#that we don’t have any time for change and if we’re not successful now we’ll never be

[writing-intheundercroft]

At Home - S. Sallow

AO3 Link

Word Count: 5,311

Rating: E (Smut, Oral and Vaginal Sex, slight breeding kink, NSFW, MDNI)

Summary: Sebastian drags you out of bed on a Saturday to look at a possible new home.

A/N: Two things: one, I'm now two for two on fics featuring a sink sex scene. Two, I put Sebastian through enough angst in my long fic that I need to write him happy and domestic in another universe. Enjoy!

Taglist: @legacygirlingreen @kaylasallow @eternalremorse @happyaccidentsonly @sallowslady @legendoftortor @sissyisawitch @rainychocofroggy @blueraineshadows @moonstruckmoony @beezlub @loving-him-was-red13

“I don’t know if I like the lighting here.” You frown, looking out the small kitchen window. It’s minuscule, and you’re looking straight out into a brick alleyway. “I think a kitchen should be bright, shouldn’t it?”

Sebastian leans against the door frame, his hand on his face. “Pet, you’re killing me here.” he says, a tortured look on his face. “This is the eleventh house we’ve looked at. At this rate, we’ve turned down half the available housing in London.” 

“I know, I know.” You fuss, crossing your arms. “But it needs to be just right.  I don’t want to lease just any house, you know.”

“I do know, but we’re going to burst out of my place any day now,” Sebastian grumbles. 

That was the truth–your belongings had overtaken the space, and there was not a free spot in his bachelor pad for anything else. One night, you argued over all the books Sebastian had accumulated, while he griped about your ever growing wand handle collection taking over the dresser. Sebastian had tripped mid-argument, causing a fit of laughter on your end while you patched up his sprained ankle.

Only after you’d kissed it better did Sebastian declare that it was time to find a new place.

“But it makes no sense,” Sebastian whines. “You still have your flat, and you never sleep there.”

“Who’s fault is that?” You raise an eyebrow. “ Someone isn’t comfortable sleeping there. You know, it’s just a bed.”

Sebastian shifts uncomfortably in the doorway. He’s refused to sleep at your place ever since he found out your ex-fiance purchased your bed frame and mattress for you. “I won’t sleep in some other man’s bed.” he says firmly. 

You roll your eyes, walking towards him. “It’s not another man’s bed, it’s my bed. You really won’t, not even if I want you to?” You pout, drumming your fingers against his chest.

The brunette gulps. “No.” he says, and that’s that.

Your fingers curl around his suspenders. “Then, we need to find a house with proper lighting.” you announce. “And a good kitchen.  This one is rubbish.”

Sebastian rolls his eyes. “Add that to the list of requirements then,” he drawls. “We’ll be looking for houses for the next five years.”

The two of you leave the house hand in hand.  After having settled into your new day shift at the hospital, you finally felt comfortable taking more vacation days. You must admit, Sebastian forcing you to take more time off has been good for your mental health.  Your brain has never felt clearer, and for once in your life, you’re planning more than a month ahead. Summer is rapidly approaching, and Sebastian has suggested a few places for the two of you to go away on a proper adult holiday. The last time you were together, you could hardly spare two galleons outside of your rent between the two of you.  Now that you’re grown with successful careers and your own bank accounts, Sebastian is planning your first vacation as a couple.

As a couple.  Those words sound sweet in your head.

It’s been nearly eight months since the two of you reunited, three since Sebastian was promoted at the department of magical law enforcement.  It honestly feels like things can’t possibly get any better for the two of you. Nothing’s changed, not really . You still have your own life, your friends, your job–just now, you have Sebastian again. Every day you wake up beside him, you pinch yourself, thanking the gods it's still your reality. 

Until you trip over Sebastian’s boots, which are littered all over the bedroom floor. 

“It’s impossible to find a nice house in London,” you complain.  “Either they’re too small, not enough storage, terrible lighting.  Surely we make enough money between the two of us to afford a nicer place.”

“Well, location is a tricky bit.” Sebastian admits. “Somewhere close enough to the ministry for me, but close enough to St. Mungo’s for you. And while we do have a fair bit of galleons, I would like to save them for something more important.” 

“More important?” you tilt your head in confusion.

“You’ll see,” Sebastian smiles devilishly. “Shall we get lunch?”

He runs his thumb over your hand as he swings it back and forth, guiding you through the bustling streets of London.  You made a mental note to pester him about what he was talking about later, but for now, lunch sounds good.

It’s Saturday, and you have the entire weekend off for once.  You were looking forward to sleeping in, but Sebastian decided to make a racket, tugging your ankle from beneath the sheets.

“Seb, please.” you whine. “I just want to sleep.”

“But I have a house I want you to see,” Sebastian says impatiently. 

You groan. “Seb, it’s Saturday.  Can’t you see it without me?” you grumble. 

Sebastian shakes his head insistently. “No, you have to come.  You’ll want to, I promise.”

Sebastian is tapping his foot the entire time you dress; you opt for a simple blue day dress, scandalously forgoing your corset for comfort.  Your messy hair is left down and wavy, tying up a bow at the crown to keep the unruly pieces from flying into your face.  Your impatient boyfriend all but drags you to the fireplace as he mumbles out the name of your intended location, tucking you into his arms.

You open your eyes to bright sunlight.  Blinking, you realize you’re no longer in London–in fact, you’re somewhere that looks awfully familiar from your school days.

“Where are we?” you breathe, taking in the fresh air.  Tall grass sways in the wind around the two of you, and Sebastian is walking up towards a house, turning back with his hand outstretched. You take his hand, and he helps you hop over a small stream.

“Marunweem,” Sebastian yells over the wind, smiling back at you. “Plenty of real estate around here–they’ve rebranded it as an up and coming village.”

You recall memories of exploring Marunweem Lake with Sebastian in your school years; it had always been rather desolate, considering neither of you were licensed to apparate and the only path to the hamlet was through a goblin mine.  But the two of you had always had the time of your lives traversing the southern coast.  You can picture your younger selves in the air, zipping around on borrowed school brooms together.  

“Ominis found the listing,” Sebastian continues, beckoning you forward. “The Ministry has done quite a bit to rehabilitate the area.” Sebastian guides you up the hill, unlatching a well worn gate.  The stone cottage is teeming with ivy, crawling up the walls. The storybook tiles on the roof make the house look like it’s straight out of a muggle fairytale. 

You take a deep breath as you wave your wand, unlocking the door.  The wooden floors creak beneath your feet, but otherwise, the place is in good condition.  The walls have been replastered, the fireplace cleaned and sparkling. The only furniture is an old looking settee and a bear skin rug (a tad gauche for your taste). You make your way through the living room to the kitchen.  Its positively bathed in light, a large bay window over the sink looks over an enormous yard.  You practically run up to the sink edge, admiring the view.

“So much light,” you gasp. “Seb, it’s perfect.”

“You are,” Sebastian suddenly appears behind you, pressing himself against your back.  You can feel his breath tickling your ear as he wraps his arms around your body. “The perfect view to watch our children play in the yard, don’t you think?” he murmurs into your ear.

Your breath catches as he stretches out his hand, his palm flat against the lower plane of your stomach.  He presses it; almost wishfully.  Your heart flutters at the idea of growing his child inside of you.

The two of you haven’t gotten around to talking about children yet. You both were far too young to even think about parenthood when you first got together, and even when you broke up. You had talked about raising children with your former fiance, and it had always been part of the ten year plan. You explained that you had wanted to wait until you were older, more stable in your career.  Eric had always found that answer unsatisfying, but now you knew the true reason for your hesitance.  

You hadn’t been talking about parenthood with the right person.

“Children, you say?” The word sounds so foreign coming out of your mouth.

You can practically feel the way Sebastian’s cheeks burn. “Only if you want,” he shrugs, but you know he’s serious.  The way he’s pressing his hand against your womb is very much serious.  

You look back out into the yard, picturing toddlers with unruly brunette hair giggling and running about.  You can even picture Sebastian chasing them, whirling them in the air as you prepare an afternoon tea. Building snowmen in the backyard, teaching them to fly on toy brooms.  Growing old with Sebastian at your side, with the family you’ve built together.

It's sickeningly domestic, but it feels right.

“I would,” you whisper. 

Sebastian wastes no time spinning you around, a big goofy grin on his face. “Really?” he asks, completely lighting up.  He plants his hands firmly on your waist, fingers digging into your skin. His eyes flit down to your waist when he realizes you’re not wearing a corset, squeezing you through your dress.

You laugh, placing your hands on his chest. “Really.”  

Sebastian pulls you away from the kitchen. “Good, because there are plenty of rooms in the house,” he announces, moving towards the stairs. “There’s three rooms on the second floor, and the master bedroom is here on the main.” he explains, tugging your arm to show you around the house.  The bedrooms first; they’re decently sized, enough for twin beds and toys.  The main bedroom has enough space for several wardrobes, which you’ll be needing for all your clothes. The bathroom has a giant clawfoot tub, and you can envision the two of you wrestling a toddler for a bath in it.

“I was thinking, we could use a spare bedroom as my office for now.” Sebastian says as you two walk back into the kitchen.  He’s clearly been thinking about this a lot longer than you’d realized. “The baby will sleep in our room for the first couple of months–”

“The baby?” you raise your eyebrow. “For months?”

“Of course,” Sebastian huffs. “Jorkins sent me this article about babies, said it’s best for their brain and magic development to stay close to us–”

“Sebastian,” you choke out, “have you been telling your coworkers that you’d like to have a baby?” 

Sebastian pauses, turning bright red. “Too much?” he asks, running a hand through his hair.  His hair is slightly messy, a few pieces sticking up in the back.  He usually did his hair quite tidy for work, but you loved when he left it undone on the weekends.  It reminded you of him as a teenager; you’d always flatten down his cowlicks for him.

It’s your turn to blush. “No, I just–I just didn’t realize you were ready.”

“Pet, I’ll be ready when you’re ready.  You'll be the one doing all the hard work anyways, the least I can do is a bit of research.” he says, grabbing your hands.  He pulls your palm to his warm cheek. “I just want to prepare myself, that’s all.  You know I don’t have my parents around to ask these questions, so I’ve been asking a few of the dads at the office how they’ve managed–”

Sebastian doesn’t have enough time to finish; you’ve properly launched yourself onto him, breathlessly kissing him.  He’s mad, you think, to start preparing for your pregnancy before even presenting the idea to you.  But at the same time, it's incredibly alluring.  Sebastian already dotes on you, and the thought of him worshiping you as you grow a human is tempting.

In short, the idea of Sebastian as a father is sexy.

“I was hoping you’d react this way.” Sebastian says, a shit eating grin gracing his freckled face as he embraces you.  You gasp as his hips roll against yours.

Sebastian is blatantly hard in the middle of an empty house.  You can feel his erection digging into your hip, turned on by all the talk of you possibly getting pregnant.  While you had been peeved that morning at him for dragging you out of bed, you’re thankful to have seen the house.  And considering you’ll be purchasing the home with him, you think what’s about to happen next is excusable.  The house had to be christened at some point.

(Perhaps Sebastian’s attitude is rubbing off on you.)

Sebastian’s eyes are burning into you as you start unbuttoning his jacket.  He licks his lips excitedly as you shuck it to the ground, going slack jawed as you start working off his suspenders. Stepping back, you put your hands on your hips, cocking an eyebrow at the normally shameless man in front of you.

“Am I going to do all the work then?” you tease.

Sebastian wastes no time–he never does.  He rushes forward towards you, pulling you in for a hot, searing kiss.  You let out a wanton moan as his tongue starts tracing circles on your neck, tugging at the buttons of your dress.  He all but tears it off, leaving wisps of blue fabric in his path of destruction.  

“Can’t wait–need you now,” he wheezes, tugging your undergarments down. You can hear the buttons snapping as he tears off his shirt. You laugh, which turns into a gasp as his fingers circle against your core, dipping into your wet center.  He’s nudging your legs apart, fingers writhing inside of you as he runs his tongue over your bare nipple. 

“Sebastian!” you scold him, but you know it's in vain.  He knows your every desire, the spots that make you shake, and your head lolls to the side as he kneels before you, pulling  your legs apart further. His big brown eyes are looking up at you, pupils blown with pleasure as he places his mouth directly over your clit, sucking hard. 

“So fucking beautiful,” Sebastian murmurs against your sex. “Mmph, I can’t wait to be inside of you.” 

His fingers are pumping in and out of you, tongue flicking at your clit with desperation. Sebastian wants–no, he needs you to come on his face. You grab a fistful of his messy brown hair and the tugging only encourages him to press his face deeper against you. You can feel the way his fingers grip your bottom, palming them as he fucks you with his hand. Your knees buckle as his fingers curl against that spot inside of you, the lewd sound of Sebastian lapping at your soaking wet cunt filling the room.

“You dragged me out here to have your way with me,” you stutter between moans. 

Sebastian pulls his face from you, smiling up at you.  His devious look and the glistening slick on his chin is enough to make you fold right then and there. “And so what if I did?” he asks, voice low.

You raise an eyebrow. “Are you trying to impregnate me right now?”

Sebastian licks his lips as he stands, unbuttoning his pants. You feel like prey as his eyes rove over your shaking, naked form. Stepping out of his pants and undergarments in one smooth move, you bite your bottom lip as you watch him pump his thick cock in his hand. 

“I brought you here with the purest intentions,” Sebastian murmurs.  Your back is pressed against the sink, and he turns you around roughly to face the yard again.

“Somehow, I doubt that.” you sigh.

He laughs, but his voice is raspy from pleasure. “I wanted to show you our future home,” he whispers.  His length twitches against your back and you shiver. “But you look so beautiful–and I just couldn’t stop thinking about how I’m going to take you on every single surface in this house.”

“Oh really?” you whimper.

Sebastian nods, pressing a kiss against your neck, guiding you to lean over the edge of the sink.  He nudges your legs apart again, pressing the tip of his length against your bare arse. 

“Really.  When we properly move in, I’m going to make you fall apart in every room.  Fill you with my seed over and over again until it takes.” he says through gritted teeth.  His hand falls to your stomach again, pressing tightly.

Your breath catches as you feel the crown of his cock slip against your dripping core. You’ve never heard him speak like this before–Sebastian had been your first sexual experience, and because you’d broken up when you were still rather young, the two of you had been rather vanilla.  The past few months have certainly pushed the boundaries, exposing you to new experiences with one another.  There have been some discoveries, but the sound of desperation in his voice is revealing a new kink for Sebastian. 

You’re certainly not complaining–the thought of him coming inside of you repeatedly with the full intention of seeing you swell with his child is doing something to you.  

Sebastian bites into your shoulder as he slowly slips his length into you.  You lean over the sink further, arms flying out to anything that will steady you as the brunette spears himself into you, slowly and intentionally. Sebastian palms your breasts with one hand, lurching over your back as he grinds his hips against your bottom.

“I want you to think about this moment, every time you’re standing over the sink.” Sebastian grunts, his other hand still pressed firmly against your belly. The cadence of his thrusts remain even and slow, entirely deliberate. “Want you to remember how good I fucked you here.”

You whine, arms reaching back to grip your lover’s hair. “ Fuck, Sebastian.”

Sebastian laughs breathily against your ear as he fucks into you. “So good for me, my beautiful girl.  Fuck, I’ve thought about this for months,” he admits. 

“About fucking me against a sink?” you joke.

“No,” you can practically envision him rolling his eyes. “Well, yes, that’s one of my fantasies. Mmph –specifically, about you, pregnant with my—our child.”

You let out an obscene sound. “You’ve been thinking about it for months?” The end of your question is punctuated with a sweet cry as Sebastian snaps his hips forward again.

“Since the moment we got back together,” Sebastian confesses. His arms tighten around you like a boa constrictor; you’re not sure how he’s still standing on two legs as he thrusts against you.  You break free from his clutches to lean forward, standing on the tips of your toes.  The move only makes him reach deeper within your cunt, both of you moaning in unison at the shift in angle.

“I’ve known–known since that moment it’s going to be you,” Sebastian pants. “ Fuck, I could do this all day. I could never have enough of you, pet.”

You whine, pushing back against him. Sebastian stumbles a few feet back, a shocked look on his face. Too much, the pleading eyes ask. 

Not enough.

You surge towards him, a blue wisp as you push him to the ground (your ancient magic somehow padding the two of you as you land on the creaky floorboards).  Sebastian’s eyes are wide open as you straddle him, placing kisses on his face. 

“I want you to see me,” you whisper, straddling him and positioning yourself atop his cock. Sebastian lets out a throaty groan as you sink onto him, inch by inch, until you’re fully seated on his lap.  You lean forward, pressing another kiss to his lips. “I want to look at you when you fill me.”

“Fuck, my love,” Sebastian whines. “You’re going to be so damn beautiful–gods, I can picture it now, watching you carry my baby,” he grits his teeth as you bounce up and down on his length. “I can’t wait to fuck you over and over again– ugh –until you’re properly full of me.” He starts pushing his hips up; you know how much he loves it when you’re on top of him, but he hates relinquishing control. He continues his loud praise, his voice cracking as he holds his hand lovingly over your stomach.

You can feel the coil of pleasure in your belly tighten, furrowing your eyebrows as your climax nears. Nearly there–almost–

You look down at Sebastian.  You half expect him to have his eyes shut in pleasure, nose wrinkling as he focuses on his finish.  Instead, you see adoring eyes roving up and down your body, a dreamy smile on his face.  He looks proud, you think, as his thumbs ghost over your waist and stomach. The look of pure devotion on his face as you grind against him sets you off, wailing as you climax on top of him.

Sebastian wastes no time once you’ve lost control.  He flips you over onto your back, his thrusts stuttering as he chases his own orgasm.  Sebastian presses a searing kiss against your lips as you feel him spill inside of you.  He bucks his hip against you a few times, gasping as he slumps against your body.  He’s still inside of you, but you can feel the hot release dripping from your cunt.

Sebastian lifts his face, giving you a sheepish smile as he rests his chin on your breasts. 

“Not exactly how I’d thought our Saturday would go, but I’m quite happy with it.”

You laugh, rolling your eyes. “Oh, don’t lie. You’re such a scoundrel.”

Sebastian nuzzles his face into your breasts, still sheathed inside of you. “Oh, but I’m your scoundrel.” he smiles proudly, pressing his lips against your chest.

The two of you are silent for a few moments, until you clear your throat. “You really do want to have a baby with me?” you ask, your voice a tad timid.

Sebastian gives you an honest, pure smile.  That was a quality you loved about him so much–he wore his emotions on his face, and you always knew when he was being truthful. 

“I want to have a family with you, pet.  I want us to have everything we’ve ever wanted, together.” he admits.

“Babies aren’t easy,” you warn him.  “It’ll be a lot of work, a lot of sleepless nights.”

“I never asked for easy,” Sebastian reminds you. “I’ve only ever asked for you.”

“I’m not going to stop working.” You warn Sebastian, pulling a blanket up higher over your chest.

“I would never ask you to,” Sebastian stokes the fire before settling back down next to you.  

It’s now late at night; the two of you have been at it all day.  Starved, you let Sebastian leave the house to search for provisions.  He ran down to the closest tavern, buying the two of you a feast to snack on throughout your impromptu stay. Meanwhile, you’d worked on the fire, conjuring some cushions and blankets from a small stash of moonstone you’d kept in your bag for emergencies. 

It’s dark, the rural sky filled with twinkling stars.  You’d missed the way the sky looked in the highlands, no city lights to pollute the view. The two of you are sitting naked in front of the fire, stuffing your faces with bread and cheese, washing it down with a local mead.  Given your spirited activities throughout the day, you decide it’s time to be adults and talk logistics.

“Someone will need to watch the baby.” you remind him, passing a knife so he can slather some compote on the bread.

“We could ask Anne?” Sebastian suggests, taking a big bite. “I’m sure she’d love to.  She always loved babysitting the children in Feldcroft when we were younger. She sure likes to pretend she raised me—y’know, on second thought, maybe not Anne then…”

“Do you think Ominis would mind? I think he’d be nervous around a child.  Besides, there’s no way Anne would apparate here daily just to watch the baby.” You lean back on your elbows, biting back a smile.  You never thought you’d be having this conversation with Sebastian, but it feels right; the most natural progression for your relationship.

“Well, I was planning on fixing up a floo connection in the fireplace.” Sebastian shrugs. “So we could get to work, and so Anne and Ominis can visit.”

“You really have thought of everything,” you say coyly. “Except to pack clothes for tonight.”

“To be fair, I hadn’t been planning on shagging you in broad daylight in the kitchen.” Sebastian snorts. “But I can’t keep my hands off you, pet.”

“I’m sure you’ll be singing a different tune when I’m the size of a graphorn.” you wrinkle your nose. Your hands ghost over your naked stomach, drawing circles over where a child may grow someday.

“Don’t say that,” Sebastian scolds. “You are going to be the most gorgeous mother. Merlin, I’m going to get hard just thinking about it again.” He sighs dramatically.

You roll your eyes, smacking his shoulder.  Sebastian winks at you, a slight blush growing on his face.  He pulls a cushion onto his lap, and you cannot believe the stamina on this man.

“At least let me finish my meal first,” you tease. 

Sebastian rolls onto his stomach, playing with the tassels on the blanket.  You resist the urge to slap his freckled bottom, instead trying to focus on the serious, adult conversation you were trying to have.

“So, we’re buying the house then.” You state, taking a bite of cheese.

“We’re buying the house.” Sebastian echoes. “When I saw the picture, I just knew.  Remember how we used to race our brooms here?  I couldn’t stop picturing us teaching our kids how to fly here, just like we did.”

You nod. “I always loved Marunweem.”  It’s the perfect place to settle down, you think.  Now it makes sense why none of the houses in London were quite right for the two of you.  No light, no yard, no room to grow.  Living in the highlands, you have fresh air, water nearby, and plenty of space for your future family.  You haven’t flown on a broom in a long time; you can’t wait to see how long it’ll take you to get to Hogsmeade from here. With a floo connection in your fireplace, getting to work won’t be so bad. 

Your hand absentmindedly flutters down to your stomach again. Everything will change with a baby in your life.  You’ve just gotten back into the groove with Sebastian, are you sure you want to change everything now?

“What are you thinking, pet?” Sebastian murmurs.

You lick your lips. “That everything will change once we have a baby.” you admit. “Are we ready?”

Sebastian scoots towards you, his fingers catching under your chin. “I’m ready when you are.” he whispers. “If you don’t want this right now, I’m completely fine with that. You say the word, we’ll go to the apothecary tomorrow and get the necessary potions.  I want you to want this for you, not just for me.”

Your sweet, thoughtful, loving boyfriend.  Sebastian is the perfect gentleman. You nod your head shyly; who knows, it could take ages for you to get pregnant. You don’t want to start getting too far ahead of yourself.

“So, I’ll send an owl to the seller when we get back to London.” Sebastian says, tangling his fingers in yours. “We should start packing.  We’re throwing away your bed, by the way.”

“Only if we throw away yours too.” You remind him. 

Sebastian laughs. “Buying a new bed—duly noted.”

“Is that why you were saving your money?” you ask, looking into the fire.  You remember the conversation the two of you had when you left the house tour last week.  “For a house?”

Sebastian laughs again, this time sounding a bit shy himself. “Oh no, surprisingly, the house was dirt cheap. It was for something else.”  He rubs the back of his neck nervously.

You furrow your eyebrows in confusion. “What for?”

Sebastian is as naked as the day he was born, but he rolls onto his knees to rummage through his jacket, which has been long discarded on the floor.  Your eyes widen as he pulls something small out of the inner pocket.

“Was going to ask after you agreed on the house, but we got side tracked.” Sebastian bites down on his lower lip, holding up the diamond ring. It sparkles in the light of the fireplace. “Will you marry me?”

You blink down at him, mouth slightly ajar.  

“I know it’s probably not as big as your last ring,” Sebastian admits, the tips of his ears red. “But I saw it in the shop and it made me think of you. And I thought, why are we waiting?  We’ve been apart for so long, and even though it’s really only been eight months, I know it’s you–it’s always been you–I know I want you to be my wife, I’ve always wanted to marry you–” he shakes his brown mane, rambling on. “If it’s too soon for you, I understand, I just want you to consider it; you don’t have to say yes right away—“

Your lips crash against his.  It’s so utterly on brand for Sebastian; forgoing the tradition of bending down on one knee, he’s stark naked next to you, rolling on the floor with a diamond ring in hand. 

“You arse, Sebastian Sallow.” you mumble against his lips.

Sebastian holds you tight; you can feel his closed fist on your back, holding the ring. “Can I be yours?  For the rest of our lives?” he whispers.

You laugh, pulling away to brush away a tear. “Of course,” you say breathlessly. “Of course I’ll marry you, you silly man.”

Sebastian’s smile is beaming from ear to ear as he slips the diamond ring onto your finger.  You slide back against his chest, holding your hand out to admire it.  He’s done well–a sparkling diamond set in gold.  The feeling is so unlike your previous engagement; then, you’d wanted to hide it from everyone, but now you simply can’t wait to shout from the rooftops that you’re the future Mrs. Sallow.  

You’d marry him tomorrow if possible, you think. As his hand brushes against your stomach, you think you might have to soon. The thought doesn’t bother you; it’s been blatantly obvious who you belong to since you saved him eight months ago.

“What a day it’s been,” Sebastian sighs, nuzzling your neck. “Bought a house, got engaged.  I can’t wait to tell Anne and Ominis; they’ll kill me when I tell them how I did it.” he chuckles.

“We’ll tell them first thing tomorrow,” you announce, curling up in his arms. “I just want to remember this, just the two of us.”

“Hopefully not for long,” Sebastian whispers, pressing a kiss to your temple.   

Sebastian is babbling about his renovation plans for the house, things he wants to tweak and change to make it just right for the two of you. You watch the fire crackle in front of you, nodding absentmindedly. This is the first memory in your new home, you think.  You’ll raise your children in this house, celebrate birthdays and holidays in front of this old fireplace. And one day, you’ll tell your children that you got engaged here.  A far more appropriate version of the story of course, when they’re older and able to understand.

Mum and Dad got engaged at home.  It sounds right. 

#sebastian sallow #writing-intheundercroft #sebastian sallow x you #sebastian sallow x reader #auror sebastian sallow #dad sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow smut #I have no words for the state of mind I was in when I wrote this

[goth-pod]

Goth-Pod Ep 10: Finale

Welcome to Goth-Pod's last episode of season one! Juda Boone is joined today by a very special guest! (ITS DICK GRAYSON-WAYNE. WE GOT DICK GRAYSON)

Thank you for joining us for our first season. Until next time, stay safe, Gotham.

[goth-pod is a fictional, in-universe podcast based on the DC comics universe. Juda Boone is an original fictional character, not based on any real person or known comic book character.]

Special thanks to my friend for voicing Dick! @anythingeverythingallofthetime

Transcript under the cut

Juda: Hello everyone and welcome back! This is Goth-Pod, your Gotham based podcast. I am your favorite host, Juda Boone. And I am not alone today! Care to say hi?

Dick: Hello listeners! 

Juda: Today’s episode is the last before our hiatus. So of course, we are doing what any competent media does when they want to be successful: Completely change up the formula at the very last minute. 

Dick: And that's where I come in!

Juda: Yes, you are our very special guest star / co-host / interviewee for our finale. 

Dick: And I am happy to be here. I totally binge-listened to all your episodes after you reached out to me. It was too good to pass up! I don’t think I’ve ever been on a podcast before? I like it, I get to wear big headphones and talk. 

Juda: Why don’t you start out by just introducing yourself, for our non-local listeners. 

Dick: Sure thing! I am Dick Grayson-Wayne, I am an Aries, I think. And I am single. If you happen to know someone. 

Juda: [laughing] Okay, very helpful. And since we are an audio-based medium, it is my duty as a host to explain that Mr. Grayson just gave me a very tasteful wink. 

Dick: We’re friends here, Juda. You can call me Dick.

Juda: With all the respect in the world I will not be calling you that.  Juda: Mr. Grayson, we actually have something of an important topic to discuss today. As you are now a Bludhaven resident, you have some insight on their vigilante, Nightwing. I was hoping you could tell the Gotham listeners a bit about the up-and-coming hero.

Dick: To be fair, I don’t know any more than the next guy. I’ve seen him around town, of course, especially on patrol. But I’ve never had the chance to actually talk to him. Guess that means I’m staying on the right side of trouble. 

Juda: From what you have seen, what are some differences between Gotham's Bat and Bludhaven’s Nightwing?

Dick: The fashion sense, for sure! Dick: He actually seems like a person rather than a- what was it you called Batman? In Episode 1, I thought it was great! Like a- an Earthbound spirit, right? And from what I hear the guy has a good sense of humor, unlike Batman. Probably a winning smile to go along with it. 

Juda: hah! Mr. Grayson, we are not a gossip podcast, but to me it almost sounds like you have a crush. 

Dick: woah, woah, hey now Juda, let's not get ahead of ourselves. I mean, give me a chance to get rescued by the guy. We’ll see if sparks fly then. 

Juda: And if that happens, will you be back on the show? 

Dick: You will be the first person I call, I can promise you that.  Dick: Juda if we are to be friends, I’m going to have to come clean on something.

Juda: Oh no. 

Dick: It’s nothing bad! I just may have started us off on a lie, and I apologize for that. 

Juda: I repeat: Oh no. 

Dick: I said that I only listened to Goth-Pod after you reached out to me. In truth, I heard every episode at their release. [whispering] I’m the one who showed Bruce your Bruce Wayne episode. 

Juda: Mr. Grayson, you didn’t. 

Dick: AND your Bruceman Episode. 

Juda: Dick.

Dick: [laughing] Hey, that's my name!

Juda: To save myself from the mortification of that reality, I’m going to say that this is all the time we have today. Thank you so much for joining us, everyone. This time and everytime. A special thank you to my co-host, Dick Grayson-Wayne. I am Juda, this is Goth-Pod. Anything you’d like to say, Mr. Grayson?

Dick: Uuhh. Be gay, don’t do crime. And Stay Safe, Gotham!

#IM CRYING #LAST EP FOR NOW #I LOVE YALL SM #dick grayson #gotham city #gotham #gothamite #dc universe #dc comics #batman #the batman #batman comics #nightwing #dc robin #batfamily #batfam #bludhaven #gothamite rp #gotham rp #gotham podcast #fan project #fan made #goth pod #dcu #dc podcast #fictional podcast #robin dc #dc batman #batman and robin #bruce wayne

[familyvideostevie]

hey.

okay. hello! i'm back. :)

maybe you noticed, maybe not, but i have been away for a while.

i wish i could say i've been out living my life, so caught up in happiness and joy and loving each day that i've just not had time for tumblr. but....that is not true. i have been having a tough time! being away has been good, as i've had time to do other things that i like and to put energy into my own well-being, but it hasn't been the best time, I'll tell you that.

i peeked on the dash every now and then to keep my queue full and reblogged soothing things to my main blog and tried my best not to feel guilty about it all (i was also booping on April 1 lol). i just...I really needed a break. i've really enjoyed being here the last six or so months as i've changed my blog and entered the pedro/tlou space but i've also felt so, so alone.

and i know that it doesn't really matter!! like, we should all take breaks and go outside and all that stuff. and I know plenty of people are not very active, but this blog has been such a vital part of my life and happiness since I started it almost two years ago, so any lapse in activity feels like a loss. I've met lifelong friends and flexed my writing muscles and learned a hell of a lot. the fact that I have started to feel isolated and alone on here is a sort of personal betrayal, and there is no one to blame but myself.

So, I’m pulling back.

it means a few things — i don’t know how much writing I’ll be doing from now on. For Joel, especially — it’s been wonderful to meet folks in that community but it has also been really detrimental to my passion for both the game and writing. I’d like to return to some other characters on my masterlist, but we’ll see. I’ve got endless personal projects away from tumblr that I want to pour love and time into (my non-reader fics, my newsletter, a romance novel, a sci-fi novel, poetry, etc). I need to fall in love with my own work again.

it's a me problem, I want to stress that. i'm working on it! irl stuff has been kicking my ass. I've had a really, really hard winter and my mental health has suffered probably more than ever before. i let things I love -- like this blog -- fester and become negative and no longer being me joy. writing became stressful and difficult and I was focused on notes and interaction and looking around me and seeing success and then looking at myself and only seeing lack.

but that's why I took a break! i am getting help and support irl, i am putting in the time and effort to feel better about being alive and to be a better friend and person all around. And I want to tell you all about it because I am so grateful for your time and attention and support, even if we’re just strangers on the internet. i know this probably seems silly -- who cares about a fanfic blog? well, i care! i care a lot! it matters to me and therefore it matters!

anyway. on to the important stuff. here I am! and here's what's going to happen on this blog:

I am working on replying to asks and reblogs and comments I missed. Thank you for being patient with me! I don't know if I'll get to them all but know I see them and I am honored every single time.

I made a totally separate ao3 account with this blog url. I'm working on uploading everything I've posted here onto there and hopefully will continue to crosspost. It is going to take a long, long time, so please be patient! (you can follow my other ao3 here for my non x-reader fanfic).

I posted this fic! Jackson!Joel pulled me back into his world. It’s the first thing I’ve written in ages, so let me know what you think. as of now it's the last planned fic for that series, but who knows!

I hit a milestone while i was away that I am absolutely blown away by. I'm planning a celebration around it sometime this spring (hopefully) and I’d love to see you participate :)

lastly, thank you so much to my friends for letting me complain, whine, winge, etc. I am so sorry for missing all of your work, your celebrations, your bright energies, and all the rest. i am so sorry if it seemed like i was ignoring you. you are my guiding lights, my silver linings, my touchstones. you make me want to be here. i will try to make it up to you!

I want to be online less but make sure I’m connecting more in the moments that i am here. I want to pressure myself to write less and not feel bad that I’m not engaged all the time. I want this blog to once again feel like a place that nourishes me and not sucks me dry. i want to stop feeling like shit about all of it!!!!

so. come hang out in my inbox, my dms, let me know what you've been up to. I am really sorry for missing so much. thank you for sticking around. <3

#personal #this is very long but please read it maybe? #emma rambles #I will reblog it a few times probably

[bangchansgirlsblog]

My Biggest Regret

Part three: 18+

**

Another successful show had the whole band panting and huffing from exhaustion.

The boys all laid on the different couches in their backstage room trying to calm down and discussing the events that had just occurred.

All of them were changed out of their outfits and were now in comfy clothes since they had all taken showers.

Their minions were running around getting them whatever they wanted and treating them like royalty.

“Hey Chan are we still spending thanksgiving with your parents?” Han asked the group leader as he was scrolling through the flight app looking for tickets home for the Christmas holiday.

“Yeah, my mum says all of you must come,” Chan was texting one of the managers trying to figure out their schedule for the next few weeks before they would get a flight back to Australia. He hadn’t been home for a few years and he couldn’t wait.

He wanted everything to be perfect. He didn’t want anything to come up like the other times he tried to go home.

“Do you know when we’re leaving?” Changbin asked looking up from his phone. His body was aching hence the reason why he was on the floor using a massage ball trying to release the tight notes in his back.

“We’ll have a meeting about it in a few days so we will find out then,” Changbin took note and continued to massage his muscles as everyone continued having small talk.

“Are we headed out tonight?” Seungmin asked the boys.

“Yeah definitely, I need to get laid tonight,” Hyunjin sat up and tied his hair up in a bun trying to check himself out in the big mirror. A normal thing he did.

“Bro, last time you said that I couldn’t sleep that night. If your getting laid, your getting laid at whoever’s home you chose,” I.N gags and stares at his Hyung who also looked very much shy at the fact that his little brother had heard him doing the deed.

“Uh! Hyunjin that’s so disgusting,” Felix scolds Hyunjin.

“Alright are we going to just talk all night or head out?” Hyunjin changed the subject. They all laugh and joke around but head into hair and makeup to get ready for the party.

The party was for idols only so there was definitely going to be alchohol, drugs and everything they desired.

Being a kpop idol with a clean image meant that they couldn’t do anything wrong in public but in private they were all a menace. The wild parties that ended up either with people throwing up in the pool or people blacking out on chairs and floors proved it.

Chan…When chan first debuted he had no idea it would be like this but he enjoyed it. He enjoyed being free and having alchohol run through his veins causing an adrenaline rush. He loved dancing till his feet hurt but most especially he loved the ladies.

He loved that fact that he was so famous, handsome and rich he would get any woman he desired. They all could, so it was no suprise that Chan was dating the smoking hot cheek who was new to the block.

He didn’t really know her name but he knew that she made him look good and that’s what mattered.

“Nice watch Hannie,” Leeknow complimented Han. The car was packed but they all could fit in.

“Yeah, it’s real Gold, it costed me a fortune.” He boasted and showed everyone the blinging watch that had diamonds all over.

“Don’t lose it, you know how you get when your on substances Hyung,” I.N pushes Han playfully and they start a playful little fight.

“Hey! Watch the suit! Watch the suit!” Hyunjin scolds the boys who were now out breath. They all ended up bursting out in laughter.

When they arrived, they were welcomed in with so much love and joy. Everybody loved the boys. Who wouldn’t? If people weren’t trying to get into their pants they were trying to get into their wallets and if they weren’t trying to get into their wallets they were trying to get their spotlight. This caused all of them to be cautious about the people around them but still they chose to be friendly to everyone and to talk to everyone.

The party was fun. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Hyunjin was surrounded by girls…well all of them except Chan who was with his girlfriend.

He was out of his mind and senseless. The alchohol slowly diluting in his blood.

The girl, Xio, was dancing all of him. His body was hot under his jacket so he took it off. His girlfriend now kissing and grinding all up on him.

“Wanna go somewhere quiet?” She whispered in his ear making him crave her even more. He was hungry for her. He needed her but not for the right reasons.

He needed her to use her for his sexual frustrations.

He smirks and puts his drink down. One hand wrapped around her waist as he drags her to the nearest room possible.

“I want you so bad Y/n,” he moans as he ripped her clothes off.

“Y/n? Who’s Y/n?” She furrows her eyebrows in confusion and looks up at the man who had now realized his mistake.

Fuck.

Meanwhile in Australia. Y/n was sat home with her mum when she recieved a text from Hannah. She hadn’t expected it. Her breathing hitched and excitement grew in her body. She couldn’t believe her eyes but something in her new that this was going to be a rough journey. The words rolled off her tongue painfully yet so easily.

Hannah Bhang🥰: Chan comes home in 2 weeks.

Butterflies were filling her stomach. Her hands were shaking as she thought of what to reply. She had so much to do. The love of her life was coming back home. Would she cry? Laugh? Panic? What was he like now? Tall? Buff? Was he still funny? Goofy? Or was he now mature? Was his curls still intact?

She was worried about things that were the least of her problems because little did she know the “love of her life” was currently receiving a blowjob on a bathroom floor.

**

#skz imagines #skz comfort #skz angst #skz x reader #skz drabbles #skz fluff #skz stay #skz x y/n #skz x you #stray kids drabbles #bangchan angst

[lurkingshan]

Step by Step Episode 11 (OF DOOM)

Warning: I really, really did not like this episode. If you’re trying to keep positive vibes you should scroll on by, friends! 

Welp. I told a few friends last week that my biggest disappointment would be if, after missing the mark on the emotional payoff of the slow burn and speed running the relationship, the show chose to break them up and do a time jump rather than staying with them in the present time and working through the conflicts they set up. And here we are! I wish I’d been wrong about where this was heading. Shouts to @waitmyturtles and @neuroticbookworm for holding me down while this show fell apart on me, I’ve been all in a tizzy about it, because I really loved it for awhile there.

This episode, yet again, felt like a disjointed mess. After last week’s cliffhanger, the idea of Pat resigning to get away from the predatory office gossip fell away within a few quick scenes. Instead the tension disappeared as the plot brought them into a bubble with only their most supportive colleagues and we swerved into a retread of the Put nonsense and a new plot about Jeng and Pat fighting to save the digital marketing team via the power of Put’s quasi-celebrity and Instagram likes. Or something. I honestly couldn’t tell you the details of what they were trying to accomplish, I was too distracted by my incredulity to pay close attention to this very sudden fake problem that they were obviously going to conquer (that, my friends, is what we call conflict with no stakes). Meanwhile, the show suddenly wants me to care about Jaab and Jen again - enough to devote a big portion of the penultimate episode’s runtime to them, what a choice - after doing fuck all with that plot for six weeks. It’s a no from me. 

It doesn’t matter anyway, because soon enough we’re time skipping again! After resolving the work challenge subplot we speed past another three months of Pat and Jeng’s relationship without addressing any of their issues, and I guess I’m supposed to be at peace with being a full nine months into their relationship with no onscreen emotional advancement? But I gotta be honest, y’all. I am not. You just don’t do this with a slow burn romance narrative. You can’t spend 80% of your runtime building to something that you have no intention of paying off, and no amount of thinking about what else this show is trying to say is going to convince me they did proper justice to the relationship. I already broke down why I didn’t think the episode 10 culmination got us there, and nothing that happened in this episode changed my opinion.

And all of this is leading to yet another time jump - two entire years this time - after the big reveal that Jeng doesn’t believe in Pat at all and literally bought his success, Evil Daddy knew it all along and waited for a choice moment to deploy the info for maximum damage while twirling his villain mustache, and Pat is finally quitting for real and dumping Jeng for good measure.

And ya know what? GOOD FOR PAT. I was completely on his side in this decision. If there’s one bright spot in this episode (other than Chot, always Chot) it’s Pat getting himself together enough to realize he deserves better than the bullshit he’s been getting from Put and Jeng and walking on out. So Jeng and Pat are now broken up, but I never got invested in their relationship in the first place, because we barely saw it, let alone got the chance to live in and feel it. I wasn’t even upset while watching this breakup scene - it left me emotionally indifferent. Which is maybe the worst thing I can say about a dramatic climax in a story.

I guess next week we’ll meet Jeng and Pat again two years in the future and get some kind of happy ending. I’m gonna stick around for the finale and cross my fingers that we get all the epilogue fluff we have definitely earned, but sadly, this show has lost me.

#step by step #thai bl #shan shouts into the void

[stardustprompts]

she who became the sun ( the radiant emperor #1 )  -   shelly parker-chan change tenses/pronouns as needed !!  some lines have been edited for clarity / length / ease of roleplaying  tw ;  death , war ,  violence , sexism

‘they say there’s luck in names, and you’ve certainly had luck enough.’

'in my experience, lucky people tend to be the laziest.’

‘where’s the fun in suffering by yourself?’

‘you think you’re that good-looking everyone wants to see you?’

‘desire is the cause of all suffering.’

‘I don’t appreciate being made a puppet for another man’s dirty work.’

‘when I ask myself if future pain is worth it for this life I have now, I always find that it is.’

‘I always knew you had a strong will. but what’s unusual about you is that most strong willed people never understand that will alone isn’t enough to guarantee their survival.’

‘more so than will, survival depends upon an understanding of people and power.’

‘it isn’t strength, but knowledge, that will be our best tool for surviving these difficult times ahead.’

'undoubtedly, chaos brings danger. but there will be opportunities, too.’

‘it’s due to chaos that we’re living through a moment in which even ordinary men can aspire to greatness.’

‘are you going to stab me?’

‘you can’t pray away your fate.’

‘I was merciful. I let you live.’

‘you cause me trouble as well as shame.’

‘you disappoint me.’

‘any power with such comprehensive reach should be understood.’

‘any power with such comprehensive reach should be understood. perhaps especially if they’re on our side.’

‘in my father’s eyes, I’ll always be the failure.’

‘(name) is an easy person to love. the world loves him, and he loves the world, because everything in it has always gone right for him.’

‘you and (name) are two unlike things. don’t fool yourself that he can ever understand you.’

‘I know what it’s like to be humiliated.’

‘any kind of fool can stumble into success once or twice.’

‘you two are such a bad match. can’t you have a single conversation without fighting?’

‘can’t you have a single conversation without fighting?’

‘clever people know when to give in.’

‘if you join his side, you’ll regret it.’

‘how little lives are worth in this war. theirs and ours, both.’

‘you have a lot of feelings in you.’

‘to win a hundred victories, a hundred battles is not the pinnacle of skill. to subdue the enemy without fighting is the pinnacle of skill.’

‘what someone is means nothing about what kind of person they are. truth is in actions.’

‘I didn’t mean to kill. at first.’

‘I wanted to live, so I took a life.’

‘all that means is we have to make this life count.’

‘who did you become, when we were apart?’

‘I might not know you, but I know what you want.’

‘you’ve opened my eyes. there are so many more options than I thought.’

‘you saw something in me that I didn’t know myself.’

‘what kind of man bothers to see potential in a woman, and encourages her despite her own doubts?’

‘rest assured that the only reason I helped you is because it gets me closer to what I want.’

‘you know what’s worse than suffering? not suffering, because you’re not even alive to feel it.’

‘learn to want something for yourself. not what someone says you should want. not what you think you should want.’

‘don’t go through life thinking only of duty. when all we have are these brief spans between our nonexistences, why not make the most of the life you’re living now?’

‘why not make the most of the life you’re living now? the price is worth it.’

‘maybe your suffering is worth whatever it is you want to achieve. but mine wouldn’t be.’

‘that’s all past history. I never think of it.’

‘do you believe that? that one day we’ll be out of a job, because of peace?’

‘have the courage to take power for yourself! do you think it will come to you if you wait?’

‘do you actually believe the idiocy that comes out of your mouth?’

‘you never accepted me for who I am; you never even saw everything I did for you, all because I’m not like (name)!’

‘you always push everyone away. what do you find in it, the loneliness? I couldn’t bear it.’

‘you trust too much. I admire you for it. that you prefer to drawn people closer, rather than push them away. but it’ll get you hurt.’

‘the worst injury you can do to a man is shame him. he can never forget it.’

‘it must have been painful, learning that true wisdom lies in obedience.’

‘are you always thinking do little of me that my defeats seem inevitable?’

‘i’d have thought you’d be the last to cry about (name’s) fate. why can’t we just stand back and let it happen?’

‘so you’re going to save (name) from himself?’

‘and here I thought I was the only one who got manipulated by pretty girls.’

‘why are you lowering yourself by dirtying your hands like this? let someone else take care of this trash.’

‘you were only ever a pretender. you only sat on a pretend throne.’

‘why do we have to play these awful games? what for?’

‘what does anyone want but to be on top, untouchable?’

‘who do you think I am, to think I can make anything happen in my own life? i’m a woman.’

‘I know you don’t want that life. a different one isn’t impossible.’

‘you have something I don’t; you feel for others, even the ones you don’t like.’

‘you want me to believe you’re different. that you can give me something different. but how can I trust that? I can’t.’

‘are you fool enough to believe the future will match your dream of it, with no consideration of the reality of the situation?’

‘I don’t admit anything! I don’t need to! you’ve already made up your mind!’

‘you can’t reason with fools who refuse to see reason.’

‘he was right about you. you’re worthless. worse than that; a curse.’

‘there are people who say that grief will hurt as much as it’s worth.’

‘there are people who say that grief will hurt as much as it’s worth. and there is nothing worth more than a father.’

‘(name) would never put himself on the line for me, or anyone else. but you, you’d do anything for me, wouldn’t you?’

‘i’ve wanted and struggled and suffered for that fate my whole life. I’m not going to stop now.’

‘you are trouble. I’ve never met anyone more trouble than you,’

‘are you so certain of the possibility of change? it seems to me the outcome is inevitable.’

‘what I want has nothing to do with who wins.’

‘every time the world turns its face from you, know it was because of me.’

‘stop blaming yourself and let yourself want it.’

‘stop blaming yourself and let yourself want it. i’ll give it to you.’

‘I have everything I need. whereas you, — you still need me.’

‘nobody expected anything of me. nobody ever cherished me.’

‘I cherish you.’

‘you think you understand me. but don’t forget it goes both ways. like knows like; like is connected to like. I understand you, too.’

‘pure emotions are the luxury of children and animals.’

‘more fool I am, to hope against hope for a change in his nature, that he might actually try to be useful.’

‘I presume you’re not here to kill me.’

‘you think you have power over me because you know a secret. but you don’t.’

‘how can something like that stop me, destroy me, when nothing else has?’

‘look at me and see the person who will win. the person who will rule.’

‘I presume you realize how much I dislike you. wasn’t the last where I said I wanted to kill you clear enough?’

‘you betray you ignorance in less than a sentence.’

‘how willing you were to think the worst of me. why aren’t you happier? i’m just being who you’ve always though I was. i’m giving you the ending you believed in.’

‘the times and means of our deaths have always been fixed, and this is yours.’

‘even the most shining future, if desired, will have suffering at its heart.’

‘i’ll follow you, as far as you want to go.’

‘I wasn’t born with the promise of greatness either. but I have it now. because I wanted it. because I’m strong, because I’ve struggled and suffered to become the person I need to me, and because I do want needs to be done.’

‘you said you’d be different. you lied to me.’

‘when you did this, did you even stop to think about how it might make me feel to bear witness for what you think is justified?’

‘I want what I want, and sometimes I’m going to have to do certain things to get it.’

‘you have two choices. you can rise with me, which I’d prefer. or if you don’t want what I want— you can leave.’

#rp sentence starters #rp prompts #rp memes #literature sentence starters #literature prompts #she who became the sun prompts #she who became the sun sentence starters #the radiant emperor prompts #the radiant emperor sentence starters

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Sunflower: Book 1, Chapter 4

Tom Hiddleston x OFC Series rated: M Chapter warnings: drinking AN: Bonus chapter- It's cold AF in most of the USA right now. We deserve a bonus posting this week. I know I do, my toes are still cold from changing the Bunny's water for the 3rd time today. Chapter 3, Masterlist, Chapter 5 ~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 4

They walked as the city woke up slowly around them. Most of the buzz was from new arrivals, not yet having had the chance to drink too much or stay out too late. 

“There’s a shoe store,” Tom pointed to the shop up ahead. “Do you want to get some better shoes? I can’t imagine your feet are comfortable in those heels.”

He was right, the heels were far from comfortable. She had been trying not to show the discomfort though it seemed that she hadn’t been successful. “Oh no, it’s fine. The Tram isn’t far ahead and then it’ll be a little bit of a walk.” 

“Why are you lying to me?” The cheer that seemed to be near always present in his voice was gone. It seemed to disappear whenever the topics turned more serious. 

“I’m not?” It was useless to lie but she tried anyway. 

He grabbed her elbow and pulled her to the side of the walkway. His grip was strong but not so much so as to hurt her. Facing him, she felt ashamed for the lie.

His blue eyes were earnest and caring. Again and again he insisted he wanted nothing but to help her, to be there for her, to know her and yet she lied about her sore feet. 

“You’re limping.” 

“It’s fine-”

“Why do you not want to get some more comfortable shoes?” Why did he have to care so much about her? “If we’re going to do this we have to talk to each other. We have to be honest with each other.”

“I don’t need new shoes. I have shoes-”

“Talk to me.” He was pleading with her as his grip on her arm turned slack.

“Look, I just- It’s not in the budget.”

“I’ll get it.” Tom offered as if it was nothing. Hell, to him it probably was nothing. 

“I don’t want to take from you. I- everyone is going to think I married you for money or to use you or something. Fuck, for all I know I did but…” 

“But what? I’m offering. Your feet hurt. I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks. You need shoes. I can afford shoes. Simple mathematics.

She felt terrible for allowing him to buy her new shoes on top of the clothes and breakfast. Whenever she had mentioned it, he would just remind her that he was her husband for now. He would say that it didn’t matter because of that but she wasn’t so sure about it.

“So, where do you live?” She knew he was British but there wasn’t a lot she knew otherwise about him. It seemed to her that British People tended to spread out and settle all over the world, making their accent and nationality little use in telling where someone actually lived. “You know I’m a local so I guess I should know that about you too.”

“London, England. I travel a lot for work though. I’ve spent most of the year in America for filming, going here and there as needed.” 

“When do you go back?” They walked by women wearing nothing but a thong and stickers on their nipples. The city was warming up and coming to life but the man walking beside her didn’t offer them so much as a glance. 

“I’ve got a ticket a week out to go back home.”

“What happens then?” She couldn’t make sense of how they were going to give this marriage a chance. Was there any point when they were strangers and he lived halfway around the world.

“We’ll figure that out when it comes. I can move the ticket or maybe you can come with me.”

“Maybe we’ll need a break from each other too.” Mia wasn’t sure if she was joking or not.

“Do you need to head home?” Tom asked, glancing at his watch. 

Mia sighed. Going home was something she did need to do but it wasn’t something she wanted to do. “Probably, yeah.” 

“Do you have a car?” He was well aware that it was the norm in America to have cars but with her hesitation to spend the money on shoes, he wasn’t sure if it was something he should assume.

“Yeah, the employee parking is just around here.” She gestured toward a large building tucked away behind the resort they had met in. “What will you do?”

“Would I be too forward if I asked to go with you?” 

“Oh,”

“I- we have so much to work out still but if we stay separate, especially this soon, I don’t it’ll help us get to know each other.”

“You want to stay with me?” Questions raced through her mind. Risks were calculated and weighed and she didn’t have enough time. 

“I’ll sleep on the couch if you’d rather and I can be out when you’ve got engagements to attend to.”

“Work- normal people call it work.” He chuckled and she hated how she liked the sound. 

“I can busy myself outside of your home while you’re working if you’d rather.”

There was no way he would want to stay in her apartment. It was small and cramped and he was a goddamn actor of enough note to have Ashley swearing. “We’ll see.” 

“I’ll take it.” Reaching out, he grabbed her hand in his and squeezed it softly. Her face grew warm at the small affection. Until now, they hadn’t touched each other since they woke up. “I’ll go get checked out and grab my bag. We’ll meet out front?”

“Okay.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mia Maria!” Michelle called for her as soon as she stepped into the employee locker room. “You’re not supposed to be in today?”

“Thanks, I didn’t want to see you today either.” Mia teased. Michelle had long been a good friend and trusted coworker. “Stayed on the strip last night.” 

“AC not fixed still?”

“They said it’ll be fixed by noon.” Mia unlocked her small locker and grabbed her keys and purse. Tom had found her Driver’s License and debit card in his wallet but everything else she left safe in her locker. Of the things she wanted to experience in life, losing her purse on the Strip was not high on the list. It was better to have a few cards in her pocket and leave everything else locked up safe and sound. If only she knew where her clothes had ended up.

“Sal stay with Ashley last night?” 

“Yeah. They’re having a day together while I get my shit figured out.”

“Must be some shit- You look stressed.”

“You wouldn’t believe it.” Mia said as she closed her locker. “We’ll take later.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Was it silly to feel insecure about her car? It was nice enough for normal people but for him? Who knows. He didn’t appear to be stuck up or worried about appearances. On the other hand, he had designer suits in his closet for a casual trip to Las Vegas.

The ringing of the phone on the speakers cut off her thoughts as she answered. “I’m just walking out the doors.”

“I see you.” For better or worse. “I’m two cars back. Red SUV.”

Long legs made quick work of the distance. As soon as the door unlocked, he pulled open the hatchback. The suitcases were large but he didn’t have many. He was a light traveler which was good- there wasn’t a lot of space in her apartment. 

“Are you sure about this?” Mia asked as he slipped into the passenger seat.

“Sure, what better way to get to know you than to get to know your life?” He adjusted the seat back, making room for his legs. “How far is it?”

“About thirty minutes.” Mia sighed. “It’ll go fast, we just have to get off the strip first.” 

“You drive half an hour into work and back?” 

“Every day. Well, five days a week at least. I avoid the strip like the plague most of the time otherwise.” 

“Have you always lived here?” He was looking out the window, watching the heart of Las Vegas quickly give way to what could be mistaken as any other city. So many people never saw Las Vegas as anything more than the glittering lights and cacophony of noise in a handful of miles. 

“Yep, born and breed here. What about you?” She needed to get to know him. He seemed safe enough, kind but there was so much unknown about the man she was bringing into her home. Their home. 

“Spent most of my life around London when I’m not traveling.”

“You travel a lot?” The city gave way to highway traffic and wide open spaces. Neighborhoods and small town centers spread out around them, crashing into each other as she technically left Las Vegas without ever leaving a city.

“More than I’d like sometimes.” 

“I thought all actors thrived on travel.” A horn blared behind her as she changed lanes. They wouldn’t have gotten cut off if they were going the speed limit but who was she to tell someone how to drive.

“At times,” He admitted. “But I’ve always been a bit of a homebody. The stage is my passion though I enjoy film well enough. It’s nothing compared to a live show. Are you close to your family?” 

Silence ticked on for a few moments before she answered, “I don’t have much family. It’s just Ashley for the most part.” She needed to tell him. “You?”

“Fairly. I’ve got two sisters, nieces and nephews. I’m close with my parents, though they’ve divorced. They did their best to give us the best they could.”

“Must be nice.” She mumbled under her breath.

“I didn’t catch that, I’m sorry?” 

The exit was coming up quickly and she was running out of time. “Why are you single?” 

It was a dumb question. He wouldn’t just come out and say ‘well you see, I’m a terrible man’ or ‘I tend to be quick to anger’ or ‘I’m not safe’ or ‘I hate kids and pets’.

“I’m not anymore, technically.” he chuckled as she shot a annoyed glance his way. “I know, not what you mean. I’d been with a woman for a while but when my career shot forward; There was a lot of eyes on me, a lot of interest in me from fans. Many of them woman and she wasn’t comfortable with that. We’d gone our own ways a bit ago, some months now. She found someone else, they got married. Turns out I wasn’t so hard to move on from.”

“That sucks.” She wasn’t sure what to say. The idea of being the target of media or fans in a negative way hadn’t occurred to her but she was well versed in the sting that was somehow being easy to leave behind.

He cleared his throat, “What about you?” 

“I was with a guy for a while right out of school. Then he decided he liked a stripper better. Can’t blame him too much, she was pretty. But he left our whole life behind. I thought we were going to get married and be a family but, oh well.”

“It doesn't matter how pretty she was, he shouldn’t have gone around on you with another woman.” 

“If you say so.” She laughed, taking her hand from the wheel and pulling strands of hair behind her ear and out of her face. Before she had a chance to replace it, he enveloped it in his. 

“I swear to you, for so long as we are doing this together, I will be loyal to you. It doesn’t matter how pretty anyone else is, I will only have eyes for you.”

“You can’t promise that.” Do not get you hopes up, she told herself. He held her hand in his. His hand was large, much larger than hers, soft, warm and begging her to believe him.

It felt weird to be touched by him. It felt even weirder as he placed a soft chase kiss to the back of her hand. 

“I am.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They laughed as they exited the bar. It was a small but fancier than she had ever thought she would drink at. It hadn’t mattered, though; he had been buying her drinks.

“Oh, look!” She gushed as a mass of white caught her eyes. 

“What’s that?” He draped his arm around her shoulders and it felt warm. It felt comfortable.

“A wedding party.” The bride and groom were perfectly styled. The white dress was fairytale poofy and flowed as she moved down the steps. “I always love stumbling on a random wedding here.” 

“People really do just get married here?” Tom mused, his words slurring some.

“Yeah. The clerks office is open late and the paperwork is quick. You can rent dresses and shit.”

“Do you want to get married?” 

~~~~~<3

Tag List: @winterisakillerr, @alexakeyloveloki @jennyggggrrr, @dangertoozmanykids101, @tilltheendwilliwrite @tinchentitri @wizardcherryblossom @buttercupcookies-blog @violethaze @kats72

#Tom hiddleston x original female character #Tom hiddleston x original character #Tom hiddleston x ofc #Tom hiddleston x oc #tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston fanfic

[sarcasmsweetie]

A Better Life, Part 2

Holy moly, I did not expect the first part to blow up like it did! Thank you all so much for your support - it means the world to me. This is my first attempt at a multi-chapter story, so I very much welcome any and all feedback on pacing and how everything flows! While this is a multi-chapter story, I don’t anticipate more than 5 parts in total, but we’ll see where the pieces fall now that we’re starting to dive into things!

Pairing: Azriel X Oldest Archeron Sister

Word count: 3.6k

Part 1 | Masterlist | Part 3

Tags: @lunalilyf

After about a month of traveling south through the continent, I found myself having tea with the High Lord and Lady of the Winter Court. So far, I’m finding this land to be the most beautiful. Sure, winter only brought pain to my family when we were humans, but there was always something about snow that left me feeling calm, at peace. Looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the atrium, I smiled at the falling snow.

“Your Court is by far the most beautiful I’ve seen so far. Thank you again for allowing me to visit.” Kallias waved my thanks away.

“It only makes sense that you’d want to see what the world has to offer, now that you’ve been given a new life.” Viviane smiled at her mate.

“It also makes sense that you’d want to find a home of your own. Afterall, Feyre spent some time in different courts as well. Night called to her, and it’s perfectly fine if it doesn’t do the same for you.” I smiled in thanks, grateful to have someone not only understand, but reassure me that what I was feeling was valid.

“I also found myself enjoying Day, but…”

“Helion too much for you?” Kallias laughed and I smiled.

“Helion was just fine, thank you very much. And I am thrilled he’s extended an open invitation for me to visit at any time.” My teasing smile faded as I thought of my two weeks in the Day Court. “My issue was that it was… too close to them. I know they wouldn’t, but I felt like my family was hidden in every shadow, just waiting to bring me back.” Kallias and Viviane shared a look, but I pretended not to notice.

I’m not sure what Rhys shared in the letters he wrote to the High Lords (yet another thing to thank Rhys for – I didn’t even know asking for permission was expected in order to travel around the other courts), but I found the High Lord and Lady waiting at the border of their court earlier this morning as I finished traveling around Dawn, smiles on their faces and ushering me to join them today.

“Do you want to talk about it? Or would you prefer an abrupt subject change?” Viviane asked kindly.

“I will take the abrupt subject change, please.”

“Alright, then. What are some of your favorite hobbies? Maybe we can direct you to points of interest here in Winter that lines up with what you like,” Viviane smiled.

I sat and thought about it for a moment. Long enough that the smile on her face began to drop. “Well, I’d always stop at bookstores to get a sense of new releases that may interest Nesta. I would spend hours sharpening Feyre’s arrows to ensure her hunts were as successful as possible. I’d also try and save up for some paints so that she could practice something she loved and not just focused in on what she felt obligated to do for the family. Oh! And I would always look for seeds of various plants or possible fruits and vegetables for Elain. I swear I have never met anyone who loves gardening as much as her.” I tried to force a chuckle out, but I felt it die when I noticed the look on Viviane’s face.

“I think it’s lovely you know so much and care about your sisters’ interests. But I believe I asked what your favorite things were, not how you helped your sisters enjoy what they love.” I leaned back in my seat, feeling a bit defeated.

I looked down at my teacup, believing it easier to talk to it than the kind couple in front of me. “I suppose I never had time to develop my own hobbies. Ever since I was 5 and Nesta was born, I was expected to take care of her. Then Elain. Then Feyre. Especially after our mother died, my whole life has been dedicated to raising them.

I remember I enjoyed baking. But once I taught Elain some recipes when she was old enough, she kind of took off with it and made it hers. The kitchen wasn’t large enough for both of us, so she would work in the kitchen when the weather wasn’t ideal for her to be in the gardens. I don’t remember baking again once she took it up. With a life like that, I guess it comes to no surprise that my entire personality trait revolved around my sisters.” It was quiet for a moment before Viviane reached out and held my arm.

“Then we’ll find out what you like and who you are together. If you’re interested, that is.”

I briefly glanced between her and Kallias, both wearing genuine smiled. “I believe that I would love nothing more.”

-----------

4 months later I’m getting Fenrir, my reindeer, hooked up to the favored sleigh here in the Winter Court. From the moment I left that first meeting with Kallias and Viviane, I knew this would be home. Viviane pointed me in the direction of a bakery in the center of the city that was looking to hire, and I have been happily employed with the mated couple who own the shop ever since. The money I borrowed from Rhys allowed me to buy a small cottage on the outskirts of the city, and my income from the bakery has allowed me to live comfortably while saving up to pay Rhys back the next time I see him and Feyre.

After making sure the rig was secured around Fenrir so we could head to Viviane’s manor for our now regular weekly brunches, I double check my pockets to ensure the letter I’ve prepared for Feyre is still with me. Now that I’ve taken some time to explore and settle into my new home, it was time to fulfill the promise I made Feyre in my first letter to reach out and hopefully reconnect. I was admittedly a bit nervous and held off on sending this letter for as long as I could, but Viviane got to the point where she threatened to contact Feyre on my behalf. To prove to her that I did actually write something and intend to send it, I’ll ask her or Kallias to send this for me.

“You ready, my lovely? I know you enjoy these weekly visits way more than I do, given how spoiled the staff at the stables has made you.” He pushes his nose into my cheek, causing me to laugh. “Alright, alright. Let me get in and we can go on our merry way.” He stomps his feet in anticipation, and the moment I’m in my seat he takes off towards the manor. My cottage is about a 20-minute ride to their home. Fenrir and I found a path a couple of months ago that sticks to the outer edges of the city before turning down a main road to get to the manor. Not that I have anything against the city, especially not with my work there. But on this weekly journey, Fenrir and I enjoy the quiet the city edges provide and the break we can take away from the hustle of city life.

Once we turn onto the main road, Fenrir’s speed picks up a bit, excited at the thought of whatever treats the stables will have for him. I chuckle, making a side comment about how he acts like he’s starved and neglected living with me. He turns his head slightly as if wanting to show me how much he disapproved of my comments, and I smile. Fenrir may not be able to talk back, but there’s never any doubt in my mind as to what he would say to me if he could.

I found living on my own to be difficult at first. Having spent my whole life caring for others only to find myself alone and with my thoughts? This quickly became a place I never wished to be. But once Fenrir came into my life, something changed almost immediately. The daily companionship I had with this ridiculous reindeer brought me more joy than any relationships I had back in the human realm, or even Velaris. Kallias and Viviane became incredibly good friends of mine, and I am honored to be considered good friends of theirs as well. Viviane and I have our weekly brunch when Kallias is in meetings with his advisers. At the end of the day, he joins the two of us for dinner. Then Fenrir and I are out the door in the evening, heading back home to ensure I get enough sleep before waking up early to open the bakery.

“Hello, Ms. Y/N! How have you been this last week?” I smile at the stableman as he helps me out of the sleigh.

“I’ve been well, Aidon. Can’t believe it’s already been another week, but I suppose that’s a good sign of being busy. How about you? Anything new and exciting happen I should know about before heading in?”

Aidon held onto my hand a moment longer before letting go with a small blush. As always, I pretend I don’t notice and act as if his blush was from the chilly weather and not the small crush he’s developed. I like Aidon and I hope to remain his friend, but I certainly have zero interest in pursuing any relationship that isn’t a friendship. He doesn’t know my reasoning, but he does know where I stand on relationships. I thought the conversation would have been awkward when we had it, but he smiled, assured me he had no intention of pursuing anything if it makes me uncomfortable, and we’ve remained friends ever since.

“Both the High Lord and Lady have been busy working with the other courts, negotiating the new treaty among the fae and humans that they haven’t been around here much. I’m sure they’re grateful that today brings a friendly face to ensure they take a well-deserved break.”

“Oh, you charmer. Trying to rack up points with me even though you’re already at the top of the list, hmm?” He chuckled, finishing up unhooking Fenrir from his rig.

“Hush and go inside already. You must be freezing, and Fenrir here looks like he’s ready to tear down the stables if it means getting to his friends as well.” I smiled at Fenrir, and he was indeed staring off to where the royal reindeer reside.

“Don’t work too hard, Aidon. You deserve a break as well.” I moved past him to enter the manor, pretending I didn’t feel his eyes on my back as I moved away.

I’ve grown to know this place as well as my family home, so I easily found my way to the sitting room. Viviane looked up from some papers she was reading with a wide smile.

“Oh, I have missed you, Y/N.” She pulled me into a hug and I laughed.

“It’s been a week, just as always, Viv. Are you doing okay?” She pulled back, and that’s when I noticed the slight circles under her eyes, showing how tired she is.

“Same old, same old. But since things are finally moving past talk to actual action, there’s a bit more on the plate than normal. But it’s a good tired, I promise.”

“You know you and Kallias can ask anything of me to help. I’m here for whatever you need.” A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she hooked her arm with mine, leading me to the dining room where our plates full of food have been placed.

“It’s funny you say that, Y/N. I just so happen to be meeting with a certain High Lord and High Lady tomorrow, and it would bring me immense joy if there was something I could deliver to them…” I rolled my eyes before moving to sit down. Pulling the letter from my pocket, I slid the envelope across the table to Viviane.

“One letter inviting my youngest sister and her mate to visit, m’lady.” She squealed as she picked up the envelope and held it to her chest.

“I will hand this to her personally. All I ask is that when they do visit, you all spend some time here. I’d love nothing more than to spend time with them on a personal level for once.”

“Wouldn’t you know it, I already included spending time with you in the leter.” I smirked at her before turning to the meal in front of me. Viviane followed my lead, picking up her mimosa before raising it to me. Following the movement, I raised mine to hers.

“To new beginnings.”

-----------

Feyre felt the weight of the letter Viviane passed onto her in her pocket for the duration of their meetings. As much as her fingers itched to tear open the envelope, she knew the privacy of her own home was a better suited location to read her sister’s words. She’s been waiting every day for 5 months to get this letter – she would be able to wait a few extra hours.

The day dragged on, but once the sun set, all of the High Lords and Ladies agreed that their plans to rebuild are as final as they could possibly be and that it was time to call it a night. Feyre and Rhys reached out for each other at the same time, smiling as their hands connected, allowing Rhys to winnow them home.

The moment they arrived in the River House’s living room, Feyre grabbed for the letter, tearing it open with shaky hands. She vaguely noticed her family filter into the room, asking about how everything went with the other High Lords, but she trusted Rhys to relay the necessary information. Moving to the edge of the room, she unfolded the letter.

Hello, my little dove.

I so hope you have been doing well. I’ve thought about sending this letter time and time again, but never felt ready before now. Viviane scolded me constantly for at least not reaching out and letting you know I’m safe, though I am almost certain she’s passed some updates along to you whenever you met.

I’ve been doing really well here in Winter. I work at a lovely bakery in the heart of the city, was able to purchase a small little cottage for myself (with the funds I still fully intend on paying back), though I think what has really set me up as a true citizen of Winter is that I caved and got myself a reindeer, Fenrir.

While he can’t talk, I swear he’s got the personality and ego to rival Cassian’s. He’s also one of my biggest supporters. I’ve taken up knitting, of all things, and he proudly models the hats and scarves I’ve created. I think you and Rhys would get a kick out of him.

I hope you can come and visit, see the new life I’ve been building for myself. I am flexible most, if not every, weekend. Whatever works best for you and Rhys. If Kallias and Viv’s schedules are anything like yours, I am more than happy to work around what you can do. Though speaking of the High Lord and Lady of Winter, you can best believe they’ll want to intercept us for part of your visit. It would probably be easiest for your first visit that we meet at their manor, anyways, and I can then show you around my new home.

Hopefully when we see each other, you’ll be able to see some positive changes with me. I know you’ve read between the lines as to why I left and while I wouldn’t say I’m happy, I can say that I’m healing. I’m not perfect, but I’d like to think I’m better.

Eagerly awaiting your reply and visit,

Y/N

Turning to Rhys with bright eyes, Feyre interrupted whatever conversations were being had. “Are we free this weekend?” Rhys turned to his mate, smile on his face.

“Is she ready?” As Feyre began to nod, Mor cocked her head to the side.

“Is who ready?”

“Y/N.” Everyone turned to Nesta, who was looking at the letter in Feyre’s hand. “How is she?”

“Sounds like she’s… getting better.” Feyre turned to Rhys, who nodded. “Rhys and I will find out more this weekend when we visit her in Winter.”

“Winter?” Mor perked up. “I should have known Y/N was the mysterious new friend Viv has been boasting about in her recent letters!” Mor began listing all of the clues from the letters in question, but Elain spoke up.

“Why not all of us?” She looked between her sisters. Things had been tense between the three of them since Y/N left, but Elain always felt like she wasn’t fully understanding the “why” of things between them lately. Feyre looked briefly between Nesta and Rhys before turning fully to Elain.

“Y/N still needs some time to settle in. I’m sure once she’s in a place that she’s comfortable to house all of us, that invitation will come.” Elain didn’t look convinced. She knew her youngest sister was holding something back, and she was tired of being in the dark. She looked at Azriel, who was standing between Rhys and Cassian, and noticed his face was carefully blank. He’d been withdrawn lately, being sent on countless missions all in the name of rebuilding, and Elain was tired of being alone.

“Why is only one of her sisters invited?”

“Elain…”

“No, Feyre. Tell me. You and Nesta have been hiding something from me, from all of us. I know it’s the reason Y/N left, and I deserve to know. I’m her sister, too.” Nesta scoffed.

“Maybe because she can’t stand the sight of the sister who’s been trying to steal her mate.” Feyre couldn’t tell if she was relieved or exasperated with Nesta for finally spilling the beans.

“Nesta, we swore we wouldn’t say anything.” Feyre heard a few voices muttering, but it was Azriel’s voice that caught her attention.

“What do you mean, Elain has been trying to steal Y/N’s mate?” Nesta sharpened her glare onto Azriel.

“It’s been almost a year since you felt your bond snap into place, right? You really need us to spell it out for you?”

Mor’s brows furrowed as she looked at Azriel. “You felt your mating bond snap into place? Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

Azriel kept his eyes on Nesta, seemingly ignoring Mor. “How do you know that?”

“I know I may not have been the best sister, but that doesn’t mean I’m oblivious to everything going on around me. I’ve heard her asking Rhys and Feyre about the mating bond. I’ve seen her become more and more withdrawn the closer you grew with Elain. Doesn’t take a genius to connect those particular dots.” Cassian watched as both his mate and brother got more angry, and although he was as confused as Mor, he didn’t want two of the most important people in his life fighting like this.

“Hey, now. It seems like there’s a bit we’re not all up to date on, but maybe we should all just take a deep breath – “

“There’s one thing I never understood though, Spymaster.” Nesta ignored Cassian, finally allowing the rage that’s been simmering in the back of her mind to come forward. “How could you and your shadows not recognize that your mate was the only other person in the room that day? You know full well that Elain is mated with Lucien. Hell, she makes it abundantly clear they’re mated given how frequently she vocalizes her wishes to not be mated to the poor male. So what in that pea-sized brain of yours decided that Elain, despite everything that has already been presented to you, was the one your soul called to?”

The room was silent, waiting for Azriel’s response. “Elain rejected Lucien. I thought the Cauldron allowed her the opportunity to find another mate.” Nesta let out a cold laugh, and Cassian flinched.

“Oh, now I know you’re an idiot. You, someone who has been fae his entire existence and was raised with the rules of this land, actually needs to have the definition of ‘mate’ spelled out to you by once-human females? You don’t get a second mate, you don’t get a choice – “

“I know!” Azriel yelled. “I know you don’t get a second mate. But I hoped, that just maybe…” Nesta marched toward him, shoving his chest.

“And by hoping someone else was your mate while living under the same roof as your actual mate, you obliterated everything that my oldest sister is. You actively choosing to ignore the pull to your rightful mate caused her to leave us, to leave me!” Nesta didn’t feel the tears falling from her face, but she did begin to feel the fight leaving her as she began to imagine all the pain her oldest sister must have gone through. “She sat here, for six months, watching the male she thought she could have a life with try and create that life with someone else. You may not have outright rejected her like Elain has done to Lucien, but I’d say this is even worse. You didn’t even acknowledge her. She deserves better than anything you could ever offer her.” Azriel stormed out to the balcony, immediately taking to the skies. Cassian was torn, unsure if he should check on his brother, or follow his mate as Nesta turned to leave. Before Cassian could make a choice, Elain grabbed Nesta’s wrist.

“Nesta, I didn’t know.” Nesta pulled her arm from her sister’s grip, and she felt her heart break. In front of her stood the sister she once would have burned the world down for. But how could she, for years, have been willing to protect only one sister and not the others?

“Of course you didn’t. And I blame myself. I spent my life shielding you, doing everything in my power to ensure the world couldn’t touch you. And by doing that, I stripped away your ability to see for yourself. To see what’s around you, to see how your actions impact those around you. And because I blinded you to the world, you destroyed our sister.”

#azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel angst #acotar #bri's writing

[passionfruitbowls]

eternal promise

Among all their frantic preparations for the holidays, Marinette and Adrien still find the time to make a heartfelt confession.

rated: g | pairing(s): adrienette | word count: 1k

read on ao3

—————

“Wait, when did we buy Nativity-themed ceramic plates?” Marinette asks, peeling away the bubble wrap to get a better look at this unusual discovery. Her and Adrien are currently in the middle of decorating their apartment for Christmas, but thanks to numerous distractions and a surprise akuma attack, they haven’t made as much progress as they would’ve liked. 

“Oh! Tom gave them to me when we moved here.” Adrien explains while placing the carrots in the freezer (well, more like shoving, since there’s so little room). “He said they’ve been sitting in that box for years, so we might as well have them.” 

“Huh. Guess that’s why I’ve never seen them before. They do look kind of dated.” 

Marinette notices Adrien hesitate slightly before talking about her dad. He’s still getting used to being on a first-name basis (something her parents had insisted on, since he’s part of the family now), but it’s clear from the way he smiles that it makes him happy. It's a welcome change from the formality of Mr and Mrs Dupain-Cheng, not to mention the coldness he used to receive from his own father, which they don’t like to dwell on. 

Moving the plates off to the side, Marinette refocuses her attention on the main objective of the day. An abundance of lights are scattered across the dining table, the wires entangled and the plugs buried beneath the mess. Somewhere behind her, a cupboard opens, bags and packets are moved around, then the cupboard closes again. 

“Consider the groceries sorted.” Adrien pipes up, dusting off his hands as he comes over to her. “What next, my lady?”

Barely suppressing a smile, Marinette gestures vaguely at the table. 

“We still have to work our way through… all of this.” 

“Got any ideas about how we’re going to do that?” He asks, in that tone he always uses when she’s trying to hatch a plan after summoning a Lucky Charm.

“Okay… I take one end of the wire, you take the other, and hopefully we’ll meet in the middle?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Twenty minutes later, it becomes clear that untangling this beast will take a while, even with their ability to work in tandem. Tikki gets roped into helping, and Plagg follows suit after being promised an extra stash of cheese. Ten more minutes pass, and Marinette begins to feel like she’ll go ballistic if she sees another knot. Ten minutes after that, success at last. 

“Chaton, can you do me a favour? Write down somewhere that we shouldn’t randomly shove all the Christmas things in a box the next time we’re packing.” She says after a celebratory fist bump. 

“On it.” 

Before Marinette can clarify that she didn’t mean right away, Adrien makes a beeline for the hallway, picks up her collection of post-it notes and scribbles down her reminder. She has to give him credit for his diligence. It’s one of the things she loves about him, as well as his supportiveness, his jokes (even if his timing can be terrible), his laughter, which always makes her feel warm and fuzzy inside-

“Marinette? We, uh, still have to actually hang the lights up on the wall.” He says with a little smile on his face, and damn it, how can he look so cute even when he’s doing nothing? 

“Oh! Riiight. Right. I totally remembered that. Anyway, let’s get going.” 

They’d decided beforehand that, due to his height advantage, Adrien was going to stand on top of a chair and do most of the hanging, with Marinette supporting him to compensate for them not having a ladder. Both of her arms are wrapped firmly around his waist; it’s slightly awkward, but they’ve been in worse situations. 

“So, how do you feel about doing this every year for the rest of our lives?” He asks suddenly, while leaning over the mantelpiece. It’s obvious that he meant it in a humorous way, but it takes everything in her to not stumble backwards in shock and send him flying. 

“I… I don’t know.” She says, much quieter than she’d intended. 

“What do you mean?” 

Marinette’s heart lurches, and she immediately tries thinking of a way to explain herself so Adrien won’t get the wrong impression.

“It’s- I’m not saying that it would be a bad thing. It wouldn’t be bad at all! I- I love being around you, and doing things with you, and the idea of us having a future together makes me so, so happy, but…” 

“But what?” He whispers, his voice filled with concern. Her legs feel weak. She wishes they were face-to-face. 

“…I guess I wasn’t expecting us to make such a big commitment so soon. I didn’t know if you were ready for that, and I never want to scare you or pressure you into anything.” 

“My lady,” Adrien says as he climbs off the chair and turns to look her in the eye. “If you asked me to spend a lifetime with you I’d do it in a heartbeat, you can trust me on that. I mean, we’ve already gone through a milestone together, haven’t we? We’ve got our own apartment now!” 

Marinette can’t help but smile and nod. 

Sometimes, it feels a little surreal knowing that there are things and places in this world which belong to her and Adrien and no one else. Their lucky charms, made with the utmost of care as a display of friendship and, eventually, love. Their rooftop meeting point for patrols, for playing leisurely games of cards while talking endlessly. Their home, where his gorgeous face is the first thing she sees in the morning and the last thing she sees at night. 

“Yeah, that’s true. And we’ll always have each other’s backs, right?” Marinette asks. She already knows the answer, but it feels wonderful to hear him say it.

“Always, with or without the masks.” 

As if by instinct, they melt into each other’s embrace, and for a moment it’s as though all of their troubles are gone. Marinette wishes she could hold onto this moment forever, wrap it up neatly and place a little bow on top. 

“I love you.” Adrien says faintly in her ear. 

“I love you too, minou.” She whispers back, blushing like she always does. 

They eventually separate, but judging by the way his eyes keep darting to her lips, it’s clear that he has things other than Christmas decorations on his mind. Besides, she thinks to herself as she reaches out and cups his face, pulling him close, the baubles can wait.

#WE’RE SO BACK i say as i yeet this fic at you #miraculous ladybug #ml fanfic #miraculous ladybug fanfic #adrienette #adrinette #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #pfb writes

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 13: Budding Spring - Episode 9: Going back to the start

Girl A: Thank you very much~!

Girl B: We’ll be supporting you from now on, too!

Chikage: Be careful on your way home.

Young man: You have once again made me think that actors are amazing! Thank you so much!

Youth: That was fun~!

Citron: For us, too!

Towa: Thank you so much!

Izumi: Thank you for participating. We were able to come up with a wonderful project because of you, Towa-kun.

Towa: To be honest, I was really hesitant about participating. Failing in front of Masumi-kun would’ve been embarrassing.

Towa: But I’m glad I took the plunge!

Towa: I understood what kind of scenery Masumi-kun and the others look at from the top of the stage…

Towa: I think I understand more about how a theater play is made, and about everyone who works on it, now.

Towa: A new world has opened before me!

Tsuzuru: Hearing you say that makes all of it worth it, right, Masumi?

Masumi: Well, you did your best.

Towa: All this from my oshi…! 

Izumi: Come see our play next.

Citron: We’ll be waiting!

Towa: Yes! I absolutely will! I’ll be going now!

[Towa leaves]

Rento: Our first event was a big success.

Akashi: Even though… I don’t get many opportunities like this… I had fun, too…

Rento: Us backstage staff usually don’t have any contact with the audience.

Izumi: Thank you for your help today, you two!

Rento: Call me if ya do anything like this again.

Akashi: Me too…

Izumi: Of course!

Sakuya: We’ll be counting on you!

-

Izumi: … It looked like everyone was having fun.

Sakuya: It made me think of the first time I stood on stage.

Tsuzuru: Yeah, it was really nostalgic.

Citron: I could feel the chills in everyone’s hearts~!

Itaru: We were like that too, at the start.

Chikage: When you think about it like that, we’ve improved a lot.

Masumi: I was better than that.

Tsuzuru: That part of you hasn’t changed at all.

Sakuya: At first, just saying one line made me nervous, and I was constantly conscious of what the next line was.

Tsuzuru: Right, right! I kept thinking about how I had to move during a scene, and then I panicked because I missed everyone else’s lines.

Citron: I could do it when I was practicing alone, but when we were all together, I kept fumbling!

Masumi: You still do that.

Itaru: If my past self saw me now, he’d be surprised.

Chikage: Because you didn’t think you’d dedicate so much of yourself to acting?

Itaru: Something like that. But isn’t that true for you too, Senpai?

Chikage: I can’t deny that.

Izumi: Towa-kun’s eyes were sparkling as he told me that a new world opened before him.

Masumi: Even though he was nervous at first, he enjoyed himself.

Sakuya: I was like that too when I first decided to join MANKAI Company.

Sakuya: I’m really glad I took the courage to jump into that new world.

Tsuzuru: I remember hesitating a lot before taking that step, too. It got so busy after I joined that I didn't have time to think about it, though. 

Masumi: It felt like fate for me, so I didn’t hesitate.

Izumi: Ahaha, that’s how it was. How nostalgic.

Sakuya: Also, this made me want to do RomiJuli again!

Citron: I know, right! I kept almost saying the lines myself!

Itaru: IKR.

Izumi: Should we hold a run for it again?

Tsuzuru: If we do that, I’d like to give Chikage-san a proper role.

Citron: And I want to appear a little more!

Izumi: Right, as Citron-kun is now, he can play all kinds of roles. 

Chikage: But if everything else remains the same, it won’t feel fresh because it’s been reran multiple times.

Sakuya: If we’re going to do it, we’ll have to do it once the Fleur Cup is over, right?

Itaru: Since RomiJuli is such a catchy subject, it’s got movie and ballet adaptations, and it’s easy for people who aren’t into theater to get into it.

Itaru: I think it fits our aim of going back to the basics.

Izumi: But participating in the Fleur Cup with a repeat performance is too risky…

Tsuzuru: … Oh.

Izumi: ?

Tsuzuru: How does a sequel sound, then?

-

Tsumugi: Good work on the workshop. How did it go?

Sakuya: Everyone was hesitant at first, but as soon as their voices and gestures started coming out, they started having fun!

Tsuzuru: Watching them inspired me.

Tasuku: Sounds like it became a good opportunity for you to look at acting objectively again.

Tsumugi: I want to try it with the Winter Troupe, too. It sounds like we could learn a lot. 

Homare: We should make some time for poetry when we do that.

Tasuku: That would change the subject.

Homare: In the sense of studying lines, I believe studying poetry, which emphasizes the rhythm of words, would be helpful.

Guy: That makes sense. Shakespeare was both a playwright and a poet.

Hisoka: … We can light a bonfire and roast marshmallows at the end.

Tsuzuru: You say it like it’s a recreational activity at the end of camping, but this is just your hobby.

Sakuya: It’ll be a workshop that highlights each of your unique characters.

Izumi: Let’s plan one again when we have the chance.

Sakyo: We’re all here now.

Izumi: Let’s start the meeting, then.

Izumi: This meeting is about the Spring Troupe’s performance for 1Q of the Fleur Cup.

Izumi: After the workshop, we got to talking about going back to the start…

Citron: Simply put, we wanted to do RomiJuli again!

Sakyo: You mean you’re going to rerun RomiJuli?

Tsuzuru: No, not exactly. I was thinking about writing a sequel…

Tsuzuru: The RomiJuli that can be done by us thanks to our growth— One that will be depicting the future of the RomiJuli we debuted with.

Tsuzuru: I think it’s something we can do because we live in the future of that time.

Sakuya: This is also our first attempt at a sequel, so I think it will prove to be a challenge.

Sakuya: Of course, we really want to perform RomiJuli again, but…

Chikage: We also have to make sure this performance is a stepping stone towards the Fleur Cup.

Itaru: If we don’t collect votes, we won’t be able to connect to the next performance…

Itaru: Since this isn’t only our problem, we wanted to hear everyone’s opinion.

Tenma: A sequel to the debut performance… I’d have never thought of that. But I understand the feeling of wanting to go back to that again.

Tsumugi: You can’t help but wonder how you would perform this role now. It always feels fresh, no matter how many times you do it.

Kazunari: Since it’s the first one, it’s prolly the one where the theater company and the troupe’s colors are most prominent~

Sakyo:  Despite how rough it might’ve been, it can also be said that it’s what determined the Reborn MANKAI Company’s direction.

Banri: Since it’s the first one, it’s been rerun a lot. That’s also a plus, yeah?

Juza: Since you have a solid foundation of your role, you can approach it from a different perspective.

Juza: And above all, it’ll be rewarding to connect the dots from the debut performance to the sequel.

Homare: The parts that have changed and the parts that haven’t changed…You get a chance to express on stage those things that come to you naturally as you live day-to-day.

Guy: This will be a good experience for you as actors. It will help you grow.

Tasuku: I think getting to experience the long life of one of your characters is a precious opportunity. 

Taichi: And the OG RomiJuli fans will be real happy with this!

Omi: The fact that the original was so well received is also advantageous.

Azami: It’ll also be easy to imagine the world setting.

Yuki: What I’m worried about is that since they’re the same characters, it might lack a sense of freshness.

Kazunari: It’d be good to be conscious of that and make changes in the visuals.

Itaru: And there’s also the jinx that sequels can’t surpass the originals.

Banri: We can do more in the lighting and sound department now, all we can do is show ‘em how much we’ve leveled up.

Yuki: When I think of my past self as a rival, I get a little fired up.

Kazunari: We can’t lose~!

Sakyo: We also need to satisfy viewers that haven’t seen the first performance. That’s quite a gap from a stand-alone.

Kumon: But, I’m jealous, Chikage-san! I want my own role in the Summer Troupe’s first performance, too!

Misumi: And I’m curious what the Genie from “Water me!” is up to!

Muku: I understand! Just like how we’re living in the future compared to those days, I want to see what they’re doing in their future, too.

Azuma: If we’re making a sequel for the Spring Troupe’s debut performance, we should do that for the Summer Troupe and the others, too.

Tenma: That’s where we’ll end up, naturally.

Juza: I wanna put myself in Lansky’s shoes once more…

Omi: I’ve got some sudden motivation now.

Sakyo: We will only go through with this if the Spring Troupe’s sequel doesn’t fail.

Homare: Choosing to do a “sequel” in a situation where we absolutely can’t lose and also have to deal with a lot of first-time viewers is quite brave.

Izumi: That’s true.

Tsuzuru: I-I’m feelin’ the pressure…

Hisoka: … All troupes have to make sure they can connect to the one coming after.

Guy: Following the Spring Troupe in 1Q is the Summer Troupe in 2Q, and then the Autumn Troupe in 3Q and the Winter Troupe in 4Q. We must all contribute to the ranking in order to make it to the finals.

Tsumugi: But isn’t it reassuring to know that the initial performance of RomiJuli will be by our side in such a situation?

Sakuya: Exactly… Because this was our “start” as the Spring Troupe.

Citron: It was the Spring Troupe, and the Reborn MANKAI Company’s first ever adventure!

Masumi: If we can’t do this, the other troupes won’t be able to do it, either.

Itaru: Pretty much.

Chikage: I think it’s worth the bet.

Tsuzuru: No choice but to go for it…

Izumi: Then, let’s make each performance for the New Fleur Award a sequel to the troupes’ initial performances!

Izumi: (With this, we’re taking our first step towards the New Fleur Award)

Izumi: (All that’s left is the same as usual, we come together and prepare for the performances. I hope we can get through it without any troubles…)

previous episode | masterpost | next episode

NOTES:

(1) the fleur cup mentions are not a mistake. they started calling it that so i just went along with them

(2) the text says Q, but the voiced lines all call it quarters. i went with the text, so i hope that's not too confusing

(3) episode title could also be translated as something like 'returning to the origins' but i didn't really like how that sounded

#a3! #translation #a3! translation #sakuya sakuma #masumi usui #tsuzuru minagi #itaru chigasaki #citron #chikage utsuki #izumi tachibana #towa ichinoe #+ more #this one is SO long i really hope i haven't accidentally missed a line...

[the-darkness-does-not-bargain]

Your head continues to pound as you make your way out of the Chantry and down the hill to the town gates.  It does not improve when, much to your surprise, you are met by an unpleasantly familiar face.

“Ahem,” Duretti clears his throat, standing just inside the gates with his hands clasped behind his back.  “May I… speak with you for a moment?”  As he makes this halting request, he looks as stiff and awkward as you feel.  Beatrice regards him with arms crossed and an untrusting glare, but his attention remains firmly on you.

“We’re marching, Duretti,” you tell him coolly.  “If this is some last ditch attempt to stop us, it’s not gonna work.”

His lips flatten into a thin line, but he doesn’t sneer or snark like you expect him to.  “It is not,” he says carefully.  “I merely wish to offer you parting words of advice.”  You share a look with Beatrice that says, This oughta be good.  “I understand that in Val Royeaux, you were approached by a man named Kristian, yes?”

“How do you know that?” Beatrice questions sharply.  “If Mother Superion discovers you have spies within the Inquisition—”

“It was Suzanne who told me,” he tells her, puffing out his chest and regaining a modicum of his usual pomp.  “She was right to.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Listen to me,” he says quietly, grimly serious.  “If you are set on pursuing this path, then you must not trust that mage.”

“You sound like you know him?”

His mouth twists.  “I do.  He once attempted to ingratiate himself with the Chantry in Val Royeaux.  He conducted research and archival work to earn the favor of the Grand Clerics and even Divine Justinia herself.”  He harrumphs.  “But in the end, it was all a ploy.  For all his claims of piety, he abandoned his post and fled with the rebels the moment conflict broke out.  His heart is fickle, and his loyalties suspect.”

You raise an eyebrow.  “To the Chantry, sure.  But he seemed pretty devoted to Jillian when we met him.”

Duretti shakes his head.  “It is an act.  He is craven to the core.  He will betray her the moment it suits him, and go in whichever direction will give him more power and protection.”

You consider his words, biting your lip and sharing another look with Beatrice.  She seems just as unsure as you, staring Duretti down with furrowed brows.

“Why tell us?” You ask him.  “You didn’t want the Inquisition to form in the first place.  Why would you help us now?”

He shifts from foot to foot, visibly uncomfortable.  “I did not want this,” he agrees.  “And I still don’t.  But the situation has changed.”  Above you, a heavy cloud passes in front of the sun, and under its shade Duretti looks years older than he did moments ago.  “The Chantry flounders.  The Templars have abandoned their posts.  The people have been left at the mercy of chaos with no one to protect them.  I stand by all that I have said, but… if you can help in any way, then…”  He sighs heavily.  “I pray for your success, and that the Maker guides you.”

Admitting that seems to pain him a great deal, but he doesn’t recant it.  And for the first time, you find that you can respect him, just a bit, for his honesty.  “Well, thanks for that,” you say, wincing at how forced it sounds.  “And for the heads up.  We’ll keep our eyes on Kristian.”

He looks relieved.  “See that you do.”  With a final, stilted nod, he walks away, heading back up the path.

You turn to Beatrice once he’s out of earshot and say, “Well, shit.  Now I’ve seen everything."

#dragon age au #my writing #i'm going to try and make headway on this chapter today #we'll see how i do

[daitranscripts]

Cassandra Cutscene: What Pride Had Wrought

What Comes Next

Cassandra Masterpost Related Quest: What Pride Had Wrought

The PC finds Cassandra on the battlements.

Cassandra: Victory in the Arbor Wilds. The Archdemon might have been a real threat to our army, but it flew off once we turned the tide. It is still out there, however. I wonder what Corypheus plans now.

Dialogue options:

General: If he returns, we’ll face him. PC: We’ll deal with whatever he throws at us. ㅤㅤ ㅤ

General: He’ll run and hide? PC: He’ll hide. What other choice does he have? ㅤㅤ ㅤ

General: He’s lost everything. PC: He has nothing left to throw at us.

Cassandra: Do not underestimate Corypheus. He is powerful, and you have yet to fight him one-on-one. But he will come. You will get your chance.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: We’ll fight together. [1]

General: You aren’t worried? [2]

General: You’re probably right. [3]

General: I look forward to it. [4]

1 - Flirt: We’ll fight together. PC: We’ll face Corypheus together. Cassandra: There is not another [person] I would be more proud to fight beside.

2 - General: You aren’t worried? PC: You don’t seem concerned about that. Cassandra (low approval): I’m terrified. Yet I know you are strong. Cassandra (high/neutral approval): I’m terrified. Yet I have faith in you.

3 - General: You’re probably right. PC: It wouldn’t be any fun if all this was over so soon. Cassandra: Corypheus believes himself a god. Pride alone demands he not slink off into the shadows. I have faith you will be victorious even so.

4 - General: I look forward to it. PC: If he tries, he’ll regret it. Cassandra (low approval): He underestimates you, as most do. Cassandra (high/neutral approval): I believe you.

5 - Scene continues.

Cassandra walks to a different part of the battlements. The PC follows her.

Cassandra: Not long ago, this was impossible to imagine.

Cassandra (romanced): You, the man I love. Victory close at hand. Cassandra (high/neutral approval): You, a valued friend. Victory close at hand. Cassandra (low approval): You, successful against all odds. Victory close at hand.

Cassandra: The time has come to consider what will come next.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: So long as we’re together. [6] Special (after low approval scene): I assume you’ll leave. [7] General: You’ll be Divine? [8] General: Don’t jinx it. [9] General: I have plans. [10]

6 - Flirt: So long as we’re together. PC: I don’t care what’s next, as long as we’re together. Cassandra: And if I am named Divine? [11]

7 - Special: I assume you’ll leave. PC: I assume you’ll be leaving, then. Cassandra: You caught me in a poor moment before. I do not drink. PC: It sounded like you spoke your mind. Cassandra: We all have moments of doubt. [15]

8 - General: You’ll be Divine? PC: You’ll be the next Divine, I assume.

Cassandra (romanced): If so, then what of us?

11 - Dialogue options:

General: Refuse it. [12]

General: That changes nothing. [13]

General: Then so be it. [14]

12 - General: Refuse it. PC: I won’t lose you to the Chantry. Cassandra: You haven’t lost me yet. They kiss. Scene ends. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 13 - General: That changes nothing. PC: We can still be together. Cassandra: Can we? I’m not so certain. You haven’t lost me yet. They kiss. Scene ends. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 14 - General: Then so be it. PC: Then you’re Divine. Cassandra: It hasn’t happened yet. They kiss. Scene ends.

Cassandra: That has not happened yet. PC: But it may. Cassandra: If the Maker wills it, then yes—I will answer His call. [15]

9 - General: Don’t jinx it. PC: We still have to beat Corypheus. Cassandra: I have not forgotten. [15]

10 - General: I have plans. PC: Oh, I have plans of my own. Cassandra (low approval): Of that I have no doubt. Cassandra (high/neutral approval): As you should. [15]

15 - Scene continues.

Cassandra: “Blessed are they who stand before the corrupt and the wicked and do not falter.”

Cassandra (low approval): Your strength got us here, Inquisitor. I shall not forget. Cassandra (high approval): You have come far, my friend. It has been an honor. Cassandra (neutral approval): I will stand with you in the end, Inquisitor. If you will have me.

#dragon age inquisition #dai transcripts #dragon age #dragon age transcripts #dragon age dialogue #dai #long post #what pride had wrought #wphw #cassandra #cassandra pentaghast

[nightrestrp]

With that, we conclude season 2! We’re currently working on season 3 and we understand that the recent (multiple hehe) self-paras, plot drops and the big reveal can be a lot to deal with so we encourage everyone to take all the time they need. Your mental and emotional health is important to us so if you’re in need of a hiatus, we completely understand! Just please let us know.

I can honestly say this has been our best season so far and I want to take this moment to applaud my fellow admin, Jasmine, for all the hard work she did with her character, and not only for sticking to the storyline, but also for moving it along. This season wouldn't have been as great a success without her dedication and talent. Additionally, I'd like to thank Jasmine and Idalis for all the help with the main this season. Thank you both for your continued dedication to this group and I appreciate you both so much ❤️

Fair warning, this post will be a little long because all updates to end this season will be stated here!

Moving forward, we understand that it can be a big change for a lot of characters so if anyone would like to drop characters or switch one for another or edit anything about your current ones, you’re more than welcome to do so! Just shoot the main a message since we’ll be updating the pages today and tomorrow, and will be going back to our regular schedule of acceptances (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays). As of right now, you may apply for up to TWO ADDITIONAL MUSES, but this will be on a case by case basis, depending on your activity. The only thing we’re asking is for you to only take on the number of characters you’re sure you can handle. You're more than welcome to send in the apps now!

Like at the start of Season 2, we’ll be having a FACE CLAIM RESET, which means that all face claims of all characters who have died prior to the season finale will be reopened. This means that all the face claims of all characters who died during the Season 1 finale will also be reopened. You may check our TAKEN PAGE to see the updated list of everyone currently taken!

We've added a couple of rules to our RULES PAGE so please go over them!

We’re also asking everyone to UNFOLLOW ALL ACCOUNTS AND ONLY REFOLLOW THE ONES THE MAIN CONTINUES TO FOLLOW, because the main will no longer follow dead/retired/killer characters’ blogs moving forward, though all self-paras will still be linked in the timeline page!

Also, this is over a week late but HAPPY SIX MONTHS of Nightrest being open! I can't believe we've been open for over half a year, and this is another cause for celebration. I'm genuinely so, so, so grateful for everyone here, for the dedication to this group and the plot and all your characters and I can't wait to see what the next season will bring!

When it comes to IN CHARACTER INFORMATION, here a few things to take note of:

We are now in real time. The engagement party happened on July 22nd, and it’s been a week since then. You're free to write threads that happened any time between the end of the event until now, or continue your event threads, or start new for the new season. It's all up to you!

People still don’t know who owns the nightrestanonymous Instagram account that tagged Azra and it hasn’t been active since.

It’s now common and accepted knowledge that Adee was the killer and holds responsibility for all deaths and injuries since Enzo was locked up and Kennedy & Peter were killed. You may have your characters wonder if Jake's involvement was greater than just Adee's death, but there will be no proof of that. You may also have your characters wonder if there were more people secretly involved (there weren’t, but you know, curious minds).

Jacob is currently locked up, but won’t be facing that long a sentence. You may check the SEASON 2 TIMELINE page to see which killer was responsible for which death/injury!

I truly hope everybody’s having a great day/night and I’ll be around for the rest of the day if anyone has any questions!

#nightrest:admin

[writeforfandoms]

Merry Go Round of Life 23

Find my masterlist and series masterlist

Here we are with chapter 23! We’re getting into the thick of it now, y’all. Also, this chapter solves one mystery. Have fun~

Word count: 1.6k

Warnings: Swearing, magic shenanigans, being chased, threat of violence, brief violence. 

In which there are many helmets

You decided the next morning that the thing to do was get out of the castle for a bit. Go on a nice walk. Enjoy the day. 

So you bundled up the child and left, assuring Peli you’d be back before long. 

The day was clear and calm, cool but with reassuring sunshine. You took a deep breath in and smiled. 

“Well, little one, what do you say to a bit of exploring today?” you asked, looking at the child. Grogu. 

Grogu beamed up at you, clearly happy that you were happy, and wiggled in excitement. You laughed and started walking. 

The town seemed brighter today, more relaxed. More like you had known it all your life. People greeted you politely as you passed. A few merchants called out, hoping to get your attention (and possibly a few of your coins). People chattered as they walked or sat outside cafes. 

It was a perfectly picturesque morning, one you were happy to share with Grogu. 

The two of you ducked into one of the little cafes, and you bought a warm drink for the two of you to share, and a couple sticky buns. Grogu devoured his in record time - at points, you thought he’d eat his hand too with how fast he was gobbling up the goodie. You ended up giving the last few bites of yours to him. 

And then? Well, then you had nothing planned. You still had plenty of fabric (and you had to admit you wanted to save any space for potential purchases in Mandalore - you still wanted a closer look at those markets). There was nothing pressing that you needed, or that the castle needed. There was still food. Grogu had new clothes. Djarin had hopefully worn his new cloak. 

So you were content to wander and tell Grogu stories of this city. Places you had gotten into mischief as a child. Places that had changed over the years. You even brought him by Ponds of Sorgan, though you didn’t go inside. The line was out the door today, and you didn’t want to disturb your sister. But you were happy to tell Grogu all about how Omera and her late husband had bought the bakery and turned it into something unique, something to be proud of. 

You didn’t become aware of your follower until you had turned to go back to the castle entrance. Someone detached from the crowd, sunlight glinting off a faded green helmet. 

Oh shit. Okay. Keep calm. You just had to make it back to the castle. You picked up speed, walking a little faster. The child was quiet in your arms. 

Then you spotted a second one, just ahead of you. It was person-shaped and dark, but didn't seem to be an actual person? Its legs wobbled as it walked in a distinctly non-human way, and its arms seemed to… detach from the torso? 

Ew.

But it too had a helmet, this one blue and yellow. 

You turned abruptly down a side street and sped up. 

"We'll be okay," you promised Grogu. "I know these streets like the back of my hand." 

A third one emerged from the back of a building just ahead of you, but its helmet got stuck in the doorway. You raced past it, feeling a gooey hand try to grab you and just graze you. 

"Why are they only helmets?" You wondered aloud, taking three turns in quick succession and hurrying along. "And no bodies?" 

The child cooed and burbled, watching over your shoulder. He patted your chest. 

"Don't tell me if there are more," you requested. "I've got enough to focus on." 

The patting stopped, and the child simply kept watch behind you. You heard a little crash behind you, but didn't dare turn to look. 

Why oh why had you gone so far from the castle? Why had you assumed you'd be safe? 

Two more helmeted goo-monsters in front of you forced you to change directions, their helmets clunking together as they both tried to lurch forward at the same time. You started running, intent on getting to the castle as soon as you could. 

Grogu cooed and patted your cheek, looking concerned when you chanced a look down at him. 

"Almost there," you panted. The door was in sight. You could hear them behind you, could almost feel them. A cold hand caught your elbow. 

And then there was a shriek as… something happened. Grogu went suddenly slack against you. And you threw yourself inside the door, turning the knob green-side down again. 

"What just happened?" Peli asked, craning out of the fireplace to look at you. 

"Goons," you said, still short of breath. But you quickly checked Grogu. He was okay, breathing easily, and just seemed to be asleep. Okay. You took him into your room to let him rest, leaving the door open a little. 

And then you collapsed into your chair, still trying to calm your heart. 

"Well? Come on! Tell me the rest!" Peli huffed at you impatiently. 

You flapped a hand at her, still calming down. She grumbled and knocked her logs together, impatient. "The Witch sent goons after us," you said, pausing to take a deep breath. "I think so, anyway. They were…" 

"What?" Peli demanded. 

"I'm trying to find the words," you grumbled back at her. "Wait just a damn minute." 

Peli groaned theatrically and collapsed into her logs, sending a great plume of smoke up the chimney.  You ignored her theatrics. (Everyone in this castle seemed to have a flair for them.) 

"The henchmen were… not people. They were shaped rather like people, but they weren't. They were… almost gelatinous? Gooey." You shivered, remembering the feeling of the one that had grabbed you. "Just goo with helmets on top." 

"Helmets?" Peli straightened, flaring bright orange. "Like Djarin's?" 

"Yes, but all different colors."

"How many did you see?" Peli leaned forward, little flame arms flailing in her urgency. 

"I don't know, I wasn't counting. At least a dozen."

"That's bad. That's very bad." Peli leaned back again, the edges of her flame going green. "We need to tell Djarin."

"Why? What's so bad about the helmets?" You asked, feeling your anxiety rise as Peli's did. 

"They never just leave their helmets somewhere," Peli said. "It's not like the Witch just asked politely to borrow them. She must have done something to those wizards!" 

You turned and looked at the helmet still sitting peacefully on the table. "She must have cursed them," you said, slowly, feeling your way as you spoke. "Cursed them into pieces somehow. Djarin thought it was possible with Viszla. So, the helmets she uses for her goons." You stood and walked over, carefully picking up Viszla's helmet. 

"What are you doing?" Peli sounded nervous now. 

"I have an idea." You turned to look at her. "This won't take me long. The child is asleep in my room, he had to use his powers to help us escape the goons." You looked down at the blank visor held between your hands. Although it was only slightly different from Djarin's, it felt so much emptier. Cold. 

"Wait wait wait," Peli said, slowly getting louder. "Just–just come sit and let's talk this over!" 

But you ignored her. Mind made up, you opened the moving castle door, looking around for the scarecrow. It wasn't far off, and you let the door fall shut behind you as you took off at a brisk pace. 

"Scarecrow," you called as you approached. The scarecrow swiveled in place, empty arms flapping with its movement. "I think I know what to do." You took a deep breath. "I need you to be shorter, though, I can't reach you from here." 

The scarecrow hopped in place once, and then started hopping away. You followed for a few minutes, until the scarecrow stopped in front of some rocks. It wasn't a large pile, but if you were careful and climbed up… 

You only wobbled once on your way up, and when you straightened you were almost of a height with the scarecrow. 

"This better work," you said, looking down at the helmet. "I wish you many healthy years, my friend." And with a quick kiss for luck pressed to the cheek of the helmet, you crammed it onto the scarecrow's head. 

The effect was instantaneous. Light shimmered from the helmet all the way down to the ground, leaving a flesh and blood person where the scarecrow had been. 

Your jaw dropped. It had worked! You had been right! 

"Thank you," this new wizard said, big hands helping you down from the rocks. "I owe you. But first, where is Djarin?"

"I don't know," you answered, looking up. This wizard was even bigger than your wizard. Wait. No. Not your wizard. Djarin. Just Djarin. 

"Damn," he sighed. "I need to find him." He stepped away from you and took off running, only, like Djarin, he didn't stay on the ground. He started running on the air. 

Perplexed, you watched him go. Wizards. So odd. And always in such a hurry! 

You needed to get back to the castle, though. Before the child woke and Peli had to corral him on her own. 

Which was about when you noticed the sound of someone behind you, quiet but still audible. Then there was a sharp pain on the back of your head, and the world went blurry, then black.

--

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#merry go round of life #din djarin x reader #din djarin x you #din is a drama queen

[fjadwrites]

Our Memory Of The Dawn 8 - Make It Work Out

Despite not knowing how far we'll go with regards to the battle we're fighting, I'll make sure we'll make it work out in the end for the both of us... ~ Florence Joyce

xxxxxx

It has been a while since the rest of the Narnians saw what Amy and Edmund had seen while they were at the top of the How. Edmund even had to go back inside to call on his brother and inform him of the Telmarines' arrival near the How. Numbers alone, they were clearly outnumbered. Not to mention, the weapons they brought to the site that would surely put the rest of them to a disadvantage.

But this was clearly not the time for them to falter. They've made it this far. This was a war that they clearly had to win to finally free the Narnians once and for all.

After watching that display of arrival, the Narnians -- with Peter's permission -- decided to send out an envoy to deliver a message to King Miraz with regards to a proposed duel with the High King Peter himself. The whole time, Amy had only listened to the discussion and didn't voice out any of her thoughts about the proposal. But she knew that this was the only way they could acquire what they wanted personally. If worse comes to worst, of course, they had to prepare themselves for an all-out war.

And now, Amy could only watch with a sigh from the top of the How as Edmund, a dwarf, and a giant were chosen to deliver the message that Peter had declared. She didn't want to show it to anyone her worried for Edmund heading out on enemy's camp. But even with that, she tried to be positive about it.

Though she wasn't really sure how it would help her, she did her best to stay calm.

"I don't think they'd be foolish enough to attack Edmund without any reason, though. You don't have to look so worried for him."

That made her turn around, only to see both Susan and Lucy approaching her. She couldn't help showing a wry smile and turned back to watch over the field where Edmund was.

"Am I that obvious?" Amy asked instead.

"You are. I've seen your disposition changed since Edmund himself said that he'd be the one to deliver Peter's message to the Telmarines," Susan said as an answer before facing Lucy.

"It's not that I'm worried that they're going to hurt him," Amy admitted. "But we all know that the enemies had truly prepared to wipe the Narnians once and for all upon declaring this war. I'm worried about... something else, but still related to what we're facing right now."

"I don't understand," Lucy said.

"It's a discussion that Edmund and I had talked about before. About my way of helping out the Narnians with regards to the war. I... just want to make sure he's the first to know it."

To her confusion, she saw Susan and Lucy smile at each other before looking at her. But as much as she wanted to ask the sisters about her observation, her mind would still go back to the one person she'd been thinking all the while she was there.

"He'll come back soon. And when it happens, I know we have to be prepared. We'll head out on our respective tasks after the king agrees to Peter's proposal."

Amy nodded to Susan's words and once again, looked over the field. She knew she needed to stay strong and positive if she wanted her plan to work in their favor. If she believed in Lucy that the young Valiant Queen would be able to find Aslan, then Peter and the rest would be able to end the war for Caspian's sake, as well.

As for her, she could only think of one way to help the Narnians. And that is for her to retrieve her trump card and use it once again. This time, without the grief and hatred that once conquered her heart.

She could only hope that Edmund would be successful in making King Miraz accept the proposal.

xxxxxx

Once the proposal was made and accepted, the rest of the Narnians were in a frenzy to prepare for the duel. Of course, behind the scenes, Susan and Lucy were also doing their own preparations for their departure. But it wasn't that Edmund had wanted to pay attention to.

At the moment, he was starting to become a little frantic looking for one particular person. It took him a while before he finally found her in the stables. She was setting up the saddle on the black horse that he once picked when she asked what horse he would let her ride with one day.

Edmund didn't know why his heart skipped a beat at the sight of Amy doing that. Then again, this was the first time he had seen her do anything like this.

With a sigh, he finally took a step, then another, to approach the young Dawn Queen. It was then that he noticed that she was already wearing her signature leather bracer and chest guard. She was also wearing a belt which holstered her daggers. Which means she would only need to be hoisting her bow and the quiver of arrows and she'd be ready to go.

However, Edmund noticed one other thing about Amy, as well. She looked... uncertain. He frowned at the sight, though. Was she worried?

When the saddle was set, that was when Amy turned to his direction. The action almost made him halt to a stop, but he steeled himself to continue approaching the young woman. If there was something he was certain about Amy, he could bring out that smile from her.

A smile could be enough to ease both of their worries.

"Edmund," Amy called. "Have you finished preparing?"

He shook his head and stopped just a few feet in front of her. Despite the confusion that he could see in her face, it also looked like she was ready to listen. "I've been looking for you. You headed somewhere else right after I returned. And I didn't get to talk to you while we were having a meeting about the duel."

"I'm sorry. But it's not like I'm avoiding you."

Amy did look like she was sorry, and it made him smile, for some reason. It didn't last long, though. Before he could stop himself, he helped her prepare for her supposed journey.

"Are you about to head out?" he asked her as he checked her ration of food and water. Though it wasn't a long ride as she stated, he knew he had to prepare them for her, at least.

"Hmm. I have to do it early before the enemies could even have a heads up on the plan. Though I'm sure they had no idea about my flute and what it could do, it's better that I head there first and retrieve it. We will have a great advantage in our battle if I get to use it," Amy explained, only watching Edmund help her.

He didn't say anything after that, only because he couldn't voice out the words that he wanted to say to her. Damn it! He shouldn't be like this. And yet --

"Are you worried? About me?"

That question prompted Edmund to stop what he was doing and took a deep breath before facing Amy. He only looked at her for a short while before approaching her closer. "If I tell you I am, what will you do about it?"

Without a doubt, the way he asked another question -- in addition to the confession -- made Amy's eyes open wide. But if one would ask him, even he didn't expect himself to blurt it out like that. And yet, he still chose to hold his ground, wanting to know how Amy would answer that.

She was just looking at him, though. Her eyes were still opened wide. Not long after, she averted her gaze and took a deep breath before facing him once again. "Edmund... You know that... even if you're worried for my safety, I have to do this. I have to retrieve that flute that would help us win this war. But... maybe this would dissipate your worries a little."

Before Edmund could even ask Amy what she meant, he soon found himself being closer than ever to the Dawn Queen. Her arms circled his waist and her head on his chest. This time, it was his turn to have his eyes opened wide because of shock. And yet, it didn't last long.

The warmth that enveloped him because of her innocent embrace seemed to be doing its own magic to calm him down and reassure him. Before he knew it, he was smiling as his nose caught the sweet scent of Amy's hair. He soon found himself returning her embrace and he did so tightly.

None of them knew how long they held each other like that. But they both knew that the hug they shared did its magic for the two of them. When they released each other, they were smiling, and Amy soon held out her hand to touch his face. Obviously, the action startled Edmund a little but he just let her do what she wanted. That touch was meant to convey something to him. And her eyes as she looked at him had told him what it was.

Before he could hear anything from her, Amy smiled. "I'll be alright. Don't worry. Focus on making sure that Peter doesn't go overboard again. And I promise to you. I'll come back safe and sound."

Edmund could only look at her even after she said those words. But even from there, he knew she was telling the truth. That she'd be okay, she'd be safe.

Even when it was obvious that they didn't want to let each other go, Edmund released his hold on Amy's hands and assisted her in mounting the horse that he helped prepare. With understanding smiles on their faces, she soon urged the horse to move.

Of course, all the while, he could only look at her figure riding farther and farther away in such a short time before heaving a heavy sigh. He could only hope that Amy would be successful in her mission of retrieving the flute. This was for the war that they had to face, after all. A war that could help them achieve the peace for their beloved Narnia.

"Are you alright, Ed?"

That question coming from Peter appearing behind him only made him turn to look at his older brother. Then he turned his head back to look at the direction that Amy headed to.

"There's no reason I shouldn't be. I have to believe that Amy can do this to help us win the war." After that, he faced Peter, his eyes full of determination. "Let's go. You should prepare, as well."

"She really did a lot to change you, huh?"

Edmund turned to his brother as soon as he heard that comment. He looked at him with a frown. "Is it that obvious?"

Peter nodded and tapped Edmund's shoulder. "It looked like you noticed it, as well, huh?"

"I know myself, that's why. It was confusing, at first. But I could tell how much her presence had impacted me ever since I met her here." He soon faced Peter. "Right now, I'll just have to worry about you and your duel with King Miraz. And I know that's what Amy would want to happen, as well."

And so, the fated duel began, regardless of the worry that filled Edmund's heart for the young woman now out on a different mission for the sake of stopping the war.

xxxxxx

It took me a while before I got to finish writing this chapter. That's why I only got to post this now. Real life took over that I could only write a few paragraphs in days that I know I should be writing. But here's a new update for you, guys. Enjoy reading!

#chronicles of narnia #chronicles of narnia fanfiction #chronicles of narnia fanfic #edmund pevensie #edmund pevensie x reader #edmund pevensie fanfic #edmund pevensie fanfiction #edmund pevensie imagine #au: the narnian dawn #age: aurora aeon #our memory of the dawn

[squideo]

Squideo’s Favourites: Toy Story

Pixar Animation Studios arrived with a bang when its first feature-length film, Toy Story, was released in 1995. What would follow was a franchise beloved by children, spawning multiple spin-offs, theme park rides, video games and merchandise. Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, Toy Story is now considered one of the best animated films of all time.

Toy Story is credited with opening up the world of 3D computer animated films, which still rules the industry to this day. With the sponsorship of Disney, Pixar used this technology to create a film that visually stood apart from everything else at the box office and helped complete Pixar’s journey from a small computer division at Lucasfilm to an award-winning studio that has produced some of the best animated films of the past thirty years.

We’re diving into the production behind this animated film, exploring the style and techniques which came together to create this compelling story. In the meantime, if you have an idea for an animated video of your own get in touch with the Squideo team.

Creating a Story

To any fan of animation, Buzz Lightyear and Woody are well-known characters. Yet without Tinny, who reached nowhere near as much fame, they may never have graced our screens.

Pixar Animation Studios had produced a number of animated shorts before it ventured into feature length production, starting with Luxo Jr. (which introduced Pixar’s mascot). Red’s Dream followed, but it was Tin Toy that caught Disney’s attention. Financed by Steve Jobs, Tin Toy was a five-minute short created and directed by John Lasseter. Seen through the perspective of a toy running away from a destructive infant, Tin Toy laid down the groundwork for Toy Story – another Lasseter creation.

Disney had only recently allowed films to be made outside its own production company, starting with Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).

In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly, [John Lasseter] said: "Disney kept trying to hire me back after each of the short films I had made. I kept saying, 'Let me make a film for you up here.” They always said, 'No, a Disney animated film will always be made at Disney.' They had no interest in doing an outside project." Lasseter continued: "What changed their mind was Tim Burton. Tim and I went to college together, and he had developed a feature idea called 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.' He went on to become a successful live-action director and was trying to buy 'Nightmare' back from Disney. And they said, 'Why don’t you just make it for us?' That opened the door for Disney to think of these niche animated films that could be done. They said, 'Okay, we’re willing to talk with you. We’ve got puppet animation going [with Tim Burton] and now we’ll be willing to develop the computer animation.' They said to come back when we had an idea. So we started thinking…" John Lasseter

3D computer animation developed alongside CGI in the 1970s, but a fully created computer animation television show or film didn’t debut until the 1990s. Yet animation companies, including Disney, had already played with the new technology before then. The Great Mouse Detective (1988) was the first Disney film to extensively use CGI: creating a two-minute sequence which was heavily promoted in the film’s marketing.

Their CGI was developed in cooperation with Pixar, the two companies coming together to make CAPS, the Computer Animation Production System which was relied upon heavily during the Disney Renaissance.

The technology was new, which put giant animation studios at a disadvantage. Their artists were trained in 2D animation techniques, leaving a void for computer companies who had the expertise to utilise this new technology.

Animation Style

The use of this new technology resulted in a film that looked vastly different from everything that predated it. Not only did 3D computer animation provide greater realism, but the independence of these early animators also meant they were not constrained by an existing “style” favoured by a company.

To this day, animated characters start life at Disney as 2D concept drawings which influences the style once it is converted to 3D. Pixar on the other hand is at home in that format, and their animators create greater complexities and detailed textures in their work.

“There are differences between Pixar and Disney. If you reduced Pixar to a phrase it would be: ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if?’ Like if a kid was looking at their toy: What if the toy could talk? All their films are like this. If you reduced the Disney films it would be: ‘Once upon a time…’.” Glen Keane

The filmmakers designed the minor characters using memories of their childhood toys, but the two leads were a different story. Woody and Buzz Lightyear went through several redesigns, along with the addition and removal of multiple human characters. Thankfully, Disney brought Joss Whedon onboard as a co-writer after reviewing the initial drafts. Now best known for directing and writing Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Firefly (2002) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), Toy Story was his first hit for which Whedon shared an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Because 3D computer animation was so new, even the lead actors didn’t know what the film would look like. Tom Hanks, who voiced Woody, said: “The shading and the light and its starting to look crisp and clean it looks surreal and real, it had a really neat 3-D quality to it without that fuzzy eyeball stuff.”

While Tim Allen, who voiced Buzz Lightyear, said: “When I first saw it I thought, 'I don't know if kids are gonna buy this, adults especially not, it's too high tech, it looks too much like a video game. And they got the second generation, third generation, it started looking slicker and slicker and then they finally finished with a shot of the soldiers going 'one, two, three, let's go!' and they went down the rope, wow! What a view!”

Pixar’s software was key to the animation of Toy Story. From RenderMan to Menv, the latter of which has since been replaced at Pixar by Presto, it took over 400 computer models to make the film. And it was worth every second of development. Toy Story showed the world that – not only was Pixar the new kid on the animation block – but that they also held the key to the future of animated film.

Get Started With Your Video

Inspired to create a unique animated video of your own? Watch the video below to get a better understanding of how Squideo can help promote your business, then get in touch with us to find out more!

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