check. Ruggedly handsome pirates? Check. Enemies to friends to lovers trope? CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK, GO READ THIS BOOK NOW.

The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland (expected publication date : July 23rd) - most of us on this blog have a “hit and miss” experience with Vi Keeland’s books but this one seems like a perfectly balanced hot meal of romance and angst, so we’re here, ready for it xD

FAVES WE LOVE COMING BACK TO

The Score by Elle Kennedy - again, you just can’t go wrong with sports romance for some summer reading and Allie and Dean will surely knock your socks off. WE LOVE THIS STORY!

Addicted series by Krista & Becca Ritchie - it won’t come as a surprise, surely, that this is one of our most beloved series. In fact, we’re planning on rereading it sometime in August! So...anyone else ready to go through ten books full of love, friendship, heartache, pain and utter bliss? Join us and fall in love with Lily, Rose, Daisy, Lo, Connor and Ryke just like we did!

Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne - one of our favs by Lauren Layne, it’s SO CUTE and FUNNY and will make you feel good!

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - at first sight, this is a story of summer romance set in Italy - which makes it perfect for summer reading list - but in reality, it’s. So. Much. More. And it might very well break your heart but it’s worth it.

Foolish Kingdoms series by Natalia Jaster - creators of this blog have declared themselves crazy for Natalia Jaster’s writing - and it all started with the first book in this series, “Trick”. Fantasy setting, poetic prose and entertaining layered characters - what more could one wish for?

All for the Game by Nora Sakavic - this series is by no means a “light” summer read but we still love it so much and can’t help rereading it again and again. The Foxes have claimed our hearts and refuse to let go, just as we do.

Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas - how can one pass summer without reading at least one steamy historical romance, right? And this one doesn’t disappoint! With a charming and refreshing heroine and a dashing hero who becomes her biggest fanboy in a matter of a few chapters, it’s a real treat :)

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon - young love at the summer program for aspiring web developers with romance and cuteness overload, are you in or are you in???

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover - friends-slash-neighbours with benefits arrangement meets Feelings. Rules are broken. Complications ensue. Read it *whispers SUBTLY*

Tell Me Three Things by Julia Buxbaum - perhaps a book set in high school doesn’t exactly scream “summer” but this is one of our favourite YA contemporaries. There’s just something about the way this book makes you feel...we just cannot recommend it enough!

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata - sure, this is a sports romance revolving around figure skating which happens to involve lots of ice but rest assured, the chemistry between Jasmine and Ivan will leave you in need of ice for cooling down purposes.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - granted, we’ve read it only months ago, but this one has us absolutely obsessed. And you could be too, just dare to venture into the mysterious and deadly world of faeries - just remember to guard your mortal heart.

Everless by Sara Holland - YA fantasy with an usual concept of time as currency - it keeps you on the edge of chair as you read it. If anyone feels like reading some quality fantasy this summer, go for it!

Married by Morning Lisa Kleypas - favourite one from The Hathaways series! Catherine and Leo just own our hearts <3 This book will make you laugh and (maybe) cry and (surely) fan your heated face (because the hotness levels? Phew🔥

The Foxe and the Hound by R.S. Grey - this is such a make-you-feel-good book and the main character, Madeleine, couldn’t be more relatable. She’s in her mid/late-twenties and - plot twist - doesn’t have it all figured out yet. Luckily, not all hope is lost yet xD

Forbidden Hearts series you by Alisha Rai - it saddens us greatly how underappreciated Alisha Rai’s writing is. She writes compelling diverse characters and her smut is the ultimate proof that Consent Is Sexy. Join us in fangirling!

#nadaily #dailylit #book recs #bookworm #bibliophile #reading #literature #books #ya literature #na literature #booksquad talks books

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itsgentleteasingrae-blog · 6 years

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Sheepish Sheperd

Prompt: This is the first story with Silver Sheperd, a superhero Mark ego. On a stealth mission to sneak around the enemy base, Silver once again has shenanigans and somehow gets caught, but not with a trap. This then leads to all sorts of tickly fun torture and shenanigans.

Thought process: SILVER SHEPERD. MY EGO. PLOT OUT SPOTS. CHEAT SHEET FOR OTHERS. TRAP. TICKLES. GO! (well at least his upper body) Also I had a thought that Silver would be that main character who is normally comic relief but gets all the credit (like professor gadget).

Word Count: 1349

The mission was going well. Silver Sheperd and his partner Ibis, were currently on a stealth mission, sneaking through Sheperd main rival and nemesis, Dark Feather’s (I’m horrible with names, so this name may change) base. After narrowly escaping away from the guards, they found themselves in a storage room where they hid in to hide. Now, obviously they couldn’t stay there forever, unless they wanted to eventually get caught.

Silver paced around the room, trying to think of a plan.

“Okay, I’ll keep watch of the door and if anyone comes by I’ll use the door as a weapon and knock them out.” He then immediately leaped over to the door and pressed his ear against it. Ibis, all the while respects Silver, knows there could be a better plan. He eyed around the small room and found a large vent. He was able to reach the little door panel and tear it off.

“Leaping lizards Silver! I found a way out of here!”

Silver looked over to his partner, dumbfounded by the vent that was right in front of their eyes. He removed himself from the door and over to the vent opening.

“Huh, good work there Ibis! Let’s zip on out of here! I’ll go first.”

The silver hero then climbed into the vent and his sidekick followed close by. They crawled around the cold, dark vents, trying to be as silent as possible. Silver couldn’t help but shiver as he lied on the cold metal, the nylon suit enhancing his nerves, something he knew all too well. The vigilantes continued their travel until *CLINK* Silver climbed over a vent door with all of his weight, causing it to open.

Silver fell down the opening, catching himself along the edge of the vent. Luckily he caught himself since his cape felt awfully tight. He let go of one arm to feel his cape, which was not draping down his back like normal, he gave it a little tug only to realize his cape was caught on something.

“Golly! Are you okay there Silver? It seems your cape is caught onto the vent!”

“Well get it uncaught Ibis! AND BE CAREFUL WITH IT! I better not see a single tear into this cape. I paid good money for it.”

Silver reached his arm back up to grip onto the vent edge. He looked below him, noticing the floor was merely not too far away, but still just enough to keep him hovering across the floor. Now of course he could drop down with ease, but he is not going to be ruining his cape. Well, that will was quickly going to be tested. He began attempting to pull himself up, when suddenly he felt a single finger drag down his spine. He froze.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my arch nemesis, Silver Sheperd. Quite in a predictament aren’t we~?” The stranger purred, tracing shapes around Silver’s lower back. Silver’s immediate response was arching his back, one of many of his sensitive spots that anyone could take an advantage on. He then replied with a small squeak before dissolving into giggles, trying to continue pulling himself up.

“Shshshshshahahahahahahat uhuhuhp!”

The stranger was none other than Dark Feather. Unlike most villains who would be shocked to see the hero in their office, he was delighted, for many reasons. The main one being that his nemesis is currently hanging from above, being unable to protect any of his tickle spots. The second reason being, Silver’s adorable reactions.

“Nice of you to drop in little lee~”

He purred again, amused to see the hero already squirming. He was more used to seeing his enemy tied up rather than only his arms being restricted. The villain then dragged his hand over to Silver’s side, kneading and spidering up and down his side without care. The latter of course swinging away from the tickling sensation.

“N-not nahahahahow you fihihihiend! EEHEHEHheheh!”

Silver squealed as the enemy switched from one side to his more exposed side, therefore catching him off guard. DF grinned at the cute reaction and then added a second hand to the mix, having both hands effortlessly gliding across Silver’s sides slowly moving them up, over his ribs and circling dangerously around the hollow of Silver’s underarms.

“Not now? Meaning you would actually want to do this another time, eh? How about you come on down and then we can have some real fun. I know you would love that wouldn’t you? Don’t make me go for THAT spot.”

Silver squeaked once again, his arms trembling. His arms were already starting to get tired from holding all of his weight for so long. Not to mention the teases weren’t making it any easier. He could already feel his tough guy attitude disappearing.

“Ihihihihibis! W-whahahaht’s taking so long?”

“Working on it sir!”

Ibis replied back to him. Ibis is very skilled, in fact he should’ve had the cape undone by then. But he took his time. Now why would a sidekick do such betrayal, leaving his comrade to a small dosage of tickle torture? Well, actually it isn’t betrayal at all. Ibis new his partner all too well. He was loving this, but will never say it outloud. After fighting crime for quite some time, he learned all sorts of this about his friend. All of his spots, all the flustering teases. Honestly Silver could handle hours of this, and he has, many times. He was about most of the way done on his cape, hiding his little smile in the vents.

There was then a sudden shrill, startled, squeal that Silver made. All that was done was DF placing a hand on his belly, giving him a nice little belly rub. DF couldn’t help but break from his intimidating character and smirked evilly towards Silver.

“Sensitive belly eh?”

Silver hid his face in his arm, embarrassed by the most obvious ticklish spot. DF grinned and gave the tum a small squeeze, earning a cute yelp from the hero, before ever so slowly dragging his free hand down to his hip.

“Y-you wouldn’t dare…”

“Oh I would.”

Was the last thing anyone heard before everything was blocked out by Silver’s laughter. It rung through the room and through the vents. DF simply skittered his fingers quickly over the silky fabric, taking in every inch that he could find. He would amuse himself by scribbling circles around the Sheperd’s navel, earning him a shriek as Silver’s legs kicked about and him bucking around like a maniac. His other hand would pinch and press his thumb on the hip bone. At this point Silver lost it and couldn’t figure out how to use words anymore.

“HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA ASTAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA! I CAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!”

“I’m sorry Sheperd, but I don’t understand laughter. Could you speak up?” He then went for the kill, dipping a finger in Silver’s navel as his other finger scratch around the poor hole, meanwhile continuously playing with his hips. At this point Silver’s head threw back and his laughter turned silent. He couldn’t take the sensation anymore and let go of the vent, causing him to fall and tear a small hole into the cape.

He fell to the ground, curling up and hugging his belly tightly. He looked up at Ibis who wore a worried expression, and gave him a flustered smile, indicating he was okay.

“G-goooohohohoho gohohoho! Before they catch you!” He lied their panting, not caring at the moment that he was lying right next to his biggest threat. The door opened as two guards rushed in and picked him up. Silver went limp in his holders’ arms, still taking in any breaths he can get, before weakly looking up at his nemesis. DF wore the biggest, evilest grin that he could manage.

“Good little lee. Now onto the fun room. After all this is just the beginning, and guards?”

The guards stand tall, indicating that they were listening.

“Look for the boy, just so we can make sure our little blushy friend here doesn’t have any chance for escape…”

The end!

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badhebie · 3 years

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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

[03-07-2021] Return to the city, which I have left for several years. Bandung. A town I love, which never fails to impress me. The city always has something new around every corner.

Made an appointment to Meet an 'old friend' that I never seen or talking for many years. After talking with shitty and unnecessary chitchat then we moved to an old Kopitiam around Sudirman Street that still amazed me until now.

After many years passed, this old Kopitiam still impress me. The building, the wall arts, the decorations, the ambience, the lighting, even the people coming here still same as in the past. Many old guys and old ladies coming here only for playing capsa, chess or mahjong showdown while enjoying some Coffee or Tea with some Dimsum. They just playing happily with each other. They seems dont care that now already quite late at night. What a moments.. Reminiscing!

After feeling mesmerized, we order some of their Signature Coffee and some Dumplings. I'm shocked to know that their tastes of Coffee is consistency and never change! That's cool!

Because of nowadays I'm enjoying writting about anything, then I tell my friend that I will record all of our chitchat and conversation into an mp3 recording file. So I could make the convo's transcript to fill in into my blog :))

t r a n s c r i p t :

Me : This Kopitiam kinda reminds me about the old times that we always coming here for almost every week with our friends..

P : Ya Ya Ya.. indeed! It is not every week! But twice a week, hahaha..

It's been long story we talking about anything until I tell her about my problems.. she looks kinda shock hearing it all and seems not believe for what happening to me right now.

Yes I told her about my family's matters..

P : Oh.. ( I can see her eyes pouring some tears )

I cannot believe why you have to be an asshole by cheating to your wife? Do you know that what you have done is so heartless and hurts your wife so much? Oh ibie!! I really cannot believe what you have done!! really.. fucking asshole! (I can see some rage on her eyes!)

Me : Well, things happens! My life is fucked. And I really fully regrets! I dont know how to fix this.. Yes I know I have done something terrible.. But at that time, I feels like i lost controls to myself and everything. And at that time I feels like I dont understand myself too..

P : You dont need to make excuse for youself! Wrong is wrong.. You have no reasons to do all this fucking things!

Me : Yes I know.. and I admit that I was an asshole for doing this.. and now i really regretfully for what happened to my family..

at that time, I feels like sometimes my wife didnt love me and sometimes I feels like she never respect me.. I dont know this is only my feeling or my reasons, but yes sometimes i feels like that..

Maybe because Im an overthinker person, thats why that time I lost control to myself and doing all this bad things. But after that i feel regret.. really sad and sorry..

P : Whatever your reasons, bie! What you've done is unacceptable.. Oh I really speechless to you! fuck!

Then, have you apologize to your wife and ask for forgiveness from her? Have you explain everything to her? Are you really feel sorry now?

Me : Yes I do! As a man, I do apologize and ask for forgiveness from her. I even kneel to her to forgive me and give me chance. I dont know how to fix this.. I dont know how to make her forgive me and give me last chance and trust me again that I will never ever doing very bad mistakes again and broke her trust again.

P : Then? Did she forgive you?

Me : No, She is not. She said she cannot give me chance for now and ask me to clear my self out of problems.. at first I was so excited that I thought she is willing to give me chance. I'm doing my best effort to fix everything, I do my best to bring back her trust on me. Until one day I realized that she's only play with my guilt and probably just want to revenge to me. After knowing that, I feels numb and thinking that all my efforts was nothing. What am I trying to fix was meaningless.. Then its time I have stopped all my efforts to fix everything and stop expecting. I feel bad.. really bad!

P : Huh? What do you mean? I dont get it. Why dont you continue to fix with her? Show your fully efforts to brings her back!! Its all your fault then you have to fix!

Me : Yes, at first I will show her my fully effort and Im willing to do anything to fix all of this. Then one day I realized that she was looking for another guys or maybe now she probably having a relationship with someone else already. That day I realized that all she said by saying will give me chance after I clear myself out was only a joke, its fake and just an empty hope!

Can you imagine, if she said will give me chance but in reality she was in relationship with another guy? Then I have to fix what? I have to keep fighting to fix everything when she has already have relationship with another guy? It's unacceptable for me! If she said she will give me chance, she have to wait and look at my progress, she have to let me work my best and wait me until I clear myself out, but what she did is having another relationship with someone else! Then what she said will giving me chance was a fake and its all lie! Am I right? Thats why I'm stopped all of this!

P : Huh? Wait.. wait! I miss something here. So, she said she will give you chance but you have to fix yourself first BUT in reality, she was having relationship with another guy already? So, what I got here is she probably waiting you for fixing yourself but while waiting she has another relationship with someone else? She is having relationship while waiting you?

Me : YES! Exactly! I'm not sure she's already in relationship or still looking for another guy.. but this is so heartless and unacceptable for me! Why dont she just said NO MORE CHANCE for me instead of saying will giving me chance but having another relationship with someone else or looking for someone else? Its does not make sense!

P : If this is the case, then yes.. actually what she have to do is just saying directly to you that NO CHANCES for you. I dont understand her as well.. why she said she will give you chance after you clear yourself out but she is having or looking relationship with someone else.. Haha im curious about it! Well, then its your rights to stop or to keep fighting for her! But I understand you, you will feel hurt when you keep fighting for her while she was having relationship with someone else. Well, my advice is just follow your heart! But if the case is like this, you better pull yourself out of this situation and keep walking.. At least you already did your job, feels regret, apologizing, ask for forgiveness and trying your best to fix everything, eventhough in the end it didn't go as you pleased, but at least you tried. You did a great job, bie!

Me : Yes! I take my punishment already by cannot see and touch my son. As a man, I admit my big mistakes to her already! I feels fully regret already. I ask for forgiveness already, I promise to her that I will never ever doing bad mistakes and broke her trust anymore, I doing everything already to regain her trust! But she wasting all my efforts! She is playing with my feeling by saying will give me chance after I cleared myself out! She gave me fake and empty hope. So i pull myself out and stopped! At least if someday Mica grown up, I can tell him what I did. I can tell Mica that his dad already trying to fix everything but his mom is wasting my efforts and playing with me. So im gonna give up..

*She looks confused, sad, and crying..*

P : Do you still love your wife after what you have done?

Me : Yes I do. I love her with all my heart.. It will and always! I've been fully regret with what I did to her. If I could turn back the time, even it cost my life, then I would.. GIving up didnt means I didnt love her, I just feel tired hurt myself as well.. and I feeling hurts when my efforts wasn't appreciated. Been there, done that! But I will always love her with all my heart and I keep saying sorry to her in my heart and my prays..

P : Im sure you were really miss Mica and your wife.. I can see from your eyes.. it looks empty! You miss them so bad.. (*she looks crying again)

Me : I miss my son for every second of my life.. I never felt this way, missing someone til my heart aches! It really hurt deep inside.. Almost every night Im crying missing my son. What I could do only looking at Mica's photos on my gallery.. No father in this world who is strong enough to bear the pain of missing his child. Its really unbearable for me..

P : Do you try to call Mica everyday? You can video call to him to heal your wound.. Or ask his mom to video call to you everyday if posisble. Or ask her to send Mica's picture for you at least once a day.. Im sure it will not bother her at all

Me : Yes, I do ask her already to send me Mica's picture as much as she can.. but you know what, Pao? I think she trying to separate me with Mica as well..

P : HAH ??!! What do you mean??

Me : Yes, you heard it right! I think she trying to separate me and Mica as well.. Do you know why? I ask her many times already to send Mica's pic as much as she can.. and she said YES, she will try to send Mica's pic as much as she can. But again, in reality she was fake again.. she only send like every 4 or 5 days or even 1 WEEK and only send 1 photos or videos. Do you think its called "AS MUCH AS SHE CAN" ? send pic every 4-5 days and only 1 ? After waiting for every 4-5 days I only got 1 pic or 1 short video.. She can HATE ME as much as she want but she have no rights to separate innocent child to his father, right??? Yes you are RIGHT! Even 1 photo per day it will not bother her at all.. But she just dont want! But she probably busy looking and impress some guys out there instead of sending me some of my Son's photos that I always wait like forever.. sending some pic's everyday not wasting even 1 minutes of her time. But this is about WANT or DONT WANT!

P : WHAATTTT?! REALLY?? Sorry bie.. but in my opinion, no matter how bad the father, every childs in this world is have FULLY RIGHTS to know his/her father! If she doing that, she is FORCEFULLY take Mica's RIGHTS to know you as his father.. she is doing a bad parenting system! How heartless she was.. She take Mica's rights as innocent child to know his father. Well, somehow I feel bad for you bie. You are right, She can hate you as much as she wanted to, but she have NO RIGHTS to force Mica to not to know his father.. Oh my God! Somehow, I got your point when before you said you have your own reason by doing some bad mistakes to her.. Well, I dont know but I got the point somehow! Its only you can feel it.. But it doesnt mean you were right! You are still WRONG by doing the FUCKING BAD THINGS! But I know at least you did a great job by fully regret it, apologizing, and trying to fix with her, even in the end she wasn't appreciate you, at least you try.. a gentleman's job! Standing ovation for you bie..!

P : . . . .

P : As a man and as a normal human being, its OK for you to make mistakes. Learn from it, take lessons from it, and promise for you life that you will never ever do it again. Even you ever failed as a man and as a husband to your loved ones, Im sure that you have fully regret now. But you never failed as a Daddy! Im sure you were being a Super Daddy for Mica! And Im sure, Mica is super love you and proud to you as his Father! You will be a good Dad for him, Im sure of that bie..!

Me : Bad Parenting Systems? Probably yes.. She is forcefully take Mica's right to know me as his father.. Well, if someday Mica grows up, I hope Mica didnt grown up with rage and questioning where is his Dad! Because He will understand when he grows up.. And someday I hope I could explain everything to him what was happened.. At least I have tried everything and its gonna be my reasons to Mica..

P : I feel sad for you bie.. Keep strong and be patients! God will never sleep.. If you feel fully regret and promise to never ever doing bad mistakes again for your life, im sure God will always listens to you and helps you.. keep believe it! Im Buddhist too like her.. so Im sure we belief about Karma. You get your bad Karma already by doing bad on the past. And if she is proven trying to separate Mica from his Daddy, Im sure too she will get Karma too for what she did.. For now you better stand up and keep walking for your life. And love yourself more than before.. Last time we met you look so fat than now.. Now you look losing weight! Remember you have to keep healthy.. Overthinking will make you sicks! Try to forgive yourself.. Try to accept yourself back.. Try to love yourself again.. What's DONE is DONE! you cannot turn back the time, but you can fix it and make it better.. But first forgive yourself and love yourself, so you can stand up and walking again.

Me : Yes I try to walks again.. and now I almost can running again hahaha! But the pain is still unbearable for me for missing my Son every second of my life.. it hurts so much for missing him!

If you were her, would you like to give me second chance for me to fix it? I just want to know from other people's perspective..

P : HAH? If I were her? You mean if this bad things happens to me? Hmmm.. Well, If I was her and this is happened to me, for sure I will very angry, mad, and sad as much as she did, or maybe more than she did. But after that I will heal myself first and think clearly for what I should do. But in my opinion, every people DESERVE a second chance! Especially if we have childs already. For sure in the end I will give you a second chance and let you prove yourself that you will never ever doing bad things again and broke my trust. Because for me second chance is LAST CHANCE! So if this happened again, NO MORE CHANCES for you for your life! But yeahh.. for me every people deserve a second chance! Especially when I see you were really regrets and I can see your efforts to fix everything! Its for me.. But every people's have different minds, so my opinion cannot be used as a standard! But for sure If I were her and I already said I will give you chance, then I would really give you chance and see you progress first.. I will waiting how much you can show and prove yourself to fix and be a better person than before! But for sure I will not looking for other guys while waiting HAHAHAHA.. because I will be honest and pure from heart when I said i will giving you chance.. No FAKE FAKE woyyy! Hahaha..

Me : Here we comes the sarcastic moments, hahaha... But thank you for your perspectives! I hope she could do as you said,, but yeah every people is different!

P : Then dont be too worry bie.. I hope she could opened her heart soon and not thinking only about herself, but about Mica as well.. Mica is still really too little for this! He needs both his Mummy and Daddy on his side. Dont let innocent child be victims from the selfishness of their parents.

Me : Well, I dont know about that.. I feel too tired and almost fully giving up..

P : You can rest a while bie.. And I know for now you were busy and tired with your business hahaha.. congrats anyway! Dont give up bie! Move forward!! I will joins and helps your business.. your coffee bottle is super yummy and your cornflakes is good, especially the peppersalt one! I like it.. No one's here using cornflakes as snacks, thats why I think it looks promising business.. Just dont give up and keep walking! Thats my note! Dont feeling down when sometimes your business is going down.. You need to have a strong mentality build when you working on personal business. Up and down on personal business is normal..

Me : Hahaha thanks! Yes it starting to grows.. I will working hard for it! Woyyy of course its good, it has secret recipes from starbucks hahaha.. Yes yes you have to helps me extent and expand my selling hahaha.. just kidding, Pao! But thank you, you boosted up my mood haha..

P : YEEESSSSSS!!! hahaha sure I will helps you as much as I can, dont worry! haha.. And I will promote it anywhere haha.. soon you will need to open mini factory, hahaha Ameeenn!!!

And dont worry, when I said AS MUCH AS I CAN, I will do and act in real, not only words or FAKE!! hahahahahahaha..

*we both laugh hard on this*

Me : LOL hahaha.. Here we comes again for another sarcastic moments, Hahahah! But Ameeennnn!! Thanks, Pao! I feel lightly after I confess to you all my stories.. wish me better and better OK?

P : Sure!!! Im sure you can..!

The time has passed, It's been 02:50am already. Then I sent her home and I back home as well. Thanks for listening to my vent, Pao! What a day!! Ready to work again tomorrow ^_^

#Spotify

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asfeedin · 4 years

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There’s a Real Need For a New Micro Four Thirds Sensor

Current Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic are great, but they seriously need a new heart to keep them competitive.

There has been a lot of talk over the last few years about new sensors for Micro Four Thirds cameras, but to date, we have not seen anything come from all the noise that surrounds the platform. With technology continuing to push forward, the need for a new Micro Four Thirds sensor is becoming more apparent with each passing day. If Olympus and Panasonic want to continue on their M4/3 journey, they will need to figure something out sooner than later. Otherwise, they run the risk of falling too far behind. Let’s talk about this after the break.

As a current user of Olympus Mirco Four Thirds cameras, for the most part, I am happy with the 20-megapixel sensor that sits inside my Olympus E-M1 II, and the 16 Megapixel sensor that calls my E-M10 II home. These cameras launched back in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and at the time, the sensors were groundbreaking for this platform. Since then, there has been nothing but rot when it comes to new sensors. In fact, both of these sensors are being used in Olympus’s ‘new’ cameras today, and that’s not going to cut it. This applies to Panasonic too. The days of rehashing must come to an end if these guys want to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of photography.

The Olympus E-M1 II was launched in 2015 but the sensor is still front and center in the company’s latest cameras.

I was incredibly excited to learn about the new Olympus E-M1 III and the Pen E-PL10 earlier this year. Speculation was rife about new sensors, and I (along with many other Micro Four Thirds fans, I’m sure) was eager to hear what was coming our way. So, imagine the disappointment in finding out that the five and six-year-old sensors were being used again. Seeing the same old technology used over and over again can be a hard pill to swallow, especially when you see the strides being made on other platforms.

“While the sensor issue is incredibly frustrating, let’s not forget that Olympus has done a great job of innovating in other areas, though, and so has Panasonic.

I’ll say it again; the current sensors are fine, and you can create gorgeous images with them. As we know, it doesn’t come down to the gear, it comes down to the people using it. But you can’t help wondering if we have reached peak Micro Four Thirds. If we have, it’s crazy to think the platform peaked in terms of sensor technology five years ago. I find that hard to believe. There has to be a way forward. Just take a look at the Olympus cameras over the last six years that have all used the same two sensors mentioned above:

Olympus Pen E-PL9

That’s 16 cameras that have used either the 16 Megapixel sensor from 2014 or the 20 Megapixel sensor from 2015, with quite a few of them being launched in the last two years. Heck, two of those cameras were launched this year! While the sensor issue is incredibly frustrating, let’s not forget that Olympus has done a great job of innovating in other areas, though, and so has Panasonic.

“I love my Micro Four Thirds cameras, but it’s time for a little more than rehashes because that gives me no motivation to upgrade, and I’m sure others feel the same too.”

The two companies have developed industry-leading IBIS, incredible weather sealing technologies, fantastic 4K codecs and other software improvements, including AI enhancements that can mitigate the gap between the old Micro Four Thirds sensor technology and other platforms that have sprinted ahead. Some of the things Micro Four Thirds cameras can do are quite incredible, but just how much better could they be with a new heart in them? The Olympus Pro and Panny Leica lenses I use are incredible, and I wonder just how much better they could be with a new sensor behind them. I love my Micro Four Thirds cameras, but it’s time for a little more than rehashes because that gives me no motivation to upgrade, and I’m sure others feel the same too.

As far as I know, Panasonic and Olympus both use Sony sensors in their cameras, and until Sony comes up with a new one (which there have been reports of), the platform will be at a standstill. Perhaps it’s time to seek out a new sensor partner, or perhaps it’s time to start looking into making your own. The new sensor doesn’t have to be a huge increase over the current one; they don’t have to re-invent the wheel. But it would be nice to see the platform moving forward instead of laterally, which is what it’s currently doing.

Until then, I and countless others will continue to use and enjoy our Micro Four Thirds cameras for years to come, but Olympus and Panasonic, please give us something else to look forward to. What do you think Panasonic and Olympus should do in regards to new Micro Four Thirds sensors? What would you like to see? Let us know in the comment section below.

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zahroreadsthings · 5 years

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Listen I know I’m talking into the void here but here’s my top 2018 reads split per quarter that also functions as my 2018 book recs that none of yall asked for.

January-March

The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin: Essun finds that her husband's killed their son and kidnapped their daughter just as an apocalyptic event begins. She sets out to save her daughter while battling to survive a dying land. The most creative world I've read in ages and definitely the best this year. Highly recommended fantasy if you don't mind the uglier side of things. You know those books where you can gradually feel the plot threads and characters tie into each other? Yeah.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare: An otherwise morally upstanding Macbeth goes from no murder to yes murder in an evening. Fast-paced, high stakes and vivid. I swear this didn't make the list just because he's Billy Shakes. This was one of my favourite high school books and revisiting it without my English teacher stopping us all the time to talk symbolism and themes brought out everything I loved about it. I'm so glad I decided to pick it up again. (If only so that now I had some analysis behind me I could begin mentally directing it.)

The Art of Language Invention by David J. Peterson: An introduction to building your own language, designed for people who've never done it before (me) and have no kind of formal training (me). I'm no linguistics student and don't even have it as a strong side interest I read about beyond a couple of articles and I understood most of what was happening. I'll be honest, even though I don't agree personally with the sentiment this won its place on the list when it said adding onions to a dish was ‘the culinary equivalent of multiplying by zero.’

April-June

Hamlet by William Shakespeare: You know what the problem with classics is? Their summaries always go ‘YOU KNOW HOW THIS GOES’ and yeah sometimes you do, but sometimes you only have a vague idea because you live under a rock? Anyway, Hamlet’s got his suspicions his new stepfather/uncle killed his dad and while he plots his revenge he’s just… really going through it. It doesn’t end well for anyone. I’ve only ever watched the 2015 production starring Maxine Peake (oops) and finally got off my ass and read it and listen. ‘Was kidnapped by pirates - not dead - I’ll explain everything later. Forever yours, Hamlet.’ How could I not love this.

American Street by Ibi Zoboi: Fabiola and her mother leave Haiti to live with family in the US, but her mother’s soon detained by Immigration. She’s left to navigate her new home more or less alone, and is faced with a hard bargain when the opportunity to get her mum back arises. This was in the ‘3.5 star book that stays with you’ realm. Fabiola’s such a sweetheart and having a character draw strength from spirituality is so refreshing, especially when contrasted with the world around her. Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: Simon’s a high-school kid in the closet but he finds himself on the receiving end of a blackmail threat when emails he sends fall into the wrong hands. The story follows his growing relationship with Blue, who he only contacts through emails, while trying to not get his ass exposed by his blackmailer, dealing with increasingly complicated friendship dynamics etc. It’s a really solid, sweet book and I caught it soon before I watched the movie. My final take is that the pop culture references can be a bit much sometimes but really, I also willingly read Shakespeare so I don’t have any grounds to complain. Zeroes trilogy by Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti: Six teens have six different powers but they're certainly not heroes and they're definitely not using these powers for good. (To be fair, not evil either - just a bunch of self-serving bastards trying to get themselves out of hot water.) It turns out my ideal book has an ensemble cast of teens who don't get along but are forced to work together - essentially, high school group work but higher stakes. Star of Deltora series by Emily Rodda: Britta enters a trading voyage competition to try and win back the ship her universally-hated dad lost after he abandoned their family. Things quickly go south as it becomes clear every player on the ship’s got their own intentions and the ship itself seems like it’s cursed. I didn't have time to read the first three before the last book came out so I finally got around to the whole quartet this year and I don’t regret a thing. Rodda outdoes herself with her characters and plots again and again and I’d straight up die for Jewel and Sky.

July-September

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo is ready to open up about her decades-long, scandalous career and the seven husbands along the way. She picks unknown journalist Monique Grant for the task and no-one’s more confused than Monique herself. I took a chance on this book, not expecting to even finish it, but it came out to be one of my top three 2018 books so? I love everything about this book and can’t recommend it enough. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve: After a war wipes out civilisation as we know it, humanity rebuilds, with a significant chunk doing so on roving cities that ‘eat’ other cities. (Yes, they also shit waste.) Hester gets herself on the traction city London seeking revenge on the man who killed her mum, but before she can get properly stabby she’s stopped by Tom. Both are soon stranded outside of London and Tom’s dragged along for the revenge ride that takes a quick dive into joining what he always believed was a terrorist organisation. Yall this was so fun. I love that Hester’s not a good person and she doesn’t even always try, and that Tom needs to deal with his whole world being flipped upside-down in about half a minute and struggles every step of the way. Also Anna Fang big time heart eyes emoji. His Name Was Walter by Emily Rodda: A boy called Walter grew up with nothing but his own name. His story is recorded in a long-forgotten hand-written book in a haunted house, never read until four teens and their teacher find it and read it through for the first time. Firstly I really love covers with little illustrations of objects relevant to the story - ‘Oh the chandelier! Hey there’s the cat! The roses! Oh my GOD what’s the knife going to be for?!’ Other than that, this was pretty different to a lot of other Rodda books I’ve read but it was a touching, heartbreaking read and even if I didn’t like every step it took I loved the characters and how the mysteries gradually pulled together.

October-December

The Rebirth of Rapunzel by Kate Forsyth: An exploration of the history of the Rapunzel fairy tale, following its possible inception through different cultures, centuries and popular adaptations. Forsyth wrote a Rapunzel retelling herself, Bitter Greens, and the book often breaks down her decision making process for the novel after exploring the roots and effects of key elements in the fairy tale. (This does mean, of course, that if you read this first you will know #everything about the novel, but I didn’t realise at the time lmao.) A very different book from what I usually read but still very interesting. I’d only wish she went into Barbie as Rapunzel but she had a word limit to stick to so! Night Flights by Philip Reeve: When I first watched the Mortal Engines trailer my heart was stolen by the cool lady in the red coat who built her own ship, and when I first read the book it was stolen further by Anna Fang Big Time Heart Eyes Emoji. I poked around a little and found out Reeve was releasing three whole ass Anna Fang short stories before the movie was released so of course I borrowed it. Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta: The quote on the cover said this book was 'utterly heartbreaking' and that was exactly it. A coming of age story set against the Nigerian Civil War and a girl's struggle with her sexuality in an unforgiving world and family. I could see myself in almost her exact situation with my family, down to the yearning for an approval you know you'll never get and a bittersweet ending that isn't entirely happy. I do wish the ending felt less rushed but the rest of the story was as phenomenal and heartbreaking as promised. I think it's one of those books that benefits greatly from the reader bringing their own experience into it - and the author's bio says she wrote this story partly to give hope to lgbt Nigerians, so I see why she wrote it this way. The Abyss Surrounds Us by Emily Skrutskie: Lesbian pirates and sea monsters. That's enough to put it in any top five list was far as I'm concerned but ANYWAY. Cas is on her first solo mission escorting a cruise ship with the help of a giant murder turtle but the pirates she's supposed to be protecting the ship from take over, and now she needs to figure out how to live among pirates while rearing her own sea monster pup. I think this would’ve benefited from being longer and going into more detail of the world and some quieter scenes between the more intense ones. But it's been weeks and I'm still thinking about this duology. It's an absolute travesty the fandom's effectively non-existent.

#i can only conclude that the reason i failed one of my sem1 subjects is because i read too many damn good books smh #anyway if youre reading this read the abyss surrounds us #book recs

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