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fonkeloog · 2 years

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okay so i saw you were rating music taste? (if not feel free to ignore this ask sjdhsh)

Britt's music things (deluxe edition)

Why hello! This is fun, please everyone send me more music things. I love this <3 I tried not to be too harsh, but please know that all of this is said in good fun and I love getting to know people through their music.

That being said, I'm going to put a cut because I'm not as fancy as my friends and couldn't figure out the text in picture thing. So this has become rather long. (Comments were made during the first listen. They may change with time)

Ghostbusters: 4/10

A classic

I like the 80's sound a lot so you really can't go wrong with that in my books.

That being said; this song gets very repetitive very quickly (which is why the rating is so low)

I Love You Like An Alcoholic: 6/10

The start is cute and cozy, but I'm not sure if I like it.

Is this singing or just talking over music? We may never know.

It kind of feels like a musical song? I'm getting whiplash trying to figure out the genre.

I like the woman's voice!

Catchy in a funky way

Tom's Diner: 6.5/10

Really need to be in a certain mood to listen to this one, but it's in several of my playlists.

The voices are really nice. I like the raspy sound

The 'dududu' part is too long and makes me skip it a lot of the time.

Sunflower: 3/10

Oh no. I can appreciate some sound effects, but this is giving me shivers in a bad way. Don't like the start of this at all.

The chorus is a bit better. I think if the beginning was without the effects I'd like it a lot more

I may have to relisten to this before I like it?

Choking On Flowers: 2/10 (8/10 for the insomnia playlist tho)

Another slow one? Oh, correction, an extremely slow one.

That's it. I'm gonna call an intervention cause this is putting me to sleep (might listen to this tonight in hopes of beating insomnia).

It's too slow. And coming from me, who has a playlist over 8hrs long with slow songs, that says a lot.

Get It On: 6.8/10

Oh! This is more like it.

Still a bit slow for what I'd currently listen to, but I definitely like this.

It builds so nice, but I keep waiting for that one part that makes you go "heck yes!" But it doesn't happen :(

Should I Stay or Should I Go: 9/10

The Clash! My beloved!!

This! More of this!

I need a bit more guitars, and just a bit louder, but yes. This is what I love today. (I'm currently in a rock era? My pop/top40 loving self is very confused)

Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love: 7/10

Van Halen! Now you've got it.

He has better songs tbh. This is pretty soft (compared to, let's say Jump!)

I do like it a lot tho!

Broken Crown: 10/10

Mumford & Sons are so underrated, but I kind of want to gatekeep them?

I haven't heard this song before.

I love the folk-rock sound so much, can't go wrong with that tbh.

I love how they strip the sound and then come back with the instruments during/after the bridge. (That's a "heck yes!" Moment)

"I can take the road and I can fuck it all away // but in this twilight, our choices seal our fate." Love love love this line

Take On Me: 6.4/10

This is a classic and I will never not miss a chance to sing this during karaoke.

It's in my 'Old but Gold' playlist, but I often find myself skipping it.

Under Pressure: 7.6/10

Another classic. Queen & Bowie collaborating gave us some really good songs and I'm so glad for that.

It sounds so fun, but the lyrics are actually pretty sad.

Chamber of Reflection: 5.5/10

It sounds like something a friend of mine would listen to while smoking a joint.

It's not bad, but I wouldn't listen to this on my own.

The ending is so slooowww

Cigarettes Out The Window: 4/10

This tickles my brain, but not in a nice way.

This may be a 'wetleg' situation. Which means I hate it now, but will love it in a couple of weeks. So it gets an extra point for that.

Fahrradsattel: 6.9/10

This intro is... interesting? (Are those WHIP SOUNDS?!)

I have little to no clue as to what he's saying, but he want to be something?

Okay I translated the lyrics. I have questions

Guitar Solo: 9/10

Look. I love guitars. You had me at the title alone.

Puttin' on the Ritz: 5/10

This has become a tiktok song

I kind of like it, but I'm taking a point away because tiktok ruined it.

Very catchy

#britt's music things #but provided by queerdeadwizards #that tag is now my new favourite #britt's music things (deluxe edition)

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keewriting · 3 years

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Cove x MC - One Shot #3 (request)

[Read on google docs to insert your MC's name]

SPOILER WARNING: Don't read if you haven't finished Step 3!

Your insides bubbled with excitement as the car neared the cabin nestled deeply in the forest. The fresh blanket of snow was nearly blinding in the bright morning sun. You looked over to your driver, Cove, who wore a focused scowl.

Cove: We made it. I can’t believe we made it.

Y/N: Isn’t it gorgeous? There is so much SNOW.

Cove smiled at you with apprehension. This trip was a special one for many reasons. You were both freshly 19, so it was your first holiday together as independent adults. On that note, it was also your first holiday away from your families. You felt more down about that than Cove did. His main gripe was the snow, and it was unmistakable in his expression. Cove parked the car in the designated snowless space. You both stepped out, Cove with a little less enthusiasm than you did.

Cove: Snow, snow, and more snow.

The cabin was glowing and decked out in beautiful Christmas decorations. An intermingling of garland and lights hung across the roof. More garland and Christmas baubles framed the frosted windows. Oversized candy canes lined the pathway up to the porch. The wreath on the front door was massive. It hung proudly with a cute snowman proclaiming “Let it Snow!”

Cove: The owners didn’t hold back out here. It’s impressive.

Mesmerized, you could only nod. The online advertisement described the cabin as a pre-decorated Christmas escape. The images you showed Cove online were spectacular, but they did not do justice to the real thing.

Not wanting to stand outside any longer, Cove moved to the trunk and began unloading the luggage. Cove first extracted a suitcase that he claimed was not filled entirely with gifts for you. Your gift for Cove lived safely in your own suitcase, already wrapped and ready to go. He then removed both of your clothing-packed suitcases. You were proud of your ability to convince Cove to bring winter-appropriate clothing to this trip.

You helped Cove drag the luggage to the front door. The host messaged you the entrance code before your arrival. You punched it into the keypad which stood in place of a normal keyhole. 1-2-2-5. Clever.

You paused for dramatic effect, then slowly opened the door to reveal the inside. It looked like a Christmas bomb went off, in the best way possible. You squealed and bounded inside first, leaving Cove to the luggage.

The cabin was small and cozy. The kitchen and living area were open to each other. There was no bedroom, only a pull-out couch that sat comfortably in front of a fireplace. The only other doors in the cabin were for the bathroom and a storage closet.

The Christmas tree drew in your eyes first. You stepped closer to inspect it and inhale the sweet evergreen scent. The tree skirt was wide and inviting to colorful wrapped boxes. Cranberry and popcorn strands wrapped the tree from bottom to top. An assortment of ornaments littered the branches. You peered into one of the big red baubles and smiled at your distorted reflection. Finally, you tilted your head upwards to take in the tree topper— a stunning golden star.

You spun around excitedly to appreciate the rest of the decorations. There wasn’t a corner or window without winter greenery. Festive cushions sat on either side of the couch. Stockings hung by the chimney with care. A miniature village of joyful folk lived on a console table by the entrance. You turned to face Cove, who had just finished lugging everything inside by himself. He shut the door and smiled at you, happy that you were already having a magical time.

Y/N: I’m sorry, Cove. I got a little carried away with—

You halted your own sentence. Your gaze drew upward to the ceiling above Cove. A mistletoe hung delicately in the doorway. Cove followed your sight, twisting his head for a better view. You strode towards him before he could speak. You stared at him intently and wiggled one of your eyebrows. He met your gaze again, already blushing intensely.

Cove: It’s one of those...

His sentence trailed off as you stepped even closer and hushed him.

Y/N: Just kiss me, you big, beautiful dumbass.

Cove gulped hard. He gently took your face in his cold hands. You hoped the heat from your blushing face would warm them. He bent towards you as you stood on your toes to meet the kiss. Your lips danced together sweetly. You parted after a moment and stared into each other's eyes. Cove’s ocean blue eyes glistened and crinkled with the wide smile that spread across his face. You dove into a hug, wrapping your arms around his tall frame. He returned the hug enthusiastically.

Cove: Let’s get everything unpacked and unwind. I need to get that fireplace lit as soon as possible.

You agreed and helped Cove locate a suitable location for the luggage. He paused with his gift-laden suitcase in hand. Face lost in thought, Cove's grip tightened on the suitcase.

Y/N: Everything okay, Cove?

Cove: Today is Christmas Eve.

Y/N: That it is.

Cove: Presents go under the tree on Christmas Eve.

You chuckled at his observations, but allowed him to continue speaking. He brushed it off casually.

Cove: I want this to be special, Y/N. If I put the gifts under the tree now you’ll see them and start wondering what’s inside.

The concern in his tone was apparent. It was just like Cove to worry so deeply about something most people wouldn’t think about. You pondered for a moment.

Y/N: Wait for me to fall asleep tonight, then sneak them under the tree like the real Santa Claus.

Cove laughed at the implication of a “real” Santa Claus. You were glad to see his mood lighten. He hesitated, then set the suitcase behind the others, careful to conceal it. Perhaps in an attempt to block you from using your x-ray vision to see through the luggage. You thought it was ridiculous, but in the sweetest way. Satisfied with the arrangement, Cove slapped his hands against his legs.

Cove: Well, now what? What Christmas activities does Y/N have planned today?

Y/N: Let me just pull out my Christmas to-do list.

You spoke sarcastically with a twinkle in your eyes. Cove rolled his eyes lightheartedly and wandered to the fireplace. While he fiddled with it you sank heavily into the couch. With an enthused “Aha!” from Cove, the fireplace roared to life. It crackled pleasantly.

Cove turned around to smile at you sweetly. He patted the ground next to him. You got up and settled in next to Cove. He wrapped his arm around you and drew you in closer. You immediately appreciated the warmth from both Cove and the fireplace. You leaned on his shoulder.

You spent the rest of the morning watching Christmas movies and munching on candy canes. For lunch, you and Cove made macaroni and cheese. You both welcomed the gooey warmth of the meal.

Imbued with energy from lunch, you leapt from your seat and proclaimed.

Y/N: We have to go outside and enjoy the snow before the sun goes down.

Cove made a sour face and spoke quietly without looking up from his now empty bowl.

Cove: Enjoy, yeah…

You sighed and clenched your jaw, restraining yourself. You knew Cove would be difficult regarding the snow, but hoped the special occasion would nudge him along.

Y/N: Fine. I’ll go outside myself.

Cove’s head immediately snapped up and he stared at you with wide, pleading eyes. He didn’t expect you to so easily give up on convincing him. You maintained an unimpressed expression while he spoke.

Cove: No, Y/N. I’ll come with you. You know I love spending time with you no matter what.

Your expression cracked with a hint of a smile, but you regained control.

Y/N: You’re going to hate it. Don’t bother.

You weren’t sure why you were being so stubborn with this. Cove was willing to compromise, but you still felt annoyed that his initial reaction put a damper on your mood. You shut your eyes tightly, now irritated by your own childishness.

Cove stood up and firmly gripped your shoulders. He waited for you to look at him. You met his gaze and stuck out your bottom lip in a small pout.

Cove: Let’s go build a snowman. It’ll be like building a sandcastle.

You sighed, but couldn’t resist his comforting voice and adoring eyes.

Y/N: I’m going to have to bundle you in layers. Gloves, a hat, maybe even a scarf.

Cove cringed at each word that escaped your lips. He nodded anyway. You both put on more winter gear in preparation for the snow activities. You held open the door for Cove, who hesitantly stepped outside.

Cove: This is way worse than the ice skating rink.

Y/N: You don’t say?

You loved teasing Cove for his blunt and often obvious statements, but he knew you adored him for it. He scoffed and stuck his tongue out at you.

Y/N: Careful with that, might get stuck on a pole.

Cove retreated his tongue and blushed lightly. You gently poked his tummy then grabbed his hand to lead him into the snow. You chose a wide open space away from the cabin for your snowman’s home. You started shoveling snow into a pile. Cove stood reluctantly nearby. You didn’t want to push him, but hoped he would join in the building.

To your surprise, it was only a moment before Cove dug his gloved hands into the snow. He smiled at you shakily while adding to your growing pile of snow. You went back and forth between adding snow and rounding the pile into a snowman base. Cove’s big hands proved useful in this endeavor. With the base done, you moved onto the head.

Y/N: We have to make the head smaller than the body.

Cove: How small? Do you want to give him a shrunken head?

You cackled at the thought, but shook your head.

Y/N: I think he deserves a normal sized head.

Between the two of you, the snowman’s head slowly grew. You stepped back to assess the size.

Y/N: I think that’s perfect. What do you think, Cove?

Cove stepped back as well and tilted his head. He spoke matter-of-factly.

Cove: Looks like a snowman.

Y/N: Not yet, he needs a face and arms.

You scoured the ground around you for twigs, leaves, and rocks. Cove did the same.

Cove: If only we had seashells. That would bring it all together.

With your findings combined, you got to work on designing the snowman. His face came together in a wide smile made of various pebbles. Leaves stuck to the top of his head represented the hair. Two sticks on either side of his body became the arms. Cove found several small pinecones to pin on his front like an array of buttons. Finally, the nose. You didn’t have a carrot on hand, so you opted for another one of Cove’s pointier pinecones.

Once again, you stepped back with Cove to admire your work. You wrapped your arm around him in a side hug, he returned the gesture with an arm around your shoulder.

Y/N: He’s beautiful.

You pretended to dramatically wipe a tear from your eye.

Cove: We should name him.

You agreed, and began to ponder names that would fit the snowman. After much deliberation, you settled on Sandy, as a memento of the inspiration for his existence.

Y/N: Sandy the Snowman, it really is perfect.

Cove: Next time we’re at the beach we should build a sandman and name him Snowy.

Cove waggled his eyebrows at you, hoping for a reaction to his hilarious joke. You couldn’t contain the grin that emerged from within. You were suddenly overcome by a wave of affection for Cove. His dorky jokes, the way he looked at you, his willingness to put his own comfort aside for your sake. You wanted nothing more than to push him down into the snow and ravage him. Knowing better, you instead decided to grab his hand again and lead him back indoors.

Cove followed with a small gasp at your sudden insistence. Once inside, you leaned Cove against the door and pressed your lips into his. You were desperate for his warmth. He returned the kiss passionately, running his fingers through your hair. You broke away from Cove, satisfied with your second mistle-toe kiss. Cove stood bewildered, disappointed by losing the warmth of your lips. You winked at him, never tiring of teasing your flustered fiancé.

You spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other’s company. You played board games, sang Christmas songs, and drank hot chocolate. As the evening emerged, a light snowfall began outside. You gazed out the window, hypnotized by the dancing snowflakes. Your eyes began to droop, and you felt the weight of the day pulling you down. You yawned and turned to Cove, who was already turning the couch into a bed. He must have sensed your weariness.

Cove threw some blankets and pillows into the bed and you dove right into the inviting warmth. He joined you and extended his arm to make his chest available to your sleepy head. You nuzzled in and closed your eyes, ready to drift away…

You stirred awake at the feeling of the mattress shifting. Your eyes fluttered open and tried to adjust to the darkness. Cove was climbing back into bed. It was completely dark outside, you judged it must have been a few hours after you fell asleep. Still half asleep, you muttered quietly to Cove.

Y/N: Santa, baby…

You couldn’t see his expression through the darkness, instead you heard a small chuckle. You held your arms out limply, hoping for a Cove cuddle. He took you in his arms and kissed the top of your head. You continued feebly, in a sleepy sing-song voice.

Y/N: So hurry down the chimney tonight…

Cove chuckled again and stroked your cheek gently.

Cove: I love you so much.

That was the last thing you heard before falling back into a deep slumber. Several hours later, the morning sun woke you. Cove was sleeping peacefully next to you, likely exhausted from playing Santa Claus last night. You turned over and rested your body on his chest. You peppered his face in tiny kisses until he awoke. His eyes eased open, a smile already growing across his face.

Y/N: Merry Christmas, Cove.

Cove: Merry Christmas, Y/N.

Unable to contain your excitement, you leapt out of bed, leaving Cove to fully wake himself up. You ran to your suitcase and recovered the small wrapped gift you got for Cove. You decided to place it beneath the already populated tree. Your jaw dropped seeing how many gifts Cove got you. You placed the gift down carefully and went to check on Cove.

Y/N: Please tell me you’re ready to open gifts.

Cove: I’m ready, but you have to open yours first.

You didn’t argue, you wanted to save your gift to Cove for last anyway. He joined you by the tree and sat cross-legged across from you.

Y/N: Where should I start? Is there any order to this madness?

Cove thought for a moment, then pulled out one of the presents. Shiny reindeer-imprinted paper covered the box. He held it out to you.

Cove: Definitely start with this one.

Impressed that he seemed to remember what was in each box, you took the gift with a smile. You tore open the paper and uncovered the joy within: an adorable stuffed dolphin. Your eyes lit up as you hugged the little guy. You thanked Cove, who immediately bestowed you with another carefully selected box. You giggled and repeated the process. The rest of the boxes contained: a book from your favorite series, tickets to an upcoming play, rare foreign candy, colorful seashells, and a beautiful ocean-themed puzzle.

You felt overwhelmed by the thought that Cove put into each gift. You struggled to find words besides “thank you.” However, Cove wasn’t done. He handed you a final box.

Cove: One more.

You unwrapped this one carefully, a mix of anticipation and nerves stirring within. Inside was a small album titled “Our Life.” You carefully lifted it out of the box and flipped through the pages. Each page was designed to represent a point in your lives together, from childhood all the way to this past summer. There were pictures, funny quotes, tickets from various events, and doodles. Cove even included the piece of paper from your infamous hang-man game.

You were already tearing up before you noticed a smaller box within the original box. With shaking hands and a pounding heart, you opened it.

Inside the box was a simple ring with an engraved wave design. You couldn’t stop the waterfall of tears that erupted from your eyes. Your emotions surged and your mind was spinning. Without speaking, you grabbed the present you put under the tree and offered it to Cove. He was visibly confused, even a bit concerned.

Cove: Y/N, is everything okay?

You spoke through tears.

Y/N: Just open it.

Cove silently complied. His fingers carefully removed the red and white pinstriped paper. He looked at you nervously before looking into the box. His eyes widened and glistened.

Cove: A ring…

You laughed shakily and scooted closer to Cove, still holding your own small box. He looked up at you, tears streaming down his red cheeks.

Y/N: We’re already engaged, but still got rings for each other. And look at how emotional we are about it!

Cove: I thought it would be nice to make it official with a real engagement ring.

You nodded in agreement, pleased that you were both on the same page.

Y/N: Let’s put them on each other.

You exchanged rings with Cove. He held your still shaking hand and carefully slipped the ring onto your finger. You did the same, relieved that the ring was a perfect fit on his finger.

You let out a massive sigh, it felt as if you had been holding your breath for ages. Cove was admiring the ring on his finger, his ocean eyes still glimmering with tears.

Cove: It feels as magical as it did the first time on the poppy hill.

You looked at him adoringly, unable to contain the crashing ocean of love you felt inside.

Y/N: Thank you, Cove. For putting in so much effort for me. All the time. But especially this Christmas. I know holidays aren’t your thing, especially not winter ones…

Rambling nervously, you felt like Cove in that moment. He invited you to sit on his lap with a simple pat. You settled in and waited. He cradled you close and spoke quietly but confidently.

Cove: You are my thing. You’re the best gift I could ask for. You make braving holidays and snow worth it. I can’t imagine how this day could get any better.

Cove was right. The morning was still fresh, and you were already swimming in bliss. You sniffled, feeling lucky to have him and looking forward to living your life with the man you love. Christmas Day would hold a special place in your hearts for the rest of your lives.

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marshmallowprotection · 3 years

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Kait’s Emotional Crisis and Analysis on Saeran’s After Ending

That’s right. it’s here folks! You’re here because we’ve managed to survive the waiting period that has been two-years in the making. Are we all happy that we have made it this far and survived the wait? Yes, yes, we are. You wouldn’t still be listening to me babble about how much I love Saeran Choi if you weren’t. We all know what we’re here for, so let’s get down to business.

THIS IS A VERY LONG POST. I’m not even joking this time. It’s a very long post.

Spoilers for Ray Route and Another Story!

I’ve been having to control the flappy hands when I see this photo so forgive me if my thoughts are all over the place as I talk about everything that has been on my mind. I literally had to pinch myself when I woke up to a flood of messages on the matter.

It’s him. It’s my boy. It’s my boy. It’s my boy! Mom, holy fuck! It’s my boy and he looks great. I’ve had a lot on my mind since I first saw the title screen so let’s get down to what I have to say about that. First of all, I’m in love with MC’s outfit. I’d wear that, that’s the fucking mood tonight. I’ve been frothing at the bit to be able to draw my MC wearing this outfit and I didn’t even wanna start doing something like that until they gave the official release to us.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for really frilly tops. Those pink jeans are a really nice shade of pink too. It’s not hot pink, it’s a nice bubblegum which is a good contrast to Saeran’s hair, haha! I just like seeing all the pinks around this boy and his MC, of course, has to be cloaked in those colors as well. It just makes me really happy. I love some of the other outfits that MC gets to wear in the game but oh, God, oh, Fuck. This has to be my favorite outfit that we’ve been able to wear thus far.

The little necktie? Perfect. Those sleeves? Iconic. The hand-holding? PURE AS FUCK. THE VIBES? CHECKED.

Now that I’ve covered my bases with MC, let’s go onto the Choi brothers and talk about them. I actually like that they’ve been drawing Saeran in more brown and pink outfits. It just feels very right for him.

It goes to show that his mental state is much better than it was in recent years, like, from Ray to Suit Saeran and to Unknown, we all know that they would dress in black and darker themes if they were given the chance. Ray’s outfit was given to him by Rika to wear, and Suit Saeran was the one that picked his suit out to wear. Unknown walked out of the clearance bin at Hot Topic and added those cowboy boots to enrage me. But, I digress. I’ll fight Unknown at a later date about that.

The natural and earthy tones that they’re going for here with him are very nice to see. He seems like he’s a lot comfier with himself here. He’s got a cozy little old sweater on and his posture is better than I’ve seen it in many photos. If his style is just cozy sweaters, then, well, I can vibe with that. I can see him working in the garden wearing that and I think that’s the point that they’re making with this style of his.

The loose collar is also nice. I’m used to seeing his clothes buttoned up and out of the way, making sure that he isn’t showing his body. So, seeing him play with his style and wearing something much looser against his body is a good thing as well. I think I saw someone call him a comfy grandpa in one of the posts that I’ve seen floating around. I chuckle at that mention.

Saeran doesn’t care that much about fashion, to be honest with you. He would, of course, choose something that’s minimalist and comfortable. These browns work with him very much so. I’m happy to see it! It’s in line with the style that I’ve had in mind for him after the Ending!

Can you see the way that he’s gazing at the player, though? Can we talk about the way that he’s looking at us?

The longing in that gaze... the way that it looks like he’s been getting some good sleep for once in his life because the discoloration of purple is gone! The way he has that tiny smile that only we know is a smile because he only shares that side of himself with us? His MC? God, I’m in love with you, you fucking bastard man why is your smile making me cry so much?

I could talk about his smile for hours. His expression. The longing. The way that I love you cannot be contained in words, Saeran. It’s far too strong. Just know I’m the person that can feel what’s going on his body from looking at him. He looks to be in a good place.

Anyways, onto Saeyoung.

Oh, my darling, Saeyoung. I’m used to seeing you in green palettes. It’s just a tried and true theory with your red hair and you lean heavily into being a walking Christmas palette. It’s rare to see you without your glasses, and I’m sure that a lot of people are swooning over you for that. You know you’re handsome and you will use that against those MCs that love you. I don’t have a lot to say about his outfit but I do think it’s really fitting for him.

It seems like a muted pull-over and some worn jeans, which seems in line with everything that I would style him in. He knows plenty about style himself and he knows how to make my head spin.

What is this somber look in his eyes? There’s a smile on his lips but there is this feeling to me that it doesn’t meet his eyes. Is he happy that we’re with Saeran or is he weighed by the fact that he wasn’t the one to save Saeran? Does he know what happens with Rika? Does he feel angry over that? What are we going to tell the RFA and him about this? I know that he would be happy that we saved his brother...

But the guilt in his heart is nothing to scoff off. He always blames himself for what happened to Saeran even though Rika is the one that broke his trust for good and forever. I feel like there’s something bittersweet in his eyes. Does he think that Saeran and the player are going to live happily while he’s not there?

I always intended to imagine Saeyoung living with Saeran and the player, because they can’t be separated again.

But does he feel like a weight and a third wheel? I don’t know. I’m scared to think about how he may feel like Saeran is happy now without him and he’ll try to pull away instead of adding anymore trauma onto Saeran’s life. I know that it’s not going to easy for recovery for either of them, but I want to have faith and care for the two of them.

Saeyoung, you better not self-deprecate. I’ll smooch your forehead too. I just really don’t know how I feel about that look in his eyes. It’s just matching the smile in my opinion.

I’m still screaming. I’ve been a pit of screaming for nearly three hours now and I know that I’ve still got plenty more to say today on the matter. But, I know why you’re here for real, you want me to analyze what I see in this picture and what I think will be in the AE from what we’re shown. I’ve had a few days to think it over and I’ve got my ideas.

Where are you Saeyoung? This title screen is not confirmation that Saeyoung is alive. For all we know, this photo could be more inspiration for the theme and the emotion that takes place in the After Ending.

I have to remind people that when we first played Saeyoung’s AE, it was a rouse and we were treated to a happy dream sequence that sought to talk about Saeran living with us and Saeyoung as he made a toy store. There’s a possibility that in the midst of the search for Saeyoung, we’re confronted with dreams and nightmares on Saeran’s end in regards to his brother.

It’s my biggest fear that Saeyoung isn’t alive. We don’t know if the Prime Minister took him or if an enemy took him, or if it was the agency, or a combination of all three of these options. I don’t know how I feel about it. I’ve considered that we won’t have the answer until the After Ending itself comes out but I’m interested to know what the answer is.

If it was Saejoong, well, I fear for Saeyoung’s health if we do find him alive. His emotional state... God, that was always his biggest fear. His and Saeran’s biggest fear that their mother always whispered. She was a monster to the two of them with her abuse but the unknown of what their father would do to them had to be even more frightening. Their mother always said that Saejoong would kill them if he caught them.

But, he could have honestly done a lot of horrible and twisted things. They could have become political pawns and a sob story that Saejoong could have sold if he wanted quite easily, and their mother could have been killed to silence that story. There was a lot of worse case scenarios. Saeyoung knows and has thought of all of them.

So the idea that he’s living his worst nightmare?

The fact that Saejoong could have killed Saeran without him being able to protect him?

The fact that he’d not be able to talk to V?

He sent a frenzied message to the chatroom for us to contact V for him. This only implies that he was trying to warn V to protect Saeran at the last minute, so it feels like it could only be Saejoong that took him. He panicked hard. He had to make sure that Saeran was protected even if he died. I think that was what he did with his message in the chatroom.

But, we all know how it turned out.

I felt like that sacrifice of panic on his part was.... it still hurts me to think about all of it.

My worst case scenario is a dream sequence and Saeyoung not... not being alive anymore. I don’t know what that would do to Saeran. He wants to make things right with his brother, he really does. The gaslighting and manipulation done by Rika is going to take some time for them to work past, and I know that he can make progress in therapy and as he challenge his intrusive thoughts as we stand by his side. He can see it through.

He is hopeful for his brother.

However, it’s going to be tested when he actually faces his brother in the game and that’s the real test. Therapy is one thing. Facing your fears is even harder than talking about them. Saeran is going to... be overwhelmed with everything and he may need to step away when push comes to shove.

I want Saeyoung to see us together holding hands and let him have that moment realization that even though Saeran went through a lot of harm while they were separated, he wasn’t alone through all of it. He never wanted Saeran to be alone in any way. If Saeran has to step away, then well, that would leave us with his brother in the process.

I can’t say how much I’d choke up if he thanked us for loving his brother. The guilt in his eyes as he cries and we reassure him. I think that’s one thing that I want the most with Saeyoung. I want him to know freedom from his chains and I want to help him too. There’s a lot that I want out of that and there’s so much of this potential that we can talk about in the AE.

There’s a lot with Saeyoung that I want to think about but so much of it makes me wanna cry.

I also fear for V and I’ve discussed many of my fears on that matter. I’ll repost my thoughts right here.

Now, in regards to what I sincerely don’t want is a repeat of what went down with V’s After Ending.

I’ve shared my feelings on that matter before and I understand that Cheritz was going for that moral high-road that many people take where they say that it’s better to forgive on your path to healing, and while that can be good for some people, it can leave a sour taste in the mouth of people who don’t pick to forgive the people that hurt them.

I don’t choose to forgive the people that hurt me in many cases. That doesn’t make me a bad person. The problem with the Forgive/Judgement ending is that it can make you feel ashamed for not forgiving someone who quite literally, took funds from the RFA’s first two parties (that’s the only way she could’ve gotten the money to fund Mint Eye, even coercion and manipulation of people on the level that Rika does wouldn’t give her that much ability), manipulated and gas-lit Ray and Saeran for years, deceived and drugged countless people, so on and so forth.

I hate that she’s never punished for her actions. She needs to be rightfully punished for what she did. I want her to get therapy, and I want her to learn that she was wrong for what she did to everyone. I want her to be able to get better for her own health, and I don’t think she should ever be contact with anyone in the RFA ever again. But, that’s up to the RFA if they choose to speak with her or interact with her, not mine. I don’t want her to die, I want her to learn what she did was wrong.

It’s not Mika (Rika Behind Story Spoilers) who went through the cult. Rika had every chance to stop while she was ahead but she kept doing it. I would not forgive Rika, and I would never want to be around her ever again if I were in the position of the RFA when the truth is made known.

The only action that Rika ever took that could be looked at with the filter of self-defense was when she panicked when the boy’s mother tried to get close to her and harm her in a drunken rage. She acted to protect herself in that situation, but that’s the only thing that she’s ever done that someone could look at and say, she was protecting herself. She felt threatened. She panicked, she blacked out and protected herself from harm.

Don’t get me started on V. I love V, he’s not perfect, he fucked up a lot and he shouldn’t have gone back to Rika. It feels like he saw us love, forgive, and stand by Saeran and thought that he could be able to do the same for Rika, but that is not what will help him or Rika. They don’t need to be together again. They need to be fair away. Rika and V literally burned down the boy’s childhood home and V was wearing his sunglasses, so I can only presume that Rika harmed his eyes after he went to her.

Saeran himself says that he wants to tell everyone about Rika and V, but he needs to be able to discuss it with V. Even Saeran understands that V is a victim to some degree and he wants to help him.

That was a big fucking comment on his part and I was proud of him for that.

But, V left for Rika and we don’t know if we’ll ever see him again. So, I really don’t know how that’s going to be handled in the slightest, Anon.

I don’t want Rika and V together, like, ever again.

I want Rika to be punished for her actions and caught. I want V to get away from her and start to learn to love himself again and grow. I believe in him but he’s in need of someone to cheer him on when that abusive relationship ends. I really don’t want a repeat of V’s After Ending.

Don’t make me forgive Rika.

Don’t make Saeran forgive her, either.

That’s my worst case scenario fear. I want Saeran to be able to grow and get healthier, for sure, but his final confrontation with Rika should be the last time that he ever thinks about her. He made his mind up and he made it clear that she was wrong and he would never be tricked by her again.

I want him to stand his ground on that. I’ll stand by him no matter what he chooses to do, though. So, I want this to be about Saeran and Saeyoung coming together again, and helping V get out of that relationship with Rika, as well as Rika facing punishment for her actions.

But, that might be asking a bit too much, haha.

Ideally, I want Saeran and the player to be able to reach out to V and help him get away from Rika as she’s taken down as well. We don’t know if she left Mint Eye for sure, we don’t know if she and V ran away. Who is running the Cult? Is the cult put to a stop or did Rika put somebody else in charge? It’s hard to say on that front and I’m still not sure how that’s going to end up.

V can open up and work out everything that’s going to fall out here as it did in the events of V Route with Rika. He’ll need to work out everything with Jumin and the others, but I have hope for him to be able to face what went wrong and not only get the help he needs, but get the support of his support circle behind his back as everyone rallies behind him.

I would love he and Saeran to be able to work out everything, Saeyoung as well, because even Saeran is willing to work with Jihyun. Rika to get some therapy, get punished for her actions and that to be dealt with is great. It never happens so. That would be a nice change.

Saeran knows that V is a victim in all of this too. So, it remains to be seen how this is going to be handled. I can only pray that Jihyun is able to be rescued as we rescue Saeyoung (hopefully, fingers crossed.) I’m still so proud of Saeran for doing that.

God.

I’ve talked about Choice and Saeran before in regards to the Secret Ending and his Good ending and... well, I’ll direct you to that post. To read about how important it was for Saeran to be able to choose what he wanted to do with his life instead of having options forced on him.

Can we discuss this photo as well from the Special Believer Box that I’m nearly about to buy at this point with whatever comes out with AE cause I need it?? I’m gonna go fucking broke. For you. Saeran. For you. I was saving my money for Christmas and now I’ve got a reason to live.

I still don’t know if this is the implication of what will happen in the AE or if it’s something that will just exist as a standalone image. I still don’t know why Saeran would be dresses as his brother for some reason, unless there’s a twin switch-a-roo plot somewhere in all of this? I mean, bold choice, but I don’t know. I just think I needed to say again how cute that I think Saeran is in Saeyoung’s outfit. He’s so tiny and slender in comparison to his brother.

I’m gonna fucking smooch his forehead. I don’t know, I want the CG title screen and this photo here to imply that the Choi boys will be alive and happy together once all is said and done. I can’t say that I know where we’re heading but there is bound to be an adventure to hunt down Saeyoung, but I’m not sure where it will take us.

A wild-goose chase alongside whatever mystery is left. I can’t wait.

My ideal ending is one where we get to live in a little house by the sea with a garden with Saeran and Saeyoung where we can visit and chat with the RFA whenever we want. But, we’ll have to see what happens. If you want to read more about some of the things that I think he wants to do with his MC now that he’s free check out this post.

Anyways.

Kait’s gotta go cry now.

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crimsonfluidessence · 3 years

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Prompt 25: Silver Lining

Just another day, like any other. Esredes was on his walk to work, and in a particular mood. His mind was wandering once more as he passed the Vault, to fantasies that faded far beyond reality. Imagine if the Warrior hadn't interfered until Nidhogg reared his ugly head. Imagine if Ysayle had killed the Archbishop, before he could take on his own transformation, and the two of them had dealt with Nidhogg. Esredes hadn't trusted Ishgard's people enough, perhaps even less than Ysayle herself. He was fully mentally prepared for having to subjugate Ishgard to get it to listen to them. But perhaps, as things had turned out, not nearly as many would have needed subjugation. Perhaps he wouldn't need to help manage a fragile, in chaos city-state that had been taken over, especially when so many of his own had nothing even close to management skills, perhaps a proper parley would've been possible. And yet, Esredes pulled himself back to reality and reminded himself, that was never quite the case. Peace had been agreed to, and that was it. Himself and all of his were only here on Ishgard's terms or else, and the rest simply had to be dealt with. Still he went through his days in anticipation of being fired for shining progressives who repeated his ideologies on Ishgard's side, or of his house burning down when he got home. Ah, what would life have been like if he wasn't a failure who couldn't match up to idiotic children with goddess powers? It was a question he asked himself here and there, swirling around with all the others, and in his head, timelines began to split off, mirrors into other worlds for him to glance into. In one, he saw himself back with his family in Thanalan. He lived under a new identity and kept quiet and to himself, always afraid of the Ishgardian government finding him out. He worked a simple job that had him feeling nothing, and though he hoped to earn his parents' forgiveness through it, things didn't really change. Esredes looked away from the mirror and towards the approaching door to his office, and opened it and went inside. He greeted the receptionist as always, then greeted Heilyn and Ferrant, quipped with Heilyn about the fact he would never brush his damn hair properly and it looked like ass or something stupid like that. Work went steady today- Esredes cozied himself up with a cup of white tea and busied himself writing some in depth notes on Dragon Blood observations to use as a reference. With how many people he had encountered here and there who would do any amount of dubious things to obtain such information, the casual scrawl on the paper gave no indication of awareness of this. Just another day, just another paper amongst many, cloaked in the tranquility of absurdity. Another mirror opened in Esredes' head as he worked. In this one, Esredes had gone through with one of his fleeting ideas and fled to the Far East when Ishgard rejoined the Alliance, and oh my, was he lost. Completely out of his depth, he had to fight off multiple people trying to mug him in Kugane until someone watched his latest skirmish and approached him. "You're good with a sword," the man said as Esredes shrunk back and kept his hand wrapped around its handle. "How would you like an opportunity to put it to the test?" And so Esredes watched himself hesitantly agree after sixty and a half questions to work for a Kugane lord as a bodyguard. It was a place to stay and decent pay, to stand around and observe everyone like a hawk. He got to know some people around the home and the streets of Kugane who looked upon him with respect, yet caught himself glancing over the sea even on a good day and remembering everything he left completely behind. Esredes got up to refill his tea, and the mirror closed. Soon after, Heilyn called him over to the office across the hall, and surprised him with a sweater- knit entirely by him in that periwinkle blue reminiscent of Shiva. So that he had more than one sweater, Heilyn said. Esredes smiled and thanked the man back, giving him a soft hug of gratitude. Ferrant was also his usual cheerful self today, asking after if Esredes was feeling all right and letting him know he appreciated him. All very routine, yet he never tired of it. At lunch hour, he had an appointment of the strangest sort, so he retrieved his coat and exited the building and made his way down to the Firmament. Esredes was in a little bit of hot water recently, having chased down a double agent to his people and getting in trouble after he was arrested for the act of vigilantism- as if that was the worst thing he had done while back in the city. And yet the head Inquisitor on the chase wrote to him and invited him out to lunch with his friend who also got involved with the chase. To know them both as a person, she claimed. He was completely lost as to the motivation, but Esredes could tell she was an Inquisitor who had an actual soul, a normal person's thought process. So he accepted and went on a picnic. She served arancini, an imitation recipe from the Far East. Elouan took most of the conversation as Esredes anticipated, and he didn't have to do much work as he listened to her and her bodyguard talk about how much they want to visit the Far East, and Elouan filled them in on his own travels. What a nice and unexpected little bubble in the veil of absurdity. Another mirror manifested during the picnic, and Esredes saw himself with his knees curled up, sitting on the ground in a pathetically tiny cell, and from the expression on his face alone, clearly having lost his mind. He flinched and ignored the mirror after his initial glance, focusing his attention on Elouan's babbling exclusively. When everything wrapped up and he returned for the second half of work, Esredes made a few discreet calls in his office to the network about arrangements for later. A little outing with an actually human Inquisitor was nice, but the man knew what he was, and there was always work to do. He took a break in the middle to move over to the Blue Room for an appointment. Clover's ward Teagan had begun seeing him in the past couple months, a woman rescued from life in a fighting ring in Ul'dah who was still perpetually trying to learn and adjust to life beyond. They always had good discussions, even after he put her to looking into the water. This time, to teach her about Ishgardian culture, he had ended up going into his own story up until everything fell. "How did you do it? Turn it around, I mean? It must have been hard, pulling yourself out of that... how did you manage?" She asked him after that. Esredes had to pause a moment to think about his answer. "I had to take it a day at a time. The other members of the camp were not unsupportive. They were concerned, they wish they knew what to say or do, but I was completely unreachable. So, for one thing, I'm someone who doesn't believe in meeting your death unless you have to. It's more productive to die so someone else lives than to simply off yourself. So every day, it was get from start to finish. There was a routine. Do your tasks, break for meals, read in your tent, avoid talking to anyone any longer than you had to. Keep doing this, and eventually you would either die, or something would happen that you were waiting for. Just, something to happen. It was all I really had besides keeping in mind my family- what if I missed something happening? Eventually, I realized these people were that, people. Who cared. Who did not want to kill me for being a knight as I thought. And I decided that, while I could've fled to Thanalan and tried to live as a normal person, I wanted to stay and make a difference, even a small one. Help people in my situation to be saved and survive, not perish to Ishgard, even if there was no chance of making a bigger difference by that point. And when Ysayle entered the picture, that changed everything, and the rest is history." "I think I can understand that... I, for one, am glad the sun continued to rise for you...that you were able to find reasons to keep going, ways to help people." She gave a small smile. "I bet you've made plenty of differences with all the folks you've helped along your journey. Cause it's not just the big ones that matter, yeah?""Well, had I not been concerned about the small child who was alone in the woods, we wouldn't be here, so yes. And that's what I enjoy about doing this on the side nowadays- the pleasure of seeing it affect individual people in real time. The way I ended up discussing it with another client, is you have to figure out the way to get out of the room. You're in a room, and you can get out and see what's beyond it, but you're just not ready to yet, you find yourself unable. Once you can manage to get out of the room and see what's beyond it, everything becomes a little easier." Teagan tilted her head at this. "A... room? So... you finding the drive to help others helped you open your 'room'?" "It helped me get out of it, yes. I realized I still had something to do and people cared. People really helped a lot, even though I was pushing them away. Just knowing they wanted me to feel better and believed in me as a person.... after everything else fell through, it was all I had." She nodded and smiled a little. "I'm glad you were able to find the door, and that you had people there to help you find the knob." She paused for a brief moment. "... Thank you for sharing your story with me, Esredes. It's been really eye-opening." And so the session concluded, and soon Esredes was back out into the world. First half of the day was over, and then it was time for the second. There was not a formal meeting happening with his people tonight, but instead a get together of sorts at Vette's more recently acquired mansion she had made into a space for all of them to convene safely. Esredes went to and from everybody, making sure everyone was doing well, holding conversations and watching everyone enjoy themselves with a faint smile on his face. He stepped into the bathroom at one point to do his business, and washed his hands after. He was confused why there was a second bathroom mirror for a moment until it began to show him another reality. Esredes stepped back from the sink and put a hand against the wall to his left, the other going over his heart. Reflected back at him in the mirror was a collection of all the people he knew and loved close together, with himself standing further away on the platform and forced to stare at them. A mass public execution. Esredes rushed out of the bathroom and slammed the door shut, pressing his entire body against the door and breathing in and out, in and out. It's not real. It's not real. "Esredes?" Came a gentle voice, as Vette approached the man. She had most definitely felt the spike in distress from the aetherial bond they shared. She asked about how he was doing and put a soft hand to his cheek. "I'm all right, really." Esredes said. "I just had... an unexpected wave of fear come over me." Vette was always in tune with how he felt. She helped him calm down the rest of the way, and then lead him back to the gathering. The anxiety soon faded, and replaced by it, a warm feeling heated the blood inside him. For the rest of the evening, Esredes continued to engage with his family, waves of laughter and elation surging and falling in with the tide. He only hoped that the droplets of gratitude leaking from his fingertips and voice washed over everyone attending like a cool rain on a summer's day, for as he closed his eyes and let each droplet of noise from their voices and words hit him, everything stood right into place where it belonged.

--- @thecalmnessandthestorms / @heartofthefury Heilyn, Ferrant, Sartorius (unnamed mention) @eternal-finis Lieuvanne (unnamed mention) @shieldbcund Elouan @punches-and-cream-puffs Teagan @syerraffxiv Vette

#in action #writing #ffxivwrite2021 #heilyn #ferrant #sartorius #lieuvanne #elouan #Olivette #post hw #teagan #screenshots #Ysayle

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bellatrixobsessed1 · 3 years

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From Chin To Yon Rah (Part 25)

The drizzle grows into a hideous storm. Thunder vibrates the framework of the small in.

“We’re lucky that we did all of our trading yesterday.” Min-Ta muses.

“Would have been a hassle in this weather.” Hao-Bai agrees.

Azula keeps to herself, eyes fixed upon the harbor, upon the boats that bob precariously against such aggressively tempestuous waves. And she finds that her mind is wandering again. Wandering to a time when she had insisted that her command held more value than the whims of the tides. In retrospect, she understands why the man was so hesitant to port--steel or wood the waves can tear it to ribbons.

And she finds herself torn between being thankful that she had stayed just a day longer to help the couple and wishing that she were well out into the ocean. The ocean where the waves would pull her under and into darkness. A darkness that is kinder than the sort that she knows. The sort that stirs within her. She thinks that she would rather find herself battered by the waves than by the thoughts in her own mind.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Min-Ta asks as she rubs circles upon her baby bump. “And powerful.”

Azula nods, “storms are...fascinating.”

“You’re a lightningbender, aren’t you?”

She nods.

“You’re a force to reckon with then.” She laughs.

And Azula wishes it were true. Had she been a force to reckon with then she wouldn’t have been reckoned with. She wouldn’t be in this village… “how long do you think it will be before the storm passes?”

The woman shrugs.

“The folks who tend the docks seem to think that it could be a good week before the waters are safe to sail. A seasoned sailor told ‘em that clouds like these mean that it’ll get sunny and then stormy again at the snap of your fingers.”

Azula nods. She supposes that she will have to get used to syrup and the smell of resin. It isn’t such a difficult task; the scents are cozy enough and she is in pleasant company. Comparatively speaking, this inn is akin to her palace. She lays back, rests her hands upon her middle, and closes her eyes. It has been such a long time since she has slept on a real bed. Even if the sheets and pillows are slightly tattered and worn, it is the most comfort she has had in ages.

She lets the relentless batter of the rain lull her to sleep, with any luck, when she wakes, the soreness in her muscles will have alleviated.

.oOo.

There is a duration of sunshine, but she can see concrete clouds on the edge of the horizon. A second onslaught waiting to be unleashed. Despite her apprehensions about the coming storm, she follows Hao-Bai along the gravel path.

“This place is one of my favorites.” He gestures to a ramshackle looking eatery. “It’s where I met Min-Ta.”

Azula furrows her brows, “is this your birth town?”

“Indeed it is. I was here when it was just a handful of small timber houses.”

Azula nods. And how the place must have changed. A few timber houses has become a decently sized village with several inns, restaurants, and shops. She comes to find that the people who live there are a friendly bunch with a sense of community that is hard for her to fathom.

When the storm gives pause they gather at the center of town to exchange stories and meals. To give gifts and make banter. By now she thinks that she should be used to being the only firebender about, and yet she still feels out of place and out of sorts. Everyone here seems to know everyone and she knows no one at all save for Hao-Bai and Min-Ta.

Nobody says it but she can feel it; they don’t want her here. It is her eyes, her golden fiery eyes. There is no place for a firebender in a village like this. She is a match surrounded by firewood and they know it. They regard her like such--with fear based respect.

They offer her meals and lodging not because she is traveling with Hao-Bai and Min-Ta nor because they enjoy the stories she tries to share over meal times but because they regard her as a volatile thing, an explosion waiting to happen and claim everything they adore.

And suddenly she feels as though she hasn’t changed at all. That she is the same woman who left her mark on Omashu and Ba Sing Se. The same woman who swears by and lives for intimidation. They certainly tread around her as though she is.

She knows that it is nothing more than a stereotype, but it stings all the same. Stings when, deep in the back of her mind she doesn’t think that she will ever be rid of who she used to be. Deep in the back of her mind she thinks that she is one more tragedy away from regressing, from letting her heart grow ugly and cruel again. Shielded. Stony.

.oOo.

It is her last night in this village. And it is a gorgeous night. The clouds have finally cleared away. The last roll of thunder had boomed an hour or so ago, she can only see the storm as a series of flashes far off over the open ocean.

And this is where she stays. Alone on the beach, the lively chatter and music feels just as distant as the storm clouds. She props herself up against a decent sized boulder and stares up at the stars. She wonders if the stars can bring her closer to the spirit world, if she could look into them and coax a conversation with her old friends and lovers. With Atsu and Caihong and the child she never got to meet.

She remembers hearing about cosmic energy and its influence on the universe. She wonders if this cosmic energy has arranged itself in a position to specifically antagonize her…

“There you are.” Hao-Bai chuckles. “The wife was getting worried.”

Azula shrugs. “I’m alright.” She isn’t sure if she is lying or not. Sometimes she is alright. Sometimes she is able to put Wujing out of her mind. Sometimes she is able to make herself feel grateful that she had gotten even just a small taste of what it was to have a home and loved ones. Sometimes she is able to shape a new future for herself in her mind.

Tonight isn’t such a night. Tonight she isn’t okay. Tonight she would like nothing more than to run out to the waves and let the tides pull her away…

“Why don’t you join the rest of us?”

“They don’t want me there, Hao-Bai.” She frowns. “They don’t want firebenders around.”

The man is quiet for a while. “You have the wrong impression. They know that you don't mean any harm, that you’re just passing through.” He pauses again. “The people in this village are...kind to a fault. They don’t want to get attached to someone who is just going to leave them. It hurts too much.”

Azula nods, “in other words, they’re an intelligent people.”

Hao-Bai chuckles, “you have a long journey ahead of you, come back and enjoy a meal and good company while you can. I have a surprise for you.”

A long journey. He doesn’t know the half of it. Or maybe he does, maybe she has given him just enough hints for him to know that she has been on a journey for some time now.

She follows him back to the village to the lively music and the tantalizing scents of kebabs and fruit platters. To the everpresent odor of syrup and resin. Min-Ta greets her with a hug and gestures for her to have a seat near the bonfire.

She must admit that she is impressed by the size of it; she hasn’t seen such a hearty and large blaze since the last Fire Nation festival she’d attended.

“We’re just about to begin story swapping.” Speaks a man, an elder who she assumes is the host.

She nods, “why don’t you share a little something before you leave?”

Maybe it is because she knows that she won’t be staying long enough for pitting looks or maybe it is that she needs to alleviate some of the pressure. But she shares the story of Wujing’s collapse. The tale of why she can’t stay in the Earth Kingdom any longer.

She thinks that she has well and killed the mood until Min-Ta confesses that this is her third pregnancy. That she fears for it because she had miscarried the first two. And the liveliness dies away for a swapping of tales each as dismal as the next.

And she understands what Hao-Bai had meant by kind to a fault; it is nothing like the Caldera City and nothing like Wu-Jing. These people cry together. These people laugh together. They hurt and rage together. They love and joke together.

And sometimes they do it all in one night.

Hao-Bai hands her a pipa. “I carved it myself, out of the first tree you helped cut down.” He explains. “Play it when you have something that you can’t express with words or when you need something kind to think about.”

By the spirits she could use something kind to think about. She isn’t practiced by any means, but she plays a song. The only one she has ever heard played on a pipa. These people laugh together, cry together. And they make music together.

In a night they had mourned for one another and by its end there was music and jokes. A sense of lightheartedness.

That night she learned that each little town has its own special flavor.

.oOo.

It is almost mesmerising to watch Azula interact with Caihong. The way she cradles the girl against her chest and strokes at her hair. The way that her light voice softens further still when she assures the child that she is safe now.

He is plenty aware of Atsu, plenty aware that she has probably helped tuck the boy in time and time again but until now those were just words on parchment. Just visuals in his mind like a charming fictional tale.

“You live here?” He hears Caihong ask.

“I live here.” Azula confirms.

She seems to perk up, “yer a palace gardener! Ya didn’t tell me that you was a palace gardener!”

“I’m not…” she trails off. “It’s a hobby, not a job.”

“Then how come you get to live in the palace?”

Azula is quiet for a while. “I’m the princess, Caihong. I’m supposed to live it the palace.”

Caihong tilts her head and then shakes it. “Nope, yer Rikka.”

“My name is actually Azula.”

She shakes her head again. “Nope. Rikka.”

Azula sighs. “I suppose that you can keep calling me Rikka. But other people are going to call me Azula because that’s my name.” She pauses and with a hint of a devious smirk adds, “and you’re going to look ridiculous because no one else here knows that I was ever called Rikka.”

Caihong narrows her eyes, “no, yer ridiculous. And also yer dumb. So there.” She folds her arms and sticks out her tongue. And yet the child makes no attempts to wiggle her way out of Azula’s grasp. In fact she nuzzles herself closer.

To himself, Sokka quirks a brow. Children are strange little beasts. In one breath they hate you and in the next they’re begging for bedtime stories and lullabies. This child has just been rescued from a slave trade and she is being difficult. And somehow, Azula seems to take it better than he would have.

“If you say so, Caihong.”

“Mmhm, I do say so.”

“What do you want for supper, Caihong? Do you want me to try to make turnip stew how your grandfather did?”

“No one makes it like grandpa!” She declares. “But you can make turnip stew, Rikka.”

“Alright, come on then.” She hoists herself to her feet. .oOo.

Her mind is full to bursting and she thinks that the only thing keeping it from doing so is Sokka tagging along next to her. She has too much to think about. Too much at once. Caihong’s face is a gift and a destroyer in one. She is more than grateful to have the child back, a child she cherished as much as Atsu and Juro. But staring at that face is like staring at the past. At everything she has lost and worked hard to put behind her. Staring at that face is cutting open an old scar that has only just begun to heal.

And so, as she stirs the ladle around the pot, her mind goes back to something else. Another thing that disturbs her but not quite as deeply; she had enjoyed it. She had enjoyed bringing the slave trader to his knees. Enjoyed the taste of battle and victory on her tongue.

Perhaps this wouldn’t trouble her so much if she hadn’t been so sure that she had left that side of her behind. But it is still there. It is always there. It will always be there, waiting to emerge.

She swallows hard, she thought she had changed. She thought that she was better. But she is still angry. Angry and ready for war. She can make all the changes she wants but she will always be ruthless at her core.

And now, combing Caihong’s hair and stirring the stew between brushstrokes feels like an imitation. A mockery of motherhood. It feels false, however genuinely she cares for the girl who kicks her small legs at the air.

She scoops a liberal amount of stew into the bowl and sets it before Caihong, “don’t eat too fast, it’s…”

Caihong shoves the spoon right into her mouth.

“Hot.”

“It’s fine.” Caihong insists through watery eyes.

Azula ruffles her hair. “How about you take it a little slower.”

“I can handle it!” She declares. But she doesn’t pick the spoon up again until the steam stops rolling.

“Thanks Rikka!” She declares between spoonful.

Azula forces a smile, while her stomach drops. Agni, she wishes the girl would stop calling her that. It hurts in such a particular way. “Did I make it like Ojihara did?”

“Mmm mmm, nope! Not even close! But yours tastes good too.” She grins.

Apparently the kid is more resilient than she. Or maybe she thinks that her father and grandfather will be coming back too. It is just one more thing for Azula’s mind to do circles around.

“Well, now that you’re all done I think that it’s time for bed.”

.oOo.

It is twice as disorienting to see Azula tucking the child in. To see that soft smile as the girl giggles and laughs, “this bed is huge!”

“And it’s all yours tonight.”

“Where are you going to sleep?” Sokka asks.

“You have room?”

“No!” Caihong shouts. “Rikka’s gonna stay with me! I don’t wanna be alone.” She tugs at Azula’s sleeve.

“I’m giving you this whole big bed and you’re telling me that you want to share. Since when do you like sharing?”

“Since now!”

“Alright. I’ll stay with you.”

The child is beaming again. This time she throws her arms around Azula. The princess smiles and scoops her onto her lap. Quietly, she reaches behind her and finds the badger-mole. She plops it onto Caihong’s lap.

“Bao!” She yells with delight.

Azula nods, “Bao will keep you company while I get ready for bed.” She looks up. “Sokka is here too but Bao is a lot smarter.”

“Hey!”

She brushes her fingers over his hand as she exits. And he wishes that she hadn’t left him. Now the girl is staring at him with those big bright green eyes and all he can do is manage a toothy and awkward smile that coaxes her to say, “you looks stupid. Are all waterbenders weirdos?”

“I-I’m not a weirdo!” He throws his hands up.

“Mmhm, you are.” She gives a firm nod and then gives Bao a shake. “Bao thinks so too.” She hold up the stuffed animal and in a much lower voice says, “that’s right Caihong, water guy is a weirdo.”

He folds his arms across his chest as the girl continues to have a back and forth with the stuffed animal about how he is a ‘strange and silly man’. He wonders if the girl has always been so blunt.

Azula returns several minutes later barefaced, with her hair in a ponytail, and tucked into a very cozy looking night robe. She sits herself upon the mattres. “Did Sokka behave?”

“I guess.” Caihong grubles.

Azula quirks a brow. “And what about Caihong, did Caihong behave.” She opens her mouth but Azula cuts her off. “Or did Caihong call Sokka a weirdo several times?”

“Caihong didn’t do that! Bao did!”

“Oh? Is that right?”

“Yup, Rikka, it’s right.”

.oOo.

Caihong’s sleep talk serves as a backdrop to the chaos in her mind. To the turbulence that threatens to break forward. Perhaps Sokka has sensed it too because he has made himself comfortable in a chair at the corner of the room.

She rubs her hands over her face. She could have had this. She could have had it every night with Atsu and Juro. She could have been so happy and so very nearly untroubled.

She could have been a mother leading a perfectly quiet and mundane life. She could have been Rikka. But she is still Azula; life is forcing that much upon her while flashing in her face who she could have become.

And she resents it. She resents life. She resents the person she is.

She rubs her hands over her face, she knows that she shouldn’t resent the person she is. Before, Hajime and Seukhyun had assured her that she is a good person. Sokka reminds her as much now. Deep down she is beginning to struggle to see herself as evil through and through. Deep down she is able to piece together all of those small deeds that seemed to mean so much to people like Min-Ta and Hao-Bai. And deep down she is well aware that she has been defying her upbringing and the monster that life is trying to fashion her back into--the path that it is trying to put her back on.

Deeper down she is still afraid that all of her hurt and pain will come back and bring the worst of her back. Deeper down she is afraid that she won’t be able to stop it. Deeper still she is afraid that the process has already been set in motion.

She is scared.

.oOo.

Sokka wakes late into the night to the sound of music. The charmingly melancholic tune. It has the feeling of watching a warship depart and then return battered and broken. The same energy as a light rain that sets the world a glimmer while ruining a sunny outing.

It is beautiful and broken. Depressive and joyful.

He makes a point of rustling his clothing as he walks so that she doesn’t jerk when he sits upon the mattress and wraps his arms around her middle. In a few final notes, the song dies away.

She puts the pipa aside and leans into him. He wants her to talk, to give him a problem to walk her through but he doesn’t think that she is in the mood for conversation. So he instead wipes away several silent tears and holds her hand until she finally falls into a much needed sleep. He finds himself toying with her hair until he too is able to drift off.

The pipa melody lingers in his dreams.

#Avatar The Last Airbender #Azula #Sokka #Sokkla #Fanfiction

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valeriethepussycats · 4 years

Text

I’m Only Human

Chapter 7

Pairing- Loki x Reader, Thor x Reader( Best friends)

Warning- cursing

Your thoughts in italics.

“I turned my gaze upon you in Jotunheim, but could neither see nor hear you. You were shrouded from me, like the Frost Giants who entered this Realm.” Heimdall disclosed.

“Perhaps your senses have weakened after your many years of service.” Loki divulged

“Or perhaps someone has found a way to hide that which he does not wish me to see.” Heimdall replied.

Loki sizes him up, smiles. “You have great power, Heimdall. Tell me, did Odin ever fear you?” Loki questioned.

“No.”

“And why is that?”

“Because he is my King, and I am sworn to obey him.” Heimdall answered.

“Exactly. Just as you're sworn to obey me now. Yes?” Loki supposed.

“Yes.”

“Good. Then you will open the Bifrost to no one until I have undone what my brother has started.” Loki ordered

Loki heads out of the Observatory. Heimdall stares after him.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Thor, Y/n, and Erik sit at a booth at the back of the local dive. The bartender sets down a couple mugs of beer and two shots of whiskey and Bourbon. Y/n downs the Bourbon while Erik pours his shot into his mug and downs it. Thor follows his example.

“Seems Darcy's a terrible intern, but a talented hacker.” Erik shared.

“That was impeccable timing Erik.” Y/n praised.

“Thank you Y/n and Erik for what you've done.”

“Don’t mention it that’s what friends are for we have each other‘s back.” Y/n grinned.

“Don’t thank me. I only did it for Jane and Y/n she believes for some god forsaken reason.” Erik replied.

“Are you in love with her?” Thor asked.

“No he’s not Jane's like a daughter to him.” Y/n answered for Erik.

“Her father and I taught at University together. A good man, but he never listened.” Erik told Thor.

This registers with Thor. “Neither did I.”

Erik eyes him with interest.

“I don't know if you're really delusional, and I really don't care at this point. I just care about her. I've seen the way she looks at you.” Erik declared.

“I swear to you, I mean her no harm.” Thor promised

“Good. If that's the case, then I'll buy you one more drink, and you'll leave town tonight.” Erik told Thor. A long pause, then Thor nods. Erik gets up to go use the restroom.

“I’m sorry.” Y/n commented

“For what you got me out of there.” Thor replied

“About your father your thoughts are yelling at me Thor you got to control them.” Y/n shared.

“I’ve never had to control my thoughts before.” Thor laughed.

“No really Thor I am sorry. I know what it’s like to lose a parent, I lost my mother when I was five.” Y/n explained.

“How?”

“I was taken from her she died trying to save me.” Y/n said sadly.

“Now I am sorry.” Thor told.

“Don’t be.... All because someone’s gone does it mean they left.” Y/n declared.

“What does that mean?”

“It means your father will be in your head and your heart.” Y/n started. “Don’t listen to Erik. You are the best thing for Jane he knows it he just scared.”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

“I had it all backwards. I had it all wrong.” Thor remarked.

Erik watches him keenly. This is a different Thor than he's seen before. “It's not a bad thing, finding out that you don't have all the answers. That's when you start asking the right questions.” Erik told Thor.

Thor takes this in. “For the first time in my life, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do.” Thor confessed.

“Anyone who's ever going to find their way in this world has to start by admitting they don't know where the hell they are.” Erik commanded. Thor nods.

Two Drunk Townie a very tell one and a short one walks up to Y/n, Thor, and Erik.“Hey, I know you, man... “ The Short one Started.

An intimidating the tall Drunk Townie nearby sizes up Thor. He is one of the Townies from Isabela's Diner who saw Thor earlier. He approaches, belligerent and looking for a fight.

The tall walks over to Y/n and sits next to her

“How you doin.”

“Fuck off.” Y/n swore as she drinks her shots of Bourbon.

The tall Drunk Townie hangs his head low in defeat as he gets up and walks ways.

“ You were in the diner with that hot girl.” Short Drunk Townie commented. Thor doesn't like where this is going. “I wouldn't mind her doing a little research on me.” He laughed.

“I have no quarrel with you. But she's a lady. You should be more respectful.” Thor said annoyed.

“And you should shut the hell up, princess.”

“Really of all the insults you could say you choose princess.” Y/n laughed at the man.

Selvig looks to Thor, concerned that he's going to lose it. But, to his surprise, Thor remains unaffected by the Townie's baiting.

“I will not fight him.” Thor proclaimed.

“Then it'll be easy to kick your ass.”

Erik stands, steps between the two men. “Gentlemen, please. Let's keep our heads.” Just then, Erik head-butts the Townie, knocking him out. Thor's impressed. Selvig downs his drink, then hurls his glass aside, shattering it on the ground. “Another drink?”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Thor and Selvig stumble down the street, singing a Norwegian folk song. While Y/n is recording them on her phone. They improvise an impromptu drinking song dance routine involving side steps and happy slaps, optimistically in time with the song.

"The mood is good, our hearts are full, there's magic in the air. / It's all because we're here tonight, and haven't got a care. /So raise a glass, and toast to life, wherever it may lead / Tra-la-la, tra-la-la, a friend is fine indeed. / Tra-la-la, tra-la-la, a friend is fine indeed!"

Y/n holds up a hand for Erik 's last finishing slap. Erik misses it completely and falls out of frame like a straight dead weight with a clunk.

Y/n laughs then Emerging from behind the car where Erik fell, Thor stands up, Erik slung over his shoulder, and starts to walk up the street towards Jane's trailer.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

The small trailer is in a state of perpetual disarray, strewn with various books, old pizza boxes, etc. A worried Jane lies on her bed, trying to read. She's startled by the loud rapping on the door. She bolts to the door and opens it to find --Standing there with the unconscious Erik slung over his shoulder.

“Erik!” Jane Remarked. “Is he all right?”

“He's fine. Not injured at all.” Thor started. As Thor enters, he bangs Erik’s head on the

“What happened?”Jane asked.

“We drank. We fought. He made his ancestors proud.” Thor Explained.

“Put him on the bed.” Jane told Thor.

Thor moves through the small trailer carrying Erik, like a bear lugging another bear, smashing into things along the way, until he finally sets Erik down on Jane's bed. Erik awakens groggily and“I still don't believe you're the God of Thunder.” Erik murmured. “But you ought to be.”

Thor grins, pats him on the cheek. As Selvig drifts off to sleep, Thor pulls a blanket over him. Jane watches, stunned by their friendship, impressed by Thor's tenderness. Thor turns back to her, looks around.

“These are your chambers?” Thor Asked.

Jane suddenly becomes self-conscious. She starts cleaning up the mess around her.

Well, it's more of a temporary living space, really. I don't usually have visitors in here.

Actually, never...” Jane trailed off.

Thor picks up a sock off the floor. She snatches it from him, puts it away. “Can we go outside?” Jane asked.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Thor steps off a ladder onto the roof of Smith Motors. He offers Jane his hand, helps her up. There's a telescope set up, a couple chairs, some blankets.

“I come up here sometimes when can't sleep. Or when I'm trying to reconcile particle data. Or when Darcy's driving me crazy....I come up here a lot, now that I think about it.” Jane disclosed.

Thor looks at the night sky, filled with stars. “I'm glad you're safe.” Jane ended.

“You've been very kind. I've been far less grateful than you deserve.” Thor noted.

“I also hit you with my car a couple times, so it kind of evens out.” Jane joked

He grins, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out her Notebook.“ I don't believe it...” Jane trailed off. She takes it from him, surprised and grateful.

“It was all I could get back. Not as much as I promised. I'm sorry.” Thor said Sincerely.

“No, this is good. Thank you. This means I don't have to start from scratch...” Jane trailed off. She sits down and opens the notebook eagerly, then stops, a harsh realization clouding her face. Thor notices.

“What's wrong?” Thor asked.

“Shield , whatever they are. They're never going to let this research see the light of day.” Jane answered.

“You must do this. You must finish what you've started.” Thor replied.

“Why?” Jane wondered.

“Because you're right. It's taken so many generations for your people to get to this point. You're nearly there. You just need someone to show you how close you really are.” Thor remarked. Thor moves beside her, opens her notebook, turns to the page which bears a sketch of the Bifrost. He takes the pen from the notebook, begins to add to the sketch, leading from one point to another in space.

“Look -- your ancestors called it magic. You call it science. I come from a place where they're one and the same thing.” Thor finished.

We recognize that Thor is drawing the branches of Yggdrasil as she looks on, amazed and intrigued.

“What is it?” Jane asked.

“This is how my father explained it to me..... Your world is one of the Nine Realms of the Cosmos, linked to each other by the branches of Yggdrasil, the Worlds Tree. Now, you see it every day, without realizing. Images glimpsed through-- what did you call it?... (checks her notebook) ...this Hubble Telescope. So, Nine Realms...” Thor trailed off as They look at each other. She nods. They smile. This is going to be a long night.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Jane sleeps beside Thor on the blankets on the rooftop. He stares up at the night sky. She rolls close to him, nuzzles against him in her sleep. He looks down at her, beautiful in the moonlight, looks out at the town beyond her. When Thor realize Jane in a deep sleep He gets up and walks over to Y/n and see her lying on the ground looking up at the stars.

“You and Jane look cozy is the god of thunder falling for the Midgardian.” Y/n teased Thor with a smile.

“Jane is different.” Thor confessed.

“I would be giddy a God falling for me....Before I met you I would’ve thought that this was something out of a comic book... Don’t worry Thor all will work out.” Y/n grinned.

”How do you know that?” Thor questioned.

“I have this feeling that somethings about to happen tomorrow I don’t know, what you might want to get some sleep you may be Asgardian but right now you’re human. Y/n disclosed .

Thor sees a bottle of pills next to Y/n and confusion appears on his face.

“What are those?” Thor asked.

“Oh these are pills that block my power.” Y/n answered picking up the bottle.

“Why would you want to stop them.” Thor questioned.

“I had an accident when, I was younger I caused an earthquake and blackout an ever since then my father had me taken this pills to block half of my power. It’s why I have good control of them but When the pills are out of my system I loses control again.” Y/n explained.

“Your trying that’s all that matters.” Thor grinned.

Y/n smiles and gets up and makes a check mark in the air and Thor looks at her confused once again.

“What was that?” Wondered Thor.

“Every time I want to do something that I didn’t know I wanted to do I check mark the air.” Y/n revealed.

“What did you do?”

“Have a alien as my best friend.” Y/n said smiling then she walks away leaving a smiling Thor.

Part 8

#loki x reader #loki x black!reader #thor x reader #marvel x reader

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yeet-or-be-hawed · 4 years

Text

OC Interview: Fletcher

Name: “Fletcher.”

Are you single: “By choice, yes.”

Are you happy: she shrugged, “guess you could say that.”

Are you angry: “probably angry more often than I am happy if’n I’m bein’ honest.”

Are your parents married: “died married, I’m sure. They died when I was real young, but from what I remember they seemed happy together.”

Nine facts

Birthplace: “A small town at the base of the Appalachian mountains, Far East of here.”

Hair colour: she twirled a strand around her finger, “brownish-red?” She chuckled. “In the summer it tends to lighten up to a redder tone but for now we’ll just say brown.”

Eye colour: “Blue.”

Birth date: “July 5, 1874.”

Mood: “right now?” She rubbed her neck and sighed. “Right now I’m tired, tired and sore. Runnin’ those delivery wagons for Cripps ain’t always the easiest. We ran a pretty long run today, even had to deal with a coupla carpetbaggers on the way. Now I’m just ready for a hot meal and a soft bed.”

Gender: “Female.”

Summer or winter: “I keep on the move pretty consistently, and I tend to agree with warm weather the best so we’ll say summer.”

Morning or afternoon: “Morning. Sleeping in ain’t an option when skins make your livin’. Even on the occasional morning I don’t have to hunt or help Cripps ‘round camp Im still up around dawn.”

Eight things about your love life

Are you in love: “I...was.”

Do you believe in love at first sight? “I believe some people are drawn to you more than others, and I believe in infatuation at first sight- but love is patient and takes work. So no, guess not.”

Who ended your last relationship: She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Neither of us ended it, per say. She came between me and a nasty group a bounty hunters.” She spat on the ground, her expression hardened. “So you know what happened next.”

Have you ever broken someone’s heart: “Oh, I’m sure I have. I don’t stick around one place long enough to form actual relationships-it’s for the best.”

Are you afraid of commitment: She sighed, “sure are gettin’ grilled tonight huh?” She laughed weakly. She tried to ignore the heat in her ears, her attention focused on her boots. “Guess you could say that. After Sable passed I... I can’t put myself- or anyone else for that matter- through that again. I loved that girl more than myself and she just-“ she exhaled and closed her eyes. “Sorry, back to the question. The commitment ain’t as scary as the inevitable, so I tend to avoid both.” She paused, then cleared her throat. “Next question?”

Have you hugged someone in the last week: She sat in thought for a moment, “No, I don’t believe I have.”

Have you ever had a secret admirer: “Well, if I knew bout ‘em how would they be secret?”

Have you ever broken your own heart: “Course I have, more times than I can count. I learned a long time ago about what happens when someone like me allows themselves to love and it ain’t pretty. There’s been a feller here, a lady there and we’ll get...cozy but I never stay long, it’s for the best.”

Four preferences

Smile or eyes: “Eyes. You can hide a lot behind a smile, but the eyes are honest.”

Shorter or taller: She shrugged. “I’ll take ‘em any size.”

Intelligence or Attention: “A younger me would’ve told you attention, but intelligence is a rare trait round these parts. I may not be very intelligent myself, but it makes for good conversation.”

Hook up or relationship: “Hook ups. Just cus I swore off relationships don’t mean a girl ain’t got needs. I usually hit up the saloons first thing in a new town- check out the working gals, get a feel of the men, and have a drink of course. Hook ups keep everybody safe, so it’s the only option.”

Six Choices

Love or lust: “Workin’ off that last question, lust.” She looked up at the sky, “it would be nice to let myself love again but,” she shrugged again. “What can ya do?”

Lemonade or ice tea: “Lemonade.”

Cats or dogs: “Dogs I reckon, I ain’t been too successful in keep in’ a cat round camp. They tend to run off or...worse.”

A few best friends or regular friends: “a hand full of best friends, but I only got a coupla friends anyways.”

Wild night out or romantic night in: “I’m always down for a wild night out, just know I tend to get a bit rowdy when I drink, so be prepared to throw some fists or rob a stage.”

Day or night: “Day time is reserved for work, so night time is really the only time for me to get some me time, ya know? Everything is so much quieter, more peaceful. It’s nice to look up at the night sky and be able to hear yourself think.”

Four have you evers

Been caught sneaking out: She let out a hardy laugh, “course I have! Most commonly being caught gettin’ outta bed after a one night stand, or caught tryna sneak outta camp while Cripps works me like a dog, even got caught sneakin’ out the back window of a bank!”

Fallen down/up stairs: “Both directions, both intoxicated.”

Wanted someone/something so bad it hurt: she only nodded and took a swig of her flask. All this talk of love and wanting was unearthing a lot of buried feelings.

Wanted to disappear: “Course I have, haven’t we all?” She took another swig of moonshine from her flask. “This life ain’t easy, it does somethin’ to the mind. Sometimes I feel incredibly lonely in a bar full of people, it’s strange. Maybe it’s just me.”

Friends

Do you secretly hate one of your friends: “Course not, if I hated them we wouldn’t be friends.”

Do you consider all of your friends good friends: “You mean all three friends?” She barked a short laugh. “Sure.”

Who is your best friend? She smiled, “Sadie Adler, ain’t never had a friend quite like her. She’s loyal, and loves fiercely. I don’t get to see the Adlers as often as I like, they live far up North in a small cabin out past Colter. I make time for them when I can, the hunting up near there is fine but the winters are brutal- cain’t get my horse up there between October and March.”

Who knows everything about you: “Honestly? As often as we’re at each other’s throats I’d say Cripps. The old man has grown on me, even though I’d never admit it he’s become a good friend.”

Do you and your family get along: “Well, ma and pa died when I was real young and I never had siblings. Met a cousin bout ten years back, last I heard she was runnin’ shine in the Appalachian mountains. We got similar dispositions so I don’t hear from her, she leads a dangerous life so I try and tell myself she doesn’t write because she’s busy, not because she’s dead.”

Would you say you have messed up life: “Messed up? Guess that depends on your definition of messed up. This is all I’ve ever known, so it’s normal to me. Every now and again I’ll open up to someone at the bar or between pillow talk and they just...they give me the saddest looks. Maybe some people would say my life is messed up, but it’s just another day to me.”

Have you ever ran away from home: “When my folks died some of the locals tried to get me to stay at an orphanage, ran away from there. Too many rules, too many people.”

Have you ever got kicked out: “Sure, I been kicked outta bars plenty a times. I try to keep better standards at hotels, I enjoy a soft pillow and a blanket.”

#fletcher #oc #oc interview #rdo #rdo oc #rdr2 #rdr2 oc

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nordipalooza · 5 years

Text

The last night [Finland & Estonia - Fic]

Title: The Last Night Author: @scarlettlillies Prompt: Finland, Any character - Final meeting Other characters: Estonia Rating: K+ Content notes: Set around September 1939. Both nations are brothers in this fic. Summary: Finland and Estonia meet up for drinks. But Finland can't shake off how odd his neighbour is acting.

In a dimly-lit bar, they share a drink together. As chatty as everyone is, the mood is still somber. There are few smiles as a singer in the background reminisces of a long lost love. Finland though is in his own world and pulled out a case from his chest pocket and offered Estonia a cigarette but the man declined.

“C’mon Estonia, live a little. I bet you’ve never smoked a day in your life.”

“For your information, I live a fulfilling life and doing just fine without them,” he laughed. “Besides, smoking too many of them will kill you.”

“Details!” Finland said before he lit up a smoke. After taking a few drags, he let it lay against a glass ashtray and placed the lighter next to it. “It isn’t like we can die anyways.”

After a few friendly back and forth jabs, the conversation quickly died and Finland watched Estonia’s mannerisms closely. The man was staring mindlessly into his liqueur with an expression that would rival a grieving widow. Finland was beginning to lose his patience. In a move that was out of character for him, he smacked the table with such force that Estonia jumped from his seat and startled the now-frighten folks at the surrounding tables.

“I didn’t sit on a boat for two and half hours to watch you stare at your drink all night.”

Estonia stared at him like a deer in headlights, “Uh, right, I’m sorry.” he replied as he turned his head looking rather embarrassed. Finland quickly returned to his regular self as he realized what he had done. He rubbed the back of his neck feeling rather guilty. He couldn’t believe he lost his tempter like that.

“Oh Estonia, I’m so sorry,” he said apologetically. “It’s just… I’m worried about you right now.”

“I know, I know,” Estonia replied. “And you don’t need to apologize. I should be the one apologizing. I’m the one who invited you here and yet here I am being a bad host. Let’s restart this from scratch shall we?”

Estonia lifts up his drink up and with a grin he proposes a toast, “To friendship and brotherhood.”

Finland was impressed just how quick Estonia changed his entire persona. He was dying for a topic change and was delighted to put all of this in the past.

“To friendship and brotherhood!”

Estonia seemed to be loosening himself up after having two drinks and he was returning to his regular self as they chatted about everything under the sun. Finland went for sports and his adventures of playing catch-up with Sweden. Meanwhile Estonia talked about music and his fascination for the sciences. Even as the patrons slowly emptied the bar, they continued on and were still ordering drinks. Finally at one in the morning, the owners grew tired of them causing a ruckus and announced they were closing shortly and the two men needed to leave. They didn’t contest and Estonia paid the bill. They stumbled out of bar, laughing at the top of their lungs, and their arms entwined. The owners had never been so grateful to see someone leave as one of them locked the door behind them.

Estonia walked Finland back to his hotel. He felt guilty that he couldn’t house him. But Finland didn’t seem to mind however as it wasn’t Estonia’s fault that he lacked a spare bed and there was no way Estonia was going to let him sleep on his bedroom floor. The rooms in Tallinn were cheap and cozy and it suited his needs just fine. His feet were killing him but luckily for him, his hotel wasn’t too far from the bar they spent their entire night at.

The air feels like winter is around the corner and Finland hates it. The mood between them has also changed once he notices that they are getting closer to the hotel. Estonia loses his cheerfulness and become quiet once more. He insists it’s because he’s tired but it isn’t sitting well with Finland. Still, he doesn’t press him about it. He doesn’t want to end their stellar night on such a sour note.

At the hotel doors, Finland was surprised when Estonia showered him in so much open affection. Estonia wrapped his arms around him and pulled him for a warm and familiar embrace.

But the hug felt different than usual. Estonia had never hugged him this tightly before. There’s a sense of worry and desperation as it felt like tonight was their last night together, for good. When Estonia broke away, Finland noticed the sadness in his aqua-coloured eyes.

He finally got the courage to speak up.

“Estonia, please talk to me. Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

There’s a long and lengthy pause, and Finland never gets the answers he wants. Instead, he avoids the question entirely. He shouldn’t have expected anything less from him.

“Thank you for such a wonderful night. Promise me we’ll do this again?”

“Of course. But—”

“Excellent. I’ll be looking forward to it,” Estonia grinned. “Please send my regards to Sweden the next you meet.”

With his hands in his pocket, Estonia walks away into the night. Finland yells out his name to grab his attention but Estonia ignores him and only offers a simple wave with a worrying smile. It only took a second until he disappeared around the corner.

That night, Finland never slept. Estonia’s face haunted him in ways he had never felt before. But there was nothing he could do for him now. He needed to return to Helsinki for his usual Monday meeting with his bosses.

It was a Friday morning when his boss pulled him into his office for an emergency. His blood went cold when he was given a newspaper with large bold letters on the front. His boss only said one thing to him before he was dismissed.

“We’re next.”

Finland nodded hesitantly as he slowly returned to his office with the newspaper in his left hand. The various government and office workers grew anxious watching Finland drag his feet and staring at the floor. Anyone brave enough to ask questions was pushed away. When word spread about their nation’s melancholy appearance, it was like a dark cloud had formed over the whole building. Everyone finished the day as if something horrible was looming their way but no one knew why or how.

Finland never budged from his desk and sat in almost total darkness, with the open blinds behind him being his only source of light. He stared intensely at the black-coloured phone. For the nth time, he slowly dialed a familiar number and placed the receiver against his ear. Tears stream down his face as his eyes remain fixated at the wall, his body trembling. No matter how many times he does this, the results always ends up the same. The silence on the other end eats away at his chest before he finally hears a click and repetitive beep.

He looked down again at his desk. It felt as if the big bold letters on the newspaper were mocking him as the words echoed in his mind repeatedly. He lost control of his emotions and sobbed openly as he buried his face into his hands.

This was not a dream. Estonia was gone. And he was next in line.

He doesn’t know what angered him more: Russia forcing Estonia into his hand or Estonia not telling him what was going on behind the scenes. He would have happily pulled some strings for him even at the expense of a diplomatic scandal. Finland wonder if that is why he chose to keep quiet. He has had moments where he could be impulsive, especially after several drinks. On the other hand, Estonia always had a sense of pride that he needed to maintain. Him trying to do things alone should not even be a surprise to him. He pushes himself until he simply can’t. He only asks for help when it coordinates with own plans.

But regardless of Estonia’s reasons, it is unpleasant reminder that the world is now at war once again. For how long was anyone’s guess.

Finland got up from his chair and lifted up his blinds to the sight of the sun in his eyes as he could see out towards the direction of the sea.

Towards the direction to Estonia.

He doesn’t know if he can help him now. But he can only hope their last meeting was not their final one. The cherished framed photo of him, Estonia, and Sweden together, taken nearly ten years ago at his (then-new) lakeside cottage, sat by the phone. He grabbed the frame and he held it close to his chest.

Yes, this was definitely not the end.

#2019 fest #nordipalooza #fanfic #aph finland #aph estonia #submissions

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lavend3r-stardust · 8 months

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Are you my favorite blanket? Because i always want you on top of me in my bed :D and also because you're warm and comforting

#queer shenanigans and all that #we in a cozy mood tonight folks #4 orgasms later we finally destressed and are less of a mess :D

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livinginbeauty-net · 6 years

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Our campsite tree at Myrtle Beach State Park

“While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my trailer door. Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my trailer door — Only this, and nothing more.”

– adapted from The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe

Deer Lake Park – Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Jim celebrated his sixty-fourth birthday on October 4th. And if that wasn’t spooky enough, we were all alone in the woods.

With the temperature in the high 20’s at night and the high 30’s daytime, we were the solitary campers in a large densely forested park during the last a few days before seasonal closing. Shuswap Lake Provincial Park was kinda creepy in a beautiful way.

Shuswap Lake Provincial Park – Scotch Creek, British Columbia, Canada

But good friends, old and new, warmed our rattling bones with home-cooked delights and even met us at a cheerful pub, right across the road from our campground to toast Jim’s Beatle Birthday.

64th Birthday at The Hub

Birthday at The Hub with Laura and Paul.

Pattie is a great cook!

Pilpil! Got the recipe!

Watching the salmon run was the perfect metaphor for an epic Birthday Month. Old age ain’t for sissies! Whenever the futility of life gets me down I will turn to the salmon for inspiration …

Then, we moved south to a slightly warmer climate in Sasquatch Country!

We must return to Harrison Hot Spring in June for Sasquatch Days!

Hiking in Sasquatch country

Jim performed a Vulcan mind-read on the Sasquatch!

Lost in Sasquatch country

Sasquatch live here.

Our campsite beside a natural outdoor stage with amazing acoustics.

Very Sasquatchy, if you ask me.

In a few days, we will be in Port Townsend for my birthday and I will miss the trains in Canada. Trains soothe my mind and put me in a mood to ruminate.

Warming our feet by the fire tonight in our cozy campground on Cariboo Place, we realize how these past twenty-seven months of travel have connected us to the land, our roots, long lost friends and family … and also to some unexpected encounters with the spirit world.

Interested? Pull up a chair and sit for a spell …

Our campsite tree

The Ghost Lights

We’re not paranormal enthusiasts, but now and then, one or both of us have a feeling that a place is, well, invested with an energy – sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Traveling has sharpened our senses, made us more keen and perceptive.

An example of good energy is the ghost lights of Anza-Borrego which stayed right beside us inside our tent throughout a treacherous night of flash floods, making us feel safe and protected. Only a decade later did we learn they were The Ghost Lights. We thought they were angels.

The Monticello Snake Story

After a restful night at Golden Acres Ranch near Monticello where – we had no idea at the time – one in three houses are recorded (in a somewhat legitimate way) as haunted, I felt compelled to stop the rig on a narrow country road to take pics of an intriguing cottage.

A big yeller dog roused up from the porch and raised his hackles. The home’s human occupant promptly emerged from the house and, he – an exquisite orator in the southern tradition – recited, to my delight, a popular regional snake story.

What a gift! I hung on every word. Floridians, in my book, have full rights to all snake stories and this gentleman is a master of the art. But sometimes a house wants to tell its own story like the one in Opelika, Alabama …

Spring Villa

On our way to Fort Pickens from my sister’s house in Tennessee, we’d hoped to overnight near Opelika. We pulled into Spring Villa Park and Campground on the chance they might have space for the night.

Instantly, our eyes fixed on the gorgeous old antebellum mansion and our immediate response was, “What a shame.” Poor thing needs some serious TLC.

At the check-in, a pale middle-aged ranger with a balding head and bulbous eyebags announced in a slow, gravelly baritone that the old house is haunted. Jim loved it. Thought it was an act. “Okay. That’s really cool” he said.

The ranger, unamused, held his weary “this-is-no-joke” gaze.

“So, um. Is the house being restored?” Jim asked. “No.” replied the caretaker/ranger guy, “We can’t find anyone to do the work. Like I said, it’s haunted.”

While this continued, I took Pico on a walk and observed the other campers who seemed to be excessively goth for small-town Alabama. A lady in a flowing satin-black gown and lipstick smiled and gave me a cheerful, “Hey!” as she decorated her picnic table in black chenille with purple string lights in late-November.

But, too tired to change our minds and more concerned about the basketball-sized anthills than the superstitious southern folk, we opted to stay put.

You see, we’d just come from Costco in Birmingham, and all we wanted to do was properly stash an obscene amount of food, and present our fresh, new rosemary Christmas tree for its first night of the season.

After dinner, we settled down, watched a movie and got ready for bed.

Jim always turns in around 10 pm while I take Pico for his last walk. But on this night, Jim grabbed the leash.

I presumed he was acting in my behalf due to the creepy neighbors. “I want to check this place out,” he said.

I had half a mind to go with him and said so, but then he got in a spooky mood and let loose an Jack Nicolson “Here’s Johnny” imitation. “Sure you don’t want to go?” he said, creeping me out better than I thought he could. I said, “Uh-uh. Not playing this game. But take the phone and may unicorns and rainbows guide you.”

He speed-dialed me and off he went into the sultry Southern night on a Young Goodman Brown escapade/with chihuahua.

Pico de Gallo – a big N. Hawthorne fan.

On digital technology, I listened to their footfall through the deep wet grass as Jim slapped mosquitos off his face.

The squishy walking suddenly stopped!

“What’s going on? I asked. “Gotta ditch the headlamp … Bugs.” Then, squish, squish, squish … on they walked. Presently, Jim said, “I’m at the house.” He said it real important-like – as if he were about to set foot on the moon.

The boards creaked under his weight. Then, Pico sounded urgent warning barks. Several voices popped up in the background, women’s voices!

When Pico calmed down Jim told me the women were ghost hunters using an app to detect paranormal energy. The app told them that a presence was just inside the door. So Jim fastened his headlamp again just as … the door opened! The women screamed and ran.

“Just leave!” I said.

“Hold on,” he said, “It was probably a draft but I’m taking a photo … Sending.” The photo showed the door about three inches ajar from the inside. But what sent chills down my spine and made me scream, “Run!!!” was the shadow-play of Jim’s hand and iPhone which appeared to be a freshly dug grave and tombstone.

A sudden thunderstorm…

… on Lake Ponchartrain drove us off the designated bike lane near Fontainebleau State Park. We took shelter in a gazebo in an old cemetery.

By all appearances, we were alone. Yet, we both felt we were being watched.

Then … Out of nowhere

(Everything happened so suddenly the details are difficult to assemble)

Out of nowhere, a young man appeared in the gazebo with us – a boy really – blue eyes, brown hair, medium build, wearing dungarees and denim shirt. Just as I noticed the number on his shirt, I spied a work truck, way back in a far corner of the cemetery with a guard and several prisoners around it. Ah, a routine maintenance program. Of course.

We exchanged hellos and his dialect suggested he was from the area. He asked if we wanted to see some bones. Bones? No! We’re just passing by, ducking the weather, we explained.

But he wouldn’t have it. Bones we would see. For mercy’s sake and politeness, we followed the young man, and upon his request, we peered between broken crypt walls to behold the bones he spoke of.

But when we looked up to ask the boy if he knew the name of the deceased, he was gone – vanished – nowhere to be seen or heard and no sign of the old truck and crew.

Natchez

And, oh, where to begin with Natchez? The ghosts outnumber the living so they all just have to to go along to get along.

Kings Tavern in Natchez – the most haunted pub in Mississippi

Boothill

But our most haunting moment was near Mount Moriah Cemetery, commonly known as Boothill where this row of tombstone clouds reminded us of the single row of thirteen civil war graves of unknown soldiers on the Natchez Trace.

Fort Pickens

We could go on and on … Fort Pickens and the bomb removal squad.

The set of LOST?

Savannah

The Old Pirate House

The Haunted “Old Pirates House” in Savannah

and Moon River Brewing Company,

The Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures featured this brewing company.

Harper’s Ferry

Harpers Ferry ghost stories…

But that’s enough. Now, it’s time to pass the Talking Stick.

Do you have a ghost story to share – one from personal or second-hand experience?

Or just a good travel yarn, perhaps?

We’re dying to hear it.

Let’s see if we can keep this campfire burning through Halloween night!

Nothing like a few ghost stories before Halloween! “While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my trailer door.

#Airstream #Airstream Blog #Airstreaming #Beaubeaux #Full-time Airstreaming #Full-time RV Living #Full-Time RVing #ghost stories #halloween #haunted places #Living in Beauty #Living the Dream

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oddferalair · 4 years

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characterization quotes

Robin Support See, now you're just not thinking logically. We've killed countless people in this war— what's a few more souls on the ledger? Seems like an arbitrary line to me... But all right. You're the tactician! No more unholy summoning sigils. Heck, I always obey orders! Well, except for stupid ones like "don't fight the enemy." If someone tried to tell me that, I'd cut 'em in half and feed them to the crows! Lissa Support If you don't rest up before a battle, you might find yourself resting up in a grave. That does seem like a problem. War is killing and death, ya know? Keeping people you care about alive means making the other guy dead. Nya ha ha! Just a little touch of Henry's Super Sleepy-Time Magic! ...The nonlethal version. First you don't want any allies or enemies to die, and now BIRDIES are off the table? ...You're a strange one, Lissa. Nya ha ha! Me? Sweet? That's a new one. Besides, you're the one who's always concerned about people dying and stuff. I don't know how you do it, honestly. I couldn't go a week! I'm not much of a mood guy, I'm afraid, unless we're talking gruesome bloodshed... Well, how about this: I did get you a ring! Will that work?

Frederick Support

I want my dying thought to be about blood! ...Or maybe ichor. H-hey, Frederick! Easy with the bear hugs! These little bones might snap like...Oh, whoa! Are you CRYING?! You really think people notice what I do around here? 'Cause I doubt it. I mean, what kind of things do they say about me now? Nya ha ha! If you lay it on any thicker, I'll be smothered to death! But I'm not training to make myself look good in front of my comrades, you know? Well, because the more I practice, the more stuff I'm able to do. I like being good at lots of things. Sully Support Absolutely! I'll need a pound of flesh, seven fingernails, and your left kidney. Nya ha ha! I jest. A single hair will do just fine. Yep yep! That's it, all right. I can curse till I'm blue in the face, but if their will's stronger than mine? Pbbt. Aw, you're going to make me blush. I'm nothing special. Miriel Support You have? That's great! I cast hexes all the time, and I've never come up with ONE theory about them. Nya ha ha! Oh, stop it, Miriel! You'll make me blush. Although it's pretty much true. When it comes to hexing folks, I'm the master. Why, this one time at mage camp, I killed 100 people with one curse! Er, I don't remember when. ...Or where exactly. But it totally could have happened. Henry: Well, you know that town we passed through a few days ago? I saw a pregnant lady on the main street with a load of cheese and fruit in her arms. She looked pretty tired and worn out, so I stopped to help her carry her wares. Right?! Anyway, the more I thought about it, the more I realized pregnancy is dumb. So I'm planning to help the mothers of the world by inventing a special curse. I'm gonna create a hex that conjures new kids right out of thin air! Sumia Support I'm a mage! I just wave my wand and mutter a little incantation... Humina humina humina... Presto! The busted bowls are busted no more! Yeah, it's just a temporary hex, unfortunately. Tomorrow they'll be in pieces again. But at least folks won't have to eat out of their hats tonight. Oh, that spell can certainly be used for evil. All it does is reverse time. See, so if something bad happens to someone and you cast it on them... They have to experience that same tragedy over and over again! Nya ha! Isn't it obvious? You're me, and I'm you! Clever curse, eh? Well, you're about as magic as an old sock, so this was the only way. And while you cast some hexes, I'm going to ride your pegasus all over camp! Woo-hoo! I'm gonna swoop down on people and drop stuff on their heads! Ricken Support Oh? I thought word had gotten around. Yeah, Gangrel was toppled before I got the chance to fight any real battles. A shame, too. It would've been fun to face off against the Shepherds! Then there was Mustafa. He always gave me a bag of peaches whenever I visited. He said I reminded him of his son and that I should consider myself part of his family. Yep. Dead as driftwood, they are. And it was you Shepherds who killed 'em! Their friends and families are probably still crying their eyes out. No! I'd be very sad and angry. And I'd find out who did it, hunt them down, and exact bloody revenge! ...Oh yes. There would be blood. When I was with Plegia, I didn't think much about this kind of thing. Maybe because in that army, I didn't have real friends like I do here. I guess, sure. Honestly, I'm not much good with touchy-feely stuff. You know what I'd rather talk about? The next battle! Maribelle Support Talking to the flower. She says she's very grateful that you spoke to her. Also, she says she'll stay strong as long as you do, too. I'm not feigning anything. I'm just really in touch with the natural world. I can talk to any living thing you want. Trees. Flowers. Maggots. Ooooooh... Maaaggots... Meh, not to me. Everyone kicks the bucket at some point, so why fret? See, now that I can understand. But get this—I've got a special curse ready, see? Been working on it for a while now. If you're mortally wounded, it kills you off before you suffer any pain! Just...poof. Off ya go! It's 'cause I'm not scared, Maribelle. Fighting is actually pretty simple. I just have to kill the other guy before he has a chance to kill me. Panne Support That's not very neighborly, now is it? What difference does one's religion make? I just want to be friends! Ylisse is weak enough as it is. If the exalt were assassinated, I worried they'd lose the war in a week! That would have been a terrible waste of a perfectly fun war. Er, the beast half, I guess. I love animals! I wish I could be one. Even a half one would be okay with me. My parents abandoned me in the woods when I was little. So it was mostly the nice animals there who raised me. I still love their smell. It relaxes me in a totally nostalgic sort of way. So if I went out and killed them all, could we be friends? I'm not that young, and I don't think I'm stupid. But hey, who knows, right? Cordelia Support Oooh, lucky guy. I wish someone would make ME a nice cozy scarf! Ooooooooooooooooooooooooh. Say, what if the wife was dead? Could you give it to him then? That's kind of like making yourself sad on purpose, isn't it? You want help? 'Cause I've got a curse that'll REALLY make you miserab— I asked Lissa for advice, and she told me to take you on a big shopping trip. She said a few hours trying on dresses and armor would fix that broken heart, pronto! I don't really get all this "feelings" stuff, but if you say so. Er, but if you're REALLY grateful, you could join me for a fruit pie... Nya ha! No, it's a scheme to make you fall in love with me. Nowi Support Yep! They're probably quivering in fear under their beds and crying like babies. But no worries! There'll be more victim—er, that is, village kids—at our next camp. Right. You can't actually touch her. My magic is good, but not THAT good! Hey! I spent a lot of time and effort on this, you know! Tharja Support Hee hee! Smiling? This is how I always look. Sorry! Nothing sinister over here. I'm just a hale and hearty mage. Nope! Not me! Although I do own a cloak and a couple daggers. Aw, I don't get into politics. I just want to toss fireballs at bad guys. Hey! Tharja! You forgot to remove the curse! Oh, well. I suppose it'll fizzle out eventually. La la la... Do you need a death curse? Please say you need a death curse. Yeah, dispelling curses is kind of my specialty. Right now, whoever cast that curse must be in one confused pickle! Too bad we can't be there to see it. That would be swell! Oh yeah. I guess so, huh? Although you didn't really need to put a truth curse on me, you know? I don't have anything to hide, and I've never told a lie in my life. Olivia Support You're a crazy lady. Why would I do that? I love doggies! I want to save his life! Right, boy? Who's a good boy? Aren't you glad the crazy lady wants to help us? Yes you are! Hey, that's a medical condition! Show some respect! Oh, will you look at that? It's blood! ...Wonder where it came from? *Lick* ...Oh, hey! It's MY blood! Nya ha! I must have been wounded in battle! Oh man, good times. Oh, I've got a high pain threshold. It's a genetic thing. Nerve damage. I've had a lot worse than this! When I was a kid, my parents put me in this exclusive wizard school. Well, as you can imagine, some of the experiments got a biiit out of hand. Once, I almost set my face on fire! Nya ha! Those were the days... Meh, my parents didn't care what I did as long as I wasn't expelled. Heck, the whole reason they sent me to wizard school was to get rid of me. But hey, no worries! I turned out fine! That's what all my psychiatrists said. But nope! Not true. I'm just a happy guy. Look, crazy lady. I like you. I really do. But you have GOT to let this go. I smile because I'm happy, all right? There's nothing more to it. Olivia? H-hey, Olivia. ...You being crazy again, Olivia? Olivia?! Aw, come on, Olivia! You can't die now! NOOOOO! OLIVIAAAAAA! Come back to me, Olivia! Stay out of the light! STAY OUT OF THE LIIIIIIGHT! Cherche Support Sure have! She's as cute as a button, that one. ...Well, if buttons were cute. We had wyverns in Plegia, you know, and also the occasional fell beast. But we didn't have a single wyvern that was as pretty as Minerva. Yep! I make four-legged friends wherever I go! And even some two-legged ones. I'm also pals with a three-legged bear, but that's a story for another time. Well, when I was young, my best friend in the entire world was a giant wolf. My parents ignored me most of the time, so that wolf became my whole family. Then one day she came to visit me, and some hunters in the village... They shot her full of arrows. Killed her on the spot. But they paid... Oh, how they paid... They paid in BLOOD. Er, but yes. None of my magic could bring my beautiful wolf friend back. So I guess that's why I hang out with you and Minerva. 'Cause it reminds me. I know I'm here a lot, but I always feel safe and happy when I'm with Minerva. Kellam Support I think I get it now. Seems to me you're barking up the wrong tree, tin man. Visibility isn't the problem—you're just lonely! So all we gotta do is find a way to make you stop feeling lonely! It's true. When I was a kid, my only friends were wolves, so they ended up raising me. Thing is...that made it tough for me to learn about basic human warmth and affection... Like just now. I tried to be nice to you and show you that I care and stuff, right? But I got it all wrong and instead made you freak out. Sorry about that... Gaius Support Not many, no. Back in Plegia, we hardly have any cakes or sweets at all. We don't get the plentiful harvests that Ylisseans and Feroxi enjoy. So the dishes we make are kind of basic, you know? Nothing like those, anyhow. Yup. It's hard to make cakes out of turnips, though that doesn't stop people trying! Anyway, the point is, I've never seen so many tasty-looking treats all in one place! Well, thanks for showing me your treasures, Gaius. It's been lots of fun! ...Oh, I almost forgot! I brought something to show you too! Yeah...something like that! They're baked in special ceremonies as offerings to Grima. Never eaten one myself, but as you're the expert, I figured you'd like to try it! Libra Support Like, I dunno...you're a priest, but you wield a weapon and smash people with it, right? I bet it causes you all kinds of anguish to have to splatter the life out of others! Aren't you overthinking things a little? A weapon's just a tool for killing! Wouldn't it be a whole lot easier to just accept that and move on? Who knows—you might wind up like me and start to really savor the joys of slaying! I mean, when you get down to it, aren't you and I both doing the exact same thing? I mean, I guess it's hard for an altruist like yourself to respect an egoist like me, but... They do, huh? Well, I don't believe in the gods, so it doesn't really matter what they think! (in response to Libra calling him out for saving other people) ...

#long post #blood mention #abuse mention

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volklana · 7 years

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Falling In Love In A Coffee Shop (Part Two)

Tony x Reader

Part Two: If Only I Could Hold You, You’d Keep My Head From Going Under

Read Part I Here:

The title of this series come from this song and the title for this chapter comes from this song, which I really recommend you check out.

Reader’s outfit is based on this Scarlett Joahnsson look.

Idea came from the beautiful @wellthatsrandomkek

Set in the aftermath of Civil War when Tony is attempting to heal and forgive, when he meets you at a chance meeting in a small town coffee shop will both of your lives be affected forever? Also if you have seen the movie We Bought A Zoo (2011), I imagine reader’s fashion sense and general personality to be quite like Scarlett Johansson’s character Kelly. So her setting is going to be a ranger in a wildlife park setting.

Request: Tony has a lot on his mind and one day leaves the tower. He finds this small, cozy coffee shop and he can’t decide what to order. You (a regular) are behind him and orders for the both of you. You talk, swap numbers and proceed to text a lot. His whole mood lights up when he gets a text from you and he slowly falls in love with you. He loves the calm you give him and your gentle ways when he spends time with you.

Warnings: Sad Tony. Sad Reader.

Words: c. 1,700

By his third hazelnut latte, Tony began to feel a little bit hopeless, he had been here over four hours and there had been no sign of you.

The male barista was eyeing him suspiciously, and he was guessing folks around here didn’t stay here for very long, or for as long as Tony had been sat here anyway.

Every time the bell over the door chimed, he couldn’t help but hold his breath, each time hopeful he would catch a glimpse of your smile, but every time with a sigh he felt his heart sink when he would meet the gaze of yet another stranger that wasn’t you.

The bell chimed again and he looked up hopefully, only to meet eyes with the barista who had served him the first time he had met you, and although she was a friendly face, she wasn’t you.

“He’s been here for hours Tina,” the male barista told her as she hung her coat up and he fastened his, finishing his shift, and she looked Tony over with a sympathetic smile, noticing how lost he looked, and how his eyes followed her colleague as he slinked out the door.

She made her way over to him with two lattes to go in her hand, and when he looked up at her puzzled, she handed him a napkin with directions scrawled on the back.

“You’ll find her here,” she smiled as he read the words over a few times and then he was scrambling out of his chair, clasping her on the shoulder and rushing out the door with the two coffee to go cups and she couldn’t help but smile after him, “Just follow the signs for the wildlife park,” she shouted after him and he shouted a thank you over his shoulder before he disappeared from sight.

He followed the directions meticulously and felt his heart flutter when he noted the sign for the wildlife park was the next turn off, and following the winding and leafy road until it opened out into the entrance of the park he gasped when he took in the expanse of the scenery around him.

Workers in overalls, pushing lawnmowers passed by and Tony flagged one of them down and asked where he could find you, and after being informed that you were up in the bear enclosure, Tony parked up and followed Blake who offered to lead the way.

As soon as his eyes landed on you he felt like the breath had been knocked out of his lungs, you were shoveling straw in an Icelandic wool sweater and jeans tucked into Wellington boots and when Blake called your name the look on your face was worth the hours Tony had spent just trying to find you. Blake simply continued on with his wheelbarrow and you took small steps towards Tony in disbelief.

“What are you doing here?” you asked with a small laugh, and he extended the hazelnut latte that Tina had given him back at the coffee shop out to you, relieved when you accepted it with a smile.

What was he doing here? Good question, and in all of the time he had been searching for you he couldn’t come up with a better answer than “I had to see you again.”

Well, it was the truth and he watched the small blush rise on your cheeks, as you took a sip of your coffee.

Tony sagged against the small wooden fence between you two and took in the scenery around him, “It’s really beautiful here. Peaceful,” he thought aloud.

“Pretty boring for a city boy?” you teased and he smirked at you.

“Could be just what this city boy needs right now,” he winked and you took another, rather large sip of your coffee, before continuing “So how did you find me?”

Tony laughed and this peaked your interested as you quirked your head towards him.

“I sort of sat in that coffee shop for hours until that girl who served us took pity on me and gave me directions how to get here.”

You laughed and considered him out of the corner of your eye, “I’m surprised she didn’t try to slip you her number,” you laughed and Tony grinned fishing the napkin from his pocket and showing you where the barista had jotted down her number with a smiley face.

“What can I say, I’m irresistible.”

You sort of stood to attention when Dave, the head groundskeeper walked up, and eyed Tony suspiciously, “Are you making her slack off?” he asked and Tony stood to attention too.

“Dave,” you laughed and then he cracked a smile, and tapped Tony hard on the back almost knocking the wind from him, “I’m only joking, but if you wanted to jump in and help her, she would be finished quicker and I would consider letting her go home early,” he winked.

“No Dave, Tony will not get in here,” you scolded him, and your eyes flicked to Tony who was taking off his expensive jacket and hanging it on a post.

“Who says I won’t?” he asked cheekily, easily climbing over the fence and accepting the shovel Dave was offering him.

“You’ll ruin your shoes,” you tried to warn in a rush and he looked at you so genuinely it almost floored you.

“They’re just shoes y/n,” he stated like it was the simplest thing in the world, “Now put me to work!”

He did work, and hard at that, you were surprised how easily the chatter flowed between you as you worked.

As you led him down the path that led to your small house, you suddenly felt embarrassed. He was obviously wealthy, he was dressed well and you were in a knitted jumper and boots, he probably lived in some fancy apartment in New York and your home would be like stepping back into the last century, as you led him in and flicked the switch on you turned to apologise but instead found his eyes lit up instead of looking disgusted.

“I know it’s not much,” you offered shyly and he stopped you in your tracks with a shake of his head, “It’s beautiful!”

You cooked a simple meal and brewed coffee after and you sat at your table simply talking as the darkness fell and you didn’t mean to yawn but you did and Tony spotted it.

“I’m so sorry,” you told him “It’s just I have really early mornings with the animals.”

“Of course,” he answered “It’s late, I should be heading.”

“Where are you staying?” you asked gently and he pulled a face that was the expressional equivalent of a facepalm.

“Yeah, I didn’t really get that far,” he laughed at his own stupidity.

“I have a spare room,” you laughed, “if you help me make up the bed, it’s yours!”

“Just for tonight,” he answered gratefully “Tomorrow I will find accommodation for the rest of my stay.”

It’s yours as long as you want it, you thought but simply smiled as you led him upstairs.

At first you weren’t sure what had pulled you from your slumber but as soon as you heard the cries coming from your spare room, you were on your feet in an instant.

You were suddenly startled, you had allowed a man you barely knew to stay in your home and now there were absurd noises coming from your spare room, what had you gotten yourself into?

But as soon as you saw him, face contorted and covered in a sheen of sweat and chest rising and falling rapidly as he tried to catch his breath, all your stupid concerns flew out the window and you were reminded of the first time you had seen him, small and terrified.

“Tony,” you tried, gently shaking him.

“Tony!” you hissed and he grabbed your wrist as his eyes flew open, he took a few seconds looking around the room and assessing his surroundings before he released his grasp on your wrist.

“Y/n?” he asked in a small voice and sank back into the pillows, relief washing over his face.

“You were having a nightmare, I’m sorry” you reasoned cradling your wrist to you, and feeling almost like you just had witnessed an intimate moment that you shouldn’t have.

When he reopened his eyes he sat up much calmer, “Did I hurt you?” he asked voice dripping in regret.

“No,” you reassured taking a seat on the edge of the bed, “Do you want to talk about it?” you asked gently and he considered you for a long time without speaking.

“You’re beautiful, and you’re kind and you’re good, and it was selfish of me to come here for the comfort you bring. I think I should go before I destroy you too!”

While you were processing the absurdity of his words he was swinging his legs over the bed and crossing the bed, hastily pulling clothes on.

“Is that why you came here?” you asked and he refused to look at you, “Tony?” you demanded and reached out to grasp his arm and he didn’t try to shake you off “What is it you’re running from? Who did this to you? Please, let me help you. Let me try!”

He was crying, and it hit him like a tidal wave, and he couldn’t breathe, and then you were all around him, he was breathing in the scent of your hair, and relishing in the feel of your warm arms around him, keeping him afloat and stopping his head from going under.

The next time you awoke, it was to the feeling of him wrapped up in your arms, sleeping soundly and you silently crept out of bed and from his room, silently showering, regretfully washing his scent from your body and dressing hurriedly, walking down the garden path but leaving your heart asleep in the spare room of your house.

Tagging: @creideamhgradochas @sydsyd1874 @ifoundlove-x0vanessa0x @markandjackaremysuperheros @ravens-2nd-blog @knittingknerdy @shamvictoria11 @buckysberrie @assembletheimagines @jennifers-bread @dearthofequanimity @sneakingpixiejutsu @bovaria @fvckingavengers @angryschnauzer @beccaanne814-blog @wellthatsrandomkek @3brosangel @palaiasaurus64 @hellomissmabel @mitra-k-w @nikkitia7 @fantasticimpaladoctor @angel34jolly-blog @feelmyroarrrr @marvelingatthewonder @james-bionic-barnes @fabulous-dani @voidjillybean @candyrogers @sebseyesandbuckysthighs @pimpaladestiel @tinaferraldo @andhiseyesweregreen @frickin-bats @alwayssmilepretty @buckyywiththegoodhair @pandarosita @iiharu-kunii @givemethatgold @fandom-hoe101 @moreinfinite @lilasiannerd @buckyb-avengers @avengerofyourheart @flowercrownsandmetallicarms @littlemissglassgirl @mytasterpeculiar @angel34jolly-blog @movingonto-betterthings @captain-amelia-bradley@mizzzpink @dryerpet @puffedchoco @bigbadwolfhale @marvelgoateecollection @janvdyne @jaegers-and-kaijus @peoniesinmyhair @violeata @xxmusic13luverxx @pegausustheepic @itsagentromanoff @bellenuit45 @perrychastain @harrisbn @challenge-accep-ted @0lockandload0 @bbogi1999 @s-acafst @fandom-writes @redroomproperty @princessfuckyou @wildestdreamsrps @sybil-howlett @writingwithadinosaur @saysay125 @bluebird214 @clinicalkayla @tonystarkfanfiction @yourtropegirl @deidreexx @fangirlinghamster @musichowler @katbird787

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Feedback is food for my starving soul!

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antoniomomonio · 6 years

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Let’s transpire some info about our souls, shall we?

I think this could be a good way to know each other, and also share our most peculiar and hidden desires and tastes here :) @thelovelycarpediem

What are your favorites songs to sing/hum

Probably Ocean Man by Ween, But just dance by lady gaga is also a very humming song, specially when you’re in such a poptimist vibe and you want ti be filled with all that bittersweet nostalgia.

What’s your favorite flower?

I absolutely love sunflowers, and the way they like to flow all the sunshine during the day, I feel like something magical, like those guys who play instrument to charm snakes, the sun charms its earth equivalents (mini-sunshine compacted into flowery and smelly substance). Also, violets are fucking pretty

favourite colours?

Mostly blue, something kinda melancholic and something human, my kind of yin and yang vibrate their medium between the blur of the blue. Violet is quite nice and mystical, and purple is absolutely charming.

what do you always doodle?

trees which its leaves are made of spirals, I went to search about it someday and found out that the trees were about a tree next to the house the girl I liked lived, and she painted it, I feel like it’s an inspiration, hidden inside my subconscious, also the spirals comes from the many different ways the tree can hold up to its core, it feels also very mythological, some folklore like creatures!

how do you take your coffee/tea?

Milk & coffee, hate tea sometimes, usually get me some fruits to go along so i don’t hurt my stomach and kill my cells, and I can live in peace.

favourite candle scent?

Now that You’ve asked me, never really thought about it, but there is this smell in my friends house, and it smells like new and clean clothes and also roses perfume, so probably this one.

favourite quote?

“It’s a tokyo night when you feel alright” - Ariel Pink from Plastic raincoats in the pig parade

favourite self care routine(s)?

Probably listening to music is a self-care routine because it keeps me kind of sane living in a chaotic city in the middle of a hellish stress that pounds me every single day

fuzzy socks or house slippers?

F U Z Z Y S O C K S A R E C O M F Y :3

what colour are your eyes?

Brown, some shade between caramel and honey.

what’s your favourite eye colour on others?

Purple, or violet! also it would be nice if they could change colors in their eyes based on mood, or maybe blood type, or maybe if we were different creatures it would show from where we are, and maybe even our tribes or clans!

favourite season? why?

I love summer and the optimistic feeling of sunshine hitting me between my lungs and feeding my body, but I also love fall and it’s contemplative leaves mood, perfect for cozy music listening :3

cheek, neck or nose kisses?

Neck kisses are the most romantic and erotic thing at the same time, I love them, it’s such a big synesthetic mess of feelings, it makes me burst.

what does your happy place look like?

Probably some house in the country with a lot of tubes where I can slip from my bedroom to many places in the house in few seconds, also it would be pretty good If I had som garden on the outside where I could grow some grapes, yay!

do you ever want to be married? if so, what colours would you pick for your wedding theme?

I find myself really thinking about love and possibilities of wedding, If I ever get married, I will probably make a big ass party in the beach and me and my love shall dance Train in vain (stand by me) for one unforgettable moment.

favourite weather?

I like rain sometimes, but who doesn’t love the sun? I mean, people who get burnt easily, but my question was a rethorical one

Favorite album or artist?

probably Jim o’ Rourke’s Eureka, and artist is probably the radio dept.

and that’s it folks, that’s a little piece of my heart and moods I’m sharing with you tonight, have a good time and make a greater good for humanity.

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brokenmusicboxwolfe · 7 years

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I saw:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey- A fella is just minding his own business when a casual acquaintance invites over a whole questionable crowd to gobble up his food. Maybe this is good, since at least he won’t have to worry about a pantry full of rot when he gets back from this decidedly impromptu months long trek. See, his “friend” claims the fella is a criminal and so perfect for a wildly dangerous mission. Despite claiming to like his cozy life he must be a wee bit bored so off he trots. The leader constantly grumbles about him not being suitable, even as the hero manages to help save them from one hell of a mugging in the woods. I mean, most times opportunistic thugs jump you they don’t intend to eat you. Running into hostile folks seems to be the way of it for these guys, but they do get a bit of a break with they escape the uncouth for a bit a of time among the snooty rich, though their reverse snobbishness comes across as incredibly rude. Still they soon are on their way again, off to a bit of captured by overwhelming odds. Well, except our “hero” who instead runs into a creepy and pathetic guy who he then proceed to cheat at a game and then rob of his most valued possession. I guess robbing the down and out means he really is a burglar at heart. But will our middle class softy ever be accepted by the leader of the gang he now runs with?

Tune in to two more heavily padded films to find out!

Or just read the book. It’s short enough you can do it in a rainy afternoon maybe. Or watch the animated version from the 1970s. I LOVE that version, and it’s only 1 1/2 hrs!

Actually, this is my favorite of the three films that make up The Hobbit, and there is much I do quite like. I suppose the reason I enjoy it so much more than the other two is because all that padding I mentioned in the others tended to loose the focus on the main characters. Yes there are things here not in the source and the action contains plenty of bits of business that strain credulity even in the fantasy setting, but still it doesn’t loose sight of the fact that this is a story about our hobbit who travels into a life changing adventure with these dwarves. I grumble about this or that choice (see for example “pretty boy” dwarves...not unlike my grumbling in the Lord of the Rings films about how other than Sam the lead hobbits were scrawny. Human asthetics, bah!) but I still found it true enough in spirit. It was still on the path and not wandering around in the briar an poison ivy filled brush.

Why tonight? Not long ago in Barnes and Noble we found they had most of the multi volume making of books for these films on sale for just $9 each. To my surprise Mom wanted to buy all of them (usually such books are my thing, not hers) and since then she has been reading them all. In fact (don’t tell her) I am considering trying to hunt down an affordable copy of the one we are missing for her. It got her in a mood to rewatch them, but the discs had been moved to storage. Luckily, while the others were too hard to get at, this one I found. Since, like me, Mom prefers this one to the other two (saying they could easily be edited down to one great movie) I’m glad that since I could just play one it was this one.

The films do bring a sort of melencholy to me because Pop had so been looking foreward to them. Heartbreakingly, when he was diagnosed with what would kill him one of the first things he did was ask me when the second and third films would come out. He didn’t live to see the final one. But when we first saw this one we didn’t know the future, either of the films or his health. I wish I could see it with just those eyes again.....

#movies #the hobbit #the hobbit: an unexpected journey

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howellrichard · 5 years

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A Manifesto to Help You Believe in Yourself and Thrive

Hiya Gorgeous!

So we’re just about to hit the halfway mark on the first month of the new year. This is where the rubber meets the road, my friends. Because get this—90% of the folks who set new year’s goals quit by now. Well, guess what? I’m on track to be one of those people!

Just last night I was reviewing my end-of-year journal and I realized that I’ve already blown off some of my most important intentions. Cue the sirens! That’s why I’m reaching out to you today. I need to phone a friend and get back on track—and maybe you do, too. I also created a little somethin’ somethin’ to help us do just that, keep reading!

So what trips us up from living the healthy, beautiful lives we desire? Well, you and I both know that there are many answers to that loaded question. But the #1 cause is usually our beliefs. Somewhere in the nooks and crannies of our minds, we just don’t think we can pull it off.

“Too old, too fat, not good enough, smart enough, healthy enough, pretty enough, talented enough, rich enough, strong enough, decisive enough…” Yuck. Just writing this list makes me want gin. If you’re struggling with any of that crap, I’m here to give you a little love blast and reminder of your greatness.

Here’s the deal: No matter what your life looks like right now, or how you feel in body and spirit, you’ve got what it takes to thrive—whatever that looks like for you. In fact, you were born to stretch your wings and soar, and it’s easier than you think.

Thriving isn’t about striving, pushing or fixing yourself. You’re already amazing. It’s not about having perfect health, a perfect body, relationship, kids, resume and so on. In fact, it’s less about self-improvement (I’m not enough) and more about self-acceptance (I’m loveable and phenomenal, just as I am).

Are self-defeating thoughts getting in the way of your magnificent life? Stretch your wings and soar with @kris_carr’s Thriver’s Manifesto!

Sounds delicious, right? So how do you get a piece of that thinking?

The key is to consistently cultivate positive, flowing energy in your body and spirit. It’s about how you feel about yourself, talk to yourself, take care of yourself, treat your wonderful self and others, and how you show up for your magnificent life—every day.

To cultivate that powerful energy, we’re also called to dismantle the barriers, practices and beliefs that keep us stuck. That crazy-ass thinking that makes us say awful statements like “I can’t.”

Real quick, let’s establish some rules for how to use the word “can’t,” because it can be a big thrive blocker when not applied correctly.

Thumbs up ways: I can’t go out tonight because I need to catch up on my sleep so I can rock my meeting tomorrow.

Thumbs down ways: I can’t write that book because everything’s already been said and my story isn’t that interesting. GONG! That’s a no no. Got it?

If you’re not feeling on your game right now, that’s OK. When I’m in that place it’s just a sign that I need to wake up and redirect my focus. For me that means giving myself a loving (no-nonsense) pep talk. Once I’ve cracked through my defeating chatter, I’m better able to create healthy habits (actions) that support who I want to be and how I want to feel.

Here’s a simple example: If I want my body to be strong, then I need to create a fitness routine that supports my goals. If I choose to believe that I don’t have time to work out (my go-to excuse), then I’m choosing not to thrive. I’m prioritizing Netflix over how I want to feel. Now, as someone who struggles with anxiety and depression at times, that’s not a loving choice. Exercise does a world of good for my mood.

Sure, it’s hard to uplevel my cozy, creature comfort habits. I frickin’ love my shows. In fact, I have a detailed spreadsheet of when they’re on hiatus and when they return! But if I can take the time to create that darn document, then for the love of goodness, I can create a few sit ups.

So as we harness the magic this year has to offer, as we step in to the fullest expression of who we are—joyous, loving, thriving, forces for good—I want to invite you to join me in channeling your energy in to creating the vibrant life you desire (and deserve!).

To help you do that, I whipped up what I call The Thriver’s Manifesto. Think of it like a declaration of intentions for how you will cherish yourself moving forward. You can check it out below and download a designed copy of it, if you like. Use it as a way to wire your brain to thrive. Enjoy, sweetheart!

The Thriver’s Manifesto:

1. Regardless of my circumstances, I have the power to thrive—at any time on my journey!

2. When I’m thriving my energy is flowing—body, mind and spirit. I’ve got pep in my step, peace in my mind and joy in my heart. If I’m not thriving, it’s a sign to redirect my focus.

3. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to thriving. My version is right for me and it changes as my needs change, therefore I refrain from comparing myself to others.

4. I choose thoughts and beliefs that support my health, personal goals and highest good.

5. I listen to my body and trust my intuition, because I know what’s best for me.

6. I feed my body clean food because I’m worth it. Improving my diet improves my life.

7. I understand that self-care is health care and I practice it daily.

8. I support my immune system by lessening my exposure to a toxic environment.

9. I practice progress, not perfection in my pursuit of vibrant health and happiness.

10. I ask for support when I need it and I make time for my friends. Community = longevity.

11. I love and accept myself just as I am today—not down the line when I create some mythical better version of myself.

12. I can’t please everyone, and that’s OK. People pleasing drains my energy. And when I’m too focused on living up to other people’s standards, I forget to raise and honor my own.

13. I practice gratitude on a regular basis because it puts me in a positive state and reminds me of what’s already great in my life.

14. I understand that healing isn’t linear. It happens in seasons, zig and zags, steps forward and backwards. Therefore, I am patient, loving and supportive of my body and life.

15. I say yes to my life and make time for me, and for the people, animals and experiences that matter most. I give myself permission to live like I really mean it, starting today!

Download your FREE Thriver’s Manifesto here:

May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you cherish yourself, may you know how deeply loved you are and may you pay that love forward to other people, the animals and the planet—so worthy of your care.

Your turn: Which belief from the Thriver’s Manifesto resonates with you most? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

Peace and taking flight,

The post A Manifesto to Help You Believe in Yourself and Thrive appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

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