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my-emotional-self · 4 years

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Sinful Love - Chapter 1

Moodboard by the beautiful @princess-evans-addict

Pairings: Prisoner!Steve Rogers x OFC

Warnings: Swearing, Prison, Steve has lots of naughty thoughts, talk of murder, blood

Summary: Gemma, a quiet and meek crime writer from a small town in Massachusetts, interviews murderer Steve Rogers in prison for a memoir. Will things go terribly wrong, or beautifully right?

Authors Note: Credit for this fanfic goes 100% to punk-in-docs as this is is based off her Prisoner!Kylo Ren “Sinnerman”. You can find her on Tumblr at punk-in-docs or on A03 - Punk_in_Docs . I HIGHLY suggest taking a look at her stories as she is a beautiful writer!!!

P.S. I am currently NOT doing a tag list at the moment so I am sorry about that.

She was cold; that much was for sure. Gemma bounced her leg up and down as she was sat in the cold metal chair, waiting for her name to be called. Her emerald green eyes scanned her surroundings as she pulled her ratty old cardigan closer to her body.

Her eyes landed on the sign in front of her: Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. Yes, she was sitting in the waiting room of a prison.

This was her job, as a crime writer with her publishing firm. She didn’t mind it. She loved hearing how inmates have turned their lives around for the better and she still even wrote to some of the inmates she had interviewed in the past.

Gemma Peterson was someone that people didn’t really give a second glance to; and she liked it that way. Ever since she was as young as she could remember, she was always told by her mother and grandmother what a dreamer she was; how her creativity would get her somewhere one day. And yet here she was, sitting in a prison and waiting to interview a murderer.

She really couldn’t complain however as she loved her job. She knew she wanted to be a writer her whole life; that’s what she got for growing up in the smaller community a half hour away from Boston, Massachusetts. It was well known for its literary history.

As she continued to wait, her right hand came up to grip the locket around her neck; closing her eyes and thinking of her grandmother and mother. She had never known her father as he was never a part of her life. “Wish me luck today,” she spoke under her breath, knowing her grandma and mom were always with her. Her mother unfortunately passed away before her 17th birthday: a horrible car accident took her away from you.

Gemma’s mother was her world and was always there for her. After her untimely death, her grandmother picked up the pieces and helped her get through everything.

“Peterson! You’re up!” Her thoughts were pulled from her when she heard her name being called. Looking up, she saw a short and round man with sweat stains under his armpits waiting for her near a door. She knew it was the resident Psychiatrist, Dr. Kauffman, with whom she talked to on the phone earlier in the week.

Quickly standing up, she gathered her satchel which held her notebook, along with the prison inmate file on Steve Rogers, and briskly walked over to the man.

He looked her up and down then shook his head. “They are going to eat you alive kid,” he spoke with a shake of his head before turning away from her and walking down the long and narrow hall.

Gemma scrunched her brows and looked down at her outfit. She made sure to dress accordingly with what the psychiatrist said. She was wearing a knee length black dress and a green cardigan to cover her exposed arms; her hair was neatly tucked back into a ponytail and she wasn’t wearing any makeup. A pair of black converse on her feet. But her eyes widened when she realized she put perfume on that morning. Silently, she scolded herself as the man in front of her walked through another set of doors and took a sharp turn to the left.

Taking deep breaths, Gemma kept up pace with the doctor in front of her as they now reached the official area where the inmates were locked up.

“Hey sexy bitch!” A man growled from her right. “Get your sexy ass over her and let me take a good look at you!”

Glancing to her right, she saw a tall man, at least six foot five with his hands clenched around the steel bars; his smile wide, showing off his yellow teeth.

There was a guard walking behind you and he took his baton, smacking it against the steel bars, effectively shutting the inmate up.

After a few more twists and turns, Dr. Kauffman leads Gemma into what looks like the visitor room. There are rows of metal tables and chairs; the tables having locks in the middle of them so the prisoners can be chained down with their handcuffs.

“Take a seat,” Dr. Kauffman states as he points to one of the tables. The room was large, but there was nobody else there. It was cold, cooler than the previous room she was waiting in and it smelt musty.

Dr. Kauffman took a seat at the opposite side of the table as her, clasping his hands together. “Look, I know you’re here to interview Rogers, but don’t be surprised if you don’t get any information out of him,” he stated. Gemma furrowed her brows in curiosity to what he said. “There have been dozens of interviewers here over the years and Rogers doesn’t particularly care to give any kind of information to them.” He got up from his seat, placing his hands on the table and leaning towards her. “And just so you know, this is the first time he has seen a woman in three years.”

Gemma gulped, but her throat was so dry, it didn’t do anything. Why was she so nervous all of a sudden? This was her job; she’s interviewed hundreds of people over the last handful of years, but she had never been quite this nervous before.

“Are you wearing perfume?” Dr. Kauffman asked as he stood away, folding his arms over his chest.

Gemma blushed, nodding her head. “Sorry. It’s a habit. I’ll remember for next time. Promise.”

Dr. Kauffman walked towards the steel beamed doors where there were two prisons guards waiting.

As Gemma waited for him to grab Steve Rogers, she placed her notebook and inmate file in front of her on the table. Opening the file, she still couldn’t believe that there was no picture of the inmate. When she had asked her boss about it, he merely shrugged. She had the file for almost a week and had memorized everything inside of it.

She read over the questions she had written in front of her as she waiting; her hands palms starting to sweat as her heart began to beat rapidly inside of her chest; anxiety and fear creeping over her.

“You need to behave yourself and be nice Rogers,” one of the guards spoke.

Another voice broke through Gemma’s thoughts; one of the sexiest voices she had ever heard. Looking up from her papers in front of her, she saw a tall, well built man, clad in an orange jumpsuit, wrists and ankles locked together with cuffs, entering the expansive room.

He scoffed at the guard, a sly smile on his face. “I don’t play well with others and you know that.”

Her heart nearly dropped to her stomach at the sight of him. He had to be close to six feet tall. His hair was a dark blonde, almost brunette and was longer at the top of his head while the sides were shorter. His hair was combed backwards and he had a thick yet trimmed beard resting on his face.

The guard brought him closer to Gemma, stopping just in front of her. He pulled the chair out for Steve to sit in and cuffed him to the table.

“We’ll be just outside the door, so no funny business Rogers,” the guard spoke, pulling at his cuffs to make sure he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Steve bit back sarcastically.

It took a moment for Steve to look over at Gemma and when she did, she wanted to simultaneously shrink down in her seat from her glare, yet get lost in his eyes forever. They were the bluest eyes she had ever seen in her life and she was mesmerized by them.

Steve cleared his throat, making Gemma startle in her seat. She tore her gaze from his eyes and noticed he had tattoos peeking out of the neck of his jumpsuit. As she trailed her view from his neck, she also realized he had more black ink sticking out of sleeves of his orange garb and to his hands; wondering if his entire body was covered in the ink.

Steve couldn’t help but take notice of the smaller woman sitting in front of him. She was a mousy little thing, yet he could tell she was curvy underneath that drab old cardigan she was wearing. Fuck, Steve hadn’t seen a woman in over three years and he wasn’t disappointed in this little Kitten sitting here. He couldn’t help but notice when he startled her earlier, scaring her; it made his dick throb.

She wet her lips, grasping her notebook in her hands and looking over her questions yet again.

Steve began to feel his temper rise under his skin, waiting for this little Kitten to speak. Hell, at this point, he was beginning to think she was a damn mute.

Gemma took a sip of water from her water bottle that was stashed away in her satchel; getting comfortable in her chair. “Umm, I just wanted to say thank you for agreeing to meet and speak with me Mr. Rogers,” she spoke, her voice awfully quiet.

His eyes narrowed at her as he leaned back in his chair, arms folding across his chest. “Yeah yeah. Let’s just get this over with. I’m missing my yard time today for some journalist here.”

Gemma shuffles anxiously in her chair. “Well, I’m not a journalist Mr. Rogers. My name is Gemma Peterson and I’m a writer actually. I work for a small publishing firm and they are interested in your story as a lifer in this prison. They are actually doing a series on inmates and their personal memoirs and it will be published into a book of….”

Steve scoffed, cutting you off. “Writer or journalist, you’re all the same. There’s no difference,” he mutters under his breath. His eyes glance down to the manila folder that held his inmate information. “From the looks of it, you’ve already read everything about me so you should know how I feel about journalists hounding me for questions about my life before prison and now.” His voice was warning, yet a deep purr. He leaned against the table, closer to Gemma, eyes pinning under his dark gaze.

There was something about the fear that was ignited in Gemma, which also turned her on. His eyes were piercing deep into her soul, mesmerized, yet terrified at the same time.

Steve fought the urge to moan at the way she bit her lower lip, as if to stop herself from trembling; his cock jumping for attention under his orange jumpsuit. She was modest, submissive even and he had to stop thinking dark thoughts about his hand around her throat as he fucked her raw. When he was told about this interview, he assumed it would have been a balding fat man, not a shapely appetizing young woman.

He was leaned over the table, as close as he could possible lean and inhaled deeply. His nostrils were met with the most wondrous smell; some sort of flower he couldn’t quite figure out, but he wanted more of it. He thanked whatever higher power out there for her perfume, her scent; it was a good distraction for his shitty fucking life in prison.

Gemma took a shuddering breath as Steve leaned closer to her over the table; her eyes on his large hands clasped together.

“Well go on then. Ask your damn questions,” Steve urged, a hint of playfulness in his warning tone, making Gemma’s mind swirl with confusion.

“Umm, what..what more can you tell me about your conviction and what was it like?” She slowly glances back up at Steve, immediately regretting it. His jaw was tight, tense.

“Lengthy and tedious,” came Steve’s stiff answer.

“And what about the trial?” she asks softly.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he glances down at his file and back up to her. “Read the damn file. It’s all in there.”

Usually she is poised during interviews, but Steve is throwing her off track with his demeanor. “Alright then,” she speaks, shifting in her chair. “How has it been adjusting to life here in prison?”

“Agonizing,” he replies; his face deadpanned.

“Umm,” she stumbled as she fumbled through her notes. She could feel her cheeks begin to redden with mortification at her loss of thought. This was definitely not going the way she imagined. Sure, she had never interviewed a prisoner before, but she had seen numerous crime shows and interviews online with prisoners and they acted anything but like Steve. Her throat was beginning to dry up and reached for her bottle of water, taking a quick swig. Not only was his behavior throwing her off, but he stature in general was terrifying. Here she was, sitting not only in front of a murderer, but a big man in and of itself. His biceps were trying to break free from his jumpsuit and she could tell he was ripped and muscular underneath.

Her eyes trailed up to his face; the veins in his neck starting to pop out. “What do you want me to say huh?” he growled through his teeth. “You want me to sit here and talk about and describe in detail what killing and hurting those men felt like huh? How good it felt when I plunged the knife into their stomachs and slashed their throats? Or how I watched one of them die a slow and painful death after cutting his femoral artery? People don’t realize just how much blood the human body can hold, but I sure do Kitten and it’s quite a fucking lot of blood,” he explained.

Gemma wanted to flinch at the pet name he gave her, but she kept her cool as best she could. Instead, she looked at him with her big emerald green innocent and scared eyes.

Steve nearly came in his jumpsuit at the terrified way she was looking at him. Fuck he would give anything to snap these chains off him, bend her over the table and slam his dick into her pussy. He knew, just by looking at her, what a tight little cunt she had; and he wanted it.

“Is that what you want to hear Kitten? I think deep down you want to hear that I enjoyed killing those men. Fuck, I’m glad I did it. And no, I wouldn’t take it back if I had the chance to. Sure, I’m fucking pissed to be locked in this miserable God forsaken place like a caged animal. Having to be told when I can eat, sleep and taking a goddamn piss. But it is what it is,” he stated, shrugging as if it was nothing.

Gemma could do nothing but stare back at him. Steve studied her, knowing he was wrong. No, she was too sweet, too pure. She wasn’t hard hearted like him. He watches as she nervously chews on her lower lip.

“What do you miss most from outside of this place?”

The question made him cock his head to the side in curiosity. This petite, shapely five foot four librarian looking woman just astonished the five foot eleven murderer.

“What?” Steve asked.

“What do you miss about-“

“I heard the fucking question Kitten,” he growled.

This time when he called her Kitten, she didn’t want to flinch. Instead, she felt an oddly exciting tingle go down her spine; her cheeks turning a beautiful shade of pink. Steve knew exactly what his pet name did to her as he slyly smirked.

Steve stayed silent, not knowing how to answer that question. Nobody ever asked him that question before in interviews.

She remained quiet as well, her eyes fidgeting with her pen. She had been told time and time again to not give any personal information about herself, but she couldn’t help just speaking up. “I’d miss baking.” Her voice was the softest she had ever spoken; Steve barely heard her.

Her eyes flick back up to Steve as he sits back in his chair, getting comfortable. His slicked back hair was now in the light of one of the few windows in the room and even though he used only prison shampoo, it looked so soft; she wanted to run her fingers through it.

Since Steve wasn’t saying anything, she figured she would continue speaking. “My grandma left me her house in her will when she passed. It’s quite small. Just a two bedroom two bathroom house. But it has a porch with a porch swing in the front and is full of hand me downs and small knick-knacks. It’s warm and cozy and clean, and all mine,” she speaks. “It’s all I have. I don’t have any family left. My entire life exists in that small house. I grew up there my entire life. I remember planting some lilac bushes when I was younger. I love it every spring when they bloom, even if it’s not for very long. My grandma and I planted a garden in the front of the house. I try to keep up with the garden, but that was my grandma’s thing. Plants and flowers. Luckily the garden we planted when I was younger, doesn’t take much to upkeep. But baking is my passion. Cookies, brownies, pies and cakes. I make a lot of cakes for special events in my town.”

She couldn’t help but glance up at Steve and she couldn’t tell if her mind was playing tricks on her or not, but it looked like he was smirking.

“Coffee,” was all he said, making Gemma nod her head. But then he continued. “Italian coffee to be exact. Nothing added to it, dark as the ink on my skin. The shit coffee they serve in here tastes like dirt.” Gemma couldn’t help but let out a small giggle, the sound going straight to Steve’s dick, making him inwardly groan.

The two of them sat there quietly, staring at one another.

“Time’s up,” came the voice of one of the guards. Gemma turned and saw two guards entering the room. They stopped in front of Steve and unshackled him from the table. Roughly, they jerked his hands away from the table and she wondered if his wrists were sore or hurt as she noticed how his skin was raised and red near the cuffs.

“Come and see me again Kitten,” Steve spoke with a slight upturned grin to his lips.

Gemma watched as the guards took him from the room. She had never felt this way before she did today; terrified and fearful, yet oddly excited to see him again. She had not planned on coming back here again, but when he called her that pet name yet again, she had made up her mind to visit him next week.

#steve rogers #steve rogers fanfic #steve rogers fanfiction #prisoner!steve #au avengers #au steve rogers #steve rogers x ofc #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers smut #steve rogers x you #avengers smut #avengers fanfiction #bucky barnes

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bloodstained-ballgowns · 3 years

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Hello, sorry to bother you but I was just curious about the Scarlett Johansson vs. Disney lawsuit and I saw a lot about it from your tumblr and thought you might know it pretty well. 😅

I read somewhere that she was requesting a 80 million additional pay (which with the addition of her 20 million base salary would be 100 million total) when the simultaneous release was announced, which was based on a hypothetical box office figure similar to Captain Marvel. With the pandemic and all going on, I read a lot of comments saying she was asking for way too much. Added with the supposed Russo brothers' contract worries, I also read comments upset with her for causing this issue.

So I just wanted to ask your opinion on a few things.

1. Do you think there might be a shift in support after more details are released, will people side with Disney more because of the amount asked for during this pandemic?

2. And with more details being released, do you think the lawsuit playing out in public may end up hurting her side more than Disney's?

I just loved reading your previous answers regarding this topic cause it was all so well written and explained, I hope you won't mind me asking this, thank you in advance!

I'm all for her getting her contracts worth but the media releasing articles of how there is no going back for Scarlett and Disney makes me a bit sad we won't be seeing her version of Natasha anymore. Hopefully the whole character doesn't get shelved though.

Hi anon! You're no bother! Thank you for your questions!

I don't know about the $80 million ask based on a hypothetical box office based around Captain Marvel, as I didn't think specific amounts were negotiated before box office actually came to fruition. For example, she earned $15 million up front for Avengers: Endgame, which swelled to $35 million when it earned as much as it did, because back-end deals are based on percentages of revenue (I'm pretty sure). I can imagine the $80 million as a prediction, though. I only know that $50-60 million are the numbers circulating from how much she could win from this lawsuit.

I've seen the same comments "upset with her for causing this issue", and their ignorance is really fascinating to me because she didn't create the issue? Disney created the issue? She's speaking on the issue that's been growing since streaming services were born, she's increasing awareness around this issue, she's putting it in the spotlight. People somehow seem think that holding corporations accountable will mean that they stop producing the media so many enjoy (I legit saw a post that said, almost word for word, "scarlett shouldn't have sued because if disney pays her all that money then they won't have any left for loki season 2" and the stupidity of that statement is breathtaking).

1. Do you think there might be a shift in support after more details are released, will people side with Disney more because of the amount asked for during this pandemic?

No, at this point in the case, I don't think more details will shift allegiances. If people are not already siding with Scarlett, knowing her claims, having read Disney's defence, and realising the larger implications of the case, I don't believe any more information will change that. If she wins, there may be a shift, because people love to say they were right, but otherwise, no.

From what I've seen, and this may just be my corner of the internet, or because discourse has died down a bit, but I would set the support margins at about 60/40 in Scarlett's favour so far. The 40% seems to mainly be made up of people who either are uneducated on the topic, think that being 'problematic' means she deserves mistreatment, or are misogynists. They are accounts with 13 followers arguing in comments sections. Inversely, the 60% is made up of people who matter. She has the support of the industry behind her, the endorsement of her coworkers, and new projects lined up to prove it (e.g. the star-studded Wes Anderson picture and Ghosted with Chris Evans). The Star Wars writers including Alan Dean Foster who went up against Disney last year with similar allegations have also thrown their support behind her.

So I hope you can see where I'm coming from when I say that there may not be a shift, but it doesn't really matter because Disney is not the only hand that feeds her. In fact, the others are eager, it seems.

2. And with more details being released, do you think the lawsuit playing out in public may end up hurting her side more than Disney's?

It's hard to say, anon, but there's a reason Disney's filing for the case to go to arbitration instead of court. They want it settled quietly, because it's making them look bad and from what details we do know, Scarlett's case is legitimate. These lawsuits are compromising their whole "happiest place in the world" family-friendly image. The curtain has been dropped and now that much of their insidiousness is out in the open, it will change how people see them. Many won't let them hide behind Mickey Mouse when they issue statements calling their actors "callous".

However, none of the consequences will lead to the destruction of the Disney corporation or something. It's not going to go up in flames. They'll be fine.

Scarlett is walking a much finer line. As a person instead of a company, and as a woman, she is in a much more vulnerable position (not at all as vulnerable as a woman of colour though). There was a very real possibility that she would be rocking the boat so much that she would fall out and no one would help her back in (also, she's rich, but losing $50 million, probably more, would put a huge dent in her bank account). There's also a reason why she, her team, and her lawyers wanted it public, anon. A) If this was done all very hush hush, it would be a lot harder to hold Disney accountable next time something like this happens. She knows exactly how much this could change things, a cover up would limit the fallout. B) Online backlash matters very little to her. Her lawyers/PR team probably estimated exactly how much support (or lack of thereof) this move would garner, but it's not like tweets saying "scarjo is greedy and selfish" are going to have any bearing in court, so I expect that she remains unbothered. In short, she has more to lose, but her 'side' probably won't be hurt more than Disney's by this.

I'm glad you found those posts informative! I try :)

I know, it's sad that the door on MCU!Natasha is truly shut and bolted. I have the same fears of her being shelved. I just hope they continue with old characters in new animation, like What If...?, and that at some point in the future, the MCU either gets a reboot, or a Black Widow story is curated for the silver screen outside of the Disney-Marvel umbrella.

Sorry this was so long, I struggle with concision. Again, thanks for dropping into my ask box, anon! Hope this was in any way helpful.

#replies #scarjo vs disney #scarlett johansson #disney

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bellamyblakru · 3 years

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🥺👀 ✨✍️ ☕️ + Lysandra/Aelin friendship I adore them sm

CONGRATS ON YOUR MILESTONE, you deserve them all and so many more my incredibly talented and amazing friend 💗

🥺- for my mutuals, ill talk about why i follow you and why everyone should be as well

oh jesus where do i start aksnaka. WHY DO I FOLLOW YOU? well, let me start at the beginning: me, a blog of about 25 followers, found aj’s blog (the og teaamfreewill) about a year and a half-ish ago and i immediately freaked out because this blog™️ loved everyone of my ships ??? and i was like holy shit hello?? it was so rare to find the 100, specifically bellarke and loving clarke griffin, spn, and malex😭 and i did the one thing i was terrified of doing: i sent an ASK. i know, crazy. i was reacquainting myself to tumblr at the time, after not being on it since eighth grade, since i wanted to yell about the 100 somewhere, and sending an ask is especially scary asf when you are frightened that everyone will find you annoying 😔 however, when i sent her like this essay of my gushing appreciation, she answered back an equally gushing appreciation in return. THEN we talked a bit and i helped convince her to get into merlin/merthur and i tried to not spoil it the whole time LOL and, well, the rest is history 🥺 i watched bellamy’s demise for her, and she watched the last episode of the 100 for me. we faced the spn ending, the tragedy that caos was, and so much more together. our all-nighters talks range from merlin meta, fic ideas, life, reading, impulsively making merthurweek (at 1am/6am), to sending pictures of wholesome animals—and i wouldnt want it any other way.

so, why should everyone else follow you, sassenach? because, to simply put it, you are incredible. you are one of the most talented people i know, and you are beautiful, inside and out. i feel like we’ve been friends all my life🥺.

i don’t know what i would’ve done without you aj, i appreciate you and adore you with my whole heart. thank you for being one of my best friends💞

👀 - and ill tell you a parallel from merlin or the 100 that still fucks me up

ah yes, parallels. here is one that truly fucks me up still by @ohbellamy

✨- ill name a blog i love and recommend!!!

omg @its-hyperfixation !!! i think you two would also get really along too🥺 we have so much in common and her blog is fucking amazing ✨

✍️ - give me a fandom and ill rec one of my favorite fics

ill give you a bellarke fic bc why not: Sanctuary by clarkesbell ( @clarkcsbellamy ). this fic gave me life for all 101,057 words alsnakak

☕️ + send me a ship/character/movie/book and ill give you my opinions on it

LYS AND AELIN. WHERE DO I BEGIN IN MY LOVE FOR THEM. dude..their friendship arc was fucking incredible. if you read assassin’s blade, their rivalry HURTS when the know how similar they are truthfully. the way arobynn used both of them was fucking disgusting and when they become friends, it is UNRIVALED. the sheer power of them as bffls is something so beautiful and wholesome and something they both deserved. they grew up within different circumstances, but both were smothered under no magic and being used as weapons—entirely different weapons, but both weapons nonetheless.

and man, the next book will further solidify your love for them. lys is perfect for aelin’s court and you couldn’t hope for a better choice 😭

so, tl;dr, i fucking love their friendship with my entire being.

#ashley answers #sassenachaj #ilysm aj😭💞#ashleycelebrates #long post #aelin galythinius #lysandra #bellarke #bellarke fic #bellarke rec #thank you queen🥺

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starlene · 4 years

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A long, itemized, soul-searching list of complaints

...related to theatre in Finland, and my personal relationship to it.

This has been brewing in my mind for a while, and I have to write this out somewhere or I think I’ll start wailing in frustration. I’m putting it on Tumblr, because I feel like now is simply not the right time to start airing my complaints about the Finnish theatre scene in spaces that people from said scene actually visit. But I still have to try to get this out of my mind.

So.

Seeing how theatres have been closed for over four months now, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on my own relationship to Finnish musical theatre. For the past decade, it’s been the thing I’ve been the most interested in – which is why it feels so saddening to me to see where the whole scene seems to be going.

You see, for a country with only 5,5 million inhabitants, and only 18 people per square kilometer, Finland has a ridiculously robust network of state-subsidized theatres. There are dozens of them, most big and mid-sized towns have one. So far, so good, right? But then, when you look into this a little bit deeper, and figure out how musicals fit into the equation...

Well, here’s how it looks like:

1) Musicals are widely regarded as the cash cows of Finnish theatre. Put on Fiddler on the Roof and you’re guaranteed to get butts in seats. The most popular theatrical productions in this country are almost always musicals.

2) In so-called intellectual circles, musicals are widely regarded as worthless drivel that should not benefit from any public funding.

3) During the past... dunno, five years or so, a handful of our biggest theatres have been getting into this ridiculous ours-is-bigger-than-yours type of competition with their musical productions. They buy the rights to some mediocre new musical that ran on Broadway for a year and a half, promote it as a huge Broadway success story that is finally being brought to Finland, and come up with some way to make it bigger or otherwise more special than any Finnish musical production before – be it the biggest ensemble, the flashiest special effects, the most famous composer visiting the premiere, the most accordions added to the original orchestration (added accordion has seriously been used as a selling point over here)... And the productions themselves tend to be these replica-ish-but-not-quite, professionally made but artistically bland and devoid-of-any-deeper-meaning spectacles.

4) The ticket prices for these big musical productions have shot through the roof. I’m talking about increases up to 80% in ten years – increases that simply cannot be explained away with the overall rate of inflation. I’m talking tickets to Finnish state-subsidized musicals costing the same as tickets to Finnish commercial musicals (well, granted, we only have one theatre that’s making big scale commercial productions – but it’s not a good look that their prices match the state-funded prices), tickets to Swedish commercial musicals costing less than tickets to Finnish state-funded ones.

5) Did I mention a big percentage of the funding for Finnish arts comes from our state-owned betting agency? In practice, that means a big chunk of the arts funding comes from the pockets of poor people addicted to gambling. Seriously. 50% of the profit the agency makes comes from the most active 5% of gamblers, and almost 25% of the profit comes from people that have a gambling addiction. There is also some evidence suggesting the agency has deliberately been placing the majority of their slot machines in poor neighbourhoods. There is talk about dismantling this whole thing, but it’s a really difficult issue, since no one really has a realistic idea for an alternative way of funding the arts.

...and the more I think about this nasty circle of things I’ve written about above, the worse it makes me feel.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% for state-funded arts, and I 100% believe musical theatre is a form of art on par with any other. But the way the funding works right now, the way the biggest theatres keep increasing the prices and, thus, pricing everyone who’s not well-off out... It really makes me furious. My family has always been well-to-do, but I could not have had the experiences I’ve had earlier in my life if I was born ten years later. I would not have the money to see all the musicals I got to see as a teenager if I was a teenager now. (And then they wonder why young people don’t seem to be interested in theatre.)

Of course, I know that no one needs theatre to survive. It’s a good thing to have, but it’s not at a matter of life and death, far from it. And that’s another big thing I’ve been thinking about. This spring and summer, four months and counting without theatre, has shown me that personally, I truly do not need theatre to survive. If it’s not available, I’ll just do something else.

So now that certain theatre people have been giving these statements about the importance of the arts and making the audience trust going to the theatre again despite corona (which is... it’s such utter nonsense, it’s not in your hands if we get a second wave or not – if anything, reopening theatres makes it more likely we will – and if we do, nothing you do or say can make us “trust” going to the theatre since it will not be safe to do so and that’s that)... I just can’t help thinking, are you actually as essential to our society as you like to pretend you are? Are you actually offering a public, accessible service? (On top of all this, add the fun fact that only 50% of Finnish arts organizations that are required by law to have an equality plan actually have it, and you get a picture of how important being equal and accessible actually is for the arts in this country.)

And once you see this stuff, really see it, it’s really hard to unsee it and to go back advocating for Finnish musical theatre.

It’s like the big theatres are hearing the criticism that musicals should not be subsidized at all, and to debunk it, they do exactly what the critics have been saying they shouldn’t do. I do love a big musical production every now and then – but I super do not love getting one every single year in all the big theatres, if that means that prices will continue to rise, and that more and more people who don’t have a lot of money to spare can’t see musicals at all. I do love a Broadway musical every now and then – but I super do not love that in 99% of the cases, the people in charge don’t even consider the world of musicals that exists outside of Broadway. (I also hate the nonsense argument of pitting original Finnish musicals and Broadway musicals against each other, but that’s a rant for another day.)

And in the end, I feel like the Finnish theatre scene in general is out of touch with reality. We have things like climate change and inequality and whatnot going on in here, and for the most part, it seems like they do not even notice – or if they do, it’s an opportunity for them to look good, not to do good. Common enough in corporate world, sure, but for a field that prides itself for being so humane and essential to human survival... yeah.

Of course, I’ve been personally let down by certain aspects and people of the Finnish theatre world, which partially caused my burnout, which in turn has had some severe repercussions I keep battling with to this day. I’ll be the first to admit that this experience will probably always colour my views on Finnish theatre as a whole, and if everything had taken a different turn some years ago, I likely would not feel this bitter now.

But as it is, I’m going to live my life with the memory of that disappointment and the shadow of that burnout, and I don’t think they take away the validity of my criticism.

It just feels a bit rough. I’ve been trying to speak for Finnish musical theatre for a decade, I’ve cared about it deeply, and it’s given me plenty of happy memories too – so, to examine the whole system, and to end up with this deeply cynical outlook of it all... it’s a bit sad. I know losing interest in things you used to like can be related to depression and things like that – but what if this is not that, what if this is how I’d be feeling in any case?

It’s just a bit sad, I guess.

It’s not that there are no directors or actors whose work I’m interested in anymore, there certainly are, and there are exciting things coming up. It’s just... with everything I’ve mentioned above, and especially when you remember the ongoing pandemic, it doesn’t feel so important right now.

I actually feel a bit queasy thinking of going to theatre in the fall since it doesn’t feel 100% safe. I really need to think that through before I decide to go or not to go. I mean – I know the corona situation in Finland is looking very good right now, and maybe this is just the future we’ll be living in from now on, but at the same time, the chance of being the person who got sick because she went to see West Side Story or whatever... Yeah. Doesn’t sound too good, does it.

So yeah, just wanted to write all this out somewhere. I know the arts have been hit really hard because of corona, so I can’t really go around criticising them in public right now, even if they 100% deserve it – now is simply not the right time. But all this is making me feel so conflicted and confused, seeing how much of my own life has been and still is entwined with these things, and not knowing what to make of it all, not knowing how to reframe the place Finnish musical theatre has in my in my life and in my heart.

Thank you for reading. If you have any thoughts, I’d love to hear them.

#personal.

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mimiplaysgames · 4 years

Text

Beloved Memories, in Notes (Vol. VIII)

Pairing: Terra/Aqua Rating: K+ Word Count: 11,151

Summary: Aqua and Terra meet Ventus. It's all fine until they have to take care of him. After all, they're just teenagers who don't know what they're doing. Aqua is 14, Terra is almost 16.

Read on AO3

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day to @endlessember! They requested: "I’ve always loved the idea of the way finder trio being a family especially with Terra and Aqua as Vens parents... so I was wondering if you could write something along those lines? It can be either AU or not (maybe you have something clever that could fit this into canon idk)." I chose the canon route. I finished this outline in... November 2018, right after you requested this as part of my celebration of 100 followers on Tumblr. Thank you so much for your patience, and for sticking by me for this long, it's amazing that you're still interested in my stories. Bless you for your support, it means so much. <333 I know that this was way out of my comfort zone, but I honestly had a blast writing this. It was a lot of fun and it's been a long time since a chapter has made me feel this way.

~*~*~*~

A Tale of Three

It shouldn’t be this unnerving to watch someone sleep.

The poor boy had been escorted into the academy by an old man - a Master with a funny name, someone Eraqus knew. After they put the boy to bed, they went off into the office to discuss business, and it left the castle quiet with no answers.

“No progress?” Terra asked behind her. She’d been looking so hard for signs of consciousness - a twitch in the eyelid, some mumbling - that she didn’t hear him come in.

This was looking more like a coma than anything. He was so still that she wondered if he was even dreaming. The sun beamed through his window, glowing up his already golden hair, but he was not bothered by it. It was more like watching someone in a coffin as opposed to being in bed.

She touched his forehead - ten times, already - to check for a fever, but he had none

Terra grunted. He felt bad about bombarding Ventus with so many questions, but the guilt was unnecessary.

He took a chair from across the room and sat down by her side, and they listened in silence. This boy was so young.

The Master repeated in lectures that holding a Keyblade necessitated great responsibility, and Aqua never worried about that. She was always trustworthy

When she asked the Master what had happened to the boy, he only said, This boy has torn his heart.

Aqua lived her life believing she’d never come across such horror. Consequences of wielding a Keyblade seemed foreign, like there was no such thing as accidents.

Today, she witnessed different.

“He’ll be okay,” Terra said when she never responded. He wasn’t even that confident, considering how he crossed his arms. “The Master thinks everything will work out.”

Right now, optimism just didn’t seem appropriate.

Something echoed in the halls, but it wasn’t a round of voices. The sound of piano keys drifted into the room, too soft and distant to understand what story its song was trying to tell, and she leaned over to make sure she heard correctly.

Terra gave her a look. She returned it.

They jumped out of their chairs. There was only one piano in the entire academy, tucked in the corner of the ballroom. No one knew how to play it, so it stayed untouched and dusty.

It never occurred to her that the piano would one day be a spectacle.

Glancing back at Ventus to see if anything changed (it didn’t), they left to see what the commotion was. They kept their steps light, and Terra led the way upstairs.

They snuck into the upper floors of the ballroom, which overlooked the bottom for a grand view of the western mountains. It was one of the biggest halls in the castle though they’ve never held an event here. Otherwise, they used it as a training room, the delicate, tile floor scratched up with strikes of Keyblade metal.

Terra and Aqua crouched behind the gold railing so they wouldn’t be noticed.

Now they heard the melody in full. Solemn, contemplative, maybe a story about a horse who learned how to fly. She didn’t know the song, it was just the picture that came to her mind.

The eccentric bald man who brought Ventus had tuned it. Each of his keystrokes was impeccable, stringing keys together like he was sewing them. If the song was about a horse who flew, strums of the darker notes told a story of how it found itself lost in the underworld.

The old Keyblade Master slouched severely. When she first saw him, Aqua never imagined that he was able to fight anymore, let alone be able to have this kind of dexterity over the piano.

Eraqus stood nearby, and Aqua had never seen an expression on him like that before. He was always very well-groomed, and when he laughed, he did it calmly to maintain power over his breath.

Right now, Master Eraqus looked young and hopeful, listening to the song with his eyes closed, swaying gently enough that no one would have noticed unless they stared at him.

The old man tripped on his fingers, one of them banging on a flat key that made the horse jump. “I have lost some of my touch,” he said, his voice raspy.

If that was the case, he must have been amazing when he was younger.

“Nonsense, it brought life back into the castle,” Eraqus said. “How I’ve missed the shows we used to host.”

“Seriously,” Terra whispered sharply, “how come we never bother to bring people here?”

The old man crossed his hands behind his back like he needed to support it. “It is rare that I tread paths with the piano nowadays. I had forgotten how much I valued time with it.

“I doubt that,” Eraqus chuckled. “You have spent far too many hours sitting on that bench to ever forget that you needed it, old friend.”=

Old friend. Eraqus used such a phrase to describe a person? Judging from the way Terra’s eyes bulged out of his sockets, it was a first for him, too.

“It was a well-deserved reunion,” the old Master said, rubbing the keys like he was looking for dust. “Now I must take my leave.”

That felt off.

It wasn’t that he was impolite - not at all.

What rubbed Aqua strangely to the point that she decided ‘eccentric’ was the right word to describe him was how he suddenly changed gears with an otherwise pleasant conversation.

It was like he decided mid-sentence that he had enough of the mundane.

“Must you go now, Xehanort?”

Xehanort had his mind elsewhere, his eyes firing up like he had something to look forward to.

“I had left an acquaintance with an abrupt exit, and he needs me.”

“... I suppose I can’t stop you, then.” Eraqus crossed his arms, reluctantly following.

“Eraqus, mind your tone. You will lose all your hair worrying, old friend.”

Old friend.

“Why not consider all that you’ve lost.”

Master Xehanort laughed, and Aqua wasn’t sure if he was genuinely amused or if he was offended.

Terra and Aqua scurried out of their own exit to follow, down the stairs where they planned to peek around a corner and eavesdrop some more.

But Terra ran a little too far, skidding on the tile and right into the hallway that left him standing in front of both Masters.

This left them with no choice except to bow and present themselves with proper posture.

“Your two star pupils, Eraqus?” Xehanort approached, and she could smell his age as he crept near. If he stood straight, he would have been as large of a man as their Master.

“My fine achievers, yes.”

Those gold eyes didn’t give away what he was thinking. He took turns to study them, and at first Aqua expected that maybe he had some advice - words of wisdom that any Keyblade Master would want to give students. Some useful critique, or encouragement. At best, a tiny sparring session where they could learn from someone different.

Xehanort patted one of Terra’s shoulders. “This one has much potential.”

Aqua never felt so invisible.

Terra stared wide-eyed. In an attempt to make up for his lack of manners, he stammered, “T-thank you, Master.” Then he bowed halfway, stuck somewhere between shock and nervousness and a need to please.

“Mind your presence,” Xehanort said, smacking Terra’s shoulder several times like he was too tired for a hug. “A Keyblade Master stands proudly. They do not wither, even in front of crippled old men.”

“Will you come back?” Eraqus kept himself composed, like the fact that his old friend leaving so soon (and abandoning a boy) wasn’t a bother.

Aqua wouldn’t imagine why. If Terra was away for that long, she’d be really sad.

“Perhaps for dinner?” Xehanort waved his arm with half a pound of enthusiasm and then went on his way, Terra completely forgotten.

It was abrupt. There wasn’t anything else fit to describe it.

Eraqus crossed his arms. His mind was nowhere near the castle.

The tension in Terra’s shoulders slacked. “Master?”

Eraqus smirked. It was subtle under that enormous mustache, but it was solemn as well.

“My students,” he said. “I have always taught you that power is born within the heart. It is what makes our Keyblades vigorous, our will to overcome darkness unbendable. We need our bodies to be strong in order to serve our hearts, and we need our hearts to be strong to serve greater purpose. We therefore rely on our minds to be strong to keep us oriented.”

He turned to face them. “And yet, what have I always said was the paradox of strength?”

It was an odd time to quiz them, yet he loved taking them by surprise anyway. They prepared their answers with suitable postures.

“Strength alone is needed to walk the right path,” Terra started. They had just studied this last week. “Yet it falters easily to temptation.”

“Strength together is the only force that can stand ground against anything,” Aqua said. “Yet it can corrupt if not with right intention.”

“You need both to find balance where it lacks,” Terra finished.

“Very good.” Whatever troubled his mind threatened to spread across Eraqus’ face, even though they recited his lesson perfectly. “My star pupils, indeed.”

Aqua wanted to ask.

She hesitated. He never really discussed his past with either of them, except for the rare slip up. She knew there was one other student who grew up with him. Judging from what she had just seen, she suspected something had happened between them, and it really hurt.

“Was he that other student?” Terra asked, and it relieved her.

“Yes,” Eraqus said frankly. “And what you shall remember from today is the essence of forgiveness in maintaining that strength together.”

“Sir?”

“Terra… Aqua… It is terribly important that you continue to look out for each other’s best interests if you want to realize your dreams as Masters. One of you must be strong if the other makes a mistake. Stand by this philosophy, and life will reward you with an unbreakable bond that would empower your Keyblades and your fight against darkness.”

“Yes, sir,” they responded.

Master Eraqus sighed. The smile he wore faded away, though he carried himself with such intimidation that those who knew him would never notice the difference.

But Aqua noticed. It left his eyes, first.

“I must admit,” Eraqus said quietly, “I am simply human. I have shown weakness in my own despair.”

Aqua squirmed in her feet. Her Master was strong. Always.

Terra was speechless.

“Come,” the Master said, switching his attitude back to his comfort zone: duty. “Master Xehanort was never a competent caretaker, and that boy needs our attention.”

That boy continued to sleep. Day after day, he was given a new glass of water that sat on his bedside table and never emptied.

They took turns watching over him: Eraqus in the morning to diagnose his condition for the day, Aqua to stay the longer hours and watch for signs of improvement, and Terra at night with his books to study, though he never opened them.

What that boy needed was a miracle, and Aqua called it one when he finally opened his bright, blue eyes.

~*~*~*~

Ventus wasn’t very responsive.

Eraqus took a pen with a thin torchlight that shimmered different colors at its tip. He waved it, testing if Ventus would follow. “Ventus?”

He didn’t even respond to his name, blank eyes staring at Eraqus and yet never really noticing there was someone standing right in front of him.

It was like Ventus had lost his soul somewhere, and was searching the room to find it.

“Master?” Aqua asked nervously. She had prayed for a miracle, and she wanted the stars to respond compassionately - not demand a cost for his consciousness.

The Master shushed her, and Terra this whole time must have held his breath, for he refused to move a millimeter.

“Ventus?” he tried again. “Are you hungry?”

Still, no response, except for a blink.

After a minute, Ventus finally registered that there was someone talking to him, and he cocked his head.

“He certainly does not behave like a boy his age. This is most grave,” the Master grunted, turning off his tiny flashlight and rolling his neck back to stretch it. “I must seek out a colleague of mine. She refuses to name herself a witch, but she is gifted and will be able to nurse him back to health.”

The way the Master said that felt like it had finality, and suddenly the room weighed twice as heavy on Aqua’s shoulders.

“A- Are you leaving now?” Terra shook.

“Yes.”

“How long will you be gone?”

Eraqus chuckled. He paid no attention to them, preparing a small clutch with some munny. “There is no way to be certain. She is difficult to pin down and she, too, travels worlds. But I trust Ventus is in the right hands.”

By now, Eraqus was out the door, a Terra begging with his eyes following him.

“But Master, what can we do to help him?” he asked as though the Master had given Terra a stranger’s baby with a soiled diaper, and claimed it was his.

“Keep an eye on his behavior,” the Master said simply. “Provide for him what he needs. Nourishment, attention, and care.” It sounded like a simple list of instructions and yet there were so many questions. “And whatever you plan on doing for him, if he learns to walk again, do not, under any circumstances, let him leave the castle.”

Those were Eraqus’ only words of advice for Aqua and Terra. He shut the entrance doors, and all that was left was the grinding in Terra’s jaws.

“We’ll be fine,” Aqua said, and finally, Terra breathed.

“He acts like it’s supposed to be easy,” Terra grunted, making his way back to the bedroom where Ventus stared at the wall, his legs still well-tucked under the bedsheets like he had no interest in moving around.

Terra scratched the back of his head. “What’s his name, again?”

“Ventus.”

At the sound of his name, he turned to her. His eyes were blank but curious, maybe even a little confused. She didn’t get the impression that it was his name that caught his attention but the simple fact that she spoke.

Terra held a grip in his own hair as he mumbled. The longer he did so, the more his eyes furrowed like whatever he was concentrating on was a really difficult subject to grasp.

“You ok?”

“Vennnnnn…” Terra cleared his throat. “Veni- Vantis.” He tisked when he gave up.

“It’s not that hard.”

“How about we just call you Ven?” he asked, leaning over with his hands on his knees. “Would you like that?”

Ventus didn’t smile back, but he awed at Terra’s smile like it was new to him.

“It’s cute,” Aqua said, also smiling at Ven. “I’m Aqua.”

“I’m Terra.” He pointed to himself.

Ven glanced at each, back and forth, like their grins were overwhelming.

“Are you hungry, Ven?” Terra asked.

“He has to be,” Aqua said.

“Then what do we feed him?”

“Food.”

“Don’t be a smart - Okay, let’s go get him food.”

That seemed easy enough. They’d cook and clean up together, and in no time, the Master would be back to decide the best course of action.

But when they started to walk away, Ven’s eyes trailed them. He wasn’t adept in expressing emotion and yet…

“He’s so cute,” Aqua whispered.

“He looks so sad,” Terra said.

“... I don’t feel comfortable leaving him all by himself.”

“Yeah, let’s not.”

“Okay here’s the plan,” Aqua said, her voice louder and ready to take command. “I’ll go make his food and you watch him.”

Terra scowled. “No way. I’m not owing you a chore debt.”

“Excuse me?”

“We’re supposed to be splitting all of our chores evenly, remember? It was a blood oath.”

“It wasn’t a blood oath.” She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe he’d forget something so easy to remember. “It was a spit oath.”

“Either way, I’m not falling for the idea that watching him is equal to you actually laboring in the kitchen.”

He had a point.

“Okay, I’ll cook and you clean,” she said. “No argument.”

“Or…” He gripped her arms before she turned over her shoulder, a smirk wrestling with his lips and a glint shining in his eye. “ I’ll go to the kitchen and make some soup… I should make him tea, anyway. You clean up after me. Then we’re even. Okay?”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Just make sure to flavor the soup.”

Ven managed to overlap his hands together, like he was waiting for someone to tell him what to do.

“Terra can be such a child sometimes,” Aqua said when she sat down next to him.

Ven didn’t respond. He looked at her eyes, her smile, his own hands, like he was never taught how to speak.

She really hated seeing him like this.

“You really hurt yourself, didn’t you?” She wanted to keep up appearances, and give him a friendly environment to feel safe in…

But it was so hard to keep smiling when he behaved this way.

His hair was still plastered and uneven. Without a hairbrush ready, she took to her fingers, bringing smoothness to the crown of his head, parting his hair asymmetrically for style.

“Very dignified,” she said when she finished. She rummaged through the bedside table and the dresser for a hand mirror, showing him the result.

He didn’t have much of an opinion - not that she expected one. But he was interested in her hand. He weakly reached out, squinting his eyes like he’d never seen fingers before.

He hesitated.

“It’s okay,” she said, opening her palm out.

He pressed his hand against hers, like they were measuring them. He was so much younger than her but his was more calloused, despite the extensive training she's had. Maybe he spent most of his time outside and playing with his hands. His skin was also dry - cracks of discoloration lived in between his knuckles. He must have come from a very dry and dusty climate.

Ven let go of her, and spaced out like she didn’t exist.

It must have been the sound of footsteps approaching and the humid smell of herbal soup that got his attention.

“Lunch time,” Terra said. He tried too hard to be perky, waving a tray with pizzazz. On it was a bowl of soup proudly steaming with various aromas, and a child’s mug of tea.

He placed the tray on the bed, right over Ven’s legs. “There’s saint’s wort for the heavy heart,” Terra explained when he handed Ven the mug. “And basil for mental clarity. But don’t worry, I’ve masked their flavors.”

Ven took it slow, testing the temperature on his lips before taking a sip.

His face scrunched up like he had tasted something sour, his eyes as wrinkled as a cabbage. He was too sweet of a boy to shove it back forcefully, and instead offered it back.

But Terra was dejected. “He didn’t like it?”

“I’ll take it,” Aqua said. Even if it wasn’t for her, it was senseless to deny Terra’s divine teas. He blended peppermint and spearmint for the base flavors, suppressing the basil without removing its presence which gave it just the right kick, and a hint of vanilla to make it sweeter.

Terra eyed his soup - a thick, murky broth with meat and potato chunks, accompanied by floating peppers and other vegetables. “Try this instead,” he said, offering the spoon. “It’s good for your body.” He beat his chest with his fist. “It’ll help you grow strong.”

Ven trusted. He picked up a spoonful, slurping the contents in.

He sniffled. His nose turned red and he took huge exhales in between his chews, carefully smacking his lips as he churned the meat into his mouth.

“What did you put in it?” Aqua asked. She grabbed the spoon from Ven and took a sip herself.

Her nose burned. Her eyes watered. Her throat angered.

“What do you think of it?” asked Terra.

He took her advice too much to heart. “It’s…” Spicy. “Decent.”

Terra’s laugh was breathy, and she nearly smacked him on the shoulder.

Ven reached with both hands for the spoon so he could drink more. No matter how spicy it was for him - there were times where his breaths almost sounded like sobs when his eyes became glassy - he kept swallowing.

“It reminds me,” Terra said softly, watching Ven eat, “of when Kain broke his leg.”

Aqua gave him her full attention.

Much of Terra’s childhood before the Land of Departure was isolated. When he talked about the orphanage, he always did so with a seriousness that told Aqua he really trusted her to keep these memories safe for him.

But this time, he spoke with a calm smile on his face.

“He had a cast,” Terra said. “We wrote our signatures on it and… We skipped rocks with it.”

“Excuse me?”

“We did,” Terra laughed. Ven kept eating, and it pleased Terra more, even though the boy looked like he was suffering. “We would toss pebbles onto his cast to see which ones bounced the furthest.”

“That’s…” Barbaric. Aqua scoffed.

Terra was far away, but he wasn’t. There was a child-like excitement to his eyes, hands reaching over to mess with Ven’s hair, spiking it up. “Do you like this better, Ven?”

It had been a long time since she made Terra smile this much.

She grew up with a friendly Terra, but with age came reflection, and sometimes he took that too far. When he smiled with her, it was with gravity.

With Ven, it was a beam of light.

Maybe it was just the excitement of someone new. It wasn’t Ven’s fault - if anything, he looked like he needed a friend, too.

“What do you think happened to him?” Aqua asked.

“Hard to say…” Terra sighed. “Do you think he committed one of the forbidden acts?”

“No…” she drawled. “He’s too innocent.”

“Maybe he was curious.” Terra shrugged with one shoulder. “Maybe he turned his Keyblade against his own heart to see what would happen.”

Aqua pursed her lips. She was never interested in doing such things, and the fact that Terra even mentioned it made her worried.

Ven smacked his lips a little more, breaths seeping out of each while he savored the last spicy bits of potato.

“I hope we can help him feel better,” she said.

Terra stayed silent. There was no telling if they were capable of accomplishing that.

Their wave of melancholy had an obvious effect on Ven, who stopped chewing and eyed them inquisitively.

“Well,” Aqua said, needing to change the subject and do something to take her mind off of this. She stood up. “I’ll clean the kitchen now.”

“Already did.”

She had half a mind to smack him across the back of the head. “Terra, that’s cheating.”

“Now you owe me a chore debt.”

Terra was pleased with himself, Aqua had no choice but to sit back down, and Ven stared at his spoon when he was finished,

~*~*~*~

It was an ebb and flow.

They took turns between staying with him and running a never ending list of errands: the painting frames needed dusting; the tiles to be mopped; breakfast, lunch, and dinner to be prepared, cooked, and served (only for the dishes to need washing). If not any of that, then they took to the gardens: the flowers thirsted for water, the strawberries were ripe for picking, and the autumnal sprouts had to be saved from weeds.

Yet no matter how many teas Terra brewed, each with its own custom flavor, Ven didn’t like them. Using potions to heal Ven could get dangerous without surveillance, so those were out of the question.

Terra and Aqua sparred and continued their studies at night, when Ven was asleep. If they woke up early enough, they could spend some leisure time together - playing a game of chess, or simply to talk, like they would do if they weren’t taking so much time apart.

But when Ven started to walk, their time escaped them like they never had it to begin with.

“Aqua!”

Terra’s call bounced down the halls one morning, and Aqua heard it in the kitchen. At first she ran - it was faster than instinct - and yet she had to come back to settle the stove down and remove the batter or else she’d waste it on burnt pancakes.

Ven wasn’t in his room. A shocked Terra just stood there with no explanation.

They split up and took laps around the academy: the eastern wing, where the bedrooms were; the back entrance, which led to the gardens; the attic, where the Master kept ancient relics and untamed weapons; the front entrance, which actually worried Aqua because there were many cliffs outside where he could pummel to his doom; and the kitchen, which wasn’t safe. Period.

Aqua finally found him just outside the Master’s door. He looked like a normal boy, walking around like he wasn’t terribly ill.

“Not in there!” she exclaimed.

She held him by the shoulder. “There’s lots of souvenirs and artifacts the Master keeps in there. Some of them are sharp.”

He didn’t understand.

“Come on.” She took his hand. “We just want you to be safe.”

What a life to keep tabs on him at all times.

Ven would watch Aqua bake her cookies, which took her longer than normal because she had to stop him from touching all sorts of hot appliances.

Ven would watch Terra polish old statues, who had to make sure Ven stayed far enough away not to come near, and yet close enough to keep a firm eye on.

When he was with one of them, the other would fill their time with practicing their forms with their Keyblades, or reading one of their mandatory textbooks.

Alone. Aqua now sparred alone, and she worried she would fall behind because of it.

Aqua and Terra’s tradition of studying together at night would also be sacrificed - they’d be so exhausted after the day was over that they’d go immediately to bed.

Ven improved… slowly. He learned to point at orange juice when he wanted it, to hop on one foot, and to dress himself into his pajamas.

And yet after all this time, Ven still wouldn’t speak. Aqua sometimes wished the Master would come home soon and give them proper guidance. Maybe they were doing something wrong.

But it all became worth it, soon enough.

Aqua prepared breakfast: waffles with strawberries for herself and Ven, and a plate of sausages with olives and crushed chickpeas for Terra.

They had a routine: Terra placed plates on the table and Aqua filled them with food.

Instead of taking his seat at the table, Ven leaned on it and watched them. “Hi!” he said.

They gasped. She heard correctly.

Both of them huddled over him, and Aqua forgot that food would cool if left unattended.

“Hi, Ven,” Aqua said, sniffling. It had been a long time since she cried, probably when she was nine years old. She had never expected it to happen again.

“Hi!” Ven said to Aqua, staring at her tears.

“Hi, Ven,” Terra said softly. His breathy laughs began to break, and he swallowed back his weeps. He ruffled through Ven’s hair hard enough to ruin his coif.

“Hi!” Ven said to Terra.

“We’re so glad you’re feeling better,” Aqua said, also taking a hand to his head.

“Hi!” He said it louder this time, like he wasn’t being heard.

“Is that the only word you know?” she asked.

“Hi!”

She and Terra shared glances. From the way Terra chuckled through his nose, he was relieved.

~*~*~*~

If Aqua desperately needed a break, she’d sit in the library with a huge book titled Recipes for a Stronger Keybearer, which wasn’t mandatory but she considered it vital for her own development.

The library was perfect for a quiet repose. Even though the book was interesting, a nap was well-deserved and Aqua found it difficult to sneak one in otherwise.

That didn’t last, either.

One night, Terra paid a visit with Ven trailing closely behind him.

“Aqua, watch this.”

She inhaled sharply when she heard him, shaking her head awake. “What is it?” she mumbled.

Terra crossed his arms and he had a goofy grin on his face.

Her heart fluttered to see it, but she kept her expression firm. That wasn’t what she was supposed to be feeling - she was supposed to be happy that Terra was this excited.

But her heart also dropped to see it. She couldn’t even recall if they even had a conversation to themselves yesterday, and if they did, what they talked about.

Terra quieted his laughter. “Watch, watch,” he whispered.

He took a few steps, pretending he wasn’t scheming.

Ven blinked at first, then followed.

Then Terra stopped.

Ven ran into him.

Terra walked again, and Ven followed.

Terra stopped. Ven crashed.

Aqua had to snort at the sight. It was so cute - so damn cute that her chest crushed itself. It was unbecoming of a Keybearer to be so swayed by emotion, but she refused to fight it. “You’re so smart, Ven,” she cooed, skipping over to hug him around the shoulders.

Even if all Ven could do was stare at her with those big, blue eyes and a blank expression, it made her smile.

“Hi,” he said quietly.

Suddenly, she was perked up and awake.

And Terra was here. What perfect timing, they could all do something together in those last twenty minutes before bedtime.

“You know what I’ve been reading?” she asked Terra. She held the book’s cover up for him to read. Anything that would help him get better at wielding his Keyblade was right up his alley, especially if it was good food.

“That looks interesting-”

Ven tugged on Terra’s pants by the waist.

“Okay, okay,” Terra said, petting Ven on the head. “Sorry, Aqua, I guess he’s tired-”

Ven tugged again, and pointed to the window, whimpering.

The library’s windows were theaters in their own right. As tall as monuments, they were a gateway to the outside, and it was (almost) as if they were standing right outside.

It was a clear night, and they had a front seat view at the stars.

Without waiting for Terra, Ven hurried and pressed his face against the glass to stare up.

So she wasn’t going to have any time with Terra. That was fine. Tending to Ven was more important, anyway.

“Aren’t they nice?” Terra asked, who failed miserably at pulling Ven’s attention away.

Aqua took Ven’s other side, kneeling over so she could speak to him more directly. “Isn’t that one the prettiest?” she asked, pointing a finger against a glass plate at the largest star from this side of the mountains.

Ven pressed his palms against the window, as if he wanted to touch it. “Hi,” he said. Whether to them or to the star, it was hard to tell.

Whatever joy Terra had with him had ran away from his face. “Sometimes I wonder if we’ll never help him heal. He never wants to smile.” Stating that truth hurt Aqua in the heart. “I just want to know what he’s thinking…”

Aqua pouted. Such interest in the stars had to account for something, some proof that he was slowly getting better and wanted more out of life, right?

She smiled at Ven, who only gave her a passing glance. He was still precious. “All we can do,” she said, gently brushing through his hair, “is accept him for who he is.”

Terra nodded firmly, willing his frown into a smile. “We’ll show you the stars on the other side of the castle, Ven,” he said softly. “They’re just as cool, you’ll like them.”

Ven yawned, pressing his forehead against the glass and closing his eyes.

“See,” Terra said, chuckling through his nose. “I knew you were tired.” He grabbed Ven’s hand - the signal that it was time to move. Ven promptly complied and kept close.

“I guess…” Aqua started, making her way back to her book. Would it be a surprise if she didn’t get any pleasure out of reading her book, now that she’d be alone? “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yep.” Terra took Ven on their way out of the library. “Good night.”

The first three sentences on the open page blurred together and Aqua couldn’t recall what any of them said. She could actually just spend those last minutes of the night with them, instead.

Well, she shouldn’t really interrupt bedtime, and Terra was very protective of the chores he shared with her, holding on to her debt for the day he needed it.

But she had enough silence to last a week, and she had no Terra in her life like she used to, and to grasp what little she had left, Aqua couldn’t help herself.

Following them was the easiest choice she had made in a while.

Ven’s door was wide open, its only light shining down the hallway as all of the other bedrooms, hers and Terra’s included, were vacant.

Hiding behind the wall, she peeked inside.

Ven sat on the bed, tucking his knees in. He gazed out at the stars, leaning his entire weight on the marble windowsill to the point that he would fall over if there wasn’t a window in his way. Terra tossed toys aside - stuffed animals, wooden blocks, plastic cars, blankets, and all sorts of trinkets from random worlds that used to belong to him. Pretty soon, she expected the Master to give the same courtesy and get Ven new things from the worlds he visited.

“Gotta make the bed,” Terra said, pulling Ven from his armpits.

He flung Ven around, in circles, fast enough to make Ven’s feet pick up in the momentum, like he was flying, whirling like an umbrella caught in a storm.

It was only Terra that laughed, but if Ven didn’t like it, he’d whimper.

If anything, Aqua’s heart thumped at the sight. Terra was always strong, so picking up a boy half his weight was no big deal. The way he interacted with Ven was sweet and courteous, something she admired and respected.

But it was the laughter that hit her the hardest. She didn’t realize how much she missed it.

“Okay,” Terra said, slowing to a stop. “That’s enough.”

He landed Ven by the table, and went on to make the bed (poorly, he rushed it).

Aqua finally stepped through. “Can I hang out?”

“If it’s not intruding on your personal time.” Terra measured the bedsheet with the comforter, aligning the two. He was surprised to see her, and he gave her a half-smirk. Even that made her draw heat to her ears.

“It’s not.”

Ven rummaged through his drawers, pulling out paper and jars of paint. Finger painting had become his favorite pastime, and despite Aqua offering numerous paint brushes to encourage such an interest, he refused all of them.

“Then you are welcome in my presence,” Terra said, lazily layering the sheets onto the bed.

She sat next to Ven, watching him twist the jars open.

Before he started… “Ven,” she said, “can you draw me a picture of where you’re from?”

“That’s a good idea.” Terra left the bed and the rest of the mess, looking over Ven’s shoulder.

“Hi,” Ven said. It wasn’t inquisitive, it wasn’t confused. The way he said it made him sound content, even if he can’t smile, like a zombie who loved art.

“Yes, hi,” Aqua said, running a light hand through his hair. She tapped at the blank page. “Can you do that for me?”

Ven took a moment to stare at the blank page. He opened a jar of rusty orange, and dipped his finger in, making huge sweeps across the bottom of the page.

His finished painting was very basic: a mass of orange and brown, with a tall plateau in the background.

In fact, Terra stammered, like he expected there to be more.

Aqua looked hard. It offered no other clues. “It looks like a desert.”

Terra cocked his head. “I didn’t think about that.”

“Where are the houses?”

“... It’s creepy.”

“There aren’t any people around, either.”

Terra sighed. “Maybe he doesn’t remember them.”

Her heart sank.

“I’m glad you found us, Ven,” she said, giving him a smile that he didn’t return.

“Hi.”

She sighed, too. She was about to ask if he could draw his old friends, but she didn’t want to make him upset. Eraqus only took children who had no family left, and despite that it had been years since she arrived, she had to be in a specific mood to be able to talk about her parents. She probably already exhausted all of her strength talking about them with Terra.

“Come on, Ven,” she said sweetly. His eyebrows curled up, like he was lost and was waiting for someone to find him. She got the gut-wrenching feeling that his painting made him upset. It was the way he hung his head. “Let’s wash up.”

She guided him by his elbow to the washroom.

“Do you think we could take him out?” Terra asked before they reached the door.

“What do you mean?”

“Outside.”

She stopped. Ven stopped as well, looking up at her with his hands in the air as though he wasn’t allowed to wash his wands. “The Master said we shouldn’t take him outside.”

“It’s not like we’re letting him explore the woods. The gardens are safe.” Terra leaned onto one of the chairs, one hand on his hip. “We’ll keep watch over him.”

“But the Master-”

“Do you actually think,” Terra frowned, “it’s good for him to be locked inside the castle at all hours?”

Aqua paused. She wanted to say that if the Master thought Ven should stay in the castle, then it was for good reason… But what reason?

“I want him to enjoy himself,” Terra said quietly, looking over at the lonely picture on the table. A thought passed through Aqua’s mind that they should trash it. “We can each hold his hand so he doesn’t wander off.”

If they were both holding on to him, then surely…

“Okay.”

She placed a hand behind Ven’s shoulder to continue on their way.

“Hey.” Terra was skeptical, both hands leaning back on the chair now. “He knows how to wash his hands.”

She rolled her eyes - she honestly had more dignity than that. “He still needs supervision.”

Terra clicked his tongue. “It doesn’t count as payment.”

“Of course it won’t. I don’t cheat.” She pointed her nose up at him.

She led Ven to the sink. He was taught to scrub in between his fingers, and to focus under his fingernails. When he was finished, she pointed to her own cheek - there was a spot of paint left on his, and he turned the water on again to finish the job.

Only when Ven put on a clean shirt did Terra take his left hand and Aqua his right. They walked him to the back entrance of the castle, where golden gates designed with grape and vine filigree were kept locked.

Two lamps marked the outside entrance to the gardens, which were split in two by a concrete pathway that stopped at the fields beyond, where evergreen trees cloaked the horizon. It was a clear night, with gentle winds blowing.

“It’s a little nippy,” Aqua said, checking on Ven to see if he was shivering. He wasn’t, but she adjusted his shirt to cover his chest properly anyway (it already was, she was being paranoid).

“Let’s stop here,” Terra said, taking a seat onto the steps the led down into the flower bed.

They held Ven tightly, and when he sat down with him, they didn’t let go.

“Look, Ven,” Terra said, pointing up into the sky.

It took a moment for Ven to look up since he was mesmerized by towers of speedwell flowers and strawberry vines.

But when he followed, a loud “Woooohhhh” left his lips.

And he smiled. He laughed. He laughed harder as he leaned back to look for the stars that disappeared behind the castle, and to the left to find more stars beyond the mountains. There wasn’t a way to count all of them.

Aqua cried for the second time, when that was something she promised never to do again. Exchanging a hand for the one that held Ven’s, she wrapped her free arm around his shoulders and listened to him giggle, felt him hop in excitement under her weight.

A stronger arm held over her and Terra’s head rested on hers, while a young boy shook their hands so they could pay attention and look up, too.

~*~*~*~

The next morning, Ven woke up with a cough.

He also had a runny nose and a fever. Aqua tucked him under fleece blankets up to his chin for the chills.

Terra went straight to work in the kitchen, mixing lemongrass and sage into his chicken broth for the symptoms. He refused help from Aqua.

Aqua knew what he was doing to himself. “It’s not your fault, Terra.”

Terra didn’t reply. He continued to stir with his ladle.

“I can slice some oranges for him-”

“Aqua, I said I’ll handle it.” He glanced at her. “I’m not adding to your chore debt, don’t worry.”

“That has nothing to do with anything.” She pursed her lips. Sometimes when Terra got upset, he needed space - a lot of it - but she already spent so much time away from him. She watched the meat boil from over his shoulder. “Would it make you feel better if I didn’t say, I told you so?”

He smirked. “You have every right.”

“It is good to be right.” She fiddled with her nails, and he smiled. Good. “But I still won’t say it.”

“I got what I wanted, so I’ve already said it to myself.” He added more pepper.

“We all get sick. It was going to happen anyway.”

“...There’s still more for me to do,” Terra said with a low voice. “I have to make amends.”

She highly doubted that Ven would be the kind of boy to blame Terra for this, but she let it go.

Terra asked her to stay by Ven’s side for the time being. She spent the entire day with Ven - Terra would check in every now and then, taking laps between the kitchen and the library as he continued to look up herbs for common colds that he could sneak into food, and even magical ingredients that could speed up the process.

By night, Terra had visited the bedroom only five times for ten minute sessions. Aqua found it hard to believe that researching tea would swallow this much time but Terra liked to be thorough.

Ven took to folding paper in his hands into disfigured halves when he finished his third bowl of soup and got bored of other toys.

Terra came in, this time with sacks filled with bed pillows and couch pillows and throw pillows, some plain, others embroidered.

“We’re building a pillow fort,” he announced.

He left and came back with blankets, clothespins, string, and broken broomsticks. Ven watched on as they went to work hanging and pinning the sheets around his bed, making a deep, tall cave.

“Lights?” Aqua asked as they pinned the last of them.

“Got it covered,” Terra said, a triumphant smile on his face.

Coming back with a lamp and a cardboard box, he announced the pillow fort was ready.

They crawled onto Ven’s bed and pinned the open side of the blankets to a close. With the lit lamp, Terra covered it with the cardboard box, which had several holes cut into it.

A slew of five-pointed stars covered the entire fort. They were symmetrical and slick, as though Terra took the time to sandpaper his carved art.

It made Ven happy, especially since he was able to run his hand against the fabric and trace their shapes, one by one.

Aqua was warm - not just from sitting under so many blankets, but from the gesture. Terra always had a big heart, even though he was too reclusive to show it. He was sensitive, and yes, he took things too personally sometimes, but that was part of his charm.

If anyone had harmed someone he was close to, he’d feel their pain and take it personal with them.

Building a pillow fort was the sort of thing Terra would do when she fell sick, too. She still had the custom cardboard box he carved for her when he was eleven.

“This is beautiful, Terra,” she said softly.

Terra hugged his knee tightly and bowed his head.

“I didn’t mean to make you sick,” he said, watching Ven jab at a star, totally forgetting they were even there. “I’m so sorry, Ven.”

Ven looked at him with a toothy smile. “I’m so sorry, Ven,” he parroted, sounding happy like he didn’t fully understand what it meant.

Aqua was strong enough to hold back the tears this time.

~*~*~*~

The moment she was jerked awake from a dream she didn’t remember, she knew it was going to be an unusual day.

“Terra,” she spit. “What do you want?”

“I need your help.”

She sprung up, throwing her legs over the bed. “What happened to Ven?”

“Nothing, he’s not awake yet.” Terra shrugged and turned over to leave.

“Ugh,” she groaned, slugging over her feet to follow. “Then… why?”

“We got a message from the Master.” He didn’t look back but hurried into his own bedroom, throwing himself onto the floor to grab his clean clothes and stuff them into his bottom dresser drawer. “He’s coming.”

Aqua sighed. “Thank goodness.” Then she perked up. “I can’t wait for him to see Ven’s progress.” Then she worried. “Oh no, he’ll notice he’s sick.”

“Yeah, that’s-” Terra looked over his shoulder, and found one sock. “It’ll be fine. But I need you to help me clean.”

She scoffed. “Seriously? Feeding Ven is so much more important.”

“He’s not awake yet.” Terra gesticulated like he was begging. “You owe me a chore debt, don’t forget that.”

“And this is your idea of a brilliant payment?”

“Aqua.”

She exhaled through her nose and brought herself down on her knees. She wondered if Terra liked to annoy her just because he thought it was funny.

The way he was overstuffing his drawer made her eyebrow twitch - they were all going to get wrinkled. Instead of helping him pick up anything else, she folded everything he put away.

“Why is this an emergency?” she asked with the sarcasm she wanted to slap him with.

“My nanny is coming.”

She stopped folding. “You had a nanny?”

Terra chuckled, crawling around the carpet to grab more random pieces of clothing, handing her two pairs of briefs. “Before you came, yeah. The Master wasn’t going to leave me all alone in a castle when I was six.”

“She’s the witch who’s going to perform miracles on Ven?” Aqua pulled out the matching sock which was hidden behind a roll of shirts.

“Yep.” Terra watched the window. For what sign, she didn’t know.

“If it’s so important to have your room clean,” she said, opening a drawer he just closed to fold the clothes he threw in there, “why didn’t you plan for it ahead of time?”

She heard him gasp. The wind outside was picking up speed, pushing against the windows. “She’s here,” he said, scurrying on his feet and racing out of his room. “We should wake up Ven and get him ready.”

It would have left his bedroom half messy but Aqua considered her debt paid.

They found him sneezing to the point that his mucus ran down to his lips, and Aqua cleaned him up with a tissue. Terra scuffled to throw random toys into a chest, even though some of them belonged on the shelf - anything to make it look cleaner. Ven didn’t have a fever anymore, and Terra guided him to stand up.

Aqua was going to ask what kind of nanny were they expecting, only to hear two voices approaching.

“We will of course accommodate you with the most extravagant room we can offer.” That was the Master’s voice. “Right next to the boy’s room.”

He and his guest didn’t bother to stop in the lounge or the dining room to wind down, instead they came straight here. Upon entering, the woman took a slow, condescending look around the chaos of a bedroom. The most remarkable thing about her was her black boater hat, adorned in flowers. She had incredibly perfect posture, pinned up in a long petticoat, and she parted her feet wide enough to look like it hurt. This woman must have traveled a lot: in one hand was a huge carpet bag, and in the other was an umbrella.

“Terra,” said the woman, “how lovely it is to see you again.” She spoke kindly… yet not too casual or inviting. Aqua had the immediate impression that this woman, however warm, was not to be messed with.

“Ms. Poppins.” Terra bowed.

“Aqua,” the Master said. “This is Mary Poppins, she will be taking care of Ventus until he is clear of his illness.”

“It’s good to meet you,” Aqua said, also bowing.

“Very cordial, you’ve raised them well, Eraqus.” Mary Poppins left her bag and umbrella on the desk to remove her hat and scarf.

The Master stepped forward, inspecting Ven closely. “Everything went smoothly, I presume?” Terra and Aqua threw the quickest glances at each other as they could. “How are you, Ventus?”

Ven sneezed. “I’m so sorry, Ven,” he said, wiping his nose with his forearm.

“Pardon?”

Aqua jittered. She hated lying, and hated the fact that she was getting better at it. “W-we opened the windows for him one night to give him some fresh air.” She rolled her lips inward. “That was a bad idea, we’re sorry.”

Terra struggled to hide a smirk, and Aqua really wanted to step on his foot for being such a bad influence on her.

The Master didn’t seem concerned about it, petting through Ven’s hair. “‘Tis a seasonal thing. I am happy to hear that Ventus is speaking at least.”

“I’m so sorry, Ven,” said Ven again, louder this time.

“Eraqus,” Mary Poppins said, tisking at Ven’s condition and taking a measuring tape with her. “All this time, I believed you were exaggerating, yet I was so suspicious of myself for even considering that of you.”

The Master chuckled, giving her space. “I am ever the serious one.”

“To a fault.” She measured Ven with the tape from crown to foot. “Don’t slouch.”

Ven grabbed the tape. “Hi.”

“Now, Ventus,” she said firmly. “A respectable young gentleman keeps his hands to himself.”

“Ven,” he said, drawing his hand back. “I’m so sorry, Ven.”

Plucking the tape with her thumb, she read: “Sweet-natured, yet disturbed and shocked. Unable to recall where he is. Broken-hearted.”

There was no way a measuring tape told her this. What in the world…?

Ms. Poppins tisked, shaking her head. “Terrible condition, this will not do.” Turning to the Master, she nodded. “I will stay until he grows a proper notch.”

“It is much appreciated.” Eraqus wrapped his arms across each other. “Terra, Aqua, thank you for looking after Ven. Your hard work has shown excellent progress, and I am confident Ms. Poppins will be able to lead him to proper health.”

“Sir.” They bowed.

The Master rubbed his beard. “You may now be dismissed. Please focus on your training for today. I have been wary of being away without supervising your work for this long.”

“Master?” Aqua asked, lagging behind while Terra immediately followed orders. “Will Ven stay with us?”

Eraqus paused at his mustache. Mary Poppins was already uncorking an unlabeled medicinal bottle and preparing a spoon.

“Of course he will,” the Master said. “Granted he will completely recover, I aim to train him as a Keyblade wielder.”

It brought Aqua some relief, yet it did little for the unease left in her stomach. It meant she had to give Ven away to others to be looked after. It meant not knowing what he was doing, or if his coughing got better, or where he was at all hours.

Mary Poppins poured medicine onto the spoon, and Ven didn’t even reject it. He treated Terra’s teas worse.

“You’ve heard the Master,” Mary Poppins said after a second too long of Aqua staying in her place. She corked her bottle. “You are welcome to visit when you are finished, but you’ll get nowhere dawdling all day. Spit spot.”

The authority in her voice kicked Aqua into speed as she hurried out to the ballroom.

But Terra wasn’t very interested in sparring, either. He barely put effort into it, letting his mind wander in between stances and quick duels - especially when they got too repetitive. They were so mindless about their work that they didn’t even scar the gold floor tiles this time.

“Let’s focus,” Aqua said. “If we finish what we need to do faster, we can make sure Ven’s okay.”

“Hm?” Terra rested Earthshaker on his shoulder and a hand on his hip. “Ven’s definitely going to be okay. I’m not worried about that - it’s just weird being away from him.”

Aqua let her smile fall. “... I am,” she said quietly.

“Don’t be.” Terra’s smile was just like she was used to: sincere, but timid. Nothing like what he was showing when they were hanging out with Ven. “Ms. Poppins… has her ways.”

“What kind of witch is she?”

“Don’t call her that. She’ll deny it.” He scoffed. “She’s a prim and proper lady, and she won’t make you forget that.”

“But she’s good at what she does?”

“Definitely.” Terra let his smile soften. “I hated it when the Master left, but she always made it better. We went on so many adventures in the castle.”

That was hard for Aqua to believe - and not just because she couldn’t imagine a prim and proper lady getting her dress dirty. They had addressed each other so formally, like she was just as much of a Master as Eraqus or Xehanort that Terra needed to show obedience to.

Terra read her expression well. “She’s a bit strict and old-fashioned, but you’ll see,” he said like it was a good enough explanation.

“Ah.” Aqua leaned Rainfell onto the floor. “That’s why the Master gets along with her.”

Terra snorted.

They were finally allowed to see Ven later that night - but only after the Master sat them down for three excruciating tests. Aqua performed poorly in one because she didn’t have Terra as a sparring partner, and Terra failed two because he was too busy to read his mandatory textbooks.

The Master promised not to count any of it against them, and they would have re-testing done in the upcoming weeks.

~*~*~*~

“He likes the stars, Ms. Poppins,” Terra said when they found her sitting on a rocking chair with yarn and a crochet needle on her lap.

It was a bit disappointing to see that she completely tore down the pillow fort they had made.

Ven paced around his room attempting to snap his fingers, and Aqua didn’t understand why or how he learned how to do that.

“Very well.” Ms. Poppins looked down on her handiwork before getting distracted. “Ven, kindly sit yourself in bed, please. You can diddle-daddle once you are better.”

Instead of listening to her, Ven leaned on her armrest, tilting his head at the sight of yarn. “Hi.”

She exhaled through her nose as though snorting was beneath her. “I shall teach you to address your peers properly, soon enough.”

“Ms. Poppins,” Terra said, “he’s okay to walk around, right?”

“Terra,” she warned, with a glint of mischief in her eyes, “mind your intentions.”

He smirked. “I do. I’m responsible.”

She let go of her work to open up her arms, Ven picking up one of the tails of yarn.

If she didn’t believe Terra, Aqua couldn’t blame her.

She didn’t know Ms. Poppins well. Aqua didn’t have a clue how to approach the subject, and she found herself with both her fists to her chest. “We haven’t been with him all day. Can we spend some time with him, please?”

Ms. Poppins watched Ven untangle all of her progress, to the point where she would have to crochet from scratch. “I suppose that’s alright. You can take him but he needs to be back in bed before the hour. Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Terra said, gently pulling knots of yarn woven over Ven’s fingers.

“Be sure to follow the stars on your way out,” Ms. Poppins said as they left.

Which left a chill up Aqua’s spine, stiffening the ends of her hairs. Did she know somehow?

That had to be impossible.

“What did she mean by that?” she asked Terra, taking Ven down the largest hallway that would eventually lead them to the center of the castle. The further they walked, the darker the hallways became, with barely a lit lantern to light their way. It was as if someone turned off all the lights.

Terra scoffed at the sight of Aqua’s worry. “I told you not to think too hard about it. She always means well.”

He stopped, holding his free hand to his chin as Ven pulled on his other. “Usually there’s some pretty awesome surprises. Maybe we should find a good place to stargaze?”

“She said to follow the stars, though.”

“Like constellations?” Terra snapped his fingers, which mesmerized Ven’s attention. “Maybe the north star. We should go to the north side of the castle.”

Aqua didn’t quite hear that last part. Right past Terra’s shoulder was a glowing light that twinkled up against the wall, riding it up.

“What is that?” she said.

Ven gasped and charged with such a force that he slipped off their grip. He touched it, and it burst into a cascade of shining lights that hit the floor and spread outward.

The floor darkened to a navy blue, and the lights continued to split into halves, until they formed an arrangement that covered the entire hallway, snuffing out the last lanterns as they traveled.

She heard a soft laugh. Terra’s. “Stars.”

“She’s so cool,” Aqua said, touching a cluster of lights by her feet and watching them thrust outward.

“I knew you would say that.”

They followed, hopping on clusters of stars until they exploded in all sorts of directions. If Aqua swiped her hand upward on the wall, they would spread across the ceiling.

When they approached the stairs, the stars would clump together and take the shape of steps so they wouldn’t mistake them and tumble down.

It was like adventuring in deep space.

They traveled from a nebula in the entrance hall, where they searched for hidden stars...

… All the way to the meteor shower that rained in the ballroom, trying to catch them before they disappeared into the tiles.

The only room that stayed the same was the Master’s office, where he obsessed over papers on his desk and trusted one lamp to light his way. To Aqua, it looked like he was reading in outer space, yet he never noticed.

By the time they made it back around to the bedrooms, the stars they first activated had formed their own galaxy, and they spent what little time they had left to name each one. Ven named each of his as “Ven.”

~*~*~*~

Aqua was just about to turn off her bedside lamp when the door knocked.

Terra let himself in and shut it behind him. He had a piece of paper. “You should see what Ven painted.”

Sitting on her bed, he handed it over. Finger paints of very rough outlines of human figures - one blue, one short one that was green, and one tall one that was orange - took the space on the bottom. Above them was an uneven mess of dark blue with white fingerprints that made up the stars.

Aqua was too tired to really giggle but the painting made it easier for her. “It’s us.” She hid her face behind it. “It’s like the one you made me a long time ago, remember?”

“Shut up.” He looked away from her and buried his face in his hand.

“I still have it.”

“Of course you do.” He squirmed, grabbing his thighs. “You should keep this one, then. Keep them together.”

She let it rest on her lap. “It’s going to be nice… to have a new student.”

“I can’t wait to see what his Keyblade looks like.”

“Or what he can do with it.”

Terra leaned back. “He’s so small, but he’s tough.”

Aqua took one more look at the painting, then placed it on her bedside table. “He’s brave, too.”

She started to snuggle into her bed, digging herself into her bedsheets. She expected Terra to get the hint and turn off the lights for her when he left.

But he joined her instead.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

He made himself comfortable and laid on his side to face her. He had a sheepish smile on his face, and he fiddled with his hands under the sheet. His voice trembled the slightest when he said it, but what he meant reached his eyes: “I’ve missed you.”

The tips of her ears flared up. Soon enough, her cheeks would burn red so she saved face by dragging her sheets up to her nose. Her heart pounded, which wasn’t helping.

Sleeping in each other’s beds used to be the norm when they were little, a long time ago.

“Really?” she said.

The way she was behaving made him a little uncomfortable. As if to mimic her, he pulled the sheets to rest right under his chin, packing on blankets in between their bodies as though they were doing something they shouldn’t be doing.

“Yeah.” He tried to make it sound like it wasn’t a big deal. “It’s been a long time since we really talked.”

Aqua thought all this time things were changing forever. It seemed like all the grown ups she ever had a chance to talk to had lost their best friends, so now it was her time. It was a part of life, and whatever came their way, she had to accept it.

With or without Ven, it wasn’t like they could talk like they used to anymore, anyway.

It was a few months ago that she kissed Terra for the first time.

She didn’t mean much by it. At least she didn’t think.

It really embarrassed him, though. When she sought him out to talk about it, all he did was shrug a shoulder and said You’re the most ridiculous person I’ve ever met, Aqua, and stared at a book he wasn’t actually reading.

Like it was all a joke to him.

They never spoke about it since.

“I felt the same,” she whispered.

If it comforted him, she didn’t know. “Can I stay here for a while?”

She blushed.

Hard.

She kept it hidden behind fabric, so he wouldn’t see. “Mm, sure.” Whatever she was feeling, she wasn’t sure if she liked it or not. It made her excited, and yet it was too overwhelming to define.

This was the worst time to be thinking about that kiss.

“But we are a little old for sleepovers, don’t you think?” she added, trying to stall this insane rush of thoughts.

“I guess so.” He was disappointed.

“You can stay tonight.” She rolled over her shoulder to face away from him.

“Thanks.” There was rustling and movement behind her. More space opened up between them, and he flicked the light switch off before settling. “Good night,” he chirped.

All night, she stayed cemented to her side of the bed. Terra laid on his back, his hands interlaced on his chest, and he never moved either.

She fell asleep expecting to crawl around him in the morning.

But she was alone when she woke up.

The first person she greeted was none other than Ven, who was waiting for her in the dining room. Terra sat on the floor right by his side.

“Hi!” Ven’s voice echoed in the enormous metal pot he wore on his head.

Terra burst into laughter. “He loved it so much, I had to give it to him.”

“Ven?” Aqua pulled up from the rim, peeking under. Ven’s eyes glistened in the dark.

“I’m so sorry, Ven,” said Ven.

“I’m sorry for you, too.” She heaved with breath at the sight, changing silent looks of sheer hysteria with Terra as Ven banged on his own pot, the sound of clanging echoing.

The door to the dining room slammed. “Look lively, children,” Ms. Poppins said. She kept her hands crossed over her waist and headed straight for the kitchen, adorning an apron. “The Master is coming.”

Terra and Aqua immediately sprung, lifting Ven by the elbows so he could follow suit. With the Master here, Ven had a long way to go with learning how to pay respects.

“Ven,” Ms. Poppins scoffed. “Such behavior. Take that out of your head, please.”

He slowly followed orders and let the pot hang in his hands, a sad frown on his face.

“Ms. Poppins,” Aqua called, watching the nanny command appliances in the kitchen telepathically. The teapot brewed without notice, and the eggs in the saucepan fried with just a glance. “Thank you for the trip last night. It was wonderful.”

Mary Poppins looked shocked. “I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about.” She left Aqua gaping to tend to the flour.

Terra shrugged at before letting his smile reach his eyes. He loved it when he was right.

“Told you,” he said.

“Think you’re so clever?” she shot back.

“Of course he is,” Ms. Poppins said, and Aqua squirmed at the thought she was being overheard. “I remember to the word what his measurement read when I first met him.”

Terra hesitated to say something, like he was bracing for impact.

“Diligent, sensitive,” Ms. Poppins, recited from memory, motioning to Ven to help her prepare plates though he didn’t understand. “Cheeky. Keeps a messy room and lies about cleaning his room.”

Aqua snorted.

She kept ‘I told you’ to herself, but just this one last time.

#terraqua #aqua #terra #ventus #kh fanfic #kingdom hearts fanfiction #eraqus #mary poppins #this was a long time coming #i'm so glad it's finally done #i hope you like it #my fic

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winterironmonth · 4 years

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Thank you to all that have participated in our SFW Prompt Week. Under the cut are all the works that have been created.

SFW Sunday: TROPE/AU - Baking Rivalry

Title: N/A Content Creator: eirlyssa Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Food Pictures Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Sunday: WORD - Ducklings

Title: Duckling Therapy Content Creator: lbibliophile-mcu Word Count: 100 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: This was not how Tony expected to finally catch up with Barnes… Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Oh the Things You Will See Content Creator: InTheShadows Word Count: 1,712 Rating: General Pairing(s): Tony Stark/The Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark, Steve Rogers & Tony Stark Major Tags: Pre-Relationship, Getting Together, Bucky Barnes & Winter Soldier are Different Personalities, Imprinting, Attempt at Humor Summary: Tony can only huff when Steve comes down to the workshop looking for Bucky and finds Winter instead. There is no reason for him to be as amused as he is. Just because this has been happening since they knew the Winter Soldier was his own person and not just some programming, doesn't mean he has to laugh every time. It has to get old eventually right? Right? The jokes are getting old. Just because Winter has seemingly imprinted on him like a duckling is no reason to laugh every time they see him hovering. Rude. He is surrounded by rudeness. Link: AO3

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SFW Sunday: DIALOGUE/SENTENCE - “Did you just hiss at me?”

Title: How Not to Make Friends Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 770 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Meet Ugly, Alternate Universe - College Summary: Bucky just wants to get his coffee. Tony also just wants to get his coffee. They disagree about how best to go about this. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: 153 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: N/A Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: jamesbuckystark Word Count: 356 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Alternate Universe - High School, Crack Summary: Rhodey helps Tony get a date Link: Tumblr

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SFW Monday: TROPE/AU - Arc Reactor/Metal Arm Angst

Title: I've got you (it's okay) Content Creator: realityfallsapart Word Count: 9,643 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Angst, Arc Reactor Angst, Kidnapping, Non-Consensual Drug Use, Off-screen Torture, Blood, Fight Scenes, Hurt Tony Stark Summary: His eyes went wide at the sight of Tony.

His lip was split and there was blood running down the side of his face from somewhere on his head. His torso and shoulders were curled in on themselves and towards the right, and Bucky's brain put forward the possibility of a rib or internal deep tissue injury. Meanwhile, his wrists had an alarmingly dark ring of bruises around them this time, and he was barely putting any weight on his left ankle.

God, Tony, what are they doing to you? Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Incalescence Content Creator: Iron_Eirlyssa (Eirlyssa) Word Count: 900 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Getting Together, Arc Reactor Issues, Bucky Barnes’s Metal Arm, Huddling for Warmth Summary: The cold had always bothered Tony, especially considering the Arc reactor in his chest. When he realizes he's not the only one suffering, he decides to do something about it. Link: AO3

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SFW Monday: WORD - Kidnapped

God, Tony, what are they doing to you? Link: AO3

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Title: Please Schedule at Least Two Weeks in Advance Content Creator: InTheShadows Word Count: 3,948 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes & Tony Stark Major Tags: Not Captain America: The Winter Soldier Compliant, Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes, Kidnapping, Hurt Tony Stark, Canon-Typical Violence, Gen or Pre-Slash Summary: When Tony wakes up he groans. Why? Why is it always him? First off, being kidnapped is never his idea of a good time. Not any time, but especially on the day he really needed to be at that meeting. Then it has to be HYDRA of all people. To put the icing on the cake, Barnes has to be the one guarding him. Yeah, today is definitely going to be one of those days. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: seijishun Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Dark Bucky Barnes Summary: “Behave for me, sweet thing.” Link: Tumblr

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Title: Situational Analysis Content Creator: LBibliophile Word Count: 1,202 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Headaches & Migraines, Kidnapped Tony Stark Summary: As awareness gradually seeps back in, the first thing Tony notices is the headache. Not that this is exactly an uncommon state of affairs; but depending on the reason for the headache, his day will have drastically different outcomes. Aka, is he waking up to a mild annoyance, or a rather unpleasant morning, or an increasingly miserable however long until he manages to get himself back home. Link: AO3

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Title: Had To Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 555 Rating: Mature Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Whump, Blood/Injury Warning Summary: Tony gets taken. He doesn’t know it, but Bucky will do anything to get to him. Link: AO3

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Title: Not Rated Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Winter Soldier/Tony Stark Major Tags: N/A Summary: Winter finds his soulmate and no one will take Tony away from him Link: Tumblr

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SFW Monday: DIALOGUE/SENTENCE - “For someone who’s dying you seem kind of happy.”

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Title: N/A Content Creator: jamesbuckystark Word Count: 415 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Crack Summary: The Avengers are captured by Hydra. Guess who gets underestimated yet again? Link: Tumblr

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SFW Tuesday: TROPE/AU - Accidental Baby Acquisition

Title: Daddy's here Content Creator: Purple_ducky00 Word Count: 1,418 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship, Islamophobia Summary: Tony gets a baby dropped in his lap. Bucky wants to keep it. Link: AO3

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SFW Tuesday: WORD - Flowers

Title: Candy Flowers Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 587 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff Summary: Just Bucky and Tony on date night. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Not Rated Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: N/A Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Spring Blossoms Content Creator: Iron_Eirlyssa (Eirlyssa) Word Count: 1,392 (WIP) Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting, Getting Together Summary: There wasn't much Tony had that was truly his, but this was one of them. Until he noticed Bucky struggling and decided to help. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: seijishun Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: N/A Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Tuesday: DIALOGUE/SENTENCE - “I told you to bring a jacket.”

Title: I've Got You Covered Content Creator: InTheShadows Word Count: 790 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Alternate Universe - Hogwarts, Slytherin Bucky Barnes, Hufflepuff Tony Stark, Established Relationship, Fluff Summary: Tony bounces over excitedly to Bucky when he sees him. Finally. He's been waiting an eternity for him and frankly he is lucky that he didn't go without him. One doesn't get the opportunity to meet a unicorn very often after all. As if he's worried about a little thing like a forgotten scarf. Please. He'll be fine. Link: AO3

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Title: cold, baby? Content Creator: realityfallsapart Word Count: 522 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff Summary: Bucky had told Tony to bring a jacket, but when did Tony ever listen to him? Link: AO3

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Title: Candy Flowers Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 587 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff Summary: Just Bucky and Tony on date night. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: 121 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Wednesday: TROPE/AU - Mafia/Mob AU

Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: seijishun Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Merchant of Death with his guard dog. Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: eirlyssa Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: omg-just-peachy Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Not Rated Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: A/B/O Dynamics Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Wednesday: WORD - Amnesia

Title: Amnesia Content Creator: Purple_ducky00 Word Count: 941 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Temporary Amnesia, Secret Relationship Summary: Tony loses his memory; Bucky loses his lover Link: AO3

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Title: Coffee and Bad Words Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 1,571 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Bucky is the one elected to go drag Tony out of his lab. He has no idea what he’s in for. Link: AO3

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SFW Wednesday: DIALOGUE/SENTENCE - “All I do is drink coffee and say bad words.”

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: 400 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Thursday: TROPE/AU - Forehead Kisses

Title: N/A Content Creator: seijishun Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Love you without the word Link: Tumblr

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Title: got a moment? Content Creator: realityfallsapart Word Count: 1,139 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff, Bruises Summary: He tried his best to focus on the wires he had in his hands instead of the way Bucky's chin hooked over his shoulder and the scruff of his beard brushing right up against Tony's cheek, but he admitted that the deck was stacked against him in regards to holding out much longer.

And as much as Tony loved it when Bucky got clingy, right now it sucked because he had to get this work done.

"Why don't you take a break?" Bucky said, one of his thumbs rubbing on Tony's hipbone which was just unfair.

"I'm on a roll right now, in a bit?"

~~~~~

Tony is always works so hard and Bucky just wants his genius to take a break and relax. Link: AO3

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Title: Damnit DUM-E Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 298 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Mentions of Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting Summary: Tony has a new bruise. Bucky has questions. Link: AO3

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Title: Not Rated Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: A/B/O Dynamics Summary: Calming the winter soldier Link: Tumblr

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Title: Of Forehead Kisses and Names Content Creator: InTheShadows Word Count: 4,033 Rating: General Pairing(s): Tony Stark/The Winter Soldier, Pepper Potts & Tony Stark, James Rhodes & Tony Stark Major Tags: Bucky Barnes & Winter Soldier are Different Personalities, Trust Issues, Fluff, Platonic Relationships, Developing Relationships Summary: Tony has no idea how this happened. He would like that on record - he has no idea how this happened and it isn't his fault. Really this time. Even he can't be blamed for the Winter Solder getting strangely attached to him. He did that all on his own, without any help from Tony. Nor can he be blamed for getting attached right back. That's his story and he's sticking to it. Link: AO3

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SFW Thursday: WORD - Traditions

And as much as Tony loved it when Bucky got clingy, right now it sucked because he had to get this work done.

"Why don't you take a break?" Bucky said, one of his thumbs rubbing on Tony's hipbone which was just unfair.

"I'm on a roll right now, in a bit?"

~~~~~

Tony is always works so hard and Bucky just wants his genius to take a break and relax. Link: AO3

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SFW Thursday: DIALOGUE SENTENCE - “Where did that bruise come from?”

And as much as Tony loved it when Bucky got clingy, right now it sucked because he had to get this work done.

"Why don't you take a break?" Bucky said, one of his thumbs rubbing on Tony's hipbone which was just unfair.

"I'm on a roll right now, in a bit?"

~~~~~

Tony is always works so hard and Bucky just wants his genius to take a break and relax. Link: AO3

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Title: Keep You Safe And Warm Content Creator: Iron_Eirlyssa (Eirlyssa) Word Count: 1,234 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Pre-Relationship, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Hurt Tony Stark, Hurt/Comfort, Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting Summary: When Tony comes to see Bucky, it's easy to tell that something is very wrong. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: 128 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Bruises Content Creator: Purple_ducky00 Word Count: 224 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Love Bites Summary: Peter asks a question, then quickly regrets opening his mouth. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: N/A (Edit) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Friday: TROPE/AU - Post Breakup

Title: oh take me back to the start Content Creator: realityfallsapart Word Count: 6,937 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Brief Smut, Some Fluff, Getting Back Together, Past Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting, Grief/Mourning, Brief Discussions of War/PTSD Summary: When Bucky saw him again, would he be satisfied with the closure of one last afternoon together and be content in letting Tony go forever? Would he had finally come to his senses and wish he had never made that promise to Tony all those years ago? Would he be disgusted with the fortune belonging to Tony, with the man he had become? Would he show up at all?

Part of Tony scoffed, thinking about how he would rather Bucky ditch him than bring a new partner for Tony to meet, but that was just another lie—Tony was still pathetically grasping at any scrap of Bucky that he could get his hands on.

It's been five years and Tony is still mourning the loss of the love of his life. Link: AO3

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SFW Friday: WORD - Homesick

Title: Homesick Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 301 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff Summary: Tony gets homesick, but not for a place. Link: AO3

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Title: Home Content Creator: eirlyssa Word Count: 390 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Friday: DIALOGUE/SENTENCE - “Just shut up and kiss me, you idiot.”

Title: Homesick Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 301 Rating: Teen+ Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff Summary: Tony gets homesick, but not for a place. Link: AO3

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Title: Can't Fight This Feeling Content Creator: InTheShadows Word Count: 1,469 Rating: General Pairing(s): Tony Stark/The Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes & Tony Stark Major Tags: Bucky Barnes and Winter Soldier are Different Personalities, Fluff, Flirting, Bad Pick-Up Lines, Attempt at Humor Summary: Tony isn't sure exactly what to think when Bucky marches into the room and gives Tony the rose. Learning that it's from Yasha, not him, only makes a little bit more sense. Since when is he interested in Tony? Sense when is he interested in anyone? That would explain a few things though. Now if only Yasha didn't seem so grumpy about it. Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: seijishun Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: You talk too much. Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: 207 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Shut up and Kiss Me Content Creator: Purple_ducky00 Word Count: 533 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Fluff, Marriage Proposal Summary: Just your typical, average proposal Link: AO3

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Title: Not Rated Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Home Content Creator: eirlyssa Word Count: 390 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: 156 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Saturday: TROPE/AU - Touch Starved

Title: N/A Content Creator: seijishun Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Most nights I hardly sleep when I’m alone Now please don’t go Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: mcushipsahoy Word Count: 200 Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Conduction Content Creator: LBibliophile Word Count: 968 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Conduction n, the transfer of heat energy via contact. It is a small thing that makes him notice. A simple clap on the shoulder, emphasis for whatever point he is making. But when he moves to take his hand away, Bucky follows, just for a moment, prolonging the contact. Link: AO3

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Title: Remember to Use the Buddy System Content Creator: InTheShadows Word Count: 2,422 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark/The Winter Soldier Major Tags: Bucky Barnes & Winter Soldier are Different Personalities, Platonic Cuddling, Getting Together, Fluff, Not Captain America: The Winter Soldier Compliant Summary: It's no real surprise to Tony when he wakes up to find Bucky and Yasha curled around him. This has been going on even before the two got them got separate bodies. Once they found out Tony was down to cuddle, that was it. He has turned into their own personal teddy bear. They're touch starved and he's tactile so it works out. But all this touching is just because they're touch starved, right? (Wrong.) Link: AO3

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SFW Saturday: WORD - Pancakes

Title: Over Blueberries Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 119 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Bucky makes breakfast Link: AO3

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Title: N/A Content Creator: eirlyssa Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: N/A Content Creator: dragon-stones Word Count: N/A (Moodboard) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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Title: Not Rated Content Creator: gayspacesprinkles Word Count: N/A (Art) Rating: Not Rated Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: N/A Link: Tumblr

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SFW Saturday: DIALOGUE/SENTENCE - “I wanna break up.”

Title: Over Blueberries Content Creator: RiotFalling Word Count: 119 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: None Summary: Bucky makes breakfast Link: AO3

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Title: Breaking Up is not on my Itinerary Content Creator: Purple_ducky00 Word Count: 1,138 Rating: General Pairing(s): Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark Major Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, Misunderstandings, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Maria Stark Lives, Howard Stark Lives, Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting Summary: In which you should not jump to conclusions when eavesdropping Link: AO3

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#sfw week round up

23 notes · View notes

daily-dose-of-imagines · 4 years

Text

𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙-𝕌𝕡 ♡

My.. my bisexual brother wants a matchup too. For KNB, Haikyuu, Jibaku Shounen Hanako San. But then he’s too shy to use his tumblr account, like gosh do I have to do all the work?! Thank you for putting up with my dumb brother, he will do the typing below;

Uh um hello. Okay I can’t do this. And wow, talking smack about me again sister? Loove you so muchhh

I’m average height I guess, somewhere around 5’6-8. (Haha short sister.) Black hair, glasses, bangs (ppl think I’m Korean.) You can call me oikawa 2.0, because I’m trash, but I’m lovable trash. Don’t worry, I’m also clingy, and stupid and—. I don’t talk much, except for rare sarcasm and I basically stay glued to my computer play games 24/7. I’m the youngest, and I like taking advantage of that (yes I get what I want or else I’ll annoy the hell out of you and nag you about it.) I don’t think it’s to that far though, it’s mainly for her to grab stuff like yogurt for me or something because she’s closer. I deliberately make my sister lose braincells >:3

Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure is best anime, and even though I love Suga, Bruno Buccarati is best mom and better. I will fight you. (I have a bad temper lmao, but it’s getting better.) Still remember that one time I did jojo poses with my sister to intimidate the other team we were playing against (haha) I took a pic of my friend doing the Naruto run and his face is just pure gold. It’s blackmail material now HAHA.

I feel like I took all the luck my sister didn’t have (like I have so much friends 😎) But I play video games a lot and I like sports too (kinda) I feel bad for her, since I took all our family’s attention when I was younger. I’m pretty nice and I like anime, making jokes, playing video games.

Lol sorry for doing this so late at night.

»»————-　♡　————-««

@kamitaxey OH MY GOD I’M CRYING THE BOTH OF YOU ARE SO FUCKING CUTE AHNFWAEHNOG;AIH Admit T and I are legit quaking at how adorable y’all are like what even– omg

I’m adopting you both ahngoaiewhgoia <3 Also YES BRUNO BEST MAMA fucking love that man oml (almost more than I love Josuke sSKSKSK)

Anywho, I really hope you enjoy the matchups I give you bb~!! (Also don’t worry about sending stuff late sksksk one of us will be awake to do it~ uwu)

» » Admin Ko

𝕀 𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕐𝕆𝕌 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕘…

𝕂𝕒𝕫𝕦𝕟𝕒𝕣𝕚 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕒𝕠

Alright where do I even start? This cheeky boy will be all over you! He definitely is the type to playfully tease and cling just as much as you do! He’s a sucker for affection, but loves to tease you about it! If he can, he’ll use his height against you! (even if it is just an inch or two) If you’re shorter than him, he’s gonna take advantage of it! His cheeky grin will be on his face practically all the time, and he definitely loves to steal kisses from you! Especially if you’re in the middle of a match or an intensive game!

Alright hear me out, he may tease and be a cheeky little bastard to you, but the moment you became sarcastic and deal your own sorta blow to him? He loses his mind. Cheeks flushed and brain short circuiting. He should be used to it since he’s friends with Midorima– but to hear it coming from you? He has no idea how to compute that information into his head.

Despite teasing you and being a little jerk (your jerk) he loves you 100%! He would definitely be the type to either join in and learn how to play some games with you, or just hug you from behind and watch you play like that!

Any anime watching is always accompanied by cuddle sessions and quick secret kisses being stolen here and there!

Other then that, he loves you for who you are!

𝕂𝕖𝕟𝕞𝕒 𝕂𝕠𝕫𝕦𝕞𝕖

Okay– so this one was probably kinda expected– but like video games? Ya both would kill it. Unmatched duo in the online gaming community! Literally you both would start a youtube channel of just gaming and reactions together and everyone would honestly love it!

Even though Kenma isn’t very fond of affection or touching, he makes an exception for you. Because the one time you slumped over him and snuggled him to recharge, he found himself leaning into your touch and melting in your hold. Thus he actively seeks you out to recharge his own batteries if he has to deal with Kuroo and his dumbassry again or even dealing with Lev and his terrible volleyball basics. (Thankfully the kid has gotten better)

He prefers at home dates since you both can play as many video games as you want as well as watch anime together, but on occasion will drag you out for a simple stroll through the town for some fresh air because Kuroo will no doubt try to drag the both of you out by your legs kicking.

Definitely likes to hold your hand while you guys are out and about and will take pictures with you (aka meme worthy photos)

𝔸𝕜𝕒𝕟𝕖 𝔸𝕠𝕚

Precious smol soft baby who absolutely adores you! Despite being the school’s idol she has her own cute little quirks! Surprisingly enough I feel as though she would be the type to enjoy horror games and thriller genre anime! Definitely would like to see if the thriller anime accurately tells stories she already knows or if there’s a twist to it!

Doesn’t mind being indoors that much, but will definitely be the good in your life to take you outside and get you some vitamin D!! She’ll even tell you about the latest school rumor or folk lore she learned while you guys are on a walk!

Definitely enjoys cuddling up to you whenever you guys binge or watch anime together. Whenever you guys are out, she would most likely be the one to link your pinkys together as you guys explore the various little shops.

Other then that, she thinks the funny poses and things you do are memorable and adorable! Will definitely help take pictures to keep as memes– just don’t expect her to do it herself. If anything she’ll enlist the help of her friends to recreate any funny anime photos~!

7 notes · View notes

scriptedangel · 5 years

Text

The one where Harry found and lost Y/n early.

a/n: as usual gif is not mine ++ this was loosely inspired by a tumblr post BUT i couldn't find the tumblr post to link it down here,, i do hope people enjoy reading this post :)

warning: grief? angst?

02.06.19

The world adores Harry Styles, incredibly talented singer and songwriter, amazing model and movie actor and just a wonderful human being in general. When the news about Harry getting married to the love of his life,Y/n, the world rejoice for the two. Although, let’s be honest, some fans’ dreamed were crushed as their favourite idol is getting married. Nevertheless everyone was happy.

The fans not only adore Harry but unexpectedly they adore Y/n as well. It took quite a while before they realised that Y/n has always been very supportive of Harry and has always been very kind and sweet to his fans.

Whenever they are spotted by fans during their dates, Harry would always look at Y/n for confirmation while Y/n just nodded her head and waited for Harry patiently, she even offers a hand to take picture of her boyfriend with his fans. She’ll take countless of pictures and videos for the fans. Anywhere. Anytime.

Unfortunately, there was an incident when Harry was too focused talking to another fans when a rude fan came up and grabbed hold of Y/n’s hair. Her hair was roughly pulled before the rude fan slapped her across the face. Y/n was too stunned but she didn’t curse or even slap her back. She smiled and nodded her head while the security team rushed towards her.

The security team told the fan to leave in a very equally rude way but Y/n saw this and sighed. She put a hand on the security’s arm and whispered to him to just let it go while she was ushered back to the van.

This did not stop Y/n from being kind to Harry’s fans, really it did not. Whenever she was in his concert, she would try her best to make everyone feels welcome. When she turned back and saw one fan, her face was all red and her hair was sticking to her face as she was sweating. She realised that the fan was being uncomfortable so she quickly hurried and took a new bottle of water close to the stage and approached her.

The fan’s eyes turned wide opened being approached by her idol’s girlfriend. She coughed loudly and Y/n smiled sweetly and handed her the bottle. The fan saw this and her lips parted in shock, she shook her head slightly and smiled in return and said, “Thank you.”

Sometimes when fans noticed her in the concert, they would call out for her name. If she was lucky she could sneak through the security and quickly have a chat with them. While most of times, fans would just politely asked her to pass some notes to Harry. Y/n would nod in a friendly manner and express her gratitude that Harry is sure he would give. At the end of the chat she would always give her promise to the fans and up till now she never ever broke one of her promises.

If she wasn't lucky and the security might be too tight, she would always smile sadly and mouthed her apology in return. Fans however still love and adore her knowing that Y/n is an absolute sweetheart.

It’s proven by how Harry would always tweet something related to the notes he received that day or how he would talk and even message the fans privately the next day. It happens more than once or twice and fans started realising that Y/n truly is an angel and Harry couldn't be luckier to have Y/n by his side.

Harry was one of the lucky people that found his love at a very early age. He got married to Y/n, his person at the age of 28. Truly it was one of his happiest days in his life when he kissed Y/n in front of his loved ones as his bride.

Another moment that could top his happiest day would be right now. It would be this event that Y/n had prepared for him. Y/n had tried to cook his favourite meal, sushi. It was rather hard and Y/n is a terrible cook but she did try her best and Harry loved it.

After Y/n prepared their dinner, she quickly poured Harry a glass of red wine. Y/n had read somewhere that red wine symbolises happiness and transformation.

Harry laughed heartedly when he saw Y/n staggering with a both hands occupied, a glass of red on her right hand and a glass of water on her left hand and a bowl of freshly cuts kiwi as the centre of her arm.

He was quick on his feet and offered his hand by taking both glasses on his hands, Y/n smiled and mumbled a small, “Thank you.”

When the both of them sat down on their couch, Harry quickly raised his eyebrow, Ar’ you not drinkin?” He tilted his head as he turned to look at Y/n.

Y/n’s ears turned red and Harry knew it was one of the signs, she was being shy. Y/n’s lips twitch into a small smile before she shook her head and took something out from her pocket.

Harry looked down at what she was handing him, it was a pregnancy test. He flipped it around and saw two bright red stripes appeared. He looked back at his wife, wide eyes waiting in anticipation for his reaction.

He looked back down at the test and let out a howl, “Love?” His voice full of surprise and eyes full of delight, “M’gonna be a father?” His grin was wide and it melted Y/n’s heart.

Y/n hummed happily and Harry really couldn't think of any other words even if he’s a billboard record holding song writer. Harry could only swooped her up in his arm and kissed her cheek loudly. “M’so happy.” As he muttered these words against her cheeks.

His hand softly trailing on her belly and he bended down to her stomach level and gave them a kiss. Y/n giggled as it tickled her and Harry laughed. He quickly peck her lips and mumbled against them, “Love yeh both.”

Y/n quickly turned her head and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek, “We love you too.”

The first time Y/n was talking in her sleep, Harry was utterly confused. They were bundled up under a thick blanket, when Y/n started squirming. Harry woke up and looked down at her sleepily.

“Sleep, Love.” His voice deep and raspy.

Y/n knuckled her eyes and quietly say, “I’m a Ravenclaw.” Her eyes still shut close but her lips widened forming a huge grin.

Harry opened his eyes widely thinking that Y/n couldn't sleep and she was awake but when he looked down to the girl around his arms, eyes still fully closed, he was confused.

“Ravenclaw?” He asked while looking down at his girl. He felt his girl nodding her head around his chest and Harry’s heart squeezed at how precious his girlfriend is.

She’s talking in her sleep and that moment Harry realised that he was absolutely whipped for this girl.

“How’re you so sure?” He asked, amused.

Her eyebrows furrowed lightly and her lips jutted out softly, “I was sorted.” Harry chuckled softly and continued asking, “Sorted?”

This time Y/n hummed and whispered, “Pottermore.” With that Harry remembered how she was gushing about the quiz made by one of her favourite authors, J.K. Rowling.

Harry smiled and kissed her forehead and she smiled sleepily and nuzzled closer to him. Harry is truly, madly, deeply in love with her.

After Y/n’s surprise dinner. Harry’s stomach was constantly backflipping every now and then. Harry was too happy that he couldn't sleep. Y/n on the other hand was drained. After a day out with her friends and preparing her surprise for Harry, she was absolutely worn out.

Harry looked down at his angel, eyes fluttered close and her cheeks mushed against his chest, his heart skipped a beat and it’s just impossible for him not to fall for her even harder.

He remembered the first time he fell for her. She was reading a book when she squealed and her eyes lit up at certain part of the book. He remembered that she’s insanely bright and knowledgable. A bit quirky and dorky but absolutely intelligent.

Y/n tightened his hold around Harry and she was mumbling something, Harry smiled knowing this is one of signs of her going to sleep talk. This time Y/n’s eyes flutters open and Harry could only smile back at her.

“You okay?” His voice was soft and tender and Y/n couldn't help but smile at her husband and nodded her head.

“I dreamt about something,” her voice was thick and heavy with sleep.

“Bout something, huh?” He teased her softly while squeezing her hips. Y/n rolled her eyes playfully before Harry continued, “Wha’ did you dream about?”

“That I was a yellow butterfly.” Her voice was dreamy and she said it with a small smile.

It was no secret that Y/n adores butterflies. She once did a research about butterfly and from that moment she fell in love with butterflies. There was even one moment when they were dating and Harry could never forget this moment.

“Harry Edward Styles, I love you.” She said it loud and clear with smile lingering on her face. Harry was too starstruck and in love that he couldn't say anything even with his mouth hanging open.

Harry just leaned closer and put both of his arms around her waist and smeared their lips together, “I love you so much more.” He mumbled against her lips and connected them together.

As much as Harry wanted to continue this forever, he had to pull away and took a breather. Y/n’s dreamy smile was still plastered and Harry was 100% sure he would do anything just to keep that smile on her face.

Harry was still smiling when he asked, “What else did you wanna say to me, Love?” He asked her, recalling that she had mentioned two things that she wished to tell him.

Y/n just giggled before pulling his t-shirt closer to her and she tip-toed and whispered to his cheeks, “I wanna be a yellow butterfly...” As soon as those words left her lips, he hugged her close and smiled.

“You can always be my yellow butterfly.” He whispered back to Y/n which made her laugh loudly in return and as cliche as it sounds, it sounds like music to his ear.

“Butterfly, eh?” He teased her again as he was reminded about their first confession. She pouted softly and pinched his arm lightly before he laughed and said, “You’re always my yellow butterfly, Love.”

Harry saw his wife pinched eyebrows before continuing, “They’re really pretty and you’re really pretty too.” He flirted playfully with a small while nudging her with his shoulder.

She rolled her eyes playfully at her husband antique but she couldn't hide the small smile the crept in and closed her eyes in content. “Their lives are pretty sad though,” she let out a deep breath.

Harry hummed in response waiting for her to continue.

“They struggled for so long as eggs, larva, pupa then became a butterfly,” This time her eyes were still closed and she her grip on to Harry tighter.

“Continue, m’love.” He whispered as he rubbed small circles on her exposed arms.

“Then they die after two weeks or less.” She sighed before looking up to him. Harry smiled softly at her glossy eyes.

“But they helped the world become a better place to live in.” He continued before kissing her cheeks softly and she sniffled, “You’re right.”

Harry chuckled softly before pressing his lips on top of her crown head and nuzzled closer towards her neck, her back against him. “Rest well, m’love.”

Y/n sighed in content and grabbed his arm around her and hold it close towards her chest. They both fell asleep against each other with a smile on their faces.

Little did they know, Y/n was indeed just like a butterfly. Her life was cut short when she gave birth to her precious daughter. It wasn't clear how did it happen but the doctors and nurses were saying about severe blood loss. Indeed it was a life for a life.

When Harry heard the news that his daughter is safe and healthy his heart was relieved and overflowed with joy. It was when he saw the doctor’s forced smile his heart stuttered.

“Your wife did not make it.” The doctor said it. There he said it. As soon as those words were uttered by the doctor. His heart was ripped apart, left shattered. His guts clenched in ways that he never knew could.

It felt like air cut out his throat and he couldn't breathe as it hurts so bad. His knees dropped on the floor, not knowing what to do. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe, how could he do that when his other half was forever gone and lost?

He just couldn’t believe what happened. His mother was quick beside him and cradled him closer just like how she did when her son was younger. Harry shook his head in denial and Anne was just there wrapping her warm arms around her son with silent tears falling down for her lost daughter-in-law.

Harry was trembling and shaking, he was angry to the point that his whole body was thrashing around the hospital floor. The whole scene was just too unbearable that everyone’s heart broke at an instant when Harry let out a loud sob.

When the news was broadcasted and the whole world knew about Harry’s loss. Everyone weeped and grieved together with Harry. When every started moving on, Harry couldn’t. He broke whenever he saw things that reminded him of Y/n. Thus his sister took care of their daughter at that moment.

The world truly see how broken and loss Harry was, it was not a doubt that Y/n truly meant everything to him.Harry took a break from the public eye by disappearing and spending more time back at his home. It was too painful for him to step inside their house as Y/n’s scent was still strong and he would just break down right there and then.

He started drinking twice his liquor and then thrice. He didn't know what exactly drive him back to go back to their house. But that night he did.

He stepped in to their house that felt familiar yet oddly strange. The warmth was replaced by the musky air and dust. His footsteps were heavy as he had to physically drag himself towards their shared room. He could faintly smell her perfume.

He stopped as soon as his eyes reached his own reflection at Y/n’s make up desk. His hair tousled in every directions, his eyes were rimmed red and deep black bags under his eyes, his shoulders drooped slightly and he’s barely breathing, he felt barely alive.

His tired eyes traveled down to his rumpled and dirty clothes but his eyes landed on a piece of letter. He felt his eyes welled up with tears and his heart throbbed painfully and his throat clogged up as soon as he saw the familiar handwriting of his dead wife.

Haz :)

He took the letter with trembling hands and opened the letter and the first tear rolled down, with shaky breath, he closed his eyes trying to compose himself and started reading the letter.

Hi!

Gosh this is so awkward, I don’t even know why I’m writing this letter to you when you are here laying beside me in deep sleep and quite frankly snoring loudly enough to wake the whole neighbourhood but I’ve come to tolerate the noise enough.

Harry’s lips cracked into a small smile knowing how Y/n had always complained him snoring loudly.

I can’t believe we’re gonna be parents soon. It felt just like yesterday that you were begging for one... You had no idea how my heart leapt twice, you know twice. First when I looked at the result after I peed on the pregnancy test, second when I had to go to the doctor for a clear confirmation.

Anyway, enough about that. I just wanna say that I’m scared. Tomorrow is our due date, if you don't remember.

I’m scared that I won't be a good mother enough for our child BUT I do believe that we have great teamwork. One thing I know for sure is that I’m grateful that my child would have a father like you.

Someone she could look up to and someone who could give assurance and comfort. I mean you take good care of me and I couldn't possibly say enough thank you in my life time for that. Nonetheless thank you, Haz.

If you ever doubted yourself for being a bad father just come and take a look of this letter. Somehow, I feel like you’ll need some assurance, I mean, who doesn't right?

You’ll be fine, you’ll be the best dad in the whole wide world, or grandma, who knows? (Please get my Ant-man reference there, writing this down just incase you don't.)

Scratch that, you are amazing through and through.

I love you. I adore you. I appreciate you.

All the love, Y/n. x

Did I just copy you there? I just did ;)

As soon as he finished reading, he turned the paper around hoping to see something else. It couldn't be just a letter, Harry needed her. How could he be father when Y/n wasn't the mother?

Yet, he smiled for the first time in a while. Y/n had always been able to make her smile without her even trying. Clearly she could even when she was already away.

He cried once again and again but this time every tears that dropped felt like a burden was lifted. After hours and hours of crying, he felt like his broken heart was slowly mended.

Although Y/n was already gone, she never truly left.

Y/n would always be around. Whenever he walked through this road, he would always remember Y/n’s laughter and jokes. Whenever he walked through his favourite bakery, he would always remember Y/n giggling about the frostings. Anywhere he goes, there would be traces of Y/n here and there.

He even got a daily reminder or a small miniature of Y/n, his very own daughter. The way his daughter would always pet the dog every time she meets one. The way his daughter’s eyes lit up with joy and hands moving animatedly whenever she talks something she’s passionate about. The way his daughter would have conversation with him even if she’s asleep.

Harry promised Y/n to be the best parent their daughter could ever wished for. He promised to take care of his daughter and raise her with all the love he could offer and that his daughter will always remember that her mother was a real life angel.

Just like his wife, Harry never breaks his promises.

Five years later...

They were having picnic in their backyard. The sun was up and bright. They both prepared peanut butter jelly, two glasses of lemonade and kiwi ice-cream for dessert.

Harry is on his back and a small smile painted on his face with his daughter’s head on his lap. “Daddy, tell me more about Mummy.” His daughter rolled out and sat up straight with an excited smile.

Harry sat up, following her movement and smiled softly and his daughter. “Yer mom likes talking in her sleep.” He whispered as if he was telling her a secret.

His daughter giggled softly, “Me too.”

Harry chuckled and shook his head, “You too.”

“What did she say?” Her toothy grin came up with her hands covering her giggly smile.

Harry pursed his lips, pretending he was thinking hard. “C’mon, tell me.” His daughter jumped up and rubbed her both hands, pleading for him to tell more. “Please...”

Harry laughed at her being this cute, “She wanted to be a yellow butterfly.”

“Yellow butterfly?” She asked with her hands tilted quizzically. Harry smiled and nodded his head in confirmation. “I wanna be a yellow butterfly too.” She said and Harry was just grinning.

As soon as she plopped down, “Daddy, I love you.” She declared and hugged his father tight. In an instant, Harry’s arms went around the small figure girl.

“I love you too, Button.” He whispered and kissed her cheek. When they pulled apart, his daughter’s eyes lit up and her mouth was wide opened. Harry raised his eyebrow questioning her.

“Mummy’s here.” She pointed the small yellow butterfly perched on his right knuckles. Harry looked down to where she’s pointing and his eyes slightly watered before he took a deep breath and smiled. A small tear rolled down and his heart squeezed lightly.

“Mummy’s always here.” He raised his right knuckle and transferred the yellow butterfly on top of her shoulder. He used his index finger, pointing where her heart is. “She’s always here.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

so, this is my third writing post :)

i’m sorry for all the grammatical mistakes,, i’ll try to edit them soon

feedbacks are always appreciated :)

on the side note though i really wish people give more chances and appreciate single parents more!! really they deserve equal respect as other parents do too.

anyway, have a lovely day ahead. x

#harry styles #one direction #harry styles imagine #harry styles imagines #harry styles one shot #harry styles smut #harry styles blurb #harry styles blurbs #harry styles au #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles fics #harry styles x reader #harry styles preferecne #one direction imagine #one direction imagines #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff #harry styles drabble #singledad!harry

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jinxofthedesert · 4 years

Note

Hi there! Annoying anon that loves rambling about the Valeska twins is here again 🤣 Let the discussion continue! 😂 Yeah, I totally get your point of writing such stories as a means of fulfilling wishes. I guess it makes sense from the writer's pov that they want to give these characters a different (better) treatment. Valid point, but still, they don't feel real to me.

(Below this is the rest of the messages, put together. Farther down, below the line, are my responses)

It's like I'm reading a story with a character that's called Jerome/Jeremiah Valeska and looks exactly like him, but it's not truly him (just like you said, at their cores they are bad guys). But it's perfectly understandable and all right that people want to give them a rest from their chaotic lives haha 😊 everybody’s got their cup of tea ☕

Damn, yes, these stories are so hard to find! I imagine that writing something of the sort and investing so much in such complex characters can be draining and daunting, so yeah I get the reason why there are not so many fics out there... and OCs are so difficult to write haha you are right. They take too much time and effort 🤣

Yeah, I guess Ecco was not the best example. It's very true what you say about Jeremiah's and Ecco's relationship. In the show it was portrayed as a professional one. So we don't really know if there's anything else beyond that, save for some level of concern. So I guess I should have gone with Bruce instead because, just like you said, Jeremiah went totally bonkers when he realized that Bruce was the only one who saw past his resemblance to Jerome.

Basically, what I was trying to say is that in these fics there's not really that same vibe of evil obsession and lunacy from the twin's side. Maybe just some sort of heightened jealousy when their partner is addressed by other characters, but not in a really "Valeska" way. In fact, it is also strange when Bruce is completely absent in these stories when the twins' obsession revolves around him.

Yeah, there is sooo much to explore, so that is why I am very curious to see how people construe their backgrounds, but usually it's just the repetition of the show with some added scenes and dialogues here and there 😅 I would love to see something a bit different, but well, I guess I am being very demanding 🤣 Don't worry about it and thanks so much for replying! 😘 I am now doing some research in different sites 🤣

It's a bit weird because even though I enjoyed the show, I have to say I merely watched it to see ma broski boys in action 🤣 so If I wasn't so lazy (and didn't have other unfinished projects) I would try to write something (my mind is already full of vague ideas OMGGG 😏🤔😂), but I don't really know much about other characters or subplots, so I would not be sure how to tackle it 🤔 Thanks again for the lovely discussion! 😊

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hi anon! Don’t you worry about your rambles, they’re not at all annoying! I find it rather fun to discuss the twins.

I’m sorry you’ve not been able to find the content you’re looking for; usually, I always run into comments on Tumblr or Pinterest about how you look for certain fics and when you can’t find them, then it’s time to try a hand at writing it yourself. I’ve done that and, even though I enjoy writing, it’s still pretty hard, especially to find a drive to do it when I really am not feeling it. With the twins not feeling real, I understand, ‘course I now think I’m at the point where I might read anything if I’m gifted with more content lol (though there are some tags that, if I see them, I don’t touch if I can help it).

I think, usually, with most writers, it’s easier to take a character like Jerome/Jeremiah and, instead of doing the tremendous work that comes with trying (emphasis trying) to change them, they do a few things and that’s enough for a road to recovery. Because, most of the time, they’re not writing to change the character, or even to make it realistic; sometimes they’re just writing, or they wanted to try a different aspect. There can be so many reasons and sometimes digging deep and getting a character 100% correct isn’t at the top of the list of what you want in that story. Personally, I’ve learned to broaden my sense of disbelief with characters and just enjoy what I manage to find, especially since the Gotham fic-oriented content is sooooo small 😢

After reading your last message, I actually went onto Ao3 and searched ‘character studies’ under the characters and yeah, there’s not much, I read a few and I honestly wasn’t sure what to think (not to call anyone out). It reminded me a lot of my years reading batjokes on fanfiction or, again, Ao3 where, if you search long enough, there’s a fic for almost all your needs. There have been some good gems in there that delve into character studies and helping these characters try and become better. Comparing that to Gotham’s arrangement of fics is sad, to say the least, but batjokes in all media have a lottttt of years to have such a collection of wonderful content. (Even if you’re only a Gotham fan, stretching out into the actual Batman fandom can be very rewarding, even if your next step is into the Nolan movies or even Batman in general cause you can replace the characters in your head if you really want too) I think one big problem with Oc’s is that, in a way, they’re easy to make, but in the worst way. You can create a character to put in the place you want, a blank space and they’re just nothing. This comes up a lot in anime type works, where the main character is so blah for the purpose of the audience (reader in our other case) to put themselves in the place of the main character. This also happens in a lot of movies as well, instead of fleshing the character out and allowing them to move and breathe the way THEY would and not how the audience thinks they themselves would. Because of this, oc’s can be very flat. There are the exception, of course although I have no examples since I don’t remember the last Oc story I read . . . *wracks brain* yeah no idea. Though I’m sure it’s somewhere in my saves.

Even if one doesn’t ship Jeremiah with Bruce, it’s very difficult to ignore/brush under the rug that there was definitely an obsession and that originally, during their weeks of spending time together, building the generator, there started a friendship. The first is very obvious, show-wise (and friendship kinda came with the territory) and the gay subtext can be there if you look at it that way. As much as an interesting character Ecco is, she’s both not important enough in the show (sorry Ecco lovers) or to Jeremiah or to anyone for that matter. While with Bruce and Jeremiah, with how their first meeting go’s and all the meetings that follow after (very willingly on Jeremiah’s part even though I’m sure before this NO ONE was allowed in the inner parts of his bunker for long periods. Probably not even Ecco) the relationship is much more pronounced than anything we’re given prior. I like to think that even though Bruce was manipulating Jeremiah when they first met, he actually did see him as his own person. Even though he, like Jim and Harvey, have personally bore witness to Jerome’s tyranny. (And that only twists the knife harder when Jeremiah eventually loses his mind because both him and Jeremiah saw him as his own person and in a way Jeremiah doesn’t become like Jerome, he becomes worse)

One could argue that since we didn’t see a ‘true’ way the Valeska’s love that any type of them showing affection might never seem very Valeska. Unless one looks at their reactions and interactions with Bruce as something more than just ‘wanting to kill him’ or ‘obsession’. This would be another reason I’m don’t read much in the oc-area or out of the romantic’s lol mainly because the moment they take Bruce out of the picture, everything seems off. Jerome, while willing to divide his attention, only does it with specific people, who are: Jim, Bruce, Jeremiah, and, on occasion, Oswald (though he’s much less in comparison to the ‘big three’). Other then them, we don’t see him hyper-focus on anyone else in the show, and if he does, it’s for a second and to simply kill them after. If these three aren’t integral to his behavior and actions then things feel flat and out-right ignoring his obsession with Bruce and his inner darkness can be unrealistic. With Jeremiah, this is much worse because in canon, once No Man’s Land starts, all he can think about is Bruce. Everything he does in that setting and before this even started was for Bruce. This type of obsession is . . . well, something that can’t simply be ignored, it’s a big part of his character and also very integral to just who he is after the spray. It may not be as bad at the start of the spray (because he’s too busy rebuilding Gotham in his image) but literally second to that desire is his connection with Bruce. If there were a summary of Jeremiah as a character it would be IMPOSSIBLE to write it without Bruce (same with Jerome though his might be a footnote, depending). So him suddenly focusing on someone else is . . . odd (even with Jim he doesn’t give his full attention too and, in the finale, Jeremiah only starts moving around and doing shit when he realizes that Bruce has come home early and that it’s time to finally come back to the spotlight). Especially since he’s supposed to be the ‘Joker’ in the Gotham world, which, technically speaking, means this obsession with the Bat (a.k.a Bruce) will only ever get worse from here (not to mention the fact he knows Batman is Bruce because he remembers the prophecy Ra’s told him, which we’re shown in the finale when he first sees the Bat and comment’s ‘you’ in a knowing way; this can be argued he’s just recognizing that this is what the prophecy was talking about or that it’s Bruce but personally I think both cause the prophecy was about both of them.).

It’s hard not to repeat things in canon though, believe me, I know and if you ever try writing a time travel story, it’s much worse cause then you have to change literally everything if you’re doing it that way. Nah, you know what you like; the only problem with that is it’ll be hard to find it most of the time. I wish you luck in searching! Hopefully, you’ll find something.

Same. My older brother introduced me to the show and his way of doing so was first telling me it was a batman show, that I would LOVE Oswald’s aesthetic and that there was a Joker-type character just introduced. I was sold lol. There’s been a lot of drama with the show though, concerning the twins and I honestly wish they’d just stuck with Jerome or if they did still use Jeremiah that he wasn't just . . . a backup plan for killing Jerome off. And, if they’d been allowed to go on for a few more seasons, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they would have also killed Jeremiah and a third (never heard of) Valeska twin (triplet) would show up, playing into the overall Joker lore about there having been three. 😒🤨😑 Which I find humorous because they did so well with Jerome, he was a well-rounded, fleshed out character and, as much as I love Jeremiah, it’s hard not to consider what we could have gotten if Jerome had lived *wistful sigh* I won’t lie that the drama hasn’t affected how I watch it too these days, or at least left me with a lasting impression. I was very invested in the first few seasons, it was a good show, minus the plot-holes and annoying characters (yes, some annoy me and there are some I can’t stand) but when the twins were on screen, it was probably the show at its best. If they had implicated them more so into the main story I probably would have watched all the way to the end (I can admit, I’ve never seen season five, but I saw many clips, have been completely spoiled and DID watch the finale lol and . . . I think I saw some of season four? Maybe, not sure anymore.) because when they’re also interacting with Bruce, perfection. I could watch that shit for days.

Also, if you did write it, it wouldn’t have to be about other characters if you don’t want it to be. You’re talking to me, who has never seen the last few seasons and when I wrote my first fic ‘Blindly Evident’ literally all my scenes I had to LOOK UP because I only knew the base of what the scene was even about lol. So sometimes, you can totally bullshit your way lol and somehow it turns out to be really good and you like it. Or it’s just snippets of small scenes with your characters (I’ve been writing a fic like that for awhile because it’s fun and easy and yet you can make it so thought provoking because these snippets are so smallll.) I would implore you to give it a go. Even if you have no idea what the other characters are doing or even what their names are.

I feel like this has just become me rambling about Gotham and writing tips at this point lol but you’re welcome~ I am here to try and help and always willing to listen about Gotham and talk (or rant, I’m not picky lol). Thanks again for your ask, anon! Hope you find that content you’re looking for 🥰🧡💛

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lavender-hemlock · 4 years

Note

All of them that don’t get asked, Bwhahaha! -fom K.V. Good luuuuuuuuck lol.

Mun Ask Prompt + Challenge because of course you would

1: How tall or short do you wish you were?

I wish I was as tall as my attitude.

2: What’s your dream pet? (Real or not)

A German Shepherd named Bruno or Nasus.

3: Do you have a favorite clothing style?

Casual/Classic.

4: What was your favorite video game growing up?

Ratchet & Clank/Kingdom Hearts

5: What three things/people do you think of most each day:

Friends. Coffee. College.

6: If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Caution: Her words hurt.

7: What is your opinion on [insert person/thing here]?

It’s Valentine’s this week so.. I think love is deserving for yourself before others.

You’re worth that.

8: What is your Greek personality type? [Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, or Melancholic]

Melancholic.

(Break inserted here for the sake of others.)

9: Are you ticklish?

Dreadfully.

10: Are you allergic to anything?

My skin gets irritated if wax rests on it. I wax my eyebrows.

11: What’s your sexuality?

Pansexual.

12: Do you prefer tea, coffee, or cocoa?

All three?

13: Are you a cat or dog person?

Dog, if I had to choose.

14: Would you rather be a vampire, elf, or merperson?

Vampire. I’m nocturnal enough. Sun already hates me.

15: Do you have a favorite Youtuber?

Creamheroes. (It’s a youtube channel about an owner that has 7 cats.)

16: How tall are you?

5′0.

17: If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?

Claire.

18: How much do you weigh? [Only ask this if you know the user doesn’t mind!]

125

19: Do you believe in ghosts/spirits?

Sometimes?

20: Do you like space or the ocean more?

Ocean.

21: Are you religious?

Yes! Christian.

22: Pet peeves?

Hearing people eat, attention seeking.

23: Would you rather be nocturnal or diurnal [opposite of nocturnal]?24: Favorite constellation?

Cygnus

25: Favorite star?

A registered one my best friends gave me for my birthday. It was named something stupid.. Like “cloud”.

26: Do you like ball-jointed dolls?

No. 27: Any phobias or fears?

Height phobia. Fear of needles.

28: Do you think global warming is real?

Yes/no. Effects are proven, but media/proof is watered down by subjectives.

29: Do you believe in reincarnation?

Not really.

30: Favorite movie?

Princess Bride.

31: Do you get scared easily?

No, it varies on my energy. If I’m very awake, sure. If I’m dead tired, I’m not phased.

32: How many pets have you owned in your lifetime?

Four. All have passed due to old age only, and I’m thankful for that.

33: Blog rate? [You’ll rate the blog of the one who’s asking.]

10/10 for your “extra” personality. @kazexvoss

34: What is a color that calms you?

Cerulean.

35: Where would you like to travel and/or live?

Travel to Italy, live somewhere cold.

36: Where were you born?

Somewhere hot.

37: What is your eye color?

Green.

38: Introvert or extrovert?

Both.

39: Do you believe in horoscopes and zodiacs?

I think they have coincidences and they are fun to read.

40: Hugs or kisses?

Hugs.

41: Who is someone you would like to see/visit right now?

@palaceofthedeadmemes needs a hug before I beat him for not sleeping.

42: Who is someone you love deeply?

My fiance.

43: Any piercings you want?

Nope, fear of needles.

44: Do you like tattoos and piercings?

Nope, fear of needles. I like looking at others who have either.

45: Do you smoke or have you ever done so?

I do not smoke anymore. It was weed for awhile.

46: Talk about your crush, if you have one!

My fiance is smart, patient, and fair. He’s able to stand his ground when I’m being stubborn, and knows when I just need caffeine. True love is when offers to make coffee just because of how I seem.

47: What is a sound you really hate?

Chewing. Lip smacking.

48: A sound you really love?

A violin singing.

49: Can you do a backflip?

Maybe to break something.

50: Can you do the splits?

Yeah! Probably really slowly.

51: Favorite actor and/or actress?

Mark Hamil / Johnny Depp .

52: Favorite movie?

53: How are you feeling right now?

Melancholy. I wish I was writing atm.

54: What color would you like your hair to be right now?

Lavender. I would want to dye it if there was a lack of care for “professionalism” with my job.

55: When did you feel happiest?

December 26th

56: Something that calms you down?

Music, dogs, tea.

57: Have any mental disorders? [Only ask this if you know the user doesn’t mind!]

Anxiety.

58: What does your URL mean?

Lavender-Hemlock symbolizes the color of her infamous hair, and a poison that looks like a flower.

59: What three words describe you the most?

Empathetic, analytical, passionate.

60: Do you believe in evolution?

Of course.

61: What makes you unfollow a blog?

I don’t do it often, but I’ve unfollowed when someone put their foot in their mouth on a topic they shouldn’t have spoken about.

62: What makes you follow a blog?

When the content is similar, if I’ve seen them in my notes a good bit. It doesn’t take much.

63: Favorite kind of person:

Someone who is just caring of others. Humans that are aware other people are human.

64: Favorite animal(s):

Lions and tigers and bears- oh my! I tend to like owls too.

65: Name three of your favorite blogs.

@palaceofthedeadmemes, @kazexvoss, @tiergan-vashir.

66: Favorite emote:

:ok_hand:

67: Favorite meme:

Ugandan Knuckles.

68: What is your MBTI personality type?

INFJ.

69: What is your star sign?

Libra

70: Can your dog roll over on command, if you have a dog?

No, he only wants to play.

71: What outfit out of all your clothes do you like to wear the most?

My cardigan over a t-shirt with jeans.

73: Do you have platform shoes?

Nope.

74: What is one random but interesting fact about yourself?

75: Can you do a front flip?

I couldn’t do a back flip- how could I do it forward?

76: Do you like birds?

They are so loud..

77: Do you like to swim?

Yes!

78: Is swimming or ice skating more fun to you?

Swimming is fun, and ice skating would be painful.

79: Something you wish didn’t exist:

Racists.

80: Some thing you wish did exist:

Better healthcare.

81: Piercings you have?

N o n e.

82: Something you really enjoy doing:

Doing content on games. RP is fun- but sometimes I do just want to do roulettes or something with others.

83: Favorite person to talk to (Pick someone you didn’t name):

@passage-of-arms

84: What was your first impression of Tumblr?

Everyone devotes to the pool of creativity with tons of writing and different perspectives.

85: How many followers do you have?

518

86: Can you run a mile within ten minutes?

Barely?

87: Do your socks always match?

Yes. Always.

88: Can you touch your toes and keep your legs straight completely?

Yes!

89: What is your birthstone?

Opal

90: If you were an animal, which one would you be?

Caracal.

91: If a flower could aesthetically represent you, what kind would it be?

Hydrangeas

92: A store you hate?

Claire’s. Like a rainbow of fake plastic sequins threw up.

93: How many cups of coffee can you drink in one day?

Three. Though I am advised this is not good for your health.

94: Would you rather be able to fly or read minds?

Read minds. Though it would probably be concerning to hear the things people don’t say.

95: Do you like to wear camo?

Not particularly.

96: Winter or summer?

Winter. Snow. Cold. Ice.

97: How long can you hold your breath for?

30ish seconds?

98: Least favorite person?

I can only see this question as a target for a bullseye, so..

Someone who is extremely fake in their behaviors to negate any past actions of abuse they have inflicted on other people. The type of person that spends their time taking primarily lewd photographs to get attention without regards of decency for any amount.

99: Someone you look up to:

Not sure.

100: A store you love?

Yankee Candle. I love candles.

101: Favorite type of shoes?

Boots

102: Where do you live?

USA.

103: Are you a vegetarian or vegan? If so, why?

Nope!

104: What is your favorite mineral or gem?

Amethyst.

105: Do you drink milk?

Yep!

106: Do you like bugs?

No.

107: Do you like spiders?

NO!

108: Something you get paranoid about?

If I said something wrong.

109: Can you draw:

I can! I just haven’t in awhile.

110: Nosiest question you have ever been asked?

Probably about a name basis on something, like, “So who are ___?”

111: A question you hate being asked?

I don’t have one?

112: Ever been bitten by a spider?

I can’t recall?

113: Do you like the sound of waves at the beach?

Absolutely.

114: Do you prefer cloudy or sunny days?

Cloudy

115: Someone you’d like to kiss or cuddle right now:

Fiance.

116: Favorite cloud type:

Storm clouds.

117: What color do you wish the sky was?

Blue is fine!

118: Do you have freckles?

Yes, so many.

119: Favorite thing about a person:

Compassion.

120: Fruits or vegetables?

Fruits!

121: Something you want to do right now:

Write

122: Is the ocean or sky prettier?

Depends on the time and weather.

123: Sweet or sour foods?

Sweet!

124: Bright or dim lights?

Dim.

125: Do you believe in a certain magical creature?

Sadly no.

126: Something you hate about Tumblr:

Everyone is a critic, and some feel entitled to their opinion.

127: Something you love about Tumblr:

The many views and varying content.

128: What do you think about the least?

Probably something I’m not thinking about right now.

129: What would you want written on your tombstone?

“She was loved.”

130: Who would you like to punch in the face right now?

Uhh..

131: What is something you love but also hate about yourself?

My brain.

132: Do you smile with your teeth showing for pictures?

Sometimes.

133: Computer or TV?

Computer.

134: Do you like roller coasters?

Kinda..? I go on them, but I’m terrified.

135: Do you get motion sickness or seasickness?

Motion sickness with a migraine.

136: Are your ears lobed or attached?

Lobed.

137: Do you believe in karma?

Yeah.

138: On a scale of 1-10, how attractive would you say you are?

139: What nicknames do you have/have had?

“Bean” for coffee bean. Starlight.

140: Did you have any pretend or imaginary friends?

Nope.

141: Have you ever seen a therapist/shrink?

Nope.

142: Would you say you are a good or bad influence to others?

I’d like to say good. I encourage others to speak freely and just be themselves- unless you’re just rude.

143: Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts/help?

Giving. Receiving gives me anxiety lol.

144: What makes you angry?

Ignorance.

145: How many languages do you speak fluently?

146: Do you prefer boys, girls, and/or non-binaries?

I prefer boys.

147: Are you androgynous?

Nope.

148: Favorite physical thing about yourself:

Eyes.

149: Favorite thing about your personality:

150: Name three people you would like to talk to right now in person.

@aurorahawklight, @impure-ivory, @sangria-fangs

151: If you could go back into time and live in one era, which would you choose?

Renaissance

152: Do you like BuzzFeed?

Too many ads.

153: How did you meet your spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/partner? [If you have one.]

I met them working a temporary retail job. He was working temporarily there with a bachelors. We had no business ever meeting or ever working there for all our experience- but we did. Its so special to have that coincidence to be in that right place and time.

154: Do you like to kiss others’ foreheads or hands for platonic reasons?

Forehead kisses are so so endearing- but I don’t give affection freely.

155: Do you like to play with others’ hair?

Yes.

156: What embarrasses you?

Falls in confidence that brings insecurity.

157: Something that makes you nervous/anxious:

Crowds.

158: Biggest lie you have ever told:

I’m fine.

159: How many people are you following?

300- even. Wow.

160: How many posts do you have on your blog(s)?

1,911

161: How many drafts do you have on your blog(s)?

162: How many likes do you have on your blog(s)?

5, 817

163: Last time you cried and why:

Two days ago. Stress.

164: Do you have long or short hair?

Long!

165: Longest your hair has ever been:

Mid-lower back.

166: Why do you like, dislike, or have neutral feelings about religion?

I like religion because it is the sacred beliefs that are worshiped or dedicated to. It’s a choice.

But, I dislike religion because it brings all manners of people who disrespect other religions, or cause people to react hatefully.

167: Do you really care how the universe and world was created?

Yeah.

168: Do you like to wear makeup?

Just eyeliner. I just gotta wing it.

Get it?

169: Can you stand on your hands or head for more than thirty seconds?

Maybe?

170: Did you answer the questions you were asked truthfully?

Yeah!

@kazexvoss, another example that I am no coward from any challenge posed.

However, I’m not going to lie, pretty sure I lost like 1/3 of my energy doing this. Thanks for the ask nerd.

#mun prompt #TAPROMPTS #had to edit to add the line break because tumblr is stupid

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