#[just once I wish I could look at something I've drawn and be happy about it for more than 1 hour until I find it cringe looking...]

[darkdragon768]

Born to be an artist, forced to be a furry.

[tinycoffeeroom]

birds of a feather | daniel ricciardo

face claim: N/A ♡

request: here !

pairing: daniel ricciardo x british!reader

cw: mentions of chr*stian horner, singapore gp 2024

a/n: sorry for the long hiatus but i just had to come back and make something for danny. i've loved that man since i got into f1 and the idea that i won't see him on track anymore hurts so deeply. thank you for the memories honey badger, you will always have a place here on tinycoffeeroom <3

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Hi baby.

Hi love.

You sound exhausted, did you not sleep well last night?

Not really, I've been trying to go over strategies with the team, but nothing seems to be working. There's no way I'm getting in the points this week.

I'm sorry Danny, I know how much you've been working on this...

Have you asked them about that power unit thingy you were talking about?

Yeah... they don't have the time to test it and add it in before this race or even COTA.

What about the new rear wing?

Well...

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Anyway, enough about this shit show. How are you, darling? I miss you.

I miss you too, pretty boy. It sucks that this conference overlaps the race, I wish I was there so bad. Just wanna hug you.

Me too, y/n. Me too. I'm coming back as soon as the race is over. At least we have 4 weeks before the next one. Did you manage to book time off?

I did! 2 whole weeks to follow you across the globe watching you strut your stuff! Hopefully we can get Horsey back for the memories.

Blake's been emailing the owner, so hopefully Horsey will make a reappearance. (LAUGHS)

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Oh wait, Helmut's calling me, I'll call you back babe.

Ok! Lemme know what he says!

Always do. Love you.

Love you too pretty boy.

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It had been a last minute decision, choosing to fly out to Singapore. You knew Daniel would never put his own needs above yours, and while the conference was important for your career, he was important to you too.

It had been easy getting everything sorted. By the time you were texting Blake about flying over, he had already sent you a message, a simple "you know?".

A quick email to your boss, a semi lie spun about a family emergency, and a whirlwind of packing bags later, you found yourself sitting in Heathrow.

Your fingers twitched nervously as you checked the time differences between England and Singapore, double checking Daniel wouldn't find it strange if you didn't respond to his texts for the next 13 hours.

Your flight left at 8PM Singapore time, that gave you at least 10 hours before he would wake up for the race.

Blake had sneakily upgraded your tickets to first class so you could sleep comfortably on the flight and be ready to go straight into race day, or night, when you landed.

Tapping your phone awake, you smile at the lock screen staring back at you.

You and Daniel had gone away with a few other couples from the grid, a well needed break from the stress of Formula 1. In the midst of a late night beach walk with Charles and Alex, Daniel had grabbed your thighs, hoisting you over his shoulder.

Your shrieks of laughter had drawn some weird looks from those around you, but neither of you cared. You'd clawed your way back, legs settling tightly around Daniel's waist as his arms wrapped tightly around yours.

You didn't even notice the flash of Alex's phone, too enthralled in the wide smile encapsulating the man holding you, all teeth and gums and happiness dripping from him like sweet honey. A quick peck to the bridge of his nose and then the corner of his mouth was enough for him to lower you gently to the ground, arms still encompassing you tightly. 

The sound of Charles fake gagging beside you finally pulled the two of you out of the lovesick stupor you'd been caught in, eyes roaming the shadows cast across your lover's face from the fading sunset. 

When Alex had texted you the photo once you were back in the hotel room, limbs wrapped around one another in the cool, air conditioned room, you'd chuckled lightly, drawing Daniel's attention. 

"What's so funny?" The hand gripping your thigh draped lazily across his lap squeezed once, thumb rubbing back and forth soothingly. 

Turning the phone to face him, you watched his eyes light up, that same dazzling smile spreading as he took in the photo. 

"Send that to me."

You hummed in response, airdropping the photo to him as he pulled your thigh higher up his lap. As he leaned forward, lips searching for yours under the dim lamp light, you quickly set the photo as your lock screen, no doubt in your mind that Daniel would soon do the same. 

A tannoy drags you back to the present. 

"All passengers for flight SIA324, please make your way to the gate. Boarding will begin in 15 minutes."

Typing out a quick goodnight message to Daniel, you pocket your phone, sighing as you make your way towards what could be the last time you see Daniel in a Formula 1 car.

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ynstagram uploaded three stories to their close friends

replies:

lilymhe 💔 if i knew you were coming to singapore, i would have come too! ↳ ynstagram was a last minute decision sorry babe xx ↳ lilymhe ... don't tell me ↳ ynstagram 🙃

maxverstappen1 how did you get time off?? i thought you were super busy with work ↳ ynstagram claimed a family emergency, even if danny doesn't want me here, i needed to come ↳ maxverstappen1 he needs you y/n, more than i think even he knows

landonorris does dan know you're coming? ↳ ynstagram nope, blocked him from my close friends for a bit ↳ landonorris sneaky, i like it ↳ landonorris see you soon y/n, glad you'll be here :)

iamrebeccad you're coming to the gp??? come to ferrari hospitality if you can!!!! alex misses you 🥺 ↳ ynstagram don't think i'll be leaving vcarb this weekend, we can meet up for brunch soon though 🩷 ↳ iamrebeccad oh... yeah sure, just let me know 💜

blakefriend hope you got to the hotel alright, me and dan are out for his training session, did you get the keycard ok? ↳ ynstagram i did, and the paddock passes. thanks for this blake, i know with everything going on, last minute admin is the last thing you need ↳ blakefriend if it means dan can have some sense of calm in this mess, i'd do it 10 times over ↳ blakefriend we'll be back at 1pm, see you in a few hours ↳ ynstagram 🫡 see you then

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Getting from the airport to the hotel had been easy enough. Piling the bags you had brought from Monaco to London and now to Singapore onto the only trolley remaining, you make your way down to the Arrivals.

Stepping through the automatic doors, your eyes dart between the people around you. Families reuniting with bright laughter and happy tears, lovers sharing intimate kisses under the harsh airport lights. Businessmen already glued to the phone in their hands as they weave through bodies with ease, their bodies twisting and turning like a well rehearsed waltz.

A man in a black suit jacket and oversized chauffeur hat catches your eye, his eyes following your figure as you try to move around the other passengers. You glance down at the large piece of paper held just above his waist. 

“Y/N L/N” is scrawled in large black letters across the paper, chicken scratch that looks very much like Blake’s.

Making your way over, the man tips the edge of his chauffeur hat slightly, reaching a hand out to shake yours. 

You want to apologise for the clamminess of your palms as you accept his welcome, but before you can speak, he’s reaching across to take the trolley from you, his head tilting briefly in the opposite direction.

You follow behind him, feet double stepping to keep up as he expertly navigates the sprawling grounds of Singapore Airport. 

By the time you reach the car out front, a sheen of sweat covers your upper lip and you cringe, feeling your t-shirt slowly cling to your back. 

The man opens the boot, then the back door and ushers you in. The cold air conditioning feels like a welcome home kiss, brushing away the humidity that clings to your skin from the small journey between the airport and the car. By the time the man sits in the driver's seat, your eyes are slipping closed, head lolling against the headrest behind you. 

You didn’t mean to sleep for the entire car journey, but you’d barely been able to rest for more than 20 minutes on the flight, opting instead to cycle through nonsense films to play in the background as the thoughts in your mind waged a war on your emotions. 

It had been a tense 13 hours, trying to work out what had happened on that phone call between Daniel and Helmut. You knew there were talks of him not extending his contract, but leaving mid season?

Your Danny? The self proclaimed and well known Honey Badger, king of late braking and divebombing his grid mates. You’d been with him since the Red Bull days, and even if he wasn’t winning podiums, or even points sometimes, you thought there would be more of an uproar about this from him. 

This wasn’t the same man you’d watch nearly fight a waiter because he refused to bring you a new meal after they’d brought out a completely different dish, the same man who left everything on the tarmac and often dragged you to his trailer post race interviews for a well deserved nap. 

His texts had been despondent, almost like he believed this was the goodbye he deserved. 

That’s the part you couldn’t move past. The idea that he was going to finish his last race without the flair of Daniel Ricciardo, no doughnuts, no grid walk, no party to celebrate the last 13 years. 

After the McLaren debacle, you understood why he chose to fly under the radar. With COVID and the situation with Oscar, he’d been more than willing to slip away peacefully but this was different. 

This was Red Bull. Or the subsidiary at least. The team he’d spent the longest time in Formula 1 with. The team who took him in as a junior, that he’d won 7 Grand Prix’s with, scored well over 1000 points racing for. 

You would have thought that they would have wanted to give him a goodbye worthy of what he had brought to the team.

By the time the chauffeur shakes you gently awake, your mind is no clearer but one thing is for sure. Daniel will not face this storm alone.

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The time of Daniel getting back from his workout was looming slowly. Since entering the hotel room, you’d hopped in the shower, scrubbing the aeroplane smell from you. The suitcases were lined up against the wall and you were currently lazing on the bed, scrolling mindlessly through Tiktok. Every so often, you’d flick to the notification screen, just in case Blake’s incoming text had somehow slipped past without you catching it. 

Your eyes flutter slowly closed, maybe a 10 minute nap wouldn’t hurt. Before you can lock your phone and settle into the plush pillows, a notification pings through. Eyes darting open, you catch the banner notification before it slides up. 

They were in the lobby. 

“Fuckin’ hell Blake.” Scrambling up from the bed, you round the corner and make sure there is no sign of you in the living room section. Your shoes are tucked away in the bottom of the closet, jacket strewn across the chair in the corner of the bedroom. 

The telltale ring of a keycard being swiped rings through the air and you slide to hide behind the wall, heart thumping against your chest. Doubt begins to swirl through your mind. What are you even doing here? What if he didn’t invite any of his family or friends because he didn’t want them to see him go out like this? Would he want you to? 

Loud voices echo through the hallway, Aussie slang thrown about but you focus on the one thick with a Perth twang. 

Your Danny. 

“Mate, I’m just gonna go point Percy at the porcelain.” Blake’s voice grows louder as he walks through to the bedroom. He locks eyes with you, giving you a quick one armed hug as you exchange quiet greetings. 

Once enough time has passed, he gestures with a finger to his lips to be quiet, head popping around the corner to Daniel. 

“Did you bring Y/N’s jacket with you by mistake?”

A confused “No” comes from the living room before Blake leans across you, grabbing the clothing from the chair. He holds it aloft, in Daniel’s line of sight. 

“No idea what that’s doing here, mate. You know I always bring a t-shirt of Y/N’s which should be under the pillow.”

Your heart swells at the statement, you had no idea he’d sneak something of yours with him whenever you couldn’t attend races. The earlier doubts dissipate, you knew right here, with Daniel, was where you were supposed to be. 

“Strange… oh! I know what’s happened.” Blake shoots you a grin before wrapping a hand around your arm, pulling you into the doorway. 

Smiling softly at Daniel, you huff lightly at the way his eyes widen almost comically as he takes you in. Silence spreads through the room, the two of you locked in intense eye contact as Blake slowly moves aside to let you reunite. 

“Hello, my love.”

Daniel’s bottom lip wobbles slightly and before you can process it, he’s launched across the room, almost body slamming you with the force he runs at you with. Arms latch tightly around your waist, his head tucked tightly into your neck, trembling lips resting against your pulse point. 

“What, I, how?” The words are muffled against your skin, the edges of them tear soaked as the collar of your t-shirt dampens to match. 

Carding your hand through his still sweaty curls, you scratch lightly against his scalp. “As soon as you told me, Blake texted me. He booked me on the next flight.”

Daniel’s head pops out from his hiding place, all three of you ignoring the tears smattering his cheeks. He looks across to Blake, who simply shrugs his shoulders, reaching down to grab his gym bag. 

“You needed them, and they needed you. It was a no brainer. Also, don’t get sappy with me, I charged the flight to your business card.” A chuckle follows and he claps Daniel on the back once, nodding in your direction before heading out the front door, the sound of it closing echoing slightly. 

Daniel’s eyes track from the closing door back to you, wide in wonderment. “But your conference?”

Shrugging, you lean forward to press a soft kiss to the apple of his cheek. “Called in a family emergency. There’s no way I was letting you go through this alone.” You lift your hand up to his face, tracing a path across the same cheek you’d just kissed. “I know your parents or your friends can't be here, but I couldn’t bear the thought of you having to deal with everything going on with no kind of support. I know Blake’s here but-”

You’re cut off by his lips covering yours, desperation seeping through as the words die on your tongue. The taste of salt blooms, the tears still dripping slowly from his eyes. Yours join in quick succession. A rushed “I love you” slips from your mouth the moment you part, his own coming straight after. 

The slide of his lips against your own turns molasses slow, the cooled sweat on both of you soon making way for its heated counterpart as you gravitate closer to one another. Warm hands sneak under your t-shirt, the palms cupping the swell of your hips as Daniel whispers words of gratitude through stolen breaths. Your own hands rest against his neck, nails creating slight grooves under the pressure. 

Knowing what will come tomorrow, you take in this moment, second by second. The feel of his sweat slick skin under your palms, the slight stubble on his jaw scratching at your chin, the way his heart beats erratically in his chest pressed close to yours. 

Every part of this Daniel you memorise, capturing each memory in a gold plated frame. You store them away in the evergrowing gallery of your brain dedicated to the man before you, seal them under lock and key for your eyes only. 

You always knew that one day, you’d share them with him. When all the racing was over and the two of you had the house with the white picket fence, or more aptly, the farm with the white picket fence. You’d dissect every moment of him you stored away, stacked one by one for safekeeping. From the moment the two of you met in that busy London street, every grand prix win, every high followed by every low. Just in case he began to forget the man he was, the man he would still be. 

You just didn’t realise that day would be coming so soon. 

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ynstagram danielricciardo

[caption 2: gorgeous boy xx]

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After the race, you’d left Daniel to his own devices. You knew he would want to spend his time wandering around the track, soaking in every moment of what could be his last ever race. 

Grabbing a ride back with Blake, the two of you stick to small talk, neither able to formulate the words you truly wanted to say. 

He’d given you a brief goodbye in the lobby, arms wrapped around you in a tight squeeze before the two of you separated, him taking the stairs and you choosing to ride in the elevator. 

Shuffling through the front door, you kick your shoes off, nudging them next to the other pairs in the entryway. On the way up, you’d sent Daniel a quick text to let you know when he was on his way back. 

Expecting him to respond around midnight, you slowly work through your nighttime routine, opting to wear one of his shirts to bed instead of the pyjamas you’d neatly packed. 

Slipping into bed, you unlock your phone, squinting at the brightness. Still no messages from Daniel, the 1:27am at the top of your phone making you sigh deeply. Reaching over, you plug your phone onto charge before starting up a well loved podcast, choosing an episode you could probably quote from memory with how often you relistened to it. 

As the dulcet voices fall away to background noise, you settle in for the night, head half shoved into the pillow beside you, Daniel’s scent still lingering from this morning.

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Blearily opening your eyes as the other side of the bed dips lightly, you quickly tap your phone to see the time. A bold 3:57am blinks back at you briefly before the screen goes dark once more. 

“Didn’t mean to wake you, sorry babe.” Daniel’s voice whispers in the darkness, hand winding its way around your waist to pull you back to his chest. 

Resting your hand over his, fingers interlocking in the open spaces, you squeeze twice. “s’ok, wanted to see you when you got back anyway.”

Silence follows and before you can roll over to look at Daniel, his face presses into the centre of your shoulder blades, the skin warm through the fabric of the shirt.

“Danny?”

He stays quiet, the hand on your waist gripping tighter. You can hear the way his breath starts to shake on the inhale, the tears from his eyes slowly dampening the back of his shirt currently wrapped around you. 

“Danny, lemme see you.” A shake of his head rustles the shirt. “Baby, please.”

His grip on your waist loosens and you shuffle around carefully, trying to avoid shoving an elbow in his ribs and adding further insult to injury. 

You can hardly make out his face, the small amount of moonlight shining through the haphazardly closed curtains barely illuminating the curve of his cheek. It does catch the glint of his honey brown eyes, tears shimmering along his lash line. 

“Oh, my love.” Your heart breaks at the sight of the man in front of you, a shell of who you’ve come to know and love. The pressure behind your eyes builds, tears threatening to mirror Daniel’s. “C’mere.”

One hand wrapping around the back of his neck, you pull him to lay against you. He burrows in, head pressed tight into the junction between your neck and shoulder, a sombre juxtaposition to this morning. 

“This is the end. Everything I’ve worked for, over. And there’s nothing I can do to stop it.” His arm wraps tight around your waist once more, his leg coming to rest between yours. “I’m officially a has-been.” A wet chuckle escapes him, the noise too loud in the surrounding silence. 

You can’t stop yourself from tapping the back of his neck lightly. He knows you hate when he talks like that. “No one’s allowed to talk about the man I love like that.”

His head lifts from your neck to throw you a quick glance. “Even if it’s the man himself?”

Pulling him back to rest against your neck, you run your hands through his hair gently, twirling the longer strands around one of your fingers. “Especially if it’s the man himself. You’re not a has-been, never will be. You’re so talented in so many different ways, there will never be a time you can say you’re past your prime or whatever stupid shit is running around that gorgeous head of yours.” Your fingers tap against his scalp to drive the point home. “Even if you never step foot in one of those cars again, you’ve got your dirt biking, the wine company, Enchante, the 17 other high intensity sports you do that raise my blood pressure every time I watch. You’re smart enough to know how to adapt, and that is what you’ll do. I know it.”

“You seem very sure.” His voice comes out muffled from its spot against your neck, his breath tickling your skin. 

“That’s because I am. I was by your side during the papaya setback, I saw how you came back stronger. That’s what this situation is too, a setback. You’ll find a way through, even if I have to stand by the solution with a flashlight to guide you that way.” 

He chuckles, the edges of his voice no longer tainted with sorrow. “Can you still not say their name?”

You join his laughter, remembering the last time you’d spoken about McLaren. “Last time I mentioned that company, I got a cease and desist. Don’t think Zac was too happy with the way I was deservedly slagging them off.” Your nose wrinkles as you think back to the snottily worded email and attached letter that dropped into your inbox a few days after your last public comment about their shitty management. “So I promised to never let that name slip from my lips again.”

The room falls silent again, just for a moment. The two of you still tangled in an embrace, even as the first prickles of sweat bead against your hairline from the heat of your bodies in the warm Singapore evening. 

Daniel sighs, shuffling minutely to run a hand up and down the length of your side. “I just… I remember when I was 20. Being so excited to get into an actual F1 car, even as a tester. I remember jumping out, seeing that I was the fastest and thinking ‘this is it. This is my chance.’ I wanted to be a Red Bull driver so bad, with every part of me. To win a race, maybe even win a world championship, leave a legacy behind. And now I’ve wasted over a decade of my life with only 8 race wins to show for it. Not even a championship. What kind of legacy does that leave me?”

The sorrow creeps back into his voice, and you have to clear your throat before responding, willing the tears back once more. “A legacy doesn’t have to mean winning a world championship. Or even a race. Think about Jacky Ickx, Stirling Moss, Juan Pablo Montoya. All legends in their own right, but none of them had a world championship. If this was your last race in Formula 1, you leave behind a legacy in your own right. People will know your name for years, even decades to come. King of the late brakers, the guy who always had a smile and a kind word to say about everyone he ever met; even if they didn’t deserve it, the aptly named Honey Badger. Just because you don’t leave behind a legacy in being number 1, doesn’t mean you won’t be up there with the greats.”

Daniel hums, taking in your words, dissecting them one by one. “I’m scared. Where do I go now? Do I even try to come back? Move to a different company entirely? Retire officially and retreat to the farm? I don’t know who I am without Formula 1.”

You take a moment to think about the situation for yourself. A world where Daniel Ricciardo is no longer a Formula 1 driver. It always seemed so impossible to you, the company so deeply ingrained into his being that the very idea of him would cease to exist without it in his life. 

“Truthfully, I don’t know.” Your hand continues to card through his hair, a soothing gesture. Whether it was meant to soothe him or you, you weren’t too sure. “I wouldn’t even know where to start with advice, I’ve never had to walk in your shoes. But that doesn’t need to be something to think about right now. Enjoy some downtime, go home and spend time with your family, race dirt bikes around different parts of the world, go see Scotty and Chloe. The future is still so bright for you, Danny. And I’m just happy that I get to be beside you through it all.”

Slowly, he raises his head from its perch, bright eyes finding yours. Despite the situation, you swear he’s never looked more beautiful than in this moment. Teeth bitten lips find yours in the dim light, clumsy and fierce, but perfect in its own right. 

“I love you. So fucking much. From the first day we met and you shouted at me for splashing you with a puddle, I knew you were the one. Thank you for never leaving.”

You laugh aloud, remembering how you’d been late for university, umbrella thrashing in the England wind, when a bike had come up dangerously close beside you, running straight through a puddle and covering your jeans in muddy water. 

After a long rant at the rider, you’d looked up into apologetic golden eyes and high cheekbones, and immediately the anger had dissipated. “And I love you. Maybe not from the puddle moment, but you won me over nearly immediately after. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here, with you.”

This is the moment. The moment to open the gallery in your mind to the man in front of you. To recall each and every moment you’d captured in glossy oils and remind him of who he is, who he always has been. 

And then Daniel lays his head back down to your chest, lips pressing an appreciative kiss to the shirt underneath, warmth blossoming through the fabric to your skin below. And the moment passes. 

Pressing your head back into the pillow below, you listen to how Daniel’s breathing slows, settling down as he drifts off to sleep. The perfect moment will come back. There’s still time.

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liked by fan, fan and 982,167 others

formula1 BREAKING: Daniel Ricciardo to leave RB, the team have announced

see 238,816 others

fan what the fuck

fan not danny ric 💔💔

fan we just got him back😭😭😭

fan helmut marko watch your back.

user lol not surprised, we all knew he was washed ↳ fan 123.456.789.012 ↳ user did i just get doxxed?

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👤 danielricciardo liked by landonorris, maxverstappen1 and 890,274 others

ynstagram the man of many names. danny ric, ricky bobby, honey badger and most importantly, the love of my life. i've loved you for 6 summers and i'll love you for 600 more.

in the words of our favourite musical, wherever you go i won't be far to follow. whether it's in the navy of the bulls, papaya of [REDACTED], the bee striped renault or the dazzling white of vcarb, you bring so much light and happiness everywhere you go, and i've been privileged to bask in the warmth of you.

and until the next adventure, i will always be here to remind you of the power and strength you inhabit, the souls you've breathed life into and the happiness you've brought to the sport you love (sometimes more than me) for over a decade.

always and forever, your y/n x

see 10,286 other comments

fan anyone else absolutely sobbing right now?? ↳ fan as if his post wasn't enough to make me bawl, ofc y/n drops this

fan to have a love like y/n and danny...

fan not y/n censoring mclaren, they hate that damn team so much ♥️ ynstagram

danielricciardo my darling, i love you, always and forever ❤️ ↳ ynstagram so excited for our future, whatever it holds ❤️

landonorris thanks y/n max is crying now 👍 ↳ ynstagram 🤣 which one? ↳ maxfewtrell both ↳ maxverstappen1 both

alexandrasaintmleux 🩷 we need another double date when you're back in monaco x ↳ ynstagram do we have to bring them? ↳ danielricciardo on my own dedication post... wow ↳ ynstagram 🤷 gotta show my girl love whenever i can

fan helmut better hide, y/n doesn't play when it comes to their man ↳ fan fr don't let the sappy post fool you, ik they have a hitlist in their notes

fan him leaving before COTA is so messed up, he loves that track 😭😭😭 ↳ ynstagram wish you guys could have seen the special helmet :( ↳ fan OH HELMUT MARKO WHEN I CATCH U!!!!!!! ↳ fan special helmet... pls we need to see i BEG

lewishamilton with you by his side, the future is bright for the honey badger 🤍 ↳ ynstagram thanks lew 🩷 ↳ danielricciardo thanks man :)

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a/n: this is not proof read, so ignore any mistakes. i can't wait to see what danny does in the future, whatever it is, i'll be supporting him all the way <3

[cotl-flower-crown]

Going on hiatus*

*Well, kinda.

Hey, I'm gonna start this post with "omg, this blog has more than 2 followers, what the fuck?? That's crazy!". I don't usually look at numbers, because I don't want it to be a focus on my platforms, but just know that I appreciate every single one of you and I hope that you all enjoy what I'm doing here. Like at the moment of writing this there is 2277 people that decided they want to look at my art more and it makes me very happy, thank you! ^^

So uhh yeah, hiatus.

Not gonna lie, the past few months has been stressful for me and I have reached the point where my chest and stomach are in pain and I can't get enough sleep because of it, among other things (damn you mosquitoes!!!). It's something that happened before and it might take me months to recover from it. So I suppose you could say that this hiatus is mainly for the health reasons.

Though it's also because my gut is telling me that it's time to move on from this fandom to do other things.

Hear me out. It's not that I hate COTL now, far from it, I still love this silly cult game and I will follow what MM has to offer for this game in the future. I am just kinda not keeping up with myself when it comes to posting. I've been trying to post about my favs at least once a week, but honestly it's been a struggle to pump out anything at all lately. It's not that I don't have anything to post, I'm just tired and burned out.

So yeah, I think it's time to put this blog on hiatus for the time being. What I mean by that is I don't want this blog to be the top of my priorities and I want to take it easy.

I don't want it to go completely silent though. I'm planning to open my ask box again, because I miss interacting with everyone. However I will not do any art requests or draw anything for the asks in general. If I do, it will most likely be poorly drawn or it will be something related to character design, since that's what I'm most comfortable with, but I would prefer not have to draw at all. Though I am open for writing. I also wish to draw sometimes, so maybe I will post some artwork when I feel like it. I'm just not gonna post as often as I used to. It might take like a month (maybe two, maybe three, etc) before I decide to make anything.

What's the future of this blog? I am not sure yet. There is a chance that eventually I will abandon this blog entirely OR I could repurpose it for fanart in general. To be honest I'm leaning towards the second option at the moment, but that is a future me's problem.

I think that's all I've got to say right now. Again Thank You everyone who decided to follow, reblog and like my art and leave comments, I appreciate it all, and thank you to my moots and friends that I made along the way, I love you all (plat/non parasocial) and I hope this will work out.

TLDR: I'm going on hiatus, but not completely silent, also ask box open, but no requests

[rosiebun28]

COSMIC HRT Month 1 (The Dream and First Encounter)

Hi, I'm Rosie and this is part of a story I've been wanting to share for a long time. Cosmic HRT started as a comic but I have ADHD really bad and I have struggled with consistently working on art. But as I continue in the community I want to try other mediums like writing to get my story out there. Hopefully one day I can work on turning it into a comic but I just want to at least get something out for my own sanity. This story was inspired by Dragon HRT by @ayviedoesthings and by Eldritch HRT by @dawning-mars The format was Inspired by Arynia's Hellhound HRT story over at @ariathelamia so Definitely go check all of them out if you haven't already! Also Special thank you to @dawning-mars for the Cameo!

Hello, my name is Rose but I like to go by Rosie. My Therapist suggested I should try Chronicling my journey as a way of reflecting on the crazy events that have been happening to me. I've always had problems interacting with other people so I figured I should share these journals online as a way of initiating interaction. (Sorry if that’s weird, I’m still working on my communication skills) I’m really bad at self expression so forgive me if I say something weird or mis-remember something.

Well the whole thing started a while back, I'm a 30 year old transgender woman and things had been getting worse where I lived for people like me. I heard about a new type of HRT that can actually turn people into animals! After doing A LOT of research into it and a lot of self reflection, I Felt this was something I needed but nothing I looked at felt right, felt like me. There were short periods of fancy where I got excited at the thought of being a bunny or a mouse or even a hybrid species, but the excitement always faded after a time. Nothing felt like the real me, I didn’t even know what the "Real Me" was supposed to feel like, just the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. I was stuck at an impasse, walking past and seeing others transitioning and becoming closer to their true selves every day. I liked to try and keep up to date on things so I started following some Therians online but while I was happy for them, I still felt just the tiniest bit of envy and wished I could figure out who I am.

However, that changed one day when I had a weird dream. It's a bit difficult to describe but there was a tall Being in a bright yellow robe with an expressionless mask and horns, we stood on an expansive black plane, the sky behind a stark white with what appeared to be black stars in the background. I couldn’t feel my arms or legs, I couldn’t move and could barely feel myself, I watched as the figure slowly moved towards me in a way I can only describe as smooth, not quite gliding, not quite shambling. Once it reached me it  whispered something I couldn't quite make out and I suddenly woke up with a chill. The next day I had an unexplainable urge to go for a walk through a part of town I'd never been through but it was like something was pulling me there, like I was being drawn in. 

I made my way down to what was locally being called the "Therian District" though some would call it "The Zoo" though I never liked that name personally. As I was walking past a doctor's office, I suddenly bumped into someone and fell to the ground. I felt a cold chill suddenly rush into me and down my throat but it was gone so fast I wasn't even sure if it even actually happened. As I looked up there was a tall, vague figure covered in shadow. When suddenly my vision doubled, one side blue and the other yellow, before recombining. The shadowy figure was gone, in its place before me stood the most beautiful person I'd ever seen. She was extremely tall and had skin that was a lustrous purple, she wore a simple black dress with a black bow and a large black hat. Her face stared at me for a few seconds with five deep, caring eyes that seemed to be full of anxiety, not sure how I could tell that to be honest. She quickly apologized for bumping into me and ran off. I was stuck there for a few seconds going over the image in my mind before someone came over and helped me up. They asked me if I’d been hurt by "That Monster" and I gave them a sharp glare that made them back off and walk away muttering "freak" under their breath. I don’t know why but I'd felt an anger wash over me from hearing them insult this person I’d never even met. It was so out of character for me that I didn’t know how to respond so I called them an asshole and walked away.

That night I had another dream about the Being in Yellow but this time they spoke only four words to me: "Open Your Eye Youngling" After which I heard a cracking sound followed by my vision splitting again into blue and yellow, but this time they didn't recombine, instead they split and my perspective shifted to viewing 3 different angles at once. One blue, one yellow, and one gray in between them looking at glowing blobs of energy, a blue one on the right and a yellow on on the left. They were connected to me by thin white fluctuating beams of light. They seemed to be where the other perspectives are coming from. 

I started to hear and feel one of myselves saying some but it was muffled and all I could make out was a vague feeling. Then the blue and yellow selves seemed to start having a conversation that I could not seem to process. It was like I was hearing words and vague wisps of intent but had no idea what was being said. After a while I woke up again, but something was different. I felt like I could see more, but I wasn't sure what it was I could see that I couldn't before. It felt like a heavy fog had lifted from my mind. Whatever it was, started to make me feel a lot more overstimulated than before. The trade-off being I suddenly didn't feel as lonely anymore for some reason.

I went to take my morning meds and noticed that something was different, my normal estrogen pills seemed to have changed from the little white circles I was used to. They were now a bit bigger and football shaped like my Progesterone but I couldn’t find any seams on them and they appeared to be filled with some kind of milky white pearlescent liquid. I tried to break one open but I couldn’t seem to penetrate the outer shell so I examined the bottle. There were a few things different about the label now too, The patient name was a strange Sigil I’d never seen before. The medication name now said "Dreamadonteride" and the Prescriber information was some kind of symbol I’d never seen before that looked like a dot surrounded by a circle with three squiggly lines radiating out from the center. I looked at the pill again and felt a mix of conflicted feelings and voices inside, but one feeling rang out louder than the others. A voice telling me that this mysterious new pill would help me finally find my true self, would help me finally be happy. So I ignored the other voices in my head telling me to stop as I popped the pill into my mouth and took a drink of water. The voices finally calmed and went quiet. I still don’t know if this was the right choice, but I made it and I was going to stick with it.

[autisticdiluc]

AYANO AISHI REDESIGN

yandere sim...

Guys I freaking love ayano... She's been on my mind for so long and I finally got out of an art block and the first thing i decided to do was draw her because do NAWT get me started on how terrible the actual promo art is..

Let me break down the redesign I had for ayano and also I kinda just did what I liked because Lol?? I can.??

NUMBER 1: I HATE that fuck ass short skirt,, in game I can ignore it cause I'm too busy worrying about the characters more than the actual designs but holy shit in the promo art?? (May all the deities out there bless my eyes from this)

Warning for the promo art because..yeah...

The chronic blush kills me because my pookie bear doesn't even do that unless it's around taro

And holy shit these thigh highs are so ?? I wish I could bleach my eyes rn (nothing wrong with thigh highs honestly it's just how it's drawn here)

Now in my redesign the tie is short and there are some pieces missing from the shirt but honestly my main priority is covering her up.

On another note I literally get COLD from seeing her promo art cause hello.?? I feel like ayano would be a really cold person just in general so I gave her some under sleeves because why not besides they look cute!

Her skirt is long because 1. most schools need skirts alteast touching their knees from what ive seen in the almsot 2 decades I've been alive and 2. I felt like it

NUMBER 2: face

Her hair I kept relatively similar cause I feel like if I took it away I'd be taking ayano away but that's just me NOW her lips I feel like she would really wear lipstick to keep a 'natural' look I KNOW ryoba suggest to wear some but they're like a muted pink naturally so she just keeps it like that

Luckily for her! In my redesign bed resting face kinda looks like she's happy so she doesn't necessarily gotta do anything yk??

Number 3: her casual outfit....

The miniskirt, thigh highs and GLOVES is really killing me

The shirts find and honestly so is the miniskirt by ITSELF but I wanted to change it so I did. Her thigh highs are just..?? Unnecessary here I fear. Don't get me wrong I'm sure if it was a better outfit (and a better creator) she could've pulled it off but because of multiple things it just doesn't work. The clash of that green with the miniskirt jean isn't really complementing the black thigh highs

Also the gloves?? I get that like ayano buys yk rat poison and sedatives and blah blah blah but gloves... In the middle of the day/night... In THAT outfit.... It just doesn't work for me

Ryoba didn't wear gloves and she still got her man so I don't get why ayano has to.. if anything have y'all ever seen were germaphobes get a plastic bag and use it to pick up stuff? I feel like that could be used in a situation like this instead of just gloves out in the open,, honestly thats just highkey suspicious (coming from someone who wore various kinds of gloves when going out before)

For me redesign I just wanted something a bit more cuter I feel,, I think the green top couldve been good by itself but once again i get cold looking at her so boom sleeves but then i realized it looks a lil plain (which probably was the point but executed in the worst way possible) so I gave her one of those tops with another shirt connected to it in a lighter minty color. Besides I think it served a purpose to let her JORTS not clash terribly with the darker green,, and I actually like the idea that she wears tights so I gave her black tights (which yk is like the thigh highs but yk not)

Anyway that's my redesign of ayano my pookie bear who can do no wrong she's just a girl or doesn't matter if she's a murderer or not 💭❤️

[escha-ashengrotto]

Deeply and Hopelessly In Love Part 1

Azul Ashengrotto x GN!Reader

Summary: You wonder about a lot of things, especially regarding Azul.

Notes: Happens at the end of Book 3 so there will be some spoilers! Also, Azul calls you sweetheart. Reader is not Yuu.

A repost from my old blog @escha-evenstar. Edited.

The sounds of abundant chatter from customers and the shuffle of footsteps from workers could be heard. It was a busy day at the Mostro Lounge. The point-card system you proposed was now being implemented and based on the large crowd inside the campus cafe, it certainly attracted a lot of students.

By reaching a certain number of points via orders, customers may redeem a free consultation with the manager — namely the one and only Azul Ashengrotto, Housewarden of Octavinelle known for his ability to make any wish or desire come true.

Who wouldn't be drawn to that kind of opportunity?

After hearing about the new promotional offer, your friends immediately placed in their orders to start collecting points which delighted Azul as he thanked them for their prompt orders. Your friends cheerily walked away to take a seat while Jade and Floyd went to where they were assigned and started to work. But you? You stayed right where you were. Azul then turned to you.

"What about you? Are you not going to order something?" He asked confusedly.

"Nope. I'm happy the place is packed but that means you'll have your work cut out for you, right? So let me help! The more hands to help, the better!" You said enthusiastically.

Azul protested, wanting for you to just relax and dine with your friends yet you insisted on helping around, showing him that bright smile of yours. You started to walk away to start taking someone's order when he suddenly held your hand and pulled you back to him, surprising you.

"Wait," Azul said, his cerulean eyes boring into your (e/c) ones. As you stared back, you took the chance to appreciate the beautiful shade of blue orbs looking at you.

"Yes?" You asked. "I still have some energy so I really don't mind helping out if that's what you're worried about. Oh! Or if it's money, you don't have to pay me back either."

"Nonsense! I can't have you work and not reimburse you," Azul retorted. He opened his mouth to continue speaking but a staff member was calling for his attention. Most probably matters related to the lounge.

"Just go. I'll be okay," you reassured him with a smile. "I've already worked here a few times before so it'll be fine. Let me help you."

Azul sighed. "You're not going to give up, are you? ...fine. But we'll talk later," he said, still speaking in a businessman-like manner, though you couldn't help but think that there was a hint of.. softness to it?

You nodded and hummed in agreement. You were about to start working but you couldn't leave yet.

You're still holding my hand. I wonder why. I wonder about a lot of things.

"Azul?" You called him softly.

Azul had a dazed look in his eyes and so you squeezed his hand once more. He then noticed he was still holding onto your hand. "Ah! Right, of course," he said before reluctantly letting go and clearing his throat. "Ehem. My apologies." You could see tinge of pink on his cheeks.

"It's alright. Don't worry," you giggled.

The two of you then set off to do some work. Fast forward the time and now Mostro Lounge is finally closed. After the last customers have left, you felt the tiredness seeping in. You sat down on the nearest couch and let out a sigh of relief, closing your eyes to rest. Your friends have already left together with your dorm mates, Yuu and Grim, who were called in by Headmage Crowley for whatever reason, unfortunately. You were thinking about today's events when a smooth, calm voice rang in your ears.

"I see the day has worn you out," someone said. Your eyes sprang open in surprise.

It was Azul. Still looking as handsome as always with that crisp dorm uniform. His confident aura that commands such power. Those lips that curve into a teasing smile. And the eyes. Oh, those ocean-hued eyes! You could stare at them all day long.

You're so charming. I find a lot of things about you attractive. I wonder.. what do you think of me? Am I attractive too?

It's only been a few hours but you honestly missed him already. Although you saw him while serving customers with their orders, stolen glances and subtle smiles were sadly not enough for you who craved his presence.

I wonder.. Did you miss me? I missed you. I'm sorry if I'm clingy. I just like being with you.

You couldn't muster a reply, too busy and lost in your thoughts as you stared at him.

Azul spoke again. "Too tired to even answer me, sweetheart?" He teased.

You blushed at his words. Particularly, that one word. Azul only addresses you by that nickname when the two of you are alone, or out of earshot from others. Even though he's been calling you that for some time now, you still blush every time he calls you by that term. He seemed to take delight in making your face flush pink. If only it meant more than just a teasing from a friend.

You let out a chuckle, trying to hide that feeling in your chest and ignoring the heat on your face. "Ehehe~ I guess I am feeling a bit tired. I've never seen the lounge have that many customers before."

"This is good news, of course," Azul exclaimed. "We made three times our usual profit. All in but a day's work! Your suggestion has definitely made Mostro Lounge even more successful. Now, shall we continue our conversation from earlier?"

You and Azul were now seated side by side on a comfortable leather couch inside a different room. Lots of books were propped on bookshelves and his desk was neatly piled with contracts and other paperworks. Behind his desk stood the entrance to his private vault. Soft, wavering lights from the aquarium gleamed across the room. This was Azul's office, also known as the VIP Room. You've been here a number of times before so it provided a sense of familiarity and tranquility to you. This place was also witness to some small but special moments you had with the cecaelia.

I wonder.. Did you think those moments were special too?

As you were reliving some memories, Azul's voice pulled you out of your trance as he offered you some tea. You thanked him and sipped on the warm beverage, he discussed what he was offering in exchange for the work you did for the lounge. You reasoned out that he didn't have to but Azul insisted that he give something back to you in return. In the end, you just accepted his "payment". Seeing as he's still in the give-and-take mindset.

You then enjoyed a scrumptious meal together with Azul and the Leech brothers. It was a delightful dinner, to be honest. Although most people probably thought the trio to be.. Suspicious? Shady? Terrifying, even? They could also be very nice and fun to be with. You enjoyed their company.

After finishing, you decided it was time to leave since it was starting to get late. You bid them your thanks and farewell. "I'll see you guys tomorrow! Goodnight!"

You were now heading back to Ramshackle Dorm. The peace of the night made you recall today's memories. The trip to the museum. Your heart-to-heart talk with Azul. Helping out at the lounge. Dinner with friends. It was really a nice day, and as you strolled along the path, your mind couldn't help but think. You did wonder a lot, after all.

I wonder.. do you feel the same way as I do?

Part 2 here! Masterlist here!

If you enjoyed this: likes, comments, and reblogs are much appreciated. Thank you for reading!

[unseededtoast]

Light As A Feather | Spencer Reid x F! Reader

Summary: The gravity of your job begins getting to you, and you come to realize you've forgotten how beautiful life can be. And one tranquil night, it's like Spencer is able to lift the weight and makes you feel light as a feather. Inspired by Hozier's "I, Carrion (Icarian)"

Cross posted on Wattpad and AO3 and here is my masterlist!

Word Count: 8.7k

Warnings: General violence, angst, pining. Poorly Edited

a/n: howdy folks. I'm still in my spencer reid/hozier brainrot era and so here's another. I hope you all enjoy it and thank you for all of the support I've received, it means the world!!

His presence is enough to make you forget about the horrors of the world, of your job. Right now, it's just you and him, and you've never felt lighter; so unburdened. You're convinced that if he wasn't there, holding onto you with his magnetic pull, that you may just float away in the breeze like a feather. 

You had never been to Colorado before, and now you wish you could be here under different circumstances. It's the beginning of fall and it seems as if the people of Boulder are head over heels in love with the season. Which is understandable, you think you'd love fall this much too if you lived in a place this beautiful. The trees are painted in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red and the distant mountains stand proudly in the background with their snow capped tops. Your eyes are glued to the lush landscape as the SUV drives through Boulder to reach your destination.

You, along with the rest of your team, were called by the Park Rangers from the Rocky Mountain National Park about a few bodies they had discovered. Your superior, Hotch, decided their case was odd enough for you all to pay a visit. At first you hadn't wanted to come, convinced that there would be something closer to home to tend to, but now you're glad you agreed to come. Fall time in Quantico just isn't as picturesque.

Eventually, the SUV you're crammed into alongside three of your other team members drives up a long winding driveway to a hidden cabin in the woods. Hotch had booked the place, seeing as how close it is to the National Park and how secluded it is from potential people of interest. Once again, you tried to argue that the cellphone reception would be terrible up here and that it might hinder the case, but you were outvoted, and the rest of the team wanted to stay here. You hadn't understood why, but when the venue comes into view your jaw almost drops and you understand.

The cabin isn't at all what you had been expecting. Instead of some run-down, small, stuffy house, you see a large, sprawling log mansion. There are large windows adorning the front, accompanied by a wraparound porch on the second level. It's very reminiscent of a tasteful ski lodge.

"Wow." You breathe out as the car comes to a stop outside the front door.

"Still think it's a bad idea?" Hotch smarts off as he opens the trunk and starts handing people their bags. Fighting the urge to roll your eyes, you grab your bag from him and stare up at your home for the next few days.

The rest of the team wastes no time in going inside to claim their room, but you're happy to meander around for a little bit to familiarize yourself with the layout. You'll let them fight over the rooms and take whatever is left. After all, in a place of this size, even the smallest room is bound to be plentiful.

As you go through the halls admiring the artwork on the wall you spot Spencer doing the same, staring at a particular painting on the wall. You take just a second to appreciate the way he looks, standing there and analyzing art. You've always had an appreciation for Spencer, and not just for his good looks, but also his intelligence and his company.

Since your first day at the FBI you've felt drawn to him, he made you feel important, and heard, when others dismissed you. In fact, he's the reason you're on the BAU team in the first place. He was the only one to recognize your abilities and talents. You try not to hold a grudge about the fact the rest of the team was ready to let you transfer out after your internship. But instead of standing there and gawking at him like some braindead fool, you walk up to him, setting your bag on the floor beside your feet.

You look at the painting that's caught his attention and try to see what he does, try to think about how he interprets it. His mind is an amazing, complex thing, and you hope that one day you'll be able to understand just a small portion of it. It's a painting of the Great Rocky National Park, you can tell from the mountain formation and the river running through it. The painting is almost an identical match, as if it's actually a picture rather than painting. However, there's one small spot on the painting that looks like it's been painted over and over, it sticks out to you.

"What do you think happened there?" You point out the flaw and look up to Spencer, whose eyebrows are drawn closely together as he leans in and looks at the spot. After a few moments of quiet reflection, he stands back to his full height.

"I'm not sure. It looks like maybe the painter had difficulties finding the right shade." He says, still staring at the spot. Your eyes linger on his face before tearing them away before he catches on.

"You're probably right. I'm going to go find what room they left me." You say, grabbing your bag from beside you. Spencer bends over to pick up his as well,

"I should probably do the same." A small smile adorns his face, and the two of you begin walking through the cabin to find the empty rooms the team left you. According to the venue's website there should be one room for each agent, and you're thankful for that. You had never been a fan of sharing room with your coworkers, something about it just feels wrong, but when there's no way to avoid it you endure without much fuss.

The two of you check every room on the first floor only to find that they had all been claimed, meaning you two had to climb the stairs for rooms on the second level. Of course the rest of them would all claim the first floor rooms first, nobody likes to bother with stairs first thing in the morning.

You and Spencer find the empty rooms, side by side with direct access to the porch. You suppose there are worse rooms to have. Eager to step out onto the porch, you toss your bag on the bed and open the sliding door. Colorado's crisp air envelopes you as you step out and you take a deep breath. The air out here feels so clean and refreshing. Great Rocky National Park is directly in front of the porch, giving you an eagle's eye view of a portion of it as you lean onto the banister. Might as well enjoy a little bit of peace before you start working the case.

-----

"Three women were found in the same spot days apart from each other. All bludgeoned and stabbed through the heart." The Park Ranger speaks, indicating to the crime scene that's been barricaded with yellow tape. The Ranger stares at the scene, which is now an inconspicuous patch of dirt and grass, as if there weren't several dead women resting here. The scene is right beside a big body of crystal blue water.

You hang back from the rest of the team, opting to look at the surroundings instead of the immediate scene. The team knows now that finding the tiny details is your forte, and they leave you to your own devices in the beginning of investigations. The cold breeze causes you to hold your too-thin jacket closer to your body as you begin your observations.

"They were all found in the same spot?" Hotch asks the Ranger, who confirms that all of the victims were found in the exact same spot. As you examine the landscape, your eyes narrow in an attempt to find even the subtlest detail. Before too long, you see something out of place in the lush grass and walk over to it while pulling on a pair of gloves.

There's a pamphlet laying in the grass and upon further examination you see that it's been marked up like someone gave the traveler directions. Directions right to this spot. The killer lured at least one victim here. This trail is far off the beaten path, it's not marked by the Rangers. Only someone familiar with the area would know about it.

"Look at this." You call out to your team, and soon a few of them join your side to examine what you found. Spencer and Morgan look over your shoulder at the pamphlet, which is in better condition than you would've thought considering it was laying in grass beside a body of water.

"They're familiar with the area, they had this planned." Spencer speaks up and you nod your head, agreeing with him. Morgan holds out an evidence bag once he's done looking at it and you slip it inside, protecting it from any further damage. Morgan walks off with the pamphlet, leaving you and Spencer together, both deep in thought.

"What have you come up with so far?" You ask softly, curious to see if his theories line up with yours. Spencer shifts his weight and sighs, looking back to the crime scene.

"The killer is organized. They lured at least one victim right to this spot, and I'm assuming they did the same with the others. And they had to have brought the weapons with them. While there are branches to bludgeon people with, there's no evidence of anything nearby being cut down recently. If they used a natural object, it's likely they would've tried to blend it back in with nature." He explains and you nod your head along with what he's saying as you observe the scene and the scenery surrounding you.

"Unless they tossed the weapon into the water. They could have easily used a rock to bludgeon the victims." You counter his explanation. Spencer and you always did this with one another when forming theories. Not as to dissuade, or prove the other wrong, but to make your theories and explanations stronger. It's one of the qualities you most like about him. His eyes drift to the water.

"They could have. But they had to have brought the knife, there's no natural substitute that would leave that precise of a wound." He says, and you relent, agreeing with him.

"I want to question the Rangers, get their work schedules, and see the call logs. I also want to know where the victims were staying and if there's any camera footage of them in the welcome center." You shiver with a gust of wind and hold your arms tighter around your body as you walk off to gather the information you want.

Spencer decides to join you in going to the welcome center, claiming that in a huge national forest that none of us should be traveling alone. He has a good point, but you wouldn't have objected to his company either way. The Ranger from the scene escorts you two to the welcome center in his cruiser, the warm air letting your fingers regain their feeling.

"Who found the bodies?" You ask as you hold your hands in front of the vent emitting warm air. The Ranger looks at you through the rearview mirror before focusing on the road again.

"I found one and Birch found the others during his patrols." He answers and you mentally make a note to find Birch.

"Is that area regularly patrolled?" You push further for more information and the Ranger shakes his head.

"No, it wasn't, until I found the first girl. She had to have been out there for at least three days. After that I sent Birch out to keep an eye on the area. He found victim two a couple days after the first, and found the third a single day after the second." He says and you look to Spencer, both noting the decrease in time between kills. A sinking feeling in your stomach tells you that if you don't find the killer soon, then you may be finding a fourth victim any day now.

Once you reach the welcome center, the Rangers are more than happy to provide you with the security camera footage, work schedules, call logs, and anything else you may need. In fact, it's Ranger Birch that hands over the information himself. He's a young man, maybe mid twenties, with meticulously groomed hair and pressed uniform pants.

"Thank you." You tell him with a warm smile, taking the footage and other information off the counter and into your hands. He nods back with a wide, white-toothed smile and tells you and Spencer to come back if you need anything else. The moment you step out of the welcome center you give Spencer a pointed look with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you think?" He asks you before you can ask him. You lick your lips and glance back into the welcome center, Ranger Birch still looking at you. Your eyes find Spencer's and you motion for him to follow you.

"I think he takes pride in both his appearance and work, and he knows the park well." Hotch pulls up in a black SUV to pick you and Spencer up to return you to the cabin, where the entire team will discuss what's been found so far.

-----

The trip up to the cabin only takes about ten minutes. Your mind works to put pieces of the puzzle together the entire trip back, but there's just not enough known information yet, and it bothers you. You like to have answers quickly because the faster you get answers, the less people will die. Your leg bounces up and down the entire way back, eager to begin deciphering the evidence.

The SUV comes to a stop outside the cabin and before Hotch can turn the car off, you're out and making your way to the entrance. A man dressed in a casual flannel shirt hunched over the flowerbeds stops you in your tracks before you get to the front door. He wipes the dirt from his landscaping gloves onto his worn overalls as he greets you.

"Good afternoon ma'am, I hope you enjoy your stay here. I'm James, I do the landscaping work around here and a few other cabins nearby." He offers you a warm smile, which you try your best to return, but your anticipation is causing you to become short.

"Nice meeting you." You go to walk into the cabin, but James' voice stops you once more. Spencer and Hotch approach, engaged in a conversation likely pertaining to what happened at the welcome center.

"Wait, ma'am. I never caught your name." James smile is reminiscent of an old friend, and he looks at you expectedly. Against your best wishes, you answer him, not wanting to be unnecessarily rude to your host.

"We'll, it's been a pleasure to meet you. Maybe I'll catch you around before you head out. Are you here for work?" He continues his conversation as Spencer and Hotch walk into the cabin undeterred by the landscaper. Maybe if you had just slowed down one of them would've been caught instead. James' eyes linger on the items in your hands.

"Yeah, the whole team is here for work." You answer, shuffling some items around in your grasp. James nods his head and tears his gaze away from the items, the warm smile returning to his face.

"Must be some important work if a whole team is here. By the looks of you all I'd say you're some sort of police." He guesses, eyeing the firearm that's strapped to your thigh. Your eyes narrow at the man, and you nod.

"Yeah, something like that. I really have to get going, they're probably waiting for me in there. Have a nice night, James." You find your exit route out of the conversation with the friendly mannered landscaper. As you step through the door you hear his voice call out to you once more.

"If there's anything I can do to help, number's in the guestbook." The door closes, and the conversation finally ends.

Taking a cleansing breath, you join the rest of the team who are all gathered around the rectangular dining table, which has been designated as the investigation headquarters. On the table are a slew of files, photos, and papers. You add the information gathered from the welcome center to that collection and Hotch starts the conversation.

Hotch reviews the known information and circulates photos of the victims. They're all beautiful young women, and according to Garcia, were staying at nearby resorts and cabins for vacation. The photos get passed to you and you look at them intently, committing to memory every detail you can absorb before you pass them along. It's obvious that these victims were chosen because of their physical appearance, they all share the same basic features such as hair color, eye color, and stature. And eerily, you seem to match the profile as well. 

"The physical appearance of the victim is important to the unsub. Having three victims with similar features is no mistake, nor is it a coincidence." You add to the conversation, seeing your team members look from you to the photos on the table. 

"Maybe the victims represent someone who scorned the unsub? Extracting revenge through them." Spencer suggests, and it's a good theory. You chew on the skin of your bottom lip as your mind races with theories and trying to piece the information together like a puzzle. 

After the general briefing, Hotch assigns Morgan and Prentiss to interview the Park Rangers to establish alibis, JJ and Garcia to continue conducting their online investigation, and Spencer and yourself to go over the welcome center footage. Hotch was going to speak to the people running the cabins the victims were staying at to see if there are any leads there. 

You and Spencer are on the second hour of footage when your eyes start becoming heavy. Reaching for the remote, you pause the footage and stretch, needing to take a break. 

"You want some coffee?" You ask him, needing something to keep yourself awake. He nods his head, 

"Yes, please." You stand from your seat and go to the kitchen to prepare the two of you some coffee. You're sure to put an ungodly amount of sugar in Spencer's, knowing that if you don't you'll hear him complain about it. And most times you enjoy the sound of his voice, but you don't know if you can stand hours of CCTV footage and him complaining about a lack of sugar right now.

You return to the table and place his mug in front of him, steam rising from it. You sip your own and resume your position at the table and reach for the remote. Spencer reaches for it at the same time, your hands brushing one another's. His hand is warm and soft, perfect for the chilly autumn air. 

"Sorry." You say, pulling your hand away and forcing any other thought than the footage from your mind, knowing that there's already a faint pink adorning your cheeks. No matter how long you've worked with him, even just simple touches is enough to send you spiraling if you let it. You try not to delve into what that might mean; you profile people for a living, the last thing you want to do is profile yourself. Without a word, Spencer just smiles back politely and presses play. 

The footage rolls and you two identify the victims who all showed up unaccompanied, which you find odd considering they were on vacation with their families. Your hand jots down quick notes in sloppy handwriting as you critically examine what you do, and don't, see in the footage. Spencer and you replay the footage showing the victims easily five times each, both silently taking notes, knowing you're going to compare soon. After watching the third victim's footage for the last time, you look over to Spencer, who's face is illuminated by the golden glow of the setting sun. 

"Do you want to go first?" He asks and you nod, trying not to stare at how the sunlight reflects the amber color in his warm prismatic eyes. You look down to your notes and try to get your thoughts straight before speaking. 

"I noted that all three victims walked into the welcome center with a pamphlet already in hand. None of them took the ones provided by the park. They all showed up alone. I can only assume that the unsub gave them the pamphlets with instructions on how to find the scene. Only, I'm willing to bet it was framed as a good-intentioned suggestion. There's no way those women would have gone if they didn't trust the unsub to some degree." Your eyes glance from your horribly written notes up to Spencer, who's leaning on the table, clinging to every word you say. He hums in consideration before he speaks up.

"I would agree. And if the victims were all staying at tourist destinations, those pamphlets were likely already there. So now the question is whether or not the unsub talked to them at their cabins or before they walked into the welcome center." He says, and a lightbulb goes off in your mind. 

"Wouldn't it make more sense for the unsub to speak to them at their cabins? I mean, if the unsub caught them in the parking lot there's a chance they might have their families with them. But if the unsub spoke to them at their cabins, the women might be persuaded to leave their families behind for some reason." You say, going with the logical deductions that pop into your mind. Spencer mulls over your words, his eyes narrowing, staring back at you in deep thought. 

"You're right. The unsub likely works for the resorts. It would give them access to the victims and it wouldn't be weird for them to give suggestions to guests." He confirms what you thought and you look back to the screen, seeing the third victim frozen in time. 

"We should let the team know." You say and Spencer nods. The two of you finish off your coffee and wait for the rest of the team to arrive. You're confident that the two of you have a solid lead on this case. You only hope you can find the unsub before there's a fourth victim.

-----

The sun sets on the scenic landscape and you lean against the banister of the wraparound porch. The rest of the team isn't back yet, and the last thing you want to do is stay inside when it's so beautiful out here. The snowcapped mountain in the distance gleams brilliantly, and it's almost blinding, but you can't look away. Sounds of water rushing and birds chirping fill the air and if you let your mind relax enough it's almost like you're not here to solve murders. 

Your head rests atop of your arms on the railing and you breathe in the cool air. The breeze gently blows your hair around, sending a shiver up your spine. You had severely underestimated how cold it would be here, and as a result, you failed to pack adequately because you were basing your packing off of Virginia fall time temperatures, which are noticeably warmer. 

The sliding door opens and you turn to see Spencer walking out of his room. He joins your side and leans forward on the railing, looking out at the breathtaking view. His curly brown hair gets blown into his face, and you have to stop yourself from reaching out and tucking it behind his ear. You're also enjoying the breathtaking view. 

He looks at peace, which is not something you usually see in him. His mind works overtime almost twenty four hours a day, especially on cases. It has to be torturous sometimes, to never get a reprieve from your own thoughts; and that's something you know all too well. There are some nights where you can't sleep because gruesome memories from the job haunt you. 

Noticing that you're staring at him, you turn your gaze back to the colorful trees. The two of you enjoy a moment of tranquility together, a rare moment in the fast-paced career you pursued. A bird flies by, and you can only imagine what that freedom feels like. Most times you feel like your job keeps you cemented in one place, always dealing with death and the most heinous monsters that reside in this world. You often forget just how beautiful and free life can be. 

A particularly crisp breeze comes through and you visibly shiver, which Spencer notices. Without a word, he goes into his room and comes back moments later with the throw blanket that was folded at the bottom of the bed. It's burnt orange in color and is made of faux fur, warm and soothing. Spencer drapes it over your shoulders and you hold onto the ends, keeping it secure around you. If you could stay in this moment forever, you would. 

Spencer stands so closely beside you that you feel his warmth coming through the blanket, and without much thought, or care, you lean into him just slightly. He makes no effort to move, and the two of you stay like that for what seems like an eternity. His warmth and his smell are so comforting and makes you feel safe. Deep down in your heart you know he makes you feel at home.

The two of you enjoy each other's company in a peaceful silence. There's never been the need to fill the silence with him, like there is the others. While you two are quite talkative in the team dynamic, when you find yourselves alone it's often relaxed with no expectations. You two talk when you want, or is needed, but when there's nothing to say you're more than happy to just be around him. And you hope he feels the same about you, and you think he does, but you're never brave enough to ask for fear of ruining whatever relationship it is that you two share.

Sighing, you cuddle yourself further into the blanket as the sun dips lower and lower, the golden hue turning orange. Spencer moves beside you, and you see his fingers twitch, like he was going to reach out for something but doesn't. Your head turns to look at him above you, and his head lowers, so that your eyes meet one another. 

You had always known his eyes were beautiful, but up this close you can truly admire the depth of them. The golden hues remind you of the sunsets, the green in them is like the rich moss that adorns the sides of the rocks; or like the pine needles on the tall trees, and the brown is reminiscent of swirling espresso. Taken aback from his closeness and the heat creeping up your spine, your lips fall open and his eyes glance between them and your eyes. He's so close to you, your bodies practically pressed against one another. You feel yourself being drawn to him, like he has his own magnetic pull. 

But whatever was about to happen is cut short by the rest of the team arriving back to the cabin. You and Spencer seem to come back to reality and step away from one another. Flustered, you unwrap the blanket from your shoulders and hand it back to him, already missing the warmth.

"Thank you." Your voice is soft and tender, and his hand brushes your own as he grabs the blanket from you. 

"Of course." He smiles softly back, and the two of you part ways to join the rest of your team downstairs to catch up on the latest information. But you can barely pay attention to what is being said, for your mind is drowning with flashes of Spencer out on the porch. 

-----

The next morning you wake up as the sun shines in through the windows, illuminating the room beautifully and warmly. Hotch had given everyone the night to mull over the information and said that the investigation will pick right back up in the morning. After you get dressed and ensure your service weapon is properly attached to the harness around your thigh, you make your way down the stairs for a morning cup of coffee. Morgan, Prentiss, and Hotch are already sat at the table, picking at some toast for breakfast as they get the sleep rid from their systems. 

You make a cup for yourself and Spencer, knowing he will be up any moment now. As per usual, too much sugar gets put into his and then you pour your own. The warm drink calms your nerves and you close your eyes, trying to get your mind prepared for whatever the day may bring. You know there may very well be a fourth victim found soon and you need to be on the top of your game to find the unsub.

"Good morning." A raspy voice makes your eyes open, and you see Spencer walking into the kitchen, dressed in a button up and tie. It's quite casual for him, but you like it, it looks nice on him. 

"Good morning, made yours right here." You say and nod over to the mug on the counter. He looks from you to the mug with a smile on his face.

"Thanks." He says, and the two of you stay in the kitchen, sipping on your coffee and waiting for Hotch to give everyone orders. 

"Feeling good about today?" It's something you always ask when an investigation seems to be coming to a close. You think it sets a tone, an expectation that the team will succeed. Spencer sips his drink and nods, 

"I feel good about today." He confirms, flashing his bright white smile. 

Last night, after the team had arrived, Hotch had shown everyone the list of employees from the neighboring resorts and cabins and today the team will be interviewing those employees. You're convinced the unsub has to be on that list and you intend to find out who it is. The questions have already been sorted in your mind, though you're able to adapt to anyone's personality and are prepared to get answers. 

"Same teams as yesterday, we're going to divide and conquer." Hotch says, handing each team a list of names. You look down at the list he handed you and see that there are a total of fifteen employees for the small resort that you and Spencer are covering. It catches your attention that seven of the fifteen are women, and you mentally place them lower on your suspect list. This doesn't seem like a crime women usually commit, no, this seems like the work of a man as evidenced by the brute force used. 

Morgan and Prentiss take off in one car, Hotch takes another, leaving you and Spencer with your own SUV. The two of you gather your needed materials, such as photos and notepads, before you head out. Spencer grabs the keys and tells you that he's going to warm up the car as you finish organizing your things, and you're grateful for that. Sitting in a cold car doesn't really appeal to you right now. 

Once you're content with the items you've chosen to bring along you head out of the cabin. The bright light almost blinds you, and you squint in order to see. From the corner of your eye you see something move, and when you turn to look you see it's the landscaper from the other day, already flagging you down. Resisting the strong urge to just ignore him, you wait for him to reach you on the porch steps. He looks like he's already been hard at work today, he's covered in dirt and sweat. 

"Well good mornin'. Got anything interesting going on today?" He asks, shielding his eyes from the light with his gloved hand. You shift your weight and look to the running SUV, already planning your escape route out of this conversation. 

"Uh, yeah, you could say it'll be an interesting day." You reply as politely as you can. James smiles widely at your response. 

"What sort of thing you have planned?" He asks and you sigh, not wanting to be part of this conversation any longer. 

"I'm not at liberty to say, but I've gotta go, my partner is waiting for me." You excuse yourself from the conversation before he can get another word in. From behind you, you hear him say. 

"Well alright then, I'll be around if you need anything." As you slide into the driver's side of the car and hand your bag to Spencer, you see the man heading back to the tool shed. 

"That's twice now that he's singled me out." You say, keeping your eye on him for a moment longer, watching his moves. The fact that you match the victim profile is not lost on you, and you think it might be making you just slightly paranoid.

"I noticed that too. Could be that you were the first one there the last time, and the last one out this time, but it's definitely something to keep note of." Spencer says as you drive off to the tiny resort the two of you had been assigned. You know he might be right, but the man went out of his way to flag you down this morning and completely ignored everyone else. An uneasy feeling in your stomach tells you that the landscaper should be looked into more thoroughly. 

When you and Spencer reach the resort you waste no time in beginning your investigations. The two of you are laser focused on the task at hand, and agree to split the list equally. Spencer volunteered himself to question the extra person. Luckily, the front desk attendant was more than helpful and secured two rooms for the interviews to be conducted. 

The first four interviews go by without incident, all front desk attendants and kitchen workers who have no indication of manipulative traits and answer your questions openly. You've done this enough times to spot exactly what you're looking for, you know what gets under the skin of unsubs, especially the organized ones who think they have it all figured out. 

A couple other interviewees give you good information about the victim who stayed here. They tell you how they remember seeing her with her family in the hall, and how nothing seemed out of the ordinary in the room when it was cleaned. Hotch had questioned the families last night, and cleared them from the suspects list. 

By the time you reach the end of your list, you know you can safely cross every one of them off. None of them responded to the misinformation you sprinkled in the questions, things the unsub would've been known to be untrue. And none of them had any sort of reaction to you insulting the intelligence of the unsub, something that would have surely set them off in some way. But to your dismay, none of them had any clue of who could be capable of this kind of malice. Typically, there's at least one person who's able to spot something weird about someone, but not this time. 

You group back up with Spencer, the two of you comparing notes in the room he used for his questioning. He had the same results as you and you both were hoping someone else on the team was more successful. 

"We got all of them except for James Hilton. The others said he bounces around to each place and some days he's not even here." Spencer says, pointing out the only uncrossed name from the list. 

"James Hilton. That's the landscaper." You say, barely able to recall his name from yesterday. The uneasy feeling in your stomach grows. 

-----

In the afternoon, the team reconvenes in the cabin around the table to compare findings. Every other agent was able to interview everyone but James Hilton. Granted, his job requires him to go from location to location, but it seems like he's been hanging out around this cabin often. However, he was nowhere to be found when everyone came back. But maybe he went to another location to work on their flowerbeds. 

"We'll need to get his statement today. Anyone up to track him down?" Usually you volunteer to go after someone like this, but something is telling you not to, and you listen to your instincts. Thankfully Morgan offers to track him down, and Prentiss joins him once more. You pick at a piece of paper on the table as your mind works, mulling over what you know about the case and the overly-friendly landscaper. 

Before Morgan and Prentiss leave, Spencer informs the team about the conversations that James has dragged you into. You tell them exactly what happened, and they all agree that it seems suspicious. Hotch goes off to make some calls to JJ and Garcia, leaving you and Spencer at the table. 

"Hey, are you okay?" Spencer asks, leaning forward on the table. His voice snaps you out of your trance and you cease to fiddle with the paper. 

"Me? Yeah I'm fine, why?" You ask, not sure why he's concerned. He looks conflicted, opening and closing his mouth a few times before he answers. 

"Well, it's just that you fit the victim profile and the conversations with the landscaper seem to be suspicious. And you keep playing with the paper which is an indication of anxiety." He says, trying his best to not profile you in front of your face. 

"Spencer, I'm okay, promise. I was just thinking." You tell him, and it's the truth. While James makes you feel uneasy, you're confident that nothing will happen to you. Spencer nods and you stand from the table, wanting to inspect the cabin with finer detail and stretch your legs. 

After going from room to room looking for the tiniest thing that might be relevant to the case, you find yourself staring at the same photo that caught Spencer's eye when you all first arrived. There's something about it, something about the discolored spot, that you just can't let go of. It's bothering you for some reason. Frustrated, you take it off the wall and bring it to where Spencer is in the main living area, nose in a book. He looks up from the page when he hears you coming, his eyebrows scrunching closely together. 

"What are you doing?" He asks, putting the book on a side table. You place the painting on the large coffee table and put your hands on your hips. 

"There's something about this that's driving me insane." You say, eyes drifting from Spencer's face to the painting. It takes Spencer all of ten seconds to analyze the painting again. 

"It's the same place the bodies were found." He says and your eyes widen, taking in the scene again and realizing he's right. 

"Wait. If this is the same place the bodies were found, then that, is the exact spot they were in." You say, pointing to the discolored spot. The discoloration is where the grass meets the water, the mountain in the background. Your eyes drift to the bottom corner of the painting where you see a cursive 'J' painted in white. 

"Do you think the killer is the one who painted this?" Spencer asks you, and you nod. 

"I'm sure of it. There's a J painted in the corner. It has to be Hilton. Can you call Garcia?" You ask, mind feeling like it's running a marathon. Spencer doesn't hesitate to get Garcia on the phone. 

"Hello my beautiful boy genius, what can I do for you today?" Penelope's voice sounds throughout the room and you smirk at her entertaining phone greeting. 

"Hello my beautiful computer genius, can you do me a favor?" You speak first and you can hear her laugh through the phone. 

"Oh my darling anything for you." Her voice is melodic and you shake your head at her antics. You love Garcia, she's one of your closest friends inside and outside of work. 

"Can you find anything on a James Hilton from the Boulder, Colorado area?" You ask her, knowing your answer is about to be served on a silver platter in just a few moments. Garcia's quick typing echoes through the phone. 

"James Hilton, born and raised in Boulder. Has been working as a property manager for the last ten years at the property you all are staying at. Has one traffic record from the nineties, but other than that he's clean." She says, but you were hoping for something more incriminating. 

"Anything about a wife, or a girlfriend? Maybe even a sister or mother?" You ask her, staring down a the painting. 

"It looks like he was in a long term relationship with Valerie Wilson, also of Boulder. But according to her Facebook page, they are over with." She says, Spencer and you looking at each other, knowing you may have just found a potential piece of the puzzle. 

"Perfect. Can you tell me what she looks like and how to contact her?" You ask and write down the details Garcia recites. After you get the needed information, Spencer hangs up and calls Hotch to inform him of what the two of you just found out. Hotch tells us that he's on his way back to the cabin after he's done with the last interview. 

The painting lays in front of you two, and you take a seat on the arm of the chair Spencer is sitting in, your leg brushing up against his and your arm resting behind his head to keep yourself stable. Your eyes are glued to the discoloration, and you know there's just something about it that's more than just not being able to find the right shade. 

"Is there a way to see if something has been painted over?" You ask Spencer rather than Googling it, knowing he can probably get you an answer faster. He clears his throat and nods his head.

"A few years ago it was found that Vincent Van Gogh painted over several of his works due to the cost of canvas. Experts used x-ray to see through the layers, revealing the original painting." His answer is exactly what you were looking for.

"We have to get this thing x-rayed. And someone needs to contact Valerie and ask her about her relationship with James. His tool shed should be examined as well" You jump off the chair's arm, ready to leave immediately, but having to wait for Hotch before you can proceed with anything else. 

-----

Hours later, your leg is bouncing up and down, eagerly awaiting the results of the x-ray. The hospital staff had never encountered something quite like this, but you were thankful that they were cooperative. Spencer had come along with you while Hotch stayed back to get in contact with Valerie. You check your phone every ten seconds to see if you have a new message for him, but your screen is blank.

Thankfully, a few minutes later an x-ray technician comes out and beckons you to a dark room where she clips the x-ray images onto a lightboard. While the images aren't in color, you can still see exactly what you need to. The images show that where the discoloration is, there used to be a woman standing and a man on one knee. A gasp leaves your mouth, the pieces finally fitting together in your mind. Without a doubt, James is the unsub. 

Spencer and you race back to the cabin and spill the findings to the rest of the team. Hotch informs you that Valerie had confirmed that James recently proposed, but she turned him down. All of the victims match her appearance. He must have been killing to fulfill some sort of revenge he felt was necessary. 

The team calls each of the resorts that James is employed at only to find that he's not at any of them. While the others scramble to try and find a way to find him, your eyes land on the guestbook. 

"Guys. I can call him. He told me his number is in the guestbook and we know I fit the profile. He won't be able to help himself." You say, and the others don't have any good reason as to why you shouldn't do it. Your hands shake from the adrenaline as you dial the numbers and the phone rings, your heartbeat resounding in your ears. You're so close to catching this depraved man. 

"Hello?" He answers finally. You let go of a breath you weren't aware you were holding and speak up.

"Hi James, you told me to call you if I needed help with anything. And, um, I think I might have broken one of the outside lights." You quickly come up with a lie, hoping to lure him out here for the arrest. You hear him moving around on the other end and the start of an engine. 

"Of course, I'll be there in just a moment, honey." He says and you hang up the phone, trying not to gag from his pet name. 

It takes James all of fifteen minutes to reach the cabin. When he pulls up, the entire team is waiting for him, but you were the one with cuffs in your hands. As soon as his feet hit the ground, Hotch and Morgan were out the door ordering him to the ground. With smug satisfaction, you step over the man and secure his hands in cuffs behind his back. 

As the local police show up to take him away, he's spitting every expletive in the book at you. Rage and hatred show themselves very clearly on his face, and you see who he really is. You smile sickly sweet at him as he's shoved into the back of the cop car. Another monster off the street, unable to do harm to another woman. It's like a weight gets lifted from your shoulders. 

-----

After the excitement of the arrest, you come down off your adrenaline rush. The rest of the team are packing, getting ready to leave in the morning, but you can't find it within yourself to do it. You're too struck by the beauty in front of you to worry about going back home. You just don't want to part with this yet. So you find yourself out on the wraparound porch once more, the sun retreating far too quickly behind the horizon for your liking. 

Despite the waning sun, the landscape looks brighter, more vibrant now that you know that the killer is in custody. Usually, the team gets only a few hours of celebration before you're saddled with paperwork and the next case. A bird flies past again, and you appreciate its freedom again. Its sweet melodies carry in the breeze and soothes your weary soul. 

You love your job, you can't imagine doing anything else, but it does wear on you. Both physically and mentally. Before you had started working with the team, you never could have imagined the kind of evil lurking everywhere, even in a place as gorgeous as this. But now, it's like wherever you look, no matter how beautiful the surroundings, you can always spot something amiss. You feel weighted by the knowledge of what reality actually is. 

The familiar sound of the sliding door catches your attention, and you see Spencer coming towards you, blanket in hand. A smile finds its way onto your face as he closes the distance between you, securing the blanket around your shoulders. Just like yesterday, he stands right beside you, admiring the view. 

"The others are all leaving tonight, they said they want to get a headstart on the papers. But I told them we'd go back in the morning." His voice is raspy, yet soft.

"But what about the plane?" You ask, eyebrows knitting together. He shrugs his shoulders and looks down at you. 

"I told them we'd fly back in the morning, already have the tickets arranged." He says, easing some of your anxiousness, but not satisfying your curiosity.

"Why?" You search for the answer on his face. 

"Because I saw how much you like it here. You deserve one workless night." He says with sincerity and your heart swells at the sentiment. You fully turn towards him, soft blanket draped lightly across your shoulders. You notice that Spencer has traded his button up for a simple pullover. Something so simple has never looked so good before. 

"Thank you, you really didn't have to-" He cuts you off with a smile, 

"I know, but I wanted to." He admits, pink coloring his cheeks. You stare up at him in awe, not quite sure what you did to deserve his thoughtfulness. Not being able to hold back your affections, you reach out and engulf him in a hug. 

"Thank you, Spencer." You reiterate into his chest, feeling his arms wrap around you. After a few fleeting, precious moments, you let go of him. Staring up into his eyes, you reach a hand up and stroke the soft skin of his cheekbone with your thumb. He doesn't flinch from your touch like he does with others, no, he leans into it as if he's savoring the feeling.

His arm that was around your waist come up to cup your cheek, and he gently brings your face towards his, pressing a tender kiss to your lips. You hold him close, a flurry of warmth spreading from your face down to your body. His other hand finds its way around your waist, securing you to his body. 

You break the kiss as your chest begins burning with the need of oxygen, and he rests his forehead against yours. Your hands come up to gently grasp the sides of his face, keeping him in place so that you can admire his beauty. After minutes pass by in silence as you two appreciate each other, Spencer tilts his head up and kisses your forehead. 

He turns you around so that you're facing away from him, and he grabs the blanket from around your shoulders. Seconds later, you feel him standing behind you, wrapping the soft blanket around the both of you. His chest is behind you, and he hands you the edges of the blanket so that his hands might find the soft curve of your waist. Spencer pulls you in to him so that you're leaning back on his chest. 

His presence is enough to make you forget about the horrors of the world, of your job. Right now, it's just you and him, and you've never felt lighter; so unburdened. You're convinced that if he wasn't there, holding onto you with his magnetic pull, that you may just float away in the breeze like a feather. 

Spencer rests his head atop of yours as the two of you relax your minds and bodies, focusing solely on each other and the scene in front of you. Your hands come down to entwine themselves with his with a soft smile on your face. 

A lone tear falls from the corner of your eye as you're overcome with emotion. You cannot recall a single time in your life that you've felt this serene, where everything just feels perfect. Your soul is well nourished and full from Spencer alone. All of those cases you worked together, the stolen glances across the office, the simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness for each other has culminated to this one precious moment in time; and you've never felt more content. 

The sun eventually sets behind the horizon, the chilly breeze billowing the blanket around you both. Above you in the sky, the stars shine brightly, and you tip your head back to admire them. You can never admire their true beauty in Quantico, their shine is dulled by light pollution, but you can see them clearly here. You can see everything clearly here.

"You know, scientists estimate that there are about two hundred sextillion stars in the sky within the Milky Way." Spencer whispers in your ear as you two bask in their soft white light. You turn around in his hold and smile up at him, 

"And yet none shine as brilliantly or as beautifully as you." You say, and pull him in for another soft, heartfelt kiss. As you pull away, you watch as his eyes flutter open and he smiles endearingly. You've never seen such a beautiful sight, never felt comfort as warm as him, and you know as you lean into his embrace, that you will not bear the weight of this world or this life alone. 

[joelswritingmistress]

You Scare Me, Professor: Chapter 39

Summary: The reader is taking graduate classes at a local university in the wooded upstate New York. She is drawn to her professor, Dr. Joel Miller, though she is also inherently aware that he has something dark about him that she can't quite put her finger on. As the reader's attraction grows deeper, she has to decide whether to endure the danger or run away as fast as possible. 

Pairing: Professor Joel Miller x f!reader 

The lodge was buzzing. The big, open area was lined with rows of long tables, accompanied by high top tables on the ends. Down one end a group of guys was singing a cheery song that I had never heard before, but it made me smile. People of all ages, all clad in winter hats and hoodies, were slung about in small groups having a good time.

“Beers all around?” Carol asked, once the four of us were seated at a high top table by the bar.

After the elegant night at the winery, and bumping into Carol and Will before they went to the strings concert, I loved that Carol easily slipped into the more casual scene and could sling back beers on a whim. I was really looking forward to getting to know her better.

Dr. Miller rose to his feet and reached into the back pocket of his jeans for his wallet. When Will went to stand along with him, he motioned for him to sit. “Everything is on me tonight. What’re we drinking?”

“I saw a beer on tap as I passed by called Road to Ruin,” Carol explained, “I have to try that one.”

“Which means we may be on the road to ruin,” Will joked with a laugh. “A Miller Lite is fine for me.”

Dr. Miller looked at me with a smirk and a subtle wink. I smiled at him. “What kind of beer is the Road to Ruin?” I asked, glancing at Carol.

“It’s a double IPA.” She made a guilty face and looked to Will, who smirked and shook his head.

“I’ll try it,” I said to Dr. Miller.

“Two Roads and two Millers.” He motioned to himself and Carol. It took a second for it to click as he added, “I’ve got more Dad jokes up my sleeve.”

“That’s why I’m getting the Road to Ruin,” his sister joked.

When Dr. Miller went to retrieve our beers at the bar, Carol focused her attention on me. “My brother really seems to adore you.”

“Oh.” I smiled and raised my eyebrows, feeling my cheeks grow hot. I wished I had a drink to hide behind. “Yeah.. I.. I feel the same way.” I was so awkward and I couldn't hide it.

“Honey, don't embarrass the poor girl,” Will put a hand on her forearm with a chuckle.

“I'm just saying,” Carol went on. “You both seem very happy.”

“We are.” I gave a nod and a smile I couldn't contain. “I've never met someone like Joel.” When I sighed out loud, both of them gave a laugh and my cheeks reddened some more. “How was the concert last night on campus?”

“It was very nice.” Carol looked to Will and then back to me. “Elizabeth was one of those students you’ll always remember. She even came back to help out with building our school’s drama club set this year. They spent hours, probably too late most nights, working on all that.”

“Great kid,” Will added.

“What drama production are you guys putting on?” I asked.

“Legally Blonde,” they said at the same time, making Carol chuckle.

“I keep having to chase that little dog around the auditorium, nightly,” Will said with an eye roll and a smirk. “This one’s been eating her dinners alone a few times a week.”

“I’m a big girl, I can handle it.” 

Dr. Miller returned, barely able to carry all four beers, which so happened to be in oversized, frosty mugs. “They asked if I wanted the sixteen ounce or twenty-two ounce beers.” He gave a shrug, “I didn’t think anyone would oppose the twenty-two.”

“Certainly not,” Will said with a nod, reaching for the one Dr. Miller slid in his direction.

“Should we toast?” I asked, gently raising my glass just a few inches off the table at first.

“To Carol and Will,” Dr. Miller raised his glass before anyone could intervene, “May you have the long, happy life together.” He added, glancing at Will, “And to gaining a brother.”

“Amen.” Will tapped his glass against Dr. Miller’s and then mine and eventually Carol’s.

“Amen.” She smiled wide and that same warmth and happiness radiated out of her when she looked at her husband-to-be. “Should we get drunk and fool around?” She asked him, prompting Dr. Miller to plug his ears as if he was twelve years old.

I laughed out loud and Will snickered and shook his head.

“And she’s not even drunk yet,” he said with a laugh.

“Maybe I should’ve gone with the sixteen ounce,” Dr. Miller said, shaking his head with a smile.

“Are you going to do any skiing before the wedding?” Carol asked us.

Dr. Miller extended an arm across the back of the chair and grinned. He glanced at me and then back to his sister. “Possibly some snow tubing.”

“Safer.” She sipped her beer, “Good choice.”

“And are you two going to risk breaking a leg on the slopes between now and Saturday?” He asked them.

“We’re going to skip the black diamond,” Will said, joking around. “But we may take a few runs down the slopes tomorrow.”

“Risky business.” Dr. Miller brought the beer to his lips.

“It’s in our genes,” Carol reminded him.

“I would have to agree,” I chimed in with a shrug, “I mean, you started dating me.”

Carol gave a laugh. “I wasn’t going to say anything.” She purposely looked away and then back right away.

“Already the women side with each other,” Will said, pretending to be exasperated as he shook his head.

“Happy wife, happy life,” Carol reminded him with a little wink.

“Yes, dear.”

The night was fun and lowkey. Dr. Miller went up to get several rounds of beers for the group, denying each person who tried to jump in and pay, myself included. 

The same group of guys down the end that had been singing earlier got the entire room singing Sweet Caroline when it came over the speakers from someone’s jukebox request. It was one of those nights that got sillier and sillier and sillier.

I hadn’t been drunk in quite awhile, but I began to feel the effects of the alcohol and found myself singing along, swaying and holding Carol’s hand as we pumped our fists in the air to the, ‘Ba, ba, ba’ part of the song.

Honestly, I had never seen Dr. Miller so carefree since I’d known him. It was refreshing and rejuvenating to be a part of such a cheery, upbeat atmosphere. All the tenseness from the week had all but vanished. And it felt amazing.

When we finally cashed out and decided to call it a night, we exchanged hugs all around. I turned to Dr. Miller and gave a him a firm kiss on the lips when his sister and Will had rounded out of the lodge.

“You’re not ready to call it a night, yet, are you?” He asked.

I smirked at him. “What do you have in mind?”

Dr. Miller eyed an oversized clock on the wall. “We have about forty-five minutes-”

“Until what?” I interrupted, largely because of the buzzed feeling that left my filter flying out the window. 

He laughed a boyish laugh. “Let’s get our coats.”

“And then what?”

“And then I’ll show you.” He held out a hand and led me back up to the room. We bundled up quickly, despite my several silly attempts to seduce him, and then I let him lead me out into the night.

“Thirty minute warning,” a worker with a bright, red jacket informed us as we made our way toward the thinning crowd on the slopes.

“Where’s the tubing hill?” Dr. Miller asked.

The man extended an arm, “Take that lift up right over there.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, no.” I smiled and laughed as he towed me toward the station to retrieve a pair of snow tubes. We then made our way toward the lift.

When we got there, Dr. Miller helped me onto the seat with a one, two, three and then we were being raised into the cold, mountain air.

“Wow.” I soaked it in. “I’ve never even been on a ski lift. How do we get off?”

“We kind of.. glide and run.”

“Great.” I laughed again. “You may have to catch me.”

“Always.” Dr. Miller continued to stare in my direction until I turned back to him so we could share a kiss.

“Thank you,” I said.

“For what?”

“For one of the funnest nights.. ever.” It was all I could come up with at the moment and we laughed together.

“It has been fun,” he agreed.

When we got close, he motioned up ahead. “Alright, we have to kind of just jump off and pepper your feet as you go so you don’t fall.’

“I’ll try.”

“Ready?”

“Nope!”

The bar raised and I giggled as he helped me off, stumbling as we went onto the snow. Neither of us fell, but it was hardly graceful.

“Wow, okay!” I reset. I was ready. “Now what?”

“Come on over.” Another man in a red jacket waved us on and we wandered down over toward him. “You can go side by side in these two lanes if you want.”

I could clearly see the man made snow lanes that had been made. They looked like giant, icy slides.

“Ready now?” Dr. Miller asked, taking the lead as he planted his tube and laid head first on top of it where the worker instructed him to do so.

I breathed out a wintery breath and laid down on my tube beside him. “What does the winner get?”

“What does the winner want?” Dr. Miller smirked at me.

“Beers or sex,” the young man butted in from behind us. When we both looked back at him he added, “That’s what people usually bet on up here.”

I let out a laugh and raised my eyebrows. “How about both?” I asked him.

“Sounds like a win-win,” Dr. Miller said.

“When you’re ready to go, just push yourself to the spray painted red line,” the worker explained, “ Once you’re past that, there’s no turning back.”

I walked myself up with my hands and feet, feeling like a turtle with an upside down shell. When I got to the faint line, I glanced over at Dr. Miller. “Should we count to three?”

“One..” He began, “Two..” There was a dramatic pause and I finally cracked a smile. “Three!”

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

@untamedheart81 @suttonspuds @cesspitoflove @michilandcof @grogusmum @morallyinept @akah565 @brittmb115 @magpiepills @poodlebae @gobaaby-blog-blog @mermaidgirl30 @mandijo17 @shotgun-shelby @itscatrodriguez-thepearl @macaroni676 @acciowolfstar1 @smolbeanzzz @sarcasm-theotherwhitemeat @bandluvr97

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki x Sengoku Night Blood Crossover - A Fleeting Vision A Fortuitous Meeting with a Samurai Episode 3

Looking at how fast I can translate about 2-3000 characters chapters so quickly... is not something I ever think about 🤣. Or for more than 30 seconds aside from when noticing how much work I've done so far hahaha. In fairness, I haven't hid the fact that I hate to translate and would rather do almost anything else... c'est la vie.

Anyway, there are two more parts after this... and once I'm done with those, that'll be it for Hakuoki until I finish playing Veilguard, as that'll cover the one missed week in September and five weeks (Thursdays) for October.

Hakuoki x Sengoku Night Blood Crossover - A Fleeting Vision A Fortuitous Meeting with a Samurai Episode 3: Fumbling in the Dark

Translation by KumoriYami

The next morning——after being called to the Great Hall [?], I noticed that Yukimura-san and the others were already there.

Heroine: (Although I'm very glad that we can meet again so soon, I'm still nervous about meeting like this though…)

I wasn't the only one feeling this way, and Yukimura-san was looking similarly looking straight at me with a nervous look on her face.

Heroine: (If only the upcoming discussion could eliminate this sense of unease…)

Just as I began thinking that, the conversation between both sides started.

We exchanged the information that we had. Unfortunately, Yukimura-san didn't provide any new information, there were still many things I hadn't yet told them, and I revealed everything this time.

Okita: In other words, we got dragged into the Geggazoku's struggle for power?

His words were so sharp, that I was a little worried that everyone from Uesugi Army would be hurt by those words.

Heroine: (Though I can understand being angry for getting caught up in this world without consent…)

Amakasu Kagemochi: I really don't have any justification to refute that. However, we can be certain that it is not our fault that you were called to this world. Please understand that.

Saito: I have a general understanding of the situation, but this really is quite troublesome.

Amakasu Kagemochi: I have nothing to say.

Kagemochi-san must have been ready to be criticized a long time ago. His attitude was the same as usual, while the others listened in silence.

Saito: We wish to return to our original world. Provided that we are able to see this Himemiko, will she able to grant our wish?

Amakasu Kagemochi: I can only say that's how it should be. We are similarly betting everything on that possibility and are currently searching for her. So, if you also want to find the Himemiko, do you want to take action with us?

Okita: In other words, while were with you, we'll be fighting those monsters called Yakuma, right?

Amakasu Kagemochi: Yes, that's indeed how it will be.

Okita: Nn.... Hey, I bet other people have said that you have a nice personality?

Amakasu Kagemochi: Hehe, who knows?

Both of their smiles made them appear happy, but they made people shudder, and sent chills down their spines.

Saito: Although your negotiation demands are somewhat unreasonable, I have a general understanding for what it entails. However, I cannot respond to you immediately.

Amakasu Kagemochi: Can you tell me why you can't reply?

Saito: We have an individual we need to receive our instructions from, and as long as this person agrees, we will accept your request.

Naoe Kanetsugu: Is the person you are referring to also in Shinga?

Saito: A moment before being drawn into this world, we had all been acting together. I believe that it would be more appropriate to consider them as having come to this world.

Kakizaki Kageie: Then, they should be in the Uesugi domain… No, somewhere in Shinga.

I couldn't hide my surprise upon finding out that more people have come to Shinga than anticipated.

Uesugi Kenshin: Why have so many people been involved this time?

Amakasu Kagemochi: Maybe the Himemiko's power has experienced some sort of change.

Uesugi Kenshin: Perhaps. However we can't just act on speculation. Still let's prioritize protecting the visitors who have come here from another world. Kagekatsu, Kanetsugu. I order you to find their companions and bring them here.

Saito: If I go with you, my comrades should be more likely to believe you. Allow me to accompany you.

Heroine: (It's great that both sides were able to reach an agreement sooner than I thought…)

Just as my heart secretly rejoiced——

Okita: Hey, it'll be boring to spend this time waiting for Hijikata-san. Uesugi-san, you should be quite good at fighting right? Can you accompany me for a few moves?

The gentle atmosphere inside the venue was filled with killing intent due to Okita-san's words.

Kakizaki Kageie: What impudence! You can't just… get away with saying that as a joke!

Okita: I didn't intend to say that as a joke just now.

Amakasu Kagemochi: Then, please modify your previous remarks. You words are too rude.

After receiving the sever responses from Kageie-san and Kagemochi-san, Okita-san shrugged his shoulders and shut up.

Amakasu Kagemochi: Please bring them to the guest room.

The retainers grimaced and brought them away.

Since I still wanted to talk to Yukimura-san, I went to the room that was assigned to them.

Heroine: (Uh... why is Kageie-san here?) (In any case, they should be treated as guests, so there's no need for the surveillance.)

Perhaps it's because my question was shown in my expression, Kageie-san turned his head away uncomfortably.

Kakizaki Kageie: I, I'm not spying on them. I'm just a bit concerned about their rude marks to Kenshin-sama just now.

Heroine: (I see. Okita-san's remarks just now caused them to be viewed with suspicion again.)

For the Uesugi Army, Kenshin-san is viewed as a special existence, and isn't the kind of person you can casually propose a fight with. Due to Okita-san's remarks just now, they've become targets of Kageie-san's surveillaince.

Heroine: (They should have different different ways of thinking. This sort of thing will need time to understand.)

Because I knew that the situation becoming like this wasn't the fault of either party, I frankly explained my intentions to Kageie-san.

Heroine: I want to speak to Yukimura-san, there shouldn't be an problem with that, right?

Kakizaki Kageie: Of course that won't be a problem. I'll make the arrangements, just wait a moment.

Heroine: Okay, thank you.

After waiting there for a while, the shoji door opened. Looking inside, I could see Yukimura-san standing at the back of the room.

Toudou: Hey, is it really okay that I don't come with you?

Harada: Don't worry, didn't we just agree that I'll be the one to stand guard?

Toudou: That being said… I'll still go ...

Kakizaki Kageie: Didn't I allow just one of you to follow?

Toudou: Speaking of which, it's not because you're monitoring us that we're feeling nervous.

Harada: That's because Souji did something wrong. However the culprit himself didn't care and went to sleep.

Kakizaki Kageie: That's exactly what happened/how it is. I'll calm down after a while, so you should bear with it for now.

Heroine: (I'd still rather come back again later.)

While both parties were bickering, Yukimura-san noticed my presence and lightly nodded to me.

Yukimura: No, I'm sorry…… I'll go over now. Heisuke-kun, I'll be fine, so I'll be going first.

Harada: Then, I'll leave watching the place to you.

Toudou: Got it. If anything happens, just call and I'll rush over right away.

I smiled as Yukimura-san walked towards me.

Heroine: I'm sorry for visiting so suddenly. I wanted to come to talk to you.

Yukimura: Of course that isn't a problem. I wanted to talk with you too...

That's good, I thought, and let out a relieved breath, before then deciding to go somewhere quiet with her to talk.

At first, I was going to take her to my room…… But in the end, I chose the place facing the courtyard because I felt that it would be better than an enclosed space. Harada-san stopped not too far away us, and sat down while holding his spear.

Yukimura: Um, please don't mind that, he's in the habit of never leaving his weapon...

Heroine: Nn, I don't mind. And Kageie-san was also always like this before, so that makes two of us. (I think that as long as both parties can slowly understand each other, that would be good.)

From the same perspective, because I am also a woman, I really wanted to speak with Yukimura-san.

Heroine: You just came here, so there must be a lot of inconveniences for you. If there's anything I can do to help, please feel free to ask.

Yukimura: Thank you. But, But why do you want to take care of me like this?

Heroine: Because in this world, I'm still your senpai.

Yukimura:.....! So that's how it is.... Hehe, then I'll trouble you a lot.

Heroine: You can still laugh… That's great…. I was worried that you were going to feel depressed.

Yukimura: How could I get depressed! I have an important mission that I still need to complete in my original world.

Although I didn't know what Yukimura-san's mission was, seeing the enthusiasm and her eyes however, made me want to cheer for her.

Heroine: I'm rooting for you. Then let's go find Himemiko-sama together.

Yukimura: Okay!

While we were chatting aimlessly and enjoying ourselves, there was a sudden commotion from the city. Just as we felt that we were unable to make sense of anything, Harada-san spoke to Yukimura-san.

Harada: It seems like something's happened. Let's go back to our room just in case.

Yukimura:...That's right.

After listening to Harada-san's words, Chizuru-san nodded. I was about to bring them to their room——

Amakasu Kagemochi: Ah, there you are.

Heroine: Kagemochi-san! What on earth is going on?

Amakasu Kagemochi: It appears that Yakuma have appeared in the town.

---to be continued in part 4 here---

[manawari]

Also available in AO3.

Contains spoilers from Cha Hae-in's backstory!

Grass rustled throughout the field, hushed whispers spread by the wind, and the tender atmosphere beneath the sky, shrouded in dark blue and sprinkled with thousands of stars. It felt as if strings had gone untangled in her chest, allowing her to breathe in the serenity of her surroundings, her fingers being able to caress the tips of the grass she sat upon. Her eyes fixated on the stars from afar. . . And for once, they seemed closer than they were when she was standing behind the glass windows of her home.

It's so beautiful. Her heart pounded warmly.

The man next to her was close, almost as if their legs could make contact if one of them made a move. Yet, he was close enough for her to sense that he bore similar sentiments. It was her first time to see him look so at ease— distant from the cold, intimidating hunter people had deemed him to be; now, he was a mere human who wanted to get away from the harsh reality and lay his guard down.

“I've always wanted to share a moment like this with someone,” said Sung Jin-woo, his voice soft enough to intertwine with the quiet air. “What about you, Ms. Cha?” His eyes met hers.

Cha Hae-in hummed. She glanced briefly across the broad field in the middle of the forest, then she answered. “It's my first time to be in a place like this. It felt weird and new. This place made me realize how much I have been missing out on life.”

Jin-woo chuckled. “At least you achieved one now. I've always known you are busy with gates, and not to mention, you reminded me of an excited kid when you were looking around at the rides.”

“That obvious?” Hae-in snorted. “Well, you know what being an S-Rank is. The fate of everyone's lives is in your hands, you must put yourself above others and protect them with everything you can, otherwise the guilt afterwards is heavier than the gate itself.” 

“Wow, that sounded deep,” said Jin-woo. “And come to think of it, I assume that people had put a lot of pressure on you until you learned to live with that mindset. A miner told me you often skip breaks to check on everyone and make sure the monster is not near.”

“It is true. However, there is more to that reason.”

“What is it?”

Her words fell short. Hae-in pressed her lips into a thin line, hesitating for a moment, debating on whether or not she would open a door to someone else to let them know of a fragment of her past she had chosen to hide. Sure enough, Jin-woo managed to earn her trust and there was something about the hunter that made her drawn to him, feeling no ounce of fear or shame towards him.

She wished to learn more about him as much as he would to her.

But the last time she felt that way to someone had led her to witnessing their life slip away in front of her eyes.

So-yeon. . . An ache squeezed in her chest.

Optimistic, kind, and supportive. A heart as big as her bravery. Yoo So-yeon had never left Hae-in's mind, her lively smile always lingered somewhere within her thoughts, and how she stood up for her when other hunters were judging her for her newfound abilities.

“I was happy that I was able to protect you, Hae-in.”

“. . . Ms. Cha?”

Hae-in lifted her gaze and met Jin-woo, whose eyes were fixed on her in concern. Her bottom lip quivered as she opened her mouth. “I— I. . . ”

“Is everything okay?” Jin-woo asked, his eyebrows furrowed. “I hope I didn't say something wrong.”

“N— no, you didn't! It was just that. . . ” She swallowed. “I remembered someone. Another reason why I had that ‘habit’ like you pointed out.”

“Hm? Mind if I know who that person is? Only if you'd like too, though. I understand that you might choose not to reveal it.” Jin-woo nodded his head.

How can he be this understanding? Hae-in’s heart tightened, a lump forming in the center of her throat. Although, a part of her wanted to say it. Tell her story to Jin-woo as she had never shared it to anyone in her life.

“I. . . I had a friend. Once. And she was this amazing person, one-of-a-kind, and she helped me a lot when I was new to being a hunter.” Hae-in began. Her heartbeat quickened as she prepared the rest of the words she was yet to tell. “While everyone was looking down on me because of my sense of smell, Yoo So-yeon was there to call them out and had stood by my side.”

Jin-woo let out a smile. “She seemed like such a nice person.”

“Indeed,” Hae-in nodded in concur. The edges of her lips curved into a smile as well. “She took away every anxiety I had when I was in the dungeons. Needless to say, she was someone whom I liked to consider as a friend, which I never had ever since I awakened.” Unbeknownst to her, her eyes slowly began to cloud due to the forming tears, faint memories flickering in every corner of her head. “I— if it wasn't for her, I don't think I'd be where I am right now. If only, she was here and—”

Jin-woo squeezed her hand with his, urging her to look back into his eyes, a strong contrast to her tearful ones. Hae-in took a deep breath and continued;

“I saw her die in front of me.” That was when her voice cracked. The tragic memory flashed before her eyes, like how the Undead had sunk its claws through Yoo So-yeon’s chest. “I. . . I thought everything would be over. But I was wrong. I was careless and not fast enough. Someone had taken the jump for me and it was my friend.”

“So. . . You'll win, right? It. . . Had to be you. . . Hae-in.”

“Please protect everyone. It's okay. . . If you're not perfect.”

“I couldn't protect her—” Hae-in sobbed. “I didn't— she deserved to live!”

A pair of arms pulled her into an embrace. Jin-woo's warm chest was pressed against her as his arms wrapped firmly around her protectively, holding the huntress from breaking down further. Hae-in instinctively raised her hands to grasp on his shoulders as she buried her face against the fabric of his coat.

The image of Yoo So-yeon's bleeding body, waiting for her soul to leave the ground as she took her final breaths. Hae-in held her and tried to shake her in an attempt to keep the healer alive. She begged for So-yeon to keep holding on as she told her that there was more she wanted to hear from her.

She remembered how she finished the ruthless monster with the blood of So-yeon staining an area in her cheek. As vengeance.

“I'm so sorry to hear that, Hae-in” Jin-woo murmured. “But please, don't blame yourself for her death.”

“It's just so heavy, Jin-woo. . . ” Hae-in sniffled. “Since then, I don't want someone else to face the same fate as So-yeon. Not when it has to be someone who's close to me.”

“I understand. Every day, I fear that I'd let my family be in danger just like what happened to my little sister.” He said. “I know you are trying your hardest, Hae-in, and I appreciate that.”

“So-yeon wasn't just my friend, she was a person who saw me for who I am, not as an S-Rank hunter.” Hae-in mumbled. “She reminded me that I am a human too.”

“Then remember her that way. Remember her whenever you feel like you are pushing yourself too hard. And I hope you also see me as someone who sees you more than just an S-Rank.” Gently, he pulled away from the hug, yet kept his arms intact around her. He smiled, his finger hovering over the corner of her eye to wipe away the tears. “You're more than just a fighter, Hae-in. I see you as my friend and someone whom I could trust. You have a big heart and I admire you for that.”

His earlier words in the amusement park echoed in her mind, causing another sob to break out of her mouth. Hae-in never thought she'd hear those words again. . . Perhaps she was wrong, she did still have someone— Sung Jin-woo, the strange guy whom she found in a dungeon, but he turned out to be much more than she expected.

“Th— thank you, Jin-woo. Thank you!” Hae-in cried, then she lurched forward to hug him tightly that she wished to not let go.

“Thank you as well, Hae-in,” the sensation of Jin-woo's smile never left his tone. “For all the help you have given me, I intend to return it to you in a way you deserve one day.”

Hae-in finally smiled. She buried her face on the crook of his neck, a newfound hope forming within her. Maybe it was time for her to let go of the pain, replacing it with a seed of something new, an opportunity to create new memories with the people who cared about her.

How could I ever tell you. . . Until my last breath, I want you by my side? A fleeting wonder lingered in her thoughts. As much as she was afraid that she might lose Jin-woo too, Hae-in chose to cherish him in her life at that very moment.

She was happy. And she knew that was what Yoo So-yeon wanted.

[chordsykat]

It's the Return of the Revenge of the Sequel to

Fanart Free For All

(Part 5... or is it 6? I lost count...)

And I got to use a lot of cool-ass inking techniques on this go-around! Let's see what you guys had me draw!

First up... WHAT IF... @catboy-bill-nye 's Cordelia got to meet the other Dethmoms? I have a feeling it'd go fine... but then again... she might end up suggesting to her son Charles he have Molly killed. Oh well!

WHAT IF... Murdertooth Records was a thing that actually happened? @claudia-nomusaabara 's Tina would almost certainly find success with the label... even if her name and the title and credits and everything else was dwarfed by the producer's credit on the front and back of the album. :P

And another request from @claudia-nomusaabara -- WHAT IF... Skwisgaar and Tyr were still close? God I miss this fuzzy little stepdad-man. I wish this happened (maybe it could still happen..?)

And so we come to WHAT IF... Toki and Teja got along for five minutes....

It's never gonna happen, @curiouslyhigh. We both know it. But at least it's funny when Teja puts a hand on his old man's younger incarnation's mouth and tells him to shush because the grownups are talking.

And speaking of Toki! @pan-flute-skeleton asked WHAT IF... he actually practiced for once? I'd say he'd be just in time to bang out some tunes with Neil! Happy April 13th to all who celebrate!

But that's not all! WHAT IF... Skwisgaar and @pan-flute-skeleton's Vivi publicly endorsed the very Swedish use of bananas on pizza? I probably don't have to tell you that such praise for an obscure topping might just be the hot new trend of our immediate futures, kids!

And now for something a little different... WHAT IF... @el-michoacano's Aurelia was getting married? But to whom is she getting married? Nacho? Domingo? Jesse? (okay not Jesse) (God I love that dress. You're right, King. So extra. But so what?)

And now for the opposite side of domestic bliss! WHAT IF... Caj was Shawn Michaels and her "Diesel" was an entire entourage of some of her very favorite chicks (Dolly @dolly-macabre - St. Cecilia @gointothevvater - Ness @failedintsave and Nita (me buuut requested by @andreaswasneverhere ) (where can I get a belt-buckle that says "DADDY"?)

And last but certainly not least, we have the best thing I've ever drawn, here... WHAT IF... Charles took some punk fashion lessons from @cruisingheightswithdragons's Kris? I'd say it's about time. The old boy could use a makeover. :9

Really really fun to doodle your babies and your brain droppings, my loves! I look forward to doing more of these as soon as possible. :D

[nabateaprodigy]

Why I Love Rosado

Notes: This will include a full discussion of Rosado as well as other characters such as Golfmary and Hortensia (although not as much.) So I do recommend playing Engage for Yourself and seeing Rosado's support. Or just watching a play-through and videos of his support on YouTube.

Of course, you don't have to do any of this and I will not include story spoilers. Just something I thought I'd let you know about before reading! :)

He's very friendly and easy to approach. I struggle with just being open with new people and making friends. But I feel like if I knew someone like Rosado I could just right up to them and start talking about what the both of us like.

He loves cute things as a male growing up people I would always get questions about why I liked "cute and girly things." I never had an honest answer other than I was drawn to them and they made me happy. However, their eyes and just the way they spoke would always make me sad and that something was wrong when of course it isn't.

Even though I had to deal with a lot of that when I was and even still to this day. I've tried not to let affect me as much and enjoy what I like just as Rosado does.

He's very cute! (♥´∀｀)／

As seen in his support with Goldmary Rosado doesn't want the stress of being bad at something. Almost gives up right away when he feels no good at it. However, get the motivation to keep going from Goldmary.

Myself and many others can probably relate to this I know I do a lot. I just feel useless and that I'm no good at what I'm attempting to do. If isn't something that doesn't need I give up after a while. However, if it's something I like or am passionate about I do keep on trying.

Again with his support in Goldmary, I feel like I can get too much into my hobbies or sometimes myself in general. Not that I'm a person of confidence or anything like that. But I do tend to ignore my studies and focus on my hobbies.

But recently I've been trying to change that to put more effort into my studies and more importantly myself.

Another thing I like about him is how he just lives his life doing what he wants and what makes me happy. Due to family and my personal life, I'm not fully there to live my desired life. However, for the future, I have a clear mindset of how I'll do and most importantly be happy while doing it.

It does hurt especially from family to not be able to do such things now. However, once I'm able to I'll live life how I want to be happy while doing so.

another thing I like about him is that he's an artist! For starters, I'm not an artist myself although I've always wanted to be. I've had the goal of becoming talented at art but never taken the steps to do so.

However, because of my love and appreciation for Rosado, I feel like it might give me the push I need to start becoming an artist! I'm sure others can similarly relate to this. Always wanting to become talented at something but getting that push from something or someone.

That's the feeling I get from Rosado and just hearing him and other characters discuss his art.

Another thing I love about Rosado is how feminine he is. It's obvious to see from just looking at him and it's often I see something discussed a lot. As I said before I like cute things and just feel judgement from people because of that.

I also feel this way in how I wish to present myself with things such as clothing and hairstyle.

I've known since I was very young just like the cute things I loved so much. Being more feminine was something I was just drawn to and made me happy. I just loved it and wanted to be that way however I'm not sure how I learned it.

Other than just well being male and growing up and seeing how other males dress, act, and what they like.

Being feminine as a male wasn't something I saw much if at all growing up and what I was exposed to. However, growing up and being exposed to the internet and social media I learned that were people who were just like I was. It just made me so happy to see that words can't describe it other than happiness.

However, I did of course find out it wasn't all that accepted. My mother was someone who was like that who didn't want or even to see me see that. It just felt very discouraging and made me feel rather sad.

I had something I liked something that made me feel happy but I couldn't have that happiness.

A part of me just wanted to drop everything and almost completely forget about dressing more feminine. But I always kept it at the back of my head and nerve truly forgot about it. Honestly, I'm glad I did as through the years I've seen more representation for it.

At least for now, I can't be that way myself it makes me happy to see other people like that and representation of it in media.

Another thing I should probably talk about is something that happened before the release and first appearance of Rosado. At first, people thought that Rosado might be a transgender character. This was due to his appearance and I believe his Japanese VA.

His Japanese VA from what I heard has voiced characters whose gender is not made so clear.

When it was revealed that Rosado was a man. All I saw was disappointment and to a certain extent, I can understand this. Having transgender presentations where have been would have been amazing for the Fire Emblem series.

However, it was all just speculation and hopes and I feel people just set themselves up for disappointment. You should never give yourself the hope of something if it's not made clear. Although I do understand the confusion because of his appearance and the fact we only heard his Japanese voice.

But I want to say I'm glad he isn't transgender as if he were it would have taken away what makes Rosado so special. He wouldn't have meant as much as he does now if he were transgender. As in one, I wouldn't be able to closely connect and relate to him.

I also don't like transgender head cannons for him either. As I have said it just takes a very important part of him away from what makes him so special to me. So I just prefer not to see those types of head cannons for him at all.

Now I just want to say I'm not transphobic Although I realise now that might not help my case. And I apologize if I have come across that way. But I just want you to understand people will not like or accept certain head cannons being applied to characters.

If you headcannon Rosado as transgender that's perfectly fine but I do not.

Anyway from the 2 previous things I have just discussed I felt like they have probably brought down the mood a little. So it's best to move into something more light-hearted!

Another thing I love about Rosado is his wanting to see others happy to be who they truly are and not hide themselves. It's something that just makes me happy and great to see. It's like he has a keen eye to see a person for who they truly are and wants to see this side of a person.

I'm just something like this is something all of us could greatly appreciate.

Although I know it mostly if ever happens in reality. It's nice to see the characters in Engage accept Rosado and not be judged for how he decides to present himself.

I'm guessing this has to do with how Rosado was raised. In the village he grew up in being male or female there were never any exceptions for you because of your gender. Everyone accepts you for who you are and how you choose to present yourself.

I'm sure if the entire world was like Rosado's village the world would be a happier place.

I'm sure many of us are happy with who we are and proud of that fact. Just no matter what and who is different we we're happy because of those differences. This is something Rosado wants everyone to know just because you're different from someone else doesn't mean you're less than him.

Your differences are what make you well you! That's something Rosado wants everyone to know and I admire him because of this.

Yet another thing I love about him is something similar to about character from another game Basil from Omori. He takes pictures of his friends when they least expect it to. So that in the photo it captures a beautiful and honest moment of them.

In the photo you can see the person for who they are and not for some act they put on.

This can be seen with Rosado and Hortensia in Engage. As a princess Hortensia will have to act and be a certain way even if she and others hate it but it's something that's expected from her. Rosado hates this most of all and draws pictures of Hortensia when she's just "Hortensia" and not "Princess Hortensia."

It relates to other things Rosado has said in the past and other things he has an opinion on. So it's just important to be whoever you and that's it's okay to be different as that makes you beautiful.

[genshinemblem564]

Chapter 2: An Unexpected Reunion

Sorry for the delay on posting this, I was trying to research Askr's environment, to no avail, and I was going to start pulling hair out looking for this information, that I'm convinced does not exist after all that, so I just said " Fuck it, I'll make it up!!" but anyways, please enjoy.

TW: trauma response

_______________________________________________

A few moments prior to the events of chapter 1.

The goddess and the traveler were standing on the Jade Chamber in Liyue, while Ningguang was busy she had Ganyu tend to their guests, normally one of the other servants would suffice, but things seemed to be much more important this time.

Ganyu: Your grace, may I inquire as to why you are here?

Goddess: The traveler has informed me of something that may be able to reunite me with my sibling, if it works we will need a good view of Teyvat, the only point higher than this is Celestia and I refuse to go there after what I've heard.

Ganyu: T-Their grace will return? Here?

Goddess: Possibly, we don't know anything for certain.

The goddess then turns her attention towards Aether.

Goddess: Now how does this work again?

Aether: Their grace would often complain about it's randomness, but it always gave them what they asked for, a good weapon, a new vessel, they probably just weren't specific enough.

With that, the goddess holds out her hand, which held an intertwined fates wishing star. She brought the star close to her face before whispering her wish.

Goddess: Please let my sibling live a happy life in Teyvat.

Almost instantly, the star shot into the sky, before a blue star fell, turning purple, then gold, then glowing a pure white before landing in the ocean.

Goddess: What does that mean?

Aether: I don't know. One it's never glowed white before, and two it's never landed in the ocean before. It's always either landed next to a vessel or in front of their graces current vessels in the form of weapons, this is outside my realm of knowledge about these things.

The goddess looked rather worried, but before she could express her concerns, the ocean where the star landed erupted with a blinding light, causing everyone near Teyvat's coast to shield their eyes. When the light dissipated an entire island the size of a second continent had appeared. They couldn't believe their eyes.

Aether: I never knew these things held that kind of power, that's incredible.

Goddess: But, why an island? Where is my sibling?

Ganyu: Perhaps their grace is on the island, the traveler did say their grace complained about the randomness of those things.

Suddenly Ningguang burst out of the Jade Chamber's entrance, giving the others quite a scare.

Ningguang: YOUR GRACE, WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT WAS THAT LIGHT? WHAT....

Goddess: Calm down Ningguang, sit and I'll explain. In the meantime, Ganyu could I ask you to retrieve captain Beidou?

Ganyu: At once.

Later.

Beidou was looking out from the Jade Chamber, almost refusing to believe her eyes, but everyone else sees it to, so she can't stay disbelief for long

Beidou: So, you want me to explore this new island? Haha, you don't even have to ask, my hearts drawn to adventure, I'd have gone there on my own eventually. Their grace potentially being there however, makes this rather urgent, but...

Everyone sat in silence waiting for the captain to finish her sentence when she suddenly pulled out a collapsible telescope and began studying the island.

Beidou: That's quite a large one, it could take a few months for that endeavor, I'll need to gather enough food and water, not to mention maintenance equipment for our gear and my ship.

Ningguang: Leave that to me.

Beidou(surprised): Seriously?

Ningguang: This is a matter concerning their grace, simply say so and the Qixing shall provide what's needed.

Beidou: Alright, you won't here me complaining. Just one more thing, I'm curious why me your grace? You have the entire millelith at your back, and only send one ship, can't help but ask why?

Goddess: It's that Kazuha boy, with his attunement to the wind he'll recognize my sibling the moment you meet them.

Beidou: I see, well I'm off got to get the crew prepped to set sail.

A few weeks later.

You were on your usual patrol with a few heroes and Askr soldiers when you came upon your destination, a small fishing village on Askr's coast. Due to being only a fishing village it's docks and boats are rather small, the boats holding only two or three people. So why is there a massive ship docked next to it?

You immediately move to investigate, but the closer you got the more you felt like you've seen this ship before. Looking at where the ocean met the land you saw two figures that immediately jogged your memory,Beidou, captain of the Crux crew, and Kaedehara Kazuha, wandering samurai who spends most of his time with said captain. Seeing them, some of your trauma from the imposter hunt begins to reemerge.

Cordelia: Is something the matter summoner? Why have we stopped?

(Y/N): I-It's nothing, just zoned out is all.

Cordelia can feel that your lying, but now's not the time or the place for such a conversation so she simply nods as you continue towards the Alcor. Once you draw close enough, you are noticed by Kazuha, who brings you to Beidou's attention. Once she sees you she's quick to make her way over with Kazuha in tow.

Beidou: Hey there you lot, mind giving us a hand? We're not from here and could use some directions, also if you could tell us this place's name that'd be great to, the villagers here seem rather jumpy around outsiders.

You manage to calm down after hearing such a friendly tone in her voice, so you're able answer her.

(Y/N): You are in the kingdom of Askr on the continent of Zenith, don't mind the villagers, we just got through fighting a war, they don't mean anything personal by it. Speaking of nothing personal, I'll have to ask you two to come with me, don't worry it's nothing serious, just some paperwork and a background check, they've become rather common for all our visitors recently.

Beidou: Alright then, lead the way.

You nod and motion the soldiers to return to base. Once you get there you have the two of them seated at a table with food and drinks.

(Y/N): Apologies, but before we can begin we'll have to wait for the prince and princess to return.

Kazuha: Wait, aren't you supposed to be the one performing this background check?

(Y/N): The problem with me being in charge of that is that I'm an optimist, I like to see the best in people a little too often.

Kazuha (annoyed): I see, very well then.

Despite Kazuha's annoyance, he was grateful for this moment of quiet. Everyone was so loud and boisterous earlier that he could barely concentrate on the wind, not even the Crux crew were that loud, but now that he could concentrate on it, he noticed it felt familiar, but where does he remember it from? That's right, when he met the masked civilian who was unjustly caught up in the imposter hunt.

Later, Sharena and Alfonse return from patrol, you're convinced Anna got distracted trying to sell something, or earn gold in some kind of way. You explained the situation and they performed the necessary procedures.

Alfonse: I'm sorry, but I've never heard of this Teyvat.

(Y/N): Alfonse wait, gimme a second.

You walked to another room and pretended to look something up on your phone.

Beidou: What was that about?

Sharena: Ooh!! Let me explain.

Sharena explained how the Order of Heroes records other worlds and how you explained that your world recorded worlds beyond just the world's of emblems, as you referred to them.

Sharena: So they must have heard something familiar and left to look it up on that device of theirs.

Beidou: device, could you describe it?

Sharena: Well, it's like a small stone box polished smooth with a glass surface that emits light based images, that's the best I can do I'm afraid.

The longer Kazuha stays here the more certain he grows of his hunch, you're the one they're searching for, that was certainly faster than expected if so. You return shortly after their conversation ends.

(Y/N): Right everything they said seems to check out, their titles, occupations, everything matches up.

Sharena (excited): So they're from another world? Does that mean we have a new gateway on the sea? Are we going to meet new heroes!?

(Y/N): Whoa whoa, calm down. Yes they're from another world. We might meet new heroes. I'm fairly certain there's no gate way on the ocean, I'm more convinced this has something to do with that crazy light show the other day.

Alfonse: That's right, we know you came by boat but we never inquired beyond that. Did you pass through a gateway?

Beidou: Nope, never even knew portals to other worlds existed before today. Your summoner was actually spot on, there was this crazy burst of light off the coast and when it cleared there was a new island.

Kazuha has spent a good chunk of time staring at your hand as you forgot to put away your phone. An other worldly device that allows one almost instant access to knowledge, that pretty much seals it for him.

Kazuha: Captain, I think it's time to leave.

Beidou: Huh, but we just got here, why would ...

Kazuha: I believe our business is concluded and we must report back.

Beidou gives an exasperated sigh.

Beidou: Alright, alright. Hey you lot of you ever want to visit Liyue there's a festival next week, the exact date is (your birthday), if you're interested. Anyway, gotta split before Ning grows any grey hairs, see ya.

(Y/N): Hold on, here take this it'll help you if you ever want to visit again. Your paperwork is all done, so no real reason drop by here again unless you feel like saying hi.

You handed Beidou one of your many maps of Askr. She nodded in appreciation, and the two were on their way. Later Anna returns and just as you suspected she begins to vent about her failed money schemes, afterwards the three of you fill her in on what happened.

Alfonse: So about this festival...

Sharena: I think we should go.

(Y/N): Huh?

Anna: I agree, it could be fun, not to mention we have no idea what caused our worlds to fuse like this or if it's permanent, we should take this opportunity to make a good impression and learn about our new neighbors.

Alfonse: I suppose you're right. Summoner are you alright? You look a little pale.

(Y/N): Oh, yeah, I'm fine, well I think I'll turn for today, goodnight.

As you left, everyone had looks of both confusion and concern. You were pacing around your room, your fear from the hunt resurfacing, your ignorance of the state of Teyvat wasn't helping things. Was the hunt over? Did it get even worse? No matter your fear, you're almost certain you'll be dragged along, maybe bringing a few heroes along would help your nerves, if things turn out okay then they'll get the chance to kick back, if things go bad having them around is definitely a good idea.

[nian-7]

Heyo, I think matchup reqs are open but if not feel free to ignore (⁠・⁠–⁠・⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ

If it's alright I'd like a romantic and platonic match up for Pjsk and bsd (if not just romantic/ pjsk is fine)

Info:

My names Karma

I'm a minor, 17

I'm afab but I'm Genderfluid and use all pronouns

I'm pretty short for my age, 5’1 the last time I checked unfortunately, sobs. I don't get out much besides going to work for money so I'm pale as hell. I have freckles pretty much everywhere not a whole lot but they're definitely noticeable. I am cursed with a baby face, it gets better when I put on my glasses though, im cursed with terrible vision, I'm not allowed to drive without my glasses it's that bad

My hair is a shaggy wolf cut with curtain bangs, I'm a natural blonde but I always dye my hair ginger cause it's my favorite look on me (I'm trying to look like Chuuya cause I love him sm)

I'm an INFP-T, I'm also Asexual and Panromantic (slightly woman leaning but not an insane amount) I dress in dark academia style almost always: cardigans, sweater vests, long over coats paired with sweaters underneath. I'm very much trying to be that person you fall in love with in the book store 

When I'm in public alone I am very much socially awkward and anxious. I keep to myself and I am terrified of causing trouble for anyone

I tend to be drawn to more loud people; or more like popular/louder people adopt me out of the blue and I go along with it (which is funny considering I'm usually quiet) 

Once I've warmed up with people I very much match energys with whoever I'm with, typically just trying to make friends laugh. I value people's happiness very much

If we're out at a mall or something I'm quieter, but in private I can get very loud 

I also have a very close group of online friends all over the world (Some of us are meeting up soon and I'm very excited)

A lot of people have said that I also have big sister vibes

I do have diagnosed Anxiety and depression, typically I try not to let anyone see that side of me. I can spiral a bit into episodes where I just kind of ghost people and ride out whatever feelings I'm dealing with, then come back about 3-6 days later

I don't really do well with anger in general, weather it be my own or other people's

I also don't really have any appetite most of the time (I'm not sure if it's medical or not) but this can cause me sometimes to get super dizzy out of nowhere because I've forgotten to eat/drink 

I'm a digital artist, and I actually write fanfiction on Tumblr as well. I absolutely love cats, I’d talk about my cat Hazel for hours if I could (She's mean to me but I still love her </3) I also really like Vocaloid/Hatsune Miku music (kinda not surprising considering pjsk lol), I don't usually mention it in person though cause it's embarrassing to explain that shes just a singing hologram

I also have a fox obsession, I own a huge fox plush that takes up a designated corner of my room lol

I don't mind most things personality wise in people, but I do wish to be respected obviously

I like someone I can poke fun at casually and who can poke fun at me as well

My love language is big gift giving (wether it be buying or drawing occasionally) and physical affection (Cuddles always ╥⁠﹏⁠╥)

I've gotten tones of jokes that I only go for gingers, but I have zero preference for looks

I'm an overly patient person and get a little annoyed when people aren't as patient (but it's not a complete put off or anything) 

I also am very much someone who has to be on time. If I am not on time I lose it a bit

I think that's all (Maybe too much ´⁠-⁠﹏⁠-⁠`)

But thank you so much in advance! I hope you have an amazing day/week 💟

hi, anon! i haven't read bsd in a while so i'm a little rusty so i only did prsk. hope you still enjoy!

I match you with... (platonically)

Saki Tenma!

-The biggest thing for you to be matched with Saki was the big sister vibes that you mentioned. The dynamic would just be too cute to pass up on!

-I tried to pick a more 'loud' or extroverted person and although I decided to opt for Saki instead of Tsukasa, I think you both would mesh together even when she's not necessarily as loud as her brother.

-Saki is like the person you can fall back onto in social situations when you get anxious. She doesn't mind taking the lead and helping you out when you get nervous.

-She's not someone who gets angry often and tries to be there for you when you ghost her or others. She tries her best to understand what you're feeling and tries to sympathize with you.

-You both having the same energy is something that would make the whole friendship mesh well and she has the capabilities to be calmer or quieter if needed.

I match you with... (romantically)

Shizuku Hinomori!

-Although Shizuku is somewhat different than Saki, I think she's the best match overall. The physical affection she gives to you is one of the big factors.

-As someone who enjoys pda/affection, Shizuku would love to cuddle or hold hands with you all the time. She kisses you in public and just loves to be near you.

-She loves the gifts you give her as well no matter what they are. She'll always gush about them whenever someone asks about something relating to it (whether that embarrasses you or not).

-She's a very light teaser and it comes off more lovingly than anything but she enjoys it when her partner gives her attention through light teasing too.

-Although a bit airheaded, she's treating you similarly to Shiho. Asking always if you're hungry or thirsty, being the talker in public if you need it, etc. She just gives you more romantic affection than sisterly affection (obviously)

[hendolish]

hello lovely, how's your week going? 🫶🏻

am feeling a bit crushed by the Wales result so if your requests are open atm and you're feeling it, wondering if I could have an angsty drabble to match my mood? would ask for Wales nt but afaik you don't write for them, so England nt?

been noticing Rice/Chilwell getting closer again after years (they haven't been like this since 2018) so could it be about them realising feelings they may have been neglecting or ignoring? and that they've been sidelining each other and their shot at a relationship for other people or their ambition? struggling with anger and regret over the lost potential and wasted time? and perhaps addressing all the elephants (Chelsea, Mason/Jarrod/Jack, Euros selection) in the room? dgmw they look glad to be reunited in training and having chance to reconnect, but when the cameras are off is it so easy? tbh just want to see these lads show some other interesting emotions in fic that aren't either baseline statically happy (Dec) or depressed (Chilly)

or really anything you want to write for them is perfect and much appreciated if you have the time and wish, always love your work x

hello!! 🫶🏻 my week's been pretty busy as you can probably tell by how long it's taken me to get around to writing this prompt haha, but thank you so much!! hopefully this will cheer you up a bit, i tuned in to the wales game after the england match had finished and witnessed the heartbreak 💔 those boys deserved better !!

declan rice/ben chilwell - take a chance

The training ground buzzes with energy as Dec and Ben find themselves drawn back together after years of separation. It's a reunion tinged with both excitement and trepidation, emotions swirling beneath the surface as they exchange fleeting glances across the pitch.

For Dec, the sight of Ben brings a rush of conflicting feelings – longing mixed with regret, desire tempered by hesitation. He can't help but wonder what might have been if they had been brave enough to explore their connection when they first met.

Ben's presence is like a constant ache in Dec's chest, a reminder of the bond they once shared and the opportunities they let slip through their fingers. He finds himself stealing glances whenever he thinks the other isn't looking, his heart skipping a beat each time their eyes meet.

As they train together, Dec can't shake the feeling of missed chances hanging heavy in the air. Every touch, every shared moment only serves to deepen the longing that simmers just beneath the surface.

In quiet moments between drills, Dec's mind can't help but wander to what could have been – lazy mornings tangled in sheets, whispered conversations in the dead of night, stolen kisses hidden away from prying eyes. But the reality of their situation weighs heavily on him, the knowledge that they've both moved on, pursued other paths, leaving their feelings unspoken and unresolved.

It's in those moments of solitude that Dec allows himself to entertain the idea of what could be if they were brave enough to take a chance on each other. But fear holds him back, the fear of rejection, of ruining the friendship they've worked so hard to rebuild.

As they linger in the locker room after training, the air between them is thick, a silent reminder of the emotions simmering beneath the surface. Dec wants to reach out, to bridge the gap that has formed between them, but the words stick in his throat, unspoken and unacknowledged.

Ben's the one to break the silence, his voice low and tinged with regret. "Dec, I- we wasted so much time and I can't... I should have said something sooner."

Dec nods, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. "I know. I've thought about it every day since we drifted apart."

Their eyes meet, and in that moment, they both know that they can't continue to ignore what they feel. Despite the uncertainty and fear that hangs between them, they're determined to confront their emotions head-on and finally give their relationship the chance it deserves.

And as they stand there, facing each other, Dec can't help but think back to their days in the Chelsea youth teams, the promise of their friendship cut short when Dec was dropped from the squad. It's a bittersweet reminder of the time they lost, but also a testament to the strength of their connection – a connection that has endured despite the years and the miles that have separated them.

Deep down, Dec knows that they've both had their share of distractions over the years – fleeting romances and unspoken feelings that have kept them apart. He can't help but wonder if Chilly ever had something with Mason or Jack, just as he himself has shared a connection with Jarrod in the past.

But now, as they stand on the brink of something new, Dec is determined to put the past behind them and focus on the future – a future where they can finally be together, without fear or hesitation, and embrace the love that has always been waiting for them.

♡

[celticcrossanon]

Hello Celta, welcome back. May the good lord help keep you in balanced health. It sounds like you’ve made some progress., and we’re all very happy to see you again.

I won’t request a reading, just do what you feel drawn to spend your energy on and what sparks your interest. As for myself, I’m curious as to what shenanigans The Harkles will pull when William visits New York UN in September for Earthshot, and then Singapore in November. Harry wanted to insert himself in Singapore in November to directly compete with William but he was nixed I feel, by the powers that be. Instead he will be there in August, I’m sure stirring the pot. While Megsy will try to rally her troops on New York. William is aware and prepared. But he needn’t do that if Charles was decisive in dealing with these grifters. What a waste of energy.

Overall I feel it’s Charles dearest wish to bring back Harry alone to be the fly in William’s ointment, to pull some palace intrigues and shenanigans on William. . But, here’s the rub. Harry’s no longer Charles’s spoilt little sh** brat of a second son. He’s now Megsy’s creature. And he will do Megsy’s bidding not Charles’s. Even if Megsy’s and Charles’s goals align. Therefore Harry’s not as ‘easy’ to control as he once was.

Additionally there’s eyes upon Harry, MI5/MI6, US State Department, all manner international agencies, and there will be plenty of resistance. Charles will try, but this has moved beyond mere palace intrigue, it’s gone international. Why do you think Charles and Camilla have not gone on a Commonwealth tour? They put out some PR about it, but that’s all I’ve seen. He’s seen the traps they set for William in the Caribbean and he’s too chickens** to test it. No doubt he’ll want William and Catherine and their kids to take this on, all the while refusing to deal with his overseas bad seed.

Harry will resist Charles overtures and do his mother Megsy’s bidding. Harry wants to co- king with William and he won’t be satisfied with nothing less. As far as the overseas duo are concerned the half in half out deal is still on offer, and they’re gunning to be head the Commonwealth still. This won’t end well at all. It’s now a question of who will collapse first, Charles or harry? But it will make for some interesting viewership and commentary.

I look forward to hearing your views over time on these matters and more.

Welcome back Celta.

Hi Anonymous Retired,

Thank you for the welcome back and the good wishes for my health. :)

My goodness, talk about synchronicity. I've just done a number of private readings on if Charles is putting out articles against William in the press, and the answer was a resounding yes, with the subtext of Charles tearing William down so Harry would be welcome back in the UK. I need to read further on that subtext as it could turn out into something else, but when you say you think Charles wants Harry back in the royal fold, that resonates with what my cards have indicated.

I would hope that Charles was above playing one son off against the other to manipulate both sons, but my hopes are not high on the matter.

If Meghan and Harry divorce, then hopefully Harry would be free from Meghan's influence, but I don't know. I only know that I would not trust him an inch, regardless of whether he is married or divorced. He has proven that he will say anything to get what he sees as his revenge on people who have hurt hum (e.g. by saying No to him), and I don't see that changing any time soon, making him a huge security risk. I am very glad if agencies such as M15 have their eyes on Harry, as I feel it is needed.

As for the Commonwealth - Harry and Meghan are delusional in how they think of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is not an empire to be ruled, but an association of nations who work together to help each other. The Head of the Commonwealth of Nations is not a king by another name, but a ceremonial figurehead for the organisation. Charles is the current head. The position is his for life, and I don't see him giving the position up. If he does, the next Head of the Commonwealth is appointed by the leaders of the nations who make up the Commonwealth of Nations, and I can't see them electing Harry over e.g. one of themselves.

Link for the Commonwealth of Nations just in case anyone is interested in reading up on who they are and what they do, simply because the way the press mis-represents the Commonwealth is a pet peeve of mine: