#(even if he doesn't ask... he appreciates her guidance either way)

[magnusmodig]

the royal treatment / @divinityrisen / ACCEPTING !

╰┈➤ “You might have to ask yourself, however right your claim is, if you are the leader the realm needs and wants.” ( from sif! )

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 many things in thor's life which in some way , shape , form or fashion were preordained. schedules and appearances , suitors and alliances , treaties and sometimes even wars. of course , it was not in thor's nature to oft pursue the guiles of the fates. the winds DID NOT BOW to the mountainside , and neither did the rains flow down the sheer cliff's face beyond the paths of the rivulet's OWN MAKING.

but chief amongst that which was preordained was the nature of thor's very blood that flowed through his veins ; THOR'S BIRTHRIGHT. and so , as he stood at the newest precipice of asgard's history , so it was that storm sovereign found in his nature a stirring battle , and A GREAT RECKONING.

he knew better than ALL that the summons of the all - father was not a right one might FORFEIT. yet the throne forfeit the right of claim to one's own heart. this , a HARSH REALITY father had tirelessly conveyed from thor's youngest age. to hear its long shadow pass from the lips of she whom thor so greatly admired brought with it a deeply-rooted TENSION to knot his shoulders taught , and a frown form and to furrow his brow.

alas , for as much as the words were an ARROW whose wound may cut to the quick , it was the sentiment behind it that aimed true. mortals would name it thus : TOUGH LOVE. as it was from lady sif , thor considered the words for the purpose with which they were meant : as wise counsel . . .

. . . the consideration did not put thor's mind at ease. nor his own nerves as static bristled around the curl of his fingers. the flat of his palm passed idly over the palace bannister. ❝  indeed , so that may be true. ❞

a pause. cerulean gaze greyed as it fell from heavens above and dragged towards his companion , burning with question : what sort of heir was he in her eyes ?

to ask something so brazen so CANDIDLY was a battle all its own. ( not to mention an unnecessary blight upon his friend's conscience. ) and so as swiftly as the notion dared surface , so too was it swathed behind his own careful efface of his forlorn expressions , and buried beneath the dip of his gaze to somewhere just offset sif's chin.

❝  . . . i only question the wisdom of such HASTE, ❞ he admitted around the sudden stone in his throat. ❝ it was my own foolishness which opened the nine realms to the floodgates of such chaos. certainly i speak for their good in my hesitation. ❞

[neteyamssock]

🧸ྀི 𝓲 𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾

ྀི 𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: neteyam x fem!metkayina!reader

ྀི 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬: neteyam wants to know why you dislike him so much.

ྀི 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧: 2k

ྀི 𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦: misunderstanding, sfw, miscommunication, etc.

➻ a/n: wrote this while eating breakfast and its unedited. i hate it lmao.

text divider credits to @/cafekitsune

MASTERLIST

“She's so loud, does she think everyone is deaf?”

Neteyam watches you kick Ao’nung as you whine about your stolen prey, going as far as throwing stones into his direction. Frankly speaking, Neteyam finds you extremely immature and childish, even more so than Tuk.

Lo’ak snickered on his side, tossing a piece of shattered shell in the water and watched it disappear. “You’re the only one that kept complaining about her, bro. People here don't seem to mind.”

Neteyam sneered, picking up a shell beside and observing it as he spoke. “I’m sure they're just putting up with her because they cannot get rid of her.”

Lo’ak looked at his brother with amusement. Neteyam’s one sided beef with you is something none of the family expected, but he finds it interesting to see how his brother crumbles into self doubt when someone finally doesn't look at him like a god. “you’re just saying that because she doesn't like you like everybody else. you’re not used to being disregarded.”

He said it in a joking tone, but it only fanned the flames inside Neteyam. That is in fact one of the reasons why he came to dislike you very much aside from the fact that you're polar opposites. It was because right from the start, you never once showed any cordiality with him.

When the Sullys came into awa’atlu, as Tsireya and Ao’nung’s paternal cousin, you also tagged along in helping them learn the way of the water. At first, Neteyam finds you extremely interesting, like a breath of fresh air, but as time goes by and your treatment of him never changes, he also begins to resent you for it.

He’s not used to it. Just like Lo’ak said. All his life, he had done everything to please his family and the Omatikaya People, and even when they came to Awa’atlu, he had done his best in making everyone like him.

You're just one tough rock that he cannot crack no matter what he does. Smiles don't cut it. Fishes don't do it either. Pretty shells collected are a lot more mediocre than yours. He totally cannot figure you out. You seem to dislike him very much, going as far as pretending he doesn't exist. He was unprepared for it, a total disregard from someone he wanted to be close to from the very start.

“If I were you bro? I would talk to her about it and clear shit up rather than sulking everyday.” Lo’ak patted Neteyam’s shoulder as he stood up, ready to meet Tsireya half way as she walked back to the shore.

“what is there to talk about anyway?” Neteyam grumbled to himself, flicking the shells away in annoyance. Lo’ak just shrugged and walked away, totally enjoying seeing his perfect brother in dilemma.

The oldest sully once again looked at you as you play with Tuk and Kiri, seeing how happy you were with his sisters. Deep inside, he also knew why everyone loves you. Despite your loud mouth, you are always sincere. You always mean what you speak, and people appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness, well except for neteyam.

your questionable behavior directed towards him is getting on his nerves. he's at the end of his patience with you, but his self control is holding him back from erupting and asking what the hell is wrong with you.

days passed and the day for the bonfire communal feast arrived. neteyam had heard from his siblings that you and Tsireya are to dance and sing to eywa in celebration for the excellent results of the hunt done yesterday.

neteyam had never heard you sing, nor seen you dance. he never thought you could do those things, but based on his siblings' words, you're quite good and proficient. Tuk says your voice reminds her of eywa's gentle guidance, and your body as the ocean waves.

it's just another reminder that he never really knew you, that you built a wall around you to solely keep him out. that you could be free in front of his siblings but would be hard as a rock in front of him. how can you be so cruel?

"there's never gonna be any progress if you just sulk and sulk and sulk everyday. you have to understand that not everyone is obligated to like you."

neteyam glanced at his sister, bitterness in his tongue. "yea, real helpful sister."

"whatever," kiri rolled her eyes and focused on the kava in her hand, paying no attention to the distraught neteyam beside her.

when the tempo of the music changed and the people parted to reveal you and tsireya in the middle, neteyam felt his breath stolen away by your beauty. you are stunning, that he knew from the very start. he never expected to see you even more beautiful. you make him go crazy inside and he didn't even know why. no matter how you ignore him, he cannot do the same to you. you're always clouding his mind, making him sleepless every eclipse.

neteyam knew that he's being obvious by not taking his eyes off you the entire performance, he knew that his mother are looking at him every time his breath hitch like he couldn't breath, he knew that kiri is laughing at him, but he just cannot stop looking at you.

so when the time to dance with other members of the clan came, he didn't hesitate to stand up and walk towards you in hopes that he'd catch you and ask you for at least one dance.

"can i ask for a dance?" he asked, breathless and hopeful as he looked towards you.

he saw you hesitate, and his newfound confidence shattered. his lips trembled until you took his hand and murmured. "...just once."

Tsireya looked at Neteyam’s yearning look directed at you and giggled to herself. Lo’ak also saw his face and snickered. “he totally has a crush on her! he’s just mad she doesn't pay attention to him.”

The younger metkayina girl’s eyes widened. Then, she quickly accepted it. It's not like she hadn't noticed that tension between you and Neteyam. She thought both of you will figure it out yourselves that's why she didn't interfere at all, but turns out both of you are dense enough that you're still not confronting each other about what you feel.

She looked at you and decided to finally help you out. Turning to her beloved, she said. “Sister does not dislike Neteyam. She's just like that to everyone she likes.”

It was Lo’ak’s turn to be wide-eyed. “No shit? Really?! I mean she never gave him a good look y'know? Totally acting like he doesn't exist…”

Tsireya pulled Lo’ak to sit with her in the sand. “Sister does not know how to deal with her feelings properly. When we were children, she once liked a boy from another clan that visited awa’atlu. He played with us all the time and really liked sister. But since she didn't know what to do, she accidentally made him cry before he and his family were about to leave. When the eclipse came, she cried so hard that it became everyone's favorite story to talk about during communal feasts.”

Lo’ak laughed but then slowly turned melancholic. Somehow, he relates to you. Often misunderstood because you cannot express yourself correctly, and it drives you to keep your thoughts on your own even more. “That’s sad… my brother… My brother is not really the one to pursue feelings. Back in the forest most of the girls our age liked him, some he was interested in, but really didn't bother doing something for it. He’s too busy taking care of us and training to be a good warrior. I don't know if he and your sister can even work it out at this point,”

Tsireya hummed, looking at you and to Neteyam every few seconds, before an idea formed in her mind. “I know exactly what to do!”

Lo’ak looked at his beloved’s bright face and can only pray for his brother’s well-being.

sitting down after dancing with neteyam, you friend immediately sat beside you with a grin. "how does it feel to dance with your beloved?"

you rolled your eyes despite the racing of your heart. you cannot admit that you almost sang in joy when neteyam asked for a dance. you didn't even know what happened during the dance as you just gone blank. he might have thought you were uninterested as he left right after the first dance finished. although you felt at loss, you acted like nothing and continued dancing with others.

seeing you like this, your friend teased you even further. “why don't you just go and proclaim your intentions, hmm? that you want to mate with ne—”

you covered your friend's mouth, scared that someone might hear. "be quiet will you! what if someone hear?"

your friend shrugged, "then you'd probably be forced to confront your feelings and then there would be celebration for your uni---"

"impossible," you cut her off. "we are never possible right from the very beginning. he's from the forest, i'm from the ocean."

"so what? you are both na'vi and obviously liked each other."

you sneered. like you? impossible. why would someone as perfect as neteyam like you?

he's the most perfect na'vi you have ever seen. a skilled warrior, with kind and loyal heart, and would do everything for his beloved family. he's the son of Toruk Makto, admired and well-liked. you? you're just a daughter of a warrior, a niece to the olo-eyktan of the metkayina. you have no real status, no great skills like neteyam.

you do not deserve him. "eywa knows that's not true, sister. eywa knows."

Walking into the lush greeneries of the island, you wonder where your friends are. Tsireya said she wanted everyone to gather in your secret place and play the demon’s game Truth or Dare. Although you detest sky demons, it didn't diminish your curiosity for their creations.

So against your better judgment, you still came when the eclipse started. Thankfully, you know your way in quite well and didn't get lost in your trek to the heart of the island.

As you went further, you began to notice the lack of noise your friends usually make. Lo’ak should be laughing boisterously by now, Tuk screaming, and Kiri wandering around. But no matter how you strain your ears, you don't hear any familiar noises.

So when you reached the hut where you and your friends planned to stay, you were shocked to see only Neteyam inside, seemingly waiting for everyone to show up.

Your feet froze and you cannot stop your heart from racing, hammering against your chest making you gasp for breath. Your heavy breathing was quickly noticed by Neteyam who was also surprised to see you.

The gears in your head turned and you already knew what your friends were doing. It must be Tsireya, who always can see through you and your thoughts. She must’ve conspired with everyone to deceive you and Neteyam.

Without thinking things through, you turned around and walked back to where you came from, but before you could even take a few steps, a hand forcefully held you back.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going home.”

“But shouldn't we wait for the others?”

Rolling your eyes, you pulled your arm out of his grip. “Don’t you understand? They set us up for their own amusement. Now, if you can please let me go. I can't be alone with you right now. I swear to Eywa I will feed that girl to an akula—”

“Why can’t you be alone with me? Do you hate me that much?!”

“What’s your problem?!” You glared at him when he pulled you again, his fingers digging into your shoulder.

“No, what is YOUR problem?!” He looked at you sharply, trying to mask the hurt he felt inside when he heard your words. He had always known you don't like him, but to hear you imply yourself definitely hurts the most. Shaking his head, he continued. “Y’know what? Perhaps this is the time we finally talk. So tell me now, ocean girl! What the hell is your problem with me!”

You let out an unbelievable huff, feeling ridiculous as you shouted back. “Me?! It’s you always shooting daggers at me every time we meet! Why is that my fault?!”

“Because you treat me like shit!”

Both you and Neteyam froze with his outburst. He looked rather regretful for allowing himself to be vulnerable, especially in front of you. His self control is crumbling away.

“I do not treat you like shit! Don’t make things up!”

“Oh yeah, right! Maybe you don't treat me like shit because you treat me like I don’t exist! Don’t act like you don't ignore me all the time, as if it's a great burden for you to even pay me any attention. I’m tired of your shit! So tell me, what is your problem, ocean girl, so we can finally end this farce!”

With mouth agape, you stared wide-eyed at Neteyam. You have never seen him this angry before. Most of the time he’s mellow and polite, always greeting you every time you hang out with his siblings. It's only recently that he had somehow changed, always glaring at you, shooting daggers at you every time you passed by.

You tried to explain but you cannot find the right words. Looking at you like this, it only solidified Neteyam’s belief. The hurt in his eyes was palpable, so he looked away. He can't let you see him so affected by you. His pride is the only thing he can cling to right now, as you have stripped away everything from him.

“What? Couldn't speak? Did I hit the mark, ocean girl?

You gasp, chest heaving so fast as your heart rammed against your ribs. You cannot look into his eyes, too afraid to let him see the feelings you are trying so hard to avoid. “...I-I don’t dislike you, I-I—”

“Liar! You can't even look me in the eye! Tell me the truth!”

“I-I don't want to!”

“Well guess what, you cannot leave this island without telling the truth. Tell me, and I’ll let you go.” His tone has mellowed, a hint of begging in his voice. His grip on your shoulder was tight, it was hurting you but you cannot ignore the voice in your head that urges you to just tell everything and end this ridiculous argument.

“tell me, how can make you like me?"

your heart skipped a beat, processing his words. like him? you already like him so much that it hurts. how can he ask you that?

seeing you silenced, Neteyam’s chest constricted. His eyes stung, but he tried so hard to never let you notice. He cannot crumble in front of you. He doesn't want you to have the satisfaction. He wanted to hear you say that you hate him. That you detest him. That you cannot stand the thought of being with him. So it would destroy him silently, and he can finally rebuild himself piece by piece.

“Tell me!”

“I hate you because I love you!”

“Bull—”

Neteyam paused, eyes wide as he looked at you in disbelief. Your tears finally fell like waterfall as your knees gave away and you sobbed into the ground. You finally said it. The reason why you cannot sleep at night. The reason you tried so hard to avoid Neteyam in fear that he’ll see through you, that he’d be disgusted with your feelings with him. You tried to mask your love as dislike to protect your heart, because you know if you give in you’d just be shattered. You know well how this would end. He would never be yours.

“I-I hate you so much, Neteyam! For making me feel this w-way! I hate you for changing my life and making me c-confused! I hate you for making me fall for you!”

“W-What—”

You stood up without waiting for his reply. With all your strength, you ran away from Neteyam. You didn't care if your feet were hurting, and when you bumped into someone you didn't look at who it was. All you wanted was to leave this place and never see Neteyam again.

Lo’ak looked at your disappearing back and patted his brother's shoulder. Neteyam was still standing like a statue, in shock, staring at the direction you had escaped to.

“Cat’s finally out of the bag, huh. Took you guys long enough. Congrats bro, you finally confessed to your cru—”

Before Lo’ak could even finish his words, Neteyam took off like his tail’s on fire, running after you with a huge triumphant grin on his face. Tsireya and Lo’ak looked at each other and laughed, proud of their successful plan.

“Looks like I won this bet. Kiri better pays up!”

[cheynovak]

Forged - Part six (final)

Summary: Calista is a young woman who lives with her uncle and nephew since her parents died, one day 'the God king's' guards under the leadership of a knight come to town. Looking for young women to present to the crown prince Cyrus (Luke Evans) , who is in search of a wife before he can claim the throne. Calista meets the handsome Knight Ezra (Jensen Ackles) who doesn't seem to be who she thinks he is. Will she fall for the dark intriguing prince, or will she fall for the guidance and warmth of Ezra?  

         

Warnings:    18+, smut, oral sex, fighting, bloodshed, ...

English is not my first language  

Words:  6300  

Part 6 out of 6  

*This story is my own original story, please do not copy my work, reblog/comments/likes are appreciated* 

--  

“What got into you?” he asked softly, his voice tinged with curiosity.  

I turned to face him, a smile playing on my lips. “I’m done being a pawn for your brother, and I don't want you to be one either.” I said, his eyes softened as he took in my words. A deep, genuine smile spread across his face, reflecting the joy and relief that matched my own. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from my forehead, his touch tender and affectionate. my voice steady and filled with conviction. “It is my turn to take what I want.” I added and kissed him again   

And what I wanted, from the beginning, was Ezra.   

-- 

I woke up to the gentle warmth of sunlight on my skin... No, it wasn’t the sun. It was Ezra's warmth, radiating like the morning light, I slowly opened my eyes, not wanting to let go just yet. I realized he was still asleep, his arm draped protectively over me. 

His presence felt like a safety I hadn't known I needed, grounding me in a way that made the world outside of this room seem distant and unimportant. My face rested against his toned chest, and I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips. 

I smiled to myself as I traced the soft freckles scattered across his chest, my fingers moving lightly over his skin. The memories of last night played vividly in my mind. We couldn’t get enough of each other, our passion overwhelming and undeniable. It wasn’t just physical; it was something deeper, something that finally aligned my mind and heart. 

For the first time in a long while, everything felt right. My doubts, my fears, they all faded away in the light of the truth I had found. Ezra was who I wanted, who I needed. The thought filled me with a sense of peace and certainty I hadn’t felt in what seemed like forever. 

Ezra shifted slightly in his sleep, his arm tightening around me as if he sensed my thoughts. I nestled closer, closing my eyes again, content to stay wrapped in this moment for as long as I could. 

By the time he woke up, it was almost noon. We had shifted during the morning, and I had fallen asleep again, my body still tucked against his, his arm under my head, but I lay on my stomach. I felt a soft pressure on my back, waking to the sensation of gentle kisses trailing along my bare skin. “Good morning,” he whispered in my ear, his voice warm and tender as his other hand rested on my hip. 

I turned toward him, still drowsy but filled with a sense of contentment, and kissed him deeply, pulling him closer, wanting to lose myself in him again. But he held back slightly, his expression shifting as he gently asked, “Ready to tell me what happened last night.” I tried to joke and said, "I don't know about you, but I had mind blowing sex with a god." He smiled softly but was still concerned. "Calista..." he whispered to show he expected a real answer from me.

My mood darkened, and he noticed the change immediately. I hesitated, the words catching in my throat, but I knew I had to tell him. “I saw Cyrus... and Sara,” I began, my voice trembling. “They’re romantically involved, I that I don’t even care about.” I had to clarify before he thought I wanted him only for payback. “I overheard them talking... Cyrus admitted that the poison was hers. He is the one who has been poisoning me from the start. I don’t know why, but now he wants me gone. I don’t know if your aunt even had anything to do with the poison...” Or your fathers dead I thought. 

The air seemed to thicken with tension as my words sank in. Ezra’s face went from concern to a cold, controlled fury. He sat up, his muscles tensing as he processed what I had just revealed. His eyes darkened, and I could feel the anger radiating from him like a storm about to break. 

“He’s been poisoning you, hurting you... I thought he wanted you.” His voice was low, but the fury in it was unmistakable. He clenched his fists, his breath shaking with rage. “I’m going to kill him.” 

“Ezra, please—” 

“No, Calista,” he cut me off, standing up from the bed, pacing with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. his anger still simmering beneath the surface. I jumped out of bed, the sheets still wrapped around me, and moved to stand in front of him, blocking his path. His eyes met mine, and I could see the storm within them starting to calm, though it hadn't completely subsided. 

“I need to find out exactly what happened, what he is planning.” I said softly, trying to reach him through his anger. “If you go after him now, it’ll only make you look like the jealous brother who wants the throne.” 

He paused, his jaw clenched, clearly struggling with the idea. His hands, which had been balled into fists, slowly relaxed. “You’re right,” he finally admitted, though the reluctance was evident in his voice. “But I can’t just stand by and do nothing.” 

“We won’t,” I assured him, placing a hand on his arm. “But we have to be smart about this. We need to gather evidence, find out what their plan is and ask the council to reconsider his title, to help us. If we confront them now, without proof, it’ll be our word against theirs.” 

He looked at me, the fire in his eyes still flickering but controlled now. “I won’t let them hurt you, Calista. I’ll won’t be able to hold myself back if he does.” 

“I know,” I whispered, my heart aching with the weight of everything that had happened. “But we have to be careful.” I rested my head against his chest, feeling the angry fast beat of his heart. Ezra spoke, voicing the thought I had been dreading all morning. 

“You have to go in a minute,” he said quietly, his hand gently stroking my hair. “He’ll be wondering why you didn’t spend the night with him.” I huffed, a bitter edge to my voice as I replied, “He probably stayed with Sara, he didn’t miss me. I hope you know I don’t spend every night with him.” Ezra shook his head, doubt etched in his features. “But you did spend at least one together.” he said while his finger moved through my darkened hair and he looked deep in my eyes, I knew he saw the divine swirling deep down mixed in the brown color. But all he said was “He sent me to search for you last night. He’s suspicious, Calista.” 

The reality of the situation hit me like a cold wave. As much as I wanted to stay in this moment, wrapped in Ezra’s warmth and safety, I knew he was right. I had to return before Cyrus became too suspicious, before he started asking questions, I wasn’t ready to answer. I sighed, pulling away from Ezra slightly to look up at him. “I hate this,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. 

“I know,” he said softly, his fingers still brushing over my hair. Though the thought of leaving him felt like a weight in my chest. “I’ll go,” I said reluctantly, “but promise me you’ll be careful too. We can’t let them know we’re onto them.” Ezra’s expression softened, and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I promise,” he said. “I’ll keep my distance and gather what I can. You just focus on keeping up appearances.” 

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the role I had to play. “I’ll do my best,” I said, pulling away from him completely. As I dressed, the reality of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders. But I knew one thing for certain: I wasn’t going to let Cyrus and Sara’s schemes destroy everything. Not without a fight. 

The next few days were awful, a twisted game of pretence that drained every ounce of my energy. I forced myself to be the perfect wife, smiling and playing the role I was expected to, even as my heart was heavy with betrayal and anger. 

Cyrus held me close whenever we were together, his touch sending cold shivers down my spine instead of the warmth I once felt. He asked me about that night, suspicion flickering in his eyes as he questioned where I had been. 

“I wasn’t feeling well,” I lied, keeping my voice steady. “I needed some air, so I walked outside. By the time I got back, it was late, and I didn’t want to disturb you, so I stayed in my own room.” 

He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine for any hint of deception. I held my breath, praying he would believe me, that he wouldn’t see through the facade I had carefully constructed. 

Finally, he nodded, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced. “Alright,” he said, his tone more resigned than trusting. “But next time, let me know. I don’t like not knowing where you are.” 

I forced a smile, nodding in agreement. “Of course,” I replied, though the words tasted bitter on my tongue. 

I planned an afternoon in the garden with Micah, hoping for some semblance of normalcy in the midst of the chaos swirling around me. The sun was bright, casting a warm glow over the meticulously tended flowers and lush greenery. Micah, with his boundless energy and infectious laughter, was a welcome distraction from the heavy burden I carried. 

As we wandered through the garden, stopping to admire the blooming roses and chase after butterflies, I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye. Turning my head slightly, I saw Cyrus and Sara walking in the hall that overlooked the garden. 

They were the picture of decorum, keeping a respectful distance from one another as they casually talked. From an outsider's perspective, they appeared nothing like the intimate, conspiratorial duo I had witnessed on the night of the coronation. Their body language was impeccable, carefully calculated to project an image of professionalism and politeness. 

But I knew better. 

Seeing them like this only deepened the pit of anger and resentment that had been growing inside me since that night. 

Micah tugged on my hand, drawing my attention back to him. "Come on, let's go see the pond!" he exclaimed, his eyes bright with excitement. I forced a smile, nodding as I let him lead me away, trying to push the image of Cyrus and Sara out of my mind. 

As Micah tossed bits of bread into the pond, delighting in the way the fish eagerly swarmed the surface, I felt a presence behind me. Turning slightly, I saw Sara approaching, her steps cautious and her expression carefully composed. There was something almost predatory about her demeanor, a subtle hint of calculation in her eyes as she drew closer. 

"Calista," she began, her tone unusually soft, almost contrite. "I wanted to apologize. Cyrus and I had a conversation, and he convinced me that I should give you the respect you deserve." She offered a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, as if she were trying to portray sincerity but failing to hide the underlying tension. 

I returned her smile, though mine was edged with the knowledge of her true intentions. This was no genuine apology; it was a move in the game she and Cyrus were playing. But two could play at that. 

"It’s wise of you to recognize that," I replied smoothly, my voice carrying a calm authority. "After all, I am your queen now." I allowed the title to hang between us, letting it sink in. "And going forward, I think it would be more appropriate for you to address me as such, rather than by my name." 

Sara’s smile faltered for the briefest moment, a flicker of something dark passing through her eyes. But she recovered quickly, bowing her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Of course, Your Majesty," she said, the words coming out a bit stiffly, as if they were difficult for her to utter. 

Satisfied, I turned my attention back to Micah, who was still engrossed in feeding the fish, oblivious to the tension between the two of us. But I kept Sara in my peripheral vision, aware that this interaction was just another step in the silent war that had been brewing since the night of the coronation. 

Sara may have come to play her part, but I was no longer the naive girl who could be easily manipulated. I had seen through their game, and now I was determined to play it on my own terms. 

That evening, as the dinner progressed, I noticed Cyrus leaving the table earlier than usual. He mentioned a council meeting, his voice smooth and nonchalant, but there was a glint in his eye that made me suspicious. He'd been doing this often lately, slipping away with vague excuses, and each time, my frustration grew. 

I waited a few minutes after he left, then excused myself from the table as well. I hurried through the corridors, trying to catch up to him. But once again, as I turned the corner where I was sure he had gone, I found nothing but an empty hallway. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. My pulse quickened, a mix of anger and determination burning within me. 

This pattern had been repeating itself over the past few weeks, and each time I tried to follow him, I ended up lost or misled. Cyrus was careful, too careful, and it was driving me mad. I needed to know where he was going and what he was doing, especially now that I knew the truth about his treachery. But no matter how hard I tried, he always managed to slip away, leaving me with nothing but unanswered questions and mounting frustration. 

I returned to my chambers, the heavy weight of suspicion and helplessness pressing down on me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever he was up to, it was something that could put me in even greater danger. I knew I had to be smarter, more strategic, if I wanted to uncover his secrets. 

A knock on the door startled me, pulling me out of my thoughts. My heart leapt, thinking it might be Cyrus, but when I opened the door, I found Ezra standing there, looking over his shoulder hoping no one saw him. Relief washed over me, quickly followed by a surge of longing. Without a word, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him, his eyes filled with a desperate need. Before I could say anything, his lips crashed into mine, a kiss with an intensity that made my knees weak. 

We had been apart for over a week, Cyrus had sent Ezra away on some mission, and the longing we felt was palpable in every touch, every breath. I could feel how much he had missed me in the way his hands gripped my waist, pulling me closer as if he couldn’t bear the thought of being apart any longer. 

I responded with equal fervour, my fingers tangling in his hair as I deepened the kiss, our bodies and hearts reconnecting after the forced separation. The need, the desperation, the love, it was all there, woven into each kiss, each touch. This had been our way of coping, sneaking away to a room, pulling him aside in a dark hallway, sneaking around in the night in the castle, all while stealing passioned kisses and occasionally even making love when there was time. All though he never let himself go like the first night. The idea of me having his child, it would mean the end of us all, especially since I refused to sleep with Cyrus anymore.  

Finally, we pulled apart, both of us breathless, our foreheads resting against each other as we tried to steady our racing hearts. His hands were still on my waist, holding me close as if afraid I might slip away. 

“I missed you so much,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “I missed you too,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Ezra’s gaze softened as he looked at me, a mix of concern and desire in his eyes. “Did you find anything?” he asked while I guided him to the edge of the bed and pushed him gently to sit down, his eyes following my movements with an unreadable expression. 

I shook my head in response to his question as I knelt in front of him, I worked at the fastenings of his pants. His hands found my chin, tilting it up so he could look directly into my eyes. “It’s not the best time for this, Calista,” he said, his voice filled with a combination of urgency and tenderness. “Cyrus wants me to report what happened.” 

I smiled, my eyes glinting with mischief and determination. “Then let’s make this quick, just enjoy.” I replied, my tone laced with both playful defiance and a sense of urgency. I gently pulled his hands away from my face, guiding them down to his sides as I continued to work on his pants. 

With a soft chuckle, he leaned back, his expression shifting to one of acceptance and eager anticipation. “You’re determined,” he murmured, his eyes dark with desire. “Absolutely,” I replied, my fingers deftly finishing their task. “I’ve missed you too much to wait any longer.” 

The room was filled with the soft rustling of fabric and the quiet hum of anticipation as I settled myself in front of him, with a final, soft touch of my hands on his thighs, I looked up at him, my eyes locking onto his while taking his half hard member in my mouth. Ezra’s breath hitched as he watched me, his hands finding their way back to my hair, ready to respond to my every touch. 

Knowing I had just enough time to pleasure him before Cyrus expected us. 

-- 

I was sitting beside Cyrus in the throne room, I found it difficult to mask the tumultuous emotions that churned inside me. Especially after Ezra had the great idea a few nights back, before his task, to pleasure me right here, right on my throne, while kneeling before me, his face between my thighs, it took me everything in my power not to scream his name through these walls. The room now, was filled with the soft murmur of advisors and the occasional rustling of fabric as dignitaries moved about. Cyrus sat tall and imposing on the throne, his demeanour regal and composed, but his eyes betrayed an underlying tension. 

The knowledge that Ezra had discovered Cyrus’s intentions on his trip, to expand territory through military force weighed heavily on me. Ezra's revelations had shaken my world. The notion of a coming war, the potential suffering, and the risk of losing everything we, humans had fought for plagued my thoughts. 

In addition, Ezra had discovered a medicine woman in the town who offered him a medicinal potion that could prevent pregnancy, a revelation he had shared right before we walked out to the room we were sitting in now, I looked over at him, wanting to rip the clothes off and take him right then and there. The idea of being with Ezra, of escaping the harsh reality of my marriage and the impending conflict, was almost overwhelming. 

Cyrus's attention was focused on a scroll that was being presented by one of his advisors. As he reviewed it, I leaned closer, my mind still preoccupied with Ezra’s words and the gravity of the situation yet unable to not stare at that beautiful man in front of me. 

Cyrus's voice broke through my thoughts. "You seem distant, Calista. Is everything alright?" I turned to him, forcing a reassuring smile. "Everything is fine, my king," I replied, though my mind was far from calm. "Just... thinking about the future." Cyrus nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. He returned to his scroll, but I could sense that he was still observant, his eyes occasionally darting toward me.  

As the discussions continued around us, my thoughts wandered back to Ezra and the intimate moments we had shared. The urgency in his voice, the desire in his eyes, it all felt so real and immediate. The tension between us was palpable, a constant reminder of the unspoken bond we shared. 

I knew that in this precarious position, I had to maintain my composure. I glanced at Cyrus, who was now engaged in a heated discussion with one of his advisors. Suddenly, Cyrus stood up abruptly, his anger palpable as he announced the cancellation of the meeting and stormed out. Confused but sensing an opportunity, I exchanged glances with Ezra. He gave me a subtle nod, signalling that I should follow him. 

I trailed behind Ezra as he slipped through a concealed door leading into a tunnel. My curiosity and concern drove me to follow him into the dimly lit passage. As we moved deeper, we came upon a clandestine meeting where Cyrus was conversing with Sara and a few other high-ranking council members. 

The conversation I overheard was shocking. They were plotting to invade my old world, with the intention of enslaving its people. Cyrus revealed that he needed me to act as a lure since the humans trusted me, given my past connection with them. Everything began to make sense. It was all part of Cyrus’s plan to use me for his own gain. 

He had intended to keep me drugged to ensure my compliance and eventually use me to manipulate and betray my former world. If that plan worked, he was to keep me out of the public eye, with the ultimate goal of eliminating me once his objectives were met. The drugging had been a mistake; rather than merely making me ill, it had caused me to faint. His first real strategy was to avoid marrying me and claim the throne unchallenged, but that didn’t worked out, so now he was using me as a pawn to lure and then eliminate my people. 

The older man in the group questioned Cyrus about Ezra’s involvement, noting that Ezra was stronger than him. Cyrus dismissed the concern with a confident tone, saying, "Once Calista is gone, Ezra will willingly end his own life." 

Another member of the council asked how Cyrus planned held the people, not to turn against him if I was dead. Cyrus remained silent, his gaze shifting toward the door behind which I was hiding. Realizing I had been discovered, I panicked and fled, fearing that I might be caught. 

I ran through the dimly lit corridors, my heart pounding as if it might burst from my chest. My breaths came in sharp, ragged gasps, and I felt a wave of nausea threatening to overwhelm me. The weight of what I had overheard pressed down on me, making me feel lightheaded and unsteady. 

Finally, I reached Ezra’s door, my trembling hand knocking urgently. When he opened it, his face shifted from confusion to concern as he took in my pale, distressed appearance. 

“Calista, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice filled with worry. 

“I... I overheard something,” I managed to say, my voice barely more than a whisper. I took a deep breath, struggling to steady myself. “Cyrus... he’s planning to enslave the humans, to have me killed. He’s using me to lure the people from my old world and then...  He even said he wants you dead, you would end your own life once I’m gone.” My knees nearly giving way. “ I heard them talking. They’re planning to take over my old world and enslave the humans. Cyrus wanted to use me to manipulate them. I don’t know what to do... I’m so scared.”  

-- 

As the night deepened, my anxiety grew. I paced Ezra’s room, my thoughts racing. Where was he? He had left earlier, saying he needed to make plans for our escape, but now the room felt suffocatingly quiet. I had hoped he would return by now with a plan or some news. 

A soft knock on the door startled me. I opened it to find Marie standing there, her clothes torn and face bruised. Before I could react, two guards stepped out from behind her, grabbing me with rough hands. I struggled against their hold, but their grip was unyielding as they dragged me through the corridors. 

My heart pounded as we were led to the throne room. The grand doors swung open, revealing a chilling scene. Ezra was on his knees in front of Cyrus, bound by some spell Cyrus casted, his hands and feet covered in a dark purple glow, Cyrus, who stood with a wicked, triumphant smile. The sight made my blood run cold. 

Cyrus’s gaze locked onto me as I was roughly thrown into the room. “Spying on me, Calista?” he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. “I underestimated you.” 

My eyes darted to Ezra, who looked up at me with a mixture of defeat and sorrow. My stomach churned with fear and helplessness. I tried to steady my voice, but it came out trembling. “What is this? What do you want?” 

Cyrus's smile widened. “You’ve been quite a thorn in my side. I should have known you wouldn’t be easily controlled. Now, it seems we have a lot to discuss.” His eyes flicked to Ezra, then back to me. “You see, my plans have been set in motion, and you used to be a crucial part of them.” The guards held me tightly as Cyrus began to explain his scheme, and I could only watch in horror, knowing that Ezra and I were running out of time. 

He approached me with a menacing calmness, his expression dark and unreadable. He cupped my face in his hands, his touch chilling against my skin. "Calista," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "if you kept my little secret to yourself, I wouldn’t have to end Ezra’s life...so soon." 

I struggled to keep my composure, trying to process his threat. "I should have known it was him," he continued, his eyes narrowing. "I knew you were betraying me, but my own brother?" A harsh laugh escaped me, cold and hollow. "You betrayed me first," I spat out, unable to hide my bitterness. “ No no no, we made a deal.” he said walking over to Ezra. “You never said anything about slavery or invading a world not yours to take.” I spit out.  

Cyrus’s face contorted with rage, his voice rising to a roar. "I am the king!" he bellowed, the authority in his tone echoing through the vast chamber. “You will do as I command, or you will suffer the consequences. No one defies me and lives to tell the tale.” 

Cyrus’s face twisted into a sinister smile as he stepped toward Ezra, the blade in his hand glowing ominously with a deep purple hue. The air around us grew heavy with tension, the room seemingly vibrating with the dark energy of the blade. 

Ezra, still kneeling, looked up at Cyrus with defiance and fear mingling in his eyes. Cyrus yanked Ezra’s head back roughly, exposing his throat. My heart pounded in my chest, a desperate panic rising like a wildfire. I tried to call out, my voice cracking with fear and desperation, begging Cyrus to stop. 

“No, please!” I shouted, my voice trembling. “Don’t do this! I’ll do anything, just don’t hurt him!” I knew I wouldn’t be able to take him down, I wasn’t nearly as strong or fast. Especially now Cyrus his guard held me back.

Cyrus’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. He ignored my pleas, the blade cold and unyielding against Ezra’s skin. I watched in horror as the tip of the blade pressed into Ezra’s throat, a thin line of blood beginning to seep from the wound. 

The sight of Ezra’s blood triggered something deep within me. It was as if an explosive force within me awakened, fuelled by the very power Cyrus had carelessly gifted me. I felt an immense surge of energy coursing through my veins, the power that had lain dormant now roaring to life. 

I screamed in agony and fury, the sound escaping my lips like a primal roar. The room around us seemed to convulse with the force of my cry. The walls shook violently, and a powerful shockwave of energy erupted from my body. 

The force of the explosion sent everyone—Cyrus, Ezra, the guards, and even Marie—crashing against the walls with bone-jarring impacts. The throne room, once a symbol of opulence and control, was now filled with chaos and destruction. The furniture shattered, the tapestries ripped from their hangings, and debris scattered across the floor. 

Cyrus was thrown back, his wicked grin replaced by an expression of shock and rage as he struggled to regain his footing. Ezra, thrown off balance but still alive, looked at me with a mixture of awe and concern. Marie lay unconscious, her face pale and battered from the force of the blast. Breathing heavily, I stood amidst the wreckage, my body trembling from the exertion of the unleashed power.  

Cyrus roared with fury, his eyes blazing with a wrathful fire as he advanced on me. The throne room, now became the stage for our final confrontation. His attacks were brutal and unrelenting, each blow landing with bone-crushing force. I staggered under the weight of his strikes, my body growing weaker with every hit, but through the pain, I maintained a wide, defiant grin. 

Cyrus’s anger intensified as he pummelled me, his face a mask of rage and confusion. “You thought you could outsmart me?” he spat, each word punctuated by another vicious blow. “You thought your pathetic power could hurt me?” 

I met his gaze, blood streaming from my wounds, my breath coming in ragged gasps. “I never needed to hurt you,” I said, my voice strained but resolute. “Just distract you.” 

His confusion deepened, and for a brief moment, his guard lowered. It was in that crucial instant that the golden light began to fill the room. The air crackled with a newfound energy, an overwhelming radiance that pushed back the shadows and the oppressive weight of Cyrus’s malevolence. The power surged through the room, bathing everything in a brilliant, otherworldly blinding glow. 

Cyrus’s expression shifted from rage to bewilderment as he looked around, recognising, understanding the source of this sudden, divine light. It was then that the sound of the blade piercing flesh sliced through the tension. Ezra, with a fierce determination in his eyes, had driven his sword through Cyrus’s chest. The golden glow intensified around the blade, searing through Cyrus’s defences. 

Cyrus’s eyes widened in shock and pain, his strength faltering as the blade cut deeper. The purple haze in his eyes began to fade, replaced by a clear ash green. The blade glowed with an ethereal light, reflecting the purity of Ezra’s intent and the justice of the moment. 

As the sword drove through Cyrus’s heart, the golden energy reached its peak, engulfing the throne room in a blinding brilliance. The air was filled with the sound of Sara’s piercing scream, a sound of horror and disbelief. The council members stood frozen, their faces pale and eyes wide, unable to process the sudden turn of events. 

Cyrus gasped, his body convulsing as the life drained from him. The once-mighty king, who had seemed invincible just moments before, was now collapsing under the weight of his own hubris and the divine justice meted out by Ezra’s blade. His expression was a mix of rage, disbelief, and ultimate defeat. 

Ezra stood over him, the blade still embedded in Cyrus’s chest, his own breath heavy with the exertion of the battle. The golden light slowly dimmed, the radiance fading but leaving a lingering warmth in the air. He pulled the sword free, wiping the blood from the blade with a grim expression. 

I watched as Cyrus fell to the floor, his body lifeless, the throne room now silent except for the distant, echoing cries of Sara and the hushed murmurs of the council. The room was bathed in the last remnants of the golden light, casting a serene glow over the chaotic scene. 

I saw Ezra’s gaze shift from Sara and the corrupt council members to the rest of the room. His expression was a blend of resolve and concern as he assessed the aftermath of the chaos. But just as I tried to focus on him, the world around me started to spin and blur. The strain, the adrenaline, and the overwhelming emotions were too much. Darkness closed in, and I fainted. 

When I regained consciousness, the first thing I heard was Micah’s voice. “Will she wake up soon?” he asked, his tone filled with concern. The sound of his voice was soothing, a small anchor in the midst of my disorientation. 

I stirred, my eyes fluttering open. The room was dim, the remnants of the golden light now faded to a soft glow. As my vision cleared, I saw Ezra standing near me, his presence both commanding and comforting. He looked every bit the god he was, his features illuminated with a serene and powerful aura. His eyes, a deep and intense shade, were locked onto mine with a look of profound relief and affection. 

Ezra’s face softened as he saw me wake. “Calista,” he murmured, his voice a gentle caress against the backdrop of the room’s quiet. His form was like a beacon in the dim light, a pillar of strength amidst the remnants of turmoil. 

I looked at him and knew I was safe. 

-- 

A year had passed since the tumultuous events that had reshaped our lives. Ezra had locked away all who had followed Cyrus and ruled like a true king.  

Today, I found myself standing on the cusp of a new chapter, enveloped in a sense of serene joy. I wore my mother’s simple white wedding gown, a garment that had seen decades of love and now draped over me with a poignant sense of continuity. The gown’s fabric was light and ethereal, with delicate lace trim and a flowing skirt that whispered with each step. 

Marie, ever the diligent and loving friend, was meticulously arranging my hair. She worked with practiced hands, pinning delicate strands into place, and weaving in small, fragrant white roses that complemented the softness of the gown. The room was filled with the subtle scent of flowers and the soft rustling of fabric. The veil, a sheer cascade of white, gently obscured my face, but it could not conceal the happiness radiating from me. It was a happiness so profound that it felt almost tangible, a warm, comforting embrace that wrapped around my heart. 

Outside, the villagers of my old town were bustling with activity, their excited chatter and laughter drifting in through the open windows. The familiar sight of the village, now adorned with flowers and festive decorations, was a reminder of the life I had come full circle to embrace. The streets were alive with the joyous energy of a community that had watched me grow and now celebrated alongside me. 

Inside, Uncle Henry was assisting Micah, who had grown remarkably over the past year. The young boy, now on the brink of adolescence, stood patiently as Uncle Henry buttoned his shirt. Micah’s eyes, filled with a mix of youthful excitement and shy anticipation, met mine through the veil. He had blossomed into a handsome young man, his growth a testament to the passage of time and the many changes we had all undergone. 

As I took my place at the beginning of the aisle, the soft murmur of the crowd faded into a distant hum. My heart raced with a blend of nervousness and exhilaration. I looked ahead and there he stood—Ezra. He was clad in a tuxedo that shimmered with golden details, a perfect match for the grandeur of the occasion. His eyes, warm and filled with a pride that made my heart swell, locked onto mine. 

Ezra’s smile was a beacon of love and strength, a silent promise of the future we were about to build together. His presence, regal and confident, was the culmination of everything we had worked through, everything we had overcome. His eyes softened as they traced the outline of my figure, his pride evident in every line of his face. The happiness that danced in his gaze mirrored my own, a shared joy that seemed to light up the entire room. 

As I walked down the aisle, each step was a step towards a new beginning. The veil, while delicate and translucent, was no match for the radiance of the moment. It was a symbol of the past, of family and heritage, but also a bridge to a future filled with promise and love. With each step closer to Ezra, my heart felt lighter, more certain, knowing that we were finally where we were meant to be. 

Standing at the altar in the middle of my town’s square, I faced Ezra, and in that moment, time seemed to pause. Our eyes locked in a profound, unspoken connection that transcended words. His gaze was steady and full of warmth, a reflection of the love and commitment we had nurtured over the past year. 

He reached out, his hand gently enveloping mine. The touch was electrifying, grounding me in the reality of this extraordinary moment. His fingers, warm and strong, intertwined with mine, creating a perfect, unbreakable bond. The simplicity of the gesture spoke volumes, conveying a depth of feeling that words could hardly capture. 

As I looked into his eyes, I saw a future full of promise and joy. It was as if every trial and triumph, every challenge we had faced, had led to this very instant. I squeezed his hand gently, a silent affirmation of the commitment we were making to each other. His grip tightened reassuringly, as if to say that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.  

The events forged me to become a true queen to the people with the right king by my side.

And in that perfect, serene moment, I knew with all my heart that this was where I was meant to be.  

This was my forever. 

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

Tag list:-> I keep a different list for this story because it is different from the other stories I write. If you want to be added please let me know!

@jackles010378 @headinthemoon87

[horrornvnfan]

Maria Fielding in Visual Novels

A 💘 will indicate who in the game is Maria's love interest.

This is a post for games with a very small cast, or games that I still don't yet know much about!

In alphabetical order: Cannibal Sweetheart, Camp Willowpeak, Honey Hotline, My Dear Hatchet Man, The Groom of Gallagher Mansion, You and Him

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

Cannibal Sweetheart:

Backstory Changes: None, except now she has a terminal heart condition, poor girl.

Relationships:

💘(???) CASANOVA: "A date for a heart? No way that's true--" Maria is bewildered by this prospect, but also won't hesitate if it means getting a new heart. If she falls for him or has to eventually break the act, it can really go either way. She's also not bothered by the cannibalism, as long as he doesn't kill people. ...Does he kill people? Should she run--?

CYANIDE: "A very cute nurse." Maria has a minor crush on the Cyanide, but will happily be friends with her instead. Overall, she just likes chatting with her when she picks up her prescription!

PESTILENCE: "My very good friend!" Pestilence is someone Maria has known a long time and trusts completely! They talk frequently, and Maria goes to them for advice all the time. She honestly doesn't flinch at Pestilience's hobbies, but will point out anything shady and the potential consequences. She'll probably do what they say when she asks what she should do about Casanova.

KETAMINE: "Nice tattoos." He is not someone Maria would like to talk to very much on account of her disliking bugs, but she still holds a polite respect for him. And likes his tattoos. If push comes to shove, she will try to make him an ally over an enemy!

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

Camp Willowpeak:

Backstory Changes: None! She just gets a job as a camp counselor!

(Note: there is no set love interest 💘 for Maria in this universe yet because I want to see how this story progresses and learn more about the characters!)

Relationships:

HARPER: "He's cool, but hmm..." Maria is very friendly with Harper! They bond over a fondness for musicals and swimming. But he is sort of intense with her, and that really throws her off. She would have no idea what to do if he ever asked her out, because they haven't known each other long.

GAVIN: "Dork!" Maria gets along well with Gavin, mostly because of their silly humor, but she teases him for having 0 game.

SOHPIE: "She rules!" Maria is good friends with Sophie, they're both outgoing, and she reminds her to eat when she forgets.

CAMMI: "Cammi is the best!" Maria and Cammi get along very well, they're both responsible and hardworking and have a passion for learning! But she does want Cammi to remember to have fun.

DANTE: "Cool older guy." Maria likes how sociable he is and gets along well with him, but they don't actually interact much. Still, she respects him a lot!

JAZZ: "Don't stare, don't stare, don't--" Jazz is so attractive that Maria will avoid her, but it's very hard to do when they work together! Still, she appreciates Jazz's guidance.

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

Honey Hotline:

Backstory Changes: None, except that Maria is still taking college classes, maybe for a masters or PHD!

Relationships:

💘FONE: "Gosh, he's cute!" Maria doesn't often notice people who don't interact with her, but she knows she's seen Fone around even before they were formally introduced. He always struck her as a cute guy who preferred to be alone, so she never approached. Now that they're in a group together, she'd like to get to know him.

AMSEY: "She's really sweet!" Maria likes Amsey so much, they're such a sweet person and easy to talk to. She'd like to keep hanging out, and wants to invite them to join a rec team!

SEON: "Cool dude!" Maria admired him for a while for being so composed and hardworking in class, but once they started to hang out, they became nerd buddies, gushing over their favorite shows.

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

My Dear Hatchet Man:

Backstory Changes: None, just a specification that Maria moved to Canada for college and is still attending classes.

Relationships:

💘ALAN: "He's interesting!" He's a hot guy from the woods showing interest in her. Maria is swooning. If she finds out about the murder and supernatural stuff, she might try to save him from the whole thing. But when she realizes he's like that and also a stalker(?), well.... 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

ERIKA: "I want us to be friends!" Maria likes Erika! They're on acquaintance terms, and she'd like them to be real friends!

STU: "YOU!" Maria went to elementary and middle school with Stu, but not high school. They were good friends. She is stunned he's here and would like to be friends again.

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

The Groom of Gallagher Mansion:

Backstory Changes: None!

Relationships:

💘ELIAS: "He's more handsome than I expected." Maria has never considered dating a ghost, but she sure is now. And she's so sympathetic and curious about his life story, and wants to get along with him genuinely.

TAYLOR: "My friend!" They are good friends and share a passion for horror and the supernatural! They were equally enthusiastic by the idea of going to the manor, but Taylor is more than a little concerned by Maria's interest in romancing the ghost.

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

You and Him:

Backstory Changes: None, except now Maria has an aunt and another side job!

Relationships:

ADAM: "FUCK. OFF." Maria is throwing hands at this man every chance she gets. Once she learns about where this plot is going, she'll get into detective mode and force him to work with her until they can figure out the truth. He doesn't get a choice, she can be very demanding. Someone who stabbed her gets no manners.

SAFFRON: "AAAAAHHHH!!" No flight! Just fight! Maria is so sick of people attacking her by this point, she will go sicko mode and bite this guy's fingers off if he tries anything.

[redstringraven]

oop forgot to say

25 & 16 was for nyxram

>:D aaa, thank you so much!!! appreciate it! 💜

edgy/misc OC ask meme

16) what is your OC's pain tolerance like?

i imagine it's disturbingly high... to what's, like, probably an unhealthy amount. triceratons are tanks as a whole already*--due to their size, thick skin, and high-temperature tolerance--and here you have one who likely finds more nostalgia in certain pains than she does foods, smells or music (she didn't even grow up with access to music, so). yeah, nyxram is definitely one of those people where like. if you shoot her, you better know it's going to kill her. otherwise all you'll have managed to do is irritate her at best and piss her off at worst. she's not going to go down unless she's either dead or her body just physically gives out on her. which, again: not easy to do with triceratons in general. ...nyx could be standing in the meeting room bleeding from her side and be more concerned with excusing herself so she doesn't stain the floor or equipment than, y'know. the fact she has an open wound in her side. *they're hella nerfed in-series imo, and i'm gonna blame that on zanramon because he's there; don't @ me (lh)

25) what is your favorite thing about your OC?

gosh... i have a few, but for brevity i think i'll say: i love that she's a morally-gray character and also that because of the background i've given her, it's given me an opportunity to play with different approaches to triceraton combat and weaponized tech. like, post-rebellion nyx struggles with falling into old habits or old ways of thinking; she finds herself eavesdropping on her squad or traximus when she's quietly seeking '''moral guidance'''. she's a person who grew up in extreme isolation with, essentially, two serial-killers-for-hire as parents/teachers, raised and forged to kill. she had enough of a compass to realize she wanted out of that life, but now that she's out? she's having to learn, relearn, and unlearn all sorts of things. and there're times she falters; close as they've gotten, she and traximus butt heads about plenty of things. trax often wants to do things right. nyx often wants to get them done. it can be a lot of fun to think about how she might have moments of pause and internal struggle when it comes to choosing to listen to traximus or a squad member over something and trust their judgement, or if she chooses to solve the problem in a way she knows "worked" for her in the past. she hasn't been 'fixed' or made 'right' now that the external conflict of the old republic and rebellion has passed. the internal conflict is still very much there, and it's an interesting thing to get to explore. as for the combat/tech elements, i'm still trying to re-design nyx's suit to better reflect her as an assassin while also leaning a bit more into a scifi greek/roman-inspired look instead of something more based in the triceraton soldier's uniform, personalized tech included. i also want her to have a very distinct way she holds herself when ""working"" that makes her appear even more alien compared to the postures of triceraton soldiers. like, the ones we see in-series hold themselves similarly to how soldiers as we know them might--straight posture, kinda stiff, upright, grounded footing, etc. but when i picture nyxram, i tend to see her with her weight more on her toes/balls of her feet, and her posture slightly hunched with a wider stance. ...more 'dinosaur' or bird-like elements to her gait, presence, and overall silhouette, making her intimidating in a new and different way. "i've never seen a triceraton move like that", other races might mutter. ...some triceratons, too.

[redfountainpostin]

They are both idiots but I'll do Musa first.

I always said Musa is a girl on which it is painfully obvious she didn't have a mom. When you're a tween growing into teen girl and you start looking at boys, sometimes, either through the media influence (romcoms, silly books, TV shows) or your own immaturity, you may start appreciating wrong things in guys or expecting a romance like in the media you watch. Your mom's job is to tell you "no, guys can't read your mind" "no, bad boys aren't always cute" and "don't you dare go forth trying to fix that damn man". Musa did not have that guidance (her dad never stepped up and we never hear of any relatives filling her mom's shoes) and when it comes to the relationships she's very, very immature- that is no attack on Musa, Musa is a 16 year old girl, she can be as unprepared for a relationship as she wants. She fell for Riven super hard and when she finally did get him, she at more than one occasion (no do not ask me to give you exact scenes bc I cannot) wanted him to basically read her mind. She also is holding some of his flaws against him way too harshly considering that she TOOK HIM LIKE THAT. When she first wanted him he was way worse, even. This is not me saying girls should power through their boyfriend's shit just because it was there when they got em. HOWEVER, Musa had no business being surprised. She knew what he was like, and took his issues PERSONALLY when honestly, they had nothing to do with her. He's a lil fucked up, but he loves her. If she wanted a smoother relationship, she should have been ready for some of his issues and handled them with thicker skin. There's also the fact that it most of his issues: anger issues, emotional unavailability, short temper, lone wolf tendencies, are things she was/is attracted to. That's the problem when you're 16 and immature relationship-wise. Now, I am not even sure rn how THAT would be fixed, but here I'll also give Musa more grace and say that lassie is too busy saving the planet all the time to perfectly build her relationship and learn about herself and figure out what she wants quickly. As for Riven- well, I don't really need to write a lot here, we all know what his flaws are. What he could do there... uh. DON'T be a massive prick, I guess? Lol. Anyways. I will however add my theory here that his and Darcy's relationship, before it went tits up, was actually amazing- in no small thanks to the fact that the girl was reading his mind and she KNEW what was up at all time. She KNEW how he felt about her and there were no insecurities on either side. Add to that that Riven's love language is acts of service- they were perfect. Musa, however, is miss independent and doesn't need him to do shit for her, she wants emotional availability, which Riven, by nature closed off and freshly traumatized (thanks obama darcy) just cannot give, and he also cannot explain to her WHY he can't. Although, if he had the emotional intelligence to explain why he can't give it, he'd also be able to just give it, so... hm. Wrote myself in a corner here lol. Anyways can we also just appreciate the fact that the dude literally taking a killing blow for her was never that much considered, after? Like Musa and Layla are chatting about Musa breaking up with him and no one, not even Musa, brings up that fact? I blame writing honestly, my girls are innocent. I'm not saying she'd have to stay with him JUST because of that, but man, it deserves a place in the "pros" list lololololol.

I’ll never understand why do so many people hate on Darcy and Riven’s relationship during season 1, saying Riven cheated on Musa while back then they had nothing going on between them except Musa having a crush on him (and Riven never even really answered to her feelings so it’s not like he was giving Musa empty hopes/promises). These are the same people who have nothing against Musa dating Jared in season 2, which was basically the same case- Musa and Riven had nothing to do with each other and they were free to date whoever they want, so why is Riven having a girlfriend (Darcy) cheating, but Musa dating Jared not? None of these really is cheating since they were a couple, therefore how was Riven toxic for dating Darcy? Wasn’t Musa the toxic one by basically stalking Riven and being obsessed with him and his girlfriend?

[josiecarioca]

So my question is basically how do you think Evelyn will take Severus's role in the wizarding war? I mean, as far as I have seen her as a character and read your main story about the two I can categorise Evelyn into someone who might have very strong ideals and a nearly unshakable morality. She doesn't seem the type that can understand the grey area between good and bad, right and wrong. She looks like someone who would very easily divide people into either black or white (at least that's how I have understood her, till now that is).

Do you think she will be able to forgive Snape's transgressions? Understand the place where he came from, the things he had to do. His nightmares, his problems, his faults, his reasoning, justifications anything?

It is after all very messy, complicated and incredibly difficult to attune a person like Evelyn whom you have described as a very real flesh and blood boisterous lively woman to a person who is basically all smoke and mirrors. The contrast between them though symbolically and aesthetically delectable does look increasingly jarring when thought about deeply.

Do you believe that Evelyn can make peace with the fact that the man she loves can very easily be stacked into the dark side on account of him actually perpetually hanging at the brink of white and black?

It took me ages to answer this ask because I didn't really know where to start, since this question has oh-so-many layers to it. Needless too say this answer contains major spoilers for all published chapters so far.

So, @pixiesandstarlight, to give your question a short answer: Yes, Evelyn will eventually come to terms with Severus true self. But it will be a rocky road.

Now, on to the needlessly long answer...

You're right when you say Evelyn is a very moral person with nearly unshakable principles, but the truth of the matter is, it's been quite easy for her to be like this. Evelyn is at her core a compassionate and accepting person, but she's also very sheltered, specially when compared to Severus. Evelyn comes from a loving, stable family who provided her with all the tools necessary for personal success and stability: care, affection, an excellent education, a comfortable home, emotional support, intellectual encouragement, sound moral and ethical guidance...Her dad was an educator and a free thinker, who went out of his way nurture and encourage his children and her mother's parenting style, while leaning towards the more strict side, put great value in compassion and love as core spiritual values (Sophia is a pious catholic who immediately took Fin in her home when he was kicked out of the house for being gay, so it's clear her idea of faith has more to do with love than dogma).

Evelyn was also blessed with personal charisma that made it very easy for her to make friends and connections. In short, Evelyn never faced true hardship like Severus did, and she was never put in a position where she had to make difficult choices from a moral standpoint. It's rather easy to hold on to a strong set of values when they never been challenged. At points, she even comes across as almost naïve or high and mighty in the way she deals with things.

Now there's one important thing to consider: the one, real tragedy in Evelyn's life, which is Paul's death.

There's an interesting aspect to appreciate here, in that everything about her brother's death is borne out of (well intentioned) deception. Paul only had his accident because he was never instructed on basic magic safety, and that happened because Evelyn's grandfather, Marius, never disclosed the fact that he was a Black, and there was a real possibility any of his descendants would be magical. That deception was rooted both in his own personal trauma and inability to discuss it as well as his need to protect his family from further trauma. It's possible that until Paul started to manifest signs of magic, the thought of revealing his secret never occurred to him (what would be the point?), and by the time he realized he'd have to say something, Paul's tragic passing merely dissuaded him, and he felt like saying something would be pouring salt on the wound (also who would believe him?). There's also the fact that (as some readers may have realized already) Dumbledore himself convinced him not to say anything (again, because it would be pointless AND it might draw attention to the muggle branch of the black family. It was 1971...the first wizarding war was on)

The problem with this is, Evelyn was an eyewitness. She saw Paul performing magic, she saw him die from a spell gone wrong, she saw magical creatures, and she saw Dumbledore talking to Marius. And she told the adults, because that was the right thing to do, as she was taught: you tell the adults when something is wrong. Her grief-striken parents simply thought she was making up stories to cope with the loss (an opinion that was echoed by the therapist that treated Evelyn, because, again, her parents were trying to do what was best for her, and taking your traumatised child to a therapist IS the responsible thing to do...not their fault this plan couldn't account for the literal existence of magic), and her grandfather thought it would be best for her if she also believed she was just imagining things. Again, because he was desperate to keep the family's stability, and also to keep them off the radar. So, Evelyn, who was raised to value truth, honesty and morality, really did convince herself she was imagining things. Because the only alternative would be that she was lying, because magic isn't real. And lying is wrong, so she couldn't be lying...therefore she was imagining, so she needed help and therapy...she was mentally unsound because her brother died. That became her truth.

So Evelyn did grow up with that * one* issue: the vague feeling that there was a lie, something that didn't quite add up at the core of all she believed to be true and where her entire moral compass comes from. Her aversion to deception and stubborn hold on the very idea of truth as an absolute has a lot to do with that. That's also at the root of her insecurity about her mental stability. Because if the truth is absolute, any deviation from it must be in her head, she's imagining things, she's “crazy”.

Now enter Severus. Who is...well, Severus, as we all know. He grew up without any of the advantages Evelyn enjoyed, had none of of the care, affection and guidance she got from her family and has made morally questionable decisions time and time again, either because he had to or because he didn't know better. And now he has to live with all of that. Yes, Severus is the kind of man Evelyn would avoid like the plague if she had known the truth about him right off the bat. But she didn't. All she knows at first is that he's a reserved, grouchy but extremely intelligent and intriguing man. She doesn't know Severus like we (the readers) do, she knows this persona he created for himself to live as a muggle. And it's not exactly a deception: Severus really is this quiet, socially awkward intellectual she falls for. But that's only a part of who he is. And he knows that if she discovers everything else, she won't react well.

So he simply doesn't tell her.

But here's the thing, Evelyn does love him. She loves him to the point she's willing to work things out even when she finds out he'd been lying to her. She's willing to forgive the lies because 1- she loves him this much (time and time again she even berates herself for letting her emotions get the best of her, and even wonders why she's so madly in love with this man that she's willing to put up with all this) and 2-, at this point she has been put in the position of contemplating her grandfather's story, and how wizarding society pushed him away, and why he felt he had to conceal things from those he loved the most. She knows her grandfather was a good man, who loved his family and would do anything to protect them. So she understands him. Consequentially he's perfectly willing to accept Severus deception (much like her grandfather's) came from a place of emotional fragility and fear of rejection. And she forgives, because she was raised to forgive. It's part of her mother's set of spiritual teachings, it's part of her identity, having been raised by a spiritual mother and a humanist father: to try and understand human fragility, to accept imperfection, to forgive when true repentance is shown (which would be living up to the catholic ideals she was raised with, tbh).

HOWEVER, even then, Severus doesn't tell her everything. At first he gives her a vague narrative of his life. He leaves out the most unsavory parts. And there's simply a lot for her to take in all at once. She holds on desperately to her love for him to make peace with the fact that there's so much to him she doesn't know. And as she keeps finding out more, that love is tested time and time again, and she's put in a position, for the first time in her life, to contemplate the gray areas of morality on which he navigates and why he does it. Interestingly, her delving into the gray areas of his life also give him a chance to move more towards the “lighter” side she inhabits, since her insistence on honesty and truthfulness also pushes him to face his own demons head on, and learn how to operate on an “open field” abd be vulnerable (at least when it comes to her). Because as Evelyn proves herself willing to accept him with all his idiosyncrasies, he finds that there's no more real need for “smoke and mirrors”.

To be frank Evelyn also has plenty of help through this process. Through her interactions with other people (mostly Minerva, Harry and Draco) she gets to see multiple sides to Severus, and understand him and his motivations, and find empathy beyond the fact that she loves him. Find empathy for him as a person, and not just accept him because she's in love with him. And she also discovers new things about herself, about the limits of her own acceptance and what she's really like when confronted with dilemmas she never had to even think about before.

After all, you never really know how you'll react to a moral dilemma until you're confronted with it, and even the most self-assured among us may end up surprising themselves with what they find after a little soul searching.

[ajokeformur-ray]

hi! not the same anon as before, but now i'm curious :o Would you ever get in a committed relationship with another ace person? or nah? (hope this question doesn't come off as weird lol, feel free not to answer either way! And you right abt too-low ace rep in popular media. until i got on tumblr, i didn't even know abt it! had to ask my friend what "Ace" meant lol) <3 !

Hiiiii ~ nonnie!🥰🥰🥰

The short answer is no. I’m aromantic as well as asexual, so I don’t experience romantic or sexual attraction (as previously stated, this is not the case in fiction. There are, again, some fictional characters I would happily be in a committed relationship with, but if they became real then I wouldn’t feel any attraction at all).

I’ve been in relationships before and even if I felt affection for them prior to dating, as soon as it became official, I slowly began to feel trapped and resented them and the relationship. I was very unfair to those people in my past, and not to excuse my past actions but I didn’t know any better back then, I was just a teenager who thought she was broken and needed to fix herself by forcing herself to do things she didn’t want and wasn’t comfortable doing.

I just have no interest at all in relationships, sex, marriage etc. I’m happier now with this truth than I was as an eighteen year old, though of course sexuality is fluid and what’s true for me now might not be in the future (shout out to @meandmanonthemoon for his tender guidance in this matter! I appreciate you so much🥺❤️).

I’ve had… friendships in the past which have been borderline romantic but nothing happened because I enjoyed the dynamic as it was. I think that’s called a queerplatonic relationship, or something similar. I like the idea of that. But again, would I like it in reality? Who knows. At this stage, I’m not prepared or wanting any kind of emotional entanglement. I have too much going on in my life and I don’t have the time or the energy to find out if it would work out in reality, and it’d be highly unfair of me towards the hypothetical person to start something I wouldn’t be prepared to see through. I have a tendency to run hot and cold in real life friendships, relationships etc. Which is why I haven’t willingly had any irl friends since I was eighteen. I’m just not all that interested. Maybe I’ve just been surrounded by the wrong people, idk. I’ve been focusing on me and my life for the last seven years and I love it that way.🥰💗

Hhhhh your question isn’t weird at all! My sexuality does confuse me sometimes so I appreciate being able to puzzle it out like this.

The amount of times there’s been an ace person in the media but they’ve been portrayed as a robot or someone cold and unfeeling is ridiculous and it always makes me feel icky. There’s a show called Slasher on Netflix and it’s so good and there was, in one of the seasons, an asexual girl who liked to have sex with her partner because it was something she was willing to do with him (valid and important rep about the nuances and fluidity of sexuality) but then she got bored and put a VR thingy on her head and he called her a robot (meant insultingly, while they were still having sex) and I 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

This got long lmfao but the short answer is no! I hope this was clearly written oml it’s important that I get the words right first time around.😂 I hope you’re safe and well, nonnie, and thank you for the question!❤️❤️❤️

[scarasimplysimping]

These Books Of You

Xingqiu x Adepti Reader

Sypnosis: A boy of noble blood and disciple to the Guhua Clan, Xingqiu has been reading books of the heroic adventures of an elusive adepti, [Y/N] ever since he was a little boy.

Now a bit older, he sets everything aside in a journey to meet you.

(A/N): I planned to put it all in one post but like it wouldn't fit. Part 2 link below.

"How long will you stay with me?"

"Forever."

Liar.

It was midnight. All of liyue was quiet and asleep except for a certain room where you could here the rustling sound of packing made by a young man eager to leave before dusk.

"Are you sure about this?" Chongyun asks, catching his breath after climbing his friend's window.

"Most definitely!" Xingqiu says excitedly as he picks out the books he would be bringing.

Chongyun furrows his eyebrows, "You don't even have a plan!"

"These books are my plan," The dark haired boy says in a wise tone.

"WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"

Xingqiu chuckles in response.

Chongyun begins to rant again. "Where will you go? Where will you search? What will you eat? What if you get mugged?"

Xingqiu laughs harder, "My friend, I appreciate your concern but I assure you. Nothing you say will change my mind. I will search all of Teyvat if I must."

"What if they don't exist? What if it's all fiction? Mere children's fairytales."

This makes Xingqiu stop in his tracks, contemplating the possibility for a few moments before coming to the conclusion, "They are real. I can feel it."

"And what of your family? Your brother?"

"I've left them a letter."

"What will they do with the letter? Teach it chivalry?" Chongyun says sarcastically.

Xingqiu does not bother to reply.

The exorcist sighs in defeat, "Xingqiu, if you don't come back alive, I will kill you."

"Then perhaps it's best if I don't come completely," He teases.

"Then I shall kill you right now and you won't get to leave at all."

The two friends bicker like this for a while until it is time for one's departure.

"Be careful, Xingqiu," Chongyun bids.

"I will. Make sure my family doesn't do anything rash while I'm gone."

The light haired boy rolls his eyes.

"Dear Chongyun, If in any case I don't come back, know that I've always appreciated your friendship."

And just like that, Xingqiu climbs out the window and disappears into the dark of night.

In the early afternoon, you sat peacefully, having tea with Cloud Retainer and Zhongli atop of Mt. Aozang. The breeze was nice and so was the view.

"It's a shame only we came to this tea party. It's been ages since we've gathered with the adeptus," The geo archon spoke.

"This is not a petty tea party. One has called a meeting to discuss the next move regarding a matter of great importance," Cloud Retainer retorted.

"And what might this matter be?" You ask while slouching on your seat, showing no interest.

"One has come to notice that ever since the incident of Osial's return and defeat, mortal's have come to One's domain asking for favors or offering goods much more times than One is comfortable with. The mortal, Aether has also-"

Cloud Retainer could not finish because the sound of your intentionally loud sigh interrupted her.

"Is the almighty Cloud Retainer scared of mortal affection and admiration?" You tease. Even Zhongli could not help but smile a bit.

Cloud Retainer threw you both a look that.. well you could only assume was a glare since she was in the shape of a bird after all.

The light-hearted argument continues until you here a soft grunting from a distance.

You all pause, listening as the voice becomes louder and louder and then, you see a hand grip the edge of the mountain, then another. A dark blue haired young man lifts himself up and throws himself onto the mountain surface, panting heavily.

"Oh.. Sweet.. sweet ground.," He says. You can almost hear him thank the Archons that he's made it this far.

"And what is your purpose of interrupting an important gathering?" Cloud Retainer's voice boomed.

Xingqiu blinked a bit before remembering why he was here in the first place. Quickly, he got up and bowed, still woozy from all the climbing. "I've been traveling for two days, seeking an adepti. I've heard that there's another adepti who lives here and I respectfully ask guidance in my journey," he says, still in a bowing position.

Zhongli recognizes him, "Xingqiu, are you not a little to far from Liyue Harbor?"

Xingqiu, in turn also recognizes the man but dares not question Zhongli's purpose. His only concern was finding you. "Please don't tell my family, Mister Zhongli."

You decide to entertain the mortal, "Well Xingqiu of Liyue Harbor, which adepti is it that you're looking for?"

Only then does he make eye contact with you, Xingqiu is taken in by your beauty. He stares a little too long before answering, "The heroic (Y/N)! The legendary adepti of great legends! They who saved thousands of lives and vanquished thousands more foes!" He says enthusiastically.

You are dumbfounded, never have you been sought after by a mortal for your heroic deeds. This was new. "And where do these legends come from?" You ask nervously.

"The books I've read! I've read every single one of the books that mention them."

Conveniently, you remember that time, thousands of years ago where you saved a family of writers who thanked you relentlessly and swore they'd write of your heroics.

While you are contemplating, Cloud Retainer speaks, "Look no further, mortal. The one you seek is here," She gestures to you.

You glare at her. "Is the mighty (Y/N) scared of mortal affection and admiration?" She mocks.

Xingqiu stares at you, trying to imprint this moment into his brain. "You... you weren't what I was expecting."

"And what were you expecting exactly?" You ask, offended.

"To be honest, I assumed you looked like a bird or fox! I was not expecting someone human and... beautiful." He says almost absent-mindedly.

Beautiful? As in attractive to a mortal's eyes? How dare he use such methods of flattery.

"How long will you stay with-"

Liar. Liar. Liar.

Zhongli and Cloud Retainer decide it was best for them to leave, they quietly dismiss themselves and leave you alone in this awkward situation.

The young man before you just stares at you with dazzled eyes.

"Now that you've found me, what do you plan?" You finally question.

Xingqiu stops for a moment. He didn't really think this far and didn't expect to find you so soon.

"I want to be your friend," Xingqiu blurts out.

You are again, taken aback by his straight-forwardness.

This was unnecessary. A mortal of such fleeting lifespan. How would this benefit you? This wouldn't benefit him either; you think to yourself. This is nothing but mortal entertainment. You had no interest in entertaining a mortal at your expense.

"I have no need for mortal company," You say firmly, all your nervousness replaced with a cold gaze.

"Please? I've dreamt of meeting you my whole life-"

"And now you have. Go."

"I swear to the Seven Archons I shall serve you well-"

"No!" This time, you raise your voice. "Go home," and with that, you vanish into thin air.

Xingqiu is sad and dejected,  even on verge of tears but he does his best to keep it together. "Very well," He quietly whispers.

Xingqiu, climbing down the mountain is several feet away from the ground when his mind wonders back to you and the harsh rejection. "Well it's not like an adepti to mortal friendship is common anyway. At least I got to meet them," He says, trying to look on the bright side. He assures himself that he will return.

Tears start bluring his vision and he takes a wrong step, causing him to plummet down and make a loud thump sound.

He groans in pain. For the most part, he was unharmed except for his right hand which was twisted in a weird position.

"Drat! Xingqiu, how pathetic can you be? You fall and just had to break your right arm, you're sword hand!" He scolds himself.

The good part of this was that it was nightfall now, if he was lucky, all the hilichurls around the area would be asleep and he could avoid combat.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans as he sees a hydro abyss mage that he could have sworn was not there before. And the abyss mage sees him.

Xingqiu curses and tries to make a run for it, but as he was still limping from the fall, the mage catches up to him and teleports in front of him. Xingqiu stumbles backwards. In a desperate attempt, he shouts your name. But the abyss mage wasn't going to wait for you to show up. The young man suddenly feels himself getting drowned. So was this it? Rejected by a childhood dream, almost fell to his death and was currently being drowned? What a weird day. What a sad way to die. It's almost poetic. Xingqiu was slowly beginning to lose consciousness, coming to terms with this tragic death when he felt the bubble burst, quite literally.

He fell to the ground, the last thing he saw was the vanishing particles of a defeated abyss mage and what appeared to be a silhouette of a person- Xingqiu was saved!... and falling unconscious.

After you rescued him, you hurriedly brought him to Wangshu Inn, blurting out to Verr Goldet that you almost let a mortal die.

You paced back and fourth at the terrace. While the vigilant yaksha, Xiao watches you with annoyance.

"What if he dies?" You ask frantically.

"You dressed his wounds quiet well. He won't die unless someone comes in and murders him," Xiao says as if trying to be comforting.

Xingqiu awakens from his slumber, body still aching. A cast of bandages was made in order to support his broken arm.

The door slowly opens, you walk in with some hot soup and set it on the bedside table. It didn't take him long to realize that you were the one who saved him.

"You're awake," You state the obvious but almost sigh in relief. "Despite the attack, you managed to go almost unscathed.. except for well, your broken arm."

"Thank you... You really are my hero," Xingqiu says, once again beaming at you.

"Don't come back to Mt. Aozang,"

"Wait- what?" His face falls. And all the feelings of being rejected earlier come back.

"If...," You hesitantly start, "If you must see me, then I spend one night a week at the statue of Pervases." This was a lie, of course. But you were willing to do as you said if that meant the mortal, Xingqiu would stop going through such dangerous measures in order to meet you.

As if like a switch, his bright smile returned almost instantly. "My liege, you won't regret this!"

"Drink your soup and meet me at the terrace when you're prepared to return for Liyue Harbor." You don't know why you say what you say next but it felt right, "and call me (Y/N)."

You shut the door behind yourself quickly, leaving Xingqiu alone in the room, euphoric.

"You should not get too close to mortals," Xiao warns once you reach the terrace.

"I will not."

"In the thousand that I've known you, never once have I seen you prepare soup for a mortal.. or immortal."

"That means nothing."

"And I suppose your made up visits to the statue of Pervases mean nothing as well?"

He had a point there."Don't eavesdrop on my conversations, Alatus."

He glares at the sudden mention of the name. "Their lives are fleeting, (Y/N). The peace at the end of their journey is just a thousand years of grief for us if we so choose to befriend them. I just warn you because I care for you," Xiao says before vanishing from your sight.

He was right. You knew that. Of all the adepti, Xiao knew you the most. He was there when the mortal part of you was taken away in exchange for eternal life, after all.

You loved once. But that did not end well.

"How long will you stay with me?"

"Forever."

Liar

Never again.

Shortly after Xiao's departure, Xingqiu arrives with that ever so charming smile.

Charming? Did you just think that? Right after promising yourself to solitude? Oh dear...

"I've prepared! Will we go on foot or will you fly us there? I must warn you I get motion sick-" He stops talking when he notices you taking steps toward him. You put a hand on his shoulder and Xingqiu's mind goes blank. Was this approval? Mutual admiration? Were you friends now?

"Close your eyes," You tell him.

To which he obeys without hesitation. He's read enough romance books to know where this is going. Xingqiu would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous but at the same time he was extremely excited. His train of thought is cut short when he feels a harsh gust of wind blow his way.

"You may open them now."

He does and to his surprise, the both of you are back at Liyue Harbor, specifically the bridge.

"We... teleported?" He asks, embarrassed of his thoughts just moments ago.

You nod. "This is as far as I'll go. Make it back to your residence carefully and get some rest."

"Can't you come with me?"

"No."

"I have a friend who-"

"No."

"We can grab some countryside delicacy-"

"No."

He sighs in defeat, "But I'll see you tomorrow night, right?"

"Perhaps."

Xingqiu, in a moment of elation and not thinking properly, abruptly takes your hand and places a kiss on your knuckles.

Realizing what he had done the dark haired boy glows red as apples and lets go as quick as he took hold of you. "W-well... good-bye then."

The boy leaves you dumbfounded once again.

Part 2

V

[figs-and-cigs]

First of all - RELATABLE! You are so not alone in not knowing how to react to compliments. It's also totally normal to look to a partner/safe person for reassurance/guidance/validation when we feel unsure of what to do.

More often than not, "thank you" is my go to response when receiving compliments. Simple gratitude and appreciate without trying to brush it off - that includes brushing it off by automatically returning a compliment that might sound forced.

Of course, in the situation described, saying thank you during sex would probably be an odd response - but not necessarily. In truth not everything warrants a response, or in this case even a verbal response. A big percentage of sex is about physical response. Call me pretty during sex? I'm more likely to respond with grins, giggles, moans, movement, breathing faster.

However it does warrant the question of if this is something you liked or disliked. If you don't like being called pretty during sex, then that needs discussed. "Hey this actually makes me feel uncomfortable. I would prefer different words when we do this." OR if you're really worried about not responding appropriately don't be embarrassed to ask for clarification. "When you say this I feel like I should response a certain way, but I'm not sure how. How would you have liked me to respond? Or how could I do it differently next time?"

That being said, you cannot assume your girlfriends thoughts about the situation. Period. Without communication there is no clarification. Did she really assume you were more interested in you boyfriend than her in that moment? How did your reactions make her feel? If she's feeling invalidated, insecure, confused, what can you do the remedy the situation? Have you clarified what was going on through your own head? She can't support you or help with the situation if she doesn't know either.

"When this was happening I was feeling awkward, unsure, ____, I looked at him for reassurance, validation, ____. I responded this way when he said ... because I was feeling ____, didn't know how to respond. I'm worried I made you feel ____, or perceived the situation differently, and want to clear things up and prevent it from happening again."

You're not the asshole, we respond automatically sometimes and it can't be helped. But if there's no follow up conversation on this it could lead to even more issues.

As a side note. I've "seen" similar situations play out many many times within my poly groups. My question would be if you and your girlfriend have intimacy (romantic and sexual) without your boyfriend present? It can be really difficult to fully get to know each other, get comfortable with each other, figure out how you both relate and connect in regards to communication, intimacy, play, etc. when there is always a third party present - made even more difficult if you and that person are very reliant on each other in a number of ways.

Ok quick question cause i think i may have fucked something up with my gf.

And i like really really need help

But disclaimer: i’ll talk about sex

So.

Basically I’m really bad with compliments. I love getting them, it makes me happy but i never know how to react to them

(I have to try to explain this without giving ya’ll tmi but uhm…. Yeah i probably won’t manage that)

So what happened is she went down on me with our boyfriend watching (keep that in mind) and she called me pretty

I didn’t know how to react. I mean i’m bad enough with comments in normal situations but like,,, i cant just say “thank you” when she currently has her tongue straight out …. Inside me yk what i’m saying????

So my first question is: how the fuck do i react to compliments during shit like that????

Anyway then what i did was look over to my bf who just shrugged and agreed with her and I just….. like i think it seemed like i was trynna make a thing out of it???

What didn’t make it better was when two minutes later, he told us both we looked good and i, once again, did not know how to react for shits.

It bothered me so i kinda subconsciously sat up?????? Like it wasnt a decision i made ykwim?? My gf looked up at me confused and my reaction (again) was to look at my bf. And idk i mean we talked about stuff but not this. I have the feeling she thinks i prefer him?? Like my first reaction to anything is always looking at him. And i didnt do that on purpose but it’s kinda true??? I look at him first whenever smt happens

So question two is: am i the asshole?

And question three: WTF DO I DO NOW

[orime-stories]

Random character question time! Given that Tesalya doesn't exactly seem like a people person, how does she get along with her party members? Would she ever team up with them if it wasn't for the tadpoles? And how's her vampire romance going? :3

Oh my gosh, I haven't hung out with Tesalya for a while, thank you so much for asking about her!! <3 I was maybe going to dip into the new patch that dropped recently, but I'm juggling too many games at the moment. XD

Tesalya 100% would not have teamed up with any of them if it had not been for the tadpoles. This game has forced her to play with other kids for the first time in her life and I'm hoping that at least some of them are going to found family her so hard that she'll learn six new emotions at least.

As for how she's getting along with everyone at this point in the early access, she's having the hardest time with Wyll so far because he keeps insisting everything's a storybook where people care about strangers and good triumphs over evil and she's just like 'what fucking planet are you on mate?' He's also not been terribly appreciative of her cold responses to upsetting events, the selfish choices she's making and how little she cares about the plights of others.

Shadowheart, Lae'zel and Astarion are all encouraging her to be the worst version of herself, praising her when she's being ruthless or fierce or cruel. So she's playing that side up a bit because it feels nice to feel powerful and intimidating and she wants the praise to keep coming (and she wasn't sure what face she wanted to be wearing when she was thrust into all this anyway).

She's getting on surprisingly well with Gale as well. He's found an absolute state of a person in need of his sagely guidance, and she's hoping he might be able to introduce her to all these fancy meals and lavender scented baths he's been going on about once they're back in civilisation. He's clearly from those upper circles she's been longing and crawling her way toward, and she's enthralled by the picture he's painting.

And then her vampire romance... hoo boy. They are both deeply troubled individuals with a lot more in common than they realise - as much as their backgrounds seem to differ. Should the idiots discover the concept of 'emotional vulnerability', they could do a lot of good for each other. But as things stand, they're currently just hedonistically enjoying each other's bodies in various ways and stumbling face first into each other's traumas.

Astarion's making her feel desirable and important in a way she never has before (even as she's screaming ineffectually at herself that it's all a play). There is not much she wouldn't do to maintain access to those feelings. Depending on how the game and her/my choices in it go - he is either going to absolutely destroy her or they're both going to run off to live their best lives being absolutely awful together, and I can't wait to see which way things are going to go. Either way I don't expect it to be pretty.

[sleeplessincairo]

[ dating steve rogers would include: ]

warnings: just a few cusses and a few sexual implications

///

He's an absolute gentlemen even in awkward, but adorable ways:

He’s always asking for permission before taking action whether it’s asking if you’re okay with him wrapping his arms around you in public or if you mind him kissing you even if you’ve been dating for 6 months.

He’s always racing to your side of the car or to the entrance of any room/building just so he can open the door for you-But despite him being super human, you still manage to beat him to it sometimes.

He even sometimes sprawls his jacket across a puddle just so your shoes don’t get wet, but you usually end up jumping in the puddle and splashing the water everywhere with an innocent grin. You do appreciate the thought and effort, though.

He constantly offers you his jacket just in case you’re cold and even sometimes goes ahead and drapes it over your shoulders, because he knows how stubborn you are to actually bother accepting it or asking for it.

He absolutely HAS to walk or drive you home every time just to make sure you arrive home safely and make sure no knucklehead dares to mess with you, but when you refuse to let him go through all that trouble he settles for ‘observing from a distance’ which is basically him stalking you.

Despite him having the spontaneous job of being a superhero, he never keeps you waiting too long-Mostly because of him missing his dance with Peggy by years resulted in him being as punctual as he can.

The list goes on...From him pulling your seat out for you to sit on and helping you put on your coat to paying for every date regardless of your protests.

In the beginning, he was extremely shy and flustered to the point where he would stutter uncontrollably and question every move he made so he wouldn't embarrass himself.

At the end of your dates, He tried to kiss you but usually ended up chickening out and end up kissing your cheek instead.

But finally, when he walked you to your apartment on your 4th date, he stood there awkwardly stuttering a goodnight while staring directly at your lips, only for you to grab him by the collar of his shirt and kiss him yourself.

When Tony heard the story of you being the one to make the first move and kiss him, he stayed about a whole month teasing Steve about it.

"Is (Y/N) gonna be the first one to make a move in the bedroom too, Steve?"

Him giving you those adorable sideways smiles with his eyes glimmering with adoration that’s reserved just for you.

You teaching him about the latest technology, slang, and trends after realizing that getting Tony to do it was a completely bad idea-He ended up just telling Cap’ either completely incorrect things or just things that would give him a good laugh.

“Wow (Y/N), that’s so fetch.”

"Alright let me get this straight, you tag people? Wasn’t that a game people played where you chase someone and if you touch them, they're it? Did they make that into an...app-apparatus?"

A lot of ‘Wait, I didn’t mean to send that’

You get to see the clumsy, imperfect, and wounded side of Captain America the world doesn’t get to see; you get to witness all the ‘Him getting up in the middle of the night to pee and accidentally stepping on his shield, making it hit him in the shin’s, all the sleepless nights spent together because the nightmares are getting too vivid, all the regrets and disappointments he holds for himself because he was too late, all the insecurities that eat him alive because of him having all of this strength and these abilities yet still not being enough, all the reckless and deadly actions he makes without even a second thought because he’s just not used to having someone to live for, the way he slightly flinches when Thor summons and uses his powers, all the times he misplaces his shield to the point where Tony ends up putting a tracker in it, the emptiness of his apartment because he’s too afraid to settle down, the bright red color that seeps through his cheeks when you press your body tightly against his, all the low swears that escape through his mouth when he thinks no one can hear him, all the uncertainties and hesitations that he never dares to show because he’s ‘Captain freaking America’. You get to witness all his deepest fears, thoughts, and feelings. You get to witness and love Steve Rogers.

Steve always making sure that his superhero life doesn't affect his private life especially when said superhero life concludes of spontaneous and agonizingly long missions. He makes it his personal duty to make time for dates, events, and well, you.

Steve doesn't like bullies. He doesn’t care who they are.

Steve woke up from almost 75 years of being frozen in ice after fighting wars and battles, fighting for America and it’s freedom only to wake up and find out the world is still a dark place and he can’t help but think that all his friends died for nothing. Steve makes it his new mission to fight for equality and power to the people, to make sure everyone has a voice, to make sure no one is overlooked or ignored, to make sure that everyone gets the God-given rights they have.

Captain America symbolizes freedom and protection and he'll be damned if he can’t offer minorities the freedom and protection they DESERVE. Captain America has always been for standing up for the little guy, for following what’s right not the law. Captain America is the symbol of how America should be.

Steve Rogers was a fugitive of the law at some point, there is no way he’d hold back on joining in on women’s marches, protests and riots, and pride parades.

Steve Rogers volunteering at Youth Centers to teach kids self-defense and offering them the guidance, support, and comfort Bucky always managed to offer him.

Steve Rogers protecting people from police brutality-His insomnia and Tony’s drones helped him keep an eye out for it and other forms of harassment.

Steve refusing to reinforce nor aid any governments that took part in the oppression of it’s own citizens and worked hard to striving for a better life for them with the help of T’challa and Tony help creating a treaty that ensures it.

A lot of slow dancing and slight swaying while being wrapped in each others arms.

Especially to Billie Holiday. Boy, is he a fan of Billie Holiday.

He's not exactly supportive of technology due to the unfortunate difference in human interactions between the 40s and now, so he sticks to some of his old habits.

Instead of sending text messages or calling during missions, he mostly writes you letters. Every single different alias he uses for each letter is inscribed into your brain.

Instead of staying home all day, he takes you out to soak in the beautiful weather of New York and tells you about how it used to be back in the 40’s.

Instead of watching a movie on your laptop or the TV, he takes you to the local cinema or even a drive-in.

Oh, how he loves taking you to the Smithsonian Museum just so he can point out all the inaccurate facts and exhibitions in display.

Leaving each other sticky notes everywhere to remind each other of events because of the fact that his unstable working hours so you don’t see each other much for you to tell each other face to face. Slowly, the both of you ended up developing a habit of leaving short cute love notes on each other’s things-Every single sticky note is saved in your own special places but Steve takes a few with him whenever he goes on missions to keep him company.

Although, you’d never tell Steve this, but his handwriting is absolutely terrible. Despite him being quite the artist, reading his notes is like decoding what a doctor’s prescription note says. However, with every not he wrote you, you started recognizing the way his I’s look like E’s, the way he curves and arcs his letters like he’s drawing loops, and the way punctuation is a stranger to him and soon enough it was like you were reading your own handwriting. You did enjoy decoding the notes he leaves you everyday. It was like a secret language only you could understand.

Him taking you to Brooklyn and telling you stories of the trouble he'd get himself into in EVERY spot.

He told you about how he almost got arrested at the Old Stone House because he snuck in there with Bucky. All because they couldn’t wait for the Grand re-opening. Bucky managed to talk the police out of it by lying to them, and saying that Steve had 2 weeks left to live and how it was his dying wish to see the place.

Oh, and how he had his first kiss with Leslie Jordan in front of Bamonte’s during their first and only date in the 11th grade. He remembered all the fights he got into with the jerks in his class that were always picking on her because of the birthmark on her face, he remembered all the times they sat together because no one wanted to sit with them, he remembered how he asked her to the school dance because every girl deserved the chance to have a special slow dance with a boy, he remembered how he saved up so that they could eat at that fancy italian place-Bamonte’s-afterwards. She ended up switching schools and moving to Wisconsin the following week.

Steve told you about all the places that were rundown and were there before all the replacements and modifications, all his happy childhood memories, all the alleys he got his ass kicked in, all the places him and Bucky got kicked out of. But it wasn’t until after you met Bucky and shared hundreds of stories about Steve that you realized that even before the serum Steve was still a fucking dumbass that went headfirst into reckless and dangerous trouble; Now, he didn’t jump out of planes without a parachute back then but he did climb 3 floors up the side of his apartment building just because he felt like it.

Helping and comforting Steve after Peggy dies and being his shoulder to cry on, to lean on, to hide his dorky smile in, and rest his head on that fit perfectly as if it was hand sculpted by God himself just for Steve.

He tells you everything. Absolutely everything. From how many punching bags he managed to make fly today to telling you about his failed missions or missions with casualties-Sometimes he didn’t even need to verbally tell you, you could tell what happened by the slouch of his shoulders and the lack of glimmer in his oh-so-bright eyes.

Jesus, the man can swear like a goddamn sailor. It took him about 2 months for him to feel comfortable enough swear in the presence of a lady, but it was expected that he’d break at some point considering all the pent up rage he has bottled up. The man makes punching bags fly for God’s sake! Not to mention the fact that he was in the army with the Howling Commandos of all people. He just couldn’t help the series of cusses that flew past his lips when-despite the years of training-he accidentally hits himself with his shield, the ‘Fucks’ and ‘Shits’ that escaped through clenched teeth when he got injured during a mission, the soft profanities whispered against your neck as you came apart underneath him, the loud and consistent obscenities that forced his way out of his throat during his road rage-God help anyone who dares to ride in a car with Steve Rogers. You asked him to drive you to work ONCE during rush hour while your car was in the shop and oh boy, he let out words so colorful and vibrant they’d bring Tony Stark to tears.

Tony having a habit of interrupting you and Steve whenever you’re clearly having a moment.

“Did I walk in on some pre-fonduing?” Of course Howard told Tony about it during one of this drunken rants about Captain America, The Living God, and of course Tony would bring it up from time to time just to see Steve’s face turn redder than the Ironman armor.

Getting a mini heart attack whenever you hear about another reckless thing he did despite him telling you that he’d be more careful.

At some point, Bucky and Natasha become your personal spies who inform you of every Godforsaken idiotic thing he does

“You got into a brawl with a God, seriously?"

"Well, so did Tony.”

“AGAIN? You jump out of a plane without a parachute AGAIN?”

He gets homesick quite often but thankfully you’re there to help him through it with ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ ready for him at any moments notice as well as trips to Coney Island and the Stark Expo, but mostly, even if Steve doesn’t admit it, your presence is what helps him through it. The way you run your fingers through his hair and draw circles with them on his skin takes him back to simpler times when he was a little boy lying in the arms of his beloved mother, Sarah. A time of safety and comfort.

Helping him go through his To-Do list.

One of the most precious memories you have of him was when he saw Rocky for the first time with you, he was in awe of the storyline and the colors-He was put in a wonderous state after seeing the deep red color of blood being spat onto the floor, the sweat shimmer of Rocky’s face darimg his opponent to come at him, the overwhelming saturation and hue of actually seeing colors on a screen, of no longer seeing the dull and bland black-and-white pictures he was so used to.

You’re pretty sure he has Marvin Gaye’s entire discography memorized by heart at this point. Steve is eternally grateful to Sam to mentioning Troubleman to him because it was the start of a great obsession.

Training with him. Steve Rogers will personally wake you up for a morning run everyday and honestly you wouldn’t mind it if he didn’t wake you up everyday at the break of dawn. He can’t help it though. Sleep has become a stranger to him since he’s been back.

You’d be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t enjoy it, running with him side-by-side during the rare moments where the city was actually asleep offered you solace. Sometimes the both of you would talk, othertimes you’d run in silence, but mostly on each run you’d use it as a chance to help him catch up on another music album you thought was culturally important for him to know-Dating Steve really diversified your music taste.

He’s a hugger. He just loves embracing you in any possible way whether its linking his arms around you while you’re working, resting his head on your shoulder and hugging you from behind while you’re cooking, or pulling you onto his lap so he can breathe in your scent while he’s doing paperwork.

He has dozens of notebooks filled with hundreds of illustrations he drew of you and The Avengers. You’ve got a few hung up on your fridge but your favorite is definitely the drawing he made of a ring, set in between the cushions of a tiny blue box, that he gave you right before he bent down on one knee.

[jakeyfrye]

Happy Mothers Day, Dad.

Elizabeth came home from school with a rather dark cloud over her head, the topic today had her bummed out for a while. What made the day worst was Father not being home. At least Aunt Evie's here.

"Hello, Elizabeth." Evie greets in her chair as Ellie entered and sat on Evie's bed. Evie can tell something isn't right. "Is something wrong?" She asked.

Ellie nodded a little, "Where's Dad?" Oh, no wonder. She just missed Jacob already, Evie was a little worried that something happened at school. The last thing she wanted was Jacob busting into the school and causing mayhem until he found the one upsetting her and may have to move her to another school... again. Would he go that far? Oh defiantly, without a doubt. A side Evie never knew of him, she finds it adorable to see him over protective for a child but won't admit it to him.

"Today's mothers day... everyone talked about their mothers and I... well... I don't have a mother... not anymore..." Ellie hates thinking of the past, today it just brought her back to where she had it all to when she lost everything. Evie leans back in her chair, she couldn't help but think of her as Jacob when he was a child. All they had was a father but unlike Elizabeth, they have never had the chance to meet their mother.

Evie had no idea what is worst, having to lose a mother with or without knowing who they are. Actually they were both as bad. A slight story of the man Ellie calls father could cheer her up.

"You know, that brother of mine dreads the day for the exact same reason when he was young. In fact he made it sound like we had mother when people ask what he was going to get her on Mothers Day."

Ellie looks up at her with sadden but curious eyes. Evie relaxed in her seat a little more as she flicks through memory lane.

"Every after school on Mothers Day Jacob would pick flowers. A bunch of them too. He'd turn around, ripped cheeks and asks me if mother would like them all of the time. Hmph... you should see that smile and his eyes brighten when I say 'Of course she will'. Then he'd put them outside somewhere, hoping she come home... little did we know... we found out that she wasn't coming home."

"What happened?... why didn't she come back?"

Evie took in a deep breath and exhaled shakingly. "Well... we discovered that she passed away well before we even had a chance to see her or grow up with her. All we had was a Grandmother, then a Father... eventually we only have each other."

Looking at the young girl, it was clear that she wasn't very happy about the topic. It would be best if Evie left it as it is. She got out of her chair and ruffles Ellie's light hazel hair. "Don't worry about it, love. Jacob has you now, I'm sure that's all he needs, a child to be a child with. And besides, today is only a day to appreciate the one who loves you no matter what you do in your life."

Now that statement got little Ellie thinking, a day to appreciate the one who loves you no matter what?... an idea came to her head, it may seem ridiculous but yet brilliant. And there was only one person in this cold world that brought her in and raised her well.

"Evie? Could I ask you a favour, please?"

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

It was dark and late by the time Jacob arrived back at the train hideout. He was beaten by a rollercoaster of emotions, making his journey home an absolute mission. He said what had to be said to his Mum, he's home now and Ellie should be asleep. That's all that matters now.

He always goes through Evie's car to get to his, he found it easier from some reason. He was completely taken back to see Evie bright eyed and bushy tailed.

"Brother! You're back! Oh! And by the way... Ellie has a surprise for you."

To you there should be no reason to freak out about it, but it's Jacob after all. Yes, he's usually carefree as ever. When it comes to those he hold dearly to him it's a totally different story. "Evie! You know that she can't be up THIS late! Not even a minute over her bedtime!-"

Evie just rolled her eyes at her twin, he's such a motor mouth when scolding her. This was just first gear.

"Jacob..."

"If she doesn't get at least 6 hours of sleep, she'll have insomnia!-" second gear, it was getting faster.

"Jacob!..."

"And with her having insomnia means bad health!-" third gear. At this point words end up clashing together.

[I]"And with bad health she'll be unhappy!And a unhappy child means horrible paren-"

Evie stops him right there by cupping either sides of his cheeks to shut him up. Wow, he is really paranoid today. "Jacob!!... just calm down. I know that you're tired and having a bad time right now. Which is why the girl is up still."

Evie slightly flicks her head towards the door that lead to his carriage, indicating him to go in as she lets go of him. He was curious now, whatever the reason for Ellie to be up so... so called late is beyond him. It must be worth while.

"....fine. But don't make a-"

Evie had enough of his scolding and just shoves him in his carriage. "My god! Jacob! It's just for one bloody night!"

"Ach! Okay, okay! Just stop pushing me!"

Finally booting him inside his own car, dimly lit by a few candles. There was Ellie standing right there in front of him nervously for some odd reason. It alerts him in the wrong way as ever.

"Hey, sweetheart. What's the matter? Nobody's been picking on you, have they?!"

Ellie just hums, well more like a shy growl as she waddles towards him with a small box wrapped in pretty wrapping paper. It wasn't his birthday yet... or did he forget again? How can he forget if he shares the same birthday as Evie? He got down on his knees to get to her eye level.

"What's all of this for?" He asked.

Little Ellie looks at Evie, doubting if this is going to work or not. Evie just nods and mouths "Go ahead... you got it."

Looking back at her Dad, she inhaled deeply and brought the box up to him. He still had no idea what's going on, he was utterly confused and worried that he had missed something while he was gone.

"Happy Mother's day, Dad..." she looks at him with a small smile. "... I love you."

His reaction was nothing but shock, mother's day?... for him? Jacob isn't a mother? Is that what Ellie thought of him this whole time? A mother? It made no difference really. Practically Jacob had been both roles in parenting, firm and strict yet loving and playful.

No matter the reasons for this, it meant the entire world to him. He couldn't help but embrace the girl tightly. It wasn't a day for him, this wasn't his day at all. And here is his little girl making her own rules up just for him. It wasn't as much as the things he did for her, but it never matters to him. Every little thing she does was something huge.

The girl wraps her arms around his neck, cuddling her head against his. "You didn't have to do this, darling. It's Mother's Day, not Father's Day." he spoke softly. Ellie just fiddled with his hair and hums,

"We both lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye..." she pulls away just to look at him, her small hands held either sides of his stubble cheeks. "...But it's okay! Because you got me and it's my job to take care of you. Leave the worrying to me."

Ellie was far too young to understand what point she was aiming for, to Jacob it made perfect sense. Even if she was repeating exactly what he told her many times before. It just meant that she knew what he means and believed he could care for her. Having that just made the struggles of being a better Father more rewarding. As firm and strict as he may seem, under that heart of thin layer of stone was gold being melted by this young girl he gladly and gratefully calls his own daughter.

A small yawn had brought him back to earth, she laid her head on his shoulder. He could feel her weight against him, a clear indication of tiredness. He wrapped his arms around her waist and stood up, hoisting her off the floor. "Alright, alright, I think it's time for bed now." He spoke softly to her as he carried her over to the couch and laid her down ever so gently. She was already asleep, he tucks her in and kissed her forehead like he had done all for all of these years.

If there was one thing he could ask for out of life is to just watch her age up well, of course he wants her to be this little sweet girl that constantly looks at him for guidance. Picking up her little gift up from the floor, he knew what it is already. With a tear of paper, he was right. Simply it was a box of chocolates, from there he knew that she always will be his sweet child.

A small sniffle brought his attention to Evie. Jacob gave an airy laugh at seeing her all emotional, something he hasn't seen for a very long time. He approached her with the box full of sweets.

"Here, look. Have some sweets, the best cure for feeling better."

She just shook her head with a small smile, looking at him with teary. She didn't say anything, not a single word at all. Instead she went up to her brother to bring him into an embrace. It had completely taken him by surprise, girls seems to be brilliant at it, that he figured out growing up with her. The night was filled with soft laughter coming out of the carriage of Jacob Frye as the train rocked, rolled and went on riding through the City of London as Evie said,

"I think I've seen enough sweets for a day, thanks to you two."

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

A/N: Yeah, Mothers Day for me (well it was) annnd I thought "Damn, wouldn't it be cute if a child did something for their solo father?" BOOM!! Thought of little Elizabeth and Jacob straight away.

Anyways, Happy Mother's Day to all of the mum's out there. Hope ya'll treat her well, if you have a solo dad than show him a little appreciation too coz... why not!

[cheynovak]

Forged - Part three

Summary: Calista is a young woman who lives with her uncle and nephew since her parents died, one day 'the God king's' guards under the leadership of a knight come to town. Looking for young women to present to the crown prince Cyrus (Luke Evans) , who is in search of a wife before he can claim the throne. Calista meets the handsome Knight Ezra (Jensen Ackles) who doesn't seem to be who she thinks he is. Will she fall for the dark intriguing prince, or will she fall for the guidance and warmth of Ezra?

        

Warnings: 18+, Female orgasm, fingering, Angst, hurt,...

English is not my first language

Words:  6900

Part 3 out of...

*This story is my own original story, please do not copy my work, reblog/comments/likes are appreciated* 

-- 

Just as his lips were about to touch mine, a familiar voice cut through the moment. “Good to see you’re safe home, brother!”  

Ezra stood behind us, Cyrus breathed out like an angry bull, a flicker of purple power visible in his eyes. He looked over his shoulder at his brother with an unreadable expression, but I noticed a hint of irritation in his gaze.  

Cyrus and I quickly pulled apart, I was still startled by the interruption. Ezra’s eyes landed on me, they softened slightly as he turned his attention to his brother. “I’ve been looking for you. Father send me, we have matters to discuss.”   

Cyrus nodded, “Of course.“ Though his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer. "We’ll talk later.” He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek, his lips soft and warm against my skin. It was a brief, tender gesture that sent a shiver of both warmth and longing through me. 

As Cyrus walked toward Ezra, I noticed the somber look in his brother’s eyes. The bright green that usually sparkled with a fierce intensity was now shadowed with a deep sadness that was trying to say something to me.   

I wanted to asks what was wrong but before I could even open my mouth he turned away.   

-- 

Weeks passed, and although my family was here, I felt lost. Cyrus was constantly occupied with political issues and meetings, leaving little time for us to spend together. Ezra had reverted to ignoring me; even when we crossed paths, he barely acknowledged my presence. 

Micah had settled into his proper private schooling, thriving in the structured environment. My uncle, too, found joy in his work at the stables, his days filled with purpose and satisfaction. Meanwhile, I spent my time either in the library, losing myself in books, or wandering the gardens, seeking solace in the beauty around me. 

One afternoon, as I strolled through the gardens, I overheard Marie and some other girls giggling and chatting excitedly. Intrigued, I approached them. “What’s all this about?” I asked, curious to understand the source of their excitement. 

Marie turned to me with a bright smile. “We’re talking about the summer festival! It’s a traditional celebration to mark the start of the season. There will be music, dancing, and all sorts of festivities.” A spark of interest ignited within me. “That sounds wonderful. Tell me more about it.” 

Marie’s eyes lit up as she explained. “The festival is held in the town square. It’s a time when everyone comes together to celebrate. There are stalls with food and crafts, games for the children, and in the evening, there’s a grand ball where everyone dances under the stars.” 

The idea of the festival stirred a longing within me. It sounded like a perfect escape from the monotony and loneliness that had settled over me. “Do you think I could join you?” I asked, feeling a flicker of excitement. 

“Of course!” Marie exclaimed. “We’d love to have you with us. It’ll be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to meet more people and experience the local traditions.” 

As the festival day approached, I found myself looking forward to it more and more. Marie and I walked through the halls, her excitement infectious. She mentioned that I should dress traditionally for the festival, and she had a dress she wanted me to try on. As we made our way through the palace, we passed Cyrus and Ezra. We bowed slightly, intending to continue on our way, but Cyrus’s eyes caught on the gown in Marie’s hands. 

“What is that for?” he asked, his tone curious but wary. “It’s for the festival,” I replied, my excitement bubbling over. However, his expression immediately darkened. “You’re not going,” he declared firmly. “Have you forgotten what happened the last time you were among the people, alone?” 

“I won’t be alone,” I protested. “Marie will be with me.” 

“I don’t trust anyone to keep you safe,” Cyrus retorted, his tone final. “And I have no time for this nonsense.” Marie, who had been quiet up to this point, spoke up with remarkable politeness. “If I may, Your Highness, perhaps your brother could escort us? Surely, Prince Ezra is capable of keeping Lady Calista safe.” 

Both men were stunned into silence for a moment. Cyrus’s eyes flicked to Ezra, a mixture of surprise and consideration in his gaze. Ezra, to my surprise, nodded slightly. “I do have time,” Ezra said, his voice calm. “If it pleases you, brother, I can escort Calista and Marie to the festival.” 

"I already told Micah, he wants me to take him.” I was hoping it would convince him in some way.  Cyrus seemed to weigh his options, his jaw tight with frustration. Finally, he sighed and nodded. 

“Fine. But you stay close to Ezra at all times,” he said, pointing a finger at me. “No wandering off.” 

I nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity. “Thank you, my prince.” A soft smile appeared on his lips. "My prince" had become more of a nickname, and I knew he liked it. I noticed how he warmed up to me whenever I said it. 

The next day, we prepared for the festival. Marie helped me into the traditional gown, a beautiful dress, simple yet elegant, with a soft flowery pattern on the fabric and golden details woven into the seams. I felt like I was part of something special, a bridge between my world and theirs. 

“You look perfect,” Marie said with a smile as she adjusted the final details. “I had the seamstress add some extra details since you are soon married to the crown prince. My old dress would be too simple for you.”  

Micah was equally excited, dressed in his best clothes. We met Ezra at the entrance of the palace. He was dressed more casually than usual but still held an air of quiet authority. As we made our way to the festival, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. 

The town square was alive with music, laughter, and the vibrant colours of the festival. Stalls lined the streets, offering an array of food, crafts, and games. The air was filled with the delicious scents of roasted meats and sweet pastries. 

Ezra stayed close, his presence reassuring. Micah ran ahead, his excitement contagious. As we wandered through the festival, I felt a sense of normalcy that had been missing from my life for so long. We played games, sampled food, and watched performances. The townspeople were curious but friendly, their initial wariness dissolving as they saw me interacting with them genuinely. 

As the evening approached, the festival reached its peak. The town square was transformed into a dance floor, lanterns casting a warm glow over the crowd. Ezra and I stood at the edge, watching the dancers. Micah had found a group of children to play with and was laughing heartily. 

I started to dance with Micah and Marie, jumping and turning among the people, their laughter mingling with the music. Amidst the carefree moments, my eyes caught Ezra's. He stood at the edge of the crowd, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched us. 

Feeling a sudden urge to share this joy with him, I moved through the people and grabbed his arm. "Come dance with me," I said, breathless and smiling, tugging at his arm. 

He hesitated, a slight uncertainty in his eyes. Without thinking, I stepped closer, looking up at him with a playful plea. "Please," I whispered. 

Ezra sighed, but the warmth in his eyes gave him away. "Fine," he said, allowing me to pull him into the throng of dancers. 

We twirled and turned, jumping and dancing with abandon. The music seemed to carry us, the night air filled with laughter and the scent of summer blooms. Ezra's initial reluctance melted away as he joined in the revelry, his movements graceful yet full of unexpected joy. 

As the moon climbed higher, casting its silver light over the festival, we found ourselves lost in the rhythm. I felt a connection with him, a shared moment of freedom and happiness that transcended the complexities of our lives. 

Finally, as the music slowed and the dancers began to disperse, we came to a stop, both of us breathless and laughing. "Thank you," I said, still holding his hand. 

Ezra looked at me, his green eyes soft and warm. "I want to show you something," he said, and then asked Marie to look after Micah for a moment. She agreed with a knowing smile, and Ezra led me up a small mountain overlooking the party. We found a spot between a few trees, where we could see the twinkling stars above and the lights of the festival below, like small fireflies dancing in the night. 

From our vantage point, I watched Micah eating candy and dancing around with Marie. "It's beautiful," I said, my voice filled with wonder. 

"Yes, it is," Ezra whispered behind me. I turned to see that he wasn't looking at the view; he was looking at me.  

The atmosphere changed, becoming warm and tingling. I looked at Ezra, really looked at him, and remembered what had drawn me to him the first time we met. He was so beautiful, even here in the dark he gave off warmth and light. I had that feeling in my stomach again, just like I had when I met him at the market. A shiver moved over my body, and he noticed, assuming I was cold. 

Without hesitation, he took off his jacket and placed it over my shoulders. The gesture brought him even closer, so close that his scent enveloped me—earthy, with a hint of something uniquely Ezra. 

“Better?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. 

I nodded, unable to find my words. The warmth of his jacket did little to calm the fluttering in my stomach, but it felt comforting nonetheless. “Thank you,” I managed to say. 

Ezra smiled, his eyes reflecting the twinkling lights of the festival below. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered under his breath, so quietly that I wasn’t sure if I’d really heard it or if my mind was playing tricks on me. But he didn’t step back. 

I looked up at him, surprised by his openness. “Ezra, I…” 

Before I could continue, he gently placed a finger on my lips. “You don’t have to say anything,” he said, his gaze intense and unwavering. “I just wanted you to know that.” 

We stood there, wrapped in the stillness of the night, the sounds of the festival faint in the distance. Slowly, Ezra’s hand moved from my lips to my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin. He didn’t move; he just looked at me. 

I couldn’t hold back anymore. I wanted to touch him. My hands moved to the back of his neck, feeling his long hair through my fingers. It was as soft as I’d imagined. He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch. Without any further hesitation, I stood on my toes again, no thoughts going through my mind, and kissed him once, very softly 

Ezra’s eyes fluttered open, a mixture of surprise and something deeper reflecting in them. For a second, I thought I had made a mistake, but then he pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around my waist, and returned the kiss with a tenderness that made my heart ache. The world around us faded into a blur of distant lights and muffled sounds. 

When we finally pulled away, we were both breathless. Ezra rested his forehead against mine, his hands still holding me close. My body reacted to his touch in a way I had never experienced before. When Cyrus was close, I felt a thrilling nervousness, an excitement. But how Ezra held me, touched me, it was as if the soft morning sun warmed my skin. I instantly knew I wanted more. So, I dared to kiss him again. 

Ezra whispered my name, probably trying to hold me back, but my lips muffled the sound. He responded, his kiss deepening as he pulled me even closer.  

His hands continued to move gently over the small of my back as he walked me backwards, his touch both soothing and electrifying. My body seemed to crave his closeness, every kiss and caress deepening the desire I felt. When my back finally touched the willow tree, I grew more confident, like someone addicted to the warmth and comfort he offered.  

My hands roamed over his broad shoulders, feeling the strength and warmth beneath his shirt. “Calista,” Ezra murmured, his voice low and filled with emotion. “We can’t… It’s too complicated.” 

My immediate instinct was to tell him, I looked into his eyes, feeling the depth of my own confession. “I need you,” I said, my voice trembling with raw honesty. Ezra’s eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat. “What?” he asked, disbelief and something else—something softer—flashing across his features. “I know it’s complicated,” I continued, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions. “But being with you… it’s the only thing that feels right.  

Ezra’s eyes were locked onto mine, his expression a turbulent mix of longing and concern. “Calista, if we…” he began, but his voice faltered as he took a deep breath. “I can’t do this to my brother.” 

My heart ached at his words. I pulled him closer, my hands clutching his shoulders. “Ezra, please,” I begged, my voice trembling with desperation. “I know it’s difficult, but I need you. We don’t have to... Just be with me, even if it’s only for this moment. Please” 

He closed his eyes, struggling internally. I could see the conflict etched in his features, the fight between his feelings for me and his sense of duty to his brother. His forehead was pressed against mine, and I could feel the warmth of his breath mingling with my own. 

“Calista, you don’t understand…” Ezra’s voice was barely a whisper, full of emotion. “This is tearing me apart. I know the consequences.” I cupped his face in my hands, forcing him to look at me. “I do understand,” I said softly. "Do you really want me to marry him? Is that what you really want?" 

Ezra’s eyes were pained as he looked at me, his hand gently brushing away the tear that had fallen down my cheek. “If that’s what it takes to keep you in my life, then yes,” he said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness and resolve. 

My heart ached at his words. Ezra’s gaze remained steady, though his eyes were filled with sorrow. “I saw how close you and Cyrus became after the tour,” he said quietly. “I’m sure he can make you happy. I want you to be happy, even if it means...” 

I shook my head, frustration and sadness mingling in my voice. “Cyrus sees this as a business deal. He doesn’t love me, Ezra. He’s marrying me because he has to, not because he wants to.” 

“He might say that but it's not true, I know him.” Ezra continued. More tears rolled down my cheeks. Ezra held me close, his arms enveloping me in a warm embrace as I cried. “Please,” I whispered against his shoulder, “just don’t ignore me anymore. Be my friend.” 

He nodded against my hair, his voice gentle but firm. “I promise,” he said softly. “I’ll be here for you, no matter what.” With that promise, he gently pulled away, giving me a reassuring smile. We made our way back to the festival, we joined Micah and Marie, trying to enjoy the festivities, but my mind was still reeling from the emotional upheaval. 

I walked through the door of my bedroom, my heart sinking at the sight of Cyrus sitting on the foot end of my bed in the dark, his posture weary and his face lined with exhaustion. The festival had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now, facing him, I felt a mix of apprehension and curiosity. 

He looked up as I entered, his eyes meeting mine with a tired but intense gaze. “Calista,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of concern. “I was waiting for you.” 

I took a hesitant step forward, unsure of what to expect. I looked down at Cyrus as he gently pulled me to stand between his legs, the room was quiet, the first light of dawn illuminating his features and casting a soft glow around us. 

His hand held mine, and I could feel the warmth and sincerity in his touch. “Can I stay with you?” he asked, his voice tentative, betraying the exhaustion he had been hiding. The request was simple, yet it held so much more—an indication of his need for comfort and a deeper connection. 

I hesitated for a moment, feeling the gravity of the situation. Could I say no to him? Could I deny him the solace he clearly sought? The night’s events, the emotional conversation, and the lingering feelings made it impossible for me to turn him away. 

I shook my head gently, a small, reassuring smile forming on my lips. “Cyrus, you don’t have to ask. Of course, you can stay.” His eyes softened with relief and gratitude. I changed into my night gown seeing him already in one side of the bed.  

As I settled beside him, his arm wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me closer. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his breath against mine created a sense of calm. It felt good but not right, as if someone else was meant to be in there... someone... Ezra?  

We sat there in silence, the night’s exhaustion and worries slowly fading away. Cyrus's hand caressed my shoulder and back gently, his touch soothing. As we settled into the comfort of each other's presence, he broke the silence with a question, his voice soft and cautious. 

“How was your night?” he asked, his gaze searching mine. 

With my eyes still closed, trying to capture the calmness of the moment. “It was fine,” I replied, my voice tinged with a mix of fatigue and contentment. He seemed to consider my answer for a moment before asking another question. “And how did Ezra act?” 

“He was a gentleman,” I said, trying to be honest while respecting the complexity of our situation. 

Cyrus's expression shifted, a mixture of relief and something else flickering across his face. He gently lifted my chin with his finger, urging me to meet his gaze directly. “Promise me one thing,” he said, his voice almost a whisper, “promise me you won’t fall in love with Ezra.” 

I felt a lump in my throat, the weight of his request pressing heavily on me. The emotional turmoil of the evening, coupled with the intensity of Cyrus’s gaze, made it difficult to respond immediately. I swallowed hard, trying to steady my voice. 

“Well, you are here, in my bed, not your brother,” I said softly, my words carrying a mix of resignation and sincerity, not wanting to tell a lie, not wanting to admit it might have been too late for that.  

A flicker of a smile touched Cyrus’s lips, without another word, he leaned in and kissed me. Cyrus’s kiss was hard, a chill contrasted to the kiss I shared before, sharp against the warmth of my skin. Despite the coldness, it sent a shiver down my spine, making my heart race. As our lips finally parted, I couldn’t meet his gaze, so instead of leaning in for another kiss or pressing for more, I lowered my head to his chest, resting there.  

I thought about the reasons why I was here, the promise I made to myself, needing to give my family a better life, the expectations set upon me. It felt like a delicate balancing act, one where my own desires were set aside for the greater good. 

Cyrus’s arms wrapped around me, holding me firmly, as I leaned into his embrace, the silence between us felt heavy with unspoken words and emotions. I gathered the courage to ask, my voice barely above a whisper, “Why did you kiss me?” 

I tried not to look up at him, afraid of what I might see in his eyes. His voice was soft, tinged with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “You have no idea what you do to me, do you?” he said. “But I promise, I won’t push you into anything you don’t want. If you wish for me to go, I will.” 

His words hung in the air, offering me an out, a choice. But I shook my head, feeling the complexity of my own emotions. As much as I wished he were Ezra, I realized I didn’t want to be alone. The comfort and security Cyrus offered were undeniable, even if my heart was conflicted. 

“I don’t want you to go,” I said softly, my voice steady despite the whirlwind inside me. I felt his embrace tighten slightly, a silent acknowledgment of my decision. In that moment, I decided to lean into the present, to find peace in Cyrus’s arms. 

For now, I allowed myself to be held, to feel the warmth and security of his arms around me. As we stayed there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the first light of dawn began to filter into the room. But we fell asleep like that and slept till early next morning.  

 

By the time I woke up I noticed Cyrus was still asleep, wondering how much he needed a good night rest. I saw the hard and cold look washed away, seeing the boy he once must have been. 

For a moment, I simply watched him, feeling a strange mixture of emotions. He looked so peaceful, so vulnerable in his sleep, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the life he had before all the responsibilities and expectations were placed on his shoulders. 

 Marie knocked on the door and walked in like usual, embarrassed to see us. She excused herself and walked back out.  

Carefully, I slipped out of his embrace, trying not to wake him. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts, to process everything that had happened. As I stood up, Cyrus stirred slightly, but his eyes remained closed. 

I walked to the door and opened it. Marie was still standing there. “Is everything alright, my lady?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

I nodded, offering a small smile. “Yes, everything is fine. Thank you, Marie. He just needed a moment last night and I guess we fell asleep.” She nodded, though her eyes still held a myriad of questions and mischief. “Shall I prepare anything for you or the prince?” 

“No, that won’t be necessary,” I replied. “Just... give us some time.” She hesitated, then asked, “Do you need any painkillers or a hot water bottle?” I looked confused, not understanding what she meant. She thought I was pretending and continued, “It’s very normal not to wait for your wedding night to be... close.” 

My eyes grew wide. “Oh no, Marie!” I lowered my voice before continuing, afraid he would wake up. “No, it’s nothing like that.” My cheeks turned a bright shade of pink even thinking about it. “What it’s not that weird.” she added, trying to make me more comfortable to talk about it. “No, I mean it, we just slept. I swear!” She nodded but I could tell she didn’t believe me.  

I walked back into the room, trying to close the door silently. But Cyrus was already awake, still lying in bed and stretching his arm, motioning for me to join him again. He still looked sleepy, a playful glint in his eyes.  

"Good morning," he murmured with a lazy smile. "I was afraid you ran away." I returned his smile and slipped back into bed beside him. "I just had to make sure Marie knew nothing happened between us."  

His expression shifted, a hint of sadness clouding his features. "And what if people think we are... having sex? " he asked softly. "Would that be such a bad thing?" I blinked in surprise, my cheeks flushing.  

"But we're not," I stammered, feeling the warmth of embarrassment spread. Cyrus sighed, his gaze holding mine. "I know, Calista. But does it bother you so much what people think? You are my fiancée."  

I hesitated, trying to find the right words. "It's not that, Cyrus. It's just..." My mind raced. What was I supposed to say? That I kissed his brother last night? That despite his request, I thought I might be in love his Ezra? Instead, I settled on something simpler.  

"I thought you wanted this to be a fake engagement and marriage." Cyrus didn't respond immediately. He watched me, his eyes searching mine as if trying to understand something hidden.  

Finally, he asked, "Have you ever been with a man before?" My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and I looked away. "No," I admitted softly. There was a moment of silence before Cyrus spoke again, his voice gentle. "I thought so. You are... shy. It's cute." 

Shy? I wondered. Was it because I hadn’t kissed him back last night? Because I hadn’t jumped him this morning? I didn't feel shy with Ezra the other night... I begged him for more. "It's not that I purposely kept myself from it," I answered, feeling the need to explain. "But living in our small town, sharing a bed with my little nephew, isn't really ideal for finding a man."  

Cyrus smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "You shouldn't rush, Calista. Being pure is a gift." I looked at him, seeing a tenderness I hadn't fully noticed before. "It's just... the fear for needing to feed another mouth was just too real." He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You don't need to explain."  

He pulled me back to him, and I felt relieved that he didn't push me into anything. Despite lying in bed with a god, he was being considerate and gentle. My heart beat faster at the thought of how easily he could force himself if he wanted to, yet he chose not to.  

Cyrus's arms around me were warm and protective, and I found comfort in his presence. "Thank you," I whispered, resting my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.  

-- 

A few days later, I walked into the courtyard and saw Ezra and Cyrus training, their swords clashing with a rhythmic intensity. The swords were the ones I recognized from the painting in the library, ancient and beautifully crafted, my uncle would admire the work put into it.  

Both men were shirtless, their muscles rippling with each movement. I couldn't help but marvel at how different they were: Cyrus with his godly elegance and calm cold demeanour, and Ezra with his more rugged, intense presence, yet both were equally handsome in their own way.  

Ezra noticed me first, pausing mid-swing. "Looks like we have company," he said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. Cyrus followed his gaze and smiled when he saw me. "Good morning, Calista."  

Gathering my courage, I walked over to them. "Good morning," I replied. "I was wondering if you could teach me." The brothers gave each other a doubtful look. “It’s just, for self-defence.” Cyrus looked thoughtful for a moment, then sighed. "If you're determined, I'll teach you."  

Ezra took it as a sign to take a seat on the side, Cyrus turned to him, a teasing glint in his eye. "Don't you have somewhere to be, brother?" Ezra looked nervous, glancing at me before quickly looking away. Cyrus added with a smirk, "Didn’t you have a date with Lady Sara?"  

My heart dropped. "Who is Sara?" I asked, the words almost sticking in my throat. Cyrus turned back to me, his expression neutral. "An old friend." The way he said "friend" implied a lot more than mere friendship. He continued, "She's had her eyes on Ezra for decades. I'm glad my brother is finally giving her more than a few occasional nights together."  

Ezra shifted uncomfortably, but he didn't deny it. The information hit me harder than I expected, a pang of jealousy and confusion twisting in my chest. I had spent so much time trying to navigate my feelings for him, thinking why he didn't return the feelings, I thought it was simply because he cared for his brother, when it turns out his heart might belong to someone else.  

Ezra left us trying to look normal but I saw the guilt the petty in his eyes for me. 

-- 

Cyrus guided me through the initial steps, his voice steady and calm. "Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Keep your weight balanced." Despite my efforts to concentrate, I couldn't shake the image of him with Lady Sara from my mind. The jealousy was irrational. 

I had no claim over Ezra, just as I had no real claim over Cyrus, but it was there, gnawing at me. As Cyrus corrected my grip on the practice sword, he gave me an encouraging smile. "You're doing well." I forced a smile in return. The training session continued, but my heart wasn't fully in it.  

My mind kept drifting to Ezra and this Lady Sara, and I struggled to focus on Cyrus's instructions. Suddenly, Cyrus made a swift move I didn't see coming. I almost lost my balance, but he caught me, his strong arms steadying me. Being this close to him sent shivers down my body.  

His gaze was intense, searching my face for any sign of distress. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle. I nodded, trying to compose myself. "Yes, just... distracted." Cyrus's expression softened. " it's a lot for one day." As he held me, I remembered what he had said about Ezra and Lady Sara.  

A surge of emotions overwhelmed me, confusion, jealousy, guilt. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed Cyrus, hoping to push thoughts of Ezra out of my mind. Cyrus was momentarily surprised but didn't pull away. Instead, he responded by deepening the kiss, his tongue pressing against my lips.  

As I tried to take a breath, he took it as a sign of encouragement. My body reacted differently from my mind, and I let myself go on autopilot, pulling him closer against me. The intensity of the kiss grew, and I felt a whirlwind of emotions, desire, confusion, a desperate need to feel something certain amidst all the chaos.  

Cyrus's hands moved to the small of my back, drawing me even nearer, and I could feel his heartbeat against mine. For a moment, I allowed myself to get lost in the sensation, forgetting about the complications and the tangled web of feelings involving Ezra. 

All that existed was the here and now, and the way Cyrus made me feel, it’s wasn’t what I felt when I kissed Ezra, but it was good. As the kiss continued, a small voice in the back of my mind began to grow louder, reminding me of the reality of our situation. This wasn't fair to Cyrus, to use him as a way to forget about Ezra.  

With great effort, I gently pulled back, breaking the kiss. Cyrus looked at me, his breathing heavy, eyes filled with concern and longing. "What's wrong?" I hesitated, then lied. "I felt like I gave the wrong idea, that I wanted more." He smiled softly, his eyes understanding. "I didn't expect anything."  

Relief washed over me, and I nodded. Later that evening, we shared a quiet dinner together. Throughout the meal, Cyrus was his usual self like I got to know him over these past few weeks. He talked more, still not a lot but he did share some things, he stayed very grumpy but smiled when I called him ‘my Prince’.  

During dinner, I began to dread the idea of being alone with my thoughts and the whirlwind of emotions inside me. As we finished dinner, I gathered my courage. "Cyrus, could you stay with me tonight? I don't want to be alone." His eyes searched mine. “I just sleep better when you’re there.” I added to make sure everything was clear between us. "My pleasure." He nodded. 

We walked back to my chamber in comfortable silence, and once inside, Cyrus made a point of respecting my space. He sat on the edge of the bed while I changed into my nightclothes, turning his gaze away to give me privacy. When I climbed into bed, he lay down beside me, careful to maintain a respectful distance.  

Despite everything, having him near brought a sense of comfort and safety. Feeling the chill of his divine presence even in the warm room. His fingers gently caressed my hand, their coolness a comforting contrast to the warmth of the bed.  

After a few moments of silence, as we both stared at the ceiling, shoulder to shoulder, Cyrus spoke softly. "I like the nickname you gave me." I looked at him, puzzled. "You mean 'Grumpy Prince'?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, not that one. Just 'My Prince.'"  

I knew it. Curiosity piqued, I asked, "Why?"Cyrus's expression softened, and he glanced at me with a hint of nostalgia. "My mother used to call me that. It was a term of endearment, something that made me feel loved and cherished." The revelation touched me, and I could see how meaningful the nickname was for him.  

"I didn't know. He smiled, a hint of sadness mingling with his warmth. "It reminds me of a time when things were simpler." Something shifted within me as I lay there. I finally saw what he wanted from me, a connection that went beyond the complications and uncertainties.  

The realization made my heart ache he could be so genuine and valuable when we were alone. Feeling a surge of emotion, I leaned in and kissed his bare chest. The touch was tender, and I felt a soft sigh escape his lips. Looking up at him, I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes.  

"Now you’re giving me the wrong signs," he said, his voice a mixture of confusion and amusement. I pulled back slightly, feeling a flush of embarrassment. Cyrus’s expression softened, and he brushed a strand of hair away from my face.  

He shifted us, pulled me on top of him, my legs straddling him as he sat propped against the head of the bed. One of his hands rested on my thigh, while the other pulled my face closer, scanning my face for any sign of fear, doubt. When I didn’t pull back, he leaned in, his kiss was hard, raw, and full of a desperate need that caught me off guard.  

I tried to keep up with his intensity, but it felt overwhelming, like I was drowning in the intensity of the kiss. I could feel his excitement pressing between my legs. Suddenly, I pulled back, my breath coming in shallow gasps. "I’m sorry," I said, my voice trembling. "I can’t do this."  

Cyrus looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and understanding. He gently cupped my face with both hands, I’m sorry if I pushed you too fast." I shook my head, still feeling a mix of emotions. "No, it’s not your fault. I just... I'm nervous... for it." I climbed off him, feeling a mixture of relief and confusion.  

Cyrus adjusted himself, giving me space while keeping his eyes on me with a reassuring look. "Thank you for understanding," I said before an awkward silence washed over us. He broke the silence, his voice gentle but firm. "I should go, give you some space." He got up and began dressing.  

Panic surged through me, I don’t want to be alone. And I almost jumped out of bed. "No, please stay," I pleaded, my voice trembling, I sat up on his side of the bed. Knees still covered by the sheets. Seeing the look in my eyes, Cyrus hesitated, his hands halfway to closing the buttons of his shirt. I grabbed his arm, desperation evident in my gaze.  

"Please, just stay a little longer." He looked at me with a mix of concern and hesitation, I crawled back into bed, pulling him gently with me. As he hovered over me, his expression softened. "Calista, if you need me to stay, I will. But you need to stop giving me this mix signals." I nodded, tears welling in my eyes.  

"I just don’t want to be alone right now." Cyrus looked at me with a mix of understanding and affection. "I’m here" he said softly. I took a deep breath, finding the courage to admit, "I’m not ready to give it all... But I want... to experiment." it wasn't a lie. His lips curled up into a smile. “Are you sure?” I kissed his lips, “Yes, my price.”  

His lips were cool and reassuring against mine. As the kiss deepened, I felt his hand slide under the sheets, moving to my thighs with a tender, exploratory touch. The cold of his touch sent a shiver through me, both comforting and electrifying. I felt a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, but Cyrus's touch was careful and considerate.  

He took his time, allowing me to guide how far we went, ensuring that his actions aligned with my comfort. Cyrus's touch was both electrifying and soothing as his cool hand explored the fabric covering my warm core. My body reacted instinctively, a moan escaping my lips as he kissed my neck.  

I felt him smile against my skin, his pleasure evident in his gentle touch. “That’s what I wanted, to hear those soft moans” he murmured, “Tell me when to stop.” In that moment of vulnerability and desire, my body took over, no longer thinking straight. All I knew, all I felt was his touch as I whispered, “Don’t stop.”  

His response was a soft, approving murmur as he pulled the fabric aside, his fingers teasing me with a gentle touch. All he did was caress me, but it was enough for my nails dig into his shoulders instinctively, a physical reaction to the sensations he was creating. With a hint of mischief in his voice, Cyrus asked, "Do you like how my fingers feel?"  

I nodded, unable to articulate more than my silent plea. He gently pressed, "I need to hear you say it." I took a deep breath, trying to focus amidst the growing sensations. "Yes... please," I managed to say, my voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and need. 

"Please what?" he demanded softly, his voice both teasing and insistent. "More," I sighed, barely able to get the word out. I saw a flicker of the purple divine dancing in his eyes, a brief reminder of his godly nature, just before his fingers entered. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of coolness and warmth that sent shivers through my body.  

I gasped, my hands gripping his shoulders tighter as he began to move, each motion deliberate and controlled. Cyrus's eyes never left mine, his gaze intense and focused. He seemed to be reading my every reaction, adjusting his movements to match my needs. 

The combination of his touch and the divine energy created a heady mix of pleasure that was almost too much to bear. I let out another moan, my body responding instinctively to his touch. Cyrus smiled, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "You're doing so well, Calista. Just let go." 

I did as he asked, surrendering to the sensations I surrendered to the sensations, letting Cyrus guide me through the experience. His touch was commanding, leading me to a crescendo before slowly easing back, leaving me breathless and trembling.  

He withdrew his hand from under the sheets, and I watched, mesmerized, as he brought it to his lips, licking his fingers. His eyes closed in apparent satisfaction, savouring the taste. I blushed deeply, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.  

Cyrus lay down beside me, his presence comforting and reassuring. He pulled me into his arms, holding me close. I nestled against him, my head resting on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. we just lay there in silence, our breathing slowly synchronizing. When the realisation hit me.  

What have I done... 

--

Tag list:-> I keep a different tag list for this story because it is different from the other stories I write. If you want to be added please let me know!

@jackles010378 @headinthemoon87

[old-soulless]

If You Don’t Have Family Goals What Do You Have?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by SC Johnson. All opinions are my own.

It’s been said that families are like trees whose branches grow outward in many different directions, but the roots, they remain as one. Like an Austrian Oak, firmly planted in the ground like a Corinthian pillar of marble still standing amid the ruins of 2,500 year old Greek temple, FAMILY, is one of my life’s unmovable pillars.

Kids… the best helpers, period!

Family is a non-negotiable. It’s an unconditional piece of my life that goes with me everywhere. From the time I wake in the morning until the time my head hits my pillow in the evening, and even in my dreams, family is there with me. Sounds a bit extreme, well, to some maybe, but to me it’s just a part of my life that I accept fully, completely.

My book and free 28-day program, The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto, incorporates Five Fs, which I like to think of as a house with four walls supporting a great big roof. The walls are: Fitness, Family, Faith, and Finances, while the roof that over-arches everything is the fifth F: FUN! The rock-solid foundation of good health and well-being lies beneath everything—and that’s what you want to build your “house” upon.

The House of 5 Fs

For the purpose of this article, I want to focus my attention on FAMILY.

Family, to me, means your tribe of special people, regardless of whether you are related by blood. This may be your partner and children, or your siblings and parents, but it can also include your close friends or work colleagues. It’s anybody with whom you have an ongoing and deep relationship that grows over time. Your family includes the folks who encourage you to constantly improve yourself.

For me, family primarily means my wife, Christie, and two daughters, Chardonae and Brielyn. I value their opinions above all others. My family means everything to me; they help me maintain my purpose. They are a big reason why I am so motivated to embody the five Fs as diligently as I do. They give meaning and context to many of the decisions I make and offer me insight and guidance. When faced with a tough decision, I often ask myself what my family would think about it. My moral compass is best directed with one question:

Am I being the type of man I would want my daughters to marry?

If the answer is no, then I have to challenge myself with other questions: Why did I act that way; why did I have that thought; why did I speak that way to my wife?

Do you see where I’m going with this? If you’re still not sure what I mean, let’s explore the other side of the coin. What if you didn’t have the support of your family, close friends, coworkers and peers? How would that make you feel?

If I were to say to one of my daughters, when they were facing a challenge, “Give up now; you’re never going to get it,” how would the family wall of her house look? I might as well knock it down with a sledgehammer.

A dirty job, but somebody has to do it… that somebody is Dad.

I’ve coached many people who have told me that their family doesn’t support them on their path to becoming healthier. For example, “My husband loves me, but he keeps bringing home pizza and chips for the kids, when he knows I want to start eating better,” or, “I really feel alone. No one believes I can do it. Heck, I don't know if I can do it. Why am I doing this, and what’s the point?”

We need connection and a sense of belonging to our group, team, or tribe—our family. It’s a slippery slope we find ourselves on when we’ve either lost, or never had, that kind of support. We tend to drift aimlessly through life when we feel isolated and alone. But when you feel happy and loved, flavours take on new dimension, and colours seem more vibrant.

Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.

Click to tweet

In Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect, neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman explains how the human need to connect is as fundamental to our survival as food and water. Children feel hurt when their social bonds are threatened or cut, which increases the likelihood of health and academic problems later in life.

Personally, I think John Lennon said it best: All you need is love.

Of course, we’re all human, with complex emotions that sometimes get the best of us. It’s only natural to lose our cool from time to time, and to disagree with the people closest to us. I know I’ve had less-than-proud moments when I have lost my temper with my family. All through the day, all I would think about was how I’d lashed out at my wife or children, replaying the scene in my mind over and over again. I’d feel so badly about myself that I would make bad decisions at work and eat poorly, if at all. Those times really sucked Of course, I’d always apologize when I went home to Christie and my girls. I’d acknowledge that I wasn’t the dad or husband I aspired to be, and ask for their forgiveness. And until they felt ready to forgive me, I wasn’t myself.

My family bond is the mortar between the bricks and tiles of my house—and I’m their wall, too.

A #FamilyGoals Strategy to Adopt Starting NOW (to make your life just a little more awesome)

Christie and I now have a rule in our home, and I encourage you to adopt it in yours. Our family mantra is, “Fight fast; make up faster!”

We might disagree and even argue once in awhile, but we make a point of getting it all out on the table, leaving nothing to chance or second guesses. We strive to get to the understanding and agreement quickly, and move on. This has worked wonders for us, and I know it can help you, too. Just try it and see how it affects the quality of your relationships. If I’m wrong, so be it. (But let’s not fight about it… LOL.)

It's never about quantity time, it's about quality time… but I actually prefer quantity and quality time together!

A decluttered, clean living space creates a calming haven. As a family that’s been on the road traveling together extensively for nearly 2 years, we appreciate a clean space. Another exercise which brings us closer together is cleaning. I know, right?! Cleaning! There’s something both satisfying and calming in cleaning. When tensions are high, we pull out our mops, brooms, vacuum, rags and SC Johnson cleaning products to make our little oasis shine. Honestly, who doesn’t love a clean living space, right? The adage, “Families who clean together, stay together!” is more true than you know. At least for my family that is. How about you?

This may seem like a BIG family goal, and realize in our home it is. We are a family that is very passionate about our opinions and sometimes conversations get heated. We embrace this, respect each other’s positions, but more importantly know that if things get elevated, we have a goal to set things right quickly. It’s a goal that works for us, and I suggest trying it to see if it works for your family too.

It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it. – P. Buffett

Click to tweet

Family Goals are crucial in the whole scheme of creating harmonic boundaries between family members. We’re individuals, yet we operate on an unspoken creed that unifies us together like the pillars of home, an Austrian Oak steadfast in the wind or the 2,500 year old marble pillar atop a Athenian mountain top. When we share a common familial goal, these seemingly little accomplishments bring us together, ensuring our ‘HOUSE’ better weathers the storms and elements that life may bring at us. As a family, creating goals together are like unifying the direction in which our branches grow, albeit for a moment, but for that moment we have the opportunity to grow tall, reach for the sky high above the canopy of a the forest, and share a moment in the sunlight… and we continue to grow.

This post is sponsored by SC Johnson, A Family Company. The opinions and views are wholly my own…

And to be absolutely clear, this is my disclaimer: “Just so you know, I have been compensated to share my ideas on this topic. Sometimes it is in the form of products, or services or even money… But here’s the thing; I won’t  share anything with you that I don’t fully support. It doesn't matter what it is, or how much they are willing to give me if I don’t believe in it, It won’t be on my site. Seriously. You’ll just have to trust me on this.” ~ Coach Moose

August 25, 2017 at 10:01AM

[jonathantwatson]

If You Don’t Have Family Goals What Do You Have?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by SC Johnson. All opinions are my own.

It’s been said that families are like trees whose branches grow outward in many different directions, but the roots, they remain as one. Like an Austrian Oak, firmly planted in the ground like a Corinthian pillar of marble still standing amid the ruins of 2,500 year old Greek temple, FAMILY, is one of my life’s unmovable pillars.

Kids… the best helpers, period!

Family is a non-negotiable. It’s an unconditional piece of my life that goes with me everywhere. From the time I wake in the morning until the time my head hits my pillow in the evening, and even in my dreams, family is there with me. Sounds a bit extreme, well, to some maybe, but to me it’s just a part of my life that I accept fully, completely.

My book and free 28-day program, The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto, incorporates Five Fs, which I like to think of as a house with four walls supporting a great big roof. The walls are: Fitness, Family, Faith, and Finances, while the roof that over-arches everything is the fifth F: FUN! The rock-solid foundation of good health and well-being lies beneath everything—and that’s what you want to build your “house” upon.

The House of 5 Fs

For the purpose of this article, I want to focus my attention on FAMILY.

Family, to me, means your tribe of special people, regardless of whether you are related by blood. This may be your partner and children, or your siblings and parents, but it can also include your close friends or work colleagues. It’s anybody with whom you have an ongoing and deep relationship that grows over time. Your family includes the folks who encourage you to constantly improve yourself.

For me, family primarily means my wife, Christie, and two daughters, Chardonae and Brielyn. I value their opinions above all others. My family means everything to me; they help me maintain my purpose. They are a big reason why I am so motivated to embody the five Fs as diligently as I do. They give meaning and context to many of the decisions I make and offer me insight and guidance. When faced with a tough decision, I often ask myself what my family would think about it. My moral compass is best directed with one question:

Am I being the type of man I would want my daughters to marry?

If the answer is no, then I have to challenge myself with other questions: Why did I act that way; why did I have that thought; why did I speak that way to my wife?

Do you see where I’m going with this? If you’re still not sure what I mean, let’s explore the other side of the coin. What if you didn’t have the support of your family, close friends, coworkers and peers? How would that make you feel?

If I were to say to one of my daughters, when they were facing a challenge, “Give up now; you’re never going to get it,” how would the family wall of her house look? I might as well knock it down with a sledgehammer.

A dirty job, but somebody has to do it… that somebody is Dad.

I’ve coached many people who have told me that their family doesn’t support them on their path to becoming healthier. For example, “My husband loves me, but he keeps bringing home pizza and chips for the kids, when he knows I want to start eating better,” or, “I really feel alone. No one believes I can do it. Heck, I don't know if I can do it. Why am I doing this, and what’s the point?”

We need connection and a sense of belonging to our group, team, or tribe—our family. It’s a slippery slope we find ourselves on when we’ve either lost, or never had, that kind of support. We tend to drift aimlessly through life when we feel isolated and alone. But when you feel happy and loved, flavours take on new dimension, and colours seem more vibrant.

Families are like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.

Click to tweet

In Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect, neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman explains how the human need to connect is as fundamental to our survival as food and water. Children feel hurt when their social bonds are threatened or cut, which increases the likelihood of health and academic problems later in life.

Personally, I think John Lennon said it best: All you need is love.

Of course, we’re all human, with complex emotions that sometimes get the best of us. It’s only natural to lose our cool from time to time, and to disagree with the people closest to us. I know I’ve had less-than-proud moments when I have lost my temper with my family. All through the day, all I would think about was how I’d lashed out at my wife or children, replaying the scene in my mind over and over again. I’d feel so badly about myself that I would make bad decisions at work and eat poorly, if at all. Those times really sucked Of course, I’d always apologize when I went home to Christie and my girls. I’d acknowledge that I wasn’t the dad or husband I aspired to be, and ask for their forgiveness. And until they felt ready to forgive me, I wasn’t myself.

My family bond is the mortar between the bricks and tiles of my house—and I’m their wall, too.

A #FamilyGoals Strategy to Adopt Starting NOW (to make your life just a little more awesome)

Christie and I now have a rule in our home, and I encourage you to adopt it in yours. Our family mantra is, “Fight fast; make up faster!”

We might disagree and even argue once in awhile, but we make a point of getting it all out on the table, leaving nothing to chance or second guesses. We strive to get to the understanding and agreement quickly, and move on. This has worked wonders for us, and I know it can help you, too. Just try it and see how it affects the quality of your relationships. If I’m wrong, so be it. (But let’s not fight about it… LOL.)

It's never about quantity time, it's about quality time… but I actually prefer quantity and quality time together!

A decluttered, clean living space creates a calming haven. As a family that’s been on the road traveling together extensively for nearly 2 years, we appreciate a clean space. Another exercise which brings us closer together is cleaning. I know, right?! Cleaning! There’s something both satisfying and calming in cleaning. When tensions are high, we pull out our mops, brooms, vacuum, rags and SC Johnson cleaning products to make our little oasis shine. Honestly, who doesn’t love a clean living space, right? The adage, “Families who clean together, stay together!” is more true than you know. At least for my family that is. How about you?

This may seem like a BIG family goal, and realize in our home it is. We are a family that is very passionate about our opinions and sometimes conversations get heated. We embrace this, respect each other’s positions, but more importantly know that if things get elevated, we have a goal to set things right quickly. It’s a goal that works for us, and I suggest trying it to see if it works for your family too.

It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it. – P. Buffett

Click to tweet

Family Goals are crucial in the whole scheme of creating harmonic boundaries between family members. We’re individuals, yet we operate on an unspoken creed that unifies us together like the pillars of home, an Austrian Oak steadfast in the wind or the 2,500 year old marble pillar atop a Athenian mountain top. When we share a common familial goal, these seemingly little accomplishments bring us together, ensuring our ‘HOUSE’ better weathers the storms and elements that life may bring at us. As a family, creating goals together are like unifying the direction in which our branches grow, albeit for a moment, but for that moment we have the opportunity to grow tall, reach for the sky high above the canopy of a the forest, and share a moment in the sunlight… and we continue to grow.

This post is sponsored by SC Johnson, A Family Company. The opinions and views are wholly my own…

And to be absolutely clear, this is my disclaimer: “Just so you know, I have been compensated to share my ideas on this topic. Sometimes it is in the form of products, or services or even money… But here’s the thing; I won’t  share anything with you that I don’t fully support. It doesn't matter what it is, or how much they are willing to give me if I don’t believe in it, It won’t be on my site. Seriously. You’ll just have to trust me on this.” ~ Coach Moose