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theangrybooknook · 4 days

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The Apothecary Diaries

What, we are talking manga now on this blog?

Of course!

Ever since I fell into a Maomao/Jinshi shaped hole on Crunchyroll, I have been taken hostage by this story. Needless to say, I immediately went on to read the manga and found myself captivated even further - so much that I am actually shipping Maomao and Jinshi, and those who know me know that me shipping a straight couple happens once every ten years. But the chemistry between them- oh, where could I possibly begin!

But, as always, first things first.

Synopsis: The young apothecary Maomao grows up in a brothel and lives with a physician whom she regards as her adoptive father. On her quest to find new herbs, the young woman is abducted by human traffickers and sold to the Imperial Court to work as a maid. Soon, however, her skills as a healer and her incredibly sharp wit attract the attention of the eunuch Jinshi, whose true identity is a well-kept secret. Soon, Maomao finds herself in the very midst of the intrigues of the court as the personal food taster of the Emperor's favourite consort, and it is there where the mysteries begin...

Truth be told: The Apothecary Diaries did not lure me in immediately. I had seen the manga in some bookshops, but the art style gave me the impression of "yet another shojo manga" and I did not bother reading the blurb. Then, I got a subscription to Crunchyroll and decided to give the anime adaption a try and-- here we are. Now that I have also read the manga and still follow it, I felt the need to give a review.

When looking for manga to read or anime to watch, I can be very picky. I am not easily impressed by what is currently popular and I need a story to grab me by the throat and shake me thoroughly, only to rip out my heart, tear it into pieces, mend it and put it back again. Most anime and manga that are currently popular in Germany are of the shonen genre, which is not really what I am into. But how would I classify The Apothecary Diaries?

What Natsu Hyūga has created with her Light Novels and now with the manga is a beautiful mix of romance, mystery, and comedy, embedded in a gorgeous historical setting inspired by Imperial China. Set at the Imperial Court, the reader is thrown into a fantastical world of pomp and splendour where everything, from things to food to women, is at only one man's disposal. What sounds like a classical harem trope is one only to a certain extent. The system of the court is merely described, not glorified, but also not judged. In that, Maomao is an excellent main character to follow as she mostly observes and makes her conclusions, only to state at the end of it: but it's not my business anyway. I am not sure if I have ever seen/read a main character like her before that draws such a strict line between her own life and the business of other people - perhaps she is a bit like Jane Eyre, but with a passion for poison. The deadpan exchanges she has with Jinshi definitely reminded me of the conversations between Jane and Rochester, minus the psychological manipulation.

Maomao could have easily become a Mary-Sue character with little personality beyond her enthusiasm for all sorts of poison. However, she is a strong-willed young woman with flaws that are entirely believable, such as her assumption that she might lack typical human emotion due to her upbringing. At the same time, she stays wary and follows the advice of her adoptive father to never make assumptions out loud, and to never ask questions, lest she might fall into something that is none of her business and might harm her in the end. She is aware that as a woman not following a traditional path, she must be even more careful, but at the same time, does not judge women that follow or even want a traditional life. Jinshi is intrigued by that, but also by her skill and her wisdom which she never flaunts, but only ever expresses as a passion of hers that she is not ashamed of. It is a pure joy to watch Jinshi grow fond of her, yes, fall in love with her for what she is, says, and does, while Maomao stays all the while entirely oblivious, not thinking of herself as particularly pretty or lovable based on her low social status. Said status does not bother her much and she does not attempt to change it even though it would be within her means to do so - her decision to stay away from what could become her birthright is entirely understandable for the reader and makes Maomao even more fascinating.

The character of the eunuch Jinshi is a masterful mirror of reader reactions to Maomao up until the point where his own story unfolds. Born at court to a mother belonging to an emperor and raised in a golden cage, his true identity is unknown to most beside a selected few that also keep his identity hidden. The purpose of this secrecy is slowly unveiled just as the reader learns of the weight resting on Jinshi's shoulders, and Maomao's appearance at court seems to shake him out of a rigour he has been subjected to for a very long time. Although everyone's favourite at court, Jinshi is alone in his beauty and Maomao, observant in terms of both plants and people, soon realises how lonely the man is and how deep the secrets run. After all, the man is far too beautiful to be a eunuch. But even here, she stays true to her credo of not getting involved in anyone's business unless she is forced to, even as the chance arises to learn the truth.

Especially noteworthy is that while the world of Maomao and Jinshi is a golden one at court, Natsu Hyūga does not shy away from depicting the horrible things that humans can do to each other. Various darker topics are covered: human trafficking, child abuse, rape, pedophilia, the exploitation of women and children in the name of royalty, envy, and the illusion of free choice. The world of The Apothecary Diaries is not a kind one to women - Maomao points that out, reflects on it several times and knows that she, by her gender alone, is viewed as inferior. It does not stop her from pursuing her goals, but it keeps her incredibly aware of her surroundings. Many times, stories like that fall into the trap of creating a female main character that is "not like other girls" and constantly belittles the women and girls that seemingly fit the picture. Maomao might not be a courtesan, concubine, noble lady, or consort, and she might not necessarily have traditionally female interests such as fashion and jewellery, but she never belittles the women around her for their interests or life choices. This is an incredibly refreshing take and speaks of the excellent skill of the author to create a female character that is special, in some ways The Chosen One, but also likeable, obscure, and true to herself.

The manga is still ongoing, and I have no doubt that the story will take the reader down many dark and twisted paths. As for myself, I am rooting for Maomao and Jinshi as well as for the vast array of lovable side characters such as Gao Shun and Ba Sen, the consorts, the courtesans, and many more. I am excited to watch this story develop further and I am glad that I clicked "play" on that first episode two weeks ago. What a jewel of a story I have found there, and what a joy it is to follow the story of the incredible, funny, and absolutely insane Maomao.

#the apothecary #kusuriya no hitorigoto #maomao #jinshi #bookblr #books #literature #manga #review

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kunikame · 1 year

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¡ ! ❝ REDAMANCY . . ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [27] collapse ❞ | m. list | prev. | next

natsume sakasaki x reader smau

warning(s) : cussing, death mention, sakasaki natsume is a simp, rip mao im sorry ill write a mao fic as an apology for what i put him through one day i promise

w/c : 1.1k

wataru hibiki has, in his time at yumenosaki academy, seen many dreams crumble. he's witnessed many dreamers fall apart, give up and leave, become a shell of who they once used to be. he's familiar with this particular feeling of loss, of not remembering who you once were; who you wished to be.

it's a common experience and he has long accepted it strikes when least expected, to the ones you least expect it to happen to, because their dreams are simply too precious– too pure, yet they're still thrown into such a distressing situation.

he wishes he could keep that view, keep looking at the world in black and white, see the evil in the good and the purity in the bad. perhaps it would be easier, less taxing on the mind.

and yet, he hesitates, finds himself looking for an exception; a fault in his theory. he feels his gaze wandering around the ballroom– black and white, filled with fraudulent faces– only to be met with the smiling face of the one who so dearly refers to him as his 'master'.

he protected natsume once, he can do it again, and yet as he truly focuses on his expression, wataru finds there is nothing to protect the boy from.

he's smiling– truly smiling, with his entire being, because natsume has found his safe place.

wataru thinks he is okay with that. as his gaze slides to the person natsume is looking at so fondly, he finds himself relieved she's looking at him the exact same way, like he himself hung the stars and the moon in the night sky.

perhaps, perhaps some dreams won't crumble

contrary to the flourish in natsumes speech and movements, he hates social events that include the higher classes. he’s been trained for them, taught how to behave, move, interact, stand, lift a glass,.. he knows it all. he has always, always hated these. so then why does he find himself so at ease at this specific event?

because it celebrates his mother? his friends are here? the color scheme makes him feel at ease? no.

you laugh at something kohaku says and suddenly he has the answer to all the questions running through the back of his mind, and he knows it’s you and it’s always been you and it always will be you.

because natsume sakasaki gazes down at you like you are his sun and his world revolves around you; he wants to be yours– he is yours, but only if you want him to be. he thinks he would continue being yours even if you didn't desire it to be so, he simply couldn't stop following the predetermined route he is meant to take; following the course mapped out for him, much like the planets you hold so dear orbit the sun (and he hopes you hold him dear, too).

he finds himself desperately wishing soulmates were real because then his feelings would make sense because now he just feels and he doesn’t understand why.

and yet as you turn his way when you notice him walking towards you with that breathtaking smile of yours and something akin to sparkles in your eyes, his heart starts racing a mile a minute and he’s not even sure he can walk properly anymore. is this a curse? is he dying? what have you done to him?

“natsu! you were so great! i wish you would’ve seen yourself! err, well, i suppose performing was better but- not the point! ahhhh, i wish i had recorded it.. actually i think tsukasa said–”

you went on animatedly explaining whatever it is you were saying while he just stared. he wishes he could listen but he’s gonna be absolutely, brutally honest, he can’t bring himself to. his ears are ringing and his palms are suddenly sweating and holy shit has it always been so hot in here? where’s all the air from his lungs gone? why is his throat so dry? oh god you’re looking at him and what were you even saying oh go-

“natsu? are you okay? would you like to sit down for a bit? i’m sorry, i should’ve known you were tired– come, i’ll go get you some water,” you grab onto his elbow and pull him along with you universe knows where and he just lets you.

suddenly he’s sitting in a chair and you’re fawning all over him; checking his temperature because apparently his ’forehead is too warm’ and sending mao to get some water (which he, to everyones surprise, does) while kohaku and tsukasa keep the other guests away from your unsuspecting corner and natsume just dazedly stares up at you while you gently push his bangs back with a look of genuine concern for him.

suddenly, air re-enters his lungs and his throat opens up, but the ringing and the fuzz in his brain remain. he doesn’t think you’ve ever been so close to each other before and frankly, it’s making him lightheaded. his amber eyes trace the curves of your face and he’s late to realize he could probably count your lashes if he really wanted to (he does, god does he want to) and, makeup be damned, even without it you put all beauty standards and so-proclaimed “most beautiful women in the world” to shame.

despite the fuzz there is a singular coherent thought swirling in his brain, he thinks you’re beautiful. no, gorgeous. no, that’s not quite good either.

“you’re ethereal..”

and yet, that still doesn’t fully capture your essence. heavenly might be close. breathtaking? heartstopping? not quite.. they need to come up with a new word for you specifically because whatever high natsume is riding on, he can’t find a word good enough for you.

you’re looking at him in the eyes with an adorably flustered face and your hands are no longer messing with his bangs or touching his forehead and he’s a little slow to realize he accidentally voiced his thoughts when he sees you give him the softest of smiles; his face now feels 10 times warmer than before.

“thank you, i would say the same about you. ethereal, breathtakingly so,” your hand slides from his forehead to cup his cheek and natsume sakasaki thinks he might short circuit.

“i think i’m in love with you..”

your hand freezes and natsume begins to regret every life decision that’s led him up to this point but then he feels the soft press of your lips against his and, perhaps, he should give himself a pat on the back instead.

mao isara, however, regrets agreeing to come along the moment he walks past the curtain separating you from the rest of the guests just to see you kissing his “arch nemesis” and he’s forced to accept there is nothing, no deal, no faking; you love natsume sakasaki and he can’t do anything but watch. he turns on his heel and walks away, leaving the glass of water with kohaku and with the excuse of needing some fresh air, he exits the ballroom.

╰┈➤ synopsis ❝after yumenosaki academy resident magician and eccentric sakasaki natsume asks you to “go out with him”, you immediately shut him down. so why is he dedicating a song to you at a switch concert? and why are people whispering about you being the cutest couple?❞

✩₊˚TAGLIST : @myunghology @shionszz @ikasaeki @zephestia @1072v @drihihihi @homonatsume @lialibrary @hugs4shizu @mikctp @emikoisdead @ara-arashi @disa-ster @tjjjrsj @solemn-soliloquy @bxkugzo @buns-inhiding @calxrein @gxwesn @kzmeru @valeriele3 @444neapolitain @theloverofscaramouchie @thelocal-idiot @lunalightlyy @promisedswords @gabirii @booklover-valkyriep @mahouwoageru @kazemiya @yellowdialover @engurishu @ttsukipi @6ellyache @anndangtramcam @pocchapoccha @stxrgxzxr @tamayoris @dexocore @zhenyuus @lunavixia @taruruchi @momomijileaf // ask/comment to be added/removed! (if you’re in bold i can’t tag you)

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teleiapotami · 3 months

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WIP Wednesday!!

Here's a piece of a tumblr smut prompt I started a while back. <3

Prompts: No, I’m not being overdramatic! / *grumble* Some people are way too touchy. /" No, I can't be polite to them if they're treating you like you were just there to please them."

WIP Title: Corporate Benefits

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

He’d been watching them all day. Well, to be honest, he’d been watching them for several days. But today was the worst. He leaned back in his chair, neglecting his notes in favor of watching his secretary move around the conference table delivering the most pointless items to the lecherous old fucks around him. Every set of eyes followed her as she moved back to her seat at his side.

She had barely sat down when one of them spoke up. “Oh, I forgot to grab a highlighter. You don’t mind getting one for me sweetheart, do you?”

Lucy hid her grimace behind a beautiful smile, but Natsu knew better. He saw the way her shoulders tensed as she rose yet again. She placed the highlighter, which had been within the man’s reach in the first place, on his notepad. As she turned away, his hand came up and swatted her on the rear. “Thanks, Doll,” he chuckled.

Natsu slammed his hands down on the table with a growl. “That’s enough. Miss Heartfilia is not a doll or your sweetheart. She is one of the most brilliant minds this company has ever seen, and you would do well to remember that. This meeting is over. I will contact you if we decide to move forward with the partnership,” he spat, gripping the edge of the table to keep from strangling the fucker.

Most of the men stood and collected their things. Those who worked for him recognized the signs of his temper and knew it was time to get out or get burned. The two men from the other company didn’t budge.

“Now Mr. Dragneel, I know you are young,” Natsu’s eyes flashed dangerously, making the old man pause momentarily before foolishly pressing ahead. “But that is no excuse for your temper. Why don’t you sit down, and we can continue the meeting?” He turned his eyes back to Lucy, but Natsu slammed a fist onto the desk.

“GET. OUT. I won’t repeat myself.”

He watched as they huffed and made their way out, muttering under their breaths. Lucy closed the door behind them, then set about closing the blinds on the large windows that looked out into the hallway. Once they were all closed and the door was locked, she moved around the table to his side.

He was still standing with his fists planted on the table, his shoulders hunched, and his head dropped down, trying to control his temper. Tentatively she brushed her hand against his shoulder. “Thank you for the kind things you said. I understand that you were frustrated but you should still try to be—”

“No,” he growled. "No, I can't be polite to them when they treat you like you are just there to please them.” He looked up, his eyes burning into hers. “He touched you, Lucy. I wanted to rip his arm off.”

“That’s how things are between us too you know. I think you’re being a bit overdramatic Natsu. He’s not the first CEO to grab my ass Mr. Dragneel,” she teased, lifting one of his arms to slip in between them. “And I’m fairly certain he won’t be the last either.” His frown deepened.

“I am not being overdramatic! And that’s….that’s different. That’s an agreement we made together, not me just grabbing you without permission!” He knew she was trying to draw him out of his temper. Her fingers were stroking his jawline slowly and her warm, honey-colored eyes were turned up to his, shining with barely concealed amusement.

#fairy tail fanfic #creative writing #wip wednesday #fairy tail nalu #lucy heartfilia #natsu x lucy #natsu dragneel #fairy tail #ao3 fanfic #ao3 #archive of our own #wip game #modern au

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kiliinstinct · 8 months

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Chapter 22:

Rating: R for mentions of Blood from Wounds Pairing: Nalu FF.Net || AO3 [Ch: 1] ||| [Prev] | [Next] - Next Update: October 15th

---

He hazily thought he was in a dream.

Listless and floating in a blank expanse. He couldn’t tell if his eyes were open or not. No light existed, but he suspected he wouldn’t need it.

There was nothing to see. Nothing to feel. Just a yawning emptiness that wrapped around him, held him still and deadened his limbs as it slowly crawled within, filling him with the same hollowing void. The chill of the air held barely touched his senses. Licking at the edge of his skin, the waning heat of his own body protected him from its freeze.

In that great nothingness, Natsu felt peace. It washed over him in a drowsy wave like high tide.

Then again… perhaps not.

Something tickled the edge of his senses. The faintest whisper beckoned to his conscious, an insistent prickling that demanded his attention. His head felt full, too heavy as he strained his eyes in search, weakly trying to catch sight of anything.

After a lifetime in the darkness, he saw a dim light that faintly glimmered at the edges of his half-lidded eyes; It was gentle, wiping away the darkness that covered him in sweeping waves of blue. It pulled at the hollowness carved into his chest with each calming thrum. And with each pulse the light the expanse seemed to sigh as it melted away from his vision. It slowly released its hold on him after every beat. His eyes snapped open, wide and fearful when it stopped.

Terror clawed at his heart without it.

He- he needed it back. That calming, gentle light, but when he tried to shout and beg for its return, all he received was a shot of pain ripping through his damaged throat. (It was damaged? When? How? He couldn’t remember.)

Without the warm comfort of light, the dark expanse felt suffocating. It squeezed into his lungs, and forced its way past gritted teeth. It gnawed into his flesh and seeped deep into his bones. It threatened to drag his weightlessness form down into nothing, urging his eyes to close, but they couldn’t, not now. Not again.

The voice, still whispering in the back of his mind, was louder now, echoing over itself in haunting commands, a maddening cacophony that ordered his awareness to stay tethered in place.

There would be no sleep. No rest. Not yet.

‘You’re not ready yet… I will not take you.’

The eyes of a stranger flickered in his mind, but they were hauntingly familiar in their thoughtful crinkle at the corners of their smile. Natsu choked on a gasp, inhaling sharply as air rushed through his lungs. The darkness receded, melting away bit by bit to reveal the calming light he yearned for.

His body grew heavy, dragged down and further down until reality shifted and his dark world flipped until he could no longer make sense of the endless emptiness. Only the light remained, too scorching and bright and suddenly painful.

It burned.

‘It’s time to wake up, Natsu.’

A slender hand covered his eyes, cool and lifeless. Another rested gently over his barely beating heart. With a jolt, a shock of magic stabbed through his system that spiraled him into the depths, forcing him back into his body.

The weight of his soul was stifling.

Cold night air forced its way into his lungs with each desperate inhale dragging its claws through his raw throat. He tried to scream, to release the tension and agony that laced his broken voice, but every attempt caused another bout of strain to tense his muscles and stab through his being like thousands of knives. Natsu thrashed and writhed, delirious from the pain and confusion that clouded his head. With shaky fingers he kicked and scratched at anything he could reach, doing what he could to distract his mind from the jolts that never ceased to attack him.

“If you’re going to crowd me, the least you can do is HOLD him down!”

“He’s thrashing too much-”

“Wendy, you need to hold-”

“ I can’t! He's moving too much!”

“Move, I’ll hold him.”

“Oh, thanks, Gray!”

Firm hands grasped his shoulders and another pair his ankles, trying to lock his heaving body in place. He vaguely caught the sounds of strained shouting amidst the chaos, fighting to be heard over loud sobbing. Tears burned his eyes in a never ending stream as it hit him: It was his deafening sounds. His screams and sobs shuddered out of him, mounting to a volume that rang his ears. It was all him struggling to voice his pain with words he couldn’t put together.

Natsu couldn’t make heads or tails of who was speaking or for what.

There was an intense pressure on his esophagus that was maddening. It drowned out the sparks of pain shooting through his veins and overwhelmed his senses. There were voices shouting garbled commands and panic he couldn’t make sense of. There wasn’t a single moment or source of comfort from any direction he could observe and the realization bubbled in his chest like a pile of heavy stones.

He was too cramped. Too suffocated. Too… everything.

Instinct prevailed. Demanded his response. Demanded he attack. To set himself free, he summoned the vestiges of his magic, humming frantically beneath his skin. A burst of fire flared in dry heat. It forced the hands away from him as a string of curses peppered the air. Taking advantage of his new freedom, Natsu reached for his neck, clawing for relief as the last vestiges of his fire curled away from him. The magic continued to thrum beneath his skin, threatening to strike out of control once again at any second, but before he could give more power in his next attempt to clear space, another magic struck against his own.

It was an antithesis to his desperate need to escape his suffering.

“Natsu...” A comforting chill poured into his vein. It soothed over the heat that threatened to boil him. Blinking, he struggled to see through his blurry eyes and caught a vague silhouette leaning over him. Drops of water landed against his cheek and a golden curtain surrounded him from all sides. He couldn’t piece together what he was looking at, his eyes swimming. But he felt shaky fingers run along his forehead, cool balm along his feverish skin. “It’s okay. You can calm down now… you’re okay. It- it’s going to be okay, I promise.”

That voice… It cut through the confusion and Natsu recognized Lucy. She firmly held his head in place, her fingers sifted through his hair as the hum of her magic matched frequencies with his own, providing a sense of calm. The pins and needles stabbing at his nerves deafened and the numbing effects of Wendy and Porlyusica finally worked through his system as strong hands quickly pulled him away from his throat. The numbing brought force an exhaustion so deep in his bones that he could hardly resist the call, eyes straining to focus on those around him. Their scents hit him then, one by one and Natsu realized the truth to Lucy’s words. He was safe. They were safe. She was safe. He’d done it then. Things were okay after all. The satisfaction of his victory was enough to lull him back to sleep, gaze lingering on Lucy’s above him just enough to crack a grin.

He couldn’t speak, voice too raw, too damaged, but his expression said enough.

It was all okay.

He thought he heard another voice, still tickling the back of his awareness, matching his relief.

‘Yes. Safe… it’s all okay now.’

He made a note to ask the identity of them later, but the memory slipped from him the moment he shut his eyes.

When Natsu finally slumped back into deep sleep, the others in Porylusica’s hut heaved a sigh of relief. His thrashing had reopened multiple wounds the older draconis had hurriedly stitched and the risk of losing more blood was too great to be gentle a second time around. Especially now with fresh scratches at his neck wound, beading new lines of red.

In their haste to staunch the flow of blood on his neck, the more minor cuts and lacerations remained untended along his torso and arms.

Lucy hated it. Every second. Out of the darkness and under light, the expanse of his injuries were worse than she thought. He’d almost thrown Wendy off in her attempts to hold him down when she reacted on instinct, grasping his face in a futile hope to soothe him. At that moment, things shifted minutely. He’d froze in her touch, eyes shifting up to meet her own, glassy and unseeing. Or so she thought while her eyes misted over in unshed tears.

He’d seen her. Or something, in her posture, finally relaxing as his gaze rolled back. Natsu’s body still twitched as the other two worked and Gray was awkwardly following their directions, using his strength to hold the Draconis down anytime his nervous movements threatened to go overboard once more. When the rush settled into repetitive industry, Lucy was free to fall into her own thoughts. By then, she’d been asked to sit down, lamely swinging her legs over the mattress while Natsu’s head rested upon her lap.

“He’s quiet, so keep him there for the time.” Porly had explained and Lucy shamefully ignored the way it made her face heat up.

Now wasn’t the time to get embarrassed over something so simple.

Tireless work. No time for rest. No time to slow down. Lucy desperately tried to keep her attention as they worked, flinching when needle and thread pierced his skin and pulled it taut. His ragged breathing stabbed her heart and took her breath away. But every time she began to fall into the mire of guilt, she’d be pulled back by mumbles from the Draconis, eyes flickering behind his lids.

His ramblings turned to slurred indecipherable speech, but the fresh sweat on his brow could be attested to more than just the work spent healing him. Running her fingers through his damp hair, Lucy marveled at the temperature, too warm and clammy to be a good thing. “Does he have a fever?” She hesitantly asked, wincing when Porlyusica answered with a scathing glare. “It’s possible. I’d be surprised if he didn’t.” She snapped, returning to her work without a second glance, ignoring the worried knit to Lucy’s brow.

Gnawing her lip in earnest, Wendy took over, voice a soft balm to Lucy’s frayed nerves. “It’s not much higher than his usual. Fevers are normal, but he runs hotter than most. It won't harm him anymore than he already is.”

It was a small comfort, one she shared with Gray, who shared a brief glance her way before he resumed holding the Draconis’ legs in place.

Silence overtook them once more laced with background mumblings of Natsu’s delirium. The time for talk would come later, when every bit of damage was disinfected, stitched and bandaged. When his head was finally laid to rest against a feathery pillow, and the sheets and blankets were removed to be cleansed of their bloody stains.

Only when night was fading to morning light, was the cottage full of gentle snores from all corners of the room.

Wendy curled against her aunt, overcome with sleep hours before as the elder doctor finally succumbed to her own need for rest, slumping in their shared chair as Gray took purchase in a corner. He lazily waved a tired hand over a small trail of burns that ran up his arm, covering them in a thin layer of chill before falling to sleep. The world outside was an unknown territory to them. Erza’s status, Cana’s report to Makarov, the state of the forest and all those in the village, a mystery until the residents of the healing cabin would awake once more, but most of all, caught up in the head of the cottage, still nestled atop the bed, was Natsu’s pained grunts of medicated sleep, and Lucy by his side, head lolled as her fingers still laid tangled in his hair. She’d awake hours later with a stiff back from her position, but that was an issue she’d save for later. For now: they had rest.

–

The rest of the village slept, ignorant of the true events over the night after they’d been reassured by Cana and Makarov that no fires would come near, having already fizzled out in the forest above.

They went to bed with uncertainty heavy in their hearts, but trust they would learn the truth in the morning. Laxus, exhausted in ways he refused to admit, stayed at the keep, arms crossed as he feigned sleep against the stone walls. Makarov paced listlessly in the other room, having claimed he would rest and observe Natsu’s status in the morning, but worry kept sleep far from the old man’s grasp.

Likewise, the burly blond couldn’t bring himself to relax. Anger was a constant emotion broiling inside, but behind the stormy frustration was a hint of guilt in his dark eyes. His magic was destructive. A fact he took in stride with careful discipline, tightly holding the reins on his magic at all times. And yet…. he refused to look at the very hands that could control the static. Instead his fingers dug into his skin.

He knew full well he’d used more force than necessary in his attempt to strike Kage down. As one of the warriors of the tribe, he’d seen many succumb to his abilities. Witnessing a member of his own clan struck by those damages was a different feeling entirely.

He recalled the clear accusation in Erza’s voice when she asked for Kage’s location. Remembered the pain of grinding his teeth as he accepted the results of their battle. Natsu had sacrificed himself for a win he failed to give and his attempt to revenge Freed, protect their home had been wasted. Grumbling, the muscles in his arms tensed to every thought that fueled his adrenaline until the copper tang of blood entered his mouth.

Flinching from the accidental bite to his lip Laxus changed tactics, pushing off from the wall to do the only thing he could deem as useful in that moment. His determined steps left sparks of magic in his wake, destined for the edge of the town. Erza said she would continue the search for Kage, but a second pair of eyes would work better. He’d already failed to catch where the danger would come from after Kage’s incarceration, he refused to fail again by brooding.

Laxus ignored the festival streamers hanging limp and lifeless from the poles as he passed.

Heavy footfalls thudded into the gravel without a care for those sleeping in their homes nearby. Tension kept the night still and stagnant.

It stifled him. It was best to leave and be useful. To focus only on the task at hand and not how easily his home had been invaded, its joy snatched away in a matter of moments. Worry got him nowhere.

Which is precisely why he missed the hunched figure, resting against a stool in the shadows; their piercing, green-blue eyes spied him through the early morning haze with a vigor they hadn’t had the night before.

“You’re up awfully late,” Freed’s voice rasped from his perch, quietly observing, still as a statue. Laxus’ footsteps paused, digging into the ground as he turned to meet the other, one eyebrow raised in bewilderment.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” He demanded, quickly assessing Freed’s appearance from what Erza had relayed to him earlier. The man’s face was gaunt, sunken in and gray as if the very loss of his energy had taken his color with it. His countenance, that was usually a scene of perfect posture, was a haggard being, barely able to stay awake with half-lidded eyes puffy and red at the corners. Laxus scoffed at the sight. “You’re smarter than this, Freed, get to bed.”

Freed chuckled, unperturbed by the order. He made no attempt to move from his post. “I’m fine here, thanks. Besides, despite my appearance, sleep is escaping me,” a yawn broke free just in time to contradict himself, but he ignored Laxus’ judging gaze, “I’ve been upholding a barrier underground for months and attacked by a dastardly shadow fiend. Allow me to bask in the fresh air for now.”

Laxus shrugged, “Fine. Not my business anyway.”

“No, I daresay it’s not.” Freed’s reply was curt and through pursed lips he softly seethed, “but I think yours is currently fretting alone while her siblings comfort her.” The implication to his words was obvious, coupled with a pointed stare that bored into Laxus as his eyes swept away to avoid it.

“Don’t put your nose into my business if I’m sticking out of yours.” He snapped, body shifting uneasily while he forced himself to stay put. He was restless. He still wanted to patrol, to chase after Erza and catch that reprobate himself, so why was Freed attempting to stop him? “Stay there and die from a cold for all I care, I’ve still got to clean up your mess.”

He regretted the verbal attack as soon as the words fell from his mouth, but there was no taking it back. He was too proud for apologies, and Laxus knew better than to pretend Freed would wipe all insults away at the drop of a hat. In the past, their travels had led the two to understand each other on a level deeper than most, and despite the other’s calm demeanor, his ability to hold a grudge was second to none.

Through another yawn, Freed blinked his eyes repeatedly to block out tears the action summoned, gritting his teeth as he pushed himself from his seat with a huff, balancing on wobbly legs. “On second thought, perhaps I will go to bed. Telling a stubborn man like you to pay more attention to his partner was a ridiculous notion after all.”

In the early morning’s haze he moved slow, steps pointed as he kept his head up, blinking back the clear exhaustion that seeped into his bones. Freed didn’t spare a glance to the other when he ambled past, stopping just a few feet short to deliver his parting words.

“Pardon the unsolicited opinion, but… if you keep hiding behind your responsibility and mistrust to shoulder everything on your own, it’s only going to push you farther away from the rest of us. Even now, you refuse to trust others to get the job done where you fell short.” Another yawn interrupted him, but it did nothing to dampen the sharp glint of anger in his sharp eyes, “That stubbornness will do you in one of these days and I won’t be surprised if Mirajane dances for someone else next year; someone with more sense and care. Be careful, Laxus- or she’ll leave a bull-headed fool like you behind.”

Laxus stood still for quite some time, feeling off-kilter at the scathing remarks that made guilt claw at him more than his own earlier blunder did.

Freed’s insults were a rarity, but he couldn’t deny it had struck home. Gnashing his teeth together, he listened for the fading footsteps of the other, only walking off the main road once he was sure the enchanter had long gone. He was stubborn. He knew this. Even now, his mind kept creating reasons to rush back to the woods and ignore Freed’s warnings. Kage was a slippery bastard who hid himself in the shadows and Erza was just one person. Could they risk him escaping by not sending enough to catch him? He couldn’t hold still. Each second spent not acting was another that brought Natsu’s limp body to the forefront of his mind, still twitching from the full force of the sky brought down on him. The gushing blood he barely held at bay and tearful cries of the blonde who begged for the draconis’ safety that he couldn’t even say was assured.

They haunted him with each step further towards the trees.

He could have held back, he knew this, and realizing his over exertion of energy had been for naught rankled his nerves like sour fruit. How could anyone blame him for wanting to push it out of his mind?

Mirajane would understand that. She always had… hadn’t she?

The corner of his lips curled into a self-loathing sneer, Freed’s words echoing in his mind despite all other arguments. Cursing, he turned down another alley and left all thoughts of the woods behind him. Instead, he considered his own home, how it would possibly be full of three, white-haired mages desperately trying to come up with answers Makarov had yet to give them. Freed was right. But he’d keep the admission to himself: for now.

Lucy hadn’t expected Porylusica to allow them to stay through the night, let alone most of the morning. Exhaustion lived in her bones and each involuntary twitch of her body stretched stiff muscles. A weight was on her lap, Natsu’s head, she surmised. He’d grown antsy in his sleep away from her and so she’d resumed her earlier position, sitting up against the wall.

She could hear the soft breathing of Gray and Wendy, but the older woman was already shuffling about, slightly clinking pots and pans together as the familiar crackle of wood fire being brought to life met her ears. She was cooking breakfast.

These were just guesses. Lucy was too tired to open her eyes to confirm, but the familiar scent of bacon tipped her off regardless. Another twitch of her muscles and she groaned, finally peeking an eye open to blearily glance about the room. It was much the same as it was the night before, with window panes tightly shut to block out the light and springtime bugs. The healer's small hovel resembled a humanized cave, quietly urging Lucy back into the throes of sleep.

Unfortunately, the crick in her neck refused to let that sweet solace pull her back into its depths. Rolling her head from side to side, Lucy winced and wondered what insanity had compelled her to sleep as she had.

A light grunt from the wounded roma brought it all crashing back down on her.

Oh, of course she hadn’t moved since he’d finally relaxed. His breathing was still uneven with a pained hitch every other breath, but his body was covered in bandages and the sheet placed upon him was far cleaner than the rags he rested upon, still stained from the previous night. She remembered being offered a chair to rest in, but she’d denied it in favor of staying in place, anxiously watching Natsu drift in and out of feverish dreams.

She was glad he was resting, despite the obvious clenching of his jaw she spied after blinking away the fatigue. From time to time, she thought his groans turned to muttering, but she couldn’t make out the words. Sighing in relief, her fingers sifted through his hair, matted from the night before. There were still bits of dried blood coating his fingertips and under his broken nails. He was in dire need of a bath, but they could worry about that later.

“Ah, awake are you?”

Porly’s voice startled her, sweeping her eyes towards the fireplace where the healer’s eyes crinkled, peering at her from over her cooking pots. She nodded in lieu of a verbal reply, not wanting to risk waking the others. The doctor wasn’t half as concerned at the concept, rolling her shoulders as she clicked her tongue. “I’d tell you to get over here and help me, but he might start screaming again if you move and I like my quiet. So keep him there will you?” It took Lucy a couple of confused seconds to realize who she was referring to, clearing her throat as heat dusted her cheeks. “Don’t tell me that embarrasses you. It’s not the first time he’s slept on someone's lap before, you know.”

Lucy chose to ignore the lurching response her stomach gave at that, biting her lip instead. “It’s not that. It’s just-”

“Girl spare me the rambles,” her interruption was as sharp as a knife, “I honestly don’t care.”

Then why did you bring it up? Lucy wanted to ask, frowning instead, a pained grunt from Natsu made her fingers loosen in his hair, belatedly realizing she’d begun to pull at the strands. Muttering a quick apology, she soothed out the hair and cleared her throat, “Thanks for letting us stay here. I know there’s not a lot of space.”

“Hmm, better that then you all falling down the hill and busting your heads open in the dark. It’d leave me with more on my plate to fix than just the blockhead there. Besides, you can all leave after you wake and have had breakfast.”

“And Natsu?”

“I imagine Makarov will want to keep him here until we’re sure he’s stable.” She snorted, “Knowing that old goat he’s going to fret and want him to overstay just in case. Then it’s back to his own hovel so I can have peace and quiet again.”

“Ah,” Her gaze swept back to Natsu, gnawing her lip until it felt raw, “That makes sense, I guess.”

“And you? I noticed your cane is gone.”

Lucy blinked, surprised, “I.. I forgot. My magic was there last night, but- ”

“A good first step then.” She cut her off, dexterously flipping the bacon with her bare fingers. The small burns from the night before hardly seemed to bother her, grabbing more slices to toss in the popping oil. ”Make sure you don’t trip over my rug when you leave then. I’m not in the mood to fix you again and I haven’t a spare to lend you.”

Lucy’s voice lowered as her ire rose, “Are you always like this?”

Porylusica fixed her with a droll stare that overthrew Lucy's irritation, “Get used to it if you plan on staying here, girl.”

Lucy’s silence damned her before she could find the words to stammer out. The old doctor’s eyes were sharp, catching the pull of her eyebrows that knitted in uncertainty. It spoke on a volume she wished the old woman hadn’t caught.

The older woman barked a hollow laugh, shifting the pan off the flames to crack a few eggs into the sizzling mass. She didn’t want to admit that Porly’s eyes felt too all-seeing in that moment, leaving her drowning a silent shame.

“So that’s how it is.” Despite her angered tone, she managed to sound disappointed, tearing her gaze from Lucy’s to focus on her work, “I didn’t realize you were industrious enough to use our help then leave, but even an old woman like me can be wrong from time to time it seems.”

Lucy’s eyes whirled, her earlier shame shifting to agape denials, “That’s not it at all! I want this place to be my home, m-more than anything!”

The crack of another egg sounded like a whip in the air, making Lucy flinch. Porlyusica tossed the empty shell aside in a pile with the rest, “Is that so? Then why the hesitation?”

She wanted to stay silent, shame and guilt burning in her lungs, all-too aware that one wrong rise in volume would awaken the others in the room. She didn’t want that.

They all deserved their rest, not to wake up to Porylusica’s interrogation or her own doubts, but the longer she kept her mouth shut, stubborn pride corralling her broiling emotions, the more the doctor’s ire seemed to raise.

“Are you that much a fool? If you leave, you’ll be caught, and who knows what will come of you then. Are you that suicidal?” She thundered, finally slamming her pan to the side, “Well?! Are you?”

Her tongue felt numb, paralyzed on words and thoughts that traveled through Lucy’s mind too fast to grasp. Wildly, she looked over Gray and Wendy, still curled up in their corners, still deep in sleep. A small mercy, but Natsu twitched, body tensing as he whined again, his body heat rising from a dream currently plaguing him. His eyes rapidly moved beneath his lids, drawing her attention.

“... somethings bothering him,” Lucy murmured distracted from her thoughts enough to rustle his hair once again, leaning forward to catch the mumbling words tumbling from his dry mouth. Too disjointed and hard to catch, “It’s not safe for him to be talking, is it?”

“Can you really stop a man in his sleep?” Shuffling around, Porylusica began collecting a small set of wooden bowls, hidden beside the hearth, but Lucy didn’t miss the derisive snort as she turned her back on the other. “As long as he’s not screaming and stays quiet when awake, he’ll heal. Mine and Wendy’s abilities aren’t to be trifled with. Now, my question. Or are you looking for another excuse to avoid giving me a straight answer?”

Lucy winced, “... I’m not wanting to hurt myself. That would be an insult to my own parents' sacrifice to protect me.”

“.. and what of our own?” That sharp voice grew smaller, a husky anger that filled the room in a grisled tone that spoke of experiences far beyond Lucy’s years. “Do we mean so little to you?”

The words were harsh and full of a truth that left Lucy’s heart clenching. A sob wrenched from her closing throat. Wet hot tears spilled down her cheeks as she shook her head, “I- I don’t want you all getting hurt because of me… is that so wrong?”

“... don’t insult that boy's sacrifice for you, fool.”

She couldn’t bring herself to reply and Porylusica didn’t prompt her for further conversation. Instead she muttered beneath her breath and shambled about, settling plates full of breakfast onto a nearby table. Whatever energy the older woman had to spare on conversation was long gone as she moved to gently prod Wendy’s shoulders, ushering the girl awake before roughly striking Gray across the back of his head in a swift motion. He woke with a startled yelp.

“Ah-! What the hell old lady! No mercy for the help?!”

“Get up and eat before it gets cold, I’m tired of you taking up space in my home!”

“Geez… grouchier than usual.”

Lucy bowed her head, shielding her face from the room in a blanket of golden hair. That was her fault too, wasn’t it?

The chatter and clanking of plates filled the room, and despite Wendy’s sleepy attempts at greeting everyone, Lucy only managed a small nod of her head. Lost in thought, she missed the drop in the smaller girl's expression, moving away to eat the meal that had been prepared.

Not a second later, the wafting scent of breakfast food filled her nostrils as a plate was placed before her, hovering above Natsu’s face as it broke through her curtain of hair.

It was a shame she missed the scrunching of Natsu’s nose, but his increased verbal mumblings was enough to prove he’d caught the scent as well. Glancing up, her eyes met Gray’s tired blues, head tilted with an encouraging smile as he held her plate aloft, waiting in silence.

“... thanks.” She croaked, fingers shaking as she accepted, “I could have gotten it later.”

“You’ve got a snuggly moron on you, don’t worry about it.” She almost choked on a bacon slice at Gray’s answer, coughing the bite down her throat as he chuckled, “don’t look so down. It’s going to be okay, yeah?”

Was he aware of their earlier conversation?

Searching his expression, Lucy decided that no, he must have just thought her worry was for the wounded draconis on her lap. She forced a smile, taking another bite to ease his own worries.

“Yeah. I know. The worst is over.” She wished she could believe her own words. A few, awkward seconds passed by with Lucy stiffly eating and Gray diligently watching. She couldn’t read his intentions at that moment, but after Wendy called him to his cooling dish, he shrugged and moved on, muttering a quiet ‘take care of yourself’ before he left Lucy’s proximity.

Maybe.. He did hear some of it? She swallowed down the rising panic with a bite of egg, grimacing at the over salted taste.

“Will we be going to see Makarov today?” Wendy asked once half her plate was cleaned, eyeing her Aunt curiously. The healer humphed, exhaling as she quickly consumed her own meal.

“He’ll be coming here, I imagine.” She said after a time, casting a searing glance towards Gray, “Which is why I want at least one of you gone before he gets here.”

“I get it,” He griped, stuffing the last of his bacon into his mouth and chewing angrily, “you’re really making me feel ganged up on, Granny.”

“It’s only because Lucy’s helping to keep Natsu calm,” Wendy muttered sheepishly, “You know how she is.”

“Hmph, if you know, then why are you offended? Finish your food and get out.” “Aunt Porly, please - “ Wendy chastised, face flushing, “He helped a lot last night, the least you can do is be nice.”

The older woman grunted, falling into a quiet agreement that only made the air more tense. Gray swallowed down the rest of his eggs in an air of indifference and the chatter ended. Lucy ate slower than the others, poking and prodding at her meal as her stomach tied into knots, refusing to feel hungry.

After a few, forced bites, she placed the plate beside her, eyes watching carefully to ensure no jostling of the bed would tip it over. Perhaps Natsu could finish it when he woke -

No, she paused on that thought. Not with a damaged throat like that. He’d be better off with liquids, she guessed. Sighing, she turned her attention back to the resting draconis, head ringing with the sharp words Porlyusica had used as a weapon against her.

Was she being unfair to him? That certainly wasn’t her intention, but something was still gnawing in the depths of her mind, demanding a response from her in regards to his injuries, but she couldn’t put a finger to it.

Natsu’s distressed mumbles broke through her thoughts.

A sudden sweat had broken along his brow, nose and eyes scrunching together as he ground his teeth. Startled, Lucy placed her cool fingers against his cheeks, noting his temperature had spiked once again and continued to climb with each frantic inhale. He struggled to move, wincing from the strain as a low whimper escaped him. His fingers curled tightly in the sheets, tearing the fabric trapped in his grasp.

She called out to the others then, both hands now on his face, trying to soothe the creases on his forehead. Was he all right? What was happening? “Something’s not right!”

Lucy dimly heard the screech of chairs toppling over, but at the same time, another whine escaped Natsu.

It was small, reminiscent of a broken child begging for comfort as wetness gathered at his eyes and dripped down passed his ears. Before the others could reach them, his whine turned into a broken, garbled cry, blood spitting from his mouth as he called out a name foreign to her ears but said with such despair it made her heart clench. “I-Igneel,” He croaked, desperation tinting his pleading tone, “help!”

As if winter had returned, a cold chill ran up Lucy’s spine as Wendy, Gray froze in their steps, eyes wide.

“Don’t just stand there, you two,” Porylusica barked, already checking his fever and, keeping his mouth open with her gnarled fingers, inspecting the inside of his mouth as she kept his airways clear. “ You boy! Ice now! Wendy, get the rest from the cellar. Hurry!”

Like the night before, the rush had began again, but Lucy’s heart stammered as she looked upon Natsu’s crying eyes squeezed shut. The name rang in her head, unrecognizable, but the desperate cry, the broken, empty pleading for help.

It reminded her of another time, when she was hidden beneath a broken cart, begging the slumped figures of her parents to move, anything to prove they were alive. Horror gripped her at the revelation and she robotically tried to soothe him, calling vaguely for her magic yet it stayed frustratingly out of her grasp. Questions tumbling from her mouth before she could think, “Who is that?! Whose he is asking for?!”

Undeterred from her work, but also unwilling to explain further, Porylusica snapped, “A man long dead, who else?”

#Fairy Tail Fanfiction #FT Fanfiction #Nalu Fanfiction #NatsuxLucy #Nalu #Natsu Dragneel #Lucy Heartfilia #Flame's Desire #My Writing #fanfiction #Fairy Tail

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caramelmochacrow · 5 months

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happy birthday yuka! (hope she and esora enjoy the view!)

(rambling under the cut because the tags cannot contain my love for them--)

the flowers are there for a reason not just bc roses mean romance and yuka is compared to a sunflower. those roses are rosebuds and they mean pure and lovely (w red ones) while the sunflowers are dwarf sunflowers and they mean adoration and love. i chose those because the roses are like how their love is pure and lovely yk? how pure this moment is of esora just. looking at yuka. the sunflowers are bc of esora comparing yuka to them and how esora is looking at yuka w so much love and adoration it's cute ok?

the outfits are from the esora birthday drawing and this is a follow up to it! i was supposed to make a comic but i dont have time so i'll tell u how it was supposed to go: they finished the ferris wheel ride and esora wanted to show yuka something on top of the rooftop of a nice tall building. when they arrived it coincidentally (esora asked the staff) fired off fireworks at the exact moment yuka went close to the railing to see the view. yuka was surprised and turned to look at esora to ask her abt the display only to see her abt to take a picture of her.

also yeah esora hasnt taken the photo in the drawing, this is at the moment she is about to do it but still looking at yuka, taking in the beautiful she had so perfectly set up. the firework behind yuka is supposed to make her look like the sun is right behind her or she is the sun herself, it makes it look like she is the center of attention and that she deserves all of the adoration and love esora is giving her. (also because the sunflowers are looking right at her)

something about how yuka always captures the greatest moments around her of landscapes and the things around her but not herself, so esora choosing and trying to capture hers is like she's saying "you deserve your best moments to be seen as well". or something.... i DONT KNOW!!!

the flowers being around and the whole composition is inspired by yuhki kamatani's work on shounen note and our dreams at dusk! i recommended checking our their work! it's so good especially if you love visuals! (their work is so beautiful...)

another thing that inspired this drawing was the last scene of my summer with you (a manga by nagisa furuya!) where one of the main characters takes a picture of the other without him or with him knowing (idk it's been a while) behind this pretty view. the manga actually inspired me a lot when i read it to draw yukaeso related stuff (mostly because of the summer focus nothing else) so i felt it was right to put a reference to it in this drawing!

the flowers were taken from pictures and ripped out to be used for the drawing yes. was it worth it? yes. would i do it again? yes very much.

i chose fireworks NOT because of the fact esora has this weird thing of being gay when there are fireworks but it just makes sense to watch a firework display after a ferris wheel ride, you know? (i wanted this to originally be the trope where one of them will say "look at the beautiful view!" and the other, looking at them, will say "yeah it is" but EUGHGHGHHHG I GOT EMBARRASSED AND I DIDNT WANT TO DRAW A COMIC WHERE EVERYTHING IS HIGH QUALITY--)

also another reason is because in ao to natsu (original not yuka's cover) there's a firework sound effect in one part of the song and since yuka covered it it made sense to make a reference to it as well!

i learned a lot on how to choose colors and stuff with this drawing, im proud of it! (i have yet again evolved my drawing abilities w yukaeso lol--)

if i wasnt so busy with school, i couldve made the comic but this drawing says everything and what i wanted to capture, you know?

#crow's scribbles #d4dj #d4dj groovy mix #esora shimizu #yuka jennifer sasago #yukaeso #hi. <3 #try to spot the nyochio (it's not that hard i think?)#im so obsessed with this drawing.#i love it so much.#probably not gonna make bday art for everyone next year tho haha #just if i want to or if i want to redraw it #might just rb the drawings i made for them lol

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bumblebeehug · 10 months

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now what if i rip up old scars, make natsu and lucy relive their biggest fears, so i can let them survive them once again, and then make sure they gently tuck each other in, tracing lines on each other’s hands, counting the many healed and less healed scars, and then make them kiss each other gently on the forehead to make sure that they know they are loved, strong, and though vulnerable, so very human that their love cannot be explained with words

#feeling hurtcomforty today #fairy tail #lucy heartfilia #natsu dragneel #nalu

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primordialpaper · 6 months

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Random Fairy Tail WIPs, #2

<Here, Team Natsu has just apprehended a particularly mouthy bandit leader, who manages to get on Wendy's nerves with his constant stream of foul-comments and insults.>

She needed to be able to think.

“You guild wizards, always happy to do the Council’s dirty work-”

“Shut up!” The quiet was immediate, and Wendy enjoyed a heady few seconds of bliss before she noticed the subtle, choked undercurrent this hush possessed. It wasn’t a perfect silence, with still the faint, muffled sound of someone trying to talk. Her friends had all fallen quiet, too. Opening her eyes, she was greeted by Natsu and Gray’s pale faces, staring transfixed at something behind her.

She didn’t like how off-put they looked.

“Wendy,” Erza’s voice was firm. Regimented. Like she was flattening any sort of emotion that might leak through. She was giving an order. “Wendy, undo it.”

Undo what? What had gotten everyone so spooked?

Wendy turned around to look at the Requip wizard. This motion necessitated her gaze to pass over the bound form of their distasteful, criminal quarry on the way to face Erza.

She never completed the movement.

She went brutally still upon catching sight of the man.

He was still on his knees, hands tied behind his back. He was looking up at her, those pale blue eyes practically bulging out of their sockets as he strained with all his might to speak, but couldn't produce more than some strangled gurgles.

This stark lack of vocalization likely had to do with the absence of his mouth.

His mouth was gone. Wendy’s brain fought to make sense of what she was looking at. His mouth was gone. Beneath his nose, there was nothing but smooth, featureless skin.

His attempts at speaking made the empty expanse of flesh bulge in a truly horrifying way.

Wendy had exceptional hearing, and a fairly dedicated memory. The sound of desperate words trapped with nowhere to escape would likely stick with her for years to come.

“Wendy,” the sound of her name- Erza, again- pierced through her horrified stupor. “Undo it, Wendy.”

Undo...

Oh, gods.

Oh gods!

“Deus Zero!” she swiped her hand through the air, ripping away the Enchantment on the man. She’d probably hurt him, at least slightly, with how hasty she was in removing her spell, panic making her normally steady hands tremble.

Blue light flared, and summarily faded, around the lower half of his face, revealing- none the worse for wear- the same mouth he’d had at the start of the day.

The one Wendy had just unintentionally robbed him of.

“Fucking FREAK!” despite his roaring invective, he made no attempt to hide his desperate struggle with his bound limbs to get away from her, shuffling backwards on his knees until he hit the wall. “Witch! You’re a fucking monster!”

“I’m- I’m sorry.” Wendy’s fingers were knotted tightly together at her midsection, somewhat resembling the twisted coil that her insides had wound themselves into. Guilt and horror twined their way through her veins. “I didn’t mean-”

“You all saw what she did to me!” the bandit didn’t acknowledge her, instead gazing frantically at her teammates. “You all saw it! Do guild wizards just let their freaks pick people apart?! Lock her up, why don’t you?! Before the witch does even worse!”

“Shut the hell up.” Gray growled, moving along with Natsu to subtly stand between Wendy and the furious bandit.

Wendy jumped, quite badly, at the feeling of hands coming to rest on her shoulders. She wasn’t able to look away from the man she’d just... just...- but she knew this touch was Lucy’s. The process of elimination aside, the blond’s hands were smaller than Natsu or Gray’s, and lacked the cold plating of Erza’s gauntlets.

She was gentle, in the way she guided her to turn around, keeping careful hold on her as she began leading Wendy away.

“You should be locked up, you hear me?! The Council should put you down like a damn dog!”

“Ignore him.” Lucy urged softly, encouraging Wendy to walk just a bit faster. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

#fairy tail #wendy marvell #lucy heartfilia #erza scarlet #gray fullbuster #my writing #primordial post

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ieroween1031 · 2 years

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My Thoughts in Real Time as I Watched Episode 10 of Love in the Air That Absolutely Nobody Asked For (Spoiler Alert!):

Oh my god, Pai just called Sky his boyfriend, I’m gonna snap my computer in half.

Pai’s face when Sky is crying and begging for him not to let go, I’m already emotionally weak

What does Prapai even do for work? Like, what kind of business does his family run?

“Do you know how hard it was to hold back?” You mean how hard it was to not assault a half-conscious person when they’re sick? I love you, but come on, Pai.

Peat’s an amazing actor. Sky, not so much.

I’m not proud of the noise I made at the close-up shot of them holding hands in bed. I literally squealed.

I literally will never get over how fucking gorgeous Fort is. Like he’s seriously so pretty, it makes me sick.

Sky’s clothes are changing but Pai’s aren’t, and I feel like that’s kinda gross. How long have you been wearing those clothes, my guy?

I JUST FUCKING SQUEALED AGAIN AT SKY TOUCHING PAI’S HAIR

GODDAMN IT, SKY, JUST LET HIM LOVE YOU AND LET YOURSELF LOVE HIM!

I don’t know why, but I’m obsessed with the difference in their skin tones.

You tell him, Pai. Let’s get some decent communication going, please!

PRAPAI’S FACE WHEN SKY KISSES HIS CHEEK IS THE CUTEST FUCKING THING I’VE EVER SEEN.

Fort in these racing jackets should be one of the modern wonders of the world

GOD MOTHERFUCKING DAMN IT YOU SON OF A BITCH I’M SO FUCKING ANGRY RIGHT NOW WHAT THE FUCK IS HE DOING HERE JUST SEEING HIM MAKES ME LIVID YOU TRASH EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING

Tag yourself: I’m one of the three people all chastising Sky at the same time

I am completely here for everyone telling Sky how important he is as how much they appreciate his hard work. My baby deserves all the love he can get.

THAT STUPID CHICKEN SONG IS STUCK IN MY HEAD FUCK YOU

More communication, we stan.

Okay, I’m not mad about seeing that shitbird Gun anymore, because I’ve been waiting for this scene with Prapai and Payu helping with the freshmen

DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY

I’m older than both of them, but I would still call Boss and Fort ‘Daddy’ and not feel the least bit guilty about it.

OH MY GOD NATSU I’M SQUEALING AGAIN

Joy, you fucking gossip.

That x-acto knife, I’m fucking cackling. 😂😂😂

“Did I sleep with a psycho?” Yeah, well, it wouldn’t be the first time, sweetheart.

Was that too soon? I feel like that was too soon.

This is all entirely too happy. How are they planning to rip my heart out in the last ten minutes? Because I have a feeling something is coming that’s gonna make me want to cry.

Yes, please introduce Sky to your family. They’ll absolutely love him and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; my sweet baby just deserves all the love he can get.

KISS HIM KISS HIM KISS HIM KISS HIM

GODDAMN IT FUCK!!!

I’d like to apologize for my outburst earlier; this is the the best episode so far. We got the Phis helping the Nongs with the freshman, the writing on the hands, and now I get the scene with Prapai on the floor and sweet, precious little Sky just a-grinning away on the bed. My heart hurts.

Prapai googling how to take care of a sick person is a mood

He called his mom? My sweet child is a clueless idiot and I would kill or die for him.

Is he keeping a log of all the things he’s learning about Pai? I can’t breathe, that’s too fucking adorable.

Huh. I was wrong about something devastating happening in the last ten minutes. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong before.

The preview for the next episode has me flailing. I can’t tell you how excited I am for Sky for finally admit that he’s completely gone for Pai, because fucking same, bro.

Are we getting another NC scene next episode? Probably not, because Me Mind Y are teases, but I don’t care. just that was enough to drive me insane.

My heart literally hurts knowing that this is all gonna come crumbling down around us sometime in the next three episodes.

WE’VE ONLY GOT THREE EPISODES LEFT I’M GONNA THROW UP

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icedcoffeeandsunshine · 1 year

Note

Could you do a sting eucliffe character analysis?

hello and yes ofc i can! i’m so sorry this took so long to respond to, i’ve had board exams so it’s a little bit all over the place 😅 but i hope you like!

Sting Eucliffe Character Analysis - Requested

CANON ANALYSIS

one word to describe this man ; COCKY.

but sliightly lesser so after the events of the grand magic games.

sting is definitely sometimes overconfident and arrogant however he does have an insecure side to him, as seen specifically during the alvarez arc. from believing in fighting to win, after the gmg arc, sting has been influenced to fight for his comrades and not just for the sake of that sense of victory. he also has seemingly gotten rid of his sadistic side (displayed when minerva beat lucy). throughout the anime, it’s made clear that he’s developed a caring, empathetic, protective and cheerful nature towards others and also feels a sense of responsibility as the master of his guild.

MY HEADCANONS FOR THEM

in my version of events, rogue becomes guild master instead of sting, i really feel like sting wasn’t fully mentally prepared for the responsibilities and the challenges that come with holding that title.

or maybe both become co-masters, to balance it out?

sting doesn’t like wearing full shirts (like fully covered) simply because he feels hot (temperature wise) in them, so he wears crop tops

a modern au! one is people come up to him randomly on the street and ask if he’s a kpop idol because dude literally looks like one

OH a cute one is that sting has an earring collection for his piercing but the crystalline one was a gift from weisslogia so that’s why he wears that specific one most of the time (fav one tbh)

i think sting either has some sort of adhd or is just hyperactive in general honestly

in my version of events yet again, sting is not natsu 2.0 because he’s taller one natsu is enough

i don’t think i have much for him? more so for rogue honestly, i find him to be much more interesting (don’t @ me i have a thing for broody dark haired emo-ish men)

STING IN LOVE + FRIENDSHIP

since sting is kind of insecure, i think he’s gonna have some form of communication or commitment issues simply because of his negative thoughts (“everyone’s gonna leave me one day etc”)

his love language is definitely words of affirmation

i think he’d be super protective of his loved ones

again, the insecurity plays in with when someone he loves gets hurt, he’d blame himself for not protecting them or not being strong enough to protect themselves

otherwise, this man is quite confident and low-key horny most of the time

ithink he’s like a best-friend type of lover, in the sense that the relationship would be easygoing fun and serious but at the same time unserious if that makes sense

he is, and i know i’ve said this word 25757 times but COCKY however will be the softest, sweetest, most caring boy if he truly loves you.

WHO DO I SHIP THEM WITH?

though i definitely think minerva is attracted to women, stinerva as a ship kinda makes sense to me, it works wayy better than rogue and minerva. stingyu isn’t my cup of tea really.

stings heart yearns for natsu so honorary mention to stingsu here.

as for stingue, i can see the appeal but at the same time they just give me very brotherly vibes and as someone on tumblr mentioned (can’t remember the user) i ship stingue PLATONICALLY in a context that doesn’t stem from homophobia.

sting x gray is a funny crackship honestly.

but overall i don’t think i ship sting (atleast concretely) with anyone really. i forgot to mention in my headcanons but he really just strikes me as either aroace or demisexual/ demiromnatic or JUST simply not actively looking for a relationship or a partner.

PERSONAL OPINION ABOUT THE CHARACTER

it’s not that i dislike sting but i used to find him somewhat annoying and a rip off natsu and in some aspects, i still think the same but his character development was one of the better written ones in the series. personality aside, he’s one of the hottest characters in fairy tail. he’s not my favourite character but he’s not bad either? i just want him to not be natsu 2.0-esque honestly, that’s one thing i cannot get out of my mind.

#fairy tail #ahana writes #sabertooth #anime #fairy tail headcanons #sting eucliffe #ft sting #send anons #requests open #fairy tail fic #ft headcanons #dragon slayer headcanons #anti stingyu

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terriluvss · 3 days

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Growth, and Trauma in Fairytail

I love fairytail with all of my heart unfortunately it’s my special interest so I’ve overanalysed the hell out of this series and one thing I have noticed with mashima’s writing is the way characters process their trauma. (This post will contain anime spoilers) ALSO TRIGGER WARNING FOR S AND VIOLENCE

Aka, non-existent. For the most part at least. However there are some exceptions to this like with Gray. With characters like Gray, it’s very clear to see why and how he copes with traumatic events take what happened to Ur as example. Gray believes Ur’s death was his own fault (my guess is probably because he was the one who brought up the deliora situation to her causing her to come to rescue him but as a result having to nope out if life), as a result he believes he doesn’t deserve to live as it ‘should’ve been him’. His actions show this as early as Galuna island arc with our boy using iced shell against Lyon. And multiple other times, he always tries to dish out that spell as a sacrifice because he believes his life is worth nothing more.

This is proof that mashima can and does write trauma well sometimes however his writing can also pale in comparison like with the death of igneel. Specially in the Alvarez arc. Natsu was absolutely traumatised by what had happened and we can see this with him running off for a year with happy. He needed his alone time and yet once he returns its as if nothing had happened, he’s his same old smiley silly self. If you told me to look for the differences in natsu’s character between the first episode and the final season, I would have a very very hard time. There was no growth to his character apart from getting ‘stronger’, we don’t get to see how he comes to terms with the fact his one life goal is void or how he deals with the aftermath of tartaros. Afterwards he is back to his smiley goofy self again like nothing ever happened. There’s no signs at all of Natsu even being affected by it apart from getting stronger. His one life goal is now six feet under ground and he has no visible signs of being depressed over that. He’s capable of smiling, being happy, and his usual self. Even during alvarez arc he’s just as fearless and unchanged as ever. During the alvarez arc Natsu had come face to face with this killer once again and instead of showing any signs of fear at all he looks acnologia in the eyes and takes him head on as if he were a weaker oponent or something.

Realistically acnologia should have terrified natsu. Just like how natsu had been afraid of gildarts seeing his raw power, and acnologia is ten times stronger than gildarrs. Especially considering that dragon had KILLED natsu’s dad. Ripping him in half right in front of him, someone Natsu probably viewed as the strongest and indestructible torn apart just like paper. I understand everyone processes trauma differently but we’ve SEEN first hand Natsu showing fear to stronger opponents like Gildarts. So why is it that all of a sudden when Natsu is faced with acnologia in person once more there is no signs of fear, no memories of the trauma, no nothing rather this cookie cutter hero moment again. Where he takes aconologia on as if he were a weaker foe, even laughing to himself and making witty remarks. We’ve seen at the face of truly terrifying power Natsu shrivels up into a stuttering sweating mess. So it doesn’t make any sense that he feels nothing seeing acnologia again. Saying he did the healing during the one year time skip through tartaros doesn’t even make sense because he challenged gildarts to a fight during the manga and you can see him shrivel up in fear unable to speak once more as soon as gildarts destroys a mountain to save him.

Natsu can feel fear. Yet why not with acnologia? Someone who should have traumatised him.

This happens so many times throughout the series. Trauma being swept under the rug like its just another tuesday. I dont get why he can write trauma fine with Gray, but when it comes to people like Lucy or Natsu suddenly its void.

I just wish the characters in this series were given more growth but time and time again it feels like im watching the same characters from episode one over and over again.

But anyway that’s just my two cents on fairytails writing of trauma. This is my first real post on tumblr so it’s probably dogwater, but yeah im open to hearing other peoples thoughts on this and thank you for reading this low effort post.

#fairy tail #anti fairytail #anti mashima #ft salt

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x-theolivia · 10 months

Text

You bring the best out of me

Fairy Tail Masterlist - Navigation

Request: @the-letter-horror-lover - I was wondering if I could may have a Fairy tail Platonic young love headcanon between Wendy Marvell and a male S/O Gray Fullbuster's little brother who is the same age as Wendy. The only thing is S/O is pretty much considered as a rather cold kid figuratively..exactly like Ciel Phantomhive from Black Butler. (Wendy brought out the best in Gray's younger brother)

Summary: You think you won’t need friends. That their just some waste of time. But Wendy Marvell thinks otherwise.

Pairing: platonically Wendy Marvell x male!Reader

Warning: platonically fluff and none, I guess but If you find something, let me know

Authors Note: Fairy Tail doesn’t belong to me and so does this gif. This is my first request and I just write something stupid down. But I hope you like it and I‘m so sorry for my bad english

You don’t need friends, that’s what you though your whole life

You are alone in this world. That’s what you think.

Your brother, Gray Fullbuster, were always busy with Lyon and left you behind. You learned what you can do alone. Just Ur taught you how you use your Ice Magic.The loneliness left a big hole in your heart and you said to yourself: before this happens again, I won‘t let anyone near me, ever again… and so you did

7 years ago, Ur died. The last one you let near you just disappeared out of your life.

Your brother dragged you with him. This is the story how you became a part of Fairy Tail.

At first everyone tried to cheer you up. Tried to be your friend. But your family left a big hole in you and nobody seems to be able to stuff this. After months they stopped trying and you became the only one in this guild without a group. Even your brother left you behind and it hurt you.

2 years ago Wendy became a part of Fairy Tail and you - a grumpy, cold, arrogant brat - caught her attention. She was shy at first but when you snapped at her she was determined to become your friend. Come what may.

Your sitting in the hall and mind your own business, everyone is chatting around you but no one is chatting with you. You’re fine with that. Everyone knows that you don’t want friends.

She sits in front of you, her eyes never leave you but you’re too annoyed to keep this up

„What do you want Marvell?“ you ask her before you roll your eyes at her

„Keeping you company. You seemed so lonely“ she answers and you didn’t like it

„I‘m not lonely! I‘m minding my own business. You should do the same, Marvell“ you snap at her but she doesn’t flinch, instead she shows you a sheet of paper. A mission.

„Go with me on this mission!“ she asks and looks at you with puppy eyes, it makes something inside you twitch

You rip the paper out of her hand and start reading:

It’s a request from a village known as Eldoria, located deep within the enchanted forest. It seems that a mysterious and ancient tome, said to hold unimaginable power, has been stolen from the village‘s sacred temple. The village elders are desperate to recover the tome before it falls into the wrong hands, as it‘s magic could bring devastation to the realm.

The tome is believed to be hidden within a treacherous labyrinth, guarded by powerful magical creatures and intricate traps.

„Why would you ask me? Go with Natsu or somebody else!“ you try to scare Wendy away but she shakes her head

„I want to go with you! pretty, pretty please!“ she‘s too determined

„Fine, whatever“ you roll your eyes but her eyes shine like diamonds

Secretly you’re as excited as she is

„Thank you so much for your help. You see, this tome is very special for our village and if we don’t get it back and the tome falls into false hands… it could be the end!“ the eldest says when you and Wendy arrive at Eldoria

You stand in front of this called labyrinth. It seems scary and dark but you’re not afraid. You call yourself fearless… way too often

„Don’t worry, we will find the tome. My friend is pretty good with his magic“ she says and heat rises in your cheeks. Friends.

You step inside the labyrinth and the hedge behind you closes itself. You‘re trapped in this labyrinth.

You first stop is a glade and the trees seems to whisper. They are possess by a mischievous spirit. They whisper some easy riddles and puzzles, that help you navigate through them.

You take the lead. Wendy seems not quite to understand so you grab her wrist and guide her through the forest.

The next stop is a hidden chamber adorned with glistening crystals but they don’t seem right. Wendy starts to turn and push the crystals around until she reveals a secret passage behind them

„How do you do this?“ you ask confused

„They looked not right so I turn them until it looks beautiful“ she explains with a big, proud grin

„Pft. Girls“ you mutter, but secretly you’re impressed by her

When you go over the secret passage you get into a grand chamber that is protected by an ancient staue. A guardian who tests your wisdom and knowledge.

He asks you a series of riddles and question and you need to get them right. You take the lead again. Your knowledge isn’t small but one question is pretty hard and you stand there, stammer something but don’t get the answer. Wendy jumps in and answers the question right.

The guard is impressed and let you through

„Thanks“ you whisper but she smiles at you, which melt your heart

„You’re welcome, Y/N“

The last challenge awaits you two in the heart of the labyrinth. You face a series of elemental trials, each representing a different force of nature. You must demonstrate your ability to resist fire, water, earth and air to unlock the chamber where the tome resides.

It was not that easy because your ice can’t do much against the elements but Wendy helps you out with her magic of a Dragonslayer.

„You ok?“ she asks when you sink on your knees to take a breath

„Yeah, I‘m fine“ and for the first time you smile at her. She stands there, shock in her eyes but it forms into happiness before she storms into your arms and give you the biggest hug in your life

After overcoming the challenges of the labyrinth, you reach the final chamber, where you find the stolen enchanted tome hidden away.

However, you soon realize that an infamous dark guild seeks to claim its power for themselves

A fierce battle ensues as you and Wendy defeat the dark guild, ensuring its safety

With the tome recovered, you return to Eldoria to the joyous celebration of the villagers, who are grateful for your heroic efforts

You stand besides, let the other celebrate, when Wendy come up to you

„You did a great job, Y/N“ she says and smiles at you

„You weren’t bad yourself, Marvell“ you give her also a little smile before she stick out her hand to you

Confused you look at her and her hand

„Friends?“ she asks nicely and tilts her head to the right

„Yeah, whatever“ you gave her your hand and she drags you into the celebrations

The mission is a success, and the power of the enchanted tome remains safeguarded, preserving the harmony of the magical realm.

When you return to Fairy Tail everyone can see your change. You smile more often and go on missions with Wendy… and Wendy only

Even your brother looks at you and feels proud of you to find a friend in Wendy

Sometime it seems that you’re still grumpy but you aren’t

One day, Gray Fullbuster goes up to Wendy.

„Thank you, Wendy“ he says but she doesn’t understand

„You bring the best out of my brother“ he explains but she just smile and hug Gray tight

#fairy tail #gray fullbuster #wendy marvell #x male reader #platonic #friends

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