#with everything around her she's still shining bright || rare beauty

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

Of Lions and Mice

Leona Kingscholar x Reader

Reader is intended to be female

Masterlist

Leona was annoyed.

Once again, his golden goody-two-shoes older brother decided to shirk his responsibility of being a father and dump the overexcited, disgustingly bright-eyed crown prince on him for the day. And not only that, it had to be today of all days - a rare day where you were free from picking up Crowleys’ slack, where the loudmouthed, nattering extras that always followed you were otherwise preoccupied (and bribed to bugger off with a bag full of tuna), where he was certain he’ll spend the day in bed with you right next to him. 

But no. Just like with everything else in his miserable existence, his dreams were crushed and he had to spend the day playing caretaker to his nephew instead of wrapped up with you. What’s worse was that, you’d decided to carry the pint-sized load off of his back and gave your undivided attention to the cub when it should have been rightfully his. How he hated that selfless nature of yours, that sweet, caring, gentle nature that would make you look at anyone that wasn’t him with that loving gaze, that would make you brush your fingers through Cheka’s golden orange curls the same way you would Grim’s fur or the stray cats you’d find around campus or any other being instead of his mane. 

He hated just how loving you were, how your eyes could see the beauty in everything.

How, now that it’s late at night, and he’s closed his eyes and pretended to sleep in his attempt to actually get some shut eye and so that the little hairball would quit bothering him but Cheka just continues yapping.

Even in the darkness under his eyelids, he could feel you cast a worried look his way from the spot where his bed sags a little.

“Hey Cheka,” your sweet, dulcet voice (which is currently being used to please his nephew and not sooth him to sleep with the sweet nothings it usually does) pipes up, “how about I tell you a bedtime story from my world?”

“A bedtime story?!” Wow, even with his eyes closed he could see the stars coming out of his nephew's eyes, “yes please!”

Once the little cub has settled into bed, he asks you, “do you know any stories from your world with lions in them?

“Any ones with lions? Hmm, well, I suppose I could tell you about Narnia but I think you might be a bit too young for that and - wait,” you punctuated your words with a snap of your fingers, “I know a short one. There was this man called Aesop who wrote these short stories called fables.”

“What’s a fable?” Cheka asked, his words covered in that innocently curious lilt that all six year olds seemed to have during every occasion Leona wished they wouldn’t - and that was all of them.

You, however, seemed to have much more patience than him, “A story with a moral in them. Like, always be honest, or share, or work together, that sort of thing. I had a book of them when I was younger and I really enjoyed reading them.”

Figures. Of course, the shining beacon of sickeningly polite goodness grew up with such stories. He would’ve teased you for that but he had a child who he’s still trying to convince he was asleep.

“That sounds so cool, Aunty Y/N! Will you tell me more?”

“Of course, I will,” he can hear your smile, “but I’ll tell you them later, okay. Now, it’s time for you to rest.” 

“Okay, Aunty Y/N.”

“Alright so,” you clear your throat, “there was once a lion that lay asleep in his den. A shy little mouse came upon him and in her fright she ran away, only whilst doing so she accidentally ran over his head, waking him up.”

“Oh no,” Cheka gasped, “that lion is going to be so angry if he wakes up.”

Oh, so the little hairball does have a brain after all. 

“You’re right. Furious that he had been woken up, the big lion slammed a paw down on the tiny mouse and grabbed her by the tail. Holding her up, he growled at her,” here you made your voice noticeably deeper, trying to imitate a gruff growl, ““How dare you wake me up! I am the king of beasts and anyone who interrupts my slumber deserves to die! I shall kill you and eat you!””

It took everything within Leona to not burst into laughter at your adorable imitation of a ‘big scary lion’. It’s a voice you’ve used before whenever you tease him, playfully repeating the words his old self would have said to you, and it’s one that he’s rather fond of. 

He loves and respects you, Herbivore, and he’s the first to attest to your formidability and capability - even though you have the annoying tendency to not only blur the line between bravery and reckless stupidity but also play skipping rope with it - but intimidating you are not. 

“This scared the terrified mouse even more. Shaking with fear, she begged for him to let her go,” you make your voice higher at this part, squeaking in a way that oddly suited you, in Leona’s not so humble opinion, ““please, your majesty, I beg of you, please don’t eat me. It was only a mistake and if you let me go I’ll be sure to repay you. If you spare my life one day, I might even save yours.””

“The lion looked at the tiny creature and laughed, amused at how such a small mouse could ever be of use to an animal as powerful as him, “You? Save me? How absurd. You’ve made me laugh and put me in a good mood so I shall be generous and let you go.”

“Thank you, your majesty, thank you,” the mouse squeaked as she was put back on the ground, before scurrying away as fast as fast as her little legs could carry her.”

“Yay, so the mouse is free.” Cheka giggled.

“He is,” you said, “but there’s still more left. A few days later, the lion was prowling around when out of nowhere he was caught in a hunter’s net. Try as he might, he couldn’t get out of it. He tossed and turned, roaring angrily as he struggled to escape.”

“Wait, so now the lion’s in trouble. How’s he going to get out?” Cheka asked in worry. 

“You’ll see. Hearing his cries, the mouse followed the sound, recognising it from the lion he met earlier.

“I have to help him,” she squeaked as she scampered towards him.”

Upon seeing the lion in the net, she said, “hold still your majesty, I’ll get you out!”

And she quickly started to nibble on the ropes with her sharp little teeth, biting until all they broke apart. It wasn’t long until the lion was free.”

“So the mouse saved him. Was it because the lion helped him earlier?”

“It certainly was Cheka. “Thank you, little mouse,” the lion said, “I laughed at you and didn’t think you could ever help me but you saved my life.”

“It was my turn to help you.” The mouse replied, ”never forget that even a creature as small as a mouse can help a lion.”

And that’s the end,” you say.

“Thank you, Auntie Y/N, I really enjoyed that. Do you think the lion and mouse became friends after that?”

“You are very welcome, Cheka. I think they did. They did help each other, after all. Now I think it’s time to go to sleep.”

And once you were sure that the crown prince was asleep, you made your way next to your boyfriend, running your fingers through chestnut locks, “did you enjoy that little story, Leona.”

He opens his eyes to see your endeared smile. Rolling over so that he could wrap his arms around your waist he muses, “it seems awfully familiar don’t you think? A scared little herbivore wakes up a sleeping lion and ends up saving him later.”

“I’ll have you know, Your Highness, that I was never scared of you. Even when you were a rude old brute who threatened to knock out one of my teeth. And I’m certainly not little.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.” 

He pulls, letting you flop down on his bed beside him so that he can spoon you.

“Sweet dreams, little mouse,” he kissed your forehead, “I hope you know that I don’t ever intend on letting you go. Not after you helped in ways you could never even imagine.”

And so the lion fell asleep, holding the prey who rescued him from the confinement of his past safely in his arms.

#leona kingscholar x reader #twst #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #fem reader

[maxtermind]

hello! i have a request for lewis x wife reader. maybe where reader is pregnant. and lewis is all sweet, protective, and caring about her? very domestic fluff is recommended :))

as bright as the morning

★ : feat :: lewis hamilton x pregnant!wife reader ★ : genre :: fluff ★ : word count :: 650 ★ : a/n :: this took so long because i forgot to schedule the post😔 hope you like this tooth rooting fluff

You stood in the kitchen, the comforting scent of breakfast filling the air as you moved about, your movements slowed by the gentle weight of your growing belly.

It was a rare sight to see you taking charge of breakfast, as he usually insisted on handling everything when he was home, but you decided to relish in this since he was still sleeping.

Oblivious to your man standing just a few feet away, admiring you, the morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow around you, enveloping you in a soft halo of light and making his heart swell with love.

”Hey there, beautiful,” you heard Lewis's voice, filled with affection, as he entered the room.

You turned to him, a smile lighting up your face at the sight of your husband.

”Good morning,” you replied, your voice soft with warmth, about to continue, but he crossed the room in a few quick strides, his arms enveloping you in a gentle embrace right that second.

Before you knew it, he was pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, his touch sending a shiver of warmth down your spine. ”How are you feeling today?” Lewis asked, his voice laced with concern as he pulled back to look into your eyes.

You sighed, leaning into his touch. ”A little tired, but otherwise, I'm okay,” you admitted, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in your bones.

The words were out of your mouth before you could second-guess, and you realized your mistake as soon as Lewis’s eyes widened.

Your husband’s brows furrowed with worry, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. ”You should be resting,” he insisted, his tone gentle yet firm.

You shook your head, a stubborn glint in your eyes. ”I'm fine, Lewis. I can handle it,” you protested, though the weariness in your voice betrayed your true feelings, and he was already leading you away to the other side of the counter. “I want to spend time with you.”

Lewis sighed, knowing that arguing with you would be futile. Instead, he stepped forward, gently taking your hand in his, before pushing you down on the stool behind the corner.

“You both should not be up and working when I'm home,” he offered, his voice soft with sincerity.

Lewis worked efficiently, picking up right where you left off, preparing breakfast as you both conversed with a sense of ease that only comes from years of shared love and companionship.

He kept a watchful eye on you, making sure you didn't overexert yourself, and that made your heart run so fast that you were sure you needed to see your doctor regarding that soon. Lewis was done in no time because you were already halfway done before he woke up.

As he served the food, you stood up to get juice, and Lewis reached out to place a hand on your belly, feeling the soft skin underneath his palm. A heartwarming smile broke out on his face.

”You know I love you both, right?” Lewis murmured, his voice filled with wonder as he looked at you.

You nodded, your eyes shining with joy. ”We love you too, baby,” you agreed, your hand coming to rest atop his.

He bent down to kiss you but you jerked away playfully, startling him before he rolled his eyes at the mischievous smile on your face. His heartbeat pressed against your back, matching yours.

”Oops, sorry,” you teased, ”just heard the baby say that she loves her mumma more.”

Lewis chuckled, his heart overflowing with love for you and his little baby. ”I'll have to have a talk with her about that,” he joked, his voice filled with affection as he pulled you tighter into his arms, making sure to keep the pressure off your belly.

And as you promised yourself to book that cardiologist appointment after all, you kissed Lewis.

( masterlist \ drop a request ) ©maxtermind // do not copy, rewrite or translate any of my work on any platforms.

#★ : my work ! #f1 #fanfic #formula 1 #lewis hamilton imagine #lewis hamilton fanfic #lewis hamilton smut #max f1 #lewis hamilton #lewis hamilton fic #lewis hamilton f1 #lewis hamilton x reader #f1 fanfic #f1 x reader #lewis hamilton one shot #lewis hamilton x y/n #lewis hamilton x you #lw44 fanfic #lw44 #lw44 x reader #lw44 imagine #lw44 fic #lw44 x you #lw44 x y/n #lw44 one shot #formula one imagine #lw44 smut #lewis hamilton imagines #f1 fandom #formula one

[iouinotes]

Heroic Betrayal | Luke Castellan (part 1)

SPOILER FOR THE PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS SERIES AND THE BOOKS

pairing: Luke Castellan x female!reader

show: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

warnings: dark!character, betrayal, implied sexual content, heavy angst, kidnapping

word count: 5,8k

summary: When Luke switches to the dark side, he tries everything possible to win you for him.

a/n: so as the show comes to an end (dont cry dont cry dont cry), I thought I would finally post this :)))

read part 2 here

"I'll find you!" his voice echoes through the forest, my laughter much louder than I intend to. But that´s just how it always goes. It's our own little tradition.

Every year when the camp starts again and we meet after the holidays passed, we play hide and seek in the dangerous forest of the half-blood camp. The creatures usually don't come across our path, in recent years it has rarely happened, that we actually had to defend ourselves against them.

Once it was an angry dryad, who threw branches at me (she had a crush on Luke and wanted revenge, but since I could understand her feelings and felt sad for her, we sorted it out).

Another time we were spotted by some camp members, who made fun of us, but Luke must have said something to them later, because we haven't been bothered by these troublemakers since.

It is always the same pattern, but each time there is still something special about it. We have grown, became more mature (I think), and have more and more experience about the struggles in life.

So being able to just let go for a few moments and being completely alone with him is probably the best thing to keep myself sane (even if he drives me a little bit crazy with the love I hold for him).

But a lot has changed recently.

It all started when rumors spread, that Zeus' lightning bolt had been stolen by Poseidon's son. And then the most supportive, bravest, sassy kid in the world showed up here. Percy Jackson. Ever since I met him, even though it's not his fault, there's been war going on. The gods are angry, the monster attacks became worse and again, rumors about the oldest, most powerful titan Kronos reached the camp.

It scared and frightened many people, including me. That's why we've been training harder and stay awake, even when the stars are shining, so that we can prepare for any catastrophe. To be able to fight.

My mother is the goddess Demeter, my father a simple man. I adore them both, even though my mother isn't one of my closest contacts. But I never really held that against her, because at least she decided to acknowledge me as her daughter. After all, it's a privilege that not everyone gets. My siblings and friends at camp are important to me, but the world is changing and so is everything around it.

The only stability I have left is my boyfriend Luke.

If I had to rely on one person in the whole world (and by that I also mean the underworld), it would be him.

He's been my best friend since I arrived at this camp. We've been together through ups and downs, I know every side of him and he knows everything about me too. Many of the people here are like blank pages to me, but not him. He is like my favorite book, that lays open to me and allows me to read each letter individually. Just as I know every of his dreams, every secret, every truth and every lie. He is my protector, my hero in every dark night and every bright day. Without him, I don't even know who I am. He is a part of me and my heart wouldn't be whole without him.

I watched him grow up. From the small, thin boy whose eyes hid so much pain and sadness to the strong, soulful leader he is today.

His beauty cannot be influenced by anything, he is like my very own sun, without him I could not survive.

I wouldn't want it any other way though.

Now, I'm hiding behind a tree with my back pressed against the bark and I am able to hear the cracking and swinging of the branches.

I smile so wide, that my cheeks start to hurt, when I hear his voice calling. My heart is beating in my throat, but it's not just the adrenaline of not getting caught. It's because of my love for him, which is so strong that sometimes I'm afraid of it. But only in the moments when I realize that nothing, but him is my biggest flaw. I think I would do anything for him.

Then I concentrate again and listen to the sounds around me. But his voice has fallen silent and I don't hear his footsteps anymore.

My eyebrows furrow, confused I try to look around the tree and search for an orange t-shirt. Likely together with his slim body, biceps, beautiful face and wonderful personality.

But when I want to withdraw again, it's already too late. A branch breaks behind me and before I can move I'm pushed against the tree from behind.

I immediately feel his body against mine, hear the laughter in his voice and listen to his strained breathing. His hands wrap around my body and turn me towards him, so that we are now face to face.

He's taller than me and as I look up, I feel the familiar fluttering feeling in my chest. I am so in love with him.

He grins triumphantly at me and I lean against the tree, smiling kindly.

"Found you, princess." The light reflects in his brown eyes and some of his curls are laying wildly on his head. He looks like an angel.

"I made it easy for you." My voice teases him and when he leans in so close to me, that our lips almost touch, I forget how to think properly. A habit I can't change. He's just so captivating.

"Yeah? You think I wouldn't have found you otherwise? Funny. I remember that in the last few years, I always was the winner of our little game." His lips brush mine, I want nothing more than to kiss him. But he knows that, which is why he slowly pulls back, when I start to lean forward.

When I want to complain, he puts his hand around my waist and pulls me into his chest. My knees almost give out, I feel so intoxicated by his presence.

"I-I wanted you to find me." My voice whispers quietly.

His eyebrows rise in mock surprise.

"Then I guess, I can claim my prize without feeling bad." In the next second, his lips are on mine and I'm unable to do anything, other than kissing him back. I wrap my arms around his neck and enjoy the warmth that radiates from him. He sets my heart on fire.

While pushing me against the tree, I've completely forgotten about, he lets his hands wrap possessively around my waist. Digging his nails into my hips, to keep me grounded. Otherwise, I would probably get lost in those sensations.

Luke kisses in a way, like it's the last time he'll have the chance. (As if I would ever want to keep him from doing that).

He's passionate, my body feels like it's on fire and the heat inside me feels so good, that I want more. I can never get enough of him and he knows it. He grins against my lips, but he doesn't break the kiss. I think he secretely loves knowing how much he can mess with me, with just a few kisses.

My hands find his hair and pull him closer to me, our chests touch and his breathing mingles with mine.

It is wonderful and so precious, I would refuse any gift from the gods just to be close to him.

When he pulls away from me, our bodies are still close. My eyes open and look dreamily into his, our gazes reflect a familiarity and love that is like nothing I have ever experienced.

He smiles at me, pushes a stray strand of hair behind my ear and leans himself against me. His fingers stroke the exposed skin of my pulled-up shirt.

"I've missed you." If my heart hasn't melted before, it has now. I give him a kiss on the cheek and hug him, we stand in our embrace for a moment. Enjoying each other's closeness, the calm feeling until the next chaotic situation happens.

"Now we are together again. Only that matters." It's quiet around us and when I close my eyes for the second time, I hear his fast heartbeat. I have to supress a smile.

The wind is the only thing I hear until his voice breaks the silence.

"Something will happen soon. Something big." The peaceful atmosphere is threatened by his words and when I look at his face again, I see his worried eyes.

I sigh, but then nod to agree with him. "I thought about that too, it feels different. Like something is coming our way, that we can't control."

His fingers stroke my cheek and for a moment, his face holds an expression, that I can't understand. It resembles regret.

But before I can ask him about it, he smiles tenderly at me again.

"Nothing will separate us. The world is just a game. It's a matter of time and making the right moves." That is his motto. But I'm not always convinced of this. Even though I trust him to do the right thing.

"I'm just worried we'll get seperated, you know? Evil can be sneaky and traitors always exist. You never know who you can trust." Something I said must have really bothered him, because he looks like I just stabbed him.

This time I ask him about it.

"What's on your mind? You can tell me. Two people who worry about something are better, than one who is alone with it." I take his hand and stroke his skin, it feels cold even though we have summer.

"Nothing, just- I don't want to lose you. I couldn't be here without you. I need you. I mean...I-I love you. You know that I would do anything to keep us together, right?"

His words surprise me. I know he loves me. I can sense that, everyone probably does. But he has never worn his heart on his sleeve and the three magical words only come out of his mouth on special occasions. The fact that he's telling me now surprises me.

"Of course. I trust you. We will survive together, I know that. Are you worried because of the rumors about the Titan King?" This topic is always very critical and he usually doesn't like to talk about it, but this time I decide to address it directly.

"He will come. I just want you to be safe, when it happens." He sounds so confident it gives me goosebumps.

"Perhaps. His followers will definitely try. But love is stronger than anything else. Especially our love. We will get through it." He doesn't look convinced, so I turn his face towards mine and kiss him.

My voice sounds soft, when I speak again.

"Luke, I love you. I could never leave you. Not even the King of the Underworld will be able to keep us apart. I promised to be by your side in every moment of our lives. You are my soul and without it I am damned."

This seems to reassure him, but I feel like he's not telling me something of great importance. But I don't want to push him, I know he will tell me when the time comes.

He always does.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

As the day comes to an end, I say goodnight to my siblings and report for my night watch duty. The situation has been a lot more worse the recent weeks. Kronos exists, my worst fear was confirmed. And he is building an army, that is so strong that it will be difficult to fight against it. But what I'm really worried about are the rumors about our people, who have also joined his cause.

Nobody knows who, the spies have been hiding ever since. I've never felt like I was paying more attention to my words than I am now. The only person I don't have to hold back to is Luke.

But even with him I notice the effects of the bad news. The circles under his eyes are darker than ever and his nerves are so frayed, that every little thing makes him want to explode. His temper is hanging by a thread, that is increasingly threatening to break. And I'm trying everything to prevent this.

No matter if I try it by making him laugh (which has become difficult), massaging his tense shoulders, trying to kiss him to the point of forgetfulness (usually it's the other way around) or when he takes out his frustration by burying himself deep inside me. With every thrust of his hips, I feel him relax, his hand so tight around my body as if I would run away, if he didn't hold me close enough.

He's changing and I'm trying my best to maintain his good sides. That he doesn't completely lose himself in his responsibilities and the pressure, that he has, because he is a member of the camp council.

Besides, I can't complain, when he fucks me until I can't breathe aynmore and I block out everything around me. When he comes, he whispers the sweetest things in my ear. Even if sometimes they sound so protective, that I could almost come from his voice alone.

When he whispers to me how good I am for him or how much he loves being able to have such a power over me like that - maybe it should scare me, but I trust him like no one else.

My mind concentrated his best for my shift, but when I finally go to bed after quiet some time, my eyes quickly close.

Looking back, I wish I had never let myself sleep that night.

Because, when I close my eyes I see waves. Hear the seagulls screaming in the sky, the fish swimming in the water and the distant cries of strangers.

It's all unusual and the bright light would blind me, if I didn't avert my gaze. And as soon as I do it, I see a ship. It's huge, rust shimmers in the sunrays, the anchor shows that it's been in the same place for a while now.

I feel something pulling me towards it, pushing and burning in my chest, leaving me with a tremor that I can feel, even in my deep sleep.

As I flit through the window like a ghost, I feel paralyzed. My blood freezes, I want to disappear immediately and in my mind I scream at myself to wake up.

But it's no use, whatever is here, someone decided that I have to see it. Only then, my wish will be fulfilled and I can wake up. So, I hide in a corner, there are scratched picture frames above me and broken glass is scattered on the floor. The monsters that loudly crush the glass ahead of me seem unstoppable.

I tremble as I look at at least seven dracaenae, several shaggy hellhounds and set my eyes on gigantes, that take up almost the entire room.

But that is nothing compared to the terror, that grips me when I see my classmates. My friends. People I trusted, who I fought alongside, for who I cared about. People I would have sacrificed myself for. They all betrayed me. And I feel close to tears. When I want to turn away, I hear a voice that almost brings me to my knees.

It's Luke.

My faithful and caring protector, my heroic love. Someone, to which I had dedicated everything. He was my life, with every single breath I took. The motivation behind my every action. The reason I wanted to survive in this cruel world. He was everything I had and everything I will ever have and in that moment it was abruptly taken from me.

I didn't have the strength to concentrate, it was as if every fiber of my body was on fire, triggered by the torment of my suffering heart. Seeing him like that, in black armor, Kronos' silver mark glittering around his neck, instead of his colorful necklace. A stoic, hostile expression on his face, his hands gripping his sword, it all hurt too much to watch.

And as I sank to the floor and covered my eyes with my hands, I was still forced to listen. I couldn't understand why he was saying such things.

"With every day he becomes stronger, with every participation in our army, we become stronger. Everything is planned, the camp is weak. Just like all of its residents. The surprise is on our side, because we will show no mercy. We will kill anyone, who does not confess to us. Do you hear me? No hostages will be taken. Only Hades population will be expanded."

The screams around me are so loud, so angry and horrific that I feel tears running down my cheeks.

I don't want to see any of that. The person infront of me is not my Luke.

A kind of fog creeps around me and I feel cold, it seems too late to forget it now. When I notice the golden coffin and Lukes hunched posture, the scar on the side of his face, I realize he is praying to him.

To the fall of Olympus. Kronos.

I want to cry, to scream, to be angry - but I just feel like every part of my heart is breaking and will never be whole again. Luke will never again be the one to heal it.

My consciousness leaves the ship until I finally wake up, but I can't move at first. I feel lost, my muscles are stiff and after a few seconds I notice that I'm shaking. But it's not because I'm cold, the summer air is wafting in the air.

Such dreams are rare, but are like the own scary predictions of the future.

And then it comes all back so me, the memories, that have just turned my whole life upside down. Traitor. The word appears in my mind, I feel like I almost can't breathe. And then there is a finger on my cheek, gently stroking the skin and my chest immediately becomes warm.

I know this gesture.

When I open my eyes, I see his loving eyes and the smile that covers his mouth makes my heart clench in sorrow.

It was just a nightmare. Luke would never betray me.

But the whispers in my head say otherwise.

As we continue to look at each other in silent, I notice his furrowed eyebrows.

"What's wrong, my love? Did you have a nightmare? You look scared. Don't be afraid, I'm here. I will always protect you." His voice is so calm, so usual loving and it makes the butterflies in my stomach fly around like crazy.

He is so beautiful.

As he briefly turns his head to tighten the blanket around me, I see his side profile and the scar. Reminders of my dream crash onto me like a lightning strike from Zeus himself.

I sat up abruptly. Luke is a servant of our enemy. How could I ignore that? I feel like I'm almost starting to hyperventilate. The thought, this nightmare, Luke's appearance, this evil feeling - it makes me sick. And I'm suddenly so afraid, more than I have ever been in my life. But I can't tell if it's the fact that I just found out he joined Cronos' army or that he broke my heart doing so.

I see him tense, my panic seems to be affecting him too.

My thoughts are so confusing, I don't know what to do, I have to tell someone. I have to-

His hands find their way to my cheeks, cupping them gently to direct his gaze towards himself. I would have preferred not to look at him, but I have no choice. His eyes search mine.

Then, as if the weight of Atlas punishment was put on his shoulders, he lowers them. His lips tremble slightly and his eyes look at me, as if I am the most valuable thing in the world and he is about to lose it.

"You know it." He doesn't have to say what he means by that. We both know.

I want to break away from him, but he won't let me. He's always been much stronger.

But everything still feels so different, light surrounds us and I can't really feel my body.

"Listen to me, please. I can explain it. Please-" The world goes silent, before he can finish his sentence.

It is too much.

I stifle a scream. I want to jump out of bed, but his hands hold me close. I only manage to fall to the ground, breathing heavily, but his arms are much stronger and I'm still weakened by my dream. He trys to hold me in a position, so that his back hugs me. His hands grab mine and one of them covers my mouth to silence me, when I want to scream for help.

With any other person, I would have known what to do. With anyone but him, I could have defended myself without any problems. But it wasn't just anyone and what he had done to me, the betrayal he had committed, was nothing I could handle.

I tried to wriggle out of his grip, to kick him, but the more I cried and the more hysterical I became, the easier it was for him to have control over me.

And for the first time, it scared me.

"Please calm down, I have to explain it to you- you have to know, that I never wanted to deceive you, please-" I notice how his voice is failing and he has to pull himself together, to not to lose his composure.

When I shake his hand away and want to yell again, he grabs my neck with such a warning force, that no sound escapes me.

I tremble in his hold. Tears stream down my cheeks and I literally feel my heart breaking.

Then he starts whispering in my ear and his grip feels like a tragic prison.

"Nobody can know. I never wanted you to find out. Not until I convinced you, that it is the right thing to join him. Because he will win, sweetheart. I want us to win by his side." His voice sounds so confident and at the same time, as if he was a completely different person.

Tears continue running down my face and he slightly let's go of me, so he can comfort me.

"If you would just listen to me, you will understand my actions. Please, just listen to me-" but the world blurs infront of my eyes and I am only able to whisper three words, before darkness surrounds me.

"You betrayed me."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

When I wake up, my head hurts so much, that it takes me several minutes to open my eyes. When I finally do it, I almost have a heart attack.

I recognize the similarity of this room from my dream. When I stand up, I run to the round window and look out, being only able to see the blue sea. Feeling empty and alone.

When I want to step out the door, I expect it to be locked. But instead the handle turns and I step out of the room. I'm so surprised about that, that I'm acting without thinking twice.

As I walk around the next corner, the deck creaks and I see an ugly creature in front of me, that makes every instinct to escape kick in.

I run in the other direction, but every turn makes me more desperate and, without any consideration, I run into the hall, I was so afraid of.

It is filled with all kinds of ciders, and I also see the figures of my classmates, wounded and unhappy.

It's all so overwhelming, that I dont even see him standing on the podium, in the first place.

But as the monsters try to grab me, his voice echoes through the room with an affable authority.

"Nobody touches her. You hear me? Nobody. She is under my protection." I almost freeze into a stature, as he comes towards me and I have no way of avoiding him. No weapon is within my reach, his eyes notice my growing panic.

"Everyone leaves the room. Now." Nobody discusses it, even if some roll their eyes or quietly protest. His authority is unquestioned, it sends a cold shiver down my spine.

When the last doors slam shut, we stand a few meters opposite each other.

"The doors are guarded." It's the first thing he says.

When he tries to approach me, I lose my nerves and run to the corner with the broken glass, that I saw in my dream. I take them in my hands.

I see his eyes widen and he stops in his tracks.

"You- you want to fight me?" He actually sounds surprised and sad. Like I was the one who betrayed him and not the other way around.

"Don't come any closer. I may not have been able to do anything last time, but if you take one step closer then-" I don't know what to say. In no scenario did I ever think, I would have to threaten him.

But despite my warning, he comes towards me with his hands raised, the panic within me so palpable, that I can feel every muscle in my body.

I dodge, when he is only a few meters in front of me. Right into the next corner. As far away from him as possible.

"Princess, you can't keep me away forever. I've always loved that about you. You need me as much as you need to breathe."

It's supposed to sound sweet, but his words make me feel sick

"I'd rather suffocate." He didn't expect that. My words hit him so unexpectedly that he is almost speechless. Almost.

"I won't hurt you. You just have to let me get to you and I'll show you everything. You will understand, believe me." He really thinks, I'll just stay by his side and let him explain.

"Are you crazy? You're a traitor, Luke. You- you betrayed everyone. You betrayed me. How could you do this?" I suppress my tears, because that's exactly what he's waiting for. That my defense becomes weaker. I can't allow this.

"You dont understand. I always told you I would protect you. And I can only do that, if I'm on the winning side. And I am now. We are." His eyes flash with a craziness that makes me tremble. I don't recognize him.

"Why are you acting this way? You are doing the wrong thing - you give up everything. You're giving up on us." Tears leave my eyes and I see him take a few steps in my direction.

"I'm doing the right thing for us. You'll see. You just have to trust me, please. You know I always win. With the power he gives me, I will be invincible. You don't have to worry about one of us dying in this war anymore." I can't move, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have a way out now. He's too close.

"You are wrong. I would rather die in this war than join this monster and his deceitful army." The shards in my hand hurt, but I don't let them go. They're the only thing I can use to defend myself.

"You would leave me?" His eyes are staring into my soul.

"Would you fight me?" Every word is more intimidating.

"Would you stop loving me?" His words are like his own shards, leaving deep wounds in my heart.

He's standing right in front of me now, looking at me like I'm fragile.

Then he whispers "Would you kill me?"

In the next second, he suddenly has my hands in his, making me drop the glass. Be is only a few centimeters away from me now, his eyes are looking into my own.

"Would you, princess? Then show me." Suddenly he does something, I would have never expected. He takes out his sword and puts it in my hands.

His own hands go behind his back, his eyes tempting me. I feel all the blood in my body drain.

"Do it. I can't live in a world, where you don't love me anymore. In which you are no longer by my side. I am yours. That will never change, just like my love for you."

I can barely hold the sword, it's so wobbly in my hands. He stands in front of me and gives me every chance to defeat him. But I can't move.

It's quiet for a moment, then I see new hope in his eyes and when he speaks again, the tone of his voice melts my heart.

"What did you say a few months ago, you would always let me win? Let's win together this time. Please, just listen to me." His hand strokes my cheek. Wipes away the tears.

Then he drops his hand and grasps his sword, letting it fall to the ground.

He takes my hand instead.

"Follow me." He pulls me behind him, closer and closer to the golden coffin, it's like I'm in a trance, but when I finally feel the cold aura of something cruel, I'm able to think clearly again.

"No-" I don't want to be one step closer to this thing.

He turns around so quickly, that I can only slap his cheek, before he grabs me again.

"That was for kidnapping me. Let me go now!" I want to avoid his grasp. But again he does something I don't expect.

He holds me still, catches my gaze and then, kisses me so gently that the feeling alone makes me almost completely defenseless. His hands cup my cheeks, grip my hair, hold my body.

This is probably his worst trick. I've never been able to resist one of his kisses. And he knows that. He uses it against me.

Then he murmurs words against my lips, that barely reach my ears.

My heart is pounding in my throat.

"You feel this? We belong together. It is not written anywhere on which side we need to be. As long as we are together." His fingers stroke my lower lip, his figure towers over me and for a moment my surroundings fade. It's almost like always.

But he's not wearing his orange t-shirt, his expression isn't relaxed, and I don't hear any insults from the camp members in the distance.

"You're manipulating me." I am powerless against him. I thought we were on the same team, that no one had more power over the other one. But I was so wrong.

His eyebrows furrow again, and when his hands try to pull me against him, I hit his chest, without thinking, with the only piece of glass I hid in my pocket. But unlike I expected, nothing happens. The shard bounces off his skin and falls loudly to the ground. I can only stare at him in disbelief.

"How-" He just looks at me worried, no anger is visible in his eyes.

"You can't hurt me. I have the curse of Achilles upon me." I suddenly become aware of the effect the lake Styx in the underworld hast and I almost fall to the ground at the realization, my knees weaken.

"That was a test earlier. You wanted to see if I would kill you-" my voice fails.

He just looks at me sadly and smiles in regret. My heart becomes heavy.

"And I knew you wouldn't hurt me on purpose. You would never hurt someone you love. Not if you'd kill me in the process." What can I do? He knows me better than anyone, he can see right through my every thought.

"I can't do this, Luke. I-I can't be together with you, if you are like this." I'm serious, but he doesn't believe me.

"That's what you think, but it's a lie. The sooner you admit it to yourself, the more pain you avoid. Our souls are linked together, without me you are not able to live. I know, that you will continue to love me, no matter what I decide to do. That's how much you love me. You would rather die than not loving me."

I can't listen to him. I can't.

But his eyes are like all the promises in the world. He is my world. How could I ever forget that?

"Please come back with me, Luke. I-I won't tell anyone, but please. Let's go, let's forget everything, please-" I cant deal with this anymore. It's like he's draining all the energy out of me. More with every word, that leaves his lips.

"I can not do that. It will stay the way it is now. Don't fight against me, fight with me. You are so smart and loyal, you will be convinced. He will show you." His eyes now flash with something that frightens me. I see his hunger for power, something that has always been dormant within him.

"Luke, the only thing I ever really wanted was you. No power, no war, no prosperity. Only you. But I'm about to lose you. Don´t do this to me, I beg you." My hands find his face, stroke the skin and I look into his eyes. But they are no longer the same ones I fell in love with.

I never thought he would love having power more than he loves me. It breaks my heart.

"I have decided. Nothing will change about that. Not even your pleadings. I'm sorry." His eyes reflect my desperation.

"What's holding you back? All you need is me." He says it so confident, that I almost wonder, why I don´t agree with him.

But my conscience has always been my greatest strength.

"I won't betray them. I couldn't live with myself, if I did." He takes a step back.

"But you could live without me? You would rather be by Jackson's side than mine?" His words hurt me. But he speaks the truth.

"I love you Luke, more than I ever thought was possible. But just as you put power before me, I put loyalty first. And I'm not sorry about that."

Frustration finally seeps through his perfect facade. I wonder how long he's been playing with me. The thought of it makes everything inside me tighten.

"I am not letting you go. Our fate is set. You will recognize it too and when that happens, you will be on my side."

His conviction frightens me, but this time it doesn't freeze me into a statue. Now, I'm running away.

And luckely, he didn't expect that.

For a few minutes now I've noticed one of the windows, that doesn't look very stable. I just have to jump against it to open it.

"NO!" Luke's voice echoes across the room, loud and warning, but it doesn't stop me. Before he can catch up with me, I jump towards the window, my shoulder hurts, but I was right, it breaks.

But I didn't think about the height difference and I realize it might be too late to do something about it now.

As I try to hold on to the wall outside, two thoughts repeat in my mind.

Either I die or I'm trapped.

Then I hear Luke's voice. He sounds desperate and at the same time angry, like I have never heard him before.

The wall is slippery and it takes every bit of strength in me not to fall, I know it would be my death. I hold on to the broken wall.

"She is outside. Get her back, NOW!" My muscles hurt and I don't know what to do. Then I hear the loud beating of wings. Before I can see who it is, I hear Percy's quiet voice. I feel like crying.

"Drop down, I've got you." I have to trust him. So, I let myself fall without thinking.

Then I feel myself landing on something soft, I hold on to it and my knuckles turn white.

The screams and shouts of the monsters make me tremble, I just want to get out of here. Even if it means, that I perhaps will never see Luke again.

"Come on, now. They'll be here soon." As the wings of the Pegasus move towards the sky, towards freedom, I let the tears fall. The wind is beating around my ears and I can only see in the corner of my eyes that we are getting closer to the clouds.

Luke's threatening voice is the last thing I remember as I close my eyes from the grief of leaving him.

#percy jackon and the olympians #luke castellan #x reader #greek gods #love #betrayal #angst #percy pjo #percy series #annabeth chase #percy jackson

[harinishivaa]

Chapter 3: Inner Ramblings (Sambandham: War of Hearts)

Links to:

Prologue- https://www.tumblr.com/harinishivaa/741119072854573056/prologue-sambandham-war-of-hearts?source=share

Chapter 1- https://www.tumblr.com/harinishivaa/741675299243261952/chapter-1-starting-fresh-sambandham-war-of?source=share

Chapter 2- https://www.tumblr.com/harinishivaa/743447339726995456/chapter-2-picturesque-sambandham-war-of-hearts?source=share

******

Two weeks later

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

"Thiju!"

Kshithija's eyes met Nila's bright, lucid eyes, shining with an excitement that the former was sure was reflected in her own eyes. Nila had matured even more, her hair in a loose ponytail, long, swishing around behind her back in her excitement. Her beauty had a glow to it, the glow that only romantic feelings acknowledged, accepted and returned could give one.

Had Aditya asked her out?

Kshithija thought all of this, as she embraced her sister tightly. Nila often felt like a part of Kshithija's heart, an integral part of it. Without Nila, her heart would not be complete, just like without Arun, her heart had no blooming. Even through the harsh rejection, and the many years it had been since she had been in anything more than vague and distinct contact with him and his family, he still ran through her heart and veins, like he had never left it.

And he hadn't. She had tried to be as with-the-flow in healing as possible. Though loving him from many thousand miles away was very different from loving him when in close contact. And she doubted the intensity between them would have died down; in fact, if she could hazard a guess, it was going to be much more intense. More than it had ever been.

How she could guess that she had not divined yet, but she knew her gut too well to doubt it anymore.

"What is it, Vaandu?" Nila asked very affectionately, giving Kshithija a knowing look, tinged with some shyness rare in her.

"Did you end up getting a date, Akka?" Kshtihija whispered, not wanting her uncle, who she had embraced earlier to hear just yet. The delightful blush on Nila's face, splashing across her bronzed skin told Kshithija that Aditya had finally asked Nila out. "Oh! He finally asked you out then."

"He did," Nila agreed, the dark blush filling her cheeks, as she looked at Kshithija, the latter smiling brightly.

"What great news to get as I return, Akka. May you always always be happy," Kshithija wished her cousin, hugging her once more, before both grabbed the suitcases and wheeled it to the car, Kshithija more than ready to return home, to the safety of the place she grew up in.

Kshithija was curled up in her favourite nook on the first floor of her house, the couch as comfortable as her usual bean bag back at London. She looked at the book open on her lap, smiling at the worn out pages. She had read this multiple times for comfort, and somehow felt the urge to pick up the book at that moment.

If she thought deeply, she would know why she was in this state; it had everything to do with Arun, with having to meet Arun again. Maybe not immediately, but they ran in very similar social circles, that meeting him socially would happen at some point. Further, the closeness of the two families also guaranteed that she would have to meet him in informal family gatherings.

Since the loss of her father, her Periappa and Sundar uncle, Arun's father, had bonded even more. While both had been close before, the loss of Appa had sealed the friendship in a deeper, more instinctual way than ever before. When they teamed up, it was known that they could win any argument. Given that she was still the heir of her father's company, and Arun was going to be Managing Director eventually, she suspected matchmaking endeavors.

Would she be able to deal with them? She was after all well aware of the ways this set up will happen. And worse, if Iramathi wanted it to happen even now. Kshithija's affection for Iramathi had not receded by any means, and she was aware she was often a pushover, especially with people she loved. But one thing she had gotten with clarity during her time away was perspective.

Iramathi was loving, but she was also not above pushing people together if she thought it would help her family and the mega empire they ran. Aditya could be ruthless sometimes, despite being gentle as well when needed, though it was not the case every time it was needed. Paavai was a little firecracker, and her two brothers often spoiled her, which often gave her a sense of superiority, despite the genuineness that ran in her. Kalyaani was quiet, but could be very cunning when needed. And Arun...

Arun was more morally righteous and truthful than any of his siblings. But he also had a habit of not trusting anyone easily, despite having known them for a long time. While there was nothing wrong with being cautious, there was wrong with actually believing rumours more than the friendship that had been shared for many years.

She sighed to herself. This was the exact path she did not want herself in, and she had, of course found herself venturing into it. Being a psychologist could not prevent her from completely getting over her overthinking habits, it could only help her understand who could advise and guide her through it, leading to healing.

What was she to do though, if such a situation came up?

"Thiju!"

Kshithija was bought out of her thought spiral by her younger brother, who bounded in and plopped down next to her. They were best friends, having only one and a half years between them.

"Yes Kumara?" she asked, playfully rolling her eyes, giggling at his mock offended look. "What do you need me for, mischief maker?"

"Thiju, we both know that you are the biggest mischief maker between the two of us," he nudged her, making her laugh in agreement, responding, "That is a secret!"

The two siblings basked in the cheerful silence, before Kumaran again broke it.

"The social events of the year are starting, Thiju. In about a month," Kumaran announced. Kshithija knew well that he was aware that she had kept herself informed of all this.

"And?"

"And, Periappa hopes you would join us this time," Kumaran said softly. "But you must know..."

"Arun will be there," she sighed softly. She took in the concerned look her brother threw at her, and squeezed his arm, saying, "Well, I will have to meet him at some time, don't I?"

andha vezham nokkida, ingu thaazhai nokkida, oru mouna kaaviyam pirakka

******

Glossary:

andha vezham nokkida, ingu thaazhai nokkida, oru mouna kaaviyam pirakka- That elephant approached, as did the thaazham flower; that meeting gave birth to a silent epic of sorts.

@thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijayasena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee @vijayasena Please let me know your thoughts!

#ponniyin selvan #vanathi #arulmozhi #kundavai #vanthiyathevan #aditha karikalan #ponniyin selvan 2 #vanathiarulmozhi #vanmozhi #nandini #iladitha #iladaamaadeviyar #arunmozhi varman #kshithijaarun #desi writing #desi stories #desi tumblr #writers of the world #writers of tumblr #sambandham

[andorerso]

Rebelcaptain Trees for @luciechat: Winter/Holiday AU (bonus oblivious pining and friends teasing them)

“Merry Christmas,” Jyn said, almost aggressively as she shoved the clumsily wrapped gift into his hands.

“Oh,” Cassian blinked clearly, a little taken aback by her defensive posture and wary gaze.

She just... she didn’t do gifts, okay? For so long, she had no one to celebrate things like birthdays or Christmases with, and now that she had a family she might call her own, everything was new and big and scary.

Did she overdo it? Was it too much? Too little? Was she supposed to leave it under the tree or give it to him directly? Maybe she should have just gotten a mug or something, or maybe she should have bought three more large packages to shove into his hands like in the movies. Never mind that she probably couldn’t afford that.

Or maybe he wasn’t the gifting type at all, and he was just going to stand there awkwardly because he hadn’t gotten her anything, and then he’d feel bad, which was the last thing she wanted. It was all so confusing; families should really come with a rulebook.

But deep down, she knew there was a bit more to this than inexperience. After all, she hadn’t felt so unsure when she gave Bodhi his gift. His eyes had lit up, a bright smile on his face, and he’d even politely asked her if he could hug her before pulling her into his arms. Then he’d produced his own package that was meant for her and excitedly watched as she tore the wrapping paper to reveal a brown leather jacket that incidentally ended up matching his gift for Cassian.

(Jyn gave him a look when she saw later, and he just shrugged innocently.

“You know Cassian loves jackets, and I thought it’d look good on you too,’ he said and she glowered. If this was what it was like to have a family, it was damn annoying.

She loved it.)

Chirrut gave her a dream journal, Baze gifted her new fingerless gloves (her old one was starting to wear away), and Kay bought her a book. Cooking for Dummies. Even his present was rude, but she loved it all the more for that because it was so essentially Kay.

Only Cassian was left.

She knew the nerves in her stomach were present now because it was Cassian. And the way she felt about him had always been a little... different.

Jyn watched with growing apprehension as he unwrapped his gift, far more carefully than she would have. She tried to ignore the stares of the others on the back of her head, wishing the peanut gallery would turn around and stop treating them like a free show. That was probably a bit harsh as she’d also watched them exchange their gifts, but she knew what they thought about the relationship between her and Cassian, had listened to their playful teasing remarks for hours on end, and she really didn’t need the audience or the smug smiles now when she was already on edge.

Cassian pulled out the red and white sweater she’d knitted him, letting it unfold as he lifted it for inspection. Jyn held her breath, resisting the urge to fidget with her hands. His face was indecipherable, or perhaps she was just too anxious to be able to properly read him now. Either way, the moments ticking by in silence felt like torture.

“I made it,” she explained when he still said nothing, a slight waver in her voice betraying her nerves, “like the others.”

Bodhi got gloves, Chirrut got a scarf, Baze got a hat, and Kay got socks.

Cassian got a sweater.

He finally took his gaze off the sweater to look at her, his eyes shining with an emotion she couldn’t name.

“You really made this?” he asked, something akin to awe in his voice.

“Well, I know how much you like jackets,” she fumbled to explain, “thought you might like a sweater.”

They were both outwear, were they not? It made sense to her in theory.

But maybe she’d miscalculated. Maybe it really was too much. A scarf would have been safer...

Before she could spiral too far, Cassian’s lips lifted into a rare and beautiful smile, and Jyn exhaled a sigh of relief. He was playing on her heartstrings, being as aloof and hard to read as he was. It was really unfair sometimes.

“It’s amazing. Thank you so much.”

“It’s not perfect but...” She hadn’t been knitting that long, and it was her first time trying for a sweater. It probably showed too, the patterns a little uneven and wonky, one sleeve a bit longer than the other, but it was the thought that counted, right?

“No, no, I love it. Seriously. It’s wonderful. I can’t wait to wear it.” He sounded earnest, so Jyn allowed a shy smile to grace her lips. She didn’t want to think about him wearing it, because the image might be a little too much for her poor heart. “I only feel bad now because my gift isn’t nearly as good,” he continued, somewhat sheepish.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” she said, grateful to change the subject from her hand-knitted sweater. It felt too much like a confession, and she wasn’t prepared for that kind of vulnerability yet, especially not in front of everyone.

Cassian reached for a package, much smaller than her own, though that didn’t mean much. He didn’t quite meet her eyes as he handed it over, muttering a quiet “here” under his breath.

Clearly, she wasn’t the only one plagued by nerves. The thought made her a bit calmer.

Unwrapping her gift, Jyn came face to face with a small wooden box. She chanced another look at Cassian who nodded at her to continue, so she opened the lid and her eyes went wide.

Inside on a red velvet cushion lay a gorgeous wavy-edged dagger. Its hilt was golden, molded into the shape of tangling leaves, and held together by an exquisite green stone in the center. Jyn reached for it tentatively, almost reverently, like she was somehow afraid to taint it with her hands. As she lifted it up for closer inspection, the light reflected off the edges of the blade, razor-sharp. She hardly dared lift a single finger to press against it, hissing when it immediately drew blood.

“Careful,” Cassian frowned. He’d been watching her closely the whole time, his gaze burning on her skin. “The purpose of this gift is not to hurt someone with it.”

His words carried a hint of humor, though it was true. Her dagger collection was one of the only indulgences she’d ever allowed herself. It started out as a reward system when she thought she deserved it or a birthday present from herself when no one else was around to give her anything. But the collection grew over the years, and now she proudly displayed it in a glass case on the wall, one of the few precious belongings she had that was worth anything.

But this though... This was...

“This couldn’t have been cheap,” Jyn finally said when she found her voice.

Cassian shrugged, though it wasn’t as nonchalant as he wanted her to think. “I saw it in a window of a shop and couldn’t resist. I was looking for a gift for you anyway. Golden opportunity.”

“Well, I...” Jyn looked down at the dagger she was still clutching, at a loss for words. Which wasn’t unusual for her anyway, but now she really had no idea how to tell him how much this meant to her.

Carefully placing the dagger back in its box, she closed the lid and finally raised her gaze back to Cassian. For a moment, she just looked at him. This complicated, messy, unrelenting, passionate, wonderful man who’d come into her life so suddenly and shaken her to her marrow.

She wondered if he even knew. The impact he had on her.

“Thank you,” she said at last. It didn’t seem enough, but it was the only thing she had, and she hoped her tone, her expression, her smile conveyed what her words could not.

It means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me.

Cassian returned her smile, his voice as soft as she’d ever heard it. “You’re welcome.”

I feel the same.

(“He was lying, you know,” Kay said to her later when they found themselves alone for a second.

Jyn frowned at him, unsure what he was talking about. “Who?”

“He did not see it in a window.” Kay rolled his eyes like the mere thought was ridiculous. “He specifically went out of his way to look for it.”

“That’s — I —” Jyn spluttered like she’d been stabbed, unable to comprehend.

Kay went on, unbothered, delivering the killing blow. “He said the stone reminded him of your eyes.”

Cassian was going to kill Kay, that was for sure. But not before she killed him for lying to her.

Just after she kissed him senseless, of course.)

#rebelcaptain #rebelcaptaintrees #dailyrebelcaptain #luciechat #therebelcaptainnetwork #rogue one #my fics #*graphics #*rebelcaptain #managed to write this today god bless for slow work day #technically a modern au but if you take away christmas it could be canon #i hope you like it!! <3 #the moodboard has almost nothing to do with the story it's just ~vibes~

[pink-strawberry-kissess]

Thank you!!!!! @visualheresy :D

rules: give us the links to your fics with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the fewest words.

IM STILL A BABY WRITER FOR THIS FANDOM LOL

Fic with the most hits: The Night Shift

Leon found himself looking forward to each and every shift that she would come in. Knowing that he’d be able to see her again. They went on more “not dates,” which mostly consisted of sitting in the corner of the cafe after his shifts. And occasionally enjoying a stroll in the park that often went on too long into the evening. They spent a few nights on the park benches, staring up at the skies and the few stars that managed to shine. - from chapter 2

Second most kudos: Mornings with you

Still not stirred from her sleep, a soft smile grew on his lips as he admired her sleeping form. So rare to see, he couldn’t help but stare. Like a flower that only blooms once, he cherished these soft moments. Memorizing it and tucking it away. She was much more spared from any scars from the world than him, perhaps it was just her ability to always slip away that kept her more unscathed from the world they lived in. She was perfect to him, despite knowing that she was far from perfect from everyone else’s eyes. Her flaws he always seemed to overlook, found them to be endearing somehow. 

Guess that’s how love works. 

Third most comments: A Midnight with you

“You shouldn’t be playing around when you’re working. Should you, Agent Kennedy?” She asks in sultry honey filled voice.

Leon swallows, unable to stay focused. He’d lose focus whenever he was with her.  Especially from her. The warmth of her hands permeated through his suit to his chest. The feeling of her touch trailed down towards his thigh, getting far too close for comfort. He felt his body twinge suddenly. His dress pants growing uncomfortable in seconds. 

Fourth most bookmarks: A Vacation with you

The morning light fills the entire bedroom in that pleasantly annoying way. The sun is so perfectly bright and beautiful but Leon struggles to keep the light away, shielding his eyes with his arm as he struggles to fall asleep again.

He can’t. His head is still pounding. Albeit more tolerable than last night. But more sleep is exactly what he wanted, he’s on vacation after all. Already regretting his choices yet again, he takes a few seconds to recount his night.

He had dinner by the little restaurant near the hotel, the bar. Drinks. More drinks. Even more drinks. Red cherry. The red drink. Red dress. The woman at the bar.

Ada.

Fifth most words: Longing with you

Ada stirred, a more audible sigh leaving her. “Are you going to sleep or keep staring at me?” She finally opened her eyes to see Leon fairly close to her, just inches apart. Her eyes had already adjusted to the darkness fairly quickly, seeing the halo of the light from the window shining against his dark blond fringe. Casting an heavenly glow to him. A sight she wished she could see more often, just like this, every night. After everything was said and done, and they only had each other and nothing else.

“I don’t know. Will I see you in the morning?”

Fic with the fewest words: and i'm cheating here but my one post of all my fanarts has the fewest words LMAO some of my leon x ada fanart

my current fave is my newest piece

i have no idea who to tag but whoever wants to do this!!! please do!!!!!!!

#ada wong #leon s kennedy #leon kennedy #aeon #leon x ada #leon kennedy x ada wong #leon s kennedy x ada wong #ada x leon #my writing #ao3

[slytherinshua]

Which flowers do u think match ur moots the most?

okay idk flowers that well i just thought of my moots and looked on pinterest lmao can u tell im not a green thumb kinda person 😭😭😭 but this is a very cute idea and i had a lot fun doing this!! i tried to include as many moots as possible, but this was hard to think of esp if ur a moot who i haven't talked to as much 💔

@eternalgyu hannie is a delphinium. this is mostly because blue is a very rare colour to appear in nature, and hannie is a very rare kind of person to me. i feel extremely grateful and thankful to have become best friends with her and i know i won't ever find someone as precious or amazing as her to call my best friend 💙

@wheeboo rania is a sunflower-- she easily makes me and the other people around her happy, and is bright and joyous like a bright yellow flower. sunflowers also bring me a sense of nostalgia since i remember being around them a lot when i was little. and it feels like i've known rania for a very long time since we're so close, even if it hasn't been that long 💛

@blue-jisungs axe is a bright pink peony!! she just gives me such fun and exuberant energy that explodes like how a peony opens up. she's hilarious and entertaining and there definitely won't be a boring moment when you talk to her, she's just so bright and friendly and lovely 🩷

@fairyhaos is lily of the valley. she feels pure and precious(??) in the best way possible, i'm just in awe of her and everything she does. she isn't glamorous or loud like a bright flower, but she's soft and clean-- her writing shines with beauty and her words are like pure poetry to me 🤍

@kyeomyun jada is a dried rose, she feels like a friendship that will last a long time, like she'll always be there by your side through anything, like a rose that dries out and still looks as stunning as it did when it was fresh ❤️

@edensgardenn mizu is an orange tulip! she is bright and full of colour and energy and life and love. she is creative and passionate about the things she loves. but she's also simple and not overstated like the petals of a tulip. her personality is bright like the vivid orange colour of the petals 🧡

@ddeonudepressions dia is a light yellow kerria. i always feel relaxed when i talk to her, like the soft colour of the little yellow petals. she's been my friend for a while and we're there to support each other without question 💛

#zanna answers the inbox!! #anon ⌦ .｡.:*♡ #zanna plays games!!

[solthemighty]

Sunlight and Fire

Silva was born into a world of colors, shades and hues so numerous he couldn’t count them all, varied and beautiful. But strangely, the color of the sun, of gold and flowers and so many other things, has grown with him. 

His cradle was green leaves and soft grass, new eyes taking in the veins beneath the verdant surfaces. The sky overhead was grey, pale silver light passing through the clouds while crystal rain fell in droplets upon his face. Lightning, yellow and stark against such a uniform background, crackled with energy and set trees alight in orange fire. Silva, newly birthed from the Mother into the storm, watched the lightning and felt fear.

As he grew, tended to and nursed by dryads and river spirits, his forest cradle grew dense and lush in the coming spring. Vernal danced through the spaces between branches, sang songs with the coming of new life, the plants budding and blooming in riotous colors. Pink, purple, white, red, green, blue, all coiled together along vines and branches and stems that bent whenever Silva passed by. The nature spirit coaxed the young god to join in his merriment, and daisies grew around Silva’s feet wherever he tread. 

The god grew older still, the trees swaying to bow as he moved between them. Autumnal cast the leaves in warm hues of red, orange, and yellow, an ombre that reminded Silva so vividly of fire and magma flowing beneath the earth. Lightning struck, storm winds toppled the forests and flooded the rivers as war began. The forest was alight in yellow flames and lightning, and his once lush home became a grey mountain, bubbling and belching molten rock high into the atmosphere with his rage.

When the fighting was over—for now, the promise hissed—there was rebuilding to be done, as the remaining dryads mourned their fallen kin and the river spirits snuffed the last fires. Silva gathered them all, his nature bound brethren, at the foot of that grey mountain, dried black as ash fell like snow around them. The forest he regrew, the grass and trees growing thicker and twining around him, swaying toward their god, was darker than before, evergreen and deadly with roots to trap and vines to ensnare. Solstice swept over the land, and the flowers that bloomed there seemed to glow white while their thorns flashed amber in the dim light, spreading around the base of the mountain like a protective shield. In many ways, it was.

The city Silva built, heeding the pleas of frightened mortals, became golden, as the new residents painted their houses in colors of brown and red and orange and oddly, yellow. Yellow flowers mimicking those at the base of the mountain, and golden murals in the shape of Oro’s horns took shape along walls and roofs, the solstice casting everything in bright sunlight. Silva was almost blinded as he walked through the city, once small and humble, now resplendent and full of life. 

When there was time, in rare stretches of peace, Silva would trace the patterns on Oro’s back, glowing with white-hot gold beneath dark stone skin. His friend would say nothing, would only wait his turn until Silva was finished, and then the vines that made up the god’s hair would be tended to, stone skin on stone skin as they curled together, powerful yet frightened.

Solaris’ hair is as yellow as the sunflowers she creates to adorn the grounds, tending to the flowers that turn their heads toward the sun. Silva changes their colors, from a lemon hue to blue or purple, all for Solaris to throw her head back and laugh, flaxen hair blooming as she lets the world know of her joy. Silva would dance with her in the square to make more flowers bloom, and the daisies from before made a triumphant return.

Ophel’s eyes shine sallow in the low evening light as they sing in the entrance’s antechamber. They sing of victory, of peace, of tales so old Silva remembers them dearly, all reflected in the color of the spirit’s gaze. The spirit sang of betrayal, of heartache, and of a god who saved them, and all Silva could do was beg that the spirit not thank him. He has done many things, impossible things, but he did not wish to be thanked for saving a life. He has taken far too many.

Winter descends on the mountaintop, the snow dusting the tops of trees and casting everything in a somber silver. Secretly, or perhaps only cautiously, Silva finds winter to be his favorite season. With his yearly visitor, Silva may admit that he has a bias. Hiemal does not wear yellow, preferring blues and greys that suit his pale visage more, but his blue mingles so nicely with the colors of Silva’s wardrobe. He dons a golden robe this time, and the god expects the blues and yellows of their clothes to meld into green, to bloom into snowdrops and winterberry and crocus as snow settles on the windowsill. Instead, they tangle but never mix, the gods a bit too in their cups and sprawled over cushions on the floor, laughing and touching and kissing through the haze as the lanterns cast the room in warm light. 

Of all colors that Silva has seen, of all colors his flowers take on and the many shades of gems hidden beneath the rock, he always finds himself partial to the color of sunlight and fire.

#creative writing #fictional gods #samsara's world #just wanted to mention #all characters are queer as hell #queerplatonic relationships

[cyberp-1-nk]

[ A sorcerer's enemy. || oc-verse. ]

Warnings: Slight violence.

Tags: @insane-horror-movie-addict @cheesefanboy2

A/N: I haven't fully come back yet, but I was practically already finished with this fic and I didn't want it to just...sit. Also, the 'human' mentioned was crp-verse Anni. This was more of a part 1 than anything, and a little bit of an introduction.

Fang stands in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by tall trees that form a natural barrier from the rest of the forest. The moon is shining brightly above, casting a silvery glow over everything in sight. Fang takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, focusing her mind on the magic she is about to cast. As she begins to chant in a low voice, her hands move in a graceful motion, tracing patterns in the air. With each movement, she feels the energy of the moon flowing through him, filling her with its power. She can feel the magic building within him, and she focuses all her concentration on channeling it into her spell.

The moon's light intensifies, illuminating the clearing with a bright, otherworldly glow. Fang's movements become more fluid and precise as she channels the magic of the moon, her mind completely focused on the task at hand. As she completes the final gesture of the spell, she opens her eyes, and a beam of moonlight shoots out from her hands, illuminating the entire clearing. The light dances and shimmers, taking on the form of a beautiful, ethereal creature, a manifestation of Fang's moon magic.

Fang watches in awe as the creature moves gracefully around the clearing, its movements fluid and effortless. She can still feel the magic of the moon coursing through him, and she basks in the glow of the moon's energy, feeling renewed and revitalized. Finally, as the moon begins to set behind the trees, the creature fades away after leaving her clues to find the God she was looking for, and Fang opens her eyes, feeling both physically and spiritually refreshed. The moonlight has faded, and the clearing returns to its natural state, but Fang knows the magic of the moon will stay with her, strengthening her and guiding her on her journey. Her eye catches the sight of the clue left behind by the creature, but before she could grab it, familiar pristine leather-clad boots come into view. Fang grumbled, her eyes trailing up to the man she despised the most.

"Trying to summon the moon deity? Don't you have enough contracts, Vixen?" The youthful pirate captain taunted before tugging his mask completely. The moon's luminous rays reflected off of his skin, his eyes nearly glowing within the darkness of the forest as he stared down at the sorceress.

"What do you want, Smoke?" Fang knows he isn't here for small talk— every time he had come into contact with her, it was because he wanted to strike up some sort of wager or deal. He wasn't the type to make small talk without any sort of strings attached.

"What? Can't talk to my favorite traitor?" Smoke, the notorious pirate known for his cunning and skill with a blade, had once invited Fang to join his hunt— it ended with Fang ultimately working for Nightmare and quite literally stabbing him in the back. It earned her the nickname 'vixen', since she was nothing more than a sly fox. His eyes slightly narrowed at her when he remembered their past. The moon is high in the sky, casting a bright, silvery light over the sea, illuminating Smoke's face and making the metal of his sword gleam.

"We both know you aren't a big fan of small talk." Fang tried not to admire the rare blade he grasped— the weapon he held was truly one of a kind, since it was infused with extremely rare cursed silver. It was one of the only types of silver that were able to kill celestials and she needed to get her hands on it. Her eye trailed away, as she stared out back into the forest.

"Well, you caught me. As much as I'd love to catch up with you, Vixen, I have much more important things to discuss." Smoke smirks as he draws his own sword from its scabbard, the metallic blade shining under the moon's strong rays. The sword seems to glow with an inner light, as though imbued with a magic all its own. "Word goes around that you've been sheltering a human, has the entire realm going mad. The proxy sorceress with the most contracts sheltering a human? Can't look good on your reputation."

"Why does it matter to you? You never cared for reputations anyway—"

"But you do." Smoke interrupts her, "You have a reputation to uphold, especially when you're working for the best of the best. So I'm willing to offer you…a little trade."

"If you're after my Wisp again, then I'll have to decline—"

"I'm not talking about your little pet, Fang. I'm talking about the human you've been protecting." The moon continues to shine down on them, casting a silvery glow over the entire scene, illuminating the fierce determination in Smoke's eyes and the cold fury in Fang's. As the staredown rages on, their weapons continue to gleam and glow under the moon's strong rays, a testament to the power of magic and the indomitable spirit of two fierce enemies locked in an intense gaze. "I'm willing to offer ten thousand souls to fuel your magic, for that little human of yours."

It was an incredible offer, just a single soul alone was worth millions, and he was willing to offer ten thousand— it could make her magic nearly as powerful as a pure blooded Giggler proxy, which was considered one of the most powerful beings in the land. Her eye trailed toward the mischievous pirate, as the fox on her shoulder glared at him, "And if I decline?"

"Then I guess I'll have to take the human by force." As he steps near her, Smoke readies himself for battle, his eyes locked on Fang as she shows off her singular sword. He can feel the tension building between them, a fierce rivalry that has grown over many years of battling on the high seas. With a fierce determination in his eyes, Smoke charges forward, his sword held high, ready to battle Fang. The sword's glow intensifies as he moves, casting a bright light over the forest as he smirks.

Fang glares at Smoke with her singular eye, her large sword raised in challenge. The two enemies circle each other warily, their swords clashing in a shower of sparks as they engage in a fierce battle of skill and wits. The moon continues to shine down on them, casting a silvery glow over the entire scene, illuminating the fierce determination in Smoke's eyes and the cold fury in Fang's. As the battle rages on, the swords continue to gleam and glow under the moon's strong rays, a testament to the power of magic and the indomitable spirit of two fierce enemies locked in battle. He pressed his sword further against hers, trying to break the block she held against him. He only smirked, before finally backing off, sliding his sword back into its trusted scabbard. He pulled his hat over his face, a shadow overcasting over his eyes as his face became nearly unreadable.

"I expect you to be in the Hell-raiser arena at the crack of dawn. No later than tomorrow. And don't even think of running away this time, vixen."

As fast as he appeared, he disappeared into the rays of moonlight that shone down upon the forest— he had already had a contract with the moon deity and therefore his magic ability was incredibly mysterious yet powerful. It was going to be tough fighting him, and Fang frankly didn't know how she was going to devise a plan against him within a span of twenty four hours.

#simp party #oc-verse #Fang having to deal with everyone's bullshit part 19182927227819833773737392822

[gogogobarry]

@distortsverity sent:  “ . . . hey barry. who would you say deserves the stars? ” her left arm’s stretched out above her — a finger tracing tiny circles around sirius, the brightest light in the moonless night sky ( of course hikari’s drawn to it. she likes to pretend she can grasp it, sometimes ). just had to break the silence with an inane question, didn’t she?“ strange thing to ask outta nowhere, i know. ” an airy laugh. “ so i’ll go first. whoever reaches out the farthest for them and keeps reaching out, no matter how badly their arms ache. ” her arm’s growing tired, but she continues tracing circles. sirius will be hers, one day. 

Verity is especially calm tonight--the lake lies smooth and motionless like a watery mirror, its glassy surface reflecting the sprawling expanse of celestial bodies looming overhead. Barry and Hikari are both present as expected, both lying side by side on the cool, familiar grass. Despite their increasingly busy schedules and diverging responsibilities, they wouldn’t, couldn’t bring themselves to miss out on a moment like this. It’s as if Dialga is watching over them, slowing time’s passage just enough to allow them to experience another moment of refreshing nostalgia, another childhood tradition proudly upheld. Perhaps Palkia is here too, showcasing the best that space has to offer--a beautiful canvas generously sprinkled with faraway galaxy glitter.

Barry sighs softly, a rare feeling of relaxation flooding through his veins as he laces his fingers behind his head and looks skyward with those wide, curious eyes of hazel. Stargazing with Hikari just feels so comfortable, so right.

For once, he doesn’t want to go anywhere.

Who would you say deserves the stars? Hikari’s innocuous question breaks through the sleepy reverie, but Barry doesn’t give her a hard time--Verity’s late night atmosphere often transforms both of them into Sinnoh’s finest philosophers. So instead, he listens with a bemused smile, brow knitting in thought as his attentive gaze follows Hikari’s tracing finger upwards...directly towards Sirius, still the only star that he can locate and name by memory. The Dog Star glimmers with a ultra-bright fervor tonight, shining defiantly against its inky, moonless backdrop.

"Um, hm...” Barry hums after a moment of thoughtful silence. “Well...” Such a deep question deserves an equally deep response...

You deserve the stars is what he wants to say right away, but--for some reason--his cheeks flush pink and the cheesy declaration dies on his lips. He had watched Hikari go through so much on their eventful first journey together, had watched as she felled Galactic, survived the exploration of an unknowable void, and finally penned her own storybook conclusion by becoming Sinnoh’s undisputed champion. Hell, Hikari could probably reach up from her perch on the region’s veritable summit at any time and touch the stars already. And, as far as Barry’s concerned, his best friend has earned every right to do so.

I deserve the stars is his next thought, almost transitioning into his boastful routine instead...but deep down, he knows that he’d just be lying to himself. Barry still remembers how lost he felt after his painful Lake Acuity defeat to Jupiter, how helpless everything seemed while he struggled in front of the Distortion World entrance just weeks later, Sinnohan officials holding him back before he did something even more reckless. No, even though he had grown up fast--maybe too fast, as they all did back then--he still doesn’t feel ready to make such a bold claim, even as a joke. Not yet.

“...That’s not enough.”

Barry’s blurted words suddenly tumble out of his mouth, accidentally released from his swirling stream of consciousness, and the blond scrambles to elaborate. So much for a deep response.

“...I mean, I think you’re right, Hika...determination is great and all and whoever gets there is most deserving, but just wanting something all by your lonesome isn’t enough.” He turns towards her with a cheeky grin. “You taught me that. Right here where it all began, in Pastoria, in Canalave, at the freaking Pokemon League entrance, and probably a billion gajillion other times. You taught me the same lesson over and over: no matter how badly I wanted to beat you, none of that mattered unless I actually put in some serious work towards that goal, and I couldn’t do it all by myself. Yours and Luc’s support, my ‘mons, even the Teach--everybody helped power me up to where I am now. It’d take a team effort to reach the stars too, I think.”

Barry pauses in the middle of his semi-cathartic ramble to laugh at himself. What is he even saying right now? Does any of this make sense? He glances over at Hikari to gauge her reaction and notices her outstretched finger beginning to tremble as it stubbornly traces the sky. Without thinking, he reaches over and gently supports her aching arm, helping his best friend steady her aim towards Sirius once again. 

“I know I probably sound like one of those old space race ads on TV, and I know it probably doesn’t answer your question, but the idea of someone reaching out so hard for the stars all by themselves is kind of a sad picture, y’know? At least for me. I mean, you could reach so much further with just a little help, right? And there’s totally enough stars to share, if you make it together.”

“...That’s just how I think of it, I guess,” Barry concludes with a sheepish sigh of finality, giving Hikari’s upper arm one last comforting squeeze before flopping back on the grass, a contented expression on his face as he takes in the spatial scenery once again. 

“Hey, when I reach the stars someday, I’ll reserve Sirius for ya,” he declares with another grin. “I want dibs on both Dippers though. And maybe some other cool constellations, if I can just remember what Teach called ‘em...”

#distortsverity #(these two are SO good) #(i havent written barry in a minute so please excuse the dust...but i saw this and i HAD to reply LMAO) #(you and hika just bring his muse roaring back!! and dear god i got carried away this time) #(hope you like philosopher barry!! its the least i can do after your sinnoh food!)

[strangerthanstrangerthings]

How It All Began - Eddie Munson

Warnings: This chapter does not contain 18+ material, but this series will. I am not certain when it will be included. I will always leave a warning here for 18+ material.

Requested: No

Words: 2058

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

New Character - Monica 'Monnie' Henderson

Monnie will be turning 21 at some point during the year. She is a junior in college and, when this story starts, she is home on spring break. Monnie looks very similar to Dustin. She is fairly short, standing at about 5'2 and has a curvy figure. Her hair is curly and medium brown. It reaches about her mid-back. Monnie prefers to wear comfortable clothes instead of dressing to impress.

As for her personality, Monnie is very passionate. She has a bit of a temper and is very protective of her little brother, Dustin. If anyone bothers him in front of her, it's immediate hands. When people get to know her, she can be very sarcastic and could be considered goofy. She can be a little blunt at times and will just outright say whatever she's thinking. She really likes rock music, especially groups like Bon Jovi and Journey.

(An image of something Monnie might wear)

https://shoplook.io/outfit-preview/5527387

______________________________________________________________

The First Meeting

The scenery flies by, my eyes focused on the long road ahead of me. Just ahead, a bright light shines up on the ‘welcome to Hawkins’ sign. I smile softly and sigh as I finally enter my hometown again. The sun is just setting over the horizon, scattering beautiful pinks and oranges across the immense sky. The engine’s hum and Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals keep me company as I drive along.

The further I drive into Hawkins, the more I start to recognize some of the sights. Buildings pass and people hurry along the sidewalks—same old Hawkins, just as charming as always. I follow the roads leading toward my house. At every turn, I take it a little slower than I usually would. I don’t want to knock over my bag from school. Thankfully, it’s not as much as it would be if I were moving back for summer, but I still had to pack a bit for spring break.

Finally, I pull into the driveway of my home and look toward the front door. Mom must’ve heard my car because she opens the door and comes running out. “Oh, Monnie! I missed you, sweetheart!” She exclaims, throwing her arms around my neck once I’m out of the car. I giggle softly, hugging her back just as tightly.

“I missed you, too, Mom,” I smile.

Looking around, I suddenly realize that someone is missing. “Where’s Dustin?” I ask, trying to look through the open front door.

“Oh, he’s at school. He had his Dragons club tonight,” she chuckles sweetly. I laugh lightly, remembering how excited Dustin had been when he realized the high school had a Dungeons and Dragons club. When he started becoming friends with the members, he would write me letters at school, talking about everyone. But, these letters mainly focused on his newest idol, Eddie Munson.

Now, when I started hearing Dustin talk about Eddie, I was skeptical. Obviously, I went to Hawkins High, as well, and I graduated in 1983. Even three years ago, Eddie was someone that everyone avoided. I wasn’t exactly what one would call ‘popular,’ but even I avoided him. I did everything I could to stay away from the guy. I never knew him well, but his attitude and the way he carried himself freaked me out. Plus, on the rare occasion we interacted, he was a fucking asshole.

Calmly, my mom looks down at her watch. “Actually, it’s about time to go get him,” she says. I take a look in my car and make a quick decision.

“If you give me a second to get my bags in the house, I can get him,” I say casually.

“Really? You would do that?” She asks.

“Yeah, of course! I haven’t seen Dustin in a few months, so I’d love to,” I smile at her. She quickly says thanks to me again, then helps me carry my bags into my bedroom.

Once everything is out of my car and in the house, I grab my keys again. “Alright, I’ll be back soon,” I say, heading out to my car again. My mom quickly tells me where Hellfire is held and I nod my head, climbing into the car. As I pull out of the driveway, my mom waves from the door. I wave back and head in the direction of the high school.

On the way to the high school, I see almost no one. But, as soon as I pull into the parking lot, my eyes widen. It looks like half of Hawkins is here! The lights in the gym are on and, even from my car, I can hear shouting. Rolling my eyes, I assume that it’s a basketball game and park right near the side doors. Mom said that’s where Dustin usually comes out of Hellfire, so I just lean back and wait. But, nearly an hour later, I’m still waiting. I groan loudly, smacking my hand against the steering wheel. “Dustin, I love you to death, but where the fuck are you, you little brat?” I mutter angrily to myself.

Checking the clock one more time, I huff angrily and climb out of the car. I slam the door behind me, shoving the car keys deep into my pocket. Stomping up to the side entrance, I yank the doors open and head inside. Immediately, I can hear shouting and screaming coming from down the hall, but this doesn’t sound like the cheering from the basketball game. Still incredibly pissed, I follow the yelling and find myself outside a large room. From a single glance inside, I can see my brother and several other people gathered around a table. At the head of the table, an older guy with long fluffy brown hair is seated and watching everyone with a smirk on his face. I roll my eyes, recognizing him immediately. Eddie Munson.

Not even bothering to knock, I yank open the door of the room. Immediately, all eyes land on me and I see several shocked looks written on some of the faces. “Monnie?” Dustin asks, pushing his chair back from the table.

“Dustin, I’ve been waiting outside for nearly an hour for you. What the fuck is taking so long?! Mom told me it ends at 8!” I exclaim. Honestly, I probably shouldn’t be taking my frustration out on my brother, but I can apologize later.

Dustin opens his mouth to respond, but someone else speaks up first. “I’m sorry, who are you? Did he just call you ‘mommy’?” One of the other members asks, soft laughter starting to break out. I turn my gaze on the speaker, my lips pressed into a hard line.

“No, he didn’t call me fucking ‘mommy.’ He called me Monnie. It’s short for Monica. And, to answer your other question, didn’t you just hear me tell him our mother said this ended at 8? What does that tell you if she’s not his mother, but our mother,” I ask, my hands resting sassily on my hips. The guy’s eyebrows shoot into his hairline and he holds up his hands in defense.

“Monnie, please just a little longer. We’re almost done, promise,” Dustin says, giving me his puppy dog eyes. He knows I can’t say no to his puppy dog eyes.

Silence falls around us and I huff in annoyance. “Fine,” I sigh, grabbing a random chair off the wall and sitting down. From the head of the table, Eddie calls out over everyone.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. What are you doing?” He asks, giving me a shocked and slightly frustrated look.

“What’s it look like? I’m waiting,” I say, gesturing to the chair. He shakes his head wildly, making his hair flop back and forth.

“Oh, no, you’re not!” This statement is immediately followed by arguments from the rest of the group.

“Eddie, let’s just finish,” someone sighs.

“Look, she’s not gonna bother anything,” another interjects.

“Oh, come on, Eddie. It’s just my sister,” Dustin complains. Eddie rolls his eyes, glaring over at me.

“It’s just my sister,” he mocks in a high-pitched voice.

Almost immediately following this, I jump to my feet again. “Don’t mock my brother,” I say flatly.

“Or what?” Eddie frowns and crosses his arms over his chest.

“Do you really wanna find out?” I ask, cracking my knuckles.

“Oh, you’re gonna fight me?” He asks, throwing his head back and laughing. I go to stalk up to the table, but Dustin catches my attention again.

“Monnie, please don’t,” he pouts, giving me those eyes again. Even with just that single look, I can see how much he just wants to finish.

Sighing again, I sit back down in the seat and cross my arms. When no one goes to continue the game, I gesture toward the board on the table. All of the members look at Eddie and he just sighs, deciding to continue. With nothing else going on in the room, I’m forced to sit and listen while they play. But, it’s honestly not that bad. As soon as I start feeling a little bored, I see Dustin’s face. He’s so absorbed in the game that it’s kind of sweet.

Very suddenly, I’m pulled out of my thoughts when everyone starts cheering loudly. Erica is standing triumphantly and Eddie is still sitting at the end of the table, laughing slightly at their enthusiasm. Dustin’s eyes meet mine and he smiles, sweetly standing up from the table. I smile back at him, putting my chair back where it started. Everyone else is standing up and gathering their things to head outside. But, as everyone gathers their material, Eddie puts away the board and characters. I sigh softly, feeling a little bad about my anger earlier. “Hey, Dusty. Why don’t you head out to the car? I’ll be there soon,” I say. Dustin’s eyes flash between Eddie and me, but I just roll my eyes, walking over and pushing at his shoulder. He giggles lightly and finally starts heading out to my car.

When everyone has left the room, I take a deep breath and walk up to Eddie. He’s still busy cleaning up, but I know he can feel my presence. “So…I just wanted to say…sorry about earlier,” I say softly, twisting the tip of my shoe on the floor. Eddie sighs, brushing it off.

“It’s fine. I’m used to it,” he grumbles. I tilt my head, frowning slightly.

“No, I just…I didn’t expect it to go so long and I was a little frustrated. And then, you mocked Dustin. I just…he really looks up to you,” I tell him. Eddie finally looks up at me, his eyebrow raised.

“No shit?” He asks. I laugh lightly, shaking my head.

“No shit. I think I’ve heard more about you in the last six months than I did during all of my high school experience,” I chuckle. Eddie snaps his fingers, a goofy smile tugging at his lips.

“That’s why you look familiar. Thought I recognized you,” he says.

“I’m sorry. Please don’t take any anger at me out on Dustin. I didn’t mean to come off as so rude,” I say softly, pulling my fingers through my messy curls. Eddie brushes off the apology nonchalantly.

“As I said, I’m used to it. No hard feelings, Henderson,” he says. Just listening to the words, it’s like I can hear the honesty in his voice.

A silence falls between us and I nod once, heading out to the parking lot. Once I’m outside, I can see Dustin leaning against my car. “What was that about?” He asks, gesturing his head back toward the school. I shrug my shoulders.

“Just wanted to apologize for my behavior,” I tell him honestly. He suddenly gets a guilty look on his face.

“Sorry you had to wait so long,” he mumbles softly. I laugh lightly, tugging him into a headlock.

“Are you kidding? You’re my brother. I would’ve waited anyway, just didn’t know I’d be waiting so long,” I laugh. Dustin struggles out of the headlock and pants, leaning against the car.

“And…thanks for sticking up for me,” he says again. I just laugh lightly, shaking my head at him.

“What did I just say, Dusty? You’re my brother,” I laugh, climbing into the car’s driver’s seat.

Dustin doesn’t respond to my comment, which is fine. With that, we head back to our house.

#strangerthanstrangerthings #stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #own character #eventual relationship #eventual smut

[skittles-menagerie]

Space was always cold and vast. Time was always harsh and long. Life was difficult, and death was painful. Such was the faults of existence, even for the non-sentient.

This was an entire galaxy, old as can be. No more stars, all the planets dead and cold as ice, the sun long burnt out. This galaxy had reached its end.

This was always a special, and rather rare occasional for the cosmic princess. Of course, the death of a galaxy was inevitable. Just as a human life has an end, so does the life of everything in the universe. She’d hold a funeral, just as one would for a person.

Were anyone else capable of seeing it, it would be a beautiful sight. All the Lumas on board the Comet Observatory would emit a bright yet warm glow. One which would glow brighter than any star in the universe, visible to even the residents of Earth.

Then, Rosalina began to sing. There were no lyrics, and she wasn’t sure whether it was because she hadn’t thought or any, or if it didn’t need them. It was just a simple, sad tune she sang as she flicked her wand towards the empty galaxy. Slowly, a black hole would form from where the sun once burned brightly, and it would slowly swallow up everything left of the galaxy into the great void. A fitting end, and a rather easy way to make room for the next galaxy that was bound to be born in its place.

Once all was finished, and there was hardly anything left of the old galaxy, she opened her eyes and turned around to face a group of Lumas that were hovering behind her. They were young, but they knew what they wanted to do. She pulled every last one of them in for a group hug, and kissed every last head, before letting them go and fly out into the empty space.

One by one, they’d transform into young stars. Budding little lightbulbs of the universe, ones which would one day grow to be brilliant shining lights to a brand new galaxy. The rest of the Lumas began to cheer for the new stars, as Rosalina waved and turned to get back to the center of the observatory.

“Its time for us to go, darlings. Switching to comet travel mode.” She called out to the Lumas, while she flicked her wand to prepare the observatory for travel. With a moment to prepare and charge the engines, the observatory took off like a comet through the stars, with the Lumas still glowing brightly as before.

This was what Rosalina did. A lifelong caretaker of the cosmos. She wouldn’t claim to be the goddess of space, by any means, but she did her best to act in her place. She hoped one day, perhaps, she could meet that god. But she had many things to do, many places to be. Always moving, always busy.

Tears were shed for the passed stars, yet she would never let them see. She wanted her children to be happy for their brothers and sisters, not sad. But she would miss them. One day, she’ll do this again. She’d done it many times before. The stars live on for a long time, but...this was their inevitable end, as it was for all life.

She often wondered, would she ever reach such a beautiful end?

#muse:rosalina #little drabble about rosalina and things she does out in space #headcanon

[astorythatwritesitself]

This one from same difference still lives rent free in my head, I love the cadence and what you’ve done with the line breaks

—

There will be time to go over the implications later, she thinks, though throughout the ensuing conversation, there is still some corner of her mind constantly ticking away, trying to make the pieces fit.

Mostly, she just... stares, at the - not a stranger, gods no. But neither is she a true reflection - she is

( I am ?)

taller, her scales shine like gold scoured by the desert sands

( not a late bloomer after all )

and she stands with authority that is only enhanced by the wounds she bears. A clotted near-black line across her neck, vivid against the pale ribbing; the holes in her chest and torso not quite hidden by the scarlet jacket they both wear.

A single eye that shines less like sunset, under the overhead lights, and more like a dying flame.

OH YOU PICKED A GOOD ONE

-DVD commentary voice-

So like, I haven't shared it too much, but I have been doing a lot of developing of Irikah and some actual backstory & shit for her, yada yada - as a result? I like to play her as like... her brain Does Not Stop. She's the Middle Kid - youngest of her direct parents, but then there's the cousins & they all live together so she is functionally smack in the middle of like a total of 16 young'uns, who are generally quite high energy and fond of messing with each other, /you stop for five seconds you lose shit/.

Also in the headcanon arsenal: young drell are, with rare exception, a uniform bright yellow & virtually (visually; & barring like acquired injuries & shit lol) indistinguishable from one another until like age 10, then their adult colors & patterns start coming in & tend to settle in around 18-20. Irikah winds up like, a beautiful sunny gold with very few pale patches and speckles - which! Neat! It's also the drell equivalent of intense babyface that lasts well into your 20s xD

Anyway so between being the middle kid and regarded as kind of childish due to her looks, Irikah has been doing everything in her power to cultivate an attitude of... intensity? Unshakability? Of being In Charge And The One Who Starts Shit Instead Of Taking It - but holy shit it's something else when you're looking your dying, decade later self in the eye and feeling ever so slightly intimidated. (But in a very good way, because clearly you were doing something right)

#ask #korblez

[dungeonmastertyrant]

Gnome

A constant hum of busy activity pervades the warrens and neighborhoods where gnomes form their close knit communities. Louder sounds punctuate the hum: a crunch of grinding gears here a minor explosion there a yelp of surprise or triumph and especially bursts of laughter. Gnomes take delight in life enjoying every moment of invention exploration investigation creation and play. A gnome's energy and enthusiasm for living shines through every inch of his or her tiny body. Gnomes average slightly over 3 feet and wight an average of between 40 and 45 pounds. Their tan or brown faces are usually adorned with broad smiles (beneath their prodigious noses) and their bright eyes shine with excitement. Their fair hair has a tendency to stick out in every direction as if expressing the gnome's insatiable interest in everything around it. A gnome's personality is writ large in his or her appearance. A male gnome's beard in contrast to his wild hair is kept carefully trimmed but often styled into curious forks or neat points. A gnome's clothing though usually made in modest earth tones is elaborately decorated with embroidery embossing or gleaming jewels. As far as gnomes are concerned being alive is a wonderful thing and they squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of their 3 to 5 centuries of life. Humans might wonder about getting bored over the course of such a long life, and elves take plenty of time to savor the beauties of the world in their long years but gnomes seem to worry that even with all that time they can't get in enough of the things they want to do and see. Gnomes speak as if they can't get the thoughts out of their heads fast enough. Even as they offer ideas and opinions on a range of subjects they still manage to listen carefully to others adding the appropriate exclamations of surprise and appreciation along the way. Though gnomes love jokes of all kinds particularly puns and pranks they're just as dedicated to the more serious tasks they undertake. Many gnomes are skilled engineers alchemists tinkers and inventors. They're willing to make mistakes and laugh at themselves in the process of perfecting what they do taking bold (sometimes foolhardy) risks and dreaming large. Gnomes make their homes in hilly wooded areas. They live underground but get more fresh air than dwarves do enjoying the natural living world on the surface whenever they can. Their homes are well hidden by both clever construction and simple illusions. Welcome visitiors are quickly and simple illusions. Welcome visitors are quickly ushered into the bright warm burrows. Those who are not welcome are unlikely to find the burrows in the first place. Gnomes who settle in human lands are commanly gemcutters engineers sages or tinkers. Some human families retain gnome tutors ensuring that their pupils enjoy a mix of serious learning and delighted enjoyment. A gnome might tutor several generations of a single human family over the course of his or her long life. Curious and impulsive, gnomes might take up adventuring as a way to see the world or for the love of exploring. As lovers of gems and other fine items some gnomes take to adventuring as a quiock if dangerous path to wealth. Regardless of what spurs them to adventure gnomes who adopt this way of life eke as much enjoyment out of it as they do out of any other activity they undertake sometimes to the great annoyance of their adventuring companions. It's rare for a gnome to be hostile or malicious unless he or she has suffered a grievous injury. Gnomes know that most races don't share their sense of humor but they enjoy anyone's company just as they enjoy everything else they set out to do.

Traits

Gnomes mature at the same rate humans do and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around 40. They can live to be 350 to almost 500. Gnomes are most often good. Those who tend toward law are sages engineers researchers scholars investigators or inventors. Those who tend toward chaos are minstrels tricksters wanderers or fanciful jewelers. Gnomes are good hearted and even the tricksters among them are more playful than vicious. Gnomes are an average of 3 1/2 feet and weigh 40 pounds. Your size is Small. Your walking speed is 25 feet.

Darkvision: accustomed to life underground you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness only shades of gray.

Gnome cunning: You have advantag on all Intelligence Wisdom and Charisma saving throws against magic.

Subrace: Pick one of 2 subraces when you pick a gnome from the 2 above.

Languages: You can speak read and write Common and Gnomish. The Gnomish language which uses the dwarvish script is renowned for its technical treatises and its catalogs of knowledge about the natural world.

How NPCS respond to gnomes: Gnomes don't look like a threat and can quickly disarm suspicion with good humor. The common folk are often curious about gnomes likely never having seen one before but they are rarely hostile or fearful.

Source: Players handbook

#dnd character

[lileonovaa]

K, and I to you, much more love.

There’s a boy that I fell in love with, and this time, I don't think I will ever forget that. I seem to struggle to remember what I feel or have felt about anything. I feel blue. I feel a sense of sadness in a good way when he refers to me as his. I always tend to step back, just give up, and pursue isolation. All my life, I have been isolated; being used to that sort of melancholy always made sense to me. With him, it's a different kind of sadness, something thats even more addictive than the ones I felt before. In sadness, I feel better, and the more I give up on things, the more I feel free. With this one, I don't feel the need to give up, nor do I feel like I should run after it, because I know he’s right there; even if he’s gone, it's okay as long as he’s happy. I feel like I'm not good for him, but it's okay to be greedy. I will always want and need him until he says so, but he cannot snatch away the blues I feel for him; they'll always be there no matter what. Like an illustrated black and white paper girl sitting in complete darkness, the blueness that she feels around her heart shines bright and gradually grows in a way that shows her love for him, and she’s tightly protecting it with her tiny bare hands. He's extremely different than me; sure, there are things both me and him could relate to. As a child, I always thought being able to relate to someone was how you knew they were the one for you, but with him, we just make sense; it's odd in a beautiful way that I can’t really bring myself to understand why it is, but it's beautiful for sure. He's not perfect, which may be why I like him. I'm sure it's love, but I don't think theres a real reason why or how it works out. All I know is that it works out. He's extremely rare, and somehow he knows about everything, yet I still wouldn’t consider him perfect. I don't idolize him, nor does he idolize me, and I think that’s the most beautiful thing about us. He's not perfect, but his eyes, laugh, hair, piercings, and him as a whole just make the world a better place. He’s truly a poet in a way. I asked him, How do I make you feel? He said it was like the relief of waking up and realizing your life is still normal after a nightmare. that stuck to my mind forever, and sometimes his words just feel like a road trip to Neptune. That's another dream of mine—just us floating our way to the absolute blue planet. Though at times I feel like I'm his nightmare, I tend to upset him a lot, which is one of the reasons why I think I'm not good enough for him. I feel like the stupidest person on the planet, and I am extremely sensitive. I hate who I am as a person. I will be honest; sometimes he says the most gut-wrenching thing ever, and I will just start panicking. I would just cry and imagine hugging him tightly because, even if he doesn’t apologize, I know he’s truly sorry, yet I do expect him to say something because I overthink a lot. It’s unbelievable and unbearable. He's far; he's as far as the moon from the earth, but it's okay. Even though we are oceans apart. My dreams and him are the same in the way, I love them both to the point, even the afterlife wouldn't satisfy me. He loves being loved by me Though I wish I could have made sense to him as a person. I don’t know why I am the way I am, but i know for a fact that he’s as beautiful as the ocean, and I love the ocean so much that I could never stop admiring his beauty. He’s got his momma’s beauty; she’s got the kind soul look in her eyes, and I hope she likes me. Most people would say it’s unfortunate to depend on someone to feel happiness, and I could see why at times because when I upset him, I feel like I'm suffering from a heart attack; my chest hurts like I'm being shot constantly. and I can’t do much other than apologize constantly. I can see why he thinks I don’t really mean it because it can be aggravating, but I do, from the bottom of my heart, always.

[brightbell]

Dreams.

There was rarely a night when she didn’t dream, and most of them were dreams of home; Silvermoon, Eversong Forest, the family home of her childhood. She would often wake from these dreams sad, and with tears drying on her cheeks.

She missed her family terribly, and still did not understand why she had to be disowned after her banishment. Her family had been everything to her. She was the eldest daughter, so she was her younger siblings’ caretaker when her parents were gone, which was often when they got a little older. Being cast out had devastated her.

The dream she’d had last night was completely different, and she felt like she needed to consult with someone more experienced in interpreting dreams to fully understand it. There parts of it she fully understood, but there was also symbolism that she didn’t quite grasp.

She had been in a beautiful field of daisies, the sun was high overhead, bright and shining. There was a warm breeze, and all around her were butterflies. Multitudes of butterflies, all colors and sizes. Some of them looked like gem stones on the flowers; a dreamy, dark blue, a sparkling, swirling purple, a shimmering, smoky deep green, a muted yet beautiful onyx, a bright, glittering pink, and finally, a vibrant, glistening red.

The smaller, pink butterfly seemed to be drawn to the large red butterfly, and the purple and blue butterflies flew around in tandem. The green and black ones hovered near the others, but we’re not quite in the group.

After awhile, the dream began to shift and change. From a field of flowers, Cynedra now found herself sitting by the well outside of the Lamb in Stormwind. Around her were her new friends and acquaintances; Van, Athaeda, Kyth, Ash, Rai, and the other female elf that had been called Eve or Evee. Again, some were sitting closer than others, and Cynedra found herself quietly watching and listening to those around her.

She was drawn to each of them for some reason, they felt… comfortable, familiar. Athaeda reminded her of her younger sister. There was a quiet intelligence to Van that Cynedra found intriguing. Ash had felt like kin the moment she had started talking to him. Rai was… well he was extremely handsome and flirty. She had no idea if she would ever see him again, but she liked him. And then there was Kyth. Cynedra couldn’t say why she was drawn to the very tall stranger, but she was. Something about him just screamed ‘home’ and ‘safe’.

She greatly enjoyed her conversation with all of them, and really looked forward to seeing them again. It was nice to have people in her life that accepted her just how she was, and didn’t turn her away because of one decision.

Even after the disastrous few days she’d had at the beginning of the week, she was finally starting to feel at home in Stormwind, and it was mainly due to this group of people.

#Cynedra Things #Dreams #mg rp