#{ the reunion of kindred minds; thread }

[jynxd]

continued from here

Jinx stood there, gun still smoking, her eyes wide and a manic grin stretched across her face. She looked at the fallen body for a moment, then shifted her gaze to the firelight, tilting her head slightly as if trying to piece together a puzzle that wasn’t quite fitting.

“Enemy? Pffft. Who says I can’t have a little fun with my enemies, huh?” Her voice was laced with that familiar, unpredictable edge. She took a step closer, the grin fading slightly as she studied him, as if searching for something beneath that mask.

“I didn’t do it for you,” she added quickly, her voice lowering. “I just didn’t like the way he was creeping up on you, all sneaky-like.”

Jinx’s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression hardening as she tried to confirm her suspicions. “He was a nobody. Just another piece of trash in this cesspool of a city. You think I’m gonna lose sleep over it?” She waved the gun in the air, almost dismissively, before holstering it with a quick, practiced motion.

She took another step closer, now just inches away from him, peering into the dark lenses of his mask. “But you… you’re different. You’re interesting. And I don’t let interesting things die so easily.” There was that manic glint in her eyes again, but also a flicker of something else—something almost like recognition. @jinxcdd

Ekko had made a point, ever since he'd formed the Firelights to keep his identity a secret. The only ones who would ever see it, see the very reminders of his shimmer addiction of the past that even his camouflaging couldn't hide, were his fellow Firelights. For no enemy could be afforded to recognize him by face, to keep it easier from tracking him, or finding out his name. Jinx was easily on top of the list of those who were not allowed to know. She who would easily out him to Silco, and do god knows what to him.

However, there were aspects about him that did not change, including the way he carried himself. His body posture was the same, as when he was a 13 year child. Skittish but also typically excited, mixed with a bit of serious adult he had become now that he was 22. This was especially the case around Jinx, whom never truly left his mind as Powder. So much so that in this moment, he seemed to freeze as she got closer. His brown eyes, if under the right light, would be clear as day.

"Funny, I would have thought the daughter the notorious Silco would have let them finish me off," Even through the filter concealing his true voice, a crack in his voice could be heard at the words Silco and daughter. As if to give away that the reality hurt. "Especially given that he worked for Silco."

To see Jinx as such a cold blooded killer, it showed obviously signs of hurt as his shoulders sunk a bit. "More importantly, you have been following me." Ekko gulped nervously as he saw the hit of familiarity. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

[hydrangeapartridge]

Neve's visit (Manfred learns about rings part 2)

As part of my EmmRook post game collection, I wrote a short fic about Manfred learning about rings (their use in magic but also their symbolism) which can be found here.

Here is the sequel. Enjoy! (could contain spoilers for the end of the game)

(Side Note: all my EmmRook fics can be found on AO3)

Emmrich was pacing. It was an unusual behaviour for him, reserved only to his reflexions on the most complex scientific questions he faced as a scholar. However he was not working now, but the fact remained that he was crossing the living room for the umpteenth time under Rook’s half amused, half worried gaze.

She sat on the meridian, waiting for Neve to arrive. It was the first time they would see her since Manfred bought her a gift; a pretty snake-shaped silver hairpin. If Emmrich had always had a very good relationship with Neve amongst the Veilguard, the prospect of the gift giving visibly caused him some distress.

“I never thought I’d get to experience a meeting with the in-laws while being the in-laws” Rook’s usual jest had the benefit of stopping Emmrich in his tracks.

He turned to her, a slight frown creasing the perfect line of his dark brows. “ Darling, this is nothing of the sort” He corrected her “Merely a reunion with an old acquaitance, in which Manfred will happen to gift a significantly costly jewel to a charming woman” Emmrich was talking with his hands, which he did when passionnate, but mostly when nervous. “People exchange gifts all the time. There is no particular stake in this particular exchange”

So he tried to convince himself. Rook shook her head, a fond grin splitting her lips. She got up and slowly stepped up to her husband.

She placed a hand on his elbow in a gesture that became as familiar as breathing. “Then why are you more tensed than before an important watcher’s assembly?” She teased him, caressing up his arm until her hand was on his stiff shoulder. “We’re seeing Neve. It’s going to be nice. Relax. ”

Emmrich sighed. “I can’t” He breathed in defeat, lowering his head until his forehead was resting against Rook’s.

“If we had more time, I’d offer plenty of ways to distract you” Rook whispered, her lips drawing closer to his.

Emmrich was usually a master of self-control. In the Watch, her learned meditation and breathing techniques to ground oneself, and how to be detached and impassible. But his naturally emotional nature still came back when dealing with matters important to him; more often matters of the heart than of the mind. Matters he couldn’t reason with.

Another sigh, but Emmrich didn’t pull back. “Dearest, you always do choose the most interesting times for your advances” He placed a hand on Rook’s waist and brought their faces closer. “I could certainly be tempted to indulge in you. It would make the wait far more pleasant indeed”

Emmrich’s poetic way with words always made Rook melt. She was surprised her flirting went through but needn’t be convinced any further, and pressed her lips against his in a tender kiss.

If their kissing started chaste, slow and comfortable, Emmrich grew bolder as he gladly lost himself in the distraction and comfort his wife offered. His second hand came to craddle the base of Rook’s skull, fingers carefully threading in her hair as he gently but firmly angled her head to deepen the kiss. His bangles sang as he teased her bottom lip with his tongue, and when she parted her lips, wickedly slipped inside, in a move only he held the secret to, that still made Rook’s knees weak even after years of practice.

Rook pressed closer to him, lacing her fingers behind his neck in an embrace that was only known to true kindred spirits. Together they formed a perfect entity, in a pose that could remind one of the romantic tableaux exposed in Orlais, painted to praise the devotion of eternal lovers.

While he thoroughly lost himself in Rook’s mouth, Emmrich moved his legs with intent so that his thigh ended up pressed flush against her center. Rook’s resulting moan was music to his ears, so promising. Too bad the next thing those ears caught was the sharp noise of a knock on the door.

The two lovers barely had time to step away from each other before Manfred came rushing down the stairs. The spirit made a beeline for the door, eager to be the one to welcome their guest. In his hurry, Manfred thankfully didn’t notice how breathy and flustered his caretakers were. They gladly let him open the door while they recovered from their promising but interrupted tryst.

“I’ll get the tea” Emmrich offered, reluctantly moving away from his wife.

Rook nodded, and after running a hand through her hair to make sure it was still in place, she headed to the entrance to greet Neve.

- - -

Neve Gallus was as always delightful company. Under her strict and cool appearance was a heart of gold. Ever thoughtful, she brought an offering of Carastian candy, chocolate coated treats from Tevinter, that she knew Rook enjoyed (Emmrich didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as his wife, but he was known to indulge in them sometimes while grading papers).

She came alone, Lucanis being busy on a contract; which was probably better given Manfred’s generosity was reserved to her.

Neve got them up to date with the situation in Minrathous in more detail than she did in letters, and once it was done, they discussed more casual matters: recent activites and funny or scandalous anecdotes. Emmrich, ever the social butterfly, was absorbed in the conversation, but his never ending stirring of his tea told Rook that part of him was still slightly nervous.

At one point, Neve asked about Manfred’s learnings. The skeleton had been quietly sitting beside her, but he perked up when prompted with questions about his training at the Necropolis. While Manfred told Neve a few stories in his own imperfect way with words, Rook wondered if maybe he could be nervous about giving Neve her gift. Wisps were drawn to Neve, and Manfred was no exception. He always enjoyed her best amongst all their friends. But could he have learned reserve after spending so much time with humans?

It turned out Rook was completely wrong about that part, for two mere seconds after the skeleton finished explaining the most recent spell he learned, he announced. “Present for you” And promptly stood up to retrieve the pretty gift-bag he previously hid behind the couch.

Manfred proudly handed Neve the bag, and her usually hooded gaze widened. “For me? Really?” She asked incredulous as she took the package.

“Yeay!” Manfred confirmed and Neve chuckled.

“I’d say you shouldn’t have, but that wouldn’t be elegant of me” She opened the bag and peeked inside before she retrieved a squarred black velvet box from it. “Wow, this looks fancy. What’s the occasion Fred?” She asked, incredulous.

Rook heard Emmrich gulp beside her. She was hanging onto Manfred’s every word, eagerly awaiting his answer.

“To thank you for the coat!” Manfred replied casually.

A beat of silence. Rook felt stupid.

Given the circumstances of Manfred’s purchase for Neve, Emmrich and her automatically connected it to the rings they bought and their meaning. They didn’t even think to ask why Manfred wanted to get Neve a gift, probably too afraid of the answer. It didn’t occur to them either that Manfred could feel obliged to Neve for gifting him a new coat as a reward when he graduated from his first cycle of apprenticeship. That day Emmrich had given Manfred a gift too, Rook remembered; his first ever magic staff. It had been a wonderful day of celebrations.

A muffled chuckle beside her made Rook turn to her husband. Emmrich’s laugh then turned light and airy, relieved and joyful. It wasn’t often that Emmrich was caught laughing freely, and if the delightful sound of it surprised Neve, it sent butterflies in Rook’s stomach. She was grinning impossibly wide as her lover tried to cover his reciding laughter with the back of his hand in front of his mouth.

Neve looked to the couple with a frown but was unable to hide her own smile. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. Just that Emmrich was so afraid Manfred wanted to elope with you he almost gave himself an ulcer” Rook offered, voice singing with mischief.

“Rook!” Emmrich protested. The pink slightly dusting his cheeks was adorable.

“We were worried about the intentions Manfred put behind that gift and obviously made a too big deal out of it” Rook continued explaining more seriously, not minding the glare Emmrich sent her.

Neve raised one thick and pretty eyebrow, visibly judging Manfred’s caretakers.

“Well, can I open it now?” She asked, admiteddly a little amused.

Rook nodded and Neve opened the velvet box under Manfred’s undivided attention. He had observed their exchange but didn’t comment on it. Maybe he didn’t understand everything and was more eager to see what Neve thought of his gift than to understand what all this was about.

A little gasp of surprise escaped the ice mage when her eyes landed on the refined piece of jewelry.

“I understand your worries now” She lowly whispered before she turned to Manfred. “You truly shouldn’t have... but I appreciate it. This is beautiful Fred. I love it”

Manfred let out a victorious hiss, visibly happy with himself. Neve undid her coiffure, letting her long dark locks cascade on her shoulders. She took the hairpin and skillfully twisted her hair around it in a pretty updo. She turned her head both sides and asked. “How is it Fred? Suits me?”

Manfred clapped and cheared, making Neve chuckle fondly at his antics.

Emmrich watched the exchange, arms crossed over his chest, but a smile on his lips. Rook let her hand travel to his thigh and inched closer. “Relieved my love ?” She whispered in his ear.

He sighed through his nose before he gave her a warm smile that lit up his rich brown eyes. “Impossibly so dearest”

[angelidiariess]

to be seen, to be heard, to be loved. ᯓ★ series masterlist

→ gojou satoru x f!reader

summary. two estranged kindred spirits find themselves bound by an arranged marriage. Opposites in every conceivable way, one is eager to mend the shattered pieces of their past, while the other clings to the thin thread of life with a desperate grip. Their childhood friendship, once a sanctuary of mutual understanding, had devolved into a complicated relationship that may seem beyond repair.

As they navigate the tumultuous waters of their reunion, the lines between love and rivalry blur, and the schemes they create to maintain their distance become more elaborate. She, a sorcerer, struggles with her sanity teetering on the edge. He, the ever-powerful and untouchable Gojo Satoru, is hopelessly captivated by her, despite the chaos she brings into his life. Together, they confront family issues and the haunting shadow of past lovers.

With each passing day, their paths are inexorably pulled together. Can they see through the veils of their own making and remain unreachable, or will they find themselves too deep, lost in the labyrinth of their own hearts?

tags/warnings𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 f!reader x gojou satoru, childhood friends to lovers, mutual pinning, in life rivals, eventual romance, self help book disguised as a love story, complicated/toxic relationships, family issues, borderline codependency but we dont talk about it, growing up together sorta until she gets scooped away, angst with a happy ending, reader is a sorcerer, she's bat shit crazy, but we love her anyway, heavy mentions of mental illnesses (depression), requited unrequited love, gojo satoru is whipped yall, suicide attempt, + more to be updated

genre. heavy angst, past lovers, romance fantasy literature

fic warnings. eating disorder, depression, mentions of suicide, profanity, illnesses, complicated relationships, mentions of emotional child abuse, + more to be updated

───〃★ season one hitlist + more to be updated

prologue, i. heart to heart?, ii. you love me still, iii. are you in?, iv. Tell tale gaze, v. I don’t want to pretend vii. you're on my mind, viii. lonely night, ix. Can we turn back time?, x. tell me, will we survive?, epilogue

all rights reserved to @angel1blogg. please do not copy, repost, translate or modify my works in any platform. permission from the owner is needed for any alterations in any work

[nicholaskyleedwards]

Remnant

Midnight strikes, its resonant chimes reverberating through the stillness, marking the ethereal transition from one moment to another. In the distance, a familiar melody begins to weave through the air—a haunting refrain that evokes a tapestry of bittersweet memories, echoing the profound depths of fervor and longing.

He carries a delicate glass of effervescent liquid onto the balcony, seeking a moment of solitude amidst the exuberant chaos behind him. The exuberant sounds of celebration—frolics, cheers, and the shouts of revelers—merge into an indistinct hum that barely grazes the surface of his consciousness. Sighing deeply, he leans against the cold iron railing, the chill biting through his skin, but it is not merely the frigid air that sends shivers coursing through him; it is the weight of memories that cling to his heart resembling obscurant, refusing to release their grip.

His thoughts drift to the one who had illuminated his existence, the lover whose laughter had once resonated as music in the very fabric of his soul. He recalls the fateful day when they were wrenched apart, the moment when one clung duty over the tender solace of their shared life. In the initial days of separation, words flowed between them in a kind of lifeblood, each letter a lifeline, a testament to their undying connection. The exhilaration of receiving his partner’s handwritten missives filled him with warmth, each stroke of ink a gentle caress against the aching chasm that stretched between them.

Yet, as bygones inexorably marched forward, the once-constant stream of letters dwindled, each missive a flickering flame that gradually dimmed. Silence descended like a heavy shroud, wrapping itself around him, an oppressive presence that settled in the corners of his heart. Had kindred faltered in the face of insurmountable distance, or had the world conspired to sever their bond? Each day that passed without a word became a sharp reminder of his growing despair, a silent testament to the gnawing fear that threatened to consume him.

In a desperate bid to bridge the yawning gulf between them, he embarked on a journey into the unknown, determined to draw near to the one who held his heart. Their reunion was a fleeting miracle, an ephemeral interlude within a symphony of chaos. In hidden corners, they revealed in stolen moments, rapture echoing in tune of chimes in the air, each shared glance igniting a spark that illuminated the darkest recesses of their souls.

But akin to all beautiful things, their time together was tragically ephemeral, cut short by the cruel hands of fate. He was summoned back to the duties that had claimed him, while his partner faced the encroaching shadows of solitude. Days morphed into nights filled with longing, the echoes of their shared laughter haunting him like a bittersweet refrain, relentless in its reminder of the musing they had forged.

As he stood on the balcony, the cold air swirled around him, intertwining with the turmoil that churned within his heart. The jubilant noises behind him felt distant and hollow, as if he were a specter in a world alive with color and sound, trapped in a moment that stretched infinitely beyond his grasp.

In a moment of sheer vulnerability, the glass slipped from his fingers, shattering on the ground below, a violent reminder of his own fractured heart. What is life without him? The thought gripped him fiercely, pulling him deeper into the abyss of despair, where hope felt like a fading ember.

Yet, in that stillness, he could almost feel the ethereal presence of his euphoria beside him. The warmth of a soothe enveloped him, whispering unspoken promises and declarations of enduring solace. The echo of “I love you” resonated in his mind, a celestial chorus that transcended the boundaries of vigil and space, binding their hearts with an unbreakable thread.

In that moment, memories surged forth, flooding him with a bittersweet ache—the lightheartedness they had shared, the stolen kisses beneath a tapestry of stars, the dreams woven in the quiet solitude of night. Each recollection enveloped him, urging him to remember the strength of their bond, a tether that refused to unravel despite the distance.

As the weight of his longing pressed heavily upon him, a decision crystallized within the depths of his heart. Tears glistened in his eyes, and he leaned into the railing, feeling the intensity of his choice unfurl as though petals in bloom. It was time to confront the chasm that had opened between them, to accolade the uncertainty that lay ahead with unwavering resolve.

With one final thought of serendipity, he stepped forward into the void, ready to face whatever awaited him, where chérie and loss intertwined in an eternal dance, bound by the threads of their unyielding connection, an indelible testament to the power of the heart’s deepest desires.

[umbral-stigmata-unbound]

Thread Tracking Post

// For my personal needs with tracking the threads I have once I manage to set a proper tag for the threads~ Don’t mind it, unless you like stalking threads lol. These are set in no particular order, just added as I have the time and come across them while looking them up/replying to them. Please do no reblog this post, nor any of the threads linked here, unless you are my partner in the thread!! APOLOGIES TO THOSE TAGGED ANYTIME i UPDATE, IF THIS NOTIFIES YOU. ALSO IF YOU SEE A THREAT BETWEEN YOURSELF AND ME, AND YOU FEEL YOU’RE DONE WITH IT, LET ME KNOW SO I CAN REMOVE, NO HARD FEELINGS!

The Two Silver Threads [Tracked Here] || [RP with @ghostofnibelheim with my Kadaj]

What Are We But Bound Beasts [Tracked Here] || [RP with @nanakithewarrior ‘s Nanaki and my Kadaj]

The Howl Against the Darkness [Tracked Here] ||  [RP with @roleplay-abiogenesis2 ‘s Nanaki and my Vincent] --tagged for updating or removing--

I’m Still Here [Tracked Here] ||  [RP with @roleplay-abiogenesis2 ‘s S (young Sephiroth) and my Vincent Valentine (unrealized father)]  --tagged for updating or removing--

Let the Silver Run Red [Tracked Here] || [RP with @ghostofnibelheim with my Reno]

Strike the Red in your Golden Shackles [Tracked Here] || [RP with @sometimesrufus with my Reno]

Hate is the Sweetest Poison [Tracked Here] | [RP with @ofgeneticperfection with my Vincent]  --tagged for updating or removing--

The Poet and the Pawn [Tracked Here] || [RP with @poeticphoenix and my AU Kadaj] 

How Lethal is your Spark and Flame [Tracked Here] || [RP with @poeticphoenix and my Reno]

The Meaning of Existence [Tracked Here] || [RP with @poeticphoenix and my Vincent]

The Steps We Take [Tracked Here] || [RP with @chosenbythecrystal SOLDIER AU Noctis and my Sephiroth]  --tagged for updating or removing--

Red Velvet Reunion [Tracked Here] || [RP with @novus-ordo-seclorem Vincent and my Sephiroth]

I Follow You [Tracked Here] || [RP with @hiislegacy Cloud and my Vincent]

Why Are You Never Real [Tracked Here] || [RP with @azure-steel and my Sephiroth]

Gripping To The Edge [Tracked Here] || [RP with @sometimesrufus and my AU Vincent]

A Moment to be Real [Tracked Here] || [RP with @soldier-lodbrok and my Sephiroth]

Just Follow Me Kid [Tracked Here] || [RP with @holyguardian and my Reno]

When We Walked Together [Tracked Here] || [RP with @holyguardian and my Sephiroth (starting with them as children in ShinRa together)]

Shadow Guarding Light [Tracked Here] || [RP with @holyguardian and my Vincent]

Pretty Dark Lies [Tracked Here] || [RP with @sleeplesswork ‘s Sonon and my Nero]  --tagged for updating or removing--

The Way You Say My Name [Tracked Here] || [RP with @azure-steel and my Vincent]

Let Me Eat You Whole [Tracked Here] || [RP with @hiislegacy ‘s Cloud and my Sephiroth]

Here We Go Again [Tracked Here] || [RP with @escortingsecrets and my Reno]

Take Me Away [Tracked Here] || [RP with @escortingsecrets and my Reno]

I’ve Got Your Back Kid [Tracked Here] || [RP with @shinrascomputer and my Reno]

If Curiosity Could Kill [Tracked Here] || [RP with @shinrascomputer and my AU Vincent]

Don’t You Let Me Go [Tracked Here] || [RP with @hoshinierabareshimono‘s Genesis and my Sephiroth]

Spark of the Heart [Tracked Here] || [RP with @fairlybeloved and my Reno]

A Gift of Meeting [Tracked Here] || [RP with @hoshinierabareshimono‘s Genesis and my Sephiroth]

Kindred in the Shadows [Tracked Here] || [RP with @fxnrirs and my Vincent]

Brothers and Keepers [Tracked Here] || [RP with @soulsfractured‘s Yazoo and my Kadaj]

Kings Knights and Pawns [Tracked Here] || [RP with @sometimesrufus and my Sephiroth]

From You to Me [Tracked Here] || [RP with @soulsfractured‘s Tseng and my Reno]

The Calm Before the Crisis [Tracked Here] || [RP witth @lovetobetheunderdog and my Sephiroth]

Where Does Loyalty Lie [Tracked Here] || [RP with @soulsfractured‘s Kuja and my Reno]

Whispers in the Darkness [Tracked Here] || [RP with @shinrascomputer and my AU Kadaj]

When the Fire Catches [Tracked Here] || [RP with @soulsfractured‘s Kuja and my OC Aurelia]

A Strange Comfort [Tracked Here] || [RP with @nanakithewarrior and my Vincent]

Claws and Fangs [Tracked Here] || [RP with @tiamattseirei and my AU Vincent]

...

---

[jynxd]

Of course it was only a matter of time before he would draw the attention of Jinx. No one wandered about the lanes without doing so, especially when they were a known firelight. "Please, you worship a man who is the definition of a tyrant and then act all surprised that someone is doing something about it?" If Ekko could spit, he would, however, he settled for clenching his fists instead. "And I don't buy your act, I've been listening, been hearing your footsteps. You knew where I was."

It was at this moment that a thought struck him. It was just the two of them, here and now. Silco's goons were long taken care. Just Ekko and Jinx. Part of him, perhaps, hoped that there was some part of Powder left. If he removed his mask, like she asked, would she feel something for him? Would she welcome him and leave Silco's side? He wished it so...

"You would like that wouldn't you? To see the identity of the man who is leading the group against your father?" Ekko said the word father with a strong hint of disdain and malice. He of course backed away when he noticed her trying to peek. "How do I know you wouldn't kill me?"

For a moment he swore he could see a unease on her, but it was quickly hidden away. Yet he knew better, he could feel it, just like he could feel his own unease. Jinx was suspecting already, already putting two and two together. He forced himself to distance himself, gripping the weapon in his hand.

"These aren't just your trenches, Jinx. Nor are they Silco's. They belong to all of us, every single one who is forced to live on these streets and choke on it's air." A few buildings down, even was Benzo's old shop, one he intended on visiting while he was here until this moment. "Listen, things don't have to be this way. You could come with me, break away from Silco and do what's right for the lanes. The firelights, we could help you."

Jinx’s gaze narrowed further, her fingers twitching as if itching to reach for her gun again. “What’s the matter? You sound… disappointed,” she sneered, though her tone wavered slightly. “Did you really think you’d waltz around playing hero, and not catch my attention? Please. No one gets to stir up trouble without me knowing. Or maybe," she started, tilting her head as she keep the closeness between them, "Maybe I just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Ever think of that?”

But even as she spoke, something about the way he held himself kept nagging at her—a frustratingly familiar mix of caution and defiance. She could feel a flicker of recognition pulling at her, an uncomfortable itch in her mind that wouldn’t go away.

Jinx smirked at his last question, narrowing her eyes, trying to ignore the questions that were gnawing at her. “Maybe I’m just trying to decide if I should let you go or… you know, take that mask off and see what’s hiding under there.” She leaned in, eyes unblinking as she inspected his face, searching those dark lenses like they could give her answers.

But there was something—just a glimmer, the way his voice shook, the faintest echo of a memory she thought she’d buried years ago. The puzzle pieces danced around in her mind, but she refused to put them together. That would mean acknowledging something she wasn’t ready to face. That would mean—

She shook her head, forcing the thought away, smirking again to cover the unease creeping up her spine. “Or maybe I just like seeing you squirm,” she added, her voice sharpening, masking the flicker of doubt in her eyes. "Either way, you’re on thin ice, stranger. So tell me… why are you sneaking about my trenches?”